106 years

Towards A Progressive Campus Press | vol. LXXXiI No. 20 | FRIDAY, 22 JANUARY 2010

SU promotes good governance through ExCHANGES

By April Rose A. Abines

JUSTICE FOR JAYFEL. The Rayoso family, along with the College of Mass Communication (CMC) faculty and students and other concerned individuals, joins the indignation rally for the death of Jayfel Rayoso held last January 22. PHOTO BY Ebony-Arianne G. Lautner

OSA funds new Professorial Chair

By Jeahan Virda B. De Barras and Karla Krystle W. Lezama Dr. Eusebio Kho, recipient of the Outstanding Sillimanian Award in 1989, and his wife Grace Casas-Lim Kho donated $ 25,000 through the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia (UBCHEA) to establish the Professorial Chair for Business Administration. Named after the donors, the grant will be awarded to a qualified faculty member with distinctive performance in his/her academic field. According to the rules and guidelines approved by the Board of Trustees (BOT), a professorial chair is generally established to honor faculty members and to give prestige to the holder, the department, the college and the university. The grant will then be used for research or the production of innovative work, which the holder is expected to present to the BOT by the end of the school year. Prior to this new professorial chair, the Khos had established a Professorial Chair of Surgery at the Silliman University (SU) Medical School two years ago. Dr. Kho graduated valedictorian from SU High School in 1952 and completed the Pre-Med course from SU with highest honors in 1955.

He then completed a medical degree at the University of the Philippines, where he was named Most Outstanding Intern in 1960. He voluntarily joined the United States Army Reserve in 1980 and was promoted Lieutenant Colonel in 1981. Dr. Kho has received numerous awards including the Twenty Outstanding Filipinos Abroad Award which he received in 2008.

Through the Electronic Connection to Access and Network Information and Knowledge for Governance Effectiveness and Sustainability (ExCHANGES) project, the Silliman University (SU) community and other local government units (LGUs) can now get connected to other universities and discuss issues that promote good governance via the Internet, said Prof. Carlos Magtolis, Jr., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and hub coordinator of the ExCHANGES project. According to Magtolis, the ExCHANGES is a joint project between the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and Association of Schools of Public Administration in the Philippines (ASPAP). ExCHANGES also provides an easily-accessed venue by which activities like voter education and registration can occur through the use of information communication technology (ICT) that is already being integrated in the selected university-hub units in the country. These hubs are called the ExCHANGES Multi-Point Local Resource Centers (MLRC) which is joined in with six member institutions of the ASPAP. According to Magtolis, SU was chosen by the UNDP to have an involvement with this network of activity because of its high regard to the university in terms of capability. Silliman is chosen because we have a good venue with the School of Public Affairs. We shouldnt just confine ourselves within the campus. The advantage here is that well help in the promotion of good governance so the best practices can be broadcast with the other five universities. We can position our opinions on different issues presented and react, Magtolis said. The other hub units are the University of the PhilippinesDiliman National College of Public Administration and Governance (UP-NCPAG) in Metro Manila; the Southern Luzon State University in Lucban, Quezon; West Visayas State University in Iloilo City; Western Mindanao State University in Zamboanga City; and Mindanao State University in Marawi City. Silliman acts as one of these points of access, where people in Dumaguete and the rest of Region VII can tap into a national network to share their interests and advocacies. The SU hub can also initiate its own activities and invite participants from the other hubs to join, said Robert Jed Malayang, project manager of ExCHANGES. The ExCHANGES ICT Hub Network project was launched in a conference meeting called Engaging the Filipino ICTzen For the Automated Elections last November 26, 2009 at the UP-NCPAG. SU has been using the technology since then. Moreover, Malayang said that the total budget for the project costs $144,000. According to Magtolis, the said project will be endorsed with the other LGUs and civil society organizations in the province. Magtolis also said the project is also recognition of how each Filipino has a stake in the success of the coming elections by bringing all the perspectives of the people and different sectors from around the country concerned with the election. The ExCHANGES network may be freely accessed and joined by anyone by logging on to www.aspapexchange.ning. com.

SU students qualify for AYLC 2010

By Jeahan Virda B. De Barras From a total of 610 young leaders from all over the country, two students from Silliman University, Physics junior Jonathan Andro P . Tan and Nursing junior Crystal Eunice T. Dela Cruz, were among the 80 chosen to join the 12th National Ayala Young Leaders Congress (AYLC). The AYLC is a youth development program launched by the AyalaCorporationin 1998, in hopes of contributing in the growth of young leaders from colleges and universities all over the country. According to its website, the congress is a three-day event which involves workshops, lectures, plenary sessions, outdoor activities and discussions designed to
continued on page 4

ADB makes SU regional depository lib

By April Rose A. Abines The Robert B. and Metta J. Silliman Library has been designated regional depository library member by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) according to a letter from ADB Communications Specialist Susan Hooper received late last year. This partnership entitles Silliman University (SU) to share various sector and thematic knowledge products on Southeast Asia, following the librarys active involvement in the World Banks Knowledge for Development Center (KDC) network. Gemma Plasabas, KDC coordinator, said, The ADB is including Silliman in providing us their recent collection of books and a fresh batch of these resources
continued on page 4

SU holds memorial service for Rayoso

By Princess Dianne Kris S. Decierdo To mourn the untimely death of Jayfel N. Rayoso, 19, his family and the College of Mass Communication (CMC) faculty members and students participated in a memorial service held last January 19 at the Silliman University (SU) Church. Rayoso was reported missing several days before he was found dead on January 12 in Bacong, Negros Oriental. He was buried on January 16 at the Tanjay Catholic Cemetery. Others present in the said service were Dean of Students Dr. Edna Gladys T. Calingacion, university pastor Rev. Noel C. Villalba, associate pastor for Youth and Campus
continued on page 4

CASUAL CONVERSATION. Liberal Party senatoriables Rissa Hontiveros and Teofisto Guingona III engage in an informal discussion during the said partys visit in Silliman University last January 15. PHOTO BY Rigel Suarez

2 twsopinion

the weekly sillimanian 22 january 2010

Walang title

n so far as it is said that the road to political maturity is in the synthetic nature of public discourse, the ExCHANGES project will prove to be an ingenious undertaking for at least two good reasons. The first is inherent in the means by which discourse is made possible, which is a fusion of two institutions of great resource: the internet and the academic community. In noting that Silliman and the other universities are hubsand that universities are prime movers in the field of research and developmentit can be inferred that there is indeed promise for widespread discussion on diverse political issues among individuals of diverse political convictions. And because it operates on a national scale and over the internet (the accessibility of which is increasing), more and more people can be rapidly informed of and be given the opportunity to discuss the political weather in the capital and other regions of the country. Arguably, the kind of discourse that results from this project inevitably leads to solutions even if just on the conceptual level. Secondly: because the project essentially harnesses the academe, it promises an opportunity for professionals who have formal expertise in politics to educate those who are ill-informed and educate them when they plug in to the hub. This is a remarkable implication of the project because it applies both the bottom-up and top-down approaches in information exchange. Thus, as those who are in the grass-roots benefit from an educative exchange with the experts from the schools of public governance, the experts are simultaneously doing research on the political desires of the greater population which can then be incorporated in future developmental projects and policies. In other words, ExCHANGES is a project with instruction, research, and extension all rolled into a very prospective exercise that aims for across-theboard political maturity. That is why we would encourage everyone to log on, learn, and discuss. At the end of the day, if you want to go somewhere, you have to know where first. And you can only know if you start talking.

editorial

sillimaniansspeak
Compiled by Marc Joseph C. Cabreros

Do you think homosexuals are seen and treated equally in our society?
No, precisely because society treats us like laughingstocks. We experience humiliation and discrimination. We are also human beings. We also err and fall. Mark Vincent A. Real, AB Speech and Theatre Arts III I think homosexuals are not fully treated equally in our society. People still make fun of them. Also, some people still call them salot! Venus A. Real, BMC II For me its a big NO! In the first place, if homosexuals are treated and seen equally, then why should a question like this be raised? It goes to show that inequality between homo- and heterosexuals exists. Kristoffer Ivan B. Suelto, BBA Mgt IV No. Homosexuals are treated as cancerous agents polluting our society. Ken Marcelle V. Palomar BSMT I ** Next issues question: Do you think SUFA deserves to have their demands met? For your answers, just text the Circulation Manager (09267251639 and indicate your full name (with middle initial), course and year.

2009 mightve ended differently for me had I been able to complete simbang gabi. I was pretty determined to do so as it was something Ive wanted to do for the longest time. But to cut the long story short, I only attended simbang gabi once. The thing was I got disappointedinsanely mad, actuallyover the priest who led the congregation that morning. He spoke about how amazing prophecies about Jesus lineage are and that we dont have to trace back as far in our family trees to boast about our connection with Him. Which was perfectly encouraging as far as homilies go. But as soon as the priest mentioned the ways by which we can protect our Christian lineage, I was raising my eyebrows down to the end of the service. We should bear in mind the future of generations after us before we act, lest we suffer the consequences. For instance, God punishes those couples who engage in premarital sex by giving them children with disabilities like Down Syndrome, the priest said. And he discussed DS among other disabilities extensively thereafter. Hes got to be kidding me! I looked around to search for a face that registered disbelief, doubt and/or criticism. I was disappointed alarmed, for the most partto realize that I may have been the only one who thought something was off. Never mind that a majority of that days churchgoers were the youth who are exposed to the reality that not all parents with differently-abled children have

had pre-marital sex. Or that not all couples who have engaged in pre-marital sex bear differently-abled children. Or that not all parents with differently-abled children feel that theyre being punished by God. Havent these people heard of genetics? What if the woman next to me is a mother of a differentlyabled child; how does she feel right now? Why am I the only one uneasy over the subject? And again, is the priest being serious? I couldve walked up to the priest right after the service, but thought better of it. I decided to pray for him and the passive-receptive congregation instead.

Sermons

Staying Away from Cigarettes

Mariekhan S. Edding

Editor-in-chief Deil Jossaine C. Galenzoga Associate Editor Mariekhan S. Edding News Editor Gilbert Augustin J. Ganir Features Editor Emarrah Contessa A. Sarreal Business Manager Roanne Gel B. Tagaan Writing Pool April Rose A. Abines, April Joyce MdR. Aquino, Jeahan Virda B. De Barras, Princess Dianne Kris S. Decierdo, Karla Krystle W. Lezama, Emaleen Franz C. Maputi, Stephanie Denise H. Martin, Mary Grace M. Nidoy Circulation Manager Marc Joseph C. Cabreros Office Manager Carlos Arsenio T. Garcia Layout Artist Maria Czarina M. Dollente Photographers Eliora Eunice C. Bernedo, EbonyArianne G. Lautner Cartoonist Julia Andrea C. Abrenica Adviser Ms. Celia E. Acedo

The Weekly Sillimanian is published every week by the students of Silliman University, with editorial and business addresses at 1/F Guy Hall, Silliman University, Hibbard Avenue, Dumaguete City 6200, Philippines. SU PO Box 24. Telephone number (35) 422-6002 local 243. www.weeklysillimanian.com theweeklysillimanian@yahoo.com Opinions expressed in the columns are those of the columnists and not of tWS or of Silliman University. Comments, questions, and suggestions are highly appreciated. All submitted manuscripts become the property of tWS. Manuscripts will be edited for brevity and clarity. Member: College Editors Guild of the Philippines

Flipping through the channels on TV ,I chanced upon a woman crying, raising her hands to the air as her mouth opened and closed, quivered, then opened and closed again. Her cheeks shimmered with tears. Her eyes were shut. She was praying, I thought. There was a service going on and she was praying. But she swayed, I saw not long afterwards. Do people sway when they pray? I wondered. And as the camera zoomed out and panned, I discovered the woman was not swaying alone. A carpet of people, now resembling tiny dots of color, was swaying along with her. And before them, a welllighted stage was set up. It, in my tired eyes, looked sparkling. If there was anyone on it, I couldnt tell. The only thing I saw on that stage was a name formed with hundreds of bright yellowish bulbs that shone and stood out: JESUS. At the bottom of the TV screen, I read: Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. The hairs on my skin stood on end; I could not believe what I was seeing. Over 30,000 people were out in Vietnam, a country well-known to shut its doors on anything that hinted Jesus, publicly worshipping the God their nations leaders abhor. It was the passion in them, the excitement, with which they sang their songs of worship that moved me. Here was a people denied,

The Jesus of Vietnam

for a long time, the opportunity to worship their God out loud. Now they had a chance. No armed men stopped them. There were no guns, no threats to their lives. And they worshipped God with desire so great their lips quivered as they sang. In the quiet of our living room at home at past 1 a.m. that morning, I was at awe; sleep was far from me. God did it in Vietnam! If anyone among us thinks Jesus can-

*** A month later, Im reminded of that simbang gabi incident because of Ugandas AntiHomosexuality Bill of 2009. Some of the nicest people I have ever met are gay. This statement isnt from some gay rights advocate or flag (friend of lesbians and gays). In fact, this came from an American evangelist named Don Schiemerer, and along with the words, Thats horrible, absolutely horrible, this was his response to the bill. Now dont go dancing around and flapping your wings just yet. Schiemerer and

two others are actually accused of being partially responsible for stoking Ugandan anger against homosexuality after having discussed how the gay movement is an evil institution whose goal is to defeat the marriage-based society and replace it with a culture of sexual promiscuity during lectures. Now, all three evangelists distance themselves from the bill, saying that they didnt expect their conference on parenting skills to result to a bill imposing death penalty over homosexual behavior and denying their involvement altogether. Right. If meetings with lawmakers and drafters of the bill are not involvement enough, then I dont know what else is. *** Its always sad to note that there remain people who demonstrate irresponsible leadership. In the two cases Ive mentioned, they had to be spiritual leaders who have a following thats easily blinded by faith and trust in the values advocated by their leaders. However, the abovementioned illustrations arent meant to solely point out the shortcomings of authorities, but to pose a challenge to the witnesses of their leadership. Having insensitive and irresponsible leaders doesnt mean that we have to be like them; they should serve as reminders that therell always be a better system and that theres always us to act on that truth. And as for the simbang gabi priest and the homophobic evangelists, well, God bless them.

Gaining in the Loss

Deil Jossaine C. Galenzoga

not penetrate nations barred by communism, militarism or even atheism, let him think Vietnam and the 30,000 plus people who, despite the hindrance of persecution, had heard of Jesus and his love. It was this same God, this same Jesus whom we revere and claim to follow here in the Philippines, yet it seems to me that he makes so much less impact here, so much less influence. But while I sat on our old sofa, I realized that also, this same God who overcame the barriers of Vietnam and touched the lives of its people is the same God who can overcome the walls of religion and ritual that blind the Philippines and its people from

really seeing the God that they worship. Because in the Philippines now, the Jesus that Vietnam worships is nothing but tradition, a name absently called out to when something is not rightor shocking. In the Philippines, Jesus is only routine-- a man talked about on Sundays, when most people go to church only to show off that they dress well, and is forgotten throughout the rest of the week. Jesus is only the wooden figure on a wooden cross that makes us feel guilty when we dont recite the Lords Prayer. Far be it from me to condemn. I only say what I have observed. But my intent, more than anything, in writing this article, is that I may bring Vietnams Jesus here to where I am. I have found that Jesus only seems boring to those who do not find him fresh and new every morning, who do not feel the thirst for him that the Vietnamese felt as they gathered in Ho Chi Minh. To those who seek, Jesus said, he will be found. And the Vietnamese found him, and he gave them freedom. If God is able to break the strongholds of Vietnam so his people could come together to praise him, there is no doubt God can break the strongholds of familiarity in every Filipinos heart. And I long for the day when God would do it. Then I would call him Jesus of the Philippines.

the weekly sillimanian 22 january 2010

twsfeatures 3

2010 Movies to Watch Out For Y

By Mary Grace M. Nidoy ou may have seen 2012, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Angels and Demons and Harry Potter and the HalfBlood Prince, but these movies are so last year. While James Camerons Avatar is still being talked about, college movie junkies out there should wait because there are still movies out there to look forward to. They may not get the same impact compared to what Avatar gave but there are enough reasons for them to be anticipated. We have listed the movies to watch out for this 2010 and most likely will become blockbusters. Our selection contains sequels, adaptations, franchise, remakes and few original stories that the movie industry local or international has to offer for our popcorn eaters. Clash of the Titans Avatar fans are excited for Sam Worthington who plays a famous character in another movie well, not as Jake Sully. He is no other than Perseus who is set to defy a dangerous journey to beat Hades, god of the underworld, played by Ralph Fiennes also known as Lord Voldemort by Harry Potter fans. This 1981 remake is a treat for Greek mythology geeks out there. Not only does it give you Athena, Andromeda, and Zeus (played by Liam Neeson) but also one of the most popular villains of all Medusa the Gorgon. We are sure that this will bring back nostalgia to the classic film but the remake this year will give you more realistic special effects and better digital quality. International Release: March 2010 Alice in Wonderland The partnership of Tim Burton and Johnny Depp is back. This time, the famous combination of Burton-Depp takes on a classic Disney tale by Lewis Caroll. This film is a remake of a tale about a girl who is brought to a new but absurd world full of peculiar characters. We think that Johnny Depp is perfect as the Mad Hatter. This will be added to his long list of weird characters that he has portrayed in his career as a versatile actor. Also with Anne Hathaway as the White Queen, what more could you ask for? International Release: March 2010 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I They say that in order to understand the whole series, you have to read the book. It doesnt matter. For us, Harry Potter films are one of those movies people go to theaters for almost every year. Moviegoers watch Harry Potter not only to follow the tale of a young wizard boy but also to experience a different version of story-telling done in a visual medium. As the franchise comes close to the finish, the ending is split into two part films making the fans expect more of the spectacular finale about the life of our favorite trio. With David Yates directing, fans look forward to the spellbinding fight scenes and limitless visual effects that Hollywood could offer. International Release: November 2010 Iron Man 2 Whether youre a fan of Marvel comic books or not, you shouldnt miss Iron Man. One of the most anticipated sequels this year, Tony Stark comes again in the big screen to defy the dark side. Yes, theres Spiderman to spread his web, theres Superman as the Man of Steel and who could ever forget The Dark Knight which launched Heath Ledgers infamous portrayal of the Joker, but the proliferation of these comic characters proves that Hollywood is not running out of superheroes. Well, Robert Downy Jr., along with Gwyneth Paltrow, reprises his role as Tony Stark/Iron Man. And thats enough reason for us to queue even if we have to wait for long hours. International Release: May 2010 The Expendables Think of Bruce Willis, Jet Li, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone all in one movie. Experience the action stars galore with this film written and directed by Stallone himself. The allstar cast, led by Rambo, is taking action movies to another level. Dolph Lundgren, who is also part of the film, says that the movie is an oldschool, kick-ass action movie where peo-

PHOTO FROM everydayfacts.files.wordpress.com

Positive Negativity: A New Perspective

of the negativities you can twist around to your favor. Calling it Quits Breaking up with the person whom you thought you were meant to be with is never an easy task. Some people may spend weeks, months or even years with nothing but thoughts of the days when they were still together. Others may shield their emotions by fishing for someone new to be with even though it so-true clich: true love waits. A Break in Routine You may be the type of person who makes it a point to have your whole day planned out. With the help of an agenda filled with a schedule for each day, you find comfort in the fact that your life is organized and uneventful. However, what happens if one day, you reach into your bag only to realize that that agenda is missing? If you fit into this category,

ple are fighting with knives and shooting at each other. Maybe if they included Steven Seagal and Jean-Claude Van Damme in the cast, it would have been more exciting and the stellar figures of action movies would have been complete. International Release: August 2010.

>> Fast Facts

The campus may have been rocked by the sudden and brutal end of one of our students. Although things may look gloomy, the world still continues to revolve around its orbit. Heres your weekly intake of the headlines that rocked the world: It seems that Sen. Manuel Manny Villar Jr. still cant get away from the uproar caused by the C-5 road extension project. 12 senators have signed the draft report of the committee of the whole that seeks to censure Villar for his unethical conduct in connection with the C-5 road extension project which made the Filipino suffer the total amount of Php 6.22 billion. The Arroyo administration came up with costly, full-color newspaper advertisements detailing her purported accomplishments since she assumed office in 2001. Based on the ad rates of the newspapers, the ads would cost at least Php 4.3 million. The final death toll caused by the killer earthquake in Haiti could be well over 100, 000, Jean-Max Bellerive, the countrys prime minister, said. Although bodies are still being recovered, keeping track of the people has become very hard as the damage wrought by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake and 40 aftershocks, including the 6.1 aftershock last Wednesday, was just unimaginable. President Arroyo is the only chief executive since Ferdinand Marcos to leave the palace at the end of her term with the Philippines not facing a crisis, said Albay Gov. Jose Salceda, the presidents adviser on economic affairs. One of basis for his claim is the fact that the peso strengthened from Php 56 to 46. He also said that funding agencies like International Monetary Fund, World Bank and Asian Development Bank recognized the Philippines as one of the four countries that escaped the brunt of the US recession.
Source: TIME, telegraph.co.uk., PDI

By Stephanie Denise H. Martin

ook at the bright side! you tell gloomy seatmate. In response, he rolls his eyes and rebukes you for the clich, continuing to wallow in his shell of misery. This classmate of yours has probably had his fair share of bad experiences, and perhaps hes had so many bad days that hes forgotten the time when things werent a total mess. He continues to bring himself down; ignoring the hints of cheer life discreetly throws his way. He believes he is a hopeless case and instead of turning things around, he accepts the fact that his life is destined to remain miserable. Sounds familiar? How many times have you been in this persons shoes? Perhaps some of us are treading the same rough path as he. Although weve probably heard every clich cheer-up-statement in the book, how many times have we actually allowed ourselves to cut these clichs some slack? Sure, you may feel like flinging rocks at the next person who even utters the words every cloud has a silver lining, but have you ever stopped to think that maybe that person is right? Being a student, a professional, a parent, or even a child is no easy feat. There will be many instances wherein our patience will be put to the test and times when we will feel like a dark cloud is looming over us no matter how sunny the weather may be. However, instead of just waiting for that cloud to pass, why not try changing your perspective instead? There are numerous moments in life that call for a crummy mood and heres a foretaste at just some

PHOTO FROM http://vi.sualize.us

still hurts inside. Instead of pining over a love lost or setting your eyes on someone else, why not give waiting a try? The mere fact that your relationship did not last is reason enough for you to realize that God has other plans for you. Instead of crying your heart out, try smiling at the fact that there is someone better out there who has been crafted to be with you and instead of setting your eyes on every other heartbroken kid out there, remember this overused but oh-

it is certain that one of your many reactions would be that of panic. Your carefully planned out life may seem in disarray. What then, is the best way to look at this situation? Although it may be hard at first, there are times when having no schedule is the best schedule of all. When was the last time youve done something spontaneous? More importantly, when was the last time that you actually had fun? You may not realize it at first, but ditching that agenda may be one of the

best things that happened to you. Look at is as an opportunity to live your life with a little disorder for once. Shunned Walking down the halls of Silliman University, you are sure to encounter a diverse array of facesfrom the happygo-lucky smiley freshman to the mysterious, brooding senior. It is inevitable that you will develop a crush for someone in your college years and the mere fact that your object of admiration simply glances your way is enough to send butterflies through your system. However, there are times when the person that you more or less adore does not even realize you exist. Instead of sulking and pining over the boy/girl who looks past you each day, try filling your mind with more important things instead. Join organizations, volunteer, keep yourself busy and sooner or later, that admiration will soon evaporate. Just be glad that your object of affection was the cause for your productivity. Other Random Frustrations There are so many other unfortunate circumstances that may arise in your life, from tripping in public, bad hair days, or even something as simple as shabby cafeteria food. Whatever the case may be, the hardest thing to do at that moment may be to just smile it off. True, you may see no reason to smile, but if you look past these frustrations, it is almost certain that reasons will just keep pouring out. The next time you feel the negative vibes consuming you, face the challenge of emitting the largest smile you could muster because you know that today may not have gone so well, but tomorrow is sure to be better.

4 twsbackpage
the
thousand seven hundred forty nine people were killed by the H1N1 virus as of Dec. 2009 but half a million people were hospitalized due to dengue last year.

the weekly sillimanian 22 january 2010

lethal than H1N1. While the threat of H1N1 sparked panic all over the world, another global public health threat has proliferated and was almost ignored: dengue fever. The numbers REALscore: More on dengues expansion worldwide are staggering. According to the Sydney-based Lowy Institute, more than half the worlds population will be at risk if global warming continues which results
to the increase of the mosquitoes habitat. We give you the real score on the seemingly quiet but deadly disease. (Compiled by: Emarrah Contessa A. Sarreal) source: Newsweek, sunstar.com countries are affected by dengue at present compared to 40 years ago when it was only prevalent in nine countries. thousand three hundred seventeen cases in the Philippines were reported in 2009 compared to the thousand and sixtyone cases have been reported during the first half of 2008. dengue cases have been recorded in Negros Oriental as of July 2009, which is one of the largest number of dengue cases recorded last year.

The Rainbow Has No Color

By Fred Jordan Mikhail T. Carnice ABCreative Writing Batch 2009 Just when I thought nothing could have been more primitive than the mindless Ampatuan murder in Maguindanao, Ive read an article in The New York Times last week on the proposal of the AntiHomosexuality Bill of 2009 in Uganda. In a country where it is considered that the gay movement is an evil institution, fully backed up by police officers, politicians and even teachers, it is appalling to know such collective understanding that is not only discriminating but atrocious. Atrocious is a strong word but theres nothing more apt than this if the proposed bill imposes death sentence on everyone who exhibits homosexual behavior. This would obviously lead to homosexual Ugandans to go back to their agonizing closets but that is another story. What would be my concern here is the fact on how little the majority of Ugandans see now of human life. The United States government sets forth human rights, but, as mocking as the title that is linked to its the likes, but the ruling is based on the list as follows: The ANG LADLAD apparently advocates sexual immorality as indicated in the Petitions par. 6F: Consensual partnerships or relationships by gays and (2) serve no other purpose but to satisfy the market for violence, lust or pornography; (3) offend any race or religion; (4) tend to abet traffic in and use of prohibited drugs; and (5) are contrary to law, public order, morals and good customs, established policies, lawful orders, decrees and edicts; (3) Those who shall sell, give away or exhibit films, prints, engravings, sculpture or literature which are offensive to morals. (As amended by PD Nos. 960 and 969). It is not hard to imagine that the Comelec deems no importance to human rights too. Article 7 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) points that, All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against a n y incitem e n t to such d i s c r i m i n a t i o n . Because of this, I can only gather that the Comelec shares the same brain cells with the seething Ugandans. The news on Uganda and the Comelec has struck a wrong chord in me. After all the merrymaking during the yuletide season, I have only fathomed the fact that

DEL & DUDUNG

SU students qualify...from page 1

hone the students leadership skills and potentials. This years congress will be held on February 2 to 12 at the San Miguel Corporation Management Training Center in Alfonso, Cavite. We feel honored and excited to meet the other 78 delegates, as well as the speakers and Ayala executives, Dela Cruz said. I heard were in for a lot of surprises.
SU holds memorial...from page 1

name, minister of ethics and integrity James Nsaba Buturo have simply said in conviction: Homosexuals can forget about human rights. Well, there goes reasoning. The statement is starkly cruel, and this must explain the hate stoked in many families of Uganda, which subsequently led to many beatings, blackmails, death threats and all forms of discrimination to Ugandan gays and lesbians. And purporting that the only goal of homosexuals is to defeat the marriagebased society and replace it with a culture of sexual promiscuity is not helpful. This hatred has even led to horrendous incidents. In the same article mentioned earlier, one gay rights activist said that she was pinned down in a guava orchard and raped by a farmhand who wanted to cure her of her attraction to girls. With this so-called correctional rape, she was only impregnated and infected with H.I.V . She approached her grandmother, perhaps for consolation, but she got this answer: You are too stubborn. Injustice is not only the Ugandans concern. It is also in our country. Late last year, Commission on Elections (Comelec) has once again refused to register the party-list accreditation of Ang Ladladan organization of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgenders led by college professor and writer Danton Remotofor the coming elections. No issue couldve ensued if the basis for rebuffing is deficiency of requirements or

Ministries Rev. Jeremias M. Lagahit and College of Performing Arts faculty member Mr. Elman C. Caguindangan. Those who attended the service offered songs, prayers and messages to express their grief for Rayosos death. In our small community, there is no one who is a stranger. We share in the reputation of Dumaguete as a city of gentle people of which reputation is increasingly coming to grief because of random and violent crimes which have not been solved, Villalba said.

We seek to inquire about the climate of violence in the city and the commitment of city authorities to pursue justice for victims of violent crimesWe have the responsibility to be vigilant, he added. Meanwhile, the Rayoso family, CMC and other concerned individuals marched around Dumaguete City last January 22 to show indignation over the brutal killing of Rayoso and to hasten the sluggish flow of the investigation on his case. The purpose of the rally is to pressure the local law enforcement agencies to act speedily on this case, to have a resolution of the caseJayfel should not become one of the statistics only. We seek justice for Jayfel, said Dr. Rosario M. Baseleres, dean of the CMC.
ADB makes SU regional...from page 1

will be received every two months. These materials are now made available for various clients and visitors of the university who can make use of the ADB products. These books contain varied contents on the subject of economics, infrastructure

and population researches, and other social and environmental issues specifically in the Southeast Asia. According to Mark Raygan Garcia, Director of the Office of Information and Publications, the partnership was forged for three purposes: to expand SUs linkages with international development organizations and other academe-related sectors; to promote the university as one of the primary schools in the country with updated books from the United Nations (UN); and to establish a knowledge-enhancement agency by which teachers and students can be updated on respective development issues. The ADB collection is already hosted inside the World Bank KDC located on the ground floor of the library. This complements with the existing collections from the network of partners of the university coming from the World Bank, UN Information Center, and World Health Organization-Western Pacific Regional Office. ards in a sports context. Sports is a unique way of serving God and gaining friends. [It] connects people by playing honestly with their fellow players, Kho said. Meanwhile, SU-CWTS cooperated with the local government to host the InterBarangay Bulilit Basketball Tournament last January 16. SU basketball team members coached teams of children from the different barangays of Dumaguete City to develop their basketball skills and instill self-discipline as they played for a cash prize of up to Php 1,500. I thank CWTS for facilitating [the games] to train kids to become good citizens through basketball. In basketball, you cannot do everything alone. Even if you are the best shooter in the team, you have to share, said Governor Emilio Macias II. Furthermore, SU-CWTS is currently holding the first Inter-Batch Basketball League, which gathers teams from the batches of CWTS students over the past years, until February 28. (By Mary Junriza S. Cimeni)

By April Joyce MdR. Aquino

Obituary roundup
SU facilitates basketball tourneys
The Silliman University (SU) Church, the SU Civic Welfare Training Service (SUCWTS), and several other units of the SU community helped in the organizing of several basketball tournaments during the month of January. SU Church and Rho Sigma/Epsilon fraternity facilitated the first Inter-church Basketball Tournament at the SU Gym last January 9-10. The tournament invited basketball teams from several fellowships and churches in the Dumaguete area like the SU Church Christian Youth Fellowship and UCCP-Sibulan and included guest team Sons of Dumaguete Water District. According to junior elder Carl Daniel Kho, the tournament aimed to motivate people to become good Christian stew-

our lives in this very sad world is like a stubborn lintyou keep on pushing it off your sleeve but it is still there. One day, I sent a message regarding the situation in Uganda to people I know would have a take on this. Theres one who responded in an instant, saying These things are happening to keep the fight going. I commend her for a half-full glass perception. The trajectory of enlightenment is already at its peak, yes, but I have forgotten that like many trajectories it goes down, plummeting into the depths. Is this the happening we are facing right now? I could only hope it is not, thinking this could just be an airplanes flight encountering an air pocket. For now, I can only sense that nothing is certain. But in all likelihood, the rainbow would surely lose it colors soon if this blindness pervades.

The Silliman University (SU) community extends its warmest sympathy to the family of Miguel Dominador Mike Caballero, SU alumnus and School of Basic Education (SBE) faculty. Diagnosed with Stage IV Large Cell Undifferentiated Carcinoma, Caballero died at the age of 59 on January 15, 8:15 pm at the SU Medical Center. Caballero, who has been an SBE faculty for 36 years, taught Physical Education classes for grades three to six and was coach of the SBE soccer team. Single to his last dying breath, Caballero lived with his older sister here in the city, yet he was father to his younger colleagues and students. Edralyn Fortin, SBE secretary and one of those who took care of Caballero during his last remaining days, recalls him as the type who was funny yet took teaching very seriously. He was never absent even if he was very sick, he still practiced with his soccer team even if it was raining, and he diligently made his lesson plan every day, Fortin said. Thats how hardworking he was. And yet he knew how to have fun. Hes very funny and he always jokes around. He even calls his students kengkoy and kengkay, Fortin recalls. His remains were taken to Eterna Funeral Homes last January 16 and was transferred to the Udarbe Memorial Chapel until he was finally laid to rest at The Gardens Memorial Park on January 19.