Redefining

CSG’s
Status Quo
Bacal and Petalcurin on change
and student-empowerment
By Katrina G. Mordeno

T his year’s campus elections proved to be more explosive

than the debacle of the incumbent Central Student
Government (CSG) officers. All the events preceding
and following the actual casting of ballots encompassed not just
the strengths, but also the fallibilities of the future leaders of
Xavier University’s student body.
Earlier into the political hype, the Election Committee
(ELECOM) created a buzz that just cannot sustain the students’
excitement, and have only created unnecessary delay. The
Illustration by Marie Gil B. Migullas. Design by Joshua Mario A. Bacal

electronic elections proved to be too wistful to a fault. In the

hopes of making for a more efficient voting system, they have
forgotten to consider the importance of planning for damage
control. Preventive measures are deemed futile as hindsight.
Voter turn-out, to say the least, was still dismal. Less than half
of the student population showed up for what has become an
‘election week’. Interestingly enough, however, is the abundance
of intrigues and controversies that hound those who vied for
office and which persisted well into the announcement official
election results. Neil Vincent Bacal and Richel Petalcurin, the
next CSG President and Vice President, respectively, have veered
away from that grimy limelight. Whether that is an asset or a
liability, still remains to be seen.
For now, however, their silence is pregnant with newfound
sensibilities. Continued on p. 8
Inside:

Kristine Joyce N. Vega

Pamela Grace G. Lico

>p. 2 >p. 4 >p. 12


Electi
2 Vol. 35 No. 7 | Feb. 2009
xper mental
THE
By Kamya G. Mordeno
S ince the time the Central Student Government
(CSG) has been established here in Xavier
University, we have been having the most
traditional way of voting by written ballot. For
this year’s “Botar Atenista” though, the CSG’s
Election Committee (ELECOM) has decided
to innovate and turn to a more efficient way of
voting: an electronic election.
Laying out the Plans
Seeing the need that elections should be
more convenient, ELECOM has tried to make
a new voting system that is more innovative
and practical. As early as the summer of 2008,
ELECOM has already conceptualized the idea
of an electronic voting system because they have
seen that their previous system was very tasking,
tiring and time-consuming. It demanded a lot of
labor.
The new system has had advantages that were
deemed to not only hasten the casting of votes and
the election turn-out but will also allow for easier
elections in the years to follow. The ELECOM has
invested P 8,000 for their program to be installed,
a program that will not only automatically tally the
results but that which can also be modified for a
survey or poll.
Execution gone wrong
After devoting ten months of planning for
this new voting scheme to be as thorough as
possible, the ELECOM considered probable
precautions to prevent some malfunctions from
occurring. Precautions like; providing a print-
out in case of a network malfunction and using
a Local Area Network (LAN) to keep its access
limited. But then, their efforts to make this
election as thorough as possible became futile
when a malfunction in the network occurred.
Complaints were heard around and about
the University regarding the new election system.
Errors had occurred from its enabling process to
its printing, but the failure was already bound to
be inevitable considering that this election was
experimental, as ELECOM Head, Stacey Kitz J.
Dagbay said.
This system was proposed supposedly, to
make things more efficient. However, this year’s
election scheme became more complicated.
The setback for this year’s election was not
only consumed a lot of time but compromised
the results for the electronic election as well.
The
Crusader
on
The ballots for the all colleges were
considered null and void with the exception
of the following colleges: School of Business and
Management, College of Arts and Sciences and
the College of Engineering. After the electronic
ballots were nullified, the election period was then
extended from February 5-6 to February 10-11.
The extension seemed almost impractical but
was very crucial. The ELECOM was left with
no choice but to continue the election regardless
which system they were to use. There was no
proper communication which occurred between
the students and the ELECOM which brought
confusion to the voters that resulted to a lesser
number of voters. As one of the students said,
“kapoy na balik vote, wala gani ko kablo na back to
basic ang election.”
Behind it all
Considering the amount ELECOM has paid
for the realization of this electronic election, it
gets one to wonder whether their investment paid
off, even though the electronic election wasn’t a
total success.
Though they wanted to hasten this year’s
election, the effects were reversed. Instead of
making the election process faster and more
efficient than the usual manual election, the
process started with the electronic voting which
somehow became much more of a hassle, not
only for the ELECOM but also to voters.
Knowing that this experiment was going to
be risky, the ELECOM took it nonetheless. The
setbacks did not stop the ELECOM from aspiring
a more innovative way of voting. As Dagbay said,
they’ve already crossed the line of change. With
this it is clear that they wanted to finish what they
have started regardless of the errors which were
bound to happen.
For them, the flaws would only be a learning
experience that would somehow help them
improve next year’s electronic election. They hope
that with the collaboration of Engr. Gerardo
Photos by Joyce N. Vega. Design by Jennifer Grace V. Aranaydo
Doroja of the Computing and Information
Services Office (CISO) next year’s electronic
election will be more successful. They have
planned that for next year before they start the
election proper, a mock election would be held.
***
The ELECOM’s goal to have a more efficient
system of voting seems to be ambiguous and
too ambitious for now, but this doesn’t pull
their hopes down. Even if there were numerous
setbacks they would still take the risk for another
electronic election next year. But considering that
this experimental election wasn’t very successful,
would another electronic election be worth the
risk? C

Vol. 35 No. 7 | Feb. 2009
In times of constant change and varying needs,
do we compromise the norms to follow the standards?
Straightening the Path:
XU faculty’s vertical articulation
T
eacher quality and the strength of school
leadership are recognized as the greatest
school-based determinants of quality
education. Quality teaching has a measurable
impact on student outcomes. Equally, those
administering the faculty rationally have a great
impact upon those they supervise.
However, the technical definition of quality
education has changed. Now, the standards
that determine the quality of schools have
been developed and are strictly imposed by the
Commission on Higher Education (CHED),
especially with the so-called “vertical articulation”
of faculty that has hindered Xavier University’s
pursuit of renewing its autonomy status.
Defining Vertical Articulation
Vertical articulation of faculty roughly means
that supposedly, the most qualified person to hold
a position would be someone whose degrees are
The
Crusader
By Ara Celeste H. Imperio, James Alexis P. Asiñero, and TJ Ray A. Raagas
“vertically” aligned to his major discipline. “In
the academe, this means that the baccalaureate,
masters, and doctoral degrees must all
be in the same field,” said Ms. Natalie
Igot, an Educational Supervisor of
CHED.
The standard of vertical articulation
is part of the CHED Policies and Standards
Guidelines (PSGs) which serves as the basis
of evaluating all Philippine Higher Education
Institutions (PHEIs). It was set up as a
standard so as to ensure a superior educational
and administrative quality in the Philippines.
According to the provision of the CHED
Memorandum Order (CMO) no. 36 series of
1998, “if possible, there should be vertical
articulation between the undergraduate and the
graduate levels of a discipline.”
The Autonomy Account
Back in 2001, Xavier University was granted
the autonomy or deregulated status by CHED.
This meant that the University was not under
the direct surveillance of CHED and may
maintain or enhance their curricula. The
University reapplied for autonomy after the
expiration of its autonomy status five years
later. Unfortunately, autonomy can no longer
be granted because the University was not able to
comply with the new PSGs being implemented
in 2004. “The criteria were reviewed by the
National Technical Panel of CHED,” said Igot.
Each criterion has been developed and improved,
giving way to higher standards.
After a thorough audit of the University,
it has been found that a number of instructors
were underqualified in their respective positions
because they either do not have a master’s
degree or a doctoral degree that matches their
baccalaureate degree. “The basic criterion is the
compliance of the school to the CHED Policy
Standards and Guidelines or the non-violation of
any standard. If they are not able to follow this,
the school will not be evaluated further with other
criteria,” said Igot. “To get the autonomy status,
the University must have complied with all the
PSG,” she added.
3
Solutions Underway
Currently, there are several units that are
already vertically articulated such as the School
of Education (SOE) and School of Business and
Management (SBM). However, the remaining
academic units still need much improvement, as far
as faculty compliance is concerned. Appropriate
transfers of several faculty members have been
made, mostly from the different departments
of the SOE and the SAS (School of Arts and
Sciences). Other masters and doctoral studies
that this University has offered have been housed
under the Graduate School primarily because
the faculty of the college where it is supposedly
belonging has not fully complied yet with the
standard of vertical articulation.
To cope with the new prerequisites of the
autonomy status, faculty development has been
made the priority program of Xavier University.
“The University is spending so much for faculty
development. We are getting doctors from other
places to teach here. We are also sending our
teachers to other universities in the Philippines
and abroad,” said Dr. Alfonso Hortelano, XU
Academic Vice President.
According to the data gathered from the
Office of the Academic Vice President, there are
Illustration by Nick Jordan L. Beja. Design by Jennifer Grace V. Aranaydo
already 159 teachers who are currently holding a
master’s degree in the university and 103 others
who are currently pursuing their masters’ studies.
There are 43 instructors with a doctoral degree
(PhD) and 13 more who are finishing their
doctoral studies.
“It takes time…many teachers are going out
and it takes time for them to finish their doctoral
degrees,” said Hortelano, “but in spite of all these
things, we are getting the results that we wanted.”
***
Vertical articulation is a standard that must be
followed to ensure the faculty quality, with regards
to expertise and knowledge. If Xavier University
is going to get the elusive deregulated status, there
is a need for a strong faculty line-up – teachers who
possess thorough knowledge and understanding
in their respective fields of expertise.C

4 Vol. 35 No. 7 | Feb. 2009
By Maria Sozina L. Alamban
I magine: for approximately seventeen
years of sitting in all sorts of classrooms,
you’ve tried your best to absorb every bit
of knowledge you could get. Every now and
then, you were being tested on how well you
kept in mind the vast information you have
extracted from teachers’ lectures and the bulk
of texts you were required to memorize. You
survived all those late night study sessions
and major exams. Now that you have your
diploma in hand, you’re ready to step out of
the university gates, to get a “feel” of the real
world —to live and to work like the rest.
Then again, you might be thinking that
you should take a vacation and worry about
looking for a job later. Just like Gamar
Damlani, a graduate of AB Philosophy, who
found different ways to celebrate his freedom
from the halls of Xavier University. For him,
it meant more gimmick, sleep and play time.
After college, he never considered
managing his time well. He usually starts
his everyday routine by waking up at 10 or
11 o’clock in the morning. And for the rest
of the day? Well, he just does everything he
wanted as he pleases. “It seemed like every
day was a Sunday and every night was a
Sabado night,” Gamar admits. It took him two
months to realize that he wasted so much of
his time bumming around. “During those
days [of being a student], even though I was
always busy, I would still prefer it than the
kind of life I have right now. At least, I had
something to look forward to everyday,” says
Gamar, nostalgic about his college years.
Ideally, every student's purpose of going
to school is to find a good job in the future
The
Crusader
with a hope that it could compensate for his
needs. As in the case of Leo Mar Carpentero,
a 4th Year Development Communication
student, he gets so eager about graduating,
getting a job and eventually earning his own
money. More and more students are into
that outlook of immediate employment after
graduation.
Cradling Statistic Waves
There are three demand-and-supply
factors that affect the quick hold on jobs
for fresh graduates. One is the growth in
the number of jobs requiring graduate level
education. Graduates in fields with a more
professional focus, such as medical sciences
and engineering, had bigger rates of fast
employment. In relation to this, the recent
issue involving the Japanese-Philippine
Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA),
an agreement between the Philippines and
Japan on employment and free trade, is
concerned with the specific qualifications
needed for Filipino caregivers in order to
work in Japan. The requirements include
a four-year college degree and a formal
(Japanese) language course for six months
and training for three years. However,
Filipino caregivers insist in changing the
requirements to include vocational graduates
of care giving and not only those with a four-
year college degree. This issue clearly depicts
the manifestation of the trend of immediate
employment. Second is the number of
new graduates coming in the market. In
the Philippines, there are approximately
900,000 graduates this year. Considering
that only 500,000 jobs are open for them,
as confirmed by President Gloria Macapagal
Arroyo's economic managers, no graduate is
really assured in landing on an appropriate
job. Lastly, the ability of new graduates to
make connections with the job openings is
considered. However, the type of jobs that
a graduate can get during job openings is
very dependent on his proximity with the
company responsible, choice of institution
of learning, gender and race.
Last year, over 33.7 million were
registered as employed - all categorized as
either full-time or part-time workers. This
placed the employment rate at 92.6 per
cent. If we look back to the statistics in
January 2007, 7.8 per cent were stamped
as unemployed and 21.5 per cent were
underemployed. It is enough for us to see
that there is a slight development with the
employment of Filipinos when in 2008, the
estimated number of unemployed decreased
to 7.4 per cent and the underemployed down
to 18.9 per cent.
But because of the sudden worldwide
economic delay which played around the end
of 2008, World Bank senior economist Eric
Le Borgne expects the Philippines to have
higher unemployment and underemployment
rates in 2009. And due to the ‘high uncertainty’
Mr. Le Borgne referred to the situation of
our country this year, he could not give the
possible estimation on the increase of the
unemployment and underemployment rate.
“Employment prospects are tightening,
unemployment and underemployment could
rise significantly and the strong flow of
remittances will likely be more challenging to
sustain,” Le Borgne explained.

Vol. 35 No. 7 | Feb. 2009
Strolling down the aisle of jobs
Le Borgne's statement on employment
rates is an indication that the national
government must strengthen and establish
enough projects to beat the global slowdown.
As shown in the Official Government Site
for Philippine Jobs, the top ten Job vacancies
are waiting to be filled with, respectively,
domestic helpers (1550), costumer service
assistants (1500), call center agents (1004),
professional nurses (500), delivery drivers
(241), medical representatives (180), store
supervisors (177), cashiers (129), optometrists
(126), and safety engineers (120).
All these numbers of vacancies inform
Design by Mein Gene A. Amolo
The
Crusader
you that there are still numerous open slots.
The latest XU JOB FAIR ’09 made XU
students apprehend with the recent offered
jobs within and outside of Cagayan de Oro
City. When asked on how she went about her
preparations for the job fair, April Jhim dela
Cruz, a classmate of Carpentero, said, “to be
sure, nagbuhat ko’g fifteen ka resumè. Grabe gyud
kaayo ‘to ka gasto nga adlaw. Pero, seven ra ka
companies gyud akong gi apply-an.”
***
In between 2007 and 2008, the unemployment
rate marked a 0.4 per cent difference.
Meanwhile, the underemployment rate
leveled down to around 2.6 per cent. As
5
projected by the World Bank in the East
Asia Update, the Philippines grew by 4.3 per
cent in 2008 and will grow 3 percent in 2009
basing on its current economic structure.
However, it is not really the economic rates
that have been in duel for years but the
graduates' initiative to find the appropriate
job for them. The resilience of the ratings
may be a guide that Filipinos, especially the
graduates, more often than not, choose to
sleep in between chances.C
Sources:
The Official Government Site for Philippine Jobs (http://www.phil-job.net)
RP unemployment, poverty higher in 2009–WB by Cai U. Ordinario (http://
businessmirror.com.ph/)
EMPLOYMENT RATE ESTIMATED AT 92.6 PERCENT IN
JANUARY 2008 (http://www.census.gov.ph/)
JPEPA bad deal for Filipino caregivers, says migrant group by By Jerome Aning
(http://globalnation.nquirer.net)
Employment experiences of Graduates by Percy Moleke
Only 500,000 jobs available for .9M grads by Christian V. Esguerra (Feb. 3 issue,
PDI)
 The
Crusader
6 | Opinion Vol. 35 No. 7 | Feb. 2009

Editorial The
Crusader
Publishers
Students of Xavier University

Editorial Board
Cyril Jonas M. Planilla Editor-in-Chief
Katrina G. Mordeno Associate Editor
Hyacinth J. Tagupa News Editor
Ryan Louie G. Madrid Features Editor
Xyla Mercedita E. Gualberto Sports Editor
Joshua Mario A. Bacal Art Editor
Krista Grace B. Surdilla Associate News Editor
Gregorio R. Alenton III Associate Features Editor
TJ Ray A. Raagas Associate Sports Editor
Marie Gil B. Migullas Associate Art Editor

Administrative
Laarni Mae E. Betonio Administrative Officer
Rondell Chaz C. Mabunga Office Manager
Earlbert S. Abecia Finance Officer
Jommy Jane M. Molina Junior Finance Officer
Ernst Niall B. Malifer Computer Systems Specialist

News
Maria Sozina L. Alamban
Mycah Therese A. Deguilmo
Bianca Nathalie Y. Llamis
Kamya G. Mordeno
Shola Mae Rose G. Zamayla

Features
James Alexis P. Asiñero
Hasheen Honey Kim S. Culango
Ara Celeste H. Imperio
Pamela Grace G. Lico
Christian Santiago R. Yap

Sports
Rey Anthony A. Cuenca

Art
Shamson T. Abantas
Kristian Oliver S. Adem
Mein Gene A. Amolo
Jennifer Grace V. Aranaydo

Small-scale Democracy
Nick Jordan L. Beja
Josan Astrid A. Dometita
Stephanie R. Go
Feliciano Legara IV
Vernon Tony V. Medrano

A
Marco Antonio O. Paculan
Karen Mae N. Pagaduan
democratic government – as quoted from Abraham Lincoln – is a government of the Kevin Tyron M. Soriano
Kristine Joyce N. Vega
people, for the people, by the people. Ideally, the right to suffrage is inalienable for the
Moderator
realization of the collective hopes and dreams of the people. In a democracy, this is Ms. Ann Catherine Ticao-Acenas

supposed to be less than just an ideal, and more than just a mere platform for a half-meant zeal For contributions, comments, or suggestions,
for service. send to:

There are more than a comfortable number of instances where this right to suffrage has been The
Crusader Publication
StC 302
exploited, and trampled upon. As there are many who advocate democracy, there are also those Xavier University (Ateneo de Cagayan)
9000 Cagayan de Oro
who blaspheme the spirit of the free world. Those in power, unfortunately, are often at greater Contact No: 857
Email: thecrusaderpub@yahoo.com
risks to fall into the latter category. And that they desire to keep that power for themselves makes Website: www.thecrusaderpublication.com

circumstances at worse odds with the supposed democracy they are serving. The assurance of Circulation: 6,500 copies

political continuations, by affinity or consanguinity, is now seldom a rarity. Such is the case that The
Crusader Publication is now
jeopardized the election results in one of the college councils in the governing body close to home accepting applicants for Editorial
– Xavier University’s Central Student Government. Board positions for AY 2009-2010:
It would be good to point out the obvious: this mess is political in nature. But beyond that Editor-in-Chief | Associate Editor
shrewd observation amidst the fiasco that is this year’s Botar Atenista, what may be more important | Features Editors | News Editors |
Sports Editors | Art Editors
to consider are the answers to seemingly mind-boggling questions. Is this mess created out of
dismissible speculation, or does it merit due process? Why does such matter surface only when General Qualifications:
• Must be a bona fide student of
the elections are over and done with? And lastly, among all the parties involved, and concerned, Xavier University
who should take the blame? • Must have a QPI of at least 2.5
• Must not be a high-
In the more direct and simple manner of putting it: should we just let the votes speak for ranking officer of another
itself ? Regardless of the intrigue, or controversy, hounding the soon-to-be political incumbents organization.
• Must have had at least 1 year
of CSG, what has transpired during the last month has only proven that the ballots are the people experience working for any
– not necessarily that which is right, or wrong. The practice of the right to suffrage might have official student publication.
spoken for democracy, but not for its ideal. Those who have recently won over the majority must For inquiries and specific
have been convincing enough to have us believe that they will uphold what suffrage alone cannot requirements, please contact the
Editor-in-Chief, 09277906706.
accomplish.C

Vol. 35 No. 7 | Feb. 2009
So?
Hyacinth J. Tagupa
I
f there is one word to describe the recently-
concluded campus elections in Xavier University,
it is probably ‘unpredictable’. That may sound
exciting, but in all seriousness, it isn’t exactly a good
trip.
First, the student-body had to get prepped up for
the first-ever electronic elections in XU, and for the first
few days of its implementation, most of us held our
breath. Like any other first, this one came wrapped in
Cogito ergo doleo
Gregorio R. Alenton III
W
hat do religions, political structures, and
academic institutions all have in common?
Besides lavishly providing society with a
sense of order and belongingness (being reduced into
mere forces of conformity by most people) these age-
old constructs of society almost always have their own
perverts running against social convention.
Society has always been in constant interplay of
mores and deviations. Just like calamansi juice, society is
a concoction of the liquid normalcy and some colloidal
rinds floating among the average. Perverts are these
The
Crusader
The Microcosm
controversy and doubt. Undoubtedly, the question in
our minds was, will this scheme effectively and efficiently
work for us? And undoubtedly, we found out the answer
a few days after we electronically voted – that is, when
we had to go back to the voting precincts to do it all
over again manually because our electronic votes came
out ‘invalid’.
As if the electronic elections weren’t controversial
enough, this year’s student-politicians had some
surprises up their sleeves. The spicy Q&A during “Meet
the Press” heated up the race, and the ‘declining’ of a
presidential candidate from his candidacy fueled the
talks.
Right now, we can look back to the whole thing, see
the big picture, notice the little details. We can play that
episode in our minds all over again like it’s a piece of
sitcom on DVD. But it wasn’t supposed to be a messy
comedy (or drama, for that matter). After all, it was an
exercise of our democracy – something that ought to
have been taken seriously. Unfortunately, it did turn out
messy, and it’s the messiness, not the seriousness, of our
own campus politics that reminds us of our country’s
politics.
It really is true: our school is a microcosm of our
nation. We are the miniature model, the smaller version.
What happens on-campus is played out big-time ‘out
there’. In school, we are taught the essentials, and we
pick out one or two to bring into whichever field we
Juicy Perversions
floating chunks of deviance in the freshly squeezed
lemonade of social reality laid out by institutions. It
is considered as perversion to attempt altering social
conventions into more subjective idealisms. “Pervert”
then, to be clear, is passé from the sex driven maniacs
we all know and loath.
Churches, with their conventions and dogmas
on morality, are most often than not, attacked by the
subversive minority, causing the birth of a whole spectrum
of religious sects, cults, and atheists. Political structures,
as with our intentionally democratic government, are
in constant assailment of radical reform embodied
by forces condemned as insurgencies. Academic
institutions almost harbor the very same politics of the
nation in a smaller scale. To note, universities have their
own share of radicalisms coming from student-activist
groups with administrative reform as their battle cry. It
is also interesting enough to point out that such student-
activist groups turn out to be the individuals rallying on
the streets taunting the government for national reform
a few years later. For these people, perversion came early
on, and social deviance seems to be a career.
Perverts are everywhere; we just call them by
various names. As long as there are social structures
imposing conventions which are intentionally made to
hold society together, there will always be those who
veer away from standards. Perversion of one’s religion
makes a blasphemer or an atheist. Advocacy of the
destruction of the government or any other political
structure makes an activist.
Opinion | 7
will soon find ourselves in. It is in this institution that
our values and principles are set firm, and our future is
planned out right before our almost-oblivious visions.
Many, if not all, significant things start out in school.
The nation practically starts out in school.
Considering this, the national headlines shouldn’t
be much of a surprise. The political bickering and
governance crises we hear in the news are all too
familiar and similar to what is happening in our campus.
If we think about it, that is because all those big-time
players out there – the mayors, the senators, even the
president – most probably began as student-voters,
student representatives, or student-government officers.
In short, they began like us: students.
It’s only a matter of time before we become like
them, too; before the things we do in school now
become the real newsmakers that can make or break
the country – so we better rehearse our parts well. That
means we have to do what we can do the right way. If
we can run for an office in a student organization , we
have to do it with our guts and principles intact. If we
can vote, we have to vote with honesty and rationality.
Learning from our mistakes and cleaning up our
acts as early as now is needed if we want to build our
future on a better slate. The things we do now can
change everything, and one day, we’ll wake up realizing
that it’s our turn to run the nation. And when that time
comes, we better be ready.C
The social constructs of religion and politics are
essential for the sophisticated congregation we know
as society. Social reform is imperative whenever such
constructs become flawed. That is exactly why revisions
of Catholic doctrines and Constitutional ratifications
were brought about. Social conventions do change to
suit the needs of the times.
Deducing the perversions of social constructs,
with its inconvenient unconventionality, sums up to the
subjectivity of intents. Some people fall out of love for
their religion out of the contention that institutionalized
belief does not suffice their need for spirituality or it
negates that need altogether. Compensation comes in
either enlistment to other sects or atheism. People vote
for individuals who turn out to be deviant from the
ideals of leadership. As result of disappointment, the
people lose faith in their governments and ultimately,
some take it to the streets or resort to bloodshed.
Perversion of social structures, in a sense, is a mere
defense mechanism for the utter disappointments in
conventions. People naturally respect governments and
religions, they just react when such organizations’ action
is no longer deemed fit, and some react by fighting the
system with romantic fervor.
Perverts of society, just like the rinds in calamansi
juice peacefully settle at the bottom when society is calm
and stable. Inconsistencies and injustice aggravates the
society and the rinds will be all over the place. C
 The
Crusader
8 Vol. 35 No. 7 | Feb. 2009

Redefining CSG’s Status Quo Continued from p. 1

We started this election with a number of companions, supporters

and people participating. And now, we ended up with only a few
number of people which the majority is the winners of this election.
Let me leave you with a challenge, a challenge to us all elected leaders
to work as one community, working as one amidst diversity. We can
make a difference, we can create change so long as we will start
it within ourselves but we will not stop there, as one community
we will empower other students to make a difference and to create
change.
Photo by Kristine Joyce N. Vega

May our dear God Bless us all!

— Neil Vincent Bacal
BS Business Management 4
CSG President SY 2009-2010

It is indeed an answered prayer to have been given the privilege to

represent the entire Xavier University studentry. With that, I’d like
to thank the people who have brought me in the position and have
trusted my capacity to give a faith-based service. Thank you!
Being the newly elected CSG Vice President, I commit myself to give
what is just and toil towards Magis. Aiming for excellent governance
is not just about what I can do as a leader but what the student who

Photo by Kevin Tyron M. Soriano

loves the government can do to elevate it. Now, I am confident that
with your help, together, we can move the Blue Movement.
To end, the victory is less of myself but more of Him who sent
me. Be all Glory due to Him.
— Richel Petalcurin
BS Secondary Education 3
CSG Vice President SY 2009-2010

Photos by Vernon Tony Medrano, Karen Mae Pagaduan, Kristine Joyce N. Vega
By the Numbers
Here are the figures from the final ELECOM poll release
categorized by college.

Ayob Bacal Cañeda Musni Olamit Petalcurin

Illustration and design by Joshua Mario A. Bacal.

Med 23 5 14 27 35 29
CIT 69 152 19 10 93 151
Eng’g 94 221 56 56 169 242
Law 6 12 2 15 13 21
Aggies 103 84 24 20 135 95
Artscies 206 218 95 111 247 342
SBM 150 494 130 237 403 549
Educ 126 195 33 25 290 94
Nursing 131 307 121 121 268 374
 The
Crusader
Vol. 35 No. 7 | Feb. 2009 News | 9

KKP-SIO heads relief operations for flood victims

By Maria Sozina L. Alamban
Seventy volunteers assembled at the Xavier
University (XU) gym for a disaster relief operation
on January 17, as the rain continually showered.
The operation was led by the Kristohanong Katilingban
sa Pagpakabana-Social Involvement Office (KKP-
SIO) with the cooperation of various concerned
individuals from more than ten organizations in
and out of the University.
With the 615 family packs of relief goods
and 16 sacks of rice, three six-by-six trucks
brought the volunteers to the evacuation centers
near affected areas in Amoros, Molugan and El
Salvador, Misamis Oriental; Bolao, Iponan, Bulua;
Canitoan and Pagatpat, Cagayan de Oro. They
bitaw sa atop ang tubig. Nitung-tung na lang gud ang
uban sa atop. Gi-rescue dayun mi adtung mga sundalo
nga nagsakay ug speed boat.” All the other flood
victims lined up to get their share of relief goods.
“Nalipay kaayo mi nga daghan ang gatabang sa amo,”
Alibio added.
The relief operation started when calamity
struck in Cagayan de Oro on January 3. As of
February 3, the cash donations have totaled to
Php 469, 759.64 -- only cash on-hand and checks
withdrawn from XU account. Php 430, 913.93
was spent for relief goods. The operation also
included medical missions and feeding programs.
The XU disaster relief operation is heading

Photo by Kristine Joyce N. Vega

distributed the supplies to 703 families affected
by the flood in the said areas.
When asked about her experience, Mrs.
Gingging Alibio, a 41 year-old flood victim
currently residing in one of Iponan’s evacuation
centers, narrated “Taas kaayo, taga-ulo na [ang baha].
Ang uban gani, lapas na sa ulo kay nag sangko na
onto a new level -- the rehabilitation assistance.
With the remaining amount left in the XU account
for the operation, KKP-SIO now plans to raise
more to add to these for support of families
washed out in their areas. These will then be used
to help rebuild their new homes.C

Relief goods are being distributed to affected families.

CDO-ASSET hosts global youth gathering

By Hyacinth J. Tagupa
Participants from all over the country and
across the globe gathered in Cagayan de Oro for
the first International Youth Convention (IYC)
held January 30-February 2.
The Cagayan de Oro Alliance of Students
Supporting the Entrepreneurs of Tomorrow
(CDO-ASSET) hosted the event with the aim
of overcoming cultural and religious diversity
among the youth towards helping achieve the
United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals
(MDGs) for year 2015.
Photo by Hyacinth J. Tagupa
A symbolic releasing of balloons at McArthur
Park opened the convention. The first evening also
marked the International Youth Day Exhibition
and formally introduced the participants to the
IYC. The 18 official participants came from
schools in the Philippines, as well as from Hungary
and Cameroon.
The main events of the IYC 2009 were the
plenary sessions that took place in the Lim Ket
Kai Atrium on January 31. The assemblies, led
by key speakers, were: “Interfaith Dialogue: A
Peaceful World” by Fr. Jose Ramon Villarin, SJ;
“Cultural Diversification: Practices and Ethics” by
Atty. Enrique dela Cruz, Jr.; and “Strengthening
Millennium Development Goals 2015: Youth
Perspective” by Atty. Marfred Pranada. Together
with the official participants, students from
various schools in Cagayan de Oro attended the
said sessions.
Cultural and social activities, such as the
International Cultural Night and the Paint-a-
House at the Gawad Kalinga Xavier Village in
Opol, were also in the list of activities. A symbolic
event, marked with a bonfire at the Opol beach,
then concluded the convention.
IYC 2009 Chair Rupert Jason Musni expressed
his satisfaction with the event. “It’s fulfilling,” he
said. “Young as we are, we are already contributing
towards achieving the MDG 2015.” Musni also
confirmed that there are plans for the next IYC.
The goals of the first IYC were in line with
the United Nations’ advocacy for the eight MDGs,
which are to be achieved by 2015. The MDGs
Design by Josan Astrid A. Dometita

include the eradication of extreme poverty, the

achievement of universal primary education,
the preservation of the natural environment,
gender equality, and the establishment of global
partnerships.C

Students from all over CdeO pack the Lim Ket Kai atrium during the IYC
 The
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10 | News Vol. 35 No. 7 | Feb. 2009

IT enthusiasts convene for 2nd Mindanao-wide QITC

By Kamya G. Mordeno
convention which had more than 170 participants,
including professionals in the various IT fields
and students from the various IT schools in
Mindanao.
Guest speakers included Engr. Elpidio Paras,
President of Parasat Cable TV; Mr. Ronald Ramos,
Photo from http://qitc2009.multiply.com

IT Specialist from Smart Communications, Inc.;

Engr. Elpidio Paras speaks to IT enthusiasts during the QITC.
As it is geared towards unitifying Information
Technology (IT) enthusiasts, the second
Mindanao-wide Quantum and Information
Technology Convention (QITC) was held on
January 23-25 at The Marco Hotel, Cugman,
Cagayan de Oro City.
With the theme “Enriching Mindanao
IT Enthusiast for Global Competence”, the
event did not only give IT enthusiasts further
knowledge about their field but it also promoted
IT in Mindanao, as well as E-commerce, Smart
Technology, Current and Emerging Web
Technology, and 3D Technology.
The highlight of the 3-day affair was the IT
Ms. Stephanie Caragos, CEO of Syntactics Inc.;
Ms. Yolynne Medina, IRC Channel Consultant
and Online Networking Staff of the International
Open Source Network; and Mr. Lawrence Kwek,
Junior User Interface Designer of Behringer
Holdings Pte.
Prior to the convention, competitions were
held: The Microsoft Paint Competition for the
grade school and the Photoshop Competition and
Quiz Show for the High school students. These
served as venues for the youth to enhance their
skills in IT.
The event was made lively with singing,
dancing, and games. The second day of the
convention ended with a social gathering for the
participants .
In spite of the registration fee ranging from
Php 2,900 – 3,700, the President of Xavier
Computer Enthusiasts’ League (XCEL), Ms.
Blondie Lynn Rondez, assured that it was a non-
profitable event.C

Entrepreneurship and sustainable development mingle in MBMYC

By Bianca Nathalie Y. Llamis
Oro City on February 6-8. Mejia of SLERS, Inc., Lanao del Norte Governor
In the first plenary Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo, and Dean Roel
entitled “Ignite,” Ravanera of the College of Agriculture answered
entrepreneurship advocates the delegates’ queries on the sustainability of an
Paolo Benigno “Bam” entrepreneur’s venture.
Photo courtesy of the Ateneo Camera Club

Aquino IV, Christopher
Tio, and James Fantone
shared their experiences and
insights to encourage the
delegates to venture into
entrepreneurship. In the
second plenary, “Respond,”
Jeffrey Tarayao of Globe
Telecom’s Corporate Social
Responsiblity Department,
Rafael Ortega of the Philippine
One of the speakers shares his message to the MBMYC participants Center for Entrepreneurship
- GO Negosyo, Ermin Stan Pimentel of Kristohanong
With the theme “Igniting the Youth Katilingban sa Pagpakabana - Social Involvement
to be Socially Responsible Entrepreneurs Office, and Heidi Grace Mendoza, a faculty
for Sustainable Development,” the 5th of the College of Agriculture, expounded on
Mindanao Business and Management Youth social responsibility and its role in business. In
Congress (MBMYC) convened in Marco “Sustainable Development”, the third plenary,
Hotel, Alwana Business Park, Cagayan de speakers Benedicto Aguilar, Mercedes Pelaez
The 235 delegates chose among five areas
of change -- human resource development,
youth entrepreneurship, financial literacy, social
youth entrepreneurship, and information and
communications technology -- during the break-
out sessions. They were asked to identify the
main problems within their chosen areas, and
to make an analysis of its strengths, weaknesses,
opportunities, and threats, and generate business
concepts that will best solve these problems. On
the last day, each group presented their business
concepts.
“Having attended the congress, these
delegates are challenged to initiate these solutions
in the hopes of building a stronger Mindanao,
a greater nation,” stated Arthur Daniel P. Mejia,
Chairman of this year’s MBMYC.”C
 The
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Vol. 35 No. 7 | Feb. 2009 News | 11

Indie films take spotlight in Cinemagis

By Mycah Therese A. Deguilmo
Xavier Science Foundation and the National included “City of Samaritans”, “Window of
Commission for the Culture and the Arts (NCCA) Dreams” and “Kasing-Kasing Amang.” “Window of
together with Xavier University Culture and Arts Dreams” was given the Best Sound Scoring while
Office and SM City CDO successfully staged “Kasing-Kasing Amang” bagged Best Art Direction
Cinemagis, the Northern Mindanao digital short- and Best Short Film.
film festival on Jan 19 and from 21 to 23 at SM Best Male Performer went to Phlong Flores
Cinemas 1 and 2. for “Kasing-Kasing Amang” and its counterpart,
The screening of entries was the highlight Best Female Performer, to “Ukit’s” Frenchlyn
of the whole event, apart from the workshop, Duran. Tzaddi Esguerra for “Kiss the Rain”
launch and presentation of nominees. When the and Shaun Alejandrae Yap Uy for “Kasing-Kasing
eight entries were shown on the big screen, the Amang” won Best Director awards for Student
spectators erupted in applause. and Senior categories. There were also special

Photo by Kristine Joyce N.Vega

The Launching and Presentation of Nominees citation entries: “Tanya”, and the animated film
as well as a Workshop on The Independent Film “Reach”. Victoria D. Belarmino, member of the
Process were held at the XU Little Theatre prior NCCA Cinema Committee and Miguel Rapatan,
to the movie screening. Both events were held on head of the NCCA Cinema Committee were in
January 19 and 21 respectively. These two events charge of choosing winners for each category.
drew a large crowd of film educators, independent The Cinemagis Short Film Festival not only
film makers, and other film enthusiasts. aimed to promote the talents and capabilities of
Entries for student category included “Switch”, independent film-makers in Northern Mindanao
“Ukit”, and “Kiss the Rain.” Kiss the Rain but it also sent its proceeds to the victims of
grabbed three awards, Best in Cinematography, Bagyong Auring. Admittance into the movies was Mr. Hobart Savior, director of XU-CAO, annouces the
Best in Editing, and Best in Short Film, in the not in the form of tickets but school supplies, nominees for the Cinemagis Awards
said category. Official entries for Senior Category canned goods, and noodles.C

KKP-SIO, Balaod Mindanaw, Inc. conduct concert forum

By Shola Mae Rose Zamayla
A concert forum entitled “Telling Their Bayang Barrios’ animated vocal performance with NSTP Coordinator Jinkee Gonzales said
Stories, Singing Their Songs” was staged in strong themes of relevant social issues affecting that Education, Health, Environment, Good
Xavier University (XU) Gymnasium on January Mindanao. Governance and Shelter are the five impact cores
31. The event was organized by Kristohanong Messages of empowerment were delivered by of the program. “Pero ang pinaka-impact area jud
Katilingban sa Pagpakabana-Social Involvement Fr. Jose Ramon T. Villarin SJ, Xavier University karon kay ang Land. We’ve cooperated with Balaod
Office (KKP-SIO) Research and Social Outreach President; Atty. Arlene J. Bag-ao, Executive Trustee Mindanaw since we believe in the same issues. We
(RSO), in cooperation with BALAOD Mindanaw, of Balaod Mindanaw; Mr. Ermin B. Stan Pimentel, also want to emphasize kung unsa jud ang ginabuhat
Incorporated. Director of KKP-SIO; and Risa Hontiveros- sa mga NSTP students sa ilang mga area work.”
Songs from bands True Friends Club and Baraquel, Akbayan Partylist Representative. Rep. Chosen groups of NSTP students also
Grupong Laya, marked the beginning of the Baraquel stressed the need for us to take back presented their share on the five impact cores of
program. A video presentation, composed of genuine justice. the program.
photos of Balaod Mindanaw and KKP-SIO’s The Sumilao farmers also took part in the The funds collected from the concert forum
impact areas on National Service Training program. Some expressed their gratitude towards will go to Balaod Mindanaw, Inc. and to the
Program (NSTP) was then presented. the students for the help in their struggles, construction of a one-unit house in Oro Habitat
The highlight of the concert forum was especially in land reform. worth Php 50, 000.C
Photo by Karen N. Pagaduan
Photo coutesy of Mr. Mike Baños of Goldstar Daily
Photo courtesy of the Central Student Governent
Little News by Krista Grace B. Surdilla

Design by Josan Astrid A. Dometita

The second Talipapa Student Bazaar, a joint February 13---the Research and Social Outreach The young and the old danced and sang along the
project of the XU Central Student Government and Department (RSO) of Xavier University launched the music of the Apo Hiking Society, at the XU Gymnasium
the Kristohanong Katilingban sa Pagpakabana-Student first Green Renewable Independent Power Producer on February 2. The concert titled “75 nAPO Kami!” was
Volunteer Center (KKP-SVC), was held February 4-7 (GRIPP) electronic jeepney in Cagayan de Oro. conducted for the benefit of CDO flood victims, Xavier
and February 9-11 at the XU canteen and SC dry pond Environmentalists present were given the initial free ride de Kibangay High School in Lantapan Bukidnon, CSG
respectively. Proceeds of the student bazaar were to go around the campus on the electronic jeepney. C Student Loan Services Program and the Tukod Balay-
to XU’s Gawad Kalinga project, the Tukod Balay.C Xavier Village.C

12
T
hree floods in the span of two weeks
have left its mark on the Kagay-anons.
Now, at every beginning of a heavy
downpour, Cagayan de Oro collectively holds
its breath, only sighing in relief once the rain
passes by without much fanfare. What was
once a city confident of its protection from
the wrath of nature has now become a city
trying to get past its shock from the damage
of the high waters that invaded its homes.
Shielded No More
On any other rain-drenched island, the
floods would not have probably come as such
a shock. That this island was Cagayan de Oro
City, however, puts a twist into the story. It
is a known fact that the city is shielded from
storms by the surrounding mountains of
Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.
It was not a storm, however, that
submerged majority of the city, but a
Design by Feliciano T. Legara IV. Photos by Pamela Grace G. Lico
The
Crusader
cloudburst (“buhawi”, in local terminology)
occurring in Bukidnon, causing the rivers
connected to CdeO and other places in
Misamis Oriental, to rise and overflow. As
a result, 5,500 families in Cagayan de Oro
alone were reportedly displaced.
Just a week after the first flash flood,
another one ravaged the city. January 11 saw
a resurgence of the strong river currents
and rising waters as incessant rains poured
over the city, as well as on some barangays
and municipalities of Misamis Oriental. The
second flood displaced over 7,600 families,
and extensive damage to private property.
In what was considered a continuation
to the January 11 calamity, the third flood
and heavy rains came on January 13,
beginning in the afternoon until the next
morning. All classes in primary, secondary,
and tertiary levels were cancelled by order
of the Department of Education (DepEd),
Vol. 35 No. 7 | Feb. 2009
as some students were unable to get out of
their homes, and some schools themselves
were flooded. Landslides from the January
11 rainfall were also made worse, causing
heavy traffic in some areas as trees and rocks
block roads.
It is clear to see that Cagayan de Oro
is no longer the shielded, storm-free city it
used to be. Now we ask, will we ever fully
recover—or will we continue holding our
breaths at every strong downpour?
The Morning After
To that question, the citizens—those
affected by the floods, in particular—look to
the city government for answers. In response,
army trucks were deployed to carry evacuees
out of the water’s reach, barangay halls and
public school classrooms were opened to
accommodate the homeless, and City Mayor
Constantino G. Jaraula set in motion the long-

Vol. 35 No. 7 | Feb. 2009
dormant City Disaster Coordinating Council
(CDCC) to facilitate the relief operations of
the government.
Citizens and non-government
organizations also took it upon themselves
to donate food, clothing, sleeping materials,
and other necessities both for short-term use
and for long-term revitalization.
All in all, it was a fast mobilization of aid
from the government, NGOs, and ordinary
Kagay-anons, especially considering the fact
that the city has not seen such damage from
the weather since the 1960s.
Building an Ark
However, with the ongoing rains and
unpredictable weather conditions, Kagay-
anons are hoping for not just a fast relief
operation, but a permanent end to the flash
floods. If what we have witnessed was the
result of a mere ‘tail-end of the cold front’,
it is not hard to imagine what would happen
should a storm hit.
The
Crusader
13
So far, Mayor Jaraula has ordered the ***
suspension of all mining activities in the Whether or not these promises reassure
city. “It has become imperative in the pursuit the Kagay-anons, remains to be seen. Will more
of general welfare to declare all mining trees be our equivalent of Noah’s famed Ark?
operations, with or without permits within Will stronger buildings help? Unfortunately,
the territorial jurisdiction of Cagayan de the viability of those promises would need a
Oro City, immediately suspended,” declared strong river current and heavy downpours,
Jaraula. “The floods caused by the abusive to be truly tested. Until then, we continue
and irregular mining operations resulted holding our breaths.C
to the destruction of agricultural areas,
farm-to-market road networks, claimed and Source:
http://www.cagayandeorocity.info/
endanger several lives, and extensive damage http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/
http://www.gmanews.tv/
to properties.” http://www.kagay-an.com/
He encourages both the citizens and http://www.cbcpnews.com/
http://www.sunstar.com.ph
government agencies to make tree-planting http://cagayandeoro.gov.ph/
The Mindanao Current
one of their projects. He also turned over full Business Mirror
control of the city’s remaining watersheds
to the Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR).
Jaraula has also vowed that his latest
projects, the Paseo del Rio and the Golden
Mile Boulevard, will be redesigned to include
flood prevention in its construction.

Ku r i s w o r d By Ozbax
ACROSS
1. Winner of 2009 NBA All-Star
Game
3. Cagayan de Oro: “Dakbayan sa
Bulawanong ________”
5. Publishers of The Crusader
Publication
10. Dean of the XU Graduate
School
12. The Crusader Publication
Associate Editor 08-09
14. PDI’s ‘Filipino of the Year’
15. $2.3-billion project, designed
to generate 621 megawatts
of electricity, scrapped by the
Aquino administration in 1986.
18. First Filipino to win a
Grand Slam tournament at the
2009 Australian Open tennis
championships.
22. Pikit mata/ kong iaalay/ ang
buwan at araw
23. Introduced as the fourth
judge on American Idol.
26. A revolutionary doctrine that
advocates destruction of the
social system for its own sake.
27. Corona _______: A white
matter sheet that continues
caudally as the internal capsule
and rostrally as the centrum
semiovale.
28. Best Actor in a Leading Role
at the 81st Academy Awards
29. R&B artist under
investigation for domestic
violence charges.
30. Variety show held in
celebration of Devcom Week
8. Cagayan de Oro Sangguniang
Kabataan President (2007-2010)
9. Eng’g students’ Valentines Day
celebration
11. “Just dance”, “Poker face”, “Love
Game”
13. “BE all that you can BE.”
16. Will deliver Commencement
Address to 2009 XU graduates.
17. Appointed 67th United States
Secretary of State
19. “I think it’s my destiny to love the
many.”
20. XU Student Bazaar
21. Veni, vidi, ____: “I came, I saw, I
conquered.”
24. A miniature version of a larger
object or entity.
25. There’s only two types of people in
the world...
Prizes will be given to the first 3 who can
submit a complete and correct Kurisword.
Winners of last issue’s Kurisword
1st - Saud, Noraisah (BS AC-2)
2nd - Paitan, Krizza (BS Bio-3)
3rd - Portacion, Deeby (AB Philo-3)
Congratulations! Claim your prizes at
The
Crusader Publication office, StC 302.
Answers to last issue’s Kurisword

DOWN
2. First Mayor of “Cagayan de
Oro” 1948–1953
4. Normand ______, alter-ego
of Nick Mitchell, American Idol
Season 8 contestant.
6. “I have never let my schooling
interfere with my education.”
7. Won the Academy Award for
Best Original Song this year.
 The
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14 Vol. 35 No. 7 | Feb. 2009

Illustration by Feliciano T. Legara IV.

Kuris-Kuris