Youth from various groups and organizations gathered at the Finister Auditorium last July 25, 2015, for the 2015 State of the Youth Address. The event was organized in light of the incoming State of the Nation Address to be delivered by President Benigno Aquino III on the 27th of July. SOYA aimed put on the table what the youth must know about the state of the youth sector, and thus be informed of what the president must tackle about the youth sector in his SONA.
The event was co-organized by Buklurang Atenista and Kabataan Partylist. Other militant groups and movements like the College Editors Guild of the Philippines, League of Filipino Students, Anakbayan, Youth Act Now, and Rise for Education also joined the event.
Khalil Alcomendars, Campus Clubs Organization Chairperson, welcomed the participants in the event. She said that the SAMAHAN Central Board has been taking leaps to advocate…
INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING PROGRAM – Students from the BS-Industrial Engineering Program recently attended a seminar entitled APPLICATION OF RELEVANT RESEARCH IN THE IE PROFESSION, which was organized by the Ateneo Society of Industrial Engineering Majors (ASIEM).
The event transpired in the Industrial Engineering Laboratory (W300) last July 15, 2015, and was graced by the seminar’s speaker – Engr. Michelle Soledad. The event was opened by an opening message from the Industrial Engineering Program Coordinator, Professor Glenda Minguito, who presented the 3 thrusts of the program: Instruction, Community Engagement, and Research.
Professor Minguito exposed that although Instruction and Community Engagement have been taking the limelight for the IEs in recent months, the exposition of relevant research has been a challenge in the program. Thus, in the endeavour of raising the standards and relevance of future research outputs, the IE Department sought the aid of the University Research Council (URC) for the technical…
Months of hard work had culminated in a 3-day inter-cluster bout of Ateneans for the 67th Ateneo Fiesta. With the theme “Inang Maria, Gabay sa Pagbabalik-tanaw at Paglalakbay Tungo sa Pagkamit ng Kapayapaan sa Lipunan at Mindanao,” Ateneans pranced, jived, competed and showcased their prowess towards their coveted victory. This year’s fiesta emphasized the incorporation of social issues in the various bouts.
FIESTA DAY 1
The fiesta started with the traditional Fiesta Mass presided by Rev. Fr. Daniel McNamara, S.J. at the San Pedro Cathedral. Fr. McNamara called on “To listen to what God says.” The mass concluded with a blessing of the players, performers and other involved people of the fiesta.
The parade followed right after, where the lively and competitive vibes of the Ateneans roused the Rizal Park, the streets of C.M. Recto and Jacinto, and even escalated in energy as they reached Martin Hall for the…
Around 150 student journalists coming from Region XI and parts of Region XII gathered at the Ateneo Ricci Hall last August 8, 2015. HardHat- the official student publication of the Ateneo de Davao School of Engineering and Architecture – hosted the said event with support from the various publications in Davao Region.
Pluma 2k15: A Comprehensive Journalism Skills Training covered workshops on Editorial Writing, News Writing, Feature Writing, Documentary, Graphics and Layouting, Literary Writing, Cartooning, and Tri-Media Publishing and Management.
The roster of speakers included Vina Araneta-Pilapil, Steven Chua, Andrea Isabelle Mejos, Marianne Saberon-Abalayan, Karlo Antonio David, Reymond Pepito, Joselito Lagon Jr., and other guests.
HardHat staff with Vina Araneta-Pilapil – the speaker of tri-media publishing and management. (Photo by Chemme Pacis of The New Expose Publication)
PLUMA 2k15, which was originally scheduled for August 9, aimed to celebrate the World Indigenous Peoples Day through a gathering of campus journalists…
For the whole week, Ateneans attended alternative classes on Laudato Si. They were introduced to the encyclical that Pope Francis has recently opened to the world. As for some solid School of Engineering and Architecture fanatics, the various calls included in Laudato Si seem to violate their doctrine of logic and rationality, and thus the event highlighted the dominant culture in SEA – SOCIAL APATHY.
In the AdDU School of Engineering and Architecture, it seems like most people continue to equate rationality with social apathy. Most often, it is about disregarding social issues and focusing on one’s materialistic benefits. But this is not always the case since most EA students just need a little differentiation of the context they are listening to.
ON RATIONALITY
As future professionals in the field of engineering and architecture, EA students are trained to be rational. They make and break, and they are expected to…
The event was sponsored by the Lourdes College Cagayan de Oro Alumni Association, Inc.
Alumni and Alumnae of St. Mary’s Academy of Kidapawan, St. Mary’s College of Tagum and St. Mary’s College of Quezon City
Delegates from all over the country gathered to CDO to again celebrate the annual gathering of Alumni Associations of RVM Schools in the Philippines. The Lourdes College College mini-hotel catered some delegates in the event.
During the morning of May 24, some delegates participated in a tour around the city of Cagayan de Oro. Some of the areas visited were Mapawa Nature Park, St. Augustine Cathedral and Betania Retreat House.
Lourdes College
Hotel and Restaurant Management Students from Lourdes College spearheaded the tour.
Lourdes College Operated by the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM), Lourdes College is one of the oldest educational institutions in Southern Mindanao. Its history traces back to 1912.
Mapawa Nature Park
The park offers horseback riding, zipline, and trekking activities. A falls is also present in the area. It is 30 minutes away from the city proper.
Mapawa Nature Park is part of a wide area of rich flora and fauna in Cagayan de Oro City.The park boasts itself as an advocate of environmental care.
St. Augustine Cathedral
The St. Augustine Metropolitan Cathedral is a known landmark in Cagayan de Oro. It is one of the oldest cathedrals in Mindanao. The earliest record of the Cathedral traces back to 1634.
The cathedral was destroyed many times in history. However, the cathedral is claimed to be 173 years old, considering that it was rebuilt in 1841.
Betania Labyrinth
Betania Retreat House
The Betania Retreat House is operated by the Religious of the Virgin Mary. It is located 8 kilometers away from the city proper.
It’s placed at an altitude where the span of Cagayan de Oro city can be viewed.
The retreat house also has a labyrinth, where retreat participants can exercise their meditation.
Polymedic Medical Plaza
The main event of the FAARSI 5th Assembly was held at the Cagayan de Oro Polymedic Medical Plaza.
The event started with a mass, where the presider (priest) is an alumnus of Lourdes College.
The event reviewed the past activities of FAARSI, including the various activity-oriented photos of the different member alumni associations. The definition of an RVM Alumni was also presented by the RVM-Education Ministry Commission.
The passing rights of FAARSI was also held. The 6th National Assembly was given to the alumni association of St. Mary’s Academy of San Nicolas – Cebu City.
The FAARSI 5th National Assembly ended with the singing of the FAARSI Hymn, “TOGETHER.”
Davao City – The College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), the oldest youth organization in the country, held its 74th National Student Press Convention and 37th Biennial Student Press Congress last May 19-23, 2014.
The Talaingod Manobo Students
The CEGP is a progressive youth organization that pushes for genuine Press Freedom. It goes hand-in-hand with other progressive youth organizations such as National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP), Kabataan Partylist, Anakbayan, League of Filipino Students (LFS), Kabataan para sa Demokrasya at Nasyunalismo (KADENA), and among others.
The theme of the event was “Dasig Manunuwat: Uniting Campus Journalists for Genuine Press Freedom and Social Change.” The 5-day affair was attended by the various member publications from all over the country.
The event started with the registration/billeting of the participants (guilders), as well as the display of the various prints of member publications. The opening ceremony started with the welcoming of participants by the City Government of Davao that was represented by Luna Acosta, and by Marc Lino Abila who was the CEGP Secretary General.
A presentation of the Talaingod Manobo Students also ensued, which had depicted their tragic experiences of bombings and killings in their area.
Various events were prepared in NSPC. These events included: Forums, Classroom Discussions, Basic Mass Integration (BMI), Awarding Ceremonies and the Cultural Night. Most of the events tackled socio-cultural and political issues.
Forums were lined in the NSPC 2014. Such forums included issues in scopes of National, Educational, Campus Press Freedom and Press Freedom, and among others. The National Union of the Students of the Philippines (NUSP) President, Sarah Jane Elago, talked about “Selling Out: Neo-Liberal Policies in the Philippine Education System.”
Classroom Discussions included the seminars and training that the guilders signed up for. Classroom Discussions included trainings on topics such as Literature, Arts, and Journalism Skills.
Basic Mass Integration (BMI) was designed for the guilders to view the grassroots lens of the Marginalized Sectors in the country. Such sectors experience oppression.
The Awarding Ceremonies and Cultural Night happened on the 4th night, where guilders from NCR, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, showcased their talents.
ON FORUMS: THE TALAINGOD MANOBO STUDENTS
The Talaingod Town is located in Davao del Norte. In such town, in some remote areas where Manobos are settling, the Armed Forces of the Philippines had built camps in an attempt to put an end to insurgencies from rebels (New People’s Army) – however, in a horrifying stance.
It was narrated that the army established temporary camp in the middle of the Manobo’s community, which put the community at high risk especially in time when the rebels attack.
A datu accused the army for staging an aerial attack. Abuses of the community members, especially to a Manobo woman named Ubunay Botod Manlaon who was subjected to humiliating treatment and sexual abuse, were also noted. The children were not able to continue their studies.
Due to heavy militarization and the violence, the Manobos flee to Davao City. In their 7-day flee towards the evacuation site, a 12-day-old baby died of pulmonary aspiration and dehydration. The Manobos were denied of their humanitarian rights.
The incident was a manifestation of a socio-political issue in the Philippines: Bakwit. The Talaingod was forced to flee (in local language, bakwit) to Davao City, in order to avoid the violence and abuse of heavy militarization in their area. Although the army had retracted their troops from the area due to public clamor, the story of the Talaingod incident is just one of the many stories of Bakwit in the Philippines.
ON CLASSROOM DISCUSSION: FEATURE WRITING AND POETRY WRITING
Don Pagusara on Poetry Class
The literature side of the NSPC involved the Poetry Writing.
The Palanca award winner who is also active in the Ateneo Writers Workshop, Don Pagusara, gave the poetry workshop for the guilders.
He emphasized the eccentric beauty of poetry and how such writings relate and reflect to the real life.
One class discussion also delved into Feature Writing.
The workshop was given by a professor from the University of the Philippines- Diliman.
He started by drawing a dot on the classroom’s board. He progressed the workshop by exploring how the guilders view the dot.
Feature writing, he exemplified, is about imagination. In gist, feature writing is traveling with the mind and embodying such travel in artistic use of words.
ON BASIC MASS INTEGRATION (BMI): ISLA NOAH
Guilders in their Basic Mass Integration
The Basic Mass Integration (BMI) endeavored to “integrate” the guilders to the Marginalized Sectors of the society.
In Davao City, there is a community of people living in a fenced lot. The community is in Isla Noah. It was narrated that the lot is “owned” by a rich businessman in Mindanao, although no papers were presented to the community.
The people go in and out of the community through a meager 12-inch space. No Joke. The guilders had to go through the same entrance, although with unwelcoming greeting from the “guard” of the place.
Although there is a red gate, the community members go through an even more stringent scrutiny from the assigned “guard”. Refrigerators, appliances, and other necessities go up the wall, if the owner does not allow the gate to be opened. No building materials are allowed to be brought inside. Students in the community frequently go to school dirty due to the entrance, where walls rub against their clothes.
There was an even more infuriating incident.
Once, a woman was about to give birth. She was already in labor. Notwithstanding the pain that the woman is going though, the guard did not open the gate. Hanging on the tiniest hope to aid the pain, she fitted herself in the 12-inch wall.
The baby died inside her.
The guilders collected more stories in the area. In the concluding part, the community members prepared an apt lunch for the guilders. The community expressed their gratefulness that the guilders visited them, especially that only few journalists see their plight.
ON CULTURAL NIGHT: UWAHIG
The Cultural Night is celebrated together with the awarding ceremonies of NSPC. 4 regions were to present: NCR, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
NCR depicted a “Krissy Aquino and Boy Abunda” talk show. Luzon and Visayas presented dance numbers. Mindanao – the defending champion – integrated the Lumad, Muslim and Christian setting of their homeland.
Uwahig – Bukidnon word for “water”- started the presentation of Mindanao. Uwahig is a prologue from a play of Integrated Performing Arts Guild (IPAG) of MSU-IIT. It’s the same song as what Juvie Pelos of The Voice of the Philippines sang in her audition.
Uwahig was followed by a depiction of the Lumads. This part showed the oppression of the Lumads in their ancestral lands.
The guilders from Tawi-tawi, then showcased their amazing prowess in an ethnic dance. They showed the lives of the Muslims who grace themselves with the gifts of the sea.
Mindanao, once again, had orchestrated its cultural diversity in the CEGP 74th NSPC and 37th BSPC Cultural Night, bagging again a win for its long-streak CEGP Cultural Champion reputation.
Then, followed the Christians with a song “Ama Namin” depicted by other guilders.
The Mindanawon Guilders ended their presentation with a cri de coeur, “Dasig Manunuwat!”
The CEGP 74th National Student Press Convention and 37th Biennial Student Press Congress – the event that tapped the awareness of young journalists from NCR, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao – culminated with the spirit of press freedom which fortified the desire for social change.
“Madayaw FAARSI! A Celebration of Togetherness in the Year of Faith” was the theme of the event.
It was attended by the different alumni associations of RVM Schools in the Philippines, all the way from Luzon, Visayas and other parts of Mindanao.
The event opened with a series of dances, one of which is the Tausug Dance called Pangalay ha Patong where ladies ride on bamboos. The pangalay is known as the “fingernail” dance of the Tausug and Samal people.
Pangalay was derived from the word “mangalay” which means “to dance” in the ethnic language. The dance showcases articulate postures and hand gestures.
The Madayaw FAARSI served as the 4th National Assembly of the Federation of Alumni Associations of RVM Schools, Inc. Other assemblies were already held in Luzon and Visayas.
The event reviewed the past activities of FAARSI. The event also showcased presentations from the different alumni associations.
The 4th FAARSI National Assembly was a celebration of Marian-Ignacian Togetherness despite the regional ethnographic differences of its members.
The assembly also featured the transfer of responsibility for the FAARSI 5th National Assembly to the Lourdes College Cagayan de Oro Alumni Association, Inc.
Nevertheless, the delegates from the NDKG-SMAK Alumni Association, Inc., who served as alumni representatives from the Notre Dame for Girls and from St. Mary’s Academy, participated in the event
The UIC Cultural Dancers performed another Tausug Dance called Pangalay ha Agong for the closing ceremony. The Pangalay ha Agong depicts men who show their skill in playing the agong (large brass gongs), in the hope of winning a woman. The video can be viewed here: Pangalay ha Agong.
The Madayaw FAARSI 2013 ended with the traditional singing of the FAARSI Hymn, “TOGETHER”.
The General Assembly of Class Presidents, otherwise known as GACP, is one subordinate arm of the SAMAHAN Central Board, the student government of Ateneo de Davao University.
The SAMAHAN Central Board is composed of the Top 3 Officers, Division Representatives, CCO and GACP.
SAMAHAN Awards 2012
GACP is composed of the Class Presidents of the recognized classes in the Ateneo de Davao. The other arm of SAMAHAN, Campus Clubs Organization (CCO), is composed of the club presidents from the different clubs in Ateneo. As of writing, the GACP is already under the name “General Assembly”.
In 2011, the SAMAHAN, including GACP, welcomed the then new president, Fr. Joel Tabora, SJ. In 2012 of the same academic year, the SAMAHAN Awards 2012 was co-participated by GACP.
At the Padre Pio Home for Children
In the summer of 2012, the GACP Interim Board organized a Feeding Program at Padre Pio Home for Children, Tugbok, Davao City.
The Padre Pio Home for Children is administered by the Apostles of Jesus Crucified Sisters. The patron saint of the sisters is Padre Pio.
The feeding program lasted for 1 day, where activities with the children also had transpired.
By the following academic year 2012-2013, GACP continued to assist SAMAHAN Central Board in its undertakings.
The first installment of Sui Generis Summit was also co-organized by GACP.
Class Presidents and other leaders in the university attended the event, in the hope of creating a brand of leadership that is Ateneo de Davao – Sui Generis.
GACP Re-election Miting de Avance
THE QUASI-ANTI-CLIMAX
In middle of the 1st semester of the same academic year, the GACP Executive Board then composed of Chairperson-Clarice Tiu, Internal Vice President-Jubail Pasia, External Vice President-Anne Erbito, Secretary General-Vincent Cuzon, and Finance Officer-Irvir Dormile, faced a complaint against their election.
After long exchanges of arguments, narratives and position papers, the Ateneo de Davao- Commission on Elections decided for a re-election, under the reason of obscure “technical” undertakings of the first elections. Note that law has two parts: The Technical and The Substantial. Both were considered in the rally for the betterment of GACP.
With respect to the power of the COMELEC, the then GACP Executive Board vacant their positions, and worked for the re-elections.
Later, COMELEC designated times for filing of Certificate of Candidacy (COC), Campaign Period, Miting de Avance, and Election Day, for the re-election.
The campaigns were then creeping through social media and other platforms, which the candidates used to entice class presidents to vote for them.
The then relinquished set of officers worked with the tagline “Reaffirm Your Votes!”
Vincent Cuzon during the Miting de Avance
On September 24, 2012, during the Miting de Avance, the candidates presented their platforms for the General Assembly of Class Presidents.
Later, the class presidents were given the chance to address questions to the candidates.
On September 26, 2012, the election of the officers was held. The voting population must reach a 50%+1, for it to be declared in quorum. Otherwise, it’s a failure of elections.
It was declared in quorum.
THE RESULTS
Reinstated.
COMELEC declared that the candidates who would assume office were:
Chairperson – Ma. Elainizelle Clarice Tiu
Internal Vice President – Jubail Pasia
External Vice President – Willien Anne Erbito
Secretary General – Vincent Carlo Cuzon
Finance Officer – Irvir Dormile
Wacky Poses of Basic Leadership Training Participants
With the newly affirmed officers, the GACP continued in the fulfillment of its responsibilities.
In October 2012, GACP co-organized the College Fiesta. It catered the Palarong Pinoy and Karaoke Challenge.
It also organized a Basic Leadership Training (BLT) to its members.
Aside from co-organizing events in the school, GACP had also been active in engaging with the community, which will be presented later.
By 2013 of the same school year, GACP decided to veer from the SAMAHAN Awards Night and made its own, called the GACP Awards Night.
Two most prominent awards were: Most Outstanding Class President Award (1st-5th year) and the Most Outstanding Class (1st-5th year).
The awards night was held at the Finster Auditorium of Ateneo de Davao University.
By the Interim Period of 2013, GACP again organized a community engagement program.
It was entitled “A day with the Children” and was held at Living Stones Orphanage in Matina, Davao City.
The event was made possible in partnership with the Business and Management Division.
GACP prepared learning sessions for the children.
Car Accident
ON CHALLENGES
The GACP Executive Board surpassed some challenges, not just inside the organization but also to other external events.
Once in Bajada, the ExeBoard had a car accident. It happened right after a planning session for an upcoming event.
The board decided to call the CCO President, and luckily he responded in few minutes.
The ExeBoard went home safely that night.
GACP – known as training ground for grassroots leadership in campus – remains challenged especially for its proposed dissolution in the SAMAHAN Constitution.
Ateneo de Davao University – The Ateneo Writers Workshop is an annual event for student writers in Davao. It is a joint project of the Society of Ateneo Literature and English Majors and the Davao Writers Guild, an organization with links to the National Commission for the Culture and the Arts.
The 2012 AWW was participated by writers from Ateneo de Davao, University of the Immaculate Conception, and the University of Southeastern Philippines.
Panelists of the workshop were Dr. Ricardo M. de Ungria (UP-M), Dr. Macario Tiu (PWC), Prof. Jhoanna Lynn Cruz (UP-M), and Don Pagusara, all of the Davao Writers Guild. Workshop director is Dominique Gerald Cimafranca.
The fellows for the workshop were: Carl Christian T. Agunod, Rosanna Aliviado, Madel Catre, Raizza Mae D. Cinco, Vincent Carlo Cuzon, Karen Kae F. Dicdican, Mary Caryl Dichosa, Alexandra Victoria A. Eñeco, Kristine Angelique O. Falgui, Alfedo Carlos Montecillo, Jamille Peliña, Benrich Baysa Tan, Gracielle Deanne B. Tubera, John Rey A. Aleria (UIC), Peachy Cleo F. Dehino (UIC), Armando Fenequito, Jr. (USEP) and Farah Aimee S. Virador (USEP).
AWW – Ateneo Writers Workshop – fulfills its part in developing Mindanao’s future writer-achievers.
Cagayan de Oro City – The 
Davao City – The 
Davao City – The 
Ateneo de Davao University – Campus Politics?
Vincent Carlo Duran Cuzon 