Aquinas celebrates 65th bday

OSA hopes for better turnout

Aquinians go far in Roco Debate CupAQDS wins seat in regional adhoc committee

By Carmela Diane B. Doma

AQUINAS UNIVERSITY of Legazpi (AUL) debaters continue to shine in debate competitions in the Bicol Region.

On the debut year of the Aquinas University Debate Society (AQDS), the Aquinian debaters competed and won awards in the sixth Raul S. Roco Cup Regional British-Parliamentary Debate Tournament at Universidad de Sta. Isabel from November 28 to December 3, 2012.

Roger A. Abitria IV (3 ABEL) was awarded as the tournament’s over-

all fourth best speaker while Aaron Marc M. Dimaano (3 ABPS) was adjudged the tournament’s sixth best.

A total of four teams were sent by the school: AUL A composed of Alfred Babasoro (2 ABPhilo) and Luis Villanueva (3 BSComSci); AUL B made up of Deo Geocoda (2 ABPS) and Erika Pereña (4 BSChem); AUL C composed of Abitria and Dimaano; and AUL D composed of Fritzie Monilla (3 ABPS) and Phoebe Kris Sison (1 ABComm).

AUL also sent student-adjudicators Carmela Diane Doma (2 ABComm), Kristine Ibañez (2 BLIS), and Romeo Diesta (3

Students elect leadersBy Carmela Diane B. Doma

COME FEBRUARY 6, 2013, the Aquinians will have a new Supreme Student Council (SSC) President-elect; this as Aquinas University of Legazpi gears up for the Student Council elections on February 5, 2013.

The SSC President post is a choice between AB Communication junior Angelica Guillermo and AB Political Science junior Paolo Rima. All other positions are uncontested - from the SSC Vice President position all the way down to the College Student Council (CSC) positions.

Earlier in the week, from January 27 to February 1, 2013, the different candidates went around the campus to campaign.

Guillermo is the standard-bearer of Coalition of Leaders Advocating the Welfare of the Students (CLAWS) while Rima is running as an independent candidate.

CLAWS also fielded candidates for other SSC posts as well as the CSC posts in the College of Arts, Sciences and Education (CASE), and the Polytechnic Institute (PI). Meanwhile, the League of Liberal Reformists (LLR) dominated the line-ups for the College of Business Management and Accountancy (CBMA) and the College of Nursing and Health Sciences (CNHS).

The different candidates, including the unopposed,

(Left) Personnel enjoy a light moment during the St. Thomas Meal.

(Above) Aquinians enjoy the Art Exhibit set up by the Fine Arts majors.

(Above) The Opening Mass signifies the start of the University Week.

(Above) Aquinians win the Don Buenaventura Cup.

Gil Bien (right), this year's recepient of Omaw sa Oragon, receives his award.

(Below) Dick Gordon speaks to students in the Raymond of Peñaforte Lecture.

University WeekHighlights

GOLDEN COLORS. Aquinas University of Legazpi prepares for the 65th Foundation Anniversary on the last week of January 2013.PHOTO BY ROMEO DIESTA

AQUINIANS GO FAR, PAGE 3

STUDENTS CHOOSE, PAGE 3

AQUINAS CELEBRATES, PAGE 3

PHOTOS BY ROMEO DIESTA

TO SHARE the blessings is what Aquinas University of Legazpi(AUL) wants to do as it marks its 65th Foundation Anniversary in festivities during the annual University Week from January 28 to February 1, 2013 at various venues in the campus.

The Aquinian community welcomed the week on Monday with a mass for St. Thomas Aquinas on his feast day, January 28, at the AQ Dome. This was followed by the UWeek Opening Salvo also at the

AQ Dome.

Later in the day, the focus was on arts as the art exhibit, 65th Avenue, organized by the Polytechnic Institute (PI) was launched. While Architecture and Fine Arts alumnus Gildo B. Bien, a visual and creative director for major television network ABS-CBN, received his plaque as this year’s OmawsaOragon awardee during rites at the DaragangMagayon Hall (DMH).

On Monday, the school also

organized St. Thomas Meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the day.

The second day of the University Week, saw the Salinas Lecture at the DMH. This year, the talk focused on HIV and Sexually Transmitted Infections. Meanwhile over at the St. Dominic Grounds, the Trade Fair was opened for the community.

In the afternoon, things heated up as AUL went head-to-head with Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU) for the final round of the 2013

Don Buenaventura Cup. Aquinas University successfully defended the Championship against the ADNU team.

Competition was also present the next day, January 29, as different high schools in Albay participated in the Academic Contest organized by the College of Arts, Sciences and Education (CASE). Tabaco National High School won the top prize.

Along with the contest, Enrichment Classes were also organized on singing, acting and

dance by the university artists groups, AUL Chorale, Sama-samang Tining ng mga Aktor na Gumagalaw sa Entablado (STAGE) and AUL Dance Troupe.

January 29 was also Employees’ Day, a tribute event named Harana at the DMH.

Thursday, January 30, featured two talks on different topics. In the morning, the Hururon Aquinian focused on the use of Social Media in evangelizing. This was followed

‘Pagheras Aquinas’ launched

AQDS Logo

Member, Col lege Editors' Gui ld of the Phi l ippines (CEGP)

The Official Student Publication of the Aquinas University of Legazpi

HERALDA Q U I N I A N

Academic Year 2012-2013 | November-January | VOLUME I | NUMBER 2

2

SOME 420 graduating Aquinian students went to “Pabalon sa Ka-AQ,” a job-hunting-preparation program sponsored by the Office of Admissions, Guidance and Placement (OAGP), on January 19, 2013 at the Daragang Magayon Hall.

The yearly event is aimed at preparing students as they face job-hunting challenges after graduation. This year, four resource speakers gave key and helpful insights on the usual concerns of fresh graduates in finding jobs and preparing for interviews.

The first part of the daylong

program was a lecture on “Career Planning and Goal Setting” by Mr. Richard Medalla, Guidance Office Director of Divine Word College of Legazpi. Meanwhile, Ms. Jean Cardiño, Director of the Human Resource Management Office of AUL, talked about job-hunting from the perspective of the HR and gave out pointers in “Resume and Cover Letter Making.”

Bicol University’s Ms. Marion Abigail Valencia conducted a mock interview. She also shared tips on how to dress right for a job interview. On the last portion of the event, Engr.

Arturo Corbe, from the Department of Labor and Employment Albay Field Office, lectured on Labor Education. Engr. Corbe expounded on the “Basic Rights of an Employee and Employer.”

Prior to the event, graduation applicants were asked to take the Skills Audit Test given by the OAGP-Testing Center to measure the students’ aptitude and readiness for work. The results of test were later handed out and interpreted by Mr. Raymund Gerard Banzuela, the university pyschometrician, during the program.

400+ seniors attend Pabalon

CASE toasts 2012 board passers

By Aldrin C. Brosas

By Carmela Diane B. Doma

THE COLLEGE of Arts, Sciences and Education (CASE) celebrated the achievement of its graduates in the annual Testimonial Dinner for Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) and Chemist Licensure Examination (CLE) 2012 passers at Jennifers Kabayan Hotel on January 19, 2013.

CASE has 22 LET passers in September 2012, with 16 first-time takers, and one CLE board passer from batch 2011.

Prof. Gina Boromeo, Director for Alumni and Public Affairs, led the school’s toast to the success of the new teachers and chemists. Earlier in the program, Liezl Lorilla and Pauline Machinay, two of the Aquinian passers, shared testimonials.

University Academic Coordinator, Prof. Lilian Legson, gave the challenge to the newly licensed teachers and chemists to exercise their

responsibility as professionals. Maria Veroninique Berdin, Acting Director of the Center for Culture and Arts and a new LET passer herself, answered the challenge.

Speaking on behalf of current both of graduating students, Francis Malaquilla, a graduating Education major, accepts the challenge of taking and passing the next board examination.

Prof. Susan Bobadilla, Chair of the Education program and former dean of the passers, gave the closing remarks to end the night.

The said event finally pushed through after being postponed twice. It was originally scheduled on December 21, 2012 but was put off because of other concerns of the College. The event was then rescheduled on January 12, 2013 but was again reset due to tropical depression Bising.

Nat’l scribes’ summit sees AQH participation

By Aldrin C. Brosas

IN ITS initial year as the official student paper of Aquinas University of Legazpi, Aquinian Herald (AQH) sent three members of its editorial board to attend “Inkblots,” the 14th University of Santo Tomas (UST) National Campus Journalism Fellowship, on October 22 to 24, 2012.

The convention, held at the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex, UST, España, Manila, was participated by AQH writers in an effort to further hone the staffers’ skills through exposure on college campus journalism.

The Aquinian delegation

consisted of Managing Editor VianneJ. Hermida (3BSN), Associate Editor Jillian J. Estrellado (2BSECE), and Graphics Editor Aldrin C. Brosas (2 ABComm).They were accompanied by Prof. Simon S. Listana, the school paper’s technical adviser.

Sponsored and hosted by the 84-year-old campus paper of UST, The Varsitarian, the press conference saw about 300 college campus journalists review the basics of journalism with lectures and workshops given by top media practitioners in the country.

Some of the speakers were GMA

newscaster Mariz Umali, ABS-CBN news reporter Nico Baua, Associated Press photographer Aaron Favila, veteran sports columnist Quinito Henson, and columnist, award-winning author Eros Atalia. Meanwhile, news writer from the Philippine Daily Inquirer Christian Esguerra, Associate Editor of The Philippine Star Marichu Villanueva, entertainment columnist Nestor Cuartero and renowned Manila Bulletin cartoonist Jess Abrera were among the newspapermen who graced the event.

Do you have a story that can move the nation to tears? Then MMK wants you.

On January 24, 2013, production personnel from television giant ABS-CBN visited Aquinas University of Legazpi in an exclusive engagement with the school as part of 20th year celebration of the iconic television show “Maalaala Mo Kaya” or MMK.

With around 40 Communication majors and a number of College of Arts, Sciences and Education faculty members as audience at M-Building Room 101, the ABS-CBN team led by Akeem del Rosario, MMK production researcher, encouraged Aquinians to share their stories and get the chance to have their contributions featured in an MMK episode.

MMK is an award-winning television show that features stories of different individuals to inspire viewers on themes of hope, despair, family, love and personal growth. MMK is especially known for producing tear-jerker episodes which viewers easily relate to.

Part of del Rosario’s job is to discover new stories for the show. He says a major reason why the network targeted Legazpi in their search is that the production team wants to look for a story set in Bicol which will also promote the place. Del Rosario adds, “this is one way of

us saying thank you to everyone. We want to reach out to all the persons who’ve been part and contributed in making MMK number one all these years.”

The MMK team encouraged the Aquinian Communication students to write entries which were later screened on January 25 to 27, 2013 at the Pacific Mall Entertainment Center, Legazpi City.

When a story catches the attention of the team, a researcher will contact the storywriter and schedule an interview to clarify the details of the story. According to del Rosario, an interview lasts for about six hours, but the longest he’s heard of so far lasted for ten hours.

If the story finally gets selected, the sender gets an honorarium, and the production commences. Usually, the production takes two full days, but as to when the episode gets aired, one cannot be fully certain. “It depends upon the season, or the theme,” added Del Rosario.

Del Rosario had been an MMK story researcher for three years already, and so he’s hoping, he said, that he would be able to read about an original story the show generally never heard before, especially set in Legazpi City, in other parts of Albay, or in the Bicol Region.

By Jesus L. Dawal, Jr.

MMK team visits AUL, asks for contributions

Chem dep’t sees influx of transfereesBy Vianne J. Hermida

AQUINAS UNIVERSITY of Legazpi (AUL) welcomed 12 new third year Chemistry majors in the orientation rites held on December 19, 2012 at the College of Arts, Sciences and Education faculty room.

The new Aquinian Chemistry students are all transferees from Bicol University.

The orientation given to the new Chemistry majors was on the university rules and regulations particularly on the curriculum, financial matters and the registrar.

This orientation was spearheaded by PsyChem, the home organization of Psychology and Chemistry students in AUL.

Organizers said that despite the limited time given to the student leaders to prepare, the event was successful. “The organizers were just told about the event a little less than a week before it, but with the cooperation of the officers, the event turned out okay,” shared PsyChem President Jerome del Castillo.

BLOODY TRUTH. Students act out human rights violations during the Gabi ng Karapatang Pantao on December 7, 2012 at the AUL Dome.

PHOTO BY ENRICO MANALLO

BUDDING JOURNALISTS. The Aquinian Herald delegates (L-R) Aldrin Brosas, Jillian Estrellado, Vianne Hermida and Prof. Simon Listana posed with noted GMA News TV personality Mariz Umali (center), in the Inkblots event at UST.

PHOTO BY ALDRIN C. BROSAS

The Official Student Publication of the Aquinas University of LegazpiHE R A LDAQ U I N I A N

3AUL celebrates Christmas with Agtas

By Luis A. Villanueva

THE CENTER for Community Involvement (CCI) and the Supreme Student Council (SSC) organized the immersion activity “Paskong AQ, Pakikisumaro sa Agta” on December 10, 2012 as part of Aquinas University of Legazpi’s Christmas celebrations. The activity was an opportunity for the university to extend a hand to the Agta Tabangnon tribe, an indigenous people’s community, at Sitio Antom, Misibis, Tiwi, Albay.

The Aquinian group that consisted of 29 faculty members and personnel and 8 students went to the Agta communities to share Christmas gifts to the families. Among the gifts were basic needs such as clothing, which were donated by the different offices of

the university, school supplies from SSC officers, and groceries from NSTP students.

According to the organizers, the project encouraged Aquinians to gain better understanding of the situation and the way of life of the locals.

Agta brothers

Sitio Antom, is where the majority of native Agta Filipinos who belong to the Agta Tabangnon tribe reside.

This particular sitio is about a kilometer hike on the mountainous part of Barangay Misibis. The path up the hills to the sitio is quite steep, which would take almost half an hour for a person to travel the short

distance. And there on the sitio, lies a small elementary school and a tribal hall.

Further up, about a few kilometers from Sitio Antom, is an even more isolated Sitio, called Mayharigue. Some of the participants went there and got caught in the rain. However, according to them, their effort to reach the place was well worth it.

Upon arrival, the Aquinians proceeded to talking and getting acquainted with the locals and distributing the gifts. The locals, in turn, cooked for their guests and held a small feast. The participants noted that “the priceless smiles on everyone's face showed the most sincere appreciation.”

Aquinians go far...

ABPhilo).

In a field of over 50 college debaters, Aquinas teams also made it to the higher rounds of the competition. AUL C reached the semi-final round, while AUL D competed up to the quarterfinals.

Meanwhile, AUL A also reached the Salubungan Cup finals. The Salubungan Cup gives the top four teams who did not reach the quarterfinals another chance to compete.

Aside from debates, the tournament also had a

Public Speaking Competition with Villanueva reaching the final rounds.

The sixth edition of the Roco Cup, with the theme Debate Evolution saw the participation of 56 debaters from Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU), Universidad de Sta. Isabel (USI), Aquinas University of Legazpi (AUL), Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), Sorsogon State College (SSC), Camarines Norte State College (CNSC), and Bicol University (BU).

The participating debate institutions also established an adhoc committee for the newly organized Bicol Debate Council (BDC). Dimaano, premier of AQDS, was elected Vice President.

FROM PAGE 1

JPIA conducts annual Christmas outreachBy Lyka M. Consulta

THE AQUINAS chapter of the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA) welcomed residents from Busay and Pandan, Daraga, to celebrate a Christmas party together at the AQ Dome, on December ,5 2012. The JPIA community shared their Christmas with poor Albayanos with the theme, “A JPIAN Christmas, One Spirit, One Home with the Ones.”

Every year a celebration like this is conducted by JPIA to reach out to less fortunate families and share a meaningful Christmas with them. In the event, students gave gifts and

conducted games especially for children.

One of the beneficiaries, a 50-year old man named Mr. Trujillo, said that he and his 10-year old son, Shem, were very much delighted and thankful for being part of the said event.

JPIA president Natasha Pedige said that the preparation put into the project by her fellow College of Business Management and Accountancy students was all worth it because of all the smiles of the children.

FROM PAGE 1

by the St. Raymond of Peñafort lecture on the Tourism Law featuring former Senator and Tourism Secretary Richard “Dick” Gordon as speaker.

The day ended on a high note as students and faculty members converged for the HuringHuding full of poetry reading, music and other artful performances.

On the final day, Friday, the whole Aquinian community came together to witness Rokyaw Year 12, as members from the different departments participated in street dance and school pride.

Initially into the University Week, students got confused as to whether regular classes were still being held. But on the afternoon of Friday, the whole university trooped to the St. Dominic grounds to take part in the festivities.

Aquinas celebrates...

Aquinian Herald has conducted a survey of 75 students proportionately distributed among the four colleges to dissect better student perception on the Student Council and the elections. Inferences based on these results are, of course, non-conclusive.

Question 1: What qualities should an Aquinian Leader possess?

According to the respondents, most are looking for Aquinian leaders who are (a) intelligent,(b) honest, and (c) responsible. A number of respondents also desired a leader (a) who can protect their welfare, (b) hear their grievances and act upon them and (c) someone who has a strong political will who will not falter from fightingfor the side of the students.

Question 2: What are the views of the students on the current Student Council officers?

In particular, the respondents were asked to point out the best and worst things about their incumbent Student Councils, whetherSupreme Student Council or their respective College Student Councils (CSCs).

The strength of the student government pointed out by many was in the actual activities conducted by the student government. One student, Gene Magno (3 BEED), shared that “[the Student Council] were doing so many activities [which] encouraged a lot of student [to participate].”

While many of the respondents feel that the Student Council officers are trying their best to be good and capable student leaders, many respondents also didn’t show ready knowledge on the identity of their actual Student Council officers. Respondents commented with “We don’t know them,” “I don’t really know,” and “Who are they?” in response to queries whether or not they

knew who these officers are.

At the same time, less than half or 31 of the respondents considered the performance of the Supreme Student Council as satisfactory.

Meanwhile, many of the respondents from the College of Arts, Sciences and Education, College of Business Management and Accountancy, and the Polytechnic Institute deem their CSCs as satisfactory as well.

The College of Nursing and Health Sciences CSC’s performance in particular was considered as very satisfactory by the CNHS respondents. The Nursing majors are known to be a close-knit group.

Question 3: What are the students’ expectations of the newly elected council?

When asked of their expectations towards the next set of officers, the students gave varying answers. Some asked for more

activities, while others wished for effective leadership and good council-student relations. Other respondents also hoped for more fairness among students. A number mentioned “decreasing the killjoy stuff,” perhaps lamenting that not enough ‘fun’ activities have happened in the year. But then, there are also those who want to have new faces on the Student Council, wishing that new leaders will be given the chance to govern.

Despite the differing opinions, a consistent expectation was the hope for a better student government.

There you have it. While a more scientific social perception survey has to be conducted to accurately measure the pulse of student opinion, Aquinian Herald hopes some of these findings can positively influence both voters and would-be officers in their decisions.

By Christopher Lawrence Reolo

Understanding the student vote

presents their platforms and last pitch for election during the Miting de Avance in St. Thomas Building lobby on February 4, 2013.

Meanwhile, Office of Student Affairs (OSA) Acting Director Mr. Jesus Barizo hopes that majority of students, or even more, would vote on Election Day, February 5, 2013.

The OSA Acting Head said this as the last year elections saw only about 500 students going to the polls out of more than 3,000 voters.

Along with this, OSA-

appointed Commission on Elections (COMELEC) members have initiated an information dissemination campaign to educate voters. COMELEC also said that additional computer terminals will also be provided to accommodate the students.

COMELEC Chairman Kevin Cledera (4 ABPS) assured Aquinians that COMELEC aimed to have a more organized campaign period and election this year.

Additionally, Cledera also advised all students to bring their whiteforms when they vote.

FROM PAGE 1

Students elect...

Special Feature

BICOL'S BEST. Aquinas' Roger Abitria IV (right) receives his best speaker award along with other top debaters in the sixth Roco Cup at Naga City.

PHOTO BY USI DEBATE SOCIETY

A MOTHER'S TOUCH. DLLH Chair Dr. Arlene Aguilar interacts with children participants during the BALIK AQUI program at DMH.

PHOTO BY ENRICO MANALLO

AQUINIAN MARDI GRAS. CBMA beauties parade their carnivale-inspired attire during ROKYAW Year 12 at AUL grounds.

PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER REOLO

The Official Student Publication of the Aquinas University of Legazpi HE R A LDAQ U I N I A N

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Dream Team

Loving TruthThe school’s motto says

it all, a life of truth and love out of gratitude. This is the same philosophy that guides the school paper. We report the truth and nothing but. We report failures. We report successes. We report the bad. We report the good. This is because we love this school and aim for all our collective growth. But more important, we do this because we are indebted to the students who are the school paper’s publishers.

So we exhort every member of this university to stop focusing on the “image” of their person, of their office or of the school; that I find very shallow. As much as we are all concerned about encouraging students to enrol, let’s not forget the students we have right now. Members of the Aquinian community all have their own

i s s u e s . For the b e n e f i t of our b e l ov e d s c h o o l , please, let’s talk about the problems head on.

First, to the student council, I am well aware that many, if not most of you, do know that your first priority are the students. It’s in your name, student council. You’re not the admin council, the tambay council, or the (insert your name here) council. If we have issues concerning your fellow students that we want to clarify with you, we beseech you to entertain our attempts to interview you as soon as you can. So that we won’t have any problems later on. So that you won’t cry foul later on. So that you won’t act so defensive and tell us that it’s all unfair. You’re

there to serve the students and not t h r o w y o u r

weight around or protect your own kind. The school paper is not your enemy. But of course, neither is it your friend. Just because we ask you many questions on certain issues, pinag-iinitan na agad, to quote one source. Grow up, people. It’s not about you. It’s about the students you are supposed to serve. If you have reactions, messages, or what have you, we are more than glad to publish them. We can even help you with some projects. A good proof of this is the Suggestion Box that’s been perennially promised every election time. Well, we did you a favour by setting up one at the school entrance.

Second, to suggestions that the Editorial Board should accommodate people from other colleges apart from CASE to not make its membership seemingly favour one college alone. Firstly, the Board consists of students coming from CASE, PI, and CNHS. And to state the obvious, we have one Nursing student and one ECE major occupying top editorial positions. We did hold screenings last semester for new writers, and it just happened that three of the four who passed are CASE students, the other one is from PI. Secondly, the equal representation of the four colleges in the Aquinian Herald is a non-issue. Making that a criterion in selecting members for the school paper is unfair, at best, and stupid, at worst. Last time I checked, representation is

A US congressman by the name of Bill Owens described leadership thus: “True leadership lies in guiding others to success. In ensuring that everyone is performing at their best, doing the work they are pledged to do and doing it well.” He didn’t say whether leaders should be the most intelligent, the most talented, most passionate, the most charismatic or even the most popular; neither should he have the best plans or various solutions to all the problems. Simply, he’s saying that it’s enough for a leader to make sure that everybody is doing what they do best and doing it well. Funny, the congressman didn’t even mention that being a leader meant being in a position.

In light of the coming elections, with all the students vying for various positions in the council – or in any form of elections really – it seems to me that it all comes down to a popularity contest. Hopefully

we realize that effective l e a d e r s h i p is not about making big s p e e c h e s and being liked; leadership is defined by results and not attributes or traits alone. Viewing the field of candidates, perhaps these few who’ve stepped up have already been preselected by their peers as the ones who will be effective leaders.

I think the real fight for positions in the council won’t appear in the ballots, but in the students’ minds. Well, not that the students will have many choices come Election Day – except perhaps in the SSC Presidential race. ButI think interacting with one another on a daily basis here in the University – and with a relatively small population –we can’t help but know who among us is best to lead – the kind of persons we are willing to follow even without a title

or position – and who are not.

I personally had the

chance to interview some aspiring student leaders from different colleges. And I can’t help but be amused by some of these students’ enthusiasm in running for the council. I kept saying at the back of my mind whether or not they really know what they are getting into. I’m thinking, “When the fervor of going through all the processes of being elected dies down and the responsibilities of the ‘real world’ starts kicking in, what happens then?”

Some of these candidates I have to admire, often reluctantly, their individual passion in vehemently fighting for what they believe is right. Their conviction that their cause is just, and that they will do their best so that their voices would

be heard and their visions implemented.

But then other candidates simply ran because they wanted a chance to serve, that it does not matter whether their voices would be heard or not; it may be because of great faith (or great foolishness) to be contented of being told what to do. But isn’t that the point of joining an organization? To set aside the self in favor of achieving something more than the sum of all the parts?

When all's said and done what we are really doing here is building the Dream Team. And to do that, we need variety: We need fighters, followers, listeners and talkers, enthusiastic ones, and even those who will be clapping at the sides. Among these, what’s constant is that we are giving them the privilege of leading us, of being in the front lines fighting for our cause.

Yearly, students get to choose the leaders that they deem worthy of the various posts in the student government. Among the many choices they pick the best. The problem in this year’s election is that every position in the Student Council, bar the post of the SSC President, is being vied for by candidates who are running unopposed. It’s a battle between Angelica Guillermo, the standard bearer of CLAWS, and Joseph Paolo Rima, an independent candidate, for the top post. The rest can celebrate immediately after having filed their certificates of candidacy. That’s how predictable the 2013 Student Council election is.

We have two major political parties in the school. One is CLAWS, or the Coalition of Leaders Advocating the Welfare of the Students. The other one is LLR, or League of Liberal Reformists. It is important to note that all outgoing officers of the Supreme Student Council, Polytechnic Institute and College of Arts, Sciences and Education Student Councils are all from CLAWS. Most of the outgoing officers of the College of Nursing, and Health Sciences and College of Business Management and Accountancy Student Councils all come from LLR.

This year, we have many of the outgoing officers running again for office. Aside from the familiar faces, another observation is that all council positions of CBMA-SC are ready for the taking by all the candidates from LLR. LLR candidates will also comprise the CNHS-SC. Meanwhile, for CLAWS, the CASE-SC, PI-SC, and at least six posts in the SSC are all theirs. CLAWS and LLR have decided to not challenge each other in their respective home turfs. It’s as if they have decided to play their cards safe. That way, they are all sure wins. That way, it’s easy for them. But lest they forget, the election is not about them. It is in this note that we welcome the participation of an independent candidate in this year’s election.

Then there’s this perennial issue—true for the past three years at the least—of the voter turnout barely averaging a quarter of the total student population.

Why do students, in general, feel apathetic towards student politics? On the one hand, students do not realize the importance of the student government. On the other hand, students lack compelling reasons to actively participate in student elections. This is alarming.

After all, the Student Council exists to forward the concerns, sentiments, and aspirations of the students. It plans activities that will benefit its constituents on many levels. It relays the students’ concerns to the administration. Simply put, it gives highest premium to student welfare.

NEXT PAGE

UNOPPOSED PAGE 9

Editorial

Unopposed

The Official Student Publication of the Aquinas University of LegazpiHE R A LDAQ U I N I A N

Roger A. Abitria IVrogerivabitria@gmail.com

Crossing Swords

EDITORIAL STAFFRoger A. Abitria IV

Editor in Chief

Jillian EstrelladoAssociate Editor

Vianne J. HermidaPhoebe Kris D. SisonManaging Editors

Aldrin C. BrosasGraphics Editor

Ralph B. OrenseSports Editor

Carmela Diane B. DomaNews Editor

Christopher Lawrence S. ReoloFeatures Editor

Second Semester, A.Y. 2012-2013

The office of the university student publication, AQUINIAN HERALD is located at the AUL Dome. Any comments, letters, and contributions can be directly addressed to our office or

sent through email at aquinianherald@gmail.com. YLike us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/aquinianherald.

Staff Writers: Lyka B. Consulta, Jesus L. Dawal Jr., Alfred C. Babasoro, Luis Antononio R. Villanueva, John Edward Bueno

Photojournalist: Romeo Diesta

Editorial Cartoonist: Jason Patrick Alcazar

Cartoonist: Alfred C. Babasoro

Contributors: Fritzie D. Monilla

Prof. Simon S. ListanaTechnical Adviser

SECTION EDITORS

The Official Student Publication of the Aquinas University of LegazpiHERALDA Q U I N I A N

Jillian J. EstrelladoMind-Over-Matter

jill.estrellado@gmail.com

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a prime value in the context of the student council. The school paper is a different matter. In fact, in other universities, the school paper is primarily composed of Journalism, Communication, or English majors.

Third, I would like to reiterate the autonomy of the university student publication. Yes, Aquinas University is a Catholic institution, but it doesn’t mean that the Aquinian Herald will echo everything that the Church says. We respect ideas coming from inside and outside the Church. Because for me and for everyone on the Editorial Board, as long as we don’t resort to disrespectful handling of opinions and issues, we are on the right track. The existence of the university student publication is secured by the Republic Act 7079 or the Campus Journalism Act of 1991 and lies not at the mercy of the school administration. Ergo, apart from our respect toward the administrators, there’s nothing to disincentivize us to speak up on campus issues if needed. Aquinian Herald exists to ferret out the truth on issues and not criticize just for the sake of criticizing. Secondly, we did make suggestions and positive criticisms with regard to how the administrators run the school. We mentioned the importance of appointing a full-time OSA director, among many others. I appreciate the fact that our current director assumes many responsibilities aside from being the acting head of the office, but I think being an OSA director is a huge responsibility in

itself and requires undivided and careful attention. It requires a deep and committed decision to listen to all the students’ concerns, whether they are from student leaders or not.

Time and again, people refer to the student handbook to threaten students especially the ones who are speaking up their minds and just telling the truth. First and foremost, the student handbook should not be used liberally just because students choose to disagree. The students’ right to be heard should always be upheld, and the school must do this in a loving way, fully appreciative that sometimes students can be right, and sometimes students are right.

Speaking of the students’ right to be heard, I do appeal, in behalf of the artists in the university, to give them more attention. After all, they are art scholars. And I think, many miss watching their shows. I don’t think our artists lack brilliant ideas or good project proposals. I also don’t think that they’re not trying their best to deserve more funding. So, why not give them more chances to showcase their skills? The same thing with our athletes who dominated the recently held Governor’s Cup and did very well in the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) Regional Meet. In fact, 27 of our athletes will be part of the Bicol delegation in the upcoming nationals.

Fourth, I would like to relate what happened in one of my classes this

LOVING TRUTH, PAGE 9

Phoebe Kris D. Sisonphoebequitecontrary@gmail.com

Power TripThe Aquinian Herald exists. It

has and it will – for years to come.

This is a statement to all the people who comprise this school. This is a statement for the students, for the faculty, for all individuals – for all those who care, for all those who care too much, and for all those who don’t give a rat’s ass.

The Aquinian Herald is an independent branch of this school. It may be frightening to think how much power independence can give a certain organization, but there is a reason why campus journalism exists. Campus journalism exists to be the voice of truth and reason on all the components of this school. It serves as the watchdog of Aquinas University of Legazpi. It dishes out news, human interest stories, and honest-to-goodness opinion articles. It is concerned with the day-to-day events and it keeps a watchful eye on all things new, old, and interesting.

This may be surprising to some, and some may not care at all. Having a school paper in a university which lost its voice for four years has actually elicited a mixture of reactions from different points of the school. Some were excited – who wouldn’t be? The idea of having something smart and worth your time to read can make anyone thrilled. For some, the idea of having something to shelter

their heads with during rainy days is equally exciting. Some were nervous – who wouldn’t be? The idea of having an unbiased sector in the university to discuss controversial issues and uncover dirty little secrets is nerve-wracking. For some, the idea of having to move coffers of money to print out paper that will only generally be ignored by the population is equally nerve-wracking. Some were angry – who wouldn’t be? The idea of actually seeing your faults being published for the public to feast upon can make anyone’s face turn red. Or maybe actually seeing the paper and not liking the general layout of the paper can make anyone mad. Which one were you?

From my perspective, being in the school paper is actually a thrilling roller coaster ride. When every meeting of every week starts, you are overwhelmed by the amount of work that will actually go on for the rest of the semester. You will be overwhelmed by the responsibilities and the amount of reading and researching you will do just to make it appear that you’re smart enough and that you actually know what you’re talking about. When the coverage phase commences, everyone scrambles to get the job done. Everyone chases after different persons to interview; everyone gathers pictures and all the data in order to give the school

something worth their time and money.

Then the editors start writing project proposals, permit letters for project proposals, and all such paperwork. When the writing stage starts, you will catch one or two people staring blankly at the computer screen, wondering for God’s sakes what they got themselves into in the first place. In the course of the finalization process, we sacrifice weekends and dish out various permits just to make everything ready for publishing.

When the time for release comes, thrill, fear, and anxiety all bubble up within the staffers’ bodies.But we are relieved to finally see the fruits of our labor. We don’t know if someone will throw tomatoes at us, silently seethe and throw tantrums like children, or be actually grateful, proud, and happy for what we’ve written. For me, I doubt if anyone will get or understand the dry humor and sarcasm of this article. In summary of the point of this paragraph, even though we are tearing our hairs out sometimes, we are a well-oiled, functional and fruitful branch of the school even in our starting stages.

Journalism exists to entice, excite, criticize, inform, entertain, etc. If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen, as they say. In this university, which has been immune to publicized criticism

and journalistic information dissemination for so long, now is the time to say to one and to all that it is the Aquinian Herald’s duty to do all of these things. With the power and responsibilities vested to us by the Campus Journalism Act, we are here to stay and to guard.

The AQH (not the hospital, but Aquinian Herald) doesn’t exist just to spread the voice of people from the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education. If everyone actually took the time to read our announcements posted in every room, we accept anyone’s contributions and anyone who wants to try out. The AQH doesn’t exist to be the springboard of any angry editor’s perspective, it just so happened that the complaints of students are in line with the complaints of the writer, who is also a student. The AQH doesn’t exist to demonize the administration or any league of student councils. It exists to serve the questions of the student population in all the pages of its latest edition. The AQH doesn’t make things up as we go along. There is public opinion. There is also the truth.

To lighten everyone’s mood,

this is not an article to threaten anyone completely. It’s an article of common sense, actually. Everyone knows what a newspaper’s job is. No one likes to be the subject of articles, though. If someone wrote a defamatory article about me, I’d be glad. At least I found out that I have done something eye-catching enough to actually inspire critics. This is an article to bring hope to the unheard. This is an article to glorify the open-minded. This is an article to warn those who have something to hide. This is an article to shake-up the defensive and the overprotective. This is an article to inspire students who want to know, who want to be published, who want to write, who want to speak out, who want to create lions out of themselves –to actually join the university publication. This is an article for the observant, for the reactive, and proactive, and for those who understand the value of seeing the two sides of a coin.

The Aquinian Herald exists. It has and it will – for years to come. As long as there are people who thrive in the truth, as long as there are people who believe in equal opportunities, as long as there are people who want to set a stage for their voices to be heard, the Aquinian Herald will continue to exist for generations to come.

Yin and Yang

LETTER TO THE EDITORNo to student TraPos

This year is the only year that I’ve become interested in student leadership. From the first two years of my stay in Aquinas, I had always been apathetic about who the officers in SSC are and other officers of different student organizations in school. What I knew then was that they were just really busy with usual things such as propose campus-based projects and such, usually following traditions of previous councils before them. Yet, I had always felt something missing in the council, something called representation. But then, I thought it was too much of a fuss to worry about something as little as student politics so I just continued not to care until hot issues in school such as the TFI and even the RH bill were raised before the studentry.

I fear that the way that student leadership is practiced in our university has hints of the ways of traditional politicians (TraPos). You know, come election time, Filipino TraPos would suddenly remember to implement projects so that they can brag about their achievements at the proper time – election time. I think that student leaders are learning TraPo ways like showing up at public events that should

not have hints of election propaganda. When a student leader shows up at a public event at school informing people that they’re running for president or vice or what have you, I think it’s a misplaced campaign. Public events which are sponsored and funded by the whole studentry by the machinations of SSC should not be used by political parties which are private in nature. It is wrong to use public funds for personal political agenda. These practices are very reminiscent of what our TraPos do. TraPos plaster their faces in big billboards and tarpaulins using public funds for their names to be known, when, name recall plays a big part of election campaigns.

There is also a problem of inadequate representation. Sometimes, politicians no longer represent their people anymore, but represent themselves. I feel that representation should be the prime goal of any leadership and that leaders should listen to their people, for representation is vital for democracies to work. When leaders cannot address the whims of the people, they’re failing their roles – they are failing democracy. It is disputable whether our current

leadership represents their constituents well, so I leave the verdict to all concerned.

What’s worse is, people become used to these tactics that eventually, they think it’s normal for a leader to do things that are improper. That’s why, come election time, people expect to be bribed for votes. People think it’s normal that their leader bribes and that it is part of the system. Personally, I hope that bribery and the like will not be practiced by student leaders.

Big changes start with baby steps. Student leadership is a good start; students should be informed and well-educated about their leaders whether their leaders are really fulfilling their prime role of representation. An assessment of prospective and current leaders is an important part of choosing the next leaders who should hold office. Therefore, it is everyone’s duty to be informed and to be wise.

Fritzie D. Monilla, 3 AB Political Science, a champion debater and Dean’s lister, President of the Aquinian Academic Scholars’ Society, and Minister for Education of the Aquinas University Debate Society.

By: Fritzie D. Monilla

ERRATA Aquinian Herald Volume 1 Issue 1 (oops our bad!)•Page 2 on the article entitled: “Guidance office launches...”, instead of Mr. Jandro Guinto, it should have been Mr. Carlo Pinto and instead of Ms. Nanette Gantilla it should have been Ms. Nanette Gandia•Page 3 on the article entitled: “CNHS celebrates 43rd...” instead of Venerio Pagiuo it should have been Venerio Pagiuo, MAN instead of Dean Vicente B. Peralta it should have been Dean Vicente B. Peralta, RN,MSN•Page 18 picture citation on Main Header photo instead of Jerome Del Castillo, it should have been Christoper Reolo

The Official Student Publication of the Aquinas University of Legazpi HE R A LDAQ U I N I A N

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What were your platforms before you were elected as secretary last year.

:Uh yes, CLAWS in action, academic excellence, communication, transparency, innovation, offer opportunities and networking convergeneces.

Did your platforms materialize during your term in the student council?

: I think yes pero of course may mga ano na hindi namin nasunod kasi may mga circumstances like syempre budget uhm, ayun. Sa budget, sa time, sa planning, pero I think most of it, naachieve naman namin yung mga platform.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being in the council?

: Honestly, di ko pa naisip na meron… nakafocus kasi ako sa student servant leadership pero personally… experience. hindi kasi diba kasi before parang pag may kinakausap akong tao nahihiya ako sa SSC sa dami ng nakakausap kong tao like sa isang araw sa meeting m okay ganito, sa meeting m okay ganyan, parang mas naaano ako na pag siguro pag nagttrabaho na ako alam ko na yung pwede kong iaarte pag nagmemeeting hindi ka basta basta pwede magsalita. ung mga ganun…

What are your plans as a student leader?

: Aquinian student servant leadership. Susundin ko yung plataporma ni ate val noon and I think it’s nice to serve diba before selfless service uhm ano pa ba? yung box napagusapan naming yun ng buong council kagabi na hindi lang sya box for suggestions makikipagcooperate kami sa oagp na aano kami uhm parang hindi lang sya suggestions kunwari may problema alam mo un kahit si louie belgica parte sya ng council ng case nagbigay sya ng suggestion na before daw sa school nila may ganun tapos ang inaano is parang may nagreklamo… by that way makakatulong pa kami sa mga estudyante hindi lang basta kailangan lang ng suggestions. walapa kami actually napapaano dun pinapangalanan pa lang naming syang Kahon for Cooperation.

Are you ready to become the next SSC President?

: to be honest kasi, 90 percent yes. Para kasing pag iniisip ko nan a uhm, studies and leadership. kasi isa rin yun sa mga kinonsider ko. hindi naman sya sa pagmamayabang , academic scholar ako ngayon. para sakin natuwa ako sa sarili ko hindi ko naman ineexpect na ganun ang mangyayari na napagsabay ko sya tapos academic scholar pa yung ganun baga parang yun parang natuwa ako sa sarili ko na kaya ko pala. kaya ko talgaa yun so yun yung ten percent na nagaalangan pa rin ako kahit alam kong nakayanan ko hindi ko alam kung makakayanan ko pa this sem diba ngayon scholar ako kung alam kong next sem.

Are you ready to accept the student’s grievances?

: I think yes kasi kung hindi ako ready sa ganun parang yun na yung pinaghahandaan ko eh. kasi parang pag di ako nagging ready dun parang walang saysay yung pagrun ko kasi parang isa nga sya sa plataporma ko kaya kailangan tanggapin ko yun dahil isa yun sa mga kailangan ko kung mananalo man ako as president diba.

What is your position about the TFI (Tuition Fee Increase) ?

: kasi nung before diba nung nagattend ako ng consultation nung running ako for secretary nakita ko naman na mas maraming benefits sa students kung magttfi kasi ang dahilan na talagang naaano ko talaga dun is nawawalan na tayo ng professors sa communication pa lang kasi diba hindi lang naman school yung nirerepresent ko nirerepresent ko rin naman yung course ko nirerepresent ko, yung college ko then the school and the students. yung pa lang sa course natin sa comm wala na tayong prof dahil sa sweldo.

Why should Aquinians vote for Angelica Guillermo?

: They should vote for me because I have the qualifications. I'm better, I'm good at being a leader and I think I am capable I have the skills to be their president. I have the connections, and by that connections, I mean the admin and I have goals.

What have you achieved in your experience as a Student Leader?

: At present, I passed at least 2-5 proposals for concerts and other activities to the Center for Culture and the Arts. However, everytime it reaches the higher ups, they do not approve it because of the following reasons: 1) High budget cost of the production; 2) The finance department doesn’t have sufficient funds to finance the production; and 3) our director is not courageous enough to defend/justify the proposals especially when it comes to money matters.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being in the council?

: The first advantage that I can see is you can address the grievances of the students to the higher ups directly. The disadvantage is, I need to double my effort in studies and at the same time in serving the students through the council.

What will be your strategies in achieving academic excellence for students?

: First we need to create the atmosphere in which the students are welcomed. We need to encourage the students to strive for more excellence by giving incentives and recognition, while encouraging them, we need also to upgrade our school facilities especially the library because some of our books are obsolete and not enough to sustain the needs of mind of the students.

What are your plans as a student leader?

: Being a student leader, we need to review, revisit and modify the constitution and bylaws and define and give emphasis on the functions and powers. We need also to review the programs and activities that we have because only few students participants in the said activity and try to make a new program/activity in which majority of students will participate and not a waste of time

What are your suggestions and comments to the aspiring leaders?

I can suggest to them that do not be afraid to dream especially when your dream is for the good of everyone. And being part of AUL community they have that right to run for any post especially higher positions and in this way we can give hope that change is always possible.

Are you ready to become the next SSC President?

: Yes, I am ready to become the SSC President!

Are you ready to accept the student’s grievances?

: Yes, I am ready to accept grievances because this is one of my goals. to hear and listen to their needs, issues and problems and that is the essence of SSC to represent the student and listen to their needs.

What is your position about the TFI (Tuition Fee Increase) ?

: I am against the TFI. The SSC, the legal and sole representative of the students, did not seek permission or opinions of the students. Issues relating to students need to be consulted before they decide.

Why should Aquinians vote for Paolo Rima?

The students should vote for me because:

1) I have a strong political will. Once I assume the presidency I will not allow the higher ups to influence and control the decision of the council because we are independent and we have autonomy.

2) My goals and dreams for the students is clear and I can feel the grievances and needs of the students because I only wish what is best for the students.

3) My expertise as a Political Science major falls into this. I study political ideologies and great political thinkers and with that I have enough knowledge to run the SSC.

4) At present, I am the president of AUL-Chorale, one of the renowned choral groups not just in the country but also abroad and I think it is enough reason for me to run for SSC President.

Heard all the candidates? Don't like any? It's your right.Vote abstain.

Third Year, A.B. Communication Third Year, B.S. Political Science

SUPREME STUDENT COUNCILSSCCANDIDATES

Special FeatureSTUDENT COUNCIL ELECTIONSA.Y.2013-2014FEBRUARY 4-5, 2012

President

ANGELICA HIDECEL S.GUILLERMO,Coalition of Leaders Advocating

the Welfare of the Students

President

JOSEPH PAOLO S. RIMA,

Independent

The Official Student Publication of the Aquinas University of LegazpiHE R A LDAQ U I N I A N

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B.S. Architecture

AB CommunicationAB English

2nd Year, B.S. Nursing

vice president

RAPH O.NIEVA

treasurer

RAFFAELLAMAE B.

LLADOC

auditor

MARVIN RAY V.

BERMILLOp.r.o.

JOSEPH VII D.

YAPp.r.o.

AILEEN G.MARTINEZ

secretary

HANNAH INEZ B.

BITARA

president

4th Year, A.B. Communication

PINEDA,MARK ANTHONY F.

3rd Year, AB CommunicationERRA JAED A.APARRA

secretary

3rd Year., AB EnglishALEJ ALBERT M.AREOLA

auditor

1st Year, BS Psychology JEPHUNNEH M.HENKELMANN

2nd Year, BS PyschologyJEROME T.DEL CASTILLO

p.r.o. bus.mngr. bus.mngr. 3rd yr. rep

2nd Year, BEED specialization in Early Childhood

4th Year, A.B. Communication 3rd Year, AB Communication 2nd Year, AB CommunicationMARY JANELLE P. LOUIE Z. DON KEVIN JOSE O. ALLAN S.ORAP BELGICA HAPAL NAVALES

COLLEGE STUDENT COUNCILCSCCOLLEGE OF ARTS,

SCIENCES & EDUCATIONCOALITION OF LEADERS ADVOCATING THE WELFARE OF THE STUDENTS

v-pres. treasurer

"Some people see the council as elitista, and unapproachable. I’m going to prove them otherwise, by making our office more open to students, reconstruct it to

have more open areas..I'm hardworking. I'm a workaholic."

" Be a part of the school, live up the aquinian identity.. Even though you are not a student leader you can be a

leader in your own way, it’s about the position you are in."

Aquinian Servant Leadership - "Para sakin 'yun yung nagdadala ng identity ng isang Aquinian. Parang... magserve ka

muna, bago ka maglead."

presidentPOLINAR, JENNY ROSE

vice-presidentGABRENTINA, ARIES

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS MANAGEMENT AND ACCOUNTANCY

secretary

ROXANNERAGUDO

treasurerMA. EDA GLADYS BALAORO

4th yr. rep.IRENE HIDELLOONG

2nd yr. rep.

MA. PATRICIAYSABEL

AGMATA3rd yr. rep.ANGELICA LARCE

bus.mngr.BEA PATRICIAPEREZ

auditor P.R.O.JANICA MA. ROSAM JAYSIA ALARCON

COLLEGE OF NURSING AND HEALTH SCIENCES

JOHN KENNETHESCOBER

3rd yr. rep. 2nd yr. rep

JEAN CHARLOTTE JERMEY SHAIREHSATPARAM RAPAY

RACHELCLEMEÑA,

bus.mngr.MIKKOCABATE

bus. mngr.RALPH ARROL PAUL JUDEROLDA AQUINO

presidentSAN JOSE, JULIUS BERNARD

secretaryESCURREL, ZARRAH P.

"..you want to create a change na wala ka sa position kasi kahit anong galing mo na

kung wala ka namang pinanghahawakan na position, nobody will dare to listen."

vice-presidentBARCELON, FAITH RAPHAELLE A.

"There’s no democracy here, only anarchy.."

"Ako 'yung tao na... I want things be done."

LEAGUE OF LIBERAL REFORMISTS

treasurer P.R.O.

LEAGUE OF LIBERAL REFORMISTS

4th yr. rep.

The Official Student Publication of the Aquinas University of Legazpi HE R A LDAQ U I N I A N

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presidentBS Industrial Engineering

SALIRE, JEROLD

vice-president

p.r.o

BS Architecture

BS Industrial Engineering

ANA MARGARITA C.

PAULO

BICHARA,

BODINO

secretary

bus. mngr.

Bachelor of Fine Arts

BS Industrial Engineering

MARIANE GRACE

JOHN BERNARD E.

TOLOSA,

SAN JOSE

treasurer

bus.mngr.

auditor

3rd yr. repBS Computer Science

BS Civil Engineering

BS Computer Enginnering

BS Industrial Engineering

JOEL

MARK ANGELO

KENNETH C.

MARION

ARAGON,

ABAROA

AGUDO,

BERMIDO

POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE

2nd yr. rep

BS Civil Engineering BS Industrial EngineeringREX EMMANUEL JEO AGUILAR TOLEDO

4th yr. rep

COALITION OF LEADERS ADVOCATING THE WELFARE OF THE STUDENTS

aquinian elections

Level Up - "I want to serve para mas makilala pa ang P.I."

ARTWORK BY ALFRED BABASORO

The Official Student Publication of the Aquinas University of LegazpiHE R A LDAQ U I N I A N

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semester. Our teacher gave us a 75-item long quiz of plain identification and enumeration. I do caution everyone against giving or taking examinations of that kind especially in science-related courses. Firstly, it doesn’t develop critical thinking skills among students. Memorizing things is a shallow mental process. Immediately after the quiz though, I did report the incident to our dean, Ms. Marytina Bonganay, and gave her a copy of the long quiz. I appreciate our ever supportive dean for immediately taking action towards the matter. As a result, our prelim exam in that subject was better.

Fifth, with regard to student elections. I exhort the OSA to keep records of the voter turnout. For instance, we didn’t have data about the percentage of the voting public who did vote so I can’t give you the exact number of students who participated in last year’s elections. Nonetheless, it cannot be denied that we do have low voter turnout every year. Let’s push for more activities that will make the students participate more. Let’s plan way ahead of the election period to make more students vote. Let’s launch information campaigns months before election day. To the Student Council, let’s make the Student Center more inviting with open doors and windows not just during election time, but also in days when you don’t have to turn on the air conditioning unit because it’s not really hot outside anyway; this will make the presence of the Student Council more felt. Maybe then, more students would think of coming in and tell you their issues and sentiments. Maybe then, they

will feel that the Student Council, who should always seek to know about their constituents’ needs, makes an effort to see them and hear them out. Maybe then, that can inspire them to be more active in student elections because they know that the Student Council is not a big joke but a body that seeks to help them in their school life. Maybe because if we only do all that a little while before election time, we can’t expect a big improvement in the voter turnout.

It is high time that students be made more aware that elections happen every year. It’s high time that students be made more active in this important event. Why? Firstly, the people who get elected will be the people to represent them and voice out their sentiments and opinions on school matters. The voting public should ensure that those who get elected are the most qualified. By qualified, I mean they should be genuinely interested in the welfare of their schoolmates and not just their own. By qualified, I mean they are sure about their decision to run, and are not just pressured by their peers because they think it’s cool, or they think they’ll make new friends if they win, or other shallow reasons. By qualified, I mean they know the issues in school and are willing to hear their fellow students out whom they represent, and not just lock in the office and make paramdam when election comes.

If you do think that no one’s qualified for any post, please still exercise your right to vote. Send a message by voting for no one. After all, clicking abstain on the computer screen is always a legitimate choice.

In the end, the quality of the service that students receive will depend on the quality of leaders they elect.

Now we ask: What can incentivize people to vote? Well, if they see the election as something of value to them, then maybe they will be motivated to vote.

If in the course of the year, they have seen how their student government acted on their concerns, or how their elected student leaders became visible, then maybe they would know that student government is relevant to their school life. If they become aware that indeed student government is important, then they may probably start to care. Perhaps then, students will care.

But let’s try to look at the problem from a bigger perspective. Is it singularly the fault of the Student Council that they lack activities? First, we have to consider that their funds are limited. With the dwindling enrolment, that shouldn’t come as a surprise. Second, we have to decide whether or not it’s the responsibility of the Student Council alone to think of

creative ways to cater to the needs of its constituents, like raising funds for student activities or doing ways to interact with the students more regularly or any other activities that don’t involve money.

So when the student government finds it hard to engage its constituents and at the same time, the constituents increasingly lose interest in electing that government, especially if this has been going on for years, we have to consider that the problem is already structural; that the school is not doing enough to empower its students.

Indeed, it is not fair to single out the student leaders as the main reason for all these concerns. The problem is bigger. The solution can be equally as big.

The first step is facing the truth and openly admitting that there is indeed a problem with the student government. When we are truthful, we understand that all our shortcomings should no longer be repeated. When we are truthful, we know what interventions are necessary to empower our students. When we are truthful, we are better servants and leaders of the constituency.

Aquinians advance...Loving truth...FROM PAGE 10FROM PAGE 5

Ronnie Bolivar for Beach Volleyball men, Maria Cristina Rañaand AngeliVergara for Beach Volleyball women, and Keith and Lucky Asejo, Teddy Berjuega, and Mark Bryan Flores for Football.

There were games in which our athletes cruised to easy victories, while others had to squeak past their opponents to get the win.

The football team looked sluggish at the start of the tournament. It seemed as if they had no energy in their first match against CamarinesNorte. Both teams were tied at the end of the game, scoring two points each. But in their second and third games, ALC completely dominated their opponents, beating CamarinesSur 9-0 and Sorsogon 8-2 on their way to the championship.

“It was a bit of a struggle at first because we weren’t able to train enough,” said football ace Keith Asejo. “But when we won one game after another, everything became easy for us. Teamwork made us win.”

For Albay’s beach volleyball women’s team, this is thefirst time in nearly five years that they’ve had an opponent in the Regional Meet. ALC faced CamSur in a sudden death championship match with the winner not only taking home the title, but also advancing to the national tourney. Led by veteran spikerAngeliVergara, Albay tried to dispatch CamSur quickly by relentlessly attacking the inexperienced squad. They spoiled CamSur’s return in the regional tournament by winning the match 21-13, 17-21, 15-7 to take a 2-1 victory.

“We outsmarted them,” said Vergara, who will be competing in the national PRISAA meet for the fourth straight year. “We knew their weak points, so we attacked them there,” she added.

In the table tennis doubles for men, many witnessed one of the most heart-pounding games of the tournament. AquiniansMark Anthony Lucas and Jerome Taller were well on their way to winning the title against Camarines Sur, winning the first two sets 11-4, 11-6 and leading by 10-4 in the third set. But their opponents, who were veterans of the regional tournament mounted a comeback in the third and fourth set 10-12, 9-11. In the deciding match, the duo from AUL was again dominant for majority of the set, but allowed their rivals to claw their way back again. AUL finally closed out the game in one valiant effort down the stretch to take the game and the championship 12-10.

“We were confident already when we go the 2-0 lead, but since we’re just freshmen, we really didn’t know how to close the match. We didn’t have that killer instinct that’s why we almost lost. That’s why on the fifth set, we really gave it our best to beat them,” said Jerome Taller, who admitted that they’re still finding it hard to close out games in crucial moments.

But while others have already secured their slots for the National tournament, there were other players from AULwho came up short in their quest.

Whenlady smasher Maria Fe Malaya made quick work of her quarter final opponents, many had thought that shehad a chance to win the championship. During her semi-final match against Camarines Sur, Malaya was on her way to winning the first and third set, leading her opponent 9-4 and 10-4. But she allowed her rival to come back into the game and steal both sets 12-10 and 13-11 respectively. Malaya’s only cleardefeat was the second set, 11-7.

“Maybe the win was not really meant for me,” said Malaya on her disappointing loss.

Her teammate in the women’s division, Kris Villarin swept her opponents in the quarter and semifinal rounds. But she looked lethargic in the championship match against Camarines Sur. Villarin’s errors made it look easy for her opponent to score points, and win the title in three straight sets.

Meanwhile,Albay’s basketball men’steam would’ve been included in the delegation bound for the PRISAA National meet. But a certain issue occurred in the basketball men’s division that sparked a big controversy in the tournament.

After the game between Albay-Legazpi City and Camarines Sur chapter, which the former won 94-90, the latter sent a protest to the PRISAA committee. In the said complaint, they told the officials that they found out that one of ALC’s cagers,Andro Diaz from Mariners Polytechnic College was ineligible to play because of residency issues.

After further review, the tournament officials decided toforfeit the match between ALC and CamSur. The decision was based on the eligibility and protest rules written in the PRISAA handbook.

In the handbook, it is stated that a protest can still be made right after the first game until the beginning of the second game, as long as a there is a discovery of a certain athlete who is ineligible to play. And if the said protest is proven to be correct, the game will automatically be forfeited.

Albay then went on to defeat Sorsogon in another nail bitter 94-89. Then, Sorsogon defeated CamSur by 25 points. The three chapters were then all tied at 1-1 win-loss record, so the officials decided who will go to the national tournament based on points. Since Albay-Legazpi’s loss to CamSuris through nullification, the latter was awarded 20 points to make their virtual score against ALC 20-0. But because Sorsogon won over CamSur by 25 points, they were declared as the champions of the men’s basketball division because

they had a five point edge in points.

“We are really disappointed,” said cagerJesTresvalles, who would have gone to his first National tourney if not for the incident. “Of course we wanted to represent Bicol, especially Aquinas in the Nationals. It’s like all our hardwork was for nothing. It’s really disappointing.”

Albay-Legazpi City chapter President and AUL Wellness, Sports and Fitness Center director AldinSonejaexpressed his frustration on the decision.“I feel bad because I don’t think we had any shortcoming. We submitted our documents on time and we didn’t allow the players who were ineligible to play. The players that they didn’t allow to play, we also didn’t allow because we were following the rules. So we thought that was already okay. Then something like this happens. We relied on their screening capabilities because we also don’t know everything about the players.And the player being protested isn’t even Aquinian,” he said.

Meanwhile, PRISAA President

for Region 5, Dr.Abuncho Palencia referred to the issue as a slight miscommunication on the part of everyone. “Well we can’t have perfect game officials and committee. One way or another, there will be instances wherein they will commit mistakes. Things like this, that’s where we learn. So we’ll just do the necessary adjustments to avoid such issuesin the future,” he said.

But despite some controversies and misunderstandings, Dr. Palencia still considered the Regional Meet a successful tournament.

“Overall, the PRISAA meet went well,” said Dr. Palencia. “We’re looking forward to making PRISAA better every year. I can say that we are on the right trackin terms of improvement. And I hope that this good start continues because I believe PRISAA can go far,” he said.

Heading into the National PRISAA Meet in Lingayen Pangasinan, Aquinian athletes as well as the entire delegation of the Bicol Region will be facing stronger and tougher opponents.

“We’ll be ready. We know that our opponents there are very strong. But anything can happen.Bilogang bola[fate is unpredictable],” said Vergara.

Interest is high on how AUL’s athletes will be able to keep up with the higher level of competition that they will face in the PRISAA National Meet.

UnopposedFROM PAGE 4

SEEKING GUIDANCE. ALC Cagers huddle to pray before their match at PRISAA Regional Meet.

PHOTO BY RALPH B. ORENSE

The Official Student Publication of the Aquinas University of Legazpi HE R A LDAQ U I N I A N

Aquinians advance to PRISAA nationalsThe Official Student Publication of the Aquinas University of Legazpi

SPORTSA Q U I N I A N

Aquinas wins it all in BACS athletic meetBy Ralph Orense

TO SAY that Aquinas University of Legazpi didn’t go home empty handed in the Bicol Association for Catholic Schools(BACS) athletic meet is a severe understatement.

AUL athletes bagged all the championships in the three-day tournament conducted on November 30 to December 2, 2012 at the AQ Dome. Events include Basketball men, Volleyball men and women, Table Tennis men and

women singles, and Table Tennis men and women doubles.

“We had very strong teams for BACS this year; their wins were by a large margins,” said WSFC Director AldinSoneja.

The tournament which was hosted by Aquinas University and Divine Word College saw almost 100 players from different Catholic Schools in Sorsogon,Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur,

Catanduanes, and Masbate

The BACS meet aims to promote equitable competition and strengthen the bond of all the participating catholic schools through sports and athletic competitions.

The event also included sports competitions for high school athletes.

AUL continues dominance in Governor’s Cup

By Ralph Orense

FOR THE second straight year, the Aquinas University of Legazpi was crowned the overall champions of the Governor’s Cup. The university cagers and spikers bagged three of four championships of the sporting event held from September 11 to November 23, 2012 at the Albay Astrodome.

AUL successfully defended their title in basketball women’s and volleyball men’s and women’s divisions, while the basketball men’s team finished as the second runner up in the tournament which was organized by the provincial sports office of Albay, headed by Gov. Joey Salceda and Legazpi City councillor Ralph Andes.

But despite coming out the ultimate victors in the Governor’s Cup, AUL had to go through several hurdles during the course of the tournament.

The volleyball women’s team of Aquinas University looked poised to sweep the elimination round of the tournament, but they lost to Divine Word College of Legazpi. Since AUL had one loss and DWCL had none, it resulted in a twice-to-beat advantage in favor of the latterheading into the championship match.

But the AUL volleybelles quickly erased that edge of DWCL. Led by veteran stalwarts Ethna Guab, Angeli Vergara, and Janine Daep, AUL forced a rubber match by beating the Divinians 3-1 in the must-win game one. Then, the lady spikers finally put Divine away 3-1 (25-19, 25-22, 23-25, 25-21) in the deciding match to win their second straight title.

The volleyball men’s team went through the exact same scenario as that of their female counterparts. However, the male spikers of AUL didn’t look concerned by the twice-to-beat disadvantage held by DWCL in the finals. Ronie Bolivar and Paolo Jamoralin spearheaded

a 3-1 game one victory of AUL over Divine. It also pushed the series to a sudden death clash. Then, the Aquinian spikers went on to claim their championship by beating DWCL 3-1 (25-21, 23-25, 25-19, 25-22) in the series clincher.

On the other hand, having only one opponent in the basketball women’s division, Aquinas University and Divine Word College played a winner-take-all match for the championship. Led by Hazel Jean Balunsay, Kreshia Llanera, and Maria Patricia Agmata, AUL made quick work of DWCL 77-49. The team showed balanced attack to defeat their opposition and successfully win the title for the second straight year.

Meanwhile, the AUL cagers entered the Governor’s Cup undermanned, as injuries to main stays Marco Borras and Maruello Ferreras forced them to the sidelines for majority of the tournament. But Jamies Landicho, Jes Tresvalles, and Niño Delos Reyes picked up the slack for Aquinas University. However, their championship hopes were cut short by Amando Cope College in the semifinals. AUL bowed to ACC 95-83. Amando Cope then went on to claim the championship by defeating Bicol College in the finals while Aquinas University demolished Computer Systems Institute 131-69 for a second runner-up finish.

Aquinas University’s desire of winning all the events in the Governor’s Cup has yet to happen. Their highest accomplishment in the tournament was back in 2008 when they won three titles and a first place finish. In 2009, AUL decided to pull out their participation in the late stages of the tournament due to eligibility issues and in 2010,AUL didn’t join. They came back in 2011 and immediately won the overall championship.

By Ralph Orense

Regional leg held in Naga City

AQUINIANS ADVANCE, PAGE 9

ATHLETES FROM Aquinas University of Legazpi (AUL) showcased their skills and went head to head against other players from the entire Bicol Region in the recently concluded Private Schools Athletics Association (PRISAA) Regional Meet held on January 11 to 13, 2013 at the University of Nueva Caceres in Naga City.

PRISAA, the country’s largest sports and athletics association for colleges and universities held its 59th annual tournament which opened in November 2012 at different areas nationwide. The first leg of PRISAA was the provincial meet, wherein the 17 regions of the Philippines conducted tournaments in their respective provinces that served as the selection process for the nationwide regional meet.

The Regional meet in Naga City saw almost 600 athletes compete against one another in different sporting events: Basketball, Volleyball, Football, Sepak Takraw,

Boxing, Table Tennis, Badminton, Beach volleyball, Tae Kwon Do, Swimming, Athletics, Chess, and Dance sport.

Region V had four competing chapters; Sorsogon, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Albay-Legazpi City (ALC). AUL belonged to Albay, which was also comprised of Divine Word College of Legazpi, Mariners Polytechnic College, Amando Cope College, and Bicol College.

Albay-Legazpi City sent a total of 168 players, coaches, and team officials to the Regional tournament. 58 of delegation came from AUL. The host province, Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte both had around 130-140 in their groups. Sorsogon’s delegation was around 120.

During the course of the event, Albay-Legazpi City chapter was able to nab the championships in Beach Volleyball men and women, Table Tennis men’s doubles,

Football, Tae Kwon Do men and women, Boxing, Swimming men and women, and Athletics men and women. Meanwhile, Albay’s Basketball women’s team will go straight to the national tournament because they had no opponent.

The players from Albay, especially those from Aquinas University, together with the champions from the other three chapters will form the Bicol delegation to the PRISAA National Meet on February 10 to 16, 2013.

Some of the Aquinian athletes who will be included in the delegation for the National tournament are Joebert Alcazar, Rey Añonuevo, Maria Luisa Buella, and Rachel Valladolid for Athletics men and women, Patricia Agmata, Kreshia Cassandra Llanera, Aira Ravago, Sharmaine Velasco, Hazel Balunsay, Krisha FaeBaranda for Basketball women, Jerome Prieto, Renzo Buencosejo, and

ALBAY'S PRIDE. Albay-Legazpi City basketball men's team members are all-smiles after their win in the PRISAA (inset)Regional Meet at Naga City.

INSETPHOTO BY RALPH B. ORENSE

CHAMPIONS. The Governor's Cup victors, AUL Volleyball Men's team stand proud in this promotional shoot. SOURCE: OAPA

-------------------www.congress.gov.ph-------------------

LAWNUM: RA07079 DATE : 07/05/91 TITLE : AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION OF CAMPUS JOURNALISM AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES TEXT : S. No. 1103 H. No. 22658 Republic of the Philippines Congress of the Philippines Metro Manila Fourth Regular Session Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday, the twenty-third day of July, nineteen hundred and ninety. [REPUBLIC ACT No. 07079] AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION OF CAMPUS JOURNALISM AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: SECTION 1. Title. - This Act shall be known and referred to as the "Campus Journalism Act of 1991". SEC. 2. Dec of Policy. - It is the declared policy of the State to uphold and protect the freedom of the press even at the campus level and to promote the development and growth of campus journalism as a means of strengthening ethical values, encouraging critical and creative thinking, and developing moral character and personal discipline of the Filipino youth. In furtherance of this policy, the State shall undertake various programs and projects aimed at improving the journalistic skills of students concerned and promoting responsible and free journalism. SEC. 3. Definition of Term. -

a) School. - An institution for learning in the elementary, secondary or tertiary level comprised of the studentry, administration, faculty and non-faculty personnel; b) Student Publication. - The issue of any printed material that is independently published by, and which meets the needs and interests of, the studentry; c) Student Journalist. - Any bona fide student enrolled for the current semester or term, who has passed or met the qualification and standards of the editorial board. He must likewise maintain a satisfactory academic standing; d) Editorial Board. - In the tertiary level, the editorial board shall be composed of student journalists who have qualified in placement examinations. In the case of elementary and high school levels, the editorial board shall be composed of a duly appointed faculty adviser, the editor who qualified and a representative of the Parents-Teachers' Association, who will determine the editorial policies to be implemented by the editor and staff members of the student publication concerned. SEC. 4. Student Publication. - A student publication is published by the student body through an editorial board and publication staff composed of students selected by fair and competitive examinations. Once the publication is established, its editorial board shall freely determine its editorial policies and manage the publication's funds. SEC. 5. Funding of Student Publication - Funding for the student publication may include the savings of the respective school's appropriations, student subscriptions, donations, and other sources of funds. In no instance shall the Department of Education, Culture and Sports or the school administration concerned withhold the release of funds sourced from the savings of the appropriations of the respective schools and other sources intended for the student publication. Subscription fees collected by the school administration shall be released automatically to the student publication concerned.

SEC. 6. Publication Adviser. - The publication adviser shall be selected by the school administration from a list of recommendees submitted by the publication staff. The function of the adviser shall be limited to one of technical guidance. SEC. 7. Security of Tenure. - A member of the publication staff must maintain his or her status as student in order to retain membership in the publication staff. A student shall not be expelled or suspended solely on the basis of articles he or she written, basis of the performance of his or her duties in the student publication. SEC. 8. Press Conferences and Training Seminars. - The Department of Education, Culture and Sports shall sponsor periodic competitions, press conferences and training seminars in which student-editors/writers and teacher-advisers of student publications in the elementary, secondary and tertiary levels shall participate. Such competitions, conferences and seminars shall be held at the institutional, divisional, and regional levels, culminating with the holding of the annual national elementary, secondary or tertiary School Press Conference in places of historical and/or cultural interest in the country. SEC. 9. Rules and Regulations. - The Department of Education, Culture and Sports, in coordination with the officers of the national elementary, secondary or tertiary organizations or official advisers of student publications, together with student journalists at the tertiary level and existing organizations of student journalists, shall promulgate the rules and regulations necessary for the effective implementation of this Act. SEC. 10. Tax Exemption. - Pursuant to paragraph 4, Section 4, Article XIV of the Constitution, all grants, endowments, donations, or contributions used actually, directly and exclusively for the promotion of campus journalism as provided for in this Act shall be exempt from donor's or gift tax. SEC. 11. Appropriations. - For the initial year of implementation, the sum of Five million pesos (P5,000,000.00) is hereby authorized to be charged against the savings from the current appropriations of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports.

Thereafter, such amount as may be necessary shall be included in the General Appropriations Act. SEC. 12. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following the completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved, RAMON V. MITRA JOVITO R. SALONGA Speaker of the House President of the Senate of Representatives This Act which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 1103 and House Bill No. 22658 was finally passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives on May 20, 1991 and May 23, 1991, respectively. CAMILO L. SABIO EDWIN P. ACOBA Secretary General Secretary of the Senate House of Representatives Approved: July 5, 1991 CORAZON C. AQUINO President of the Philippines