The
LaSallian VOL. XLVI NO. 3 • THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY • 4 AUGUST 2005
The fight continues ROYCE ROBERT ZUÑIGA
PHOTO BY ERIC SIY
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mid the growing clamor for impeachment from different sectors across the Philippines, DLSU is still firm in its stand that the best way to resolve the problems that beset the country today is for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA) to “voluntarily relinquish her post.” "I think it will only be a matter of time before the nation gathers enough courage to tell her the naked truth. People’s patience definitely will not last five years. years. The mood will shift from a call to voluntary resignation to ouster," DLSU System President Br. Armin Luistro stated. DLSU is considered the first educational institution to make a bold and strong stand on GMA's resignation through an open letter released by Lasallian Brothers entitled, Restoring Faith in Democracy last July 3. Media also reported that DLSU's move is an uprise of the Middle Forces, a class that triggered the dethronement of Erap Estrada. Wit this, the Administration formed an ad hoc committee on national affairs to mobilize the the different sectors to participate in the politcal discussions. Series of prayer rallies, educational educational lectures, and other activities were being conducted by the committee.
However, some alumni and faculty were not supporting the Borther's stand. These responses were also published in national dailies in the past weeks.
Resignation or Impeachment? The conference was put in order so that various segments of the country can come up with a consensus regarding the best way to resolve current issues that hound the president. According to DLSU Student Council (SC) President Army SONA Aftermath Together with the District for Justice and Peace, DLSU or- Padilla, who was one of the student reactors in the conference, ganized a round table discussion in La Salle Greenhills last July DLSU will never change its stand on the issue. Nevertheless, when she was asked about impeachment, she said 29. Dubbed as Let the Ligh Shine: Towards a Consensus on the National Crisis , the discussion highlighted highlighted the aftermath of GMA's that in the discussion, it was agreed that, “impeachment is just a means to solve the problem and not the end.” State of the Nation Address (SONA). The participants of the confer ence reached a consensus that calls Present in the conference were House of Representatives Minority Floor Leader Francis Escudero and Party List Congress- for the resignation should continue; but if the president decides man Teddy Casiño, who both represented the opposition. Cabinet to stay in office, impeachment should be the recourse to solve the Secretaries Ricardo Saludo and Rigoberto Tiglao, on the other ensuing political crisis. When asked about the alternative of the opposition if and when hand, spoke for the GMA Government. Also present in the conference were members of partylist Laban the impeachment complaint that they filed in the Lower House ng Masa, historian Manolo Quezon Quezon III, Akbayan Representative of Congress would not prosper, Congressman Escudero said that Etta Rosales, and Running Priest Fr. Robert Reyes among oth- they would only allow it to happen “if it would be based on merit and not on technicalities.” ers. Escudero furthered that calls for Charter Change are untimely DLSU-System schools also attended the forum. THE FIGHT, SEE PAGE 15
DLSU targets world-class PAULO JOSE MUTUC
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Reaching the skies. De LaSalle University is continuously upgrading not only its facilties but also educational programs towards the goal of achieving global status. PHOTO BYLUISDE VERA
evel up. Three years after attainof ABET-accredited programs. ing the Philippine Accrediting Mechanical Engineering Depart Association of Schools, Colleg- ment Chair Dr. Manuel Belino, who es and Universities’ (PAASCU) was assigned to attend an ABET highest ranking at Level IV, De La meeting at Malaysia in 2003, added Salle University-Manila (DLSU-M) that the process would also have been is now taking a closer look at possible too expensive for the University to international accreditation options in pursue. efforts to be recognized by its foreign “In any case, we are still searching counterparts. for an international assessment that Towards this goal, Dr. Carmelita fits our present needs and will help us Quebengco, Executive Vice President, challenge ourselves to excel beyond attended talks in Vietnam from July 27 where we are now,” said DLSU System to 30 with other ASEAN universities President Br. Armin Luistro FSC. regarding Quality Assurance (QA) The research factor evaluation by an external agency. The London Times Higher EducaQuality assurance tion Supplement in November 2004 Quality assurance in higher edu- ranked the World’s Top 200 Universication, according to Professor Grant ties. Prominent Asian universities from Harnan in a Bangkok QA conference Japan, India, Hong Kong and China earlier in 2000, is “systematic man- made it to the prestigious list, while agement and assessment procedures DLSU-M was conspicuously absent. adopted by higher education institu- Some indicators used included faculty, tions and systems in order to monitor number of graduate students, admisperformance against objectives, and sions, and financial aid. Dr. Bernardo ensure achievement of quality outputs observed the heavy importance placed and quality improvements.” on research in the criteria. He further ASEAN University Network noted that the criteria are free from cul(AUN) undertakes QA to develop and tural bias and economic prosperity. harmonize overall teaching, research, However, all is seemingly not lost and overall academic standards of for the Philippines’ premier universimember universities. Regular work- ties, as the World University Rankshops on QA have been conducted ings articulated that the Philippines since November 2000, when the idea is “home to universities that may do was formally conceived by the AUN. better in years to come.” DLSU had been part of many rankResearch universities such as the ings before. Now-defunct news magaMassachusetts Institute of Technolzine Asiaweek ranked DLSU-M 71st ogy are continuous sources of breakamong multidisciplinary universities in throughs in a diverse number of fields, the Asia-Pacific region. Domestically, and more so, are highly regarded the Commission on Higher Education institutions globally. The University (CHED) identified within DLSU-M has long been aware of this, hence the 10 Centers of Excellence and five existence of different research centers Centers of Development. And merely across the six Colleges and the Unia few months ago, an alleged study by versity Research Coordination Office CHED based on board examination (URCO). passing rates from 1992 to 2001 put In line with this, URCO Chair Dr. DLSU-M on the near bottom of its list Luis Razon revealed the establishment at 16th among 20. of a first-ever departmental research The Administration previously productivity award in August based on planned subjecting the College of journal papers and books published, as Engineering (COE) for evaluation to well as creative works by the faculty. the United States-based Accreditation However, he admitted that, “it [the Board for Engineering and Technol- award] is still a very early exercise to ogy (ABET) This failed to materialize determine which one is the most prothough; as ABET would at b est grant ductive department. COE only a guarantee of “substantial A large department might have equivalency” or certification of compa- plenty of publications compared to rable educational outcomes with those a small one but on a per capita basis
Go back to the poor, Brother Visitor exhorts KRISTEL GAYLE GUZMAN
“We need to go back to our roots and reaffirm our commitment to educate the poor.” This was what Br. Edmundo Fernandez FSC, Brother Visitor, told the Lasallian community in his July 16 pastoral letter to the DLSU community. He echoed the same thought in his speech at the World Congress V held last June 18.
of the Lasallian Mission in 15 District schools comprising the Federation of Lasallian Institutions (FLI). In the current Lasallian Educational Model, there are 11 district schools in Luzon, 2 in the Visayas and 2 in Mindanao from Canlubang, Pampanga to Misamis Occidental offering all levels of education from pre-school to post graduate studies. The FLI has become a venue for coordinating and organizing District activities, which benefited the individual schools. Despite the advantages of the establishment of the FLI, Br. Edmundo pointed out limitations in the existing Lasallian Educational Model. The synergy of Lasallian schools misses out on important opportunities, inefficiencies and overlaps since the current structure has neither the capability nor the personnel to push mutually beneficial and collaborative activities consistently and regularly. “With the current way we do things, we end up spending our energy attending too many meetings when in fact the issues and concerns that we tackle overlap,” Br. Edmundo articulated. He also singled out the FLI’s lack of venues for collective learning to take place. “The rich experiences we have in running our individual schools should lead us to learn from each other’s mistakes as well as successes.” “As such, we tend to repeat our mistakes and/or spend a lot of time, energy and money reinventing what we have already perfected in another situation,” he adds. The public perception of division and disunity has formed because of the autonomy of the district schools and the highly decentralized form of governance among schools.
Servant of the Poor Br. Edmundo advocated for the change of public perception that La Salle schools are elitist and inaccessible to the poor. He explained that despite many existing projects directly serving the poor, there still exists a dichotomy in the public eye that pits the so-called rich schools against the poor schools. “We need to address this dichotomy by presenting an image that we are one La Salle and that in whatever situation we find ourselves, we have a common vision for educating the Filipino youth,” Br. Edmundo said in his World Congress Speech. In line with the Lasallian Mission of being of service to God and country, the 16 th District School will open in June of 2006. The Jaime Hilario Integrated School in Bagac, Bataan is the first poor school that the District will officially open after almost half a century. Ambassador Carlos Valdes donated the land the school will stand on. Tuition fee for an entire school year would cost Php500. The Brother believed that an “excellent educational program for the poor—based on sound pedagogy, an updated curriculum, and sound values (including love of country)—is also the salvation of our countr y.”
Qualityeducation In line with these limitations, Br. Edmundo proposed moving towards a new and unified Lasallian Educational Model with a more focused implementation of the Lasallian
Divided, we cannot stand Br. Edmundo appealed for unity amongst Lasallian Institutions. He tackled issues hindering the pushing through
[the smaller department might be more productive].” Dr. Razon in turn emphasized that “We look towards research as a goal in itself, to make the university better; not for us to say that we are better than anyone else. Ultimately any research will make the university better.” Dr. Bernardo presented that for 2003, DLSU-M placed second in research with 17, next only to the UP System with 178. However, 178 researches are just roughly the output of one department of the top 20 universities. Restraints and restrictions Then again, several barriers impede the progress of DLSU research. “Money is a big part… The faculty, in effect, restrict themselves because of budget limitations but make do with what is available,” Dr. Razon stated. The URCO is presently lobbying for a 20 percent share of the University budget. Aside from financial resources, former Vice President for Academics and Research and present University Fellow Dr. Allan Bernardo also identified other difficulties in the University’s quest for international recognition via research during the De La Salle Alumni Association’s Fifth World Congress earlier this year. Dr. Bernardo identified the absence of a “critical mass of faculty expertise”, the incompatibility of teaching and research workloads, nonexistent fulltime graduate students, and some University policies as obstacles. And then there are concerns with regard to teaching being compromised for the sake of research. This apprehension, however, is unfounded according to Dr. Razon, who said, “research will enhance the material [taught].” This will ultimately reflect in the improvement of undergraduate theses, he added. Student Council President Army Padilla approved of the push for “world-class” status through research as well, since DLSU “should add to the world pool of knowledge.” In view of the goal of assisting in poverty alleviation, the research drive should be met with proper budget allocation andreductionof unnecessaryexpenses, she expressed.
Br. Armin Armin dreams of "melting-pot" University PAUL DARWYNN GARILAO
Accessibility of Lasallian education on the nationwide level. This is the rationale behind DLSU-Manila’s vision of having one in five students as full scholars by 2011. In a meeting with the Council of Editors (CoEd) last June 22, DLSU System President Br. Armin Luistro FSC revealed that the 20% by 2011 drive is beyond giving scholarships to poor students, but changing the culture of DLSU-Manila. Br. Armin envisions DLSU as an academic ground for Filipinos of different races – thus, producing a “melting pot” university. “It is not [just a matter] of bringing the (DLSU) tuition fee down, but also changing the very population of the campus to reflect the Philippines,” Br. Armin told the CoEd. Since a rare number of ethnic minorities study in the University, Br. Armin dreams to see Aetas, Muslims, and other indigenous tribes studying in the University. “It would be good to see Muslims with veils and Aetas wearing their tribal costumes. We can (even) interact with these exciting groups,” Br. Armin said. Br. Armin, however, clarified that his vision doesn’t contradict DLSU’s line “Christian achievers for God and Country.” Taking it from an ecumenical viewpoint, the “Christian” in the phrase should not limit other cultures and faiths from studying in DLSU. (Br. Armin usually uses the phrase “Lasallian Achievers for God and Country” as not to confuse the concerned parties). A global perspective Since DLSU is already in the process of applying for
ARTWORK BYIAN ROMAN
BR. ARMIN, SEE PAGE 9
U NIVERSIT Y The LaSallian
4 August 2005 10 male students file formal complaint
3
In Review
Prof charged with sexual harassment
Harass me not!
DONELLE GAN
DONELLE GAN
Strong evidences. Dan Dizon filed the testimonies of complainants, who claimed that they were "harassed" by the part-time faculty. He also obtained video clips of CCTV footages, which will serve as circumstantial evidences. PHOTO BYCHRISTOPHER KISON
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he “Can I hug you as a friend?” full-time professor from 1998 to 2001, were installed and operational early case has turned into a University and later on chose to teach on a partthis term. dilemma. time basis. In fact, some employees said In fact, the SSO also monitored Ten students filed a sexual harass- he has been the suspect to determine if he is still ment against Enrico Baluyut, a partdoing his awkward motives in the time faculty member of the Account- CSI-likeinvestigation University. ancy Department. Although 10 students only filed a Dizon observed that all complaints Engineering College Assembly followed a pattern. Routinely introduc- complaint against Baluyut, The LaPresident Dan Dizon took the respon- ing himself as Eric, the worst incident Sallian confirmed at least 20 students sibility of compiling the complaints, according to a complaint happened encountered the faculty with the same since nine of the 10 complainants were on July 18 at 7:30 am, when Baluyut approaches. In fact, three students apfrom the College of Engineering. The tried to get inside the cubicle a student proached the publication and claimed tenth complaint came from the College was in. He followed up his exploits by that the part-time faculty also apof Science. using his default “Can I hug you as a proached them. The complaint will be handled by friend?” on the engineering major. This the Committee on Decorum and In- happened in the rest room of the 3 rd Entrapment vestigation, headed by Vice President floor of Yuchengco Building. The SSO has been planning entrapfor Academics and Research Dr. Julius The claim was corroborated by ment operations to catch the alleged Maridable as chairman. The student, a Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) harasser in the act. faculty, employee, and Administration feeds (The times are approximate). The Entrapment serves to support stusectors are represented in the com- video verified that Baluyut indeed went dent claims, Escarez said. mittee. to the 3rd floor of Yuchengco Building, As early as July 22, an additional entered the rest room at 7:25 am and undercover guard has been assigned to went out to the drinking fountain at track the activities of the faculty in the He’s the one! In the July issue of The LaSallian, 7:28 am. He hesitantly entered the rest University. The male guard was specififour students pinpointed the suspect to room again at 7:29 and exit at 7:30 am, cally chosen to look like a student. be a University employee. The news walking along the hallway. The student The guard “encountered” Baluyut report said that the suspect introduced exited the rest room at 7:38 am. on August 1. At approximately 8:35 himself as Eric and strangely tried to Baluyut teaches only one subject am, Baluyut went out of his class and befriend students. Normally done in this term, ACCOM2B, an MWF saw the guard outside. rest rooms and isolated places, the sus- 8:10-9:10 class at LS318. However, Baluyut used his routine “Can I hug pect would ask to hug the student “as another student claimed that Baluyut you as a friend?” line on the guard. The a friend.” Victims stated they encoun- approached him at around 9:30 pm on guard brought to Baluyut the fact that tered Eric in restrooms at Yuchengco, July 20, a Wednesday. they were in the LS building hallway, Mutien Marie, and Miguel Buildings. According to his testimony, Bal- so they went to the staircase. There However, it turned out to be a case uyut asked to tour the University with Baluyut hugged him. The entrapment of mistaken identity. him. The student hesitantly obliged, did not materialize since Baluyut imLast July 27, a certain employee but as he sensed that they were walking mediately entered his class. from College of Business and Econom- towards the dark corners of Br. Connon However, the operation will conics tipped Student Council President Hall, made an excuse and hurriedly tinue this week. Army Padilla that a more “primary” went away. suspect is the part-time faculty memThe latter incident was also con- Reportincidents ber. The employee also heard reports firmed by two CCTV feeds. Baluyut Since the incident is already a Unithat the faculty had been awkwardly was seen in the La Salle Building CCTV versity dilemma, Dizon encouraged approaching students as early as last entering the Accountancy Department students to report all cases of harassterm. The earliest student complaint as at around 8 in the morning. He was ment to any SC officer. The Student compiled by Dizon was May 2004. seen at around 9:25 pm in the Connon Handbook strongly denounces in this Upon learning of the develop- Hall CCTV along with the student act, as it is explicitly written in the ments, Dizon obtained the picture victim. manual. of Baluyut in the DLSU website and Dionisio Escarez, director of the Students should not be afraid beshowed his picture to the students. Safety and Security Office (SSO), said cause the SC will keep the cases strictly The complainants positively confirmed that the CCTV videos could serve as confidential, Dizon said. Baluyut to be the one who harassed circumstantial evidence that Baluyut The SC is also planning to intensify them. indeed had been in those two places its education campaign against sexual Baluyuthasbeen teachingaccount- at the time the victims claimed. It may harassment in the University. The ading subjects since 1997. He served as a be recalled that 32 CCTV cameras ministration will also do so.
Math Circle holds first ever Math Camp RAYMUND CHRISTOPHER CUESICO For the four Saturdays of July, the De La Salle University specializations in computers, statistics, and business. The Mathematics Circle played host to over 270 promising camp was made possible through the combined efforts of young high school students in the first ever Math Camp. the student organizers and the professors who facilitated One eight-hour session was held each Saturday. in the technical aspects of the lectures. Around 65 schools throughout Metro Manila were The Mathematics Circle hopes to encourage the attendinvited to participate in the event with each school being ing high school students to eventually take up the BS-Math allowed to send a maximum of 12 students. The camp program or at least relay to their peers the opportunities aimed to promote the excellence of the BS-Mathematics offered by the course. A registration fee of Php600 was program, the College of Science and DLSU as a whole. charged for each participant to cover expenses and double Through lectures and hands-on activities, the organizers as a fundraiser for the organization. Mathematics Circle were able to interact with the students and introduce them President Philip Andrada believed that the event was a great to the different tracks offered by th e program, which have success in promoting the quality of La Sallian education.
The recent sexual harassment case filed by 10 male students brings the Anti Sexual Harassment Act of 1995 into the limelight. The student body should be armed with knowledge of the act to discourage further instances of harassment Harassment 101 Republic Act No. 7877, also known as Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995, is a law that declares sexual harassment unlawful in the employment, education or training environment, and for other purposes. RA7877 led to the formation of a Committee on Decorum and Investigation, the principal function of which is to conduct meetings and orientations with the University community to increase awareness of sexual harassment as penalized by law. Additionally, the Committee should “take steps to prevent incidents of sexual harassment,”and“conductinvestigationsofviolationsof theAnti-SexualHarassment Act of 1995,” as stated in the Student Handbook. It has jurisdiction over all sectors of the University. Sub-committees are formed to address individual sexual harassment cases. Under the law, several types of sexual harassment offenses are prohibited. They include but are not limited to physical assault of a sexual nature such as rape, molestation, or touching the victim’s body. Unwanted sexual advances which include commenting on a person’s sexuality “made in the presence of the complainant who indicates… that such conduct in his or her presence is unwelcome.” These are not exhaustive and other cases could be considered sexual harassment as well.
The law requires the University to take immediate action regarding Section 5 of RA 7877, which stated that the University “shall be solidarily liable for damages arising from the acts of sexual harassment” if inaction is taken.
Legal process According to the Appendix L of Student Handbook, a formal complaint should be written by the victims under oath to be filed with the chair of the committee. The complaint should contain the name of the person or persons accused and a factual narration of the case. According to 4.1.2 of Appendix L, “respondent shall be required to answer the complainant in writing, under oath within three days from receipt of the complaint.” If the respondent failed to comply within the set days, this means admission of the case. Parents and guardians shall also be sent a copy of Notice of Hearing, if the victims are students. Blast from the past There are already reported incidents of sexual harassment cases in the University. Suspects of harassments include administrator, faculty members, and a student. On August 15 of 2002, two male guards filed a sexual harassment complaint against Enrico Cordero, assistant vice president fo r Campus Development. The guards came from Combined Blue Dragon Security and Services Inc (CBDSSI). During the investigation, the guards were redeployed to other establishments. But Cordero was acquitted, since no sufficient evidence can prove the guard’s claims. The guards discontinued the formal complaint, and CBDSSI ended its 24-year service with th e University last June 30. Right8 Agency Inc. is now serving as DLSU’s guard agency. In September 2003, a male student was also found guilty of sexual harassment case. The student made untoward advances to several ladies in the library. Although the females had difficulty filing the case, the complaint pushed through. After four months, the student was found guilty and was put on probation until he graduated. In 2004, a CBE student filed a sexual harassment complaint against a faculty from Management of Financial Institution. Fromthesereportedharassments,thelatestincident involvingapart-time faculty member is the most celebrated case since it involves 10 complainants and has been going on for at least a year. If the part time faculty is proven guilty, the Committee would impose sanctions such as severe reprimand; suspension without pay, with prejudice to subsequent promotion, reclassification and permanency; dismissal from the University upon clearance from the Department of Labor and Employment.
GO BACK, SEE PAGE 15
O P I N I O N
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The LaSa an
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There's no conspiracy
The Aftermath
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I think it would be better if the qualifier “without failure in ANY term” be changed to “without failure in the PREVIOUS term”.
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The
LaSallian The bastion of issue-oriented critical thinking.
4 AUGUST 2005 EDITORS
IN
CHIEF
M ANAGING EDITOR UNIVERSITY EDITOR MENAGERIE EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR ART & GRAPHICS EDITOR PHOTO EDITOR CIRCULATION M ANAGER OFFICE M ANAGER
Paul Darwynn Garilao Jose Paolo Lacdao Luis Emmanuel De Vera Donelle Gan Juan Carlos Chavez Earlene Clarissa Ching Jan Michael Jaudian Eric Siy Alejandro Almendras IV Kristel Kaye Chua
UNIVERSITY
Joyce Anne Alfonso, Felice Ann Cariaso, Ross Vergel Delantar, Kristel Gayle Guzman, Arvin Alcanar Jo, Michelline Kuon, Paulo Jose Mutuc, Royce Robert Zuñiga MENAGERIE
Nancy Chua, Joseph Marc de Veyra, Franz Francisco Chan, Rosanna Guintivano, Angeline Martha Manuel, Anne Lorraine Ng, Mariane Lourdes Perez, Anjeli Pessumal, Karess Rubrico, Dianne Margareth Tang, Nicole Tangco SPORTS Evelyn Chua, John de los Santos, Ivan Geoffrey Gayares, Jhoanna
Kay Leal, Camille Bianca Pinto, Don Eric Sta. Rosa, Reuben Ezra Terrado, Candace Daphne Ting, Nikki Ann Mariel Tungol, Jewelynn Gay Zareno PHOTO
Christopher Kison, Aithne Jaen Lao, Dan Joseph Nable, Diane Lou Reyes, Ofelia Sta. Maria, Amanda Valenzuela
A RT & G RAPHICS
Patrick Joy Abanilla, Carvin Choa, Richard Rustum Gutierrez, Frank Herrera, Kenji Inukai, Kimberly Kha, Gene Carlo Magtoto, Christine Marie Mendoza, Rommel Mendoza, John Ian Roman, Gerard Philip So Chan, Charmaine Ventura
‘harassed’ by a University employee” has erupted like a nuclear bomb because of its malevolent content. News reports about DLSU’s call for President Arroyo’s voluntary resignation was even surpassed by this tabloid-type article, as it has vibrantly called the attention of the community. Perhaps, the students are already over saturated with national politics and found a more satirical relief in the article, because it directly concerns the community. In reality, the “Can I hug you as a friend” issue is already a University social stigma, which seems to threaten the whole community. Student rights have been hampered because of the person’s unusual movement in the University. In my three years stay in the University,theusualsexual harassment cases I encountered only involved one victim. Yet in this incident, a lot of students have voiced their concerns, including 10 victims who filed a complaint against the person. All complainants were finger pointing a part-time faculty. Yes, the faculty, who is supposed to mold Christian achievers, is the one who modifies Christian values in a way that would benefit his personal desires. A faculty who loves to use the name "Eric". (Yes, a part-time CBE faculty and not any other Eric in the University). I personally encountered Eric one exhausting evening. Surprisingly, he sat beside me near South Gate and asked if we could walk around the University. The encounter is not normal. I followed him to validate the testimonies of students whom he approached before. What alarmed me is that he wanted to direct me to the backstairs of SPS Building, a claustrophobic place rarely ha habituated by people. And so I mm … m
DIRECTOR OF STUDENT PUBLICATIONS
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University, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila 1004. TLS can be contacted through telephone number 5244611 loc. 701, or through its e-mail address,
[email protected]. All contributions are subject to editing for clarity or space. None of the contents of this publication may be reprinted without the express written permission of the
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"Eric" used his power for self-gratification, while exploiting youth's vigor and innocence.
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Fritzie Ian Paz-De Vera
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has its editorial office at 502 Bro. Gabriel Connon Hall, De La Salle
Editorial Board.
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Maria Michaela Ferrer, Ernestine Suzanne Teves, Meryll Anne Yan, Isabelle Regina Yujuico
The LaSallian
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SENIOR CORRESPONDENTS
STUDENT PUBLICATIONS COORDINATORSRosanna
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Blast issue, the article “Students
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Such a measure is proactive, but is meddling really necessary?
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What is the REAL state of the nation? We welcome your perspectives :
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O P I N I O N
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There's no conspiracy
The Aftermath
With the investigation on the new sexual harassment case finally reaching a conclusion, a threat to the University can finally be removed and justice served. However, there are still questions left to be answered following this whole mess. There are still sectors who question whether CCTV cameras should be installed inside the campus, but there is no denying that they were instrumental in helping to solve this case. Security on campus, another item that has been questioned in the past, can never be definitely guaranteed as well, especially if the threat comes from inside the community. The questions lie in how the conflict reached the attention of proper authorities. Last month, this publication published an initial report regarding the “Can I hug you as a friend?” case based on the tips of a few victims of the professor. It set off a series of events that culminated in the determination of the culprit. This publication’s initial investigations attributed the sexual harassment cases to a University employee. Such coverage allowed the Student Council (SC) and Administration to investigate the matter further, until it was determined that it was a part-time professor and not an employee who was behind the complaints of the students. What ticked off the administration was that the students coursed their grievances through this publication and not through the proper channels. For this publication to report on what it deemed as a matter of urgency is one thing, but on a deeper note such an event reflects a poor grievance system in the University. It is clear that the grievance procedure would’ve been the proper channel given this scenario. However, the students that initially came out were afraid of going through the process. Understandably, they feared making this complaint without being given much protection. Such only goes to prove that there is still distrust of the Discipline Office and the SC, both key players in the grievance process. Students are afraid to come forward with complaints, and little has been done to make them comfortable enough with the grievance process. It shouldn’t be the case that students come out with their complaints through the publications instead of the proper channels. But unless something is done ased on feedback we received rest rooms, where students withdraw last issue, the article “Students their impurities. Imagine a guy in rest to remove students’ fear in the grievance process, this cycle will never cease to ‘harassed’ by a University employee” room would ask your name, course, end. and mobile number. Is rest room The SC has much to do in making the grievance process more viable for has erupted like a nuclear bomb because of its malevolent content. an appropriate place and time for students. The proposed centralized Grievance (refer to page 15) is a great idea News reports about DLSU’s socials? for it does not limit complaints on faculty alone but also on other University call for President Arroyo’s voluntary Another interesting note is that sectors. The challenge now is to show that the SC can protect students’ welfare resignation was even surpassed by this we never heard complaints from CBE throughout the process and not simply file the complaints for them. It should be tabloid-type article, as it has vibrantly students. Almost all the complainants "Eric" used his power more pro-active rather than reactive in hearing out the concerns of students. called the attention of the community. are engineering students. This is Eric’s for self-gratification, best strategy. If he would victimize For their part, the Administration should be more encouraging when students Perhaps, the students are already over raise valid concerns regard ing different aspects of University life. May the grievance saturated with national politics and while exploiting youth's students from CBE, students would found a more satirical relief in the easily scold him to proper authorities. vigor and innocence. procedure of both SC and Administration go beyond ceremonial ways. The recent harassment case is just a part of the bigger picture. There are article, because it directly concerns the develops a tendency to use his power How come that he is still in the community. definitely other suspicious activities happening in the University that students on people lower in level and younger University late at night, while his In reality, the “Can I hug you as than him.” Eric utilized his power for classes are in the morning? Maybe, know about. a friend” issue is already a University his self-gratification, while exploiting doing a research about books and But most, if not all, still feel that it’s not worth their time to bring them up. social stigma, which seems to threaten boys.
What is the REAL state of the nation? We welcome your perspectives :
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Social stigma
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The
LaSallian The bastion of issue-oriented critical thinking.
4 AUGUST 2005 EDITORS
IN
CHIEF
M ANAGING EDITOR UNIVERSITY EDITOR MENAGERIE EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR ART & GRAPHICS EDITOR PHOTO EDITOR CIRCULATION M ANAGER OFFICE M ANAGER
Paul Darwynn Garilao Jose Paolo Lacdao Luis Emmanuel De Vera Donelle Gan Juan Carlos Chavez Earlene Clarissa Ching Jan Michael Jaudian Eric Siy Alejandro Almendras IV Kristel Kaye Chua
UNIVERSITY
Joyce Anne Alfonso, Felice Ann Cariaso, Ross Vergel Delantar, Kristel Gayle Guzman, Arvin Alcanar Jo, Michelline Kuon, Paulo Jose Mutuc, Royce Robert Zuñiga
MENAGERIE Nancy Chua, Joseph Marc de Veyra, Franz Francisco Chan, Rosanna Guintivano, Angeline Martha Manuel, Anne Lorraine Ng, Mariane Lourdes Perez, Anjeli Pessumal, Karess Rubrico, Dianne Margareth Tang, Nicole Tangco SPORTS Evelyn Chua, John de los Santos, Ivan Geoffrey Gayares, Jhoanna
Kay Leal, Camille Bianca Pinto, Don Eric Sta. Rosa, Reuben Ezra Terrado, Candace Daphne Ting, Nikki Ann Mariel Tungol, Jewelynn Gay Zareno PHOTO
Christopher Kison, Aithne Jaen Lao, Dan Joseph Nable, Diane Lou Reyes, Ofelia Sta. Maria, Amanda Valenzuela
A RT & G RAPHICS
Patrick Joy Abanilla, Carvin Choa, Richard Rustum Gutierrez, Frank Herrera, Kenji Inukai, Kimberly Kha, Gene Carlo Magtoto, Christine Marie Mendoza, Rommel Mendoza, John Ian Roman, Gerard Philip So Chan, Charmaine Ventura
SENIOR CORRESPONDENTS
Maria Michaela Ferrer, Ernestine Suzanne Teves, Meryll Anne Yan, Isabelle Regina Yujuico
STUDENT PUBLICATIONS COORDINATORSRosanna DIRECTOR OF STUDENT PUBLICATIONS The LaSallian
Luz Valerio, Joel Orellana
Fritzie Ian Paz-De Vera
has its editorial office at 502 Bro. Gabriel Connon Hall, De La Salle
University, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila 1004. TLS can be contacted through telephone number 5244611 loc. 701, or through its e-mail address,
[email protected]. All contributions are subject to editing for clarity or space. None of the contents of this publication may be reprinted without the express written permission of the Editorial Board.
the youth’s vigor and innocence. the whole community. Student rights Our society could find it difficult have been hampered because of the to accept Eric. For a strange guy, person’s unusual movement in the approaching approaching male students with University. huggable arms, is indeed a bizarre In my three years stay in the in a society that is rarely habituated University,theusualsexual harassment by male-male relationships. What is cases I encountered only involved one common in this society are female victim. Yet in this incident, a lot of students,holdinghandsandembracing students have voiced their concerns, each other. including 10 victims who filed a As Dr. Esanislao explained it best, complaint against the person. women are more emotional than All complainants were finger men. That is why it is strange to see pointing a part-time faculty. Yes, the men becoming “more concern” with faculty, who is supposed to mold their fellow genders. Not to mention Christian achievers, is the one who that it is more alarming to see a men modifies Christian values in a way befriending in rest rooms. that would benefit his personal *** desires. A faculty who loves to use the Let us try to decipher the operative name "Eric". (Yes, a part-time CBE phrases Eric used in his routine to catch faculty and not any other Eric in the boys in town. In sociology, this is University). known as ethnomethodology, which I personally encountered Eric simply means the study of the ways one exhausting evening. Surprisingly, in which people make sense of their he sat beside me near South Gate social world. and asked if we could walk around “Can I hug you as a friend?” is the the University. The encounter is not most common statement of Eric that normal. I followed him to validate all his victim knows. But read between the testimonies of students whom he the lines. Why would Eric include the approached before. phrase, “as a friend”? Playing safe? What alarmed me is that he wanted This seems to be a preemptive to direct me to the backstairs of SPS strike to claim that he would just Building, a claustrophobic place embrace students with brotherly care rarely habituated by people. And so I and not with malicious intentions. diverted his attention as I immediately However, such phrase is more freaking left the building…Enough with the than the usual “Can I hug you”, nightmare. because he could defend that the act *** is just a brotherly love. But what’s with the name Eric? Talking about semantics, the verb According to babynames.com, Eric is “can” is not the appropriate term to a Scandinavian name that means “ever use in his famous line. Can means powerful”. In many glaring ways, Eric “the ability to do something”, the has used his power to follow students ability to hug someone. Of course, in rest rooms, to approach them everyone can hug, (except the armless unnaturally, or ask for a friendly hug beings). Rather, the right term is “May from them. I hug you as a friend?” that pertains to Eric’s Operation Hugging is asking permission to bodily embrace categorized as a sexual harassment someone. case not just because of physical Maybe, Eric wants to emphasize attraction or sexual advances, but his ABILITY to hug, because he also about power. As Dr. Esanislao, expects he would not be permitted to a guidance counselor, mentioned in do so. Again, this is power tripping. last issue’s news article, “wherein he Eric mostly communicates in
Yet, every male in the University can be a victim of Eric. In fact, he gives himself even into the entrapment operations of security team. Indeed, it is illogical for Eric to justify that he is performing his Operation Hugging out of love. I remember reading a comic about Alberto Rivera, who revealed the “wicked” acts of Roman Catholicism. Dr. Rivera became a Jesuit priest and later on was excommunicated by the Church because of his exposes. While he was sleeping in a dormitory for Jesuit missionaries, Alberto was suddenly grabbed and repeatedly kissed by a priest. As a normal reaction, he threw a punch against the priest. The day after, the principal explained that the Father is just showing a “brotherly love” to the young boy. This is a great twist of Christianity’s definition of love. In reality, brotherly love emanates from the depths of compassion, respect, and concern. Jesus told us to “love one another more than yourself”, but not beyond lust of flesh and power. In some way or another, the verbal and non-verbal approaches of Eric are subtle forms of sexual harassments. Call his ways as severe sexual behaviors. I don’t want to dig Eric’s more personal and intimate character. He is old enough to know that what he’s doing is unacceptable and unlawful, though he would disagree that his motives are morally right. After all, his worldview is full of fantasies. Since now he is under trial, may the law rule fair and just. How harsh it may seem, Eric must be sanctioned with greater penalties. Sexual harassment is indeed a major social problem faced by the community, especially an educational training ground. But ifstudentsandthe restconfront this problem with confidence, we would be able to protect student rights as well as the rights of others.
O P I N I O N A
Needs, emotions, and X A colorful election and at least 22 could easily be drowned by utters of padded resumes later, it is finally time dubious nature. It could be a beacon for our frosh student leaders to work. of light piercing the darkness, and yet But what should be expected? I’m no now it seems to be utterly useless. prophet, but this I believe will hold Only three possible scenarios fit: true nonetheless: a leadership that will the light is insufficiently bright, the focus on students’ want rather than darkness eats up the light, or the light need will achieve nothing but inherit is hidden under the table and not on the wind. the lamppost. There is a fine line I use my favorite analogy, religion. *** between need and (As early as now, think from the student As I write this, the real “Eric” is want. perspective – Who is the leader? Who still frolicking. I confirmed that he still are the followers?) Jesus was the best used the name Eric at least once. Males leader who ever walked around planet. need to be alert. could be realized when you filter out But neither he was popular nor rich. *** the wants, the same way that political Being a carpenter’s son and living a My mother likes reading romance parties filter out aspiring candidates. simple life, one should wonder how The filtering process is extremely pocketbooks and watching romantic He managed to completely convince movies. In one particular instance, I tedious, it involves an observant twelve believers to give up everything eye. It requires thinking: it should had nothing to do and seeing the book and follow Him and much later, keep leaders lost in thought when lying around, I thought of skimming millions of people as well. others should be relaxing their minds. through it. These books and movies Simple: Jesus addressed a need that could be full of very cheesy lines. It involves receiving criticisms and no one else could address, and that is Snippets of the infinite list would go: reacting constructively (unless you spiritual peace. The disciples may have I won’t be able live my life normally if believe you’re perfect) It involves wanted money, power or fame – Jesus taking fire for your constituents. It you do this to me… I have not slept had none of these – but Jesus pierced well after you left me… involves unexpected circumstances. It these superficial whims. Jesus offered It is very interesting why people from involves time. Indeed, leading is more the disciples what they needed, not all walks of life resort to emotions to get than managing. what they wanted. It is n ot necessary their point through. This is a best research I bet GMA’s political survival, that the disciples knew what they our fledgling leaders must’ve thought topic for our Psychology majors. needed, it is enough th at He knew. *** of that. That’s why they seemed so People naturally flock around a Professor X did it again. If X had energetic during the campaign. leader who offers what they need. read my last column, some changes *** There is no hype, just a simple desire. It turned out that the initial suspect should have been effected. Maybe There is a fine line between need X’s so psyched up. X hadn’t read, in the issue we had when we were and want. The world’s economy relies working on our July issue (that we and so X reruns X’s students through on it. Does one really need an iPod? did a follow-up on this month) turned X’s seemingly orchestrated debacle. Does one need to buy a Lacoste shirt X has been flaunting X’s inefficiency out to be wrong. I think this is over an exact shirt sans only th e brand efficiently. rather normal, as police investigators name? Does one need a pimped-up There is a reason why X is called normally have many suspects which ride a la Xzibit when the money could X. X is the 24 th letter of the alphabet. they eliminate one by one. be given to NGOs? If you add the order (in the alphabet) The whole process of investigation Governance that addresses only seems pretty much a pseudo-Josephus of the first letters of X’s first and last w antisno differentfromentertainment, problem to me, only this time there i s name(s) together you will get 24. even without media coverage or *** no formula to solve it. Lupita Kashiwahara. Is this probably Correct me if I am wrong, but I My apology to Roderick Salita of the reason why actors could ascend think the fire espoused by the DLSU Office of University Registrar for it had to high governmental posts? The been made clear to me the article had community regarding the Gloria student version is only a more innocent made such a negative impact on him. controversy is getting weaker. mirror. Like a piece of firewood that has That “Eric” was not him. It had What do our freshman students never been him. been exhausted, it will turn to ash and need? Need is always very hard to be blown away by the wind. Will we *** distinguish, but I believe that need Itisquitesaddeninghow innocence let this happen to us?
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En Route to the SC: Freshman Elections
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he Lasallian Schools Press Conference, a gathering of campus publication units within the DLSU System, has allowed me to get to know various other publications and Lasallian editors. While the event, last held in February, hasn’t really taken off, we’ve been able to meet and share stories with one Such a measure is proanother. One particularly interesting active, but is meddling story that I’ve been following over really necessary? the last few months concerns the creation of an oversight office for campus publications in DLSU-Dasmariñas (DLSU-D). That new Student Publications Office (SPO) has been patterned somewhat after the SPO units here in DLSU-Manila and DLSU-College of St. Benilde. It’s noteworthy because Heraldo Filipino, which is DLSU-D’s official student publication, has been running as a semi-autonomous unit under DLSU-D’s Dean of Student Affairs for the longest time. How such a unit would receive the formation of an umbrella office for publications was interesting to watch, especially given that the publication has been openly critical of various events and policies that have shaped the campus. *** “Student publications shall enjoy the right to freely and responsibly publish articles, opinions, and other published works, guided by the Campus Journalism Act of 1991 (RA 7079) and the University Mission Statement, without any undue influence or threat.” (DLSU-Manila Student Handbook 2003-06, section 15.11.1) Such a principle guides the campus publications here in DLSU-Manila and gives them freedom to determine the content that will come out in their respective issues, subject to the standards of professional and ethical journalism. It also explicitly states the independence of publications editors in their work. I would have to assume that such a principle also guides Heraldo Filipino, whose nature is similar to that of The LaSallian. But when DLSU-D’s SPO came out with its own guidelines for all recognized in-campus student publications, that basic freedom has been put under threat. Allow me to utilize the rest of this space in defending a sister publication against something that could become a precedent for many other dangerous things. Having read the document in its entirety, allow me to state that the guidelines are very poorly formed. It doesn’t cover several matters that it should touch on, and many of the things it covers are those that shouldn’t be covered by the DLSU-D SPO. What particularly bothers me is the DLSU-D SPO’s perceived need to “objectively screen, assess, and evaluate” all student publications. I understand the intention of improving the quality of output produced by Heraldo Filipino and other publications within DLSU-D. Such a measure is pro-active, but is this form of meddling really necessary? The new guidelines reflect a poor understanding of how major campus publications work. Many of us hold ourselves to high journalistic standards. We understand our responsibilities in the content we come out with and take measures to minimize mistakes. We can’t be error-free, but we know that we have a responsibility to make sure that we are as right as possible. This objective screening indicates that the SPO (or the administration, for that matter) puts very little trust in the publications’ ability to regulate themselves. Given that, it also encroaches on tasks that should be performed by the Editorial Board of each publication. The guidelines devote pages on terminologies concerning proper English and ethical journalism that content will (supposedly) be evaluated during the objective screening, even though such things should be within the domain of the editors of publications. An external screeing also opens a can of worms as far as publications are concerned. There is no assurance that only technical mistakes will be corrected. There is a real danger that certain sensitive articles may be subject to evaluation, and worse, be sanitized. The document makes mention of every student publication requiring an approval before final printing, and this only serves to raise suspicions over the entire process. Such guidelines might serve to take away the freedom that Heraldo Filipino enjoys under the law. I do not assume that the office wants to censor the publication, but rather I would like to illustrate how the document could prove to be a double-edged sword. The guidelines also border on unethical behavior in journalism. Nearly all publications make it an editorial policy not to show articles to any external parties prior to release, in order to maintain its credibility and professionalism. Such is true here at The LaSallian, where even the SPO Director is not allowed access to our articles before printing. This serves to protect the publication’s right to freely determine the content that it will release. However, the document disregards this ethical behavior just to make sure that there will be “fewer” mistakes. I do not believe that such a compromise just for control. I’ve also come to notice that there seems to be no indication that Heraldo Filipino was consulted in the formation of this document. As the party that would be most affected, its editors’ thoughts should have considered before the formation of these rules instead of simply making it a bitter pill to swallow. Every campus publication is a breeding ground for developing critical, creative, and responsible thinkers. As such, every publication should be given the freedom to achieve such potential. This kind of a document only serves to promote the notion that adults do not trust the youth to be responsible enough to act properly. It’s pathetic to see that such backward thinking continues to thrive in ou r society. Publicationsmakemistakesandarticlessometimesreceiveadded attention, but I don’t think that damage control is enough of a justification to proactively pursue certain measures. The SPO is better off concentrating its efforts in helping the publications in their other operational responsibilities and enhancing journalists’ knowledge. Such would already be a huge step towards preventing unwanted events from taking place. There should be mechanisms for assessment and evaluation, but these should be done after release and not before. Allow the publications the freedom to grow and trust that they will deliver on their responsibilities. I understand that the office is still in its infancy stages, and as such, many things still have to be threshed out. Every sector has a concern that it would like to raise, and a discussion before anything else should occur. Impulsive decisions such as this document would only serve to generate distrust between the student publications and the new overseeing office.
The LaSa an
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On Cheat ng and Top 100 L sts
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efore you curse our enrolment U m system, consider first the enrolment system of other schools. Read this m first: m During a reunion with my high O school friends, one of them shared his m enrolment experience in the University m of the Philippines. He said that it was m hard to enroll because you have to I think it would be wait for hours and endure the heat m better if the qualifier of the sun. So far, the most detailed “without failure in ANY account of enrolment horrors came m from my best friend from the Ateneo, term” be changed to D U m who is a member of their registration m “without failure in the committee. As far as I can recall, the m last thing that he shared about their PREVIOUS term”. m enrolment system was when they tried
[email protected]), or using a program that would help them you are receiving emails from friendly enlist the students to different course schoolmates, m schoolmates, notifying the student offerings or subjects. Unfortunately, m body about the upcoming online they had trouble using it due to enrolment, then you might have read conflicting program versions (some m the phrase “students without ANY computers were using an older version) failure (academic and non-academic) m and that caused a terrible delay and m in ANY term”. It is very clear from a lot of irritated students and parents. this statement that the students, Now, think about it. If we still m regardless of the type of subject they practice a manual enrolment system, failed, will have to be labeled as a wouldn’t you wish that there is an m H “regular enrollee”. Unfortunately, easier, faster way to enroll without the D U these “regular enrollees” are obviously hassle of lining up and feeling that you the ones who are at the end of the food have wasted a quarter of your life for a M m chain. They scavenge on the subjects subject that you would only fail at the left for them. end of the following term? The worse thing about this qualifier Honestly, I think that our enrolment N m is that some “regular enrollees” are system is far better than the system of average students who failed because other schools. In fact, ours could be OU m of incompetent teachers not worth our the best enrolment system a school in m m this country could have. tuition fee. Assuming that the student m However, despite the comfort of studied hard and came prepared in m enrolling online, there are still students class, it would be very unfair to the m who continue to abhor the system, student if incompetent teacher flunked especially the policy that within it. him. It is apparent that for the average Apparently, most of these students are student, it woul those with at least one failing subject, m m who finds enrolment as another m m m hopeless subject hunting activity. m m m If you are currently subscribed m m m to the registrar’s yahoogroups (dlsum
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Big Fish
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En Route to the SC: Freshman Elections
On Cheating and Top 100 Lists
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t 88, my Lolo is still one master storyteller. Well-loved by his grandchildren, he would recall how he scared off a couple of husky looking negroes in Chicago and how he wittingly convinced my Lola to play part in a mock wedding (which turned out to be real afterwards). And just for kicks, The deepest pain of he would whip up a story of how parents is not illness or he placed the moon up in the sky. death, but being ignored Ah yes! His stories were always by their children and full of laughter and color. Full of loved ones. antics and clown-like faces. He is the master of the house and the host of every family gathering. Doctors and nurses are also avid benefactors of his stories. He charmed the nurses, during one hospital check up, with a story on how he got a scar on his leg. He was with the guerrillas when a Japanese soldier shot him just below his left knee. The pain was terrible but he kept on moving until the group was safe up in the mountains. My Lolo could turn unpleasant experiences into happily ever after stories and of course, him ending up as the hero of the day. Some of his stories are true, some are not. One time he made up a story of how he sent the Japanese soldiers away during the World War II with his stick. With a mischievous grin he told us, “if the stick doesn’t work, you could always bribe them with candies and they will go away.” Wink. Wink. As usual, his grandchildren would take in every word of it. The only clue if it was a make believe or not was i f my Lola would exclaim, “Papa!” with a glare and a boisterous chuckle from my Lolo would follow. I guess it doesn’t matter to him if it were true or not. He just loved the attention. And he would sit in the living room until the last group of grandchildren leaves the house. Curtains down. Show is over. That becomes his cue to put on his oxygen mask and lie down in bed. My lolo has difficulty b reathing and telling stories greatly exhausts his energy. You see him tough when he’s with a crowd, but he grows weak when inside his room. Like great actors, you wouldn’t see him loose his form on stage. Eventually, his grandchildren grew up. And growing up meant other important stuff are there to distract us from listening to his stories. Its not that his grandchildren didn’t enjoy listening to him, it was more like the world introduced a bigger menu of what to hear and what to see that there isn’t much time left even for sleep. Work, studies, and school activities limited our conversations to breakfast and dinner. At times, we go home late at night that we don’t see him at all. Yes. Slowly, we started to alienate ourselves to our beloved lolo. And we barely even realize it. When we talk to him, it is because we need his advice. Or in my brother’s case, a tutor to ask for the meaning of a not so difficult word he is just too lazy to look for in the dictionary. I have lived in my grandparents’ house since birth and so I h ave watched my lolo grow older by the year. Day after day, I see my lolo with his best friend—the television. His constant companion and entertainment when we are out of the house. And if not for the television and the phone, my lolo wouldn’t have endured the lonely hours of waiting for his children and grandchildren’s arrival. I understand my parents. Our worsening economic and political crisis made it even more difficult to earn money. They work doubly hard from Monday to Sunday just to put food on the table. They too, need affection and support. I understand my siblings. Classes take up most of the day and the worsening traffic adds up to their hours outside home. Like me, extracurricular activities made us busier. My Lolo is a sucker for little gestures of tenderness. Rarely does he show it in his actions and in words. Like I said before, he is one great actor—all regal and proud. But you could tell in his sad eyes that he longs for affection. From the thoughts of a sociologist, Randolf David, the deepest pain of parents is not illness or death, but being ignored by their children and loved ones. Parents who love and respect their children are usually proud to say so. They know it and feel it, but they will seldom demand attention from them. They will wait patiently for those days when love is easy and pain is put on hold, and the shame of forgetful children is redeemed by the magic of parental acceptance. I have come to the conclusion that we children and grandchildren alike must rediscover how much love we get from our parents for on no account do they forget about us. In lingering memories do they recall us as dependents to their protection and care. And as we increasingly gain independence and get used to our own autonomy, we slowly forget that our parents too are dependent of our attention. These were my thoughts on my last year in college. It was liberating when I knew my parents permitted me to go on overnights with my co-editors for a week. But the worry that I caused my parents and grandparents during those nights I am outside the house made me realize what I am missing. For those who ask what I have been doing while most of my classmates are working for advertising agencies…well, this is my life after I have graduated. Schooling has kept me away from home for some time now and I really miss the company of my family. Apart from some freelance work and being an assistant to my parents, I have assigned myself as my Lolo’s constant companion during mealtime and full time audience to his stories from the past. Yes, I am still thinking about my future and I would eventually be flying out of the coop. But right now, I’m just enjoying what I missed and what I would miss in a few years time. *** Karen Sarte is TheLaSallian Art and Graphics Editor during SY 2003-2004. She is leaving for the World Youth Congress to be held this August in Germany. Her Lolo paid for her plane ticket.
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heating . In its broadest sense, it is the act putting one’s self into an unfair advantage by disregarding a certain set of rules. It is giving one’s self the pedestal at the expense of another person. Cheating can take on many forms. In the matrimonial sense, it’s called adultery or infidelity . In the literary sense, it’s called plagiarism . In the creative sense, it’s known as copyright infringement . And in the dog-eat-dog realm we all like to refer to as politics, it is known as corruption. But whichever way we prefer to put it, the very essence of the word is looked down upon with much hatred and spite. The term connotes a reflection of one’s lack of integrity. It represents failure to uphold one’s end of a cooperative bargain. We’ve been brainwashed to believe that it is unethical, illegal, immoral, and tantamount to self-damnation. Nevertheless, it is still a common practice. In a world where we are all conditioned to not make mistakes despite our inherently imperfect nature, it is virtually impossible not to cheat. So, is cheating really that evil? Why do we continue giving it a negative reputation of such magnitude when everybody’s doing it anyway? But before you start dousing me with holy water, think about it. We are all guilty of dishonesty in our own paltry ways. In one way or another, we are all accountable for our own little lapses in judgment. I, for one, admit that I have been occasionally guilty of cheating in ways the word limit of this column cannot sustain. Blame it on my “ailing” morality if you may. But truth be told; in this cutthroat society we’re living in, cheating is inevitable. Desperate times call for desperate measures, so they say. And for the less fortunate and embattled lots, such drastic action is the only way to survive. Granted that cheating is wrong,
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in our morally dented society, I see it is more of a vice, than a sin. Doing it once is painstakingly forgivable; doing it twice is still remotely tolerable; but forming an incurable habit out of it to the point of over-dependence curtails personal growth. And by over-relying on it, it will inhibit one’s self from discovering and developing his or her full potential. For me, what truly elevates cheating to sinful sta m m m m W m
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uly was once again witness to a parade of b lue, yellow, orange Survival of the Fittest tive candidates about their plans. They also ask questions about the and black, as political parties Santugon and Tapat geared up Despite the short time in choosing a candidate who possesses aspirants themselves. At this point, the Core can determine how for this year’s Freshmen Elections. Fielding a new breed of the qualities of a l eader amongst thousands of froshies, Tapat and consistent the platforms are with Tapat’s vision and what kind of leaders required weeks of recruitment, training and campaigning. Santugon were still able to produce candidates sharing their party’s leaders the individual aspirants would be. These are important in For two long months, politics and governance are breathed inside vision. Both parties view the five-week training process as a way making sure that the candidates Tapat eventually chooses possess most university classrooms. to dramatically cut the numbers down in the qualities of a Tapat leader considering that the entire process of The LaSallian traces the events determining a deserving candidate, from training and choosing candidates happen in just several weeks. leading to the freshmen elections. These tests guide the Core members in choosing the candidates 30 percent of the members of Tapat and more than 50 members of Santugon who to represent Tapat. expressed interest to run. According to Early birds get the worms Cruz, in the training period, the aspirants Yellow and blue under pressure Political parties local to and outside of the university rely heavily filter themselves out until around 5 to 10 Santugon, on the other hand, also trains freshmen interested in percent remains. on their internal numbers to ensure running under their banner. They look for aspirants who understand Cruz stated that one qualification for the challenge and are willing to sacrifice for the training. Santugon success in the polls. Each member interested students is to attend their train- also looks at the plans of the prospective candidates. is utilized in contacting the voting ings to know how “ tapat ” they are and if population, with every individual For a number of weeks, Santugon aspirants attend modules their beliefs are in line with the party’s. translating to an increase in this and activities on leadership aimed to improve interpersonal internetwork’s scope. It is for this reason Rubio affirmed that the willingness to action and communication skills. Trainings are held on Saturdays train hard and a concrete vision why they and increase in frequency as election time nears until they are held that Tapat and Santugon began the want to run qualifies a Santugon member. race in early April. everyday. Training is a way to watch over student Alumni of the same high schools Candidates go through one-on-one interviews where the party candidates as they interact and communi- further assesses them. Rubio admits that it is difficult to base their contact incoming freshmen and encourage them to join either of the cate with other people. “ Kung mukhang decision mainly on the interview, so they also observe them during hindi talaga siya bagay sa Santugon, wala twoorganizations.Tapat capitalized the modules and group activities. siya sa priorities namin ”, added Rubio. on the Lasallian Personal EffectiveFrom thereon, they can evaluate who among th em deserve to ness Program by distributing their run for the batch-level positions. newsletters to all the freshmen Orange and black under pressure present. Both parties intensified Prospectivecandidatesundergorigor- Taking the Road Trip their recruitment during the annual Both parties espouse several campaigning tactics to charm ous training weeks before the FE. These StudentCouncilRecruitmentWeek trainings become the venue for both their way to student votes. Tarpaulins with buddy-buddy poses (SCReW). political parties to develop the candidates’ and colorful pamphlets were observed. The usual room-to-room, Tapat president Benedict Cruz leadership, platform making and activity person-to-person, speeches, posters, brochures were seen around PHOTO BYERIC SIY stated that an efficient recruitment the campus for eight days. planning skills. process is important because it enables them to enrich their core While nothing visibly changed with the way Tapat campaigned, Tapat first gives lectures about what their party is all about, group and gives more possible candidates. including its history. Sessions about leadership and platform mak- Santugon adjusted strategies in getting ideas not only from their Ramon Rubio, president of Santugon, likewise sees recruitment ing are also given at least once a week. Aspiring candidates are candidates but also from their batchmates. “ Pinapapunta namin as vital as the new recruits allow them to have more candidates then grouped into their own colleges, where they begin creating sila sa sessions, so para sa kanila ,” Rubio emphasized. to choose from. Santugon also utilizes the alumni-frosh strategy, platforms for their respective batches with guidance from older The process political parties go through to put their candidates but Rubio asserted that they do not campaign through their La- members. “If they stick to one issue too much, we redirect their in the Student Council (SC) is rigorous. However, the rigor does sallian ambassadors and that they do not ask for freshman block attention. What we do is guide them,” Cruz says. not end when the fledgling l eaders enter the SC’s doors; in fact, it directories. Once the platforms are done, a convention is held where the is just the beginning. Whether or not the training made their canTapat Core members, Executive Board, and alumni ask the prospecdidates tough is now the role of the students who elected them.
University commentary
BR. ARMIN, FROM PAGE 2
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here is De La Salle University? Does this question convey an answer limited only to a bustling Taft Ave. and all its fast food chains, car park areas, and much rather everything else in between? Or must the answer be more of where we stand up compared to other universities? More like UAAP basketball? I must reason that it is not these premises that could answer my question. When people echoed calls for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s resignation, it gave more light as to where DLSU is. Not on the streets, newspapers, television, or to which side do we belong to. If you are a man of principles, you don’t give significance to your affiliated groups, but to who you are and what you are fighting for. It is not always the case that people are to be judged only as protagonists and antagonists. For history rules that the victor ends up as the protagonists while the vanquished is left for the other. So long as you know where you stand and believe in what you are fighting for, you know you are on the right plane of reality. But the question of whether we are right or wrong remains at the tip of the history’s words. Most importantly, you know the cause is worth fighting for. Much more to that, I don’t think former Malaysian Prime Minister Mohammad, a dictator, will be written off in history books as an antagonist if you consider how developed his country is. But is this enough to answer the question where DLSU is? Will our voice be constrained only to a limited horizon? I certainly do hope that this is not the case. Moreover, I do recall this when I
that keeping our own system work for the better is off track. Rather, the point is that we could have a better DLSU in the future. But will there be a country l eft for us? Are you leaving the country after you graduate, my comrade? I cannot blame you if you think you can wet your beak If you are a man of on a foreign land, but I can blame you principles, you don’t if you just sit there and let th is country sleep with the fishes. give significance to your We should start realizing the core affiliated groups, but to values that we inherit for being the sons who you are and what and daughters of this institution. We should serve our purpose. you are fighting for. How could you not realize how entered this university: “ Christian tumultuous our country is? Okay, Achievers for God and Country.” let me give you a clear example that everyone of us know for a fact. We call I believe this is the banner that we the late afternoon drive a ‘rush hour’, should be rallying for and let no other but only ourselves should take us, yet traffic jam could go as bad as having to spend the hours counting how many with this stance, to the battlefield. We times you blinked. know that this is worth fighting for. You could either blame the traffic We know that this is right. But do we system or the people, pedestrians, and know where we are right now? drivers alike. Blame them. What is a Not that clear as to where we are, good system without people having to say the least. But we do know where the right mind to obey the rules we want to be. How about vanguards and regulations? And what is a good of political, technological, social, and economic pillars for our motherland? community without a system that recognizes and rectifies its flaws? Do That’s the best choice on the menu, we just compromise or act upon these yes? And you know that it is. situations? Yet, this is not about us being You may want to paint this country heroes. Still, we can be heroes. But it irks me that we think of it as it is. with blue, maroon, and what not. But where is De La Salle This is certainly not entirely about University? whom takes the podium, but it’s How about a country with you in about fighting for what we believe in. it, my fellow Lasallians? We heed ourselves to be zealots of the I have too many questions, yes? If cause for serving God and country as you have had enough of it, then start Christians. answering them. And let it be known A much more active participation that answers raise new questions. So, I in helping our country raise from the humbly ask you to get used to it. pits to a much powerful Philippines It is time to paint this country with would really help realize our cause. Or are we just too busy handling our a certain shade of green. internal affairs? Yet, this is not to say
PERSPECTIVE S
global (ASEAN level) status, the idea of a “melting pot” university is a common attribute among world-class universities. Harvard University is one of American academic institutions that greatly honor cultural diversities or minorities. In a survey conducted by the Harvard School of Medicine, 94 percent of students interviewed agreed that “interaction with students of diverse backgrounds was a positive element in their educational experience at medical school.” Minority students could bring different perspectives to students from urban, the survey furthered. Based on the statistics of religion issued by Office of Executive Vice President to The LaSallian, a total of 25 Muslims and 27 Hindus are studying in the University. The statistics obtained was the figure for last school year.
Call of the times
FRANCESCA STA. ANA With the majority of the Executive Committee positions occupied by members of Alyansang Tapat sa Lasallista (Tapat), one would wonder how the other political party is doing.
cil pressed for a decrease in the tuition hike. It may be recalled that the tuition hikes during the On the political sphere Santugon sa Tawag ng Panahon (Santugon) pre-Multi Secfaced disappointment in the last General Elec- toral Committions when Tapat swept the Student Council tee on Budget period leveled at (SC) Executive Board (EB) and garnered five out of six CAP positions. With regards to this, around 10 perSantugon still managed to get the majority of the cent. Activities Batch Level seats and the Legislative Assembly for the students such as LSAL, as well. ARTWORK BYIAN ROMAN Against the flow? This was not the first time that the party Ecology, and Br. Armin’s vision, however, is faced with a claimed the upper hand in the non-execom ranks. Arts week took place. However, a couple of major constraint. In an interview with The LaSalRamon Rubio, the president of Santugon stated mishaps such as their failure to come up with lian last schoolyear, Jose Mari Magpayo, executive amendments for the SC constitution and resothat in previous years, their political partyhas director of Marketing Communications Office captured most of the Legislative and Batch As- lutions that never seemed to leave the “pending (MCO), stated the market of DLSU-Manila is stage” pushed some individuals to criticize the sembly seats. very urban. “Our population is more attractive to SC yet again, this time for being negligent in those who live in the south. Students who live in Further down history their obligations. the north of the metropolis normally would go to More projects (such as the student coopDLSU witnessed the birth of a new political schools like UP and Ateneo only because they’ve party in 1986 when Ringo Morella and Mike Ang erative) and actions (fraternity negotiations, been very, very practical,” Magpayo said. came up with the idea of Santugon. Though the academic grievance forums) were initiated within The reason why the MCO don’t market to thecampuswhenStephen Kuassumedpresidency party failed to capture a number of seats in the the provinces is that “only a few students from the Executive Board, among the elected candidates in 1996. Still, some of the plans and proposals provinces actually enroll in Manila.” Considering was VP-Activities Joy Nicdao who was one of seemed to have lost steam after the school year. it from a cost ef fectiveness point of view, marketthe SC officers to address the issue of tuition ing in provinces is an expensive idea if the return The cycle is complete? fee increase. of applicants is relatively minimal. Going back to the present, Santugon remains Christine Cruz (1988) was the first Santugon “It’s going to be very expensive for 10 stufaithful to their vision of “politically-mature candidate – and coincidentally the first female – to dents, if I market to 10 students who will eventube elected Student Council President. During Lasallians who are consultative, proactive and ally enroll (in DLSU), as opposed to Manila, I can responsive to the call of the times,” despite adverher term, the SC managed to propose Student market to 15,000 students…the cost per student sities.Andeventhough changesandrestructuring Handbook revisions. will be much less,” Magpayo said before. The following year meant another triumph were made within the party, Rubio stressed that MCO makes an assumption that most these changes still would have pushed through refor the party as Santugon captured all 6 EB poacademically gifted students are those who have gardless of the results of the General Elections. sitions. This “pluralistic SC” as President Paul been exposed to the more sophisticated learning Meim termed, envisioned a lot of new projects, He asserted that Santugon’s current existence environments like the Metro Manila. Magpayo proper use of funds, and efficiency in documenta- affirmstheparty’sresilience.“Theparty shallexist however contested that since there are also bright tion. However, hardly anyone could attest that as long as there are people who believe in it.” students in the provinces, the Admissions Office Santugon has also put a lot of emphasis on these visions were realized. In fact, they were even has regional testing centers all over the councriticized for not defending their stand regarding learning “not just for new members but for try. The MCO also sends DLSU brochures to national issues. (During this time, the SC took a everyone, even the highest officers”. Th party provinces for them to have an idea of Lasallian stand in favor of US military bases in the countr y intends to improve their programs by effectively education. communicating their acquisitions not just to their but failed to maintain their position). To be accessible nationwide, Br. Armin sugIt took four years before another blue-and- members but to the Student Council as well. The gests to the Administration to limit the number of yellow candidate became president. Under the political party aspires to have a stronger and more academic scholars for Metro Manila and offer this leadership of Alfie Suarez, issues regarding tuition mature relationship not just with the SC or the with great deal to other parts of the country. fees were again tackled when the Student Coun- other political party, but with the University.
That's all new? Over the past years, the political party has been branded as being “pro-admin” because of their failure to take a concrete stand on certain issues. Take last year’s incident involving Meryll Yan, former editor-in-chief of The LaSallian and Kit Bonnet of the Office of Student Activities (OSAc). While the Communications Department, the Student Council, and Tapat released their stands in favor of Yan, Santugon remained neutral on the grounds that they respect each member’s opinion and individuality. However, with the recent political crisis con juring up views and opinions left and right, Santugon finally joined the clamor. Their statement asking PGMA to resign reflects the seemingly active participation in discussing national issues. Moreover, when the Student Council reached an agreementwiththe DisciplineOfficeregarding the issue on slippers in the campus this school year, Rubio, in the party’s online forum, criticized the SC for compromising. Rubio further wrote “The cycle is complete! They’re us, we’re them” at the end of the entry, as if though written jokingly, implied that Santugon is celebrating the compromising state that the SC is in. The party is clearly trying to shake off the “pro-admin” image. Whether Santugon really wants to “have a stronger and more mature relationship” with the SC and Tapat, or whether the changes within the political party has anything to do with the fact that they lost in the last General Elections, the answer is as good as anyone’s guess.
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The LaSallian
8
The LaSallian
4 August 2005
4 August 2005
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The algebra of economic demise JOSEPH MARC DE VEYRA
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DLSU and democracy PAULO JOSE MUTUC
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bolt out of the blue. This was largely the public’s perception of Restoring Faith in Democracy , the Lasallian Brothers’ July 2 manifestocallingfortheresignationof PresidentGloriaMacapagal Arroyo. The statement, as evidenced by the attention it garnered at home and abroad, apparently took everyone by surprise. This was, after all, coming from De La Salle University (DLSU), an institution more popularly associated with indifference to national affairs. Or is i t really? In times of crisis, what h as the University stood for?
the message of “A Call for Collective Action”, DLSU’s unified a whole concerns itself little with governance and public opinion, statement during the height of the juetengscandal jueteng scandalleveledagainst when the experiences of the two EDSAs show otherwise. ousted President Joseph Estrada. When the CBCP expressed strong disapproval of the 1986 A Call for Collective Action , the unified Lasallian position snap election results, the University’s constituents decisively took unveiled during an economic and political symposium, included steps to end Marcos’ presidency. Likewise, when accusations of signatories from various sectors of the University (the Brothers, jueteng broke out against President Estrada, DLSU decided to the administrators, the Student Council, and the faculty) and press the case for his resignation. was made “after a thorough discussion and careful discernment And now, with increased expediency, DLSU chose to favor by members of the faculty and administration” given the threat an Arroyo departure from the presidency bearing in mind the Estrada’s stay in office posed to “the future of our students and growing popular disdain of her government. Overall, whenever our children”. It declared its desire for President Estrada’s resa crisis of authority has emerged, the University has always placed EDSA 1: La Salle should lead, not follow. ignation as a Constitutionally permissible means its loyalty on principles, not on parties, people, or the system in Nearly two decades ago, the Univerto transfer power. The formation of an Alliance place. Hence, DLSU’s current appeal for a constitutional resolusity was the first organized institution to of Lasallians Against Erap (ALSA-ERAP) and a tion of Gloriagate is not a backtracking of previously espoused support Corazon Aquino and the Cathosignature campaign were undertaken afterwards ‘revolutionary’ views, but a reinforcement of an institutionally lic Bishops Conference of the Philipto realize the declaration’s objectives. regarded need for peaceful, transformative vigilance consistent pines’ (CBCP) call for civil disobedience An intriguing contrast to the University’s with the University’s character as a Christian establishment of - in forms of protests, boycotts, and work stance was its defense of Br. Andrew Gonzalez learning. stoppage- during the aftermath of the FSC amid allegations of graft during his stint In the cutthroat world of politics where ethics mean little, purportedly rigged 1986 snap elections. at the now-defunct Department of Education, the University’s insistence on sticking to moral precepts attests This may sound astonishing now; but Culture, and Sports. to its substance as an academic body. It is also an affirmation of considering the University’s prominent Also, the question of student apathy took its position as a prime mover in domestic experiences - an ethirole in the First Quarter Storm of 1970, center stage yet again, as it undermined to some cal, sensible voice of reason that ought to be listened to. Given this should not be surprising. extent DLSU’s role in Estrada’s ouster. This was today’s precarious and confusing state of affairs, the future of the DLSU’s involvement in the events evidenced by a previous statement o f Br. Rolando country just might depend on it. that culminated in the first EDSA from The LaSallian archives) Dizon FSC at the time who commented, “I don’t (Sources and EDSA photos taken from The Revolution was far and wide. Hundreds know why our students aren’t out volunteered to help in the Namfrel there [in rallies]… your predecescount- part of which was conducted on sors were like you, and they were Universitygrounds.AMultiSectoralTask activists.” Force on the Elections was set up which recommended, among other things, the Though DLSU is a staunch sector that asks for Philippine presidents’ resigschool’s closure for a general strike. A Gloriagate: Supreme Sacrifice nation whenever the need arises, very prominent persons in the University chapter of the Cory Aquino for President Faced with the Gloriagate still accept cabinet positions when the government invites them. Yet, there Movement was established on campus. controversy, it appears that the service is not solely for the government but for the country at large. Well-known anti-Marcos activists such as Jose Maria Sison, University drew on its past to determine its course Both Br. Andrew Gonzales and Br. Roly Dizon FSC already served as Bernabe Buscayno, and former Student Council (SC) President of action. An ad hoc committee on the issue was the government’s educational arms. After all, the two brothers are experts Chito Sto. Romana were asked to lecture in DLSU. Student lead- formed, akin to 1986. Consistent with the previin educational progress in the country. They have shared the ideals of ers from DLSU, who were among those who barricaded Camp ous terms, the present SC sided with the resignaLasallian education in a wider scope. Aguinaldo throughout EDSA 1, likewise took frequently to the tion option for the resolution of the leadership In 1998, former Pres. Joseph Estrada appointed Br. Andrew as the streets in numerous pickets in the years leading to 1986. crisis. Most importantly, there is Restoring Faith secretary of Department of Education, Culture, and Sports. “La Salle should lead, not follow,” previous SC President in Democracy , reminiscent of the DLSU’s earlier During his time, Br. Andrew ordered the banning of cell phones and Efren Cruz said in an appeal for student involvement. Needless to stance on Estrada. The similarities, however, end pagers in 1999 and 2000. In an order dated June 29, 1999, Gonzales said say, his call was not left ignored, as noted by then-Vice President there. text messaging and pagers “are causing disturbance to classes and are being for Academic Programs Leonida Africa who remarked, “never While Restoring Faith in Democracy may conused to cheat during examinations.’’ He also initiated the school-based in Philippine modern history has such active volunteerism been jure visions of EDSA 2, it is a marked deviation vaccination program that targeted 17 million students nationwide to be recorded.” Former College of Liberal Arts (CLA) Dean Wilfrido from its five-year old sibling A Call for Collective vaccinated against measles. His programs also included the improvement Villacorta, along with Atty. Ricardo Romulo of the Board of Trus- Action . The former is an expedient, “calculated of public schools and application of Information Technology in education tees subsequently represented the University in the Constitutional risk”; the latter was a product of consensus. system. Commission that followed EDSA 1. The EDSA 2 scenario represented the joint Br. Andrew resigned a month before Estrada’s dethronement as presiHaving backed People Power ’86, DLSU affirmed its support for sentiments of the University’s constituents. dent. Nostalgic as it may sound, Br. Andrew wrote a book during his term President Aquino in the face of numerous coup attempts against The other largely is the opinion of the Lasallian entitled An Unfinished Symphony: 934 days at DECS . An article in Cebu her. In an official statement signed by students, faculty, adminBrothers. Daily News mentioned that the book revealed details of life in governistrators, parents, and support staff, the University expressed its Most importantly, Restoring Faith in Democ- ment such as “full of plots and counterplots with actors behind the scenes, condemnation of “insidious elements who would like to thwart racy explicitly denounces extra-constitutional manipulating us as puppets.” the popular will” and its commitment to the ideals of the EDSA alternatives and urges discussion rather than mass In June 2003, Br. Roly replaced Dr. Esther Garcia as chair of ComRevolution. action- both of course, taking into account the mission on Higher Education (CHED). During his relatively short term Events within DLSU, meanwhile, paralleled the turbulent need for a “supreme sacrifice” it requires of the as CHED’s head, Br. Roly made significant achievements in Philippine national situation. While Marcos was accused of electoral fraud, Chief Executive. The statement’s timing (ahead education. He has successfully improved the standard of education for two professors were leveled plagiarism charges. SC President of its contemporaries) also sets it apart and has, Marine Engineering and Marine Transportation graduates. Barry Ubarra was faced with impeachment as Marcos was, albeit in many ways, conditioned the tone for DLSU’s Furthermore, Pres. Arroyo commented the increase of shiftees in scifor different reasons. Even the extent of Lasallian awareness was present leadership position in the movement for ence and technology based courses that is considered to be the market’s put into question, as many posts for the SC were left vacant due President Arroyo’s resignation. highest demand. Bro. Roly’s leadership also led to the stronger promotion to a lack of votes. of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) education in the One La Salle country, and the search of jobs abroad for Filipino ICT graduates. Throughout history, it is clear that DLSU has EDSA 2: A Future at Stake During Br. Roly’s term, the country has ratified the UNESCO conven“We support the call for President Estrada to resign… We acted in opposition to a President on a primary tion for standardizing higher education in Asia and pacific regions. This call on our co-members of the De La Salle University System… belief in legitimacy rooted in moral ascendancy allowed Filipino graduates to enter the labor markets of countries, which to withdraw their support for an incompetent and immoral lead- and public trust. Save for unavoidable apathy of are part of the convention. ership that has made the condition of the masses worse than it some members of the Lasallian community, there Br. Roly, however, tendered his resignation last September 2004, due was when this President took over the reins of power.” This was is also little basis for the popular idea that DLSU as to health concerns and alleged “CHED politics”.
Of serving the president
he numbers for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA) are time in her term when the economy did well amidst increased don’t”. disturbing. borrowing of the country. In the same article, he says: “Despite ThefirstscenarioisreplacingGMA eitherthroughimpeachment Social Weather Station’s (SWS) survey showed –33 performance borrowing more than Fidel Ramos and Joseph Estrada combined, or her resignation. It is, however, uncertain because a very important rating last May, the lowest ever for a Philippine leader since 19 86. which have condemned us and our children and their children to a question remains: “who will become the new President?” A Pulse Asia poll revealed that nearly eight out of 10 Filipinos life of indebtedness, all she has to show for it is an economy about Whether a de Castro presidency via impeachment or a snap want her out, whether by r esignation or impeachment of un- to tumble like Argentina.” election shall take place, only one scenario is certain, there will be a constitutional terms. In the same survey conducted last June, hard transition. “An abrupt change will always be painful economiPresident Arroyo (53 percent) ranked No. 1 on the list of the “Glorianomics”:aneconomic contradiction? most unacceptable leader for the country. In the 80’s, the American economy suffered a depression. To cally,” he said. Alba also believed that the problem would take some Amidst the public’s dissatisfaction of the administration, it is time before the new administration is fully oriented with governing. counter this, President Reagan imposed a tax cut to give people evident the economy isn’t insulated from the political mess. With more spending money and the country recovered. Since then, that Back from square one again. continuous fall of the peso and monstrous increases in oil prices, is The second scenario (which is still at play) is the President staycame to be known as “Raegonomics”. there still hope, or better yet, a formula to improve the collapsing This shows that one way to boost a diminishing economy is ing in power. “Changing the leader doesn’t mean that investors will Philippine economy? to give the people more spending money. This equates to more suddenly flock” Alba opined. He used the analogy of a family for the political situation of the country. “It is common knowledge that in business for companies and consequently, more payment in taxes hard times, a family should sacrifice and be more united. And that shall follow. Better than passing mark? Malacanang has given GMA a “better than passing mark” in With the lingering implementation of the expanded value-added is what we should do.” Instead, it is evident that prominent personalities from dif ferent fulfilling the 10-point commitment she made in her State of the tax (E-VAT) law, it seems that GMA is doing the complete opposite. Nation Address (SONA) last year. But how reliable is this so-called This law originated from value-added tax (VAT), which is a uniform sectors of society are shifting their support. From former President Corazon Aquino to the 10 cabinet members who resigned (a. “grading system” of the palace? tax (10 percent) imposed on each sale, barter, exchange or lease k. a. Hyatt 10), the call for GMA resignation gets louder by the In fact, the President never mentioned any of this commitment of goods, properties, or services in the course of trade or business. minute. and explicit economic issues during her SONA last July 2 5. Instead, E-VAT shall raise the tax rate from 10 to 12 percent. Since it is an Amidst the scandals that currently hound the Presidency, from the president focused on changing the government’s structure from indirect tax (the amount of tax may be passed on to the buyer), this presidential form to parliamentary system. is expected to trigger steep increases in prices of consumer goods. jueteng to the wiretapped tapes, the economic effects should be One economic aspect of the President’s 10-point agenda is the Neal H. Cruz of PDI criticized the President’s move in his carefully studied. The first is poor business confidence. According to Dr. Alba, the creation of six million jobs in six years. In January of 2001, a month column, “Don’t anger people some more WITH E-VAT” . According before she was put into power through EDSA 2, the unemployto him, “The President brands herself as an ‘economist’ but forgets political instability brought by GMA will force companies to “play ment rate was 11.4 percent. The unemployment rate last January an elementary principle of economics.” Cruz labeled this economic safe” with their investments. This means that potential investors, both foreign and local, will opt to hold their money rather than was 11.3 percent of the population. contradiction as “Glorianomics”. pursue ventures, resulting to lesser jobs. One might say that this is not such a bad digit since it has not Cruz recommended that creating a more efficient tax collection Lastly, the main implication of this is a distracted presidency. recorded a significant increase. However, according to Dr. Michael system is perhaps the operative way to pursue. This makes sense since Alba, dean of College of Business and Economics (CBE), the fact the amount of taxes lost on tax collection is estimated at P41 billion, “The problem here is that the government would want to spend a lot of money to save the President,” Dr. Alba said. that it didn’t change in 2001 is already disturbing. According to while the expected income from E-VAT is only P31 billion. him, 2001 is a low base year in comparison to fiscal years. During However, Alfonso Alba, Economics Department faculty, has this year the climatic effect set in, although the Asian financial crisis a different idea. According to him, E-VAT is already a “desperate Ultimate Sacrifice occurred in 1998. measure”. “Whether these Moreover, Benjamin Diokno, the budget secretary during the “With the charges are real or 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Estrada administration, said (in an interview with Philippine Daily g r o w i n g only imagined, the Inquirer) that the Arroyo administration’s claim of having created obligafact is that they have COMBINED UNEMPLOYMENT more than one million jobs in the first five months of the year was tion of our irremediably im AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT artificial, given that many jobs were generated overseas. As a matter country, paired Ms Arroyo’s RATE 32.9% 28.3% 28.4% 28.4% 29.4% of fact, statistics show that seven to eight million Filipinos – nearly E-VAT is credibility, which is a LEVEL 9,414 8,659 8,983 9,157 9,822 ten percent of the total population – work abroad, and they pump necessary trait imperatively reabout US$ 7-8 billion into the economy every year. in naquired of the highest INFLATION The President, however, tamed the budget deficit quite well, ture,” he official in the land.” which was P67 billion as of June this year compared to the P97 added. opined Isagani Cruz, OVERALL 4.5% 6.1% 3.0% 3.0% 5.5% billion target for the same period. However, according to Diokno, CBE a columnist for PDI FOOD 1.9% 3.9% 1.9% 2.0% 5.8% the only reason that the government was able to reduce the deficit Dean Dr. in his article, “ The SOURCE:PCIJ is to tighten spending rather than increasing revenue collection. Michael sovereign will of the Perhaps the most disturbing statistic in the economy today is Alba also people”. the Philippines’ increasingly chronic debt problem. In fact, the agreed with E-VAT. He said, “E-VAT is needed to save the govern With her tarnished credibility, surveys and officials show the 11 Economics professors from the University of the Philippines ment from fiscal crisis which will equate to insolvency. One possible lost of confidence on her ability to govern. Dr. Alba said, “The (UP) already revealed the current government debt is 3.36 trilimplication of this is any asset you buy today will probably depreciate problem here (is), at these hard times, she won’t be able to ask lion pesos. They emphasized other government problems in their to half its value in just a year.” people to sacrifice. How can she when she herself isn’t willing to article The Deepening Crisis: The Real Score on Deficits and Public Since tax revenue accounts for about seventy percent of state play the ultimate sacrifice?” Debt last year. income, it seems that this new law is a prerequisite to the country’s Amidst the political division, one must realize that calling for Such debt accounted to nearly eighty percent of the country’s fiscal survival. As a result, E-VAT is one sacrifice that the country the President’s resignation doesn’t necessarily mean that one is in Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The paper also predicted a fiscal has to make; otherwise, the economy will be in a bigger hole. the same bed with the opposition. According to Dr. Alba, he wants crisis (similar to the economic meltdown of Argentina in 2001), GMA to resign not b ecause of political association but because of two to three years from now if the government does not address the Price of Continuity “long term growth from an economic standpoint.” widening budget deficit and the ballooning national debt. Amidst the political frenzy, there are two alternative scenarios, It is quite evident that the integrity of GMA’s administration is Conrado de Quiros, a columnist for PDI, stated in his article, both are of high risk but only one contains the initials GMA. It destroyed. Without it, precariousness in the government will set in. How long can she last?”, last?”, that the President can’t point to any seems to be a classical case of “damned if you do, damned if you Common knowledge of economics shows that political instability is “
THE ALGEBRA, SEE PAGE 15
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Fellowship of the student leaders. Ten student councils from Metro Manila discussed their stands on GMA controversy and proposed progra�
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Speaking in tongues?
n one hand, you have President Arroyo delivering her State However, with the claim of members of the Hyatt 10, who of the Nation Address (SONA). On the oth er, you have former were former members of GMA’s cabinet, that the Palace has a President Joseph Estrada delivering his own version of SONA. hand on the Temporary Restraining Order (T.R.O.) that the On the left hand side of the president, you have an elated Speaker Supreme Court issued vis-à-vis the E-VAT, it seems that the Jose De Venecia zealously applauding her pronouncements. On president reneged on her promises. How would she achieve her right hand side, however, you have a disinterested Senate her target revenue if the passage of important measures such as President, Franklin Drilon. Outside the walls of the House of this would be stymied? Overall, the SONA that the president delivered last year was Representatives, throngs of angry protesters call for the ouster of GMA and a horde of GMA supporters meet them head on. filled with visions and goals, but it failed to outline specific steps These scenes aptly reflect the divisiveness that i s plaguing the that the government would embark to attain the goals that it country these days. has initialized before. President Arroyo seemed to have focused But did the SONA truly reflect the country’s current state more on justifying her decision to save Angelo Dela Cruz’s life of affairs or was it just a concoction of nice-sounding yet emp- than to specify the measures that her government would carry ty words? How is this SONA different from the previous one? Were the 33 applauses and five standingovationsshereceived during her SONA ROYCE ROBERT ZUÑIGA enough to stave off our current conundrums?
ROSS VERGEL DELANTAR AND FRANCESCA STA. ANA
Demystifying SONA
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tereotypically, religion and politics should Office (LSPO) believes that it is human nature not be together because they are two different to cling to something beyond oneself, and this entities. It seems that the Church and the State could be the reason why political figures conis an obvious dichotomy. stantly hang on to something or someone more The Church speaks of the law of the land credible, in this case God. while the Government speaks of the law of the Dr. Rolando Gripaldo, Chair of the Philosoheavens.Historically,theChurchreleased state- phy Department believes that evoking God’s ments relating to the ousting of two presidents. name during campaign is a necessity to gain the On the other hand, politicians utter God’s name trust of the masses. “Intellectuals lang naman and biblical passages in their speeches despite yung nagsasabi na hypocrisy.(The) massesdon’t their questionable records to please the devout really think that (way)”, he adds. Filipino crowds. On the other hand, one professor sees nothing wrong with political figures using religion or God in their speeches for as long they are Spirit of Service encouraging the public to do the right thing. According to Pope John Paul II, politics in Student Council Executive Secretary Kate itself is good. Lim just gives these politicians the benefit of Still, the late pope affirms the presence of corruption and idolatry in the ranks of the the doubt. She says that some politicians, being raised in a Catholic nation do have a natural government and ruling classes. He emphasizes that the “Spirit of Service” should be the funda- mindset towards God, and that could be their mental element of a politician. The Spirit comes reason for inculcating Him in their speeches. from the “determination to overcome every temptation”includingdisloyalty,wasteofpublic Drawing the line? funds and abuse of power. Eventually, this Spirit Though the religious sector should only be of Service should channel a politician’s efforts contributory and not indispensable for political into a “virtuous” leadership. or social movement, history tells us otherwise. But the question is how many politicians People Power 1 and 2 are manifestations have genuine divine Spirit of Service? of just how influential the Church can be since both incidents were mainly under Jaime Cardinal Sin’s backing. In addition, his various Good intentions or downright hypocrisy? In a country where 83 percent of the Pastoral letters tackled issues considered to be exclusively, legislative dilemmas - something population is Roman Catholic, it is likely that politicians oftentimes include the idea of God that is misunderstood by some and questioned by many. in their addresses. ArchbishopOscarCruz’sstatementsagainst Andylyn Simeon of the Lasallian Pastoral
jueteng indeed exposed some politician’s in- an absolute moral danger, does not in the least volvement in it. As leading crusader against the justify either skepticism or an absence on the illegalnumbersgame,thearchbishopchallenged part of the Christians in the public life.” the government to speak “openly and clearly” Br. Armin Luistro, FSC, DLSU System against it. Cruz’s boldness reaped mixed reacPresident, clarified that “making a moral stance tions. Some individuals admire the priest for his and calling a political activity immoral is cercourage, other say that he acts like a politician tainly not the same as being involved in partisan than a Catholic prelate. politics.” “If I openly endorse the candidacy of Lately, the existing political situation reflects Noli de Castro, that will be partisan politics. just how proactive the religious sector can be. If I call for the resignation of PGMA based on The Lasallian Brothers’ open letter to PGMA moral grounds, that is not partisan politics”, the urged the president to make the “supreme sac- Lasallian brother furthered. rifice” or in other words step down. Even the stand of the Catholic Bishops’ Filling the Gap Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) reThe Church has a moral responsibility and garding the current political crisis is seen and their statements should be taken in good light, interpreted in different ways. Their statement, but not in blind conformity. However, society Restoring Trust: A Plea for Moral Values in Philipmust make an effort not to brand the Religious pine Politics was criticized for playing safe, but sector and limit them to clerical work. The same was generally understandable. goes to other sectors that choose to speak on Undoubtedly, the Roman Catholic Church national issues like the educational and the includes people from politics who share the youth groups. same faith. Clearly identifying where to split While the clergy speaks of national law the two is indeed difficult. This, according to with moral reason, politicians speak of religion Simeon is where the line between religion and usually with questionable motives. Therefore, politics is obscured. the nation should be extremely watchful of the actions and plans of these politicians, elected or not. Otherwise, they could use God and religion Moral Mission = Political Participation Diverse people who have various sets of in their own deceptive ways. (Sources taken from Pope John Paul II, beliefs all have one common word when asked about the issue of the Church reacting to poli- Public Life for Everyone and By Everyone; A rchbishopBrunoTorpigliani,Presenceand Actics: morality . In his message to the laity entitled Chris- tion of the Church in the Socio-political fields; tefideles Laici , the John Paul II stressed “the and Heaven and Earth, Philippine Graphic: common opinion that participating in politics is Special issue)
The Charm Offensive
PHOTO BYERIC SIY
ALEJANDRO ALMENDRAS IV AND ANGELINE ARCENAS They’d criticize you when you do make that and accountability from the Philippine govern- that she relinquishes her power”, as Br. Armin stand, when you are able to actually hold on to ment, their cry for supreme sacrifice still seem Luistro FSC would put into words. Making that something, yet they’d still condemn you when too overpowering, living those who question supreme sacrifice is an honorable dismissal. Our you don’t, when you rather remain silent. Either and commit themselves to risk, that one should opposing stand still abides deep respect, sincere way you’d have to face persecutions even for dare not defy. humility and resentment towards no one. For this righteousness’ sake. simple truth is manifested in all charity. Lasallian Brothers continue to resist over A plea and a prayer speculations that have taken against their stand. It really is different when one thinks of coups Pride and Prejudice As of date, a number of sectors who deem the act and destabilization against the government from In his homily last July 11, Br. Armin acknowlas incomprehensive and even self-righteous. For restoring faith in democracy. Talk about genuine edged their weaknesses. “…acknowledge that we some who may consider their statements to be reconciliation and moral rejuvenation as differ- have contributed to the malaise in our society ‘by primarily political in nature, or too hasty in making ent from past efforts of People Power. These our neglect, our bias, our selfishness’. We commit judgments, or even question its mission of educa- were results of Filipinos overwhelming tactic ourselves to renew our very institutions, our curtion and Christian formation, as for the Brothers when it comes to political instability, when we ricula, our own educational structures so that we this is their primary response and call as leavens become too democratic, too liberated, and too can.” The De La Salle Brothers have the right to of social transformation for our country. enthusiastic about this idea that has become a clamor for moral ascendancy, and they are quite And thus the statement calls for launching mere celebratory. willing to give this of themselves. But why make multidisciplinary discussions, information camRather, consider these as fundamentals after such painful choice? Education is our key to a paigns, and prayer. As th ey seek moral ascendancy the political turmoil. “Ours is a plea and a prayer transformed nation. As educators they want us to THE CHARM, SEE PAGE 13
2004 SONA: An Ode to Angelo Dela Cruz? President Arroyo exuded an air of triumph while delivering her highly anticipated speech during her 2004 SONA. She mainly focused on the release of Iraqi hostage, Angelo Dela Cruz, and her administration’sconsistent and aggressive foreign policy. However, GMA did not specifically point out the policies that she will implement to bring to fruition the ten-point program that she championed back then. Consequently, her claim that she created four million jobs in her July 25, 2005 SONA, which was one of the goals she set out to do in her 2004 SONA, arouse suspicion among political analysts and the public alike. This is not unexpected. After all, the general public would indeed receive this report with skepticism given the ambiguity of the president’s plans, PHOTO BYERIC SIY as regard to the attainment of her goals and the apparent lack of transparency in the programs of government, specifically specifically on her job-generation program in her SONA last year. Moreover, GMA discussed streamlining the bureaucracy in brief, though she did not identify the steps that her administration would undertake in order to cut down the expenditures of the remaining governmental agencies. What good will the removal of redundant governmental offices does if the expenditures of the remaining agencies remain exorbitant? The importance of the passage of eight new revenue measures was likewise underscored. The President recognized the need to undertake reforms that are geared towards the raising of revenues to be collected and saved by the government.
13 sentatives affirm this. The embattled president asserted that, “the story of our nation is a tale of two Philippines; almost, as it were, two countries under the same name. One is the Philippines whose economy, after long years of cumulative national endeavor, is now poised for take off. The other is the Philippines whose political system, after equally long years of degeneration, has become a hindrance to progress.” Following this acknowledgement of a split country, GMA turned her attention to the accomplishments of her administration. She highlighted the six percent growth in the economy, 69 million beneficiaries of health care insurance, the lo wering of crimerates,developmentsinthe educationalsystem,theseatthat the country has won in the U.N. Security Council, the progress that the government has made insofar as the peace talks with Muslim rebels is concerned, and decentralization of power— from the cities to the countryside, among other things. Nevertheless, these accomplishments would be meaningless if the president would not regain the trust of the Filipino populace. As evidenced by the surveys conducted by notable surveying firms such as SWS and Pulse Asia, the president’s net trust rating totally downgraded. How would she be able to rally support for the programs that she is proposing if her constituents distrust her? She may first resolve the question regarding her legitimacy, credibility, and ability to lead, given the political pressures that she is faced with. GMA then ventured into the change in the structure of government, which was met with enthusiasm by those who attended her SONA. She recognized the benefits that a Parliamentary- Federal form of government would bring to the country. However, she did not explicitly define the parameters of her proposed transition. She did not even explain how this would be funded. GMA seemed to have left everything to the discretion of the Congress. A shift in the form of government may possibly contribute in the resolution of our problems as a nation. However, as some would put it, more particularly the members of the Senate, there are more fundamental issues such as the Gloriagate, jueteng, impeachment, among other things that should first be resolved before talks about charter change and a shift in the form of government could be entertained. The President concluded, “We may disagree among ourselves but let us never lose sight of that greater battle for one people, one country, one Philippines. Not the country of this or that president but the Philippines of o ur shared and passionate affections.” GMA’s call is a sound one. But unless she answers the issues that are hurled against her squarely in the proper forum, it would be hard to actualize her vision. According to the President’s 2004 SONA, “ At the end of my term, the question will not longer be whether we can compete but where else in the world shall we take an indisputable competitive advantage.” However, considering all the problems currently hounding her administration, the SONA produced more questions than answers. Would GMA hurdle all the challenges that her administration is facing, without sacrificing governance and will she even finish her term as president?
The Crux of the SONA Admittedly, the SONA is one of the most essential avenues wherein the President could communicate with her constituency and honestly spell out the true state of the nation. It serves as a venue to, once and for all, iron everything out and clearly set out to realize the promises of a Strong Republic. the plans that the government would put in place in order to promote good governance, and identify specific mechanisms Dancing to the tune of Cha- Cha that would pave the way for the attainment of the government’s In the shortest SONA in the history of the Philippines, on goals. the other hand, the president centered not on the release of SONA is a venue in which the president can discuss the hostage Robert Tarongoy, but on the need to seriously con- pressing issues of the country. It is not an arena for partisanship sider Charter Change. This was the bedrock of her 23- minute and political accommodations. It is not a showground for vague speech. promises and more of the same. It is not a stage for pandering But before the president put forward the proposal that and senseless rhetoric. Speaker Jose De Venecia and former P resident Fidel V. Ramos In the end, the answer to the issue of whether or not the have been advocating for the longest time, she acknowledged president used the SONA for her political survival entirely rests the divisiveness that is rampant in our country. The historical on the shoulders of the major stakeholders in this issue – the no-show of opposition senators and majority of house repreFilipino people.
THE CHARM, FROM PAGE 12
remedy our passiveness and omit apathy in the face of injustice. We should make a stand and learn to actually believe in something. With regard to this, the Brothers wish not to disclose onto the minds of everyone their statement. We are not compelled by what has been spoken but only do they serve as catalyst for intelligent thought. Bro. Alvero Rodriguez Echeverria FSC, Brother Visitor, wrote, “We do not wish to impose our convictions on anyone… search one’s heart for the answer that will lead to you personal response.” A framework as to how we can develop our own personal sentiments on the matter: Proper information, as the right of every Lasallian; reflection, as the expected Christian action; and opinion, as the value of every person. Politics and the world over Should a resignation occur, the immediate issue is that of succession. On the contrary, we are not after who replaces who in the government. What critics most often forget that the Philippine government is not a government of one, but rather, a system of leaders elected by the Filipino people. Somewhere in the administration are individuals, officials with both capabilities and morals. The financial depression that will most likely occur in such a situation i s outweighed by moral costs. In facing the lesser, immediate enemy – a staggering economy– we acquire a stronger chance for survival. Remember that coals under pressure turn into di amonds. We should not be deceived by this trap of taking the lesser evil as the only option. This is not what is left of us. How can we learn from our mistakes if we tolerate injustice? How can we move forward if we allow the ills of society to remain? The Brothers believe that the truth must still come out to keep the integrity of the Filipino Society. Eleanor Roosevelt advised people to ‘do what in your heart you feel to be right, for you will be criticized anyway. You’ll be damned if you do, damned if you don’t.’ Damned they were. Machiavellian in principle, but a consensus at the time was simply not feasible. “There is a time when a leader makes a decision witho ut consulting anyone,” Bro. Armin said. Various interpretations have been and will be made about the Gloriagate issue and the plight of the Filipino people. Let us not forget that the point is to change it.
PHOTO BYPAULDARWYNN GARILAO
ALEJANDRO ALMENDRAS AND ANGELINE ARCENAS
PERSPECTIVE S
PERSPECTIVE S
The LaSallian
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The LaSallian
4 August 2005
4 August 2005
O
Speaking in tongues?
n one hand, you have President Arroyo delivering her State However, with the claim of members of the Hyatt 10, who of the Nation Address (SONA). On the oth er, you have former were former members of GMA’s cabinet, that the Palace has a President Joseph Estrada delivering his own version of SONA. hand on the Temporary Restraining Order (T.R.O.) that the On the left hand side of the president, you have an elated Speaker Supreme Court issued vis-à-vis the E-VAT, it seems that the Jose De Venecia zealously applauding her pronouncements. On president reneged on her promises. How would she achieve her right hand side, however, you have a disinterested Senate her target revenue if the passage of important measures such as President, Franklin Drilon. Outside the walls of the House of this would be stymied? Overall, the SONA that the president delivered last year was Representatives, throngs of angry protesters call for the ouster of GMA and a horde of GMA supporters meet them head on. filled with visions and goals, but it failed to outline specific steps These scenes aptly reflect the divisiveness that i s plaguing the that the government would embark to attain the goals that it country these days. has initialized before. President Arroyo seemed to have focused But did the SONA truly reflect the country’s current state more on justifying her decision to save Angelo Dela Cruz’s life of affairs or was it just a concoction of nice-sounding yet emp- than to specify the measures that her government would carry ty words? How is this SONA different from the previous one? Were the 33 applauses and five standingovationsshereceived during her SONA ROYCE ROBERT ZUÑIGA enough to stave off our current conundrums?
ROSS VERGEL DELANTAR AND FRANCESCA STA. ANA
Demystifying SONA
2004 SONA: An Ode to Angelo Dela Cruz? President Arroyo exuded an air of triumph while delivering her highly anticipated speech during her 2004 SONA. She mainly focused on the release of Iraqi hostage, Angelo Dela Cruz, and her administration’sconsistent and aggressive foreign policy. However, GMA did not specifically point out the policies that she will implement to bring to fruition the ten-point program that she championed back then. Consequently, her claim that she created four million jobs in her July 25, 2005 SONA, which was one of the goals she set out to do in her 2004 SONA, arouse suspicion among political analysts and the public alike. This is not unexpected. After all, the general public would indeed receive this report with skepticism given the ambiguity of the president’s plans, PHOTO BYERIC SIY as regard to the attainment of her goals and the apparent lack of transparency in the programs of government, specifically specifically on her job-generation program in her SONA last year. Moreover, GMA discussed streamlining the bureaucracy in brief, though she did not identify the steps that her administration would undertake in order to cut down the expenditures of the remaining governmental agencies. What good will the removal of redundant governmental offices does if the expenditures of the remaining agencies remain exorbitant? The importance of the passage of eight new revenue measures was likewise underscored. The President recognized the need to undertake reforms that are geared towards the raising of revenues to be collected and saved by the government.
PHOTO BYPAULDARWYNN GARILAO
S
jueteng indeed exposed some politician’s in- an absolute moral danger, does not in the least volvement in it. As leading crusader against the justify either skepticism or an absence on the illegalnumbersgame,thearchbishopchallenged part of the Christians in the public life.” the government to speak “openly and clearly” Br. Armin Luistro, FSC, DLSU System against it. Cruz’s boldness reaped mixed reacPresident, clarified that “making a moral stance tions. Some individuals admire the priest for his and calling a political activity immoral is cercourage, other say that he acts like a politician tainly not the same as being involved in partisan than a Catholic prelate. politics.” “If I openly endorse the candidacy of Lately, the existing political situation reflects Noli de Castro, that will be partisan politics. just how proactive the religious sector can be. If I call for the resignation of PGMA based on The Lasallian Brothers’ open letter to PGMA moral grounds, that is not partisan politics”, the urged the president to make the “supreme sac- Lasallian brother furthered. rifice” or in other words step down. Even the stand of the Catholic Bishops’ Filling the Gap Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) reThe Church has a moral responsibility and garding the current political crisis is seen and their statements should be taken in good light, interpreted in different ways. Their statement, but not in blind conformity. However, society Restoring Trust: A Plea for Moral Values in Philipmust make an effort not to brand the Religious pine Politics was criticized for playing safe, but sector and limit them to clerical work. The same was generally understandable. goes to other sectors that choose to speak on Undoubtedly, the Roman Catholic Church national issues like the educational and the includes people from politics who share the youth groups. same faith. Clearly identifying where to split While the clergy speaks of national law the two is indeed difficult. This, according to with moral reason, politicians speak of religion Simeon is where the line between religion and usually with questionable motives. Therefore, politics is obscured. the nation should be extremely watchful of the actions and plans of these politicians, elected or not. Otherwise, they could use God and religion Moral Mission = Political Participation Diverse people who have various sets of in their own deceptive ways. (Sources taken from Pope John Paul II, beliefs all have one common word when asked about the issue of the Church reacting to poli- Public Life for Everyone and By Everyone; A rchbishopBrunoTorpigliani,Presenceand Actics: morality . In his message to the laity entitled Chris- tion of the Church in the Socio-political fields; tefideles Laici , the John Paul II stressed “the and Heaven and Earth, Philippine Graphic: common opinion that participating in politics is Special issue)
tereotypically, religion and politics should Office (LSPO) believes that it is human nature not be together because they are two different to cling to something beyond oneself, and this entities. It seems that the Church and the State could be the reason why political figures conis an obvious dichotomy. stantly hang on to something or someone more The Church speaks of the law of the land credible, in this case God. while the Government speaks of the law of the Dr. Rolando Gripaldo, Chair of the Philosoheavens.Historically,theChurchreleased state- phy Department believes that evoking God’s ments relating to the ousting of two presidents. name during campaign is a necessity to gain the On the other hand, politicians utter God’s name trust of the masses. “Intellectuals lang naman and biblical passages in their speeches despite yung nagsasabi na hypocrisy.(The) massesdon’t their questionable records to please the devout really think that (way)”, he adds. Filipino crowds. On the other hand, one professor sees nothing wrong with political figures using religion or God in their speeches for as long they are Spirit of Service encouraging the public to do the right thing. According to Pope John Paul II, politics in Student Council Executive Secretary Kate itself is good. Lim just gives these politicians the benefit of Still, the late pope affirms the presence of corruption and idolatry in the ranks of the the doubt. She says that some politicians, being raised in a Catholic nation do have a natural government and ruling classes. He emphasizes that the “Spirit of Service” should be the funda- mindset towards God, and that could be their mental element of a politician. The Spirit comes reason for inculcating Him in their speeches. from the “determination to overcome every temptation”includingdisloyalty,wasteofpublic Drawing the line? funds and abuse of power. Eventually, this Spirit Though the religious sector should only be of Service should channel a politician’s efforts contributory and not indispensable for political into a “virtuous” leadership. or social movement, history tells us otherwise. But the question is how many politicians People Power 1 and 2 are manifestations have genuine divine Spirit of Service? of just how influential the Church can be since both incidents were mainly under Jaime Cardinal Sin’s backing. In addition, his various Good intentions or downright hypocrisy? In a country where 83 percent of the Pastoral letters tackled issues considered to be exclusively, legislative dilemmas - something population is Roman Catholic, it is likely that politicians oftentimes include the idea of God that is misunderstood by some and questioned by many. in their addresses. ArchbishopOscarCruz’sstatementsagainst Andylyn Simeon of the Lasallian Pastoral
The Charm Offensive
ALEJANDRO ALMENDRAS IV AND ANGELINE ARCENAS They’d criticize you when you do make that and accountability from the Philippine govern- that she relinquishes her power”, as Br. Armin stand, when you are able to actually hold on to ment, their cry for supreme sacrifice still seem Luistro FSC would put into words. Making that something, yet they’d still condemn you when too overpowering, living those who question supreme sacrifice is an honorable dismissal. Our you don’t, when you rather remain silent. Either and commit themselves to risk, that one should opposing stand still abides deep respect, sincere way you’d have to face persecutions even for dare not defy. humility and resentment towards no one. For this righteousness’ sake. simple truth is manifested in all charity. Lasallian Brothers continue to resist over A plea and a prayer speculations that have taken against their stand. It really is different when one thinks of coups Pride and Prejudice As of date, a number of sectors who deem the act and destabilization against the government from In his homily last July 11, Br. Armin acknowlas incomprehensive and even self-righteous. For restoring faith in democracy. Talk about genuine edged their weaknesses. “…acknowledge that we some who may consider their statements to be reconciliation and moral rejuvenation as differ- have contributed to the malaise in our society ‘by primarily political in nature, or too hasty in making ent from past efforts of People Power. These our neglect, our bias, our selfishness’. We commit judgments, or even question its mission of educa- were results of Filipinos overwhelming tactic ourselves to renew our very institutions, our curtion and Christian formation, as for the Brothers when it comes to political instability, when we ricula, our own educational structures so that we this is their primary response and call as leavens become too democratic, too liberated, and too can.” The De La Salle Brothers have the right to of social transformation for our country. enthusiastic about this idea that has become a clamor for moral ascendancy, and they are quite And thus the statement calls for launching mere celebratory. willing to give this of themselves. But why make multidisciplinary discussions, information camRather, consider these as fundamentals after such painful choice? Education is our key to a paigns, and prayer. As th ey seek moral ascendancy the political turmoil. “Ours is a plea and a prayer transformed nation. As educators they want us to
PHOTO BYERIC SIY
THE CHARM, SEE PAGE 13
PERSPECTIVE S
T
THE CHARM, FROM PAGE 12
remedy our passiveness and omit apathy in the face of injustice. We should make a stand and learn to actually believe in something. With regard to this, the Brothers wish not to disclose onto the minds of everyone their statement. We are not compelled by what has been spoken but only do they serve as catalyst for intelligent thought. Bro. Alvero Rodriguez Echeverria FSC, Brother Visitor, wrote, “We do not wish to impose our convictions on anyone… search one’s heart for the answer that will lead to you personal response.” A framework as to how we can develop our own personal sentiments on the matter: Proper information, as the right of every Lasallian; reflection, as the expected Christian action; and opinion, as the value of every person. Politics and the world over Should a resignation occur, the immediate issue is that of succession. On the contrary, we are not after who replaces who in the government. What critics most often forget that the Philippine government is not a government of one, but rather, a system of leaders elected by the Filipino people. Somewhere in the administration are individuals, officials with both capabilities and morals. The financial depression that will most likely occur in such a situation i s outweighed by moral costs. In facing the lesser, immediate enemy – a staggering economy– we acquire a stronger chance for survival. Remember that coals under pressure turn into di amonds. We should not be deceived by this trap of taking the lesser evil as the only option. This is not what is left of us. How can we learn from our mistakes if we tolerate injustice? How can we move forward if we allow the ills of society to remain? The Brothers believe that the truth must still come out to keep the integrity of the Filipino Society. Eleanor Roosevelt advised people to ‘do what in your heart you feel to be right, for you will be criticized anyway. You’ll be damned if you do, damned if you don’t.’ Damned they were. Machiavellian in principle, but a consensus at the time was simply not feasible. “There is a time when a leader makes a decision witho ut consulting anyone,” Bro. Armin said. Various interpretations have been and will be made about the Gloriagate issue and the plight of the Filipino people. Let us not forget that the point is to change it.
PHOTO BYPAULDARWYNN GARILAO
Au u
tion hovers around analysts’ heads, locals and Nor does it justify rallies and People Power atforeigners alike. Where did the country go tempts. The noose should be tightened a bi t for wrong? Why has its ways continued to be so the Filipino people. At this point, Filipinos must wayward, and why, when faced with progress, learn to focus on the problem, and be part of a does it reverberate back to its original backward solution. It must learn to sacrifice the old ways self? Perhaps we must consider the “wh ats” in and pave new ones. Fighting with one’s own race this conundrum. Prior to Magellan’s fleet, the brings no winning cup home. It is synonymous Philippines was doing well economically; its to killing oneself. The Chinese have a saying tang bu huan yao ,” trade flourished with Chinese merchants and “Huan tang bu ,” which translates to otherMalayneighbors.Politically,itwasstable; a “a change in form but not in content.” This is princess was even said to have ruled Pangasinan exactly what is happening to Philippine politics before the Spanish came. Under Spanish rule, for the past decades. The presidential seat has Filipinoswereintroducedto oppression,bigotry, become a working body with the same corrupt and subversion. Hundreds of years of colonial soul. It seems like toppling presidents has bementality have seeped through the Filipino so- come a trend for the past decade. Even this is cial system. Delayed as the reaction might be, not a solution. In its haste to change, Filipinos being the underdogs of Spaniards, Americans, forego the essential – a stabilized, progressive and Japanese has effected a schizophrenic streak country. in Filipinos. By the time the country gained independ- A New Road ence, Filipinos had been exposed to so much poThe heart of corruption lies in a country’s litical sin that the “colonial way” unconsciously people, but so does the heart of honesty. What set the norm for governance. The same tools, leads our people to be corrupt then? Look the same style – only, Filipinos were being led around and see what the Philippines has infaby their fellow countrymen instead of the white mously acquired throughout the years – a tainted race. It is a country that had its talents splayed social environment, unending politicking, and a out limitedly before it was even able to develop mislead people. Filipinos have lost hope. Perhaps its own. it is harder to teach old dogs new tricks. Our That is why the country may find it hard to politicians will always carry the social stigma of govern itself conscientiously until now. It is fair a soiled morality. to say that it is only on its road to self-discovery. But the young doesn’t. For this reason, The Philippines has had a rough childhood, the youth is obligated to serve as a catalyst for and in many ways, it is still paying hard for the progress. It must be the propeller of everythin g injustices it suffered. that makes up a successful country. Youth was not made to be wasted in the young, contrary to what the old adage has to say. The youth is Déjà vu Despite all these, history always repeats the new balance, the new light. It is perceptive, itself. It is hard to blame the people’s errant principled, and intelligent. To quote Randy attitude at times. Misguided in its blooming David, “Thank God there is a crisis. With this, years, it lost control over the driver’s seat. But we are able to discover the layers and layers of whether the colonists are the ones responsible lies in our government.” We have a task – for a for the country’s political state today, it’s time better future. for Filipinos to wake up and save their countr y. It pays to remember our roots, to live on By far, what is wrong with the country is not its traditions brought down by ancestors to ancessystem, but the fate that its people leave to it. It tors. But for the greater traverses of a country might be that too much democracy creates an plagued with political cancer, it is best to forego unruly nation. While it is common knowledge old ways. thatthe Macapagal-Arroyoadministrationserves For this, the Philippines must learn to forget not a role model for Filipinos, its inefficiency is past failures and learn the ropes to real progress not reason for a halt in progress for the country. – this generation hence.
In Retrospect If there is anything beautiful about Philippine politics in the recent decades, it is its consistency. From Marcos to Cory to Ramos to Erap to Gloria, there are traceable defects – grease money, power concentration, political gimmicks, and corruption. The perennial ques-
The Crux of the SONA Admittedly, the SONA is one of the most essential avenues wherein the President could communicate with her constituency and honestly spell out the true state of the nation. It serves as a venue to, once and for all, iron everything out and clearly set out to realize the promises of a Strong Republic. the plans that the government would put in place in order to promote good governance, and identify specific mechanisms Dancing to the tune of Cha- Cha that would pave the way for the attainment of the government’s In the shortest SONA in the history of the Philippines, on goals. the other hand, the president centered not on the release of SONA is a venue in which the president can discuss the hostage Robert Tarongoy, but on the need to seriously con- pressing issues of the country. It is not an arena for partisanship sider Charter Change. This was the bedrock of her 23- minute and political accommodations. It is not a showground for vague speech. promises and more of the same. It is not a stage for pandering But before the president put forward the proposal that and senseless rhetoric. Speaker Jose De Venecia and former P resident Fidel V. Ramos In the end, the answer to the issue of whether or not the have been advocating for the longest time, she acknowledged president used the SONA for her political survival entirely rests the divisiveness that is rampant in our country. The historical on the shoulders of the major stakeholders in this issue – the no-show of opposition senators and majority of house repreFilipino people.
The LaSa an
Au u
Where do we go from here? he Philippines never forgets. This is so precisely because aside from its having been at the epicenter of crises since the passage of time, it pains to forget. Like a crazed time machine, it would rather remember. As a country, it is weak. As a race, Filipinos are plagued. Magellan started with a great dream in Portugal. Circumnavigating the world with the theorem that the world is not flat, he concluded it as he landed in Cebu. Though Spain did not notice the importance of the Philippines at that time, it was not long before she orchestrated more expeditions to follow Magellan’s, which lead to Spain’s rule of the Philippines. Perhaps that point in time stirred centuries’ worth of bad luck for the Philippine islands. Or perhaps the real reason for the country’s ceaseless downfall lies something beneath, something obstructed by years of carefully buried weariness and denial – the Filipino apathy. The most pitiful of generations are not those that are poor of health or material wealth. The most pitiful ones are those that lack gold – golden ideals, golden beliefs, golden love for truth and knowledge. And that generation is ours. In a purely technological sense, corrupt is a word to describe a file that has malfunctioned. Unfortunately, for most grade-schoolers, it involuntarily equates to Philippine politics. As high school students, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo gave teenagers a taste of what goes on behind the closed doors of government officials’ quarters. Perhaps at that time, the raging hormones in most high school compounds obstructed the urgent message of Rizal. But as college students, even the safe walls of De la Salle make it hard to ignore the social and political clamor experienced by our people today. It seems like the country has gone on playing and rewinding past events, as the Gloriagate scandal painfully, yet again, reminds us of the many mistakes our country has made throughout the years.
sentatives affirm this. The embattled president asserted that, “the story of our nation is a tale of two Philippines; almost, as it were, two countries under the same name. One is the Philippines whose economy, after long years of cumulative national endeavor, is now poised for take off. The other is the Philippines whose political system, after equally long years of degeneration, has become a hindrance to progress.” Following this acknowledgement of a split country, GMA turned her attention to the accomplishments of her administration. She highlighted the six percent growth in the economy, 69 million beneficiaries of health care insurance, the lo wering of crimerates,developmentsinthe educationalsystem,theseatthat the country has won in the U.N. Security Council, the progress that the government has made insofar as the peace talks with Muslim rebels is concerned, and decentralization of power— from the cities to the countryside, among other things. Nevertheless, these accomplishments would be meaningless if the president would not regain the trust of the Filipino populace. As evidenced by the surveys conducted by notable surveying firms such as SWS and Pulse Asia, the president’s net trust rating totally downgraded. How would she be able to rally support for the programs that she is proposing if her constituents distrust her? She may first resolve the question regarding her legitimacy, credibility, and ability to lead, given the political pressures that she is faced with. GMA then ventured into the change in the structure of government, which was met with enthusiasm by those who attended her SONA. She recognized the benefits that a Parliamentary- Federal form of government would bring to the country. However, she did not explicitly define the parameters of her proposed transition. She did not even explain how this would be funded. GMA seemed to have left everything to the discretion of the Congress. A shift in the form of government may possibly contribute in the resolution of our problems as a nation. However, as some would put it, more particularly the members of the Senate, there are more fundamental issues such as the Gloriagate, jueteng, impeachment, among other things that should first be resolved before talks about charter change and a shift in the form of government could be entertained. The President concluded, “We may disagree among ourselves but let us never lose sight of that greater battle for one people, one country, one Philippines. Not the country of this or that president but the Philippines of o ur shared and passionate affections.” GMA’s call is a sound one. But unless she answers the issues that are hurled against her squarely in the proper forum, it would be hard to actualize her vision. According to the President’s 2004 SONA, “ At the end of my term, the question will not longer be whether we can compete but where else in the world shall we take an indisputable competitive advantage.” However, considering all the problems currently hounding her administration, the SONA produced more questions than answers. Would GMA hurdle all the challenges that her administration is facing, without sacrificing governance and will she even finish her term as president?
U NIVERSIT Y SC targets University Grievance Board
The LaSa an
"I pa o r m mb r our roo o v on rad on brough down b an or o an or "
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Controversies Controversies highlight Freshmen Elections
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The Freshman Elections (FE) are over, but the final verdict is still hanging on a balance. Unofficial results from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) revealed that Santugon sa Tawag ng Panahon (Santugon) won convincingly over Alyansang Tapat sa Lasallista (Tapat), garnering 16 of the 22 seats at the Batch and Legislative Assemblies. However, due to three pending cases against Santugon sa Tawag ng Panahon (Santugon) before the Election Board, the tides of fortune may change. According to Comelec chairman Meg Amat, if any party will be slapped with three major offenses, the whole party will be dis-
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PERSPECTIVE S The LaSallian
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Where do we go from here? "It pays to remember our roots, to live on traditions brought down by ances- tors to ancestors."
U NIVERSIT Y SC targets University Grievance Board The LaSallian
4 August 2005
T
KRISTEL KAYE CHUA he Philippines never forgets. tion hovers around analysts’ heads, locals and Nor does it justify rallies and People Power atThis is so precisely because aside from its foreigners alike. Where did the country go tempts. The noose should be tightened a bi t for having been at the epicenter of crises since the wrong? Why has its ways continued to be so the Filipino people. At this point, Filipinos must passage of time, it pains to forget. Like a crazed wayward, and why, when faced with progress, learn to focus on the problem, and be part of a time machine, it would rather remember. As does it reverberate back to its original backward solution. It must learn to sacrifice the old ways a country, it is weak. As a race, Filipinos are self? Perhaps we must consider the “wh ats” in and pave new ones. Fighting with one’s own race plagued. Magellan started with a great dream in this conundrum. Prior to Magellan’s fleet, the brings no winning cup home. It is synonymous Portugal. Circumnavigating the world with the Philippines was doing well economically; its to killing oneself. The Chinese have a saying tang bu huan yao ,” theorem that the world is not flat, he concluded trade flourished with Chinese merchants and “Huan tang bu ,” which translates to it as he landed in Cebu. Though Spain did not otherMalayneighbors.Politically,itwasstable; a “a change in form but not in content.” This is notice the importance of the Philippines at that princess was even said to have ruled Pangasinan exactly what is happening to Philippine politics time, it was not long before she orchestrated before the Spanish came. Under Spanish rule, for the past decades. The presidential seat has more expeditions to follow Magellan’s, which Filipinoswereintroducedto oppression,bigotry, become a working body with the same corrupt lead to Spain’s rule of the Philippines. Perhaps and subversion. Hundreds of years of colonial soul. It seems like toppling presidents has bethat point in time stirred centuries’ worth of bad mentality have seeped through the Filipino so- come a trend for the past decade. Even this is luck for the Philippine islands. Or perhaps the cial system. Delayed as the reaction might be, not a solution. In its haste to change, Filipinos real reason for the country’s ceaseless downfall being the underdogs of Spaniards, Americans, forego the essential – a stabilized, progressive lies something beneath, something obstructed and Japanese has effected a schizophrenic streak country. by years of carefully buried weariness and denial in Filipinos. – the Filipino apathy. By the time the country gained independ- A New Road The most pitiful of generations are not those ence, Filipinos had been exposed to so much poThe heart of corruption lies in a country’s that are poor of health or material wealth. The litical sin that the “colonial way” unconsciously people, but so does the heart of honesty. What most pitiful ones are those that lack gold – gold- set the norm for governance. The same tools, leads our people to be corrupt then? Look en ideals, golden beliefs, golden love for truth the same style – only, Filipinos were being led around and see what the Philippines has infaand knowledge. And that generation is ours. In by their fellow countrymen instead of the white mously acquired throughout the years – a tainted a purely technological sense, corrupt is a word to race. It is a country that had its talents splayed social environment, unending politicking, and a describe a file that has malfunctioned. Unfortu- out limitedly before it was even able to develop mislead people. Filipinos have lost hope. Perhaps nately, for most grade-schoolers, it involuntarily its own. it is harder to teach old dogs new tricks. Our equates to Philippine politics. As high school That is why the country may find it hard to politicians will always carry the social stigma of students, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo govern itself conscientiously until now. It is fair a soiled morality. gave teenagers a taste of what goes on behind to say that it is only on its road to self-discovery. But the young doesn’t. For this reason, the closed doors of government officials’ quar- The Philippines has had a rough childhood, the youth is obligated to serve as a catalyst for ters. Perhaps at that time, the raging hormones and in many ways, it is still paying hard for the progress. It must be the propeller of everythin g in most high school compounds obstructed injustices it suffered. that makes up a successful country. Youth was the urgent message of Rizal. But as college not made to be wasted in the young, contrary students, even the safe walls of De la Salle make to what the old adage has to say. The youth is Déjà vu it hard to ignore the social and political clamor Despite all these, history always repeats the new balance, the new light. It is perceptive, experienced by our people today. It seems like itself. It is hard to blame the people’s errant principled, and intelligent. To quote Randy the country has gone on playing and rewinding attitude at times. Misguided in its blooming David, “Thank God there is a crisis. With this, past events, as the Gloriagate scandal painfully, years, it lost control over the driver’s seat. But we are able to discover the layers and layers of yet again, reminds us of the many mistakes our whether the colonists are the ones responsible lies in our government.” We have a task – for a country has made throughout the years. for the country’s political state today, it’s time better future. for Filipinos to wake up and save their countr y. It pays to remember our roots, to live on By far, what is wrong with the country is not its traditions brought down by ancestors to ancesIn Retrospect If there is anything beautiful about Phil- system, but the fate that its people leave to it. It tors. But for the greater traverses of a country ippine politics in the recent decades, it is its might be that too much democracy creates an plagued with political cancer, it is best to forego consistency. From Marcos to Cory to Ramos unruly nation. While it is common knowledge old ways. to Erap to Gloria, there are traceable defects thatthe Macapagal-Arroyoadministrationserves For this, the Philippines must learn to forget – grease money, power concentration, political not a role model for Filipinos, its inefficiency is past failures and learn the ropes to real progress gimmicks, and corruption. The perennial quesnot reason for a halt in progress for the country. – this generation hence.
4 August 2005
15
DONELLE GAN
I
t is time for the grievance process to evolve. If things go the Student Council’s (SC) way, there will soon be a quasi-judicial body that hears, and decides objectively grievances of each DLSU sector. There are five sectors in the University: Administration, Faculty, Employees, Students and Parents. This is contrary to public thought that grievances are filed only against faculty. CentralizedGrievance Dubbed as the University Grievance Board (UGB), VP-Academics Oliver To observed that sectors in the University could file complaints against each other. The most common scenarios are students complaining against faculty and employees against the Administration. However, no formal University body exists to hear the less common grievances, or to hear all grievances no matter which sector is involved. To stated that grievance cases could be elevated to the national courts which would involve expenses in lawyer’s fees. These fees come from a contingency fund set aside by the University collected from tuition fees. Human Resources Development Office director Atty. Enrico Lusica disclosed that under his term, a total of 18 cases have been filed by the Employee’s Association against DLSU as of June 2005. The University avails of the services of the ACCRA and the LGCM law offices.
The UGB would serve as a formal venue for the discussion and possible peaceful solution of grievances in the University. Hence, there is a bigger possibility of not dragging certain disputes to the Philippine courts. To sees the UGB to promote genuine harmony in the University. To sees the UGB to be a multi-sectoral board reminiscent of the Multi-Sectoral Committee on Budget (MSCB) with representatives from the five aforementioned sectors and the University Legal Counsel.
Ghosts from the past Several cases in the past have occurred that breached the “faculty grievance only” paradigm. An accounting graduate revealed to The LaSallian her experience with the Discipline Office, where she claimed to have been “harassed” when she was unjustly slapped a cheating offense. She further claimed that due process was not observed in the proceedings. It may be recalled that former Adcreate President Bernard Gatbonton was found guilty of fraud. He was accused of “purportedly falsifying”receipts. The LaSallian gathered from Gatbonton that DO grievance his lawyer Atty. Baldomero Gatbonton Jr. had filed a case in PhilipThe SC recently held a DO grievance event in line with the DO Awareness Month and the impending Student Handbook pine court against Discipline Office (DO) director Atty. Hilario Caraan after being denied several motions for reconsideration by (SHB) Revision discussions on Student Discipline. Student Rights Awareness (STRAW) chairperson Noelle the Student Discipline Board. This was as of February 2005. Arcinue stated that the DO grievance served as a venue for students Former The LaSallian editor-in-chief Meryll Yan got into the infamous tussle with Office of Student Activities (OSAc) Director to report unjust treatment by the DO. Arcinue shared that during forums of the Legislative Assembly, numerous students have expe- Paquita Bonnet after Yan wrote about the “inefficiency” of OSAc. The case against Yan was dismissed, but only after sparks flew in rienced unjust treatment and undue process from the office. the DLSU community. The event was also used to compile all student reports gathered for the SHB revision discussions to h ave a factual basis. In 2003, two security guards have filed sexual harassment complaints against Assistant VP for Campus Services Enrico Arcinue gave credit to the DO for its information campaign Cordero. These were dismissed as well. (See In Review o n page against deadly weapons, drug use and other wrong practices. However, students also have to share their experiences with the 3 for more information). DO, may they be good or bad.
Controversies Controversies highlight Freshmen Elections DONELLE GAN
The Freshman Elections (FE) are over, but the final verdict is still hanging on a balance. Unofficial results from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) revealed that Santugon sa Tawag ng Panahon (Santugon) won convincingly over Alyansang Tapat sa Lasallista (Tapat), garnering 16 of the 22 seats at the Batch and Legislative Assemblies. However, due to three pending cases against Santugon sa Tawag ng Panahon (Santugon) before the Election Board, the tides of fortune may change. According to Comelec chairman Meg Amat, if any party will be slapped with three major offenses, the whole party will be dis-
qualified, hence invalidating the victories of This year saw the most number of elecits candidates. Tapat had two major offenses tioneering cases filed against the two parties. this FE, one for T-shirt violation and another Tapat filed a total of eight cases, while Sanfor e-mail campaigning before the allowed tugon filed a total of three. campaign period. However, there are no The Election Board will be manned by more cases pending against Tapat. Student Council President Army Padilla, Santugon meanwhile has one major Amat, and Dean of Student Af fairs Dr. Caroffense for campaigning - shouting, “Vote melita Pabiton. Derecho” - during the election proper. Amat stated that if indeed Santugon will Editor's note: By the time the decision of be disqualified, the candidates who garnered Election Board is finished, this August issue the next highest number of votes will take is being circulated in the University. Many their place. However, the candidates should possible scenarios would happen because of have the “50 percent plus 1” votes of the the culminating events. The LaSallian will update this issue in the publication bins. students. If none meets the criterion, special elections would have to be held.
2005 Freshmen Elections results
A PASTORAL LETTER TO THE LASALLIAN COMMUNITY We must not pretend to be a power or a powerful or prestigious unity; in uncertain things, ; liberty liberty; in all things, charity.” my conviction that education is organization. We do not have interests to safeguard nor influences We took a calculated risk in speaking publicly about our convicthe key to a transformed nation, I am also convinced more than to preserve. tions as Brothers” and lay educators who endeavor to become the ever that merely educating our students to be our nation’s future heart and the memory of our Founder, St. John Baptist de la Salle. leaders is not enough. We need to go back to our roots and reaffirm Br. Alvaro Rodriguez Echeverria FSC, Superior General We humbly acknowledge that ours is not the only choice and thus our commitment to educate the poor. We must face the fact that Closing Remarks, 2004 Inter-Capitular Gathering invite every Lasallian to discern in the depth of one’s conscience our prevalent culture in the Lasallian Family is middle class and we the best personal response to the current political situation. We do may find difficulty know- knowing, understanding and empathizing Dearest Brothers and Beloved Members of the Lasallian Family: not wish to impose our convictions o n anyone, but, in a spirit of with the poor. I sincerely believe that going back and educating dialogue with the rest of the Lasallian community, we invite each the materially poor is our call, our duty and our benediction. I am Greetings of Peace! Lasallian to search one’s heart for the answer that will lead to your also con- convinced that an excellent educational program for the personal response to the crisis. Our pastors have given us a moral poor—based on sound pedagogy, an up-dated curriculum, and Restoring Faith in Democracy. On 3 July 2005, the De La compass to guide our convictions and actions in the coming days sound values (including love of country)—is also the salvation of Salle Brothers and heads ofLasallian Institutions published in a local (cf. CBCP, “Restoring Trust: A Plea for Moral Values in Philip- our country. broadsheet the statement “Restoring Faith in Democracy” with a pine Politics”). Accessibility of Lasallian Education. More than ever, we need view of reaffirming our convictions as Filipino Lasallian educa Whatever our personal convictions, let us continue to be retors tasked with the mission of teaching minds , touching hearts minded that there are myriad things that bind us together as Filipino to make Lasallian education truly accessible to those who need it and transforming lives . The statement began with these lines: “It Lasallians during this time. Even if we stand on op- opposing sides, most without sacrificing quality and, pains us to speak at this time...” Two weeks after its publication, we can be united in the essentials. If we have to disagree, let it be capital for research, development and needed infrastructure. I I live that pain in an even more profound way, bearing the onus with deep posing respect, with sincere humility and resentment enjoin all Lasallian of our convictions, on my shoulders especially as I recognize that towards none. perhaps, schoolheads to creatively look for ways of making our my principal role as Brother Visitor is to be “the guarantor of the schools accessible to the millions of Filipino children and young Our Own Contribution to the National Crisis. In six years’ men and women who hunger and yearn for education – one that unity and vitality of the District,” (FSC Rule, 132) that i s, for both the Brothers and the wider circle of the Philippine Lasallian Family. time, we will be celebrating the centenary of our presence in the is transformative. As I continue to strongly believe in the convictions we made with Philippines, yet we should earnestly ask ourselves: What has been Conclusion. My fellow Lasallians, we are on a journey. One respect to the current political crisis in the nation, I also sincerely our contribution to the present turmoil we are experiencing today? apologize in a spirit of genuine humility and fraternity to all the We have been passing from crisis to crisis in the past three decades, that was started more than 300 years ago by a man “who became members of the Lasallian Family in the Philippines who may either and as the CBCP statement notes, the crises we have suffered aware, by God’s grace, of the human and spiritual distress of ‘the have misunderstood our motives or were hurt by our convictions. are basically moral—the lack of moral values in our- ourselves, children of the artisans and the poor’” (FSC Rule 1). We continue More than at any other time in our history, I recognize how dif- in our relationships, in our social structures”. As educators, we and follow this journey not knowing where it will lead us. But like ficult it is to be a Lasallian and how extremely difficult it is to be a must fervently and selves, seriously reevaluate the way we form the disciples on the road to Emmaus, we know that Jesus walks Filipino. In this time of turmoil and confusion, while we may not those who have been entrusted to us. Have we been reinforcing and talks with us even if we are blind to His presence and deaf to have all the answers, we sincerely struggle to become excellent the “ambivalent cultural values” of “ palakasan , pakikisama , and His voice. Whatever we do, wherever we go, in faith we trust that utang na loob ?” Lasallian educators as we live those questions and commit our?” He is with us. That is why our hearts burn with passion and zeal selves to risk our positions and even our very lives for the young I would like to humbly think that, for 94 years, we have eduin whatever we do and undertake. entrusted to our care. cated the best and the brightest of our youth to be good, sincere, I ask that you continue to pray for our deeply divided and honest leaders in all spheres of society, yet we must face the nagging deeply troubled country. Let me assure you as well of my fraternal Indivisa Manent. The coat-of-arms of the De La Salle family question of whether we have made any difference at all. prayers. speaks to us today: “Divided, we cannot stand.” This call to unity is Have we been too silent in the face of evil? Have we been too uppermost in my mind, as I reach out to all our Brothers, students, tolerant of dishonesty? Have we been too apathetic in the face of Peace be to all of you. teachers, staff , administrators, alumni, parents, benefactors and injustice? Have we insensately formed our students to maintain the friends. While we cannot and should not always strive for uniformity status quo? My fellow Lasallians, let us look at ourselves in the mirSincerely, I remain, your friend and brother, and convergence of thought, I still believe that in a spirit of sincere ror and ask: “Have we perpetuated, consciously or unconsciously, dialogue, we can rediscover even to- today our common roots and the very system we execrate?” Tonight, as I write this, I kneel down find therein a reason to stand as ONE LA S ALLE. As we strive day and say “mea culpa”. Br. Edmundo L Fernandez FSC to heal the wounds of division in the family, may St. Augustine’s Brother Visitor Education is Our Key: Going back to the Poor. While it is dictum provide us with some light to guide our way: “In essentials,
GENE-ISMS
MISCELLANEOUS
PHONETHICS
ID#102
LIFE'S CRISIS
CBE
TAPAT
STRAIGHT VOTES 45
S AN AN TU GO GO N
D ER ER EC EC HO HO V O TE TE S 213
INDEPE INDEPEND NDEN ENT
BATCH REP
DeluckBoonsirithum 210
Tin del Rosario 239
Aimee Chua 414
David Ofrecio 349
Aaron Chua 84
France Uy 84
Josef Lim 177
Sansan Vazquez 163
MonikaReunilla 467
Dex Yu Galan 419
Dino de Leon 75
Eunika Fernando 18
LA REP
CCS BATCH REP LA REP
CED
TA PAT
ST RAI GH T VO TE S 36
S AN AN TU TU GO GO N
D ER ER EC EC HO HO V O TE S 108
IND INDE EPENDEN PENDENT T
JM Arceo 130
Wyann Rosales 90
Zyon Aquino 165
Erin Bare 226
Edric Kintanar 33
Stacey Yu 33
Mica Lumain 105
Ron Ty 127
Clauds Peña 217
Francis Co 185
Jester Sia 31
Ishka Villascisneros 20
TAPAT
LA REP
COE BATCH REP LA REP
COS
SANTUGON
TAPAT
AL ALL L IN IND DIE VOTES V OTES 0
DERECHO VOTES 72 Erbin Vila 91
Anna Litonjua 59
LA REP
BATCH REP
STRAIGHT VOTES 40 Toni Piñero 130
BATCH REP
CLA
AL ALL L IN IND DIE IE VO V OTE TES 7
Marga Eusebio 78
STRAIGHT VO VOTES 133
SANTUGON
DERECHO VOTE S 254 Y2K Villanueva 420
Jenn Lazo 337
Justin Ticzon 198
Bingo Manahan 400
Reena Collado 236
Lean Braganza 266
Niko de Castro 414
Ian Marasigan 451
TAPAT
STRAIGHT VO VOTES 142
SANTUGON
DERECHO VOTES 126
EJ Cagampan 209
Kat Ramos 313
Eyah Catindig 331
Chris Venida 223
Carl Ventura 265
Leah Villalon 327
Fran Blanco 226
Tim Yapkianwee 257
DERECH O VOTE S 63
TAPAT
STRAIGHT VOTES 58
SANTUGON
BATCH REP
Inah Garcia 106
ReaganDykimching 111
K-Ann Presa 96
PJ Tobillo 95
LA REP
Daphne Chu 106
Oman Santos 81
Karyl Factora 123
JI Janario 97
THE ALGEBRA, FROM PAGE 9
never an ingredient to induce business. Thus, creating, at the very least, a stagnant and frail economy in the process. In the end, there may be no clear-cut equation for economic improvement but only one formula is certain: GMA by the power of 2010 can be equated to the algebra of economic demise. (Sources taken from Philippine Daily Inquirer and Pulse Asia Survey) GO BACK, FROM PAGE 2
Mission. “We need to structure venues where directions for the Lasallian Mission can be set in a more cohesive, efficient and effective manner, building on what we already have and do through a unified and comprehensive strategic plan.” Br. Fernandez focused on his point in improving the overall quality of Lasallian education. “We look forward to the day when the name La Salle is consistently synonymous to quality education in service to the poor.” “In taking the risk of moving outside our comfort zones, we believe we will be amply blessed,” he concluded. THE FIGHT, FROM PAGE 1
and could serve as mere distraction to the more pressing issue of impeachment. This is because GMA requested the congress to intitiate talks on Charter Change, and start the debate on changing the government from presidential to federal parliamentrary form during her SONA. According to Br. Armin, the main issues facing the nation were "deliberately left out by PGMA" during her SONA. "While it is clear that we need some systemic change in the political structure of the country, she (GMA) has not addressed the fact that her leadership continues to erode whatever remaining trust there is in our institutions," Br. Armin said. Prior steps Before, the brothers established a core group for Restoring Faith and Democracy. The core group will apply the principles of Lasallian family to shed light on the national crisis. The guidelines include Lasallian education, formation, and sociodevelopment. Br. Armin stated that their commitment has "shifted into providing various fora, where students and various sectors of the community can participate n these types of gathering, specifically bringing in the middle forces in dialogue with representatives from the administration and other political parties." The core group feels that the discussions "will lessen the heat (on the issue) and bring more light." The brohers are targeting the long term solution, said Aikee Esmeli, consultant for Youth Affairs of DLSU-System President, "We must sustain awareness and involvement and continue to educate the community, " Esmeli said in a phone interview. Y outhPower In an attempt to intensify DLSU's call for the president to resign, the SC will collaborate with San Beda College and Ateneo de Manila University , both of which also support calls for the president’s resignation, to persuade their co-member schools in the Union of Catholic Schools and Colleges (UCSC) in supporting their stand. Initially, various student leaders from different schools were planning to stage a Youth SONA that would coincide with the President’s own. However, SC President Army Padilla said that they have encountered problems in their preparations so the activity had to be cancelled. Padilla shared that they are intensifying the SC’s education campaign as regards the impeachment and other issues that confront the government to make the Lasallians more aware and “to educate the people about the truth.” Padilla was also interviewed by Ces Drilon in a news program in ANC News Channel last July 29 regarding the pressing issue. Also, SC Executive Secretary Kate Lim was invited in Y-Speak, a talk show in Channel 2 As of press time, the SC Legislative Assembly is planning to craft and eventually release its new manifesto, addressing the issue at hand in the coming days. ( With With reports from Paul Garilao ) )
Gene Magtoto
Ian Roman
Franz Pumaren has already led the Green Archers to five championships. Yet, that doesn’t stop him from aiming another crown for De La Salle. Despite the hardships and obstacles, Pumaren still manages to maintain his cool demeanor on-and-off court. Here are 12 basketball tips from the prolific mentor.
Allen Silva
Luis De Vera
BC Uy
UPPER FROSHMEN
RR Gutierrez
SOFT CORN
Paik Abanilla
1. Be always in tip-top shape. Basketball is a game of focus and discipline. 2. Basketball is a team sport, as it requires team work. 3. Basketball requires not only physical ability and athleticism but mental preparedness and toughness as well. 4. Try Try to avoid vices and too much night outs. 5. Always listen to your coaches to help you improve your game. 6. Push yourself to reach maximum potential.
7. Don’t be content with your kind of play. Always give extra time to develop your. game and decrease your weaknesses. 8. Stay focused and be dedicated to work on your goals. 9. Never take for granted the little details that you encounter and experience during training and practices. 10.The ball is smaller than the goal, so it’s not impossible to get in. 11. Defense wins championships. 12. It is the little things that make you win.
GENE-ISMS
Gene Magtoto
MISCELLANEOUS
Ian Roman
PHONETHICS
Allen Silva
ID#102
BC Uy
UPPER FROSHMEN
RR Gutierrez
SOFT CORN
Paik Abanilla
S
The LaSallian
P O R T
S
4 August 2005
Tamaraws halt Archers’ winning run REUBEN EZRA TERRADO AND CAMILLE BIANCA PINTO
D
1. Be always in tip-top shape. Basketball is a game of focus and discipline. 2. Basketball is a team sport, as it requires team work. 3. Basketball requires not only physical ability and athleticism but mental preparedness and toughness as well. 4. Try Try to avoid vices and too much night outs. 5. Always listen to your coaches to help you improve your game. 6. Push yourself to reach maximum potential.
Luis De Vera
LIFE'S CRISIS
18
Franz Pumaren has already led the Green Archers to five championships. Yet, that doesn’t stop him from aiming another crown for De La Salle. Despite the hardships and obstacles, Pumaren still manages to maintain his cool demeanor on-and-off court. Here are 12 basketball tips from the prolific mentor.
7. Don’t be content with your kind of play. Always give extra time to develop your. game and decrease your weaknesses. 8. Stay focused and be dedicated to work on your goals. 9. Never take for granted the little details that you encounter and experience during training and practices. 10.The ball is smaller than the goal, so it’s not impossible to get in. 11. Defense wins championships. 12. It is the little things that make you win.
Athlete Revisited
Lim Lim Eng Beng JHOANNA KAYE LEAL AND CARLOS REBULLIDA III
“Every time you play the game, you play with your heart.” – This principle has been the guide of the legendary Lim Eng Beng, one of the basketball greats to ever play for De La Salle. The makings of Lim Eng Beng Lim is not the typical basketball guy. He never dreamed of becoming a basketball player during his high school days in Chiang Kai Shek College (CKSC); in fact, he hated the sport. Fortunately, his brother, a member of CKSC’s basketball team, brought him to practices where he was given a chance to try out some shooting drills. It was then when he realized his liking for the sport and eventually practiced basketball himself. He then became part of the CKSC’s varsity team and played as a forward for three years. During those three years, Lim already showed his great potential as he led his team to three straight championships. Because of his outstanding contribution, he wasn’t just awarded the Most Outstanding Basketball Player by his school, but he also managed to catch the eye of the De La Salle coaches as well.
P O R T
S
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Maureen Penetrante
he End of an Amazing Volleyball Journey July 7, 2005. Perhaps I will never be able to forget this day in my life. It all happened in just a matter of weeks. The funny thing is, I didn’t even feel how fast the events went by. I trained everyday for two teams- the RP team and the DLSU V-League Team. Going through long hours of practices is not easy as it becomes tiring at times. Spiking a ball probably a thousand times a week and doing blocking drills throughout my volleyball career would make other people stop playing volleyball. But I am not one of them. I love this sport. There are no words to properly describe what I am feeling for volleyball, and partly, I am sad because I will not be able to play for the UAAP anymore. I never thought that one day I would stop playing. I mean, I can go on playing at my backyard or street, but it is not ju st the same. Playing at your backyard is just for fun, for entertainment. Playing inside the hard court is the real thing. Every inch of emotion is present. Sweat and humid air brought by the audience and the players give out the feeling of intensity. Fighting for honor and glory is very exciting and challenging. Fighting for De La Salle is a blessing as it has given me the opportunity to share my gift and passion for volleyball for a long period of time. I am very happy for the success of the Shakey’s V-League tournament. Aside from the fact that we won the championships, volleyball also won many hearts of Filipino people. Coliseums are always “sold out” because of the viewers. V-league is just pure game as there is no money involved. Volleyball is no longer second to basketball.
I guess it is equal now. This is another thing that makes me really happy. People get to see young, talented women battling it out to be the best of the best. I would have never made it through all my hardships in volleyball if it were not for the people who stayed by my side. They never left me, taught me my skills, and helped me fulfill my dreams. God, who is above all us, made all of this possible. If it weren’t for His generosity, I would have never crossed paths with volleyball. All I can say is thank You for everything. As I am writing this green journal, memories of volleyball flashed. I can still remember the feeling of finally winning Shakey’s V-League. It was b eyond happiness. It was a feeling of contentment. It helped me grow into a more mature person. After all, volleyball is not only about muscle development but also about holistic growth- emotionally, physically and spiritually. I took every game as a learning experience and not just either by victory or loss. I trained harder to achieve my goal of becoming a better player. I drew myself closer to God by praying, having faith in Him and believing in my teammates and coaches. I have definitely become a different Maureen Penetrante because of volleyball. I have come to love the new life that exists in me. Volleyball has just marked my journey. It is not stopping just because I will not be wearing the jersey, high socks, and kneepads anymore, for I am a true Lady Spiker whose loyalty to the De La Salle Volleyball team is forever, may it be me playing inside the court or being just one of the people cheering on the bleachers.
Green Spikers notches second win against Ateneo
Clobbered.Reigning Clobbered. Reigning UAAP MVP Arwind Santos blocks Green Archer Joseph Yeo’s path to the basket PHOTO BYERIC SIY during their first round encounter. DLSU lost, 62-69.
for a commercial league. Since he came from a 7 of the 1980 championship when his U-Tex team family with financial problems, he decided to go to went up against powerhouse Toyota squad. The the late Bro. Gabriel Connon, the DLSU President series was tied at 3-all and in the last 16 seconds at that time, to inform that he was considering the of the game, Toyota was up by four points. By commercial league’s offer. However, Br. Connon some miracle, U-Tex was able to force the game managed to convince Lim to play h is final year for into overtime after stealing the ball twice. During the green and white squad. the extension period, U-Tex made 5 points while Staying with the Green Archers was a respect- Toyota only converted 4 points, making the U-Tex able and clever decision, as his last year became the team the outright PBA champions. highlight of his college basketball days. Not only Knowing that he has already reached th e peak did the Taft-based squad swept all their games in of his career, Lim quietly retired from the PBA in 1974, but Lim also raised the NCAA individual 1986. He believed that quitting while still on top points-per-game record to 55. Beating the Blue is better as he had nothing to prove anymore. “ I Eagles in the championship game and winning the wanted to retire gracefully, with the glory,” Lim MVP award were just icings on the cake. disclosed. Because of Lim’s exceptional role in this remarkable era of the Green Archers, Br. Connon The Words of a Basketball Legend retired his jersey number (14) during the victory During his time, basketball wasn’t televised ball, an emotional event for Lim. “Nung sinabi until he reached the PBA. According to Beng, the ni Bro. Gabriel (Connon) na i-retire jersey ko, UAAP players now are luckier as they are exposed umiiyak na ako sa stage. I could not say anything. to a lot of airtime. Up to now, pag naiisip ko yung moment, napaNevertheless, Lim believes that young players paiyak ako.” should stay simple and humble no matter how Lim, a business management graduate, claims great they are. His words of advice: “ Basketball that what he misses most about college basketball is simple; don’t make it complicated. Whatever is the cheers of the crowd and simply playing for La you do, 2 points yan. Maski magdamag ka sa ere, Salle in general. Whenever he watches the games, 2 points pa rin yan. Make it easier for yourself. he can imagine himself inside the court 31 years Make your shooting more high percentage. Pag ago. “If I can turn back the time, why not? I’d still di mo ginawang simple ang basketball, you won’t play for La Salle, ” Lim shared. last four quarters.”
The pride of De La Salle Upon entering the DLSU basketball team, Lim was converted into a point guard, a position he needed adjusting to. However, his determination to be known as a great player helped him The Legend of the PBA overcome this minor obstacle. The Life of a Basketball Great Due to his reputation as an excellent collegiate He immediately got a taste of After engaging in several business opportunibasketball player, Lim skipped playing in the com- ties, he has settled down and has been coaching victory during his rookie year, when the Green Archers won the 1971 mercial league and went straight to the professional the Chiang Kai Shek high school basketball team. NCAA championship, their first in league, the Philippine Basketball Association. As for his three kids, he wants the three of them In his 12 years of stay in the PBA, he played fifteen years. The next three years to finish their studies in De La Salle. then saw Lim emerge as one of for teams like U-Tex, San Miguel, and Crispa. If there’s anybody who possesses the true the greatest Green Archers in the Lim continued his dominance in the PBA as he Lasallian spirit, that guy would be Lim Eng won four championships and two Mythical 5 Beng. He has always embodied the ideals of what history of DLSU. Duing the awards (’78, ’80). By 1980, he was able to score DLSU wants from its students and still practices 1973 season, 5000 points, making him one of the PBA’s 25 it today. he was offered best players. “Without De La Salle, there would be no Lim His most memorable PBA moment was Game Eng Beng,” the basketball legend concluded. a chance to play PHOTO BYDIANE REYES
The LaSallian
Green Journals
e La Salle could not contain the inspiring play of FEU’s Arwind Santos as the Green Archers snapped their two-game winning streak, bowing to the Tamaraws, 69-62, in the highly-anticipated rematch of last year’s finals at the Big Dome last July 31.
The lanky Santos pounced a game-high 21 points committing 20.2 turnovers per games as compared including 11 rebounds but his stroke from behind the to DLSU’s 17.5. True enough, the España-based arc made the difference for the Morayta-based cagers squad wasn’t able to hold its ground against the as he converted three long distance shots. Green Archers. As the Archers were inching their way b ack to the At the start of the first quarter, the Archers’ degame, Santos made his last triple conversion with 1:36 fense paved the way as they held the Tigers scoreless remaining in the final quarter, crushing the h earts of for the first two minutes. Joseph Yeo led his team with the Taft-based squad as the Tamaraws’ lead extended his hot shooting as the Green Archers dominated the to nine points, 66-57. first quarter, 33-14. With a 50-41 disadvantage late in the third quarThe Tigers tried to climb back from the cellar but ter, the Archers were poised for a comeback when Coach Franz Pumaren’s troops managed to protect Joseph Yeo nailed a three while adding a fastbreak the lead and finished out strong in the second quarlay-up to put De La Salle to within four points, 50- ter. Despite the enormous lead, the Green Archers 46, at the end of the canto. continued its dominance all the way to the final canto, But the run proved to be futi le in the next period sealing their third win of the season. as JB Mangahas connected on a three-point play. In Yeo topscored the Green Archers with 18 points addition, Jonas Villanueva, RJ Rizada, and Jeffrei while Jun-Jun Cabatu dominated the paint once Chan forced turnovers that led into easy lay-ups to more with his 13 rebounds. On the other hand, Jojo shift the momentum away from the Archers with a Duncil led the Tigers with 20 points but his efforts 59-46 count. weren’t enough to stop the Green Archers from The Archers erected a 6-0 blast with an inside grabbing the win. basket by Ryan Araña but a crucial mistake by the table officials of resetting the shot clock gave FEU DLSU vs. Adamson (65-58) another opportunity to set up their offense that led TY Tang showed the composure of a veteran to a Santos lay-up. on a time when the Green Archers needed it most With five minutes remaining in the game, the as De La Salle came away with a 65-58 victory over Archers had its last stand as De La Salle scored five the pesky Adamson Soaring Falcons last July 23 at straight baskets on an Araña shot and a Tang triple the Big Dome. to slash the lead to six, 63 -57. But Tang missed on In the final quarter, the Archers’ offense went a potential back-to-back three-pointer which led to sour as they failed to score a basket in an eightSantos’ rainbow shot, 66-57. minute stretch. Meanwhile, the Soaring Falcons TY Tang led the Archers with 17 points on three- slowly clawed their way back to the match with 11 of-five shooting from behind the arc while Jun-Jun unanswered points in that stretch that almost rattled Cabatu added 12. FEU’s Rizada added support to the Taft-based cagers. But it was Tang who played Santos, finishing with 12 markers and dishing out the hero’s role for the Archers. After a split charity, five assists. the first point in the quarter, 60-58, he drilled a coldThe Tamaraws, still unbeaten after six assignblooded three-point basket with 53 ticks remaining ments, were able to capitalize on the errors com- to seal the victory. mitted by the Archers as they scored 26 points off Tang finished the game with a team-high 19 turnovers as against to the Archers’ four. points on a three-of-seven shooting from beyond With the defeat, the Archers moved down to solo the arc. fifth place with a 3-3 record. The Taft-based cagers “This game was a big test for us. Even though will seek for a strong finish in the first round as they (Adamson) made a run, we were still in the game,” play the winless National University Bulldogs on Aug. said Coach Franz Pumaren, who also noted the team’s 6 at the Big Dome. lack of “killer-instinct”. Joseph Yeo added 12 for the Archers. Patrick Cabahug led Adamson with a game-high 24 points DLSU vs. UST (98-78) The Green Archers continued to prove their on four-of-seven from rainbow distance. worth as the defending champions as they crushed The Archers were limited to just six points in the the UST Growling Tigers, 98-78, last July 28. final quarter, five on Tang, but it proved to be enough Prior to the game, the Tigers have a record of to get a win after committing two straight losses.
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4 August 2005
MICHELLE ANDREWS, EVELYN CHUA, AND CANDACE DAPHNE TING Clearly, the Green Spikers made its point that defense to diligently regain the momentum. with final set marks of 25-23, 25-22, and defeating the blue-bannered pack extends The Loyola-based spikers lagged behind in 25-22. Rookie Andrew Billeña lived up into the UAAP volleyball field as well. defensive stops, evidenced by the number to Coach Ronald Dulay’s expectations as The tension of the La Salle-Ateneo of De La Salle spikes that they failed to dig his powerful spikes garnered most of the rivalry is commensurate in any type of combefore eventually catching one, increasing team’s points. petition, which is exactly why the expected the Spikers’ lead to 18-12 that perpetually In addition, team captain Joseph Bato, ousting of the Loyola-based Spikers in ballooned up to 22-14. Russel Raz, and Justin Marchadesch played straight sets, 25-10; 25-17; 25-19 last July By the third and final set, it was pretty exceptional defense on the net as they 31 at the UPCHK Gym was still very much obvious that the veteran De La Salle squad blocked key spikes from the opposition. emotionally triggered. had the advantage over the less-experienced Masteral student and former CSB It has been a rocky win-lose path for the and height-challenged crew of Ateneo in Blazer, Raymond Yoldi also proved to be a Spikers, who are coming off an embarrassing ng terms of jumping ability and proper execu- brilliant investment after performing excelstraight-set loss to the UP spikers. With their tion of plays. lent reception for the Taft-based squad. redeeming win against Ateneo, De La Salle Junior Russel Raz topscored for the On the other hand, Ben Labide rallied is currently in the middle of the UAAP pack Spikers with 18 points. the Bulldogs with strong services and agsporting a 2-2 slate. In an earlier game, the Green Spikers gressive plays alongside teammates, ReyThe Spikers’ first-set romp can mostly suffered their second setback as the UP naldo Carandang and Beniamor Lingat. be attributed to the efforts of veteran Aifrell Maroons swept the Taft-based squad in Besides the absence of a full roster, the De La Pena, who scored seven of his eleven straight sets, 3-0, last July 27. Green Spikers still managed to take advanpoints during that lopsided first set. Prior to the two games against UP and tage of the numerous errors and certain misDuring the second round, Ateneo con- ADMU, the Green Archers had an easier communications that the NU Bulldogs were tinued to struggle with their spikes, which time defeating the National University Bull- committing during the game. “ Umaangat had the tendency to stray beyond the l ines dogs, 3-0, in their second UAAP game last naman [ang team] kahit kulang ; they’re or get jammed into the net. Despite being July 24. learning how to blend”, Coach Dulay said down by only up by a point, 9-8, the SpikDespite the close calls and NU’s rally, as his team continues to face tougher opers capitalized on Ateneo’s deficiency in the Green Spikers still emerged victorious ponents in the games to come.
GreenGallery Green Gallery JORDY NAVARRA
PHOTOSBY DAN NABLE SHANA BANIEL CHYNNA CHAN
JUN-JUN CABATU Men's Basketball
Besides his workhorse defensive skills, Jun-Jun Cabatu has another thing to be proud of---his new-found offensive game. Cabatu aims to follow the footsteps of his father as he plays the final season of his collegiate career. This time around, Cabatu will be among the veterans providing the leadership as the Green Archers defend their UAAP crown.
CARLA LLAGUNO Women's Vollerball
A born fighter, Carla Llaguno never forgets to bring her “never say die” attitude on the court for the Lady Spikers. After a year of adjustments, Llaguno is confident that she will make more impact in her sophomore year, willing to fill in any void that the team should have. The former Colegio de San Agustin standout is aggressively smart as she attacks on every weakness of the opponent, while also giving a 101 percent in her performance as well.
With the departure of UAAP MVP Crisanta Abas, all eyes are now on sophomore Arlene Borja. The former Rookie of the Year awardee is tasked to lead the Lady Paddlers to greater heights this season. After refining her skills through rigorous trainings with the national team, Borja is all geared up to combine her new techniques with her speed and aggression as she takes on a new batch of formidable opponents.
ARLENE BORJA Women's Table Tennis
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Equality in the UAAP please nce the game is Oover, the king and the pawn go back in the same box. ~Italian Proverb In this life, equality should exist. Unfortunately, it’s not happening. the men's Take the UAAP L i k e m e n ’ s b a s k e t b a l l basketball, other UAAP for example. These sports also deserve collegiate basketball attention. players get all the luxuries in life. They have tons of sponsors, while also undergoing through a lot of publicity stuff. In addition to their free education, they have also earned a lot of people’s respects. Now, I don’t blame these guys if they are getting all these stuff; after all, they are working hard for it. The only thing I don’t get is the fact that it’s only just the UAAP men’s basketball teams who are getting all the attention. Teams like the Lady Archers, Green and Lady Spikers, Booters, and other teams as well are also working their butts of but what do they get? Only material things. During their games, very few people watch their matches. Most of the time, it’s just their families and friends who support them. Last July 17, the DLSU Pep Squad performed in the halftime of the Lady Archers’ game against the UST Tigresses. I really appreciated their efforts as they cheered on the Taft-based squad. Unfortunately again, the people doing the halftime cheer weren’t really doing their cheers wholeheartedly. For one, they weren’t dressed in DLSU uniforms and to worsen the situation, some of them were just wearing slippers while cheering. How come when it comes to the UAAP games of men’s basketball, these members of the DLSU pep squad are all dressed up? But when it comes to games in other sports, they don’t bother a bit with their appearances. Equality just doesn’t seem to fit the picture. In a recent interview of The LaSallian with Mr. Lim Eng Beng, he mentioned how lucky collegiate players are today. For one, they are getting a lot of airtime as the UAAP games of men’s basketball are televised. True enough, Mr. Lim is right. These players are really lucky. Well, how come other UAAP sports aren’t getting this kind of media hype? Is it because their sport is not that popular or the people simply just don’t care? Like the men’s basketball, other UAAP sports deserve attention, as well as the players of these sports also bring pride to their alma mater. During UAAP games, the De La Salle community often cheers “ Animo La Salle!” Honestly, it would b e better if we change the cheer to “ Animo Green Archers!” since in the first place, it’s only the Green Archers that most people care about. In the quote I used earlier, the Green Archers symbolizes the king while the other sports are the pawns. Though the king may seem higher than the pawn, both of them still go back in the same box. Hopefully, there would be more room for the other UAAP sports oth er than men’s basketball. After all, men’s basketball and other UAAP sports have something
Judokas dominate PUP Invitational
REY CHRISTIAN SIKAT It’s a fresh beginning to the old agenda. The Green Judokas trounced the competition by winning five medals in four weight classes in the PUP Judo Invitational held at the San Juan Gymnasium last July 10 , 2005. Leading the path to glory for the Green Judokas were Samson Bernales and Jeremiah de Castro, as they both won a gold medal in the -73 kg. and -52 kg. weight classes, respectively. Jan Freagn Devaras and Renelyn Benigay also contributed silver medals in their respective weight classes. Rounding up the list of winners was rookie Jerica Senales who secured a bronze medal for De La Salle. Bernales captured the gold by storming past the opposition during the early stages of the tournament and completed the feat by pinning down his opponent during the final match. On the other hand, De Castro arranged a green-and white themed final match with fellow teammate Devaras as points decided her win. Fresh from his victorious stance, Bernales acknowledged the importance of the tournament for the Judokas. “These tune-up games will help the players prepare and gain experience for the upcoming UAAP tournament,” he said. The Green Judokas believe that experience and proper training are the keys to winning the coveted UAAP crown. In line with this philosophy, a series of upcoming tournaments is scheduled for the Judokas to aid their preparation for the UAAP wars.
LONG LIVE ANIMO! Support our UAAP first-half teams.
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The LaSallian
P O R T
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4 August 2005
Tamaraws halt Archers’ winning run e La Salle could not contain the inspiring play of FEU’s Arwind Santos as the Green Archers snapped their two-game winning streak, bowing to the Tamaraws, 69-62, in the highly-anticipated rematch of last year’s finals at the Big Dome last July 31.
The lanky Santos pounced a game-high 21 points committing 20.2 turnovers per games as compared including 11 rebounds but his stroke from behind the to DLSU’s 17.5. True enough, the España-based arc made the difference for the Morayta-based cagers squad wasn’t able to hold its ground against the as he converted three long distance shots. Green Archers. As the Archers were inching their way b ack to the At the start of the first quarter, the Archers’ degame, Santos made his last triple conversion with 1:36 fense paved the way as they held the Tigers scoreless remaining in the final quarter, crushing the h earts of for the first two minutes. Joseph Yeo led his team with the Taft-based squad as the Tamaraws’ lead extended his hot shooting as the Green Archers dominated the to nine points, 66-57. first quarter, 33-14. With a 50-41 disadvantage late in the third quarThe Tigers tried to climb back from the cellar but ter, the Archers were poised for a comeback when Coach Franz Pumaren’s troops managed to protect Joseph Yeo nailed a three while adding a fastbreak the lead and finished out strong in the second quarlay-up to put De La Salle to within four points, 50- ter. Despite the enormous lead, the Green Archers 46, at the end of the canto. continued its dominance all the way to the final canto, But the run proved to be futi le in the next period sealing their third win of the season. as JB Mangahas connected on a three-point play. In Yeo topscored the Green Archers with 18 points addition, Jonas Villanueva, RJ Rizada, and Jeffrei while Jun-Jun Cabatu dominated the paint once Chan forced turnovers that led into easy lay-ups to more with his 13 rebounds. On the other hand, Jojo shift the momentum away from the Archers with a Duncil led the Tigers with 20 points but his efforts 59-46 count. weren’t enough to stop the Green Archers from The Archers erected a 6-0 blast with an inside grabbing the win. basket by Ryan Araña but a crucial mistake by the table officials of resetting the shot clock gave FEU DLSU vs. Adamson (65-58) another opportunity to set up their offense that led TY Tang showed the composure of a veteran to a Santos lay-up. on a time when the Green Archers needed it most With five minutes remaining in the game, the as De La Salle came away with a 65-58 victory over Archers had its last stand as De La Salle scored five the pesky Adamson Soaring Falcons last July 23 at straight baskets on an Araña shot and a Tang triple the Big Dome. to slash the lead to six, 63 -57. But Tang missed on In the final quarter, the Archers’ offense went a potential back-to-back three-pointer which led to sour as they failed to score a basket in an eightSantos’ rainbow shot, 66-57. minute stretch. Meanwhile, the Soaring Falcons TY Tang led the Archers with 17 points on three- slowly clawed their way back to the match with 11 of-five shooting from behind the arc while Jun-Jun unanswered points in that stretch that almost rattled Cabatu added 12. FEU’s Rizada added support to the Taft-based cagers. But it was Tang who played Santos, finishing with 12 markers and dishing out the hero’s role for the Archers. After a split charity, five assists. the first point in the quarter, 60-58, he drilled a coldThe Tamaraws, still unbeaten after six assignblooded three-point basket with 53 ticks remaining ments, were able to capitalize on the errors com- to seal the victory. mitted by the Archers as they scored 26 points off Tang finished the game with a team-high 19 turnovers as against to the Archers’ four. points on a three-of-seven shooting from beyond With the defeat, the Archers moved down to solo the arc. fifth place with a 3-3 record. The Taft-based cagers “This game was a big test for us. Even though will seek for a strong finish in the first round as they (Adamson) made a run, we were still in the game,” play the winless National University Bulldogs on Aug. said Coach Franz Pumaren, who also noted the team’s 6 at the Big Dome. lack of “killer-instinct”. Joseph Yeo added 12 for the Archers. Patrick Cabahug led Adamson with a game-high 24 points DLSU vs. UST (98-78) The Green Archers continued to prove their on four-of-seven from rainbow distance. worth as the defending champions as they crushed The Archers were limited to just six points in the the UST Growling Tigers, 98-78, last July 28. final quarter, five on Tang, but it proved to be enough Prior to the game, the Tigers have a record of to get a win after committing two straight losses.
Athlete Revisited
Lim Lim Eng Beng JHOANNA KAYE LEAL AND CARLOS REBULLIDA III
“Every time you play the game, you play with your heart.” – This principle has been the guide of the legendary Lim Eng Beng, one of the basketball greats to ever play for De La Salle. The makings of Lim Eng Beng Lim is not the typical basketball guy. He never dreamed of becoming a basketball player during his high school days in Chiang Kai Shek College (CKSC); in fact, he hated the sport. Fortunately, his brother, a member of CKSC’s basketball team, brought him to practices where he was given a chance to try out some shooting drills. It was then when he realized his liking for the sport and eventually practiced basketball himself. He then became part of the CKSC’s varsity team and played as a forward for three years. During those three years, Lim already showed his great potential as he led his team to three straight championships. Because of his outstanding contribution, he wasn’t just awarded the Most Outstanding Basketball Player by his school, but he also managed to catch the eye of the De La Salle coaches as well.
The LaSallian
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Equality in the UAAP please nce the game is Oover, the king and
Green Journals
REUBEN EZRA TERRADO AND CAMILLE BIANCA PINTO
D
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4 August 2005
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Maureen Penetrante
he End of an Amazing Volleyball Journey July 7, 2005. Perhaps I will never be able to forget this day in my life. It all happened in just a matter of weeks. The funny thing is, I didn’t even feel how fast the events went by. I trained everyday for two teams- the RP team and the DLSU V-League Team. Going through long hours of practices is not easy as it becomes tiring at times. Spiking a ball probably a thousand times a week and doing blocking drills throughout my volleyball career would make other people stop playing volleyball. But I am not one of them. I love this sport. There are no words to properly describe what I am feeling for volleyball, and partly, I am sad because I will not be able to play for the UAAP anymore. I never thought that one day I would stop playing. I mean, I can go on playing at my backyard or street, but it is not ju st the same. Playing at your backyard is just for fun, for entertainment. Playing inside the hard court is the real thing. Every inch of emotion is present. Sweat and humid air brought by the audience and the players give out the feeling of intensity. Fighting for honor and glory is very exciting and challenging. Fighting for De La Salle is a blessing as it has given me the opportunity to share my gift and passion for volleyball for a long period of time. I am very happy for the success of the Shakey’s V-League tournament. Aside from the fact that we won the championships, volleyball also won many hearts of Filipino people. Coliseums are always “sold out” because of the viewers. V-league is just pure game as there is no money involved. Volleyball is no longer second to basketball.
the pawn go back in the same box. ~Italian Proverb In this life, equality should exist. Unfortunately, it’s not happening. the men's Take the UAAP L i k e m e n ’ s b a s k e t b a l l basketball, other UAAP for example. These sports also deserve collegiate basketball attention. players get all the luxuries in life. They have tons of sponsors, while also undergoing through a lot of publicity stuff. In addition to their free education, they have also earned a lot of people’s respects. Now, I don’t blame these guys if they are getting all these stuff; after all, they are working hard for it. The only thing I don’t get is the fact that it’s only just the UAAP men’s basketball teams who are getting all the attention. Teams like the Lady Archers, Green and Lady Spikers, Booters, and other teams as well are also working their butts of but what do they get? Only material things. During their games, very few people watch their matches. Most of the time, it’s just their families and friends who support them. Last July 17, the DLSU Pep Squad performed in the halftime of the Lady Archers’ game against the UST Tigresses. I really appreciated their efforts as they cheered on the Taft-based squad. Unfortunately again, the people doing the halftime cheer weren’t really doing their cheers wholeheartedly. For one, they weren’t dressed in DLSU uniforms and to worsen the situation, some of them were just wearing slippers while cheering. How come when it comes to the UAAP games of men’s basketball, these members of the DLSU pep squad are all dressed up? But when it comes to games in other sports, they don’t bother a bit with their appearances. Equality just doesn’t seem to fit the picture. In a recent interview of The LaSallian with Mr. Lim Eng Beng, he mentioned how lucky collegiate players are today. For one, they are getting a lot of airtime as the UAAP games of men’s basketball are televised. True enough, Mr. Lim is right. These players are really lucky. Well, how come other UAAP sports aren’t getting this kind of media hype? Is it because their sport is not that popular or the people simply just don’t care? Like the men’s basketball, other UAAP sports deserve attention, as well as the players of these sports also bring pride to their alma mater. During UAAP games, the De La Salle community often cheers “ Animo La Salle!” Honestly, it would b e better if we change the cheer to “ Animo Green Archers!” since in the first place, it’s only the Green Archers that most people care about. In the quote I used earlier, the Green Archers symbolizes the king while the other sports are the pawns. Though the king may seem higher than the pawn, both of them still go back in the same box. Hopefully, there would be more room for the other UAAP sports oth er than men’s basketball. After all, men’s basketball and other UAAP sports have something
I guess it is equal now. This is another thing that makes me really happy. People get to see young, talented women battling it out to be the best of the best. I would have never made it through all my hardships in volleyball if it were not for the people who stayed by my side. They never left me, taught me my skills, and helped me fulfill my dreams. God, who is above all us, made all of this possible. If it weren’t for His generosity, I would have never crossed paths with volleyball. All I can say is thank You for everything. As I am writing this green journal, memories of volleyball flashed. I can still remember the feeling of finally winning Shakey’s V-League. It was b eyond happiness. It was a feeling of contentment. It helped me grow into a more mature person. After all, volleyball is not only about muscle development but also about holistic growth- emotionally, physically and spiritually. I took every game as a learning experience and not just either by victory or loss. I trained harder to achieve my goal of becoming a better player. I drew myself closer to God by praying, having faith in Him and believing in my teammates and coaches. I have definitely become a different Maureen Penetrante because of volleyball. I have come to love the new life that exists in me. Volleyball has just marked my journey. It is not stopping just because I will not be wearing the jersey, high socks, and kneepads anymore, for I am a true Lady Spiker whose loyalty to the De La Salle Volleyball team is forever, may it be me playing inside the court or being just one of the people cheering on the bleachers.
Green Spikers notches second win against Ateneo MICHELLE ANDREWS, EVELYN CHUA, AND CANDACE DAPHNE TING Clearly, the Green Spikers made its point that defense to diligently regain the momentum. with final set marks of 25-23, 25-22, and defeating the blue-bannered pack extends The Loyola-based spikers lagged behind in 25-22. Rookie Andrew Billeña lived up into the UAAP volleyball field as well. defensive stops, evidenced by the number to Coach Ronald Dulay’s expectations as The tension of the La Salle-Ateneo of De La Salle spikes that they failed to dig his powerful spikes garnered most of the rivalry is commensurate in any type of combefore eventually catching one, increasing team’s points. petition, which is exactly why the expected the Spikers’ lead to 18-12 that perpetually In addition, team captain Joseph Bato, ousting of the Loyola-based Spikers in ballooned up to 22-14. Russel Raz, and Justin Marchadesch played straight sets, 25-10; 25-17; 25-19 last July By the third and final set, it was pretty exceptional defense on the net as they 31 at the UPCHK Gym was still very much obvious that the veteran De La Salle squad blocked key spikes from the opposition. emotionally triggered. had the advantage over the less-experienced Masteral student and former CSB It has been a rocky win-lose path for the and height-challenged crew of Ateneo in Blazer, Raymond Yoldi also proved to be a Spikers, who are coming off an embarrassing ng terms of jumping ability and proper execu- brilliant investment after performing excelstraight-set loss to the UP spikers. With their tion of plays. lent reception for the Taft-based squad. redeeming win against Ateneo, De La Salle Junior Russel Raz topscored for the On the other hand, Ben Labide rallied is currently in the middle of the UAAP pack Spikers with 18 points. the Bulldogs with strong services and agsporting a 2-2 slate. In an earlier game, the Green Spikers gressive plays alongside teammates, ReyThe Spikers’ first-set romp can mostly suffered their second setback as the UP naldo Carandang and Beniamor Lingat. be attributed to the efforts of veteran Aifrell Maroons swept the Taft-based squad in Besides the absence of a full roster, the De La Pena, who scored seven of his eleven straight sets, 3-0, last July 27. Green Spikers still managed to take advanpoints during that lopsided first set. Prior to the two games against UP and tage of the numerous errors and certain misDuring the second round, Ateneo con- ADMU, the Green Archers had an easier communications that the NU Bulldogs were tinued to struggle with their spikes, which time defeating the National University Bull- committing during the game. “ Umaangat had the tendency to stray beyond the l ines dogs, 3-0, in their second UAAP game last naman [ang team] kahit kulang ; they’re or get jammed into the net. Despite being July 24. learning how to blend”, Coach Dulay said down by only up by a point, 9-8, the SpikDespite the close calls and NU’s rally, as his team continues to face tougher opers capitalized on Ateneo’s deficiency in the Green Spikers still emerged victorious ponents in the games to come.
Clobbered.Reigning Clobbered. Reigning UAAP MVP Arwind Santos blocks Green Archer Joseph Yeo’s path to the basket PHOTO BYERIC SIY during their first round encounter. DLSU lost, 62-69.
for a commercial league. Since he came from a 7 of the 1980 championship when his U-Tex team family with financial problems, he decided to go to went up against powerhouse Toyota squad. The the late Bro. Gabriel Connon, the DLSU President series was tied at 3-all and in the last 16 seconds at that time, to inform that he was considering the of the game, Toyota was up by four points. By commercial league’s offer. However, Br. Connon some miracle, U-Tex was able to force the game managed to convince Lim to play h is final year for into overtime after stealing the ball twice. During the green and white squad. the extension period, U-Tex made 5 points while Staying with the Green Archers was a respect- Toyota only converted 4 points, making the U-Tex able and clever decision, as his last year became the team the outright PBA champions. highlight of his college basketball days. Not only Knowing that he has already reached th e peak did the Taft-based squad swept all their games in of his career, Lim quietly retired from the PBA in 1974, but Lim also raised the NCAA individual 1986. He believed that quitting while still on top points-per-game record to 55. Beating the Blue is better as he had nothing to prove anymore. “ I Eagles in the championship game and winning the wanted to retire gracefully, with the glory,” Lim MVP award were just icings on the cake. disclosed. Because of Lim’s exceptional role in this remarkable era of the Green Archers, Br. Connon The Words of a Basketball Legend retired his jersey number (14) during the victory During his time, basketball wasn’t televised ball, an emotional event for Lim. “Nung sinabi until he reached the PBA. According to Beng, the ni Bro. Gabriel (Connon) na i-retire jersey ko, UAAP players now are luckier as they are exposed umiiyak na ako sa stage. I could not say anything. to a lot of airtime. Up to now, pag naiisip ko yung moment, napaNevertheless, Lim believes that young players paiyak ako.” should stay simple and humble no matter how Lim, a business management graduate, claims great they are. His words of advice: “ Basketball that what he misses most about college basketball is simple; don’t make it complicated. Whatever is the cheers of the crowd and simply playing for La you do, 2 points yan. Maski magdamag ka sa ere, Salle in general. Whenever he watches the games, 2 points pa rin yan. Make it easier for yourself. he can imagine himself inside the court 31 years Make your shooting more high percentage. Pag ago. “If I can turn back the time, why not? I’d still di mo ginawang simple ang basketball, you won’t play for La Salle, ” Lim shared. last four quarters.”
GreenGallery Green Gallery JORDY NAVARRA
PHOTOSBY DAN NABLE SHANA BANIEL CHYNNA CHAN
JUN-JUN CABATU Men's Basketball
Besides his workhorse defensive skills, Jun-Jun Cabatu has another thing to be proud of---his new-found offensive game. Cabatu aims to follow the footsteps of his father as he plays the final season of his collegiate career. This time around, Cabatu will be among the veterans providing the leadership as the Green Archers defend their UAAP crown.
CARLA LLAGUNO
The pride of De La Salle Upon entering the DLSU basketball team, Lim was converted into a point guard, a position he needed adjusting to. However, his determination to be known as a great player helped him The Legend of the PBA overcome this minor obstacle. The Life of a Basketball Great Due to his reputation as an excellent collegiate He immediately got a taste of After engaging in several business opportunibasketball player, Lim skipped playing in the com- ties, he has settled down and has been coaching victory during his rookie year, when the Green Archers won the 1971 mercial league and went straight to the professional the Chiang Kai Shek high school basketball team. NCAA championship, their first in league, the Philippine Basketball Association. As for his three kids, he wants the three of them In his 12 years of stay in the PBA, he played fifteen years. The next three years to finish their studies in De La Salle. then saw Lim emerge as one of for teams like U-Tex, San Miguel, and Crispa. If there’s anybody who possesses the true the greatest Green Archers in the Lim continued his dominance in the PBA as he Lasallian spirit, that guy would be Lim Eng won four championships and two Mythical 5 Beng. He has always embodied the ideals of what history of DLSU. Duing the awards (’78, ’80). By 1980, he was able to score DLSU wants from its students and still practices 1973 season, 5000 points, making him one of the PBA’s 25 it today. he was offered best players. “Without De La Salle, there would be no Lim His most memorable PBA moment was Game Eng Beng,” the basketball legend concluded. a chance to play
Women's Vollerball
A born fighter, Carla Llaguno never forgets to bring her “never say die” attitude on the court for the Lady Spikers. After a year of adjustments, Llaguno is confident that she will make more impact in her sophomore year, willing to fill in any void that the team should have. The former Colegio de San Agustin standout is aggressively smart as she attacks on every weakness of the opponent, while also giving a 101 percent in her performance as well.
With the departure of UAAP MVP Crisanta Abas, all eyes are now on sophomore Arlene Borja. The former Rookie of the Year awardee is tasked to lead the Lady Paddlers to greater heights this season. After refining her skills through rigorous trainings with the national team, Borja is all geared up to combine her new techniques with her speed and aggression as she takes on a new batch of formidable opponents.
Judokas dominate PUP Invitational
REY CHRISTIAN SIKAT It’s a fresh beginning to the old agenda. The Green Judokas trounced the competition by winning five medals in four weight classes in the PUP Judo Invitational held at the San Juan Gymnasium last July 10 , 2005. Leading the path to glory for the Green Judokas were Samson Bernales and Jeremiah de Castro, as they both won a gold medal in the -73 kg. and -52 kg. weight classes, respectively. Jan Freagn Devaras and Renelyn Benigay also contributed silver medals in their respective weight classes. Rounding up the list of winners was rookie Jerica Senales who secured a bronze medal for De La Salle. Bernales captured the gold by storming past the opposition during the early stages of the tournament and completed the feat by pinning down his opponent during the final match. On the other hand, De Castro arranged a green-and white themed final match with fellow teammate Devaras as points decided her win. Fresh from his victorious stance, Bernales acknowledged the importance of the tournament for the Judokas. “These tune-up games will help the players prepare and gain experience for the upcoming UAAP tournament,” he said. The Green Judokas believe that experience and proper training are the keys to winning the coveted UAAP crown. In line with this philosophy, a series of upcoming tournaments is scheduled for the Judokas to aid their preparation for the UAAP wars.
ARLENE BORJA Women's Table Tennis
PHOTO BYDIANE REYES
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LONG LIVE ANIMO! Support our UAAP first-half teams.
The LaSallian
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VO L. X LVI NO. 3 THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION PUBLICATION OF DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY 4 AUGUST 2005
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Maureen Penetrante
Cagebelles outgun UE for second win JEWELYNN GAY ZARENO
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efense paved the way for the De La Salle Lady Archers in claiming their second win of the season at the expense of the UE Lady Amazons last July 31 at the Adamson gym. gym. The Taft-based squad was able to pull off a big win with a twenty five point-margin against their opponents, marking the end of the game at 77-52.
Although the final score shows otherwise, the Lady Archers did not dominate all through out the whole game. It had been a tight first half as the Lady Amazons rose from the nine point- advantage of the Lady Archers by the end of the first quarter. The Lady Amazons scored 18 points in the second quarter, closing in the gap to only two points by the end of the first half. A three-pointer by Rainielle Jambaro at the start of the third quarter gave the UE squad the lead at 33-32. It was until the 5:52 mark of the third quarter when the Lady Archers finally ended their scoring drought after being down by as much as six points. With two minutes left in the third quarter, momentum finally shifted back to the Lady Archers when Angeli Gloriani drilled in a three-pointer to give the Lady Archers the lead once again. The third quarter ended with the Lady Archers clinging on to a one-
up against the Recto-based squad in the final canto. The squad was able to orchestrate a 20-1 run led by the joint offensive efforts of Tin Alon-Alon and Khristine Prado. With their stingy defense, the Lady Archers gave the Lady Amazons a hard time in bringing down the ball, limiting them to only five points in the last quarter. From the point on, the Lady Archers never looked back and eventually took control of the game, leading to their second victory. Khristine Prado led the team in scoring with 16 points, while Tin Alon-Alon and Angeli Gloriani both chipped in 14 points as well. The victory gave the Lady Archers a 2-1 record after they suffered their first loss by default against the UP Lady Maroons in an earlier scheduled match. Apparently, the DLSU team wasn’t able to attend the game on time as they were not informed about the reschedule of their match. Coach Mon Jose tried to
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The LaSallian
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VO L. X LVI NO. 3 THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION PUBLICATION OF DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY 4 AUGUST 2005
on page
19 Green Journals
Maureen Penetrante
Cagebelles outgun UE for second win JEWELYNN GAY ZARENO
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efense paved the way for the De La Salle Lady Archers in claiming their second win of the season at the expense of the UE Lady Amazons last July 31 at the Adamson gym. gym. The Taft-based squad was able to pull off a big win with a twenty five point-margin against their opponents, marking the end of the game at 77-52.
Although the final score shows otherwise, the Lady Archers did not dominate all through out the whole game. It had been a tight first half as the Lady Amazons rose from the nine point- advantage of the Lady Archers by the end of the first quarter. The Lady Amazons scored 18 points in the second quarter, closing in the gap to only two points by the end of the first half. A three-pointer by Rainielle Jambaro at the start of the third quarter gave the UE squad the lead at 33-32. It was until the 5:52 mark of the third quarter when the Lady Archers finally ended their scoring drought after being down by as much as six points. With two minutes left in the third quarter, momentum finally shifted back to the Lady Archers when Angeli Gloriani drilled in a three-pointer to give the Lady Archers the lead once again. The third quarter ended with the Lady Archers clinging on to a onepoint advantage, 48-47. The outstanding performance of the Lady ArchShaky win. The Lady Archers eked out a victory over the UE Lady Amazons, Amazons, but not without struggling ers at the fourth quarter spelled the difference in PHOTO BY OFELIA STA. MARIA the match. Their full court press helped through the first three quarters. helped them pull pull
DLSU Lady Spikers prevail over over UP JOHN DE LOS SANTOS
The De La Salle University Lady Spikers overcame the absence of their head coach and two key players as they defeated the University of the Philippines, 3-1, at the UP Human Kinetics Gym last July 31. The defending champions notched their third victory after closing out the UP Maroons with set scores of 21-25; 25-7; 25-10; and 25-20. After losing the first set, the DLSU Volleybelles went on a scoring rampage of continuous spikes, overpowering their shorter opponents. On the other hand, the Lady Maroons had a hard time keeping up with DLSU’s drop shots in the second set. Manilla Santos’ spike pegged the score at 19-7 and from the point on, the Lady Spikers never looked back as they closed out the second set at 25-7. The third set was a similar story as the Lady Spikers continued to dominate the game. The green and white squad didn’t waste any time as they built an early 6-1 lead. Once again, the Lady Maroons couldn’t keep up with
the Taft-based squad as they only banked on DLSU’s errors to earn their points. Apparently, ently, DLSU’s errors weren’t enough to save the UP Volleybelles from the brink of death as the young De La Salle team wrapped up the set in less than 30 minutes with a gigantic 15 point lead. UP finally managed to adjust to the Lady Spikers’ attacks as they started out strong in the fourth set, taking an early 4-2 l ead. De La Salle managed to tie the set at 6-all before the two teams’ continuous exchange of points. Both teams made a lot of errors but it was the DLSU Lady Spikers who prevailed after scoring four straight points. UP made its final gallant stand after cutting DLSU’s lead to just two points, 22-20. Unfortunately, the Lady Maroons weren’t able to sustain their momentum as they committed a crucial error to hand the DLSU Volleybelles a 3-1 win. After Adamson University’s upset of De La Salle, the UP Maroons tried to duplicate
the Falcons’ ways as they took on a close first set. The defending champions couldn’t seem to get their act together as they squandered a five-point lead. On the other hand, State U’s hustle eventually gave them the lead, 20-19, as well as the set. Head Coach Ramil de Jesus and regular starters Shermaine Peñano and Erika Tiamzon were not available as they were seeing action in Thailand together with the National Team. Assistant Coach Oliver Almadro took over the coaching duties and the unenviable responsibility of leading a depleted team to a victory. With the win, the Lady Spikers has occupied the top two slots with a 3-1 slate.
up against the Recto-based squad in the final canto. The squad was able to orchestrate a 20-1 run led by the joint offensive efforts of Tin Alon-Alon and Khristine Prado. With their stingy defense, the Lady Archers gave the Lady Amazons a hard time in bringing down the ball, limiting them to only five points in the last quarter. From the point on, the Lady Archers never looked back and eventually took control of the game, leading to their second victory. Khristine Prado led the team in scoring with 16 points, while Tin Alon-Alon and Angeli Gloriani both chipped in 14 points as well. The victory gave the Lady Archers a 2-1 record after they suffered their first loss by default against the UP Lady Maroons in an earlier scheduled match. Apparently, the DLSU team wasn’t able to attend the game on time as they were not informed about the reschedule of their match. Coach Mon Jose tried to file a protest but unfortunately, the UAAP technical committee denied their request, handing the Lady Archers its first loss of the season. (With reports from Rey Christian Sikat)
Athlete Revisited
Lim Eng Beng “Every time you play the game, you play with your heart.” GET TO KNOW THE MAN ON PAGE 18
After suffering its first setback against the Adamson Falcons earlier in the season, the DLSU Lady Spikers bounced back as they triumphed over the FEU Tamaraws, 3-1, last July 27. Desiree Hernandez led her team to victory with final set marks of 25-12; 25-12; 25-16; 21-25; and 25-12.
“Every time you play the game, you play with your heart.” – This principle has been the guide of the legendary Lim Eng Beng, one of the basketball greats to ever play for De La Salle. Over the wall. The Lady Spikers, despite a loss to Adamson in their second game, are still humming in the UAAP thanks to victories over FEU, NU, and UP (in picture).
PHOTO BY DIANE REYES
