Do your best – OSA

This is your added chance. Do your best if not better than last year.

Thus said Office of Student Affairs’ (OSA) Program Officer for Student Development and Student Organizations’ Formation and Training Trish Penelope B. Araña who shoved student organizations’ competencies in the pursuit of their respective goals this A/Y 2013-2014.

As early as 13 March, the OSA already sent letters to the organizations about their office tenure status at Xavier Hall. Last 1 April, a ceremonial was conducted at the Instructional Media Center where the OSA had awarded the top performing organizations with their office spaces.

And on 1 May, the awardees were already allowed to occupy their headquarters. The OSA also gave the organizations the privilege to acquire their very own bulletin boards.

Ousted, Transferred, Remained
Basing on the requirements given and the activities conducted last academic year, the OSA made the final list of student organizations which will be granted with workplaces.

The instance was related also to Student Organizations Awards and Recognition Night 2013 last 25 February where the nominees were screened through a pointing system, probing all the reports, evaluations, school performance, activities and completed requirements submitted by the organizations.

The results, unfortunately, made Progressive Organization of English and Literature Majors, Ateneo Nursing Students’ Association, Association of Psychology Students of Ateneo and Pathways for Higher Education Youth Group (PYG) vacate the premises of Xavier Hall.

However, Samahang Tagapagtaguyod ng Edukasyong Pilipino, which had just returned the favor for last year’s room sharing with PYG, adopted the latter.

“Nasabihan na naman namin sila during the start of the school year about our pointing system and the rewards or consequences base dun sa mga gagawin nila for the entire year, kaya feeling ko naman nauunawaan nila ‘yung sitwasyon,” said Araña.

“Yung medyo naging problema lang ‘yung ‘di agad pag-evacuate ng ANSA kasi ‘yung president nila eh ‘di pumupunta sa office kaya dumulog na lang kami sa department nila tapos sila na lang doon ‘yung kinausap, added Araña.

“Good luck! Do your jobs well. Conduct more high-quality activities and participate sa events na ginagawa ng OSA. Sa mga natanggalan ng office, may chance pa naman kayo this school year,” advised Araña.
Meanwhile, Ateneo Nature Crusaders, Economic Society and Junior Philippine institute of Accountants replaced the ejected organizations in Xavier Hall.

According to Araña, even if they want all the organizations to have their own offices, they cannot do so due to inadequate room areas. Moreover, OSA requested the current occupants if they can adopt one organization which will share with their office.

“Nasa plano naming i-require ang mga orgs na 3-in-1 na sa office pero ang dating kasi ‘nun eh ‘di na s’ya privilege for the top performing orgs kaya ngayon, we are asking the PPA [Property and Plant Administration] to construct a Conference Room sa Xavier na pwedeng magamit ng mga organizations, halimbawa kung mag-memeeting sila,” revealed Araña.

She also said that they are soliciting the help of Parent-Teacher Association to donate LCDs and other useful equipment that the students can exclusively utilize for their respective organizations.

When asked whether having an office is a factor being considered by students applying for organizations, Araña uttered that it is a ‘personal choice’.

“Kaya naman we are inviting all the students to participate in the Student Organizations' Festival on 8-12 July. It would be a great experience for them, something they can’t encounter sa classrooms nila,” ended Araña.

Here is the list of organizations with offices at Xavier Hall:

Ateneo Catechetical Instruction League (ACIL)
Ateneo EAGLES for Environment, Inc.
Ateneo Literary Association (ALA)
Ateneo Nature Crusaders
Ateneo Paradigm Éclat Xircle (APEX)
Ateneo Sarong Bangui Junior Eagles (ASBJE)
Ateneo Young Entrepreneurs (AYE)
Days with the Lord-Women (DWTL-W)
Economic Society (ECOSOC)
Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA)
Media Studies Society (MSS)
Samahang Tagapagtaguyod ng Edukasyong Pilipino
Uswag Ateneo Junior Eagles

3 Ateneans awarded as TOSP-Reg’l champs

Just before the awarding ceremony, their concerns seemed so far away.

But as of now, Leonardo Javier V. Rugeria, Ludel Maiello S. Mier and Marymon Severina Q. Florendo who were declared as the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) – Region V winners are just a few steps away from being TOSP-National titleholders.

Graduated last March 2013, they received various awards for excelling in academics, social responsibility and leadership activities.

”Through their personified academic excellence, exemplary leadership, and deep sense of social responsibility, anchored on good moral values,” they have now the chance to represent Bicol at the national level.

Eight students competed for the regional search, seven of them coming from Naga – Ateneo de Naga University, University of Nueva Caceres (UNC), University of Sta. Isabel and Mariners’ Polytechnic Colleges Foundation (MPCF) and one from Albay – Divine Word College.

The TOSP awards program is considered as the “most prestigious award for young role models of the country.” Commemorating the 100th birthday of Jose Rizal, Mr. Jose S. Concepcion, Jr. launched the award-giving body on 19 June 1961.

“The Search is open to bona fide graduating student of the current academic year from a first baccalaureate degree, Doctor of Medicine or Bachelor of Laws degrees without failing grades. The nominee should be a Filipino citizen not more than 30 years old, of excellent moral character, and without any record of criminal conviction or unfavorable disciplinary case in school.” (tospac.org)

The Hunt
“TOSP is an opportunity to create a network and support-system with your fellow youth leaders and at the same time and more importantly, rekindle the fire of nation building and service in an individual's heart,” shared Mier.

Meanwhile, the eight finalists underwent a selection process consisting of paper screening and panel interview. The application started first week of April and results were released in the first week of May.

Having prepared their bid books, containing information on academic achievements, leadership engagements and social involvements plus essays and recommendation forms, the candidates also attended a four-day formation held at University of Saint Anthony last 16-19 May 2013.

Organizing the board of judges, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) – Region V proclaimed three Atenean nominees as well as John Paul Taday of UNC as victors last 21 May 2013 held at the MPCF in Rawis, Albay.

Battle Anew
Being made possible through RFM Foundation in cooperation with CHED, National Book Store, PLDT, and TOSP Alumni Community, TOSP 2013 (according to Florendo) will be announcing the national nominees on 22 June.

It can be recalled that Entrepreneurship graduate and Mr. Kenkoy’s manager Daniel Philip Dy won in the said search last year. For the record, Ateneo had eight TOSP awardees already in the entire run of the said search.

According to Mier, the Office of Student Affairs is helping them out in making their documents competitive.

“Being recognized in TOSP or in any search simply becomes a cherry on top of your ice cream - an optional add-on which even without it, you're still satisfied and happy,” imparted Mier.

On one hand, Rugeria voiced out that he is not expecting very much in making it to the nationals but he will face the challenge if ever it comes.

”I believe I have a strong chance but I try to lower my expectations, kasi it’s sweeter when things come when you least expect them,” revealed Rugeria.

Media to spread out Ateneo fete

By Englebert A. Villegas

With the aim to share the ‘Ateneo at 75’ celebration through media practitioners, a press conference, organized by the Alumni Office, was conducted last 5 June at Richie Fernando Hall.

According to Alumni and International Relations Director Karlos Jerome Llorin, media experts from all over the Bicol region were invited to the said event. Only those in Camarines Sur came, while others did not due to travel distance.

Hot Topics
The participants were given t-shirts to identify them as media. Various issues were discussed during the whole session.

Academic Vice President Alfredo C. Fabay talked about the 75^th anniversary of Ateneo, stating its steadfast commitment to excellence; while University President Fr. Primitivo E. Viray Jr., S.J. spoke about the directions of the school – the ‘new frontiers’.

Viray tackled the concrete steps to realize the school’s directions and dreams which include the Ateneo Grade School.

On one hand, Noel R. Volante presented a video on the logo–making contest where Digital Illustration and Animation student Ara Valiente won.

Thereafter, Institute of Bikol History & Culture Director Tito G. Valiente, in his dialogue “Call for Memorabilia”, conversed about their efforts in collecting historical items of Ateneo de Naga University.

“Id’s, uniforms, old pictures, articles at iba pa. Pwede naman silang mag-donate, mas maganda ‘yun pero kung hindi i-loloan na lang ng school. Pwede silang makipag-ugnayan kay Edna San Buenaventura, the librarian,” imparted Llorin.

Expect More
The open forum or the question and answer portion subsequently followed. The media questioned about the reasons of Ateneo opening an elementary school.

It was then answered, asserting that putting up such is not exclusive to particular schools and that Ateneo is simply making a contribution to the society by establishing the most basic foundation of education.

“Be updated on the ‘Ateneo at 75’ celebration. May mga regional and national lectures. Actually, 75 lectures ‘yun. May small reunions ng mga colleges, batches and a lot more,” Llorin divulged in an interview when asked about his message to the Ateneo community.

Pintakasi 2012 flashes new events

By Englebert A. Villegas

Escaping out of the tradition, last year’s Pintakasi had introduced new events such as Mr. and Ms. Pintakasi, Fashion Show and Spelling Bee ‘to further promote its value of camaraderie, sense of community and sensibility.’

According to Ateneo de Naga University – Supreme Student Government External Vice-President Samillano, the entire event was ‘sulit’ despite of having only a month to prepare.

“Late na samo nasabi na idadagos palan ang Pintakasi tapos samo pa winalat ta nag-resign nga si president [Frank Calma] pero naging ok man because of the cooperation of Pintakasi Associate Heads and support from different offices like DAVP,” he said.

The affair, bearing the theme Porta Fidei (Door of Faith): Katood, Pagtubod, had only eight participating extra-curricular organizations, namely: (arranged according to overall ranking) Ateneo Paradigm Éclat Xircle (APEX), Ateneo Lightning Scorpion of the Philippines, Sentient Ateneans Reaching Out, Ateneo Junior Eagles, Days With The Lord, Ateneo Eagles for Environment, Inc., Ateneo Dance Club and Ateneo Literary Association – DARTS.

“[Dahil] siguro sa time constraints kaya konti participants. Letters about the Pintakasi were all distributed to all organizations kaso su ibang orgs may iba man na activities tapos kung sana raw mas maaga silang na-informed,” he furthered.

The said organizations competed in 32 different contests grouped into six major categories – Literary and Art, Academic, Music, Dance, Laro ng Lahi and Special Events.

Samillano also added that there were no major problems encountered during the fest aside from the budget which they (SSG members) thought was not enough but then was able to cover all expenses and the late start of some events due to sound system failures.

On one hand, APEX President Kenneth Hufancia held that they have not encountered any problems and believed that Pintakasi 2012 was the most organized edition since they joined the same competition.

“Mayo man kami naging problema sa requirements although one week before [Pintakasi] mi siya inaasikao ta garo that time pa lang sinda [SSG] nagpameeting. Maogma man ta may mga bagong events tapos kami su nanggana. Determination lang talaga ang kaipuhan,” Hufancia answered when asked about their Pintakasi experience.

She then stressed that organizations should try partaking into this kind of events because according to her, “It doesn’t matter if you win or lose. The most important thing here is that your relationship with each other becomes stronger.”

Groove with the Mangroves

By Englebert A. Villegas

Indeed, a mud-spattered experience in a low tidal seaboard but then worth doing to get the jackpot prize – a new Calabanga glowing with vibrant species of every imaginable colors, teeming with life-sustaining endeavors like that of history’s scene.

Being closer to water than land, the people in Sibobo, Calabanga, Camarines Sur were used to fishing as a form of livelihood. Other industries like farming, hog dispersal, shell trading; dried fish production and seaweed culture were infiltrated also but have failed due to scarce and unfettered harvest, insufficient capital and incompatibility with the area’s potential resources.

On one hand, quarrying was entered into but the people have only savored a source of income which caused injurious effects to the environment, namely: silt accumulation, shoreline degradation and infertility of farmland. They have overlooked the supreme importance of nature causing a slap on their wrists.

Compelling Proof for Reforestation

Sibobo, a certain barangay in Calabanga, Camarines Sur located along the seaside of San Miguel Bay, was once filled with mangrove forests. However, with the said siltation, other man-made and natural catastrophes, the blessing in disguise was extinguished leaving specks of hopelessness to all who were living in the area.

“Mangroves are coastal trees or shrubs adapted to estuarine or even saline environments. There are around 80 mangrove species in the world (Saenger et. al, 1983); 40 in the country. They are seen on tropical and subtropical regions with hot and humid climate and on wetlands or coastlines with minimal waves.”

For the past years, many government agencies like Bureau of Food and Aquatic Resources, Department of Natural Resources and Local Government Unit (LGU) of Calabanga undertook measures to restore the vanished ecological balance of the place but were fruitless due to detrimental storms and improper methods of propagation.

Meanwhile, the Mangrove Rehabilitation Program in Cagsao, Calabanga of Corporate Network for Disaster Response (CNDR), corresponding to its undertaking called Advancing Safer Communities & Environment against Disaster in collaboration with SMART Communication soared to the sky when it yielded good results.

Unfortunately, Sibobo wasn’t chosen as a beneficiary village because of fund shortage. Luckily, this has paved way for Ateneo de Naga University to instigate environmental conservation and protection schemes which included coastal clean-ups, tree planting, games for kids and of course, mangrove rehabilitation.

Partnership for Gains

The dialogues and subsequent pacts between Center for Community Development (CCD) and Sibobo Barangay Council, headed before by Brgy. Captain Jose Villamil, in cooperation of Institute for Environmental Conservation and Research (INECAR), formally commenced the project.

Ateneo donated propagules, white mangrove species (Laguncularia Racemosa), costing Php1.50 each from a supplier in New Kaaluan, Tinambac, and T-bars with a price of Php150 each to be used for drilling so that the seedling can be planted properly, two-thirds of the body buried on the ground.

Furthermore, INECAR Deputy Director Joanaviva Caceres-Plopenio lent a hand in doing environmental scanning and choosing the right mangrove specie. She facilitated discussions regarding the nature and significance of the project.

During Community Outreach Program (COP) Orientation with CCD Program Coordinator Leo Borras, the following are the reasons behind the execution of the project:

Ø Mangroves provide leaf litter and detritus serving as food for marine animals and organisms.

Ø They become shelter for migratory birds.

Ø They become a tourism site especially for bird watching.

Ø They prevent soil erosion

Ø Protection against harsh winds and waves in times of typhoons.

Ø Mangroves prevent the coast line from expanding.

Ø Mangroves shelter insects and other life forms.

From 31 July 2010, Ignatiana celebration, to 6 March 2011, there were 29800 seedlings provided by the university, the staff and students amounting to Php43, 000 while 75 T-bars valued at Php11, 250. These were the out-of-pocket cash outlays incurred parallel to seven planting activities.

The participants were from NSTP-CFFP, Philosophy and PDEV classes, those who signed up in COP as well as Eagle Organization members and CCD Voltz.

Shared stories scattered in all corners of the campus as the partakers in mangrove planting have let their hearts mouthed to others remarkable occurrences during the event.

There was a sudden nonstop spread of the news even in social networking sites - photos speaking for themselves and comments of compliments – that further drew more interested groups to join the drive in Calabanga.

On the other hand, the counterpart of the recipients were the identification and fencing of mangrove spots, campaigning, supervising, and maintaining the project, gathering and educating the local residents and assisting the volunteers during planting activities.

Originally, 50 x 100 square meters of the mud-covered shore patches was prepared for the entire project but for having a greater number of mangrove shoots, the scope has increased tremendously.

Points to Remember

Every mangrove planting, the batches would be particular about low tides or time when the water withdraws from the shore. This is done via calendars or statements from the nearby fishermen so that the exact time of arrival can be estimated.

Moreover, the team would consider the planting season, February until September, to make sure that the newly planted mangroves cannot be deracinated from the ground.

The soil quality must be taken into account wherein those sown in muddy earth have high survival rate and can grow quicker and larger than those implanted in ground with many shells.

Mangrove propagules should be ripe when planted for a surefire success, whilst T-bars must be given back to facilitators.

Also, volunteer orientation and community participation, as means for their own welfare, must be appropriately given and administered, hence compliance with the rules and attainment of objectives are ensured.

Students and personnel must realize the binding effect not because it’s a requirement but rather performing one’s role in ameliorating nature’s splendor and carrying out social duty, thus existing on the ideal of being ‘men and women for others’.

Additionally, pests and human-causing impediments that hinder the growth of mangroves such as “sisi”, a kind of seashell, plastic, waste dumpsites, accidental stepping on the plants by citizens and boats must also be positioned on top of the priorities, thus precluding any signs of destruction

With the influx of aid from different sectors of society like CNDR which contributed bamboos for fencing purposes and 10, 000 propagules and the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur which bestowed 15, 000 bakauan bato (Rhyzophora stylosa) seedlings as part of its El Verde movement, the return of breathtaking plantation will be witnessed once again by elated onlookers. And the heaven shall smile on the land of Sibobo.

Newfound Wonder

With many corporate social responsibility projects that Ateneo de Naga University offers to the community, Mangrove Reforestation Project has been one of its paramount activities. The process is quite slow yet with expected first-rate results.

CCD headed by Director Elmer Sto. Domingo Jr. has come up with prospective tactics to improve the benefits derived from mangrove reforestation projects in Sibobo and Cagsao, for instance the development of a Memorandum of Agreement to determine each stakeholder’s obligation towards the project.

Likewise incorporated in the strategy are the establishments of Mangrove Nursery to guarantee high-quality propagules; Eco-Tourism Plan in partnership with Department of Developmental Tourism of Ateneo, hence creating job opportunities to the people, sky-scraping revenues for the barangay and a flood of supplementary support from other institutions.

Finally, an Exhibit in Ateneo is premeditated to be staged to encourage more volunteers and offerings, and to campaign worldwide environmental conservation.

There are lots of things still to be accomplished, but with collective efforts with the new Sibobo Bgry. Captain Edgardo Sargento and Mayor Evelyn Yu of Calabanga, no barriers can break the road to the fulfillment of dreams as of present time and for generations to come– a vivid realization of permanent supply of income and bliss.

References:

Ø Sibobo Mangrove Reforestation Project (PDF File) by Ailen Matylou S. Bigay

CCD Assistant Field Coordinator

Ø CCD Mangrove Orientation (PPTX File)

Huni brings thesis to life

Huni brings thesis to life

A History: First Bikol Musical

By Englebert A. Villegas

From a dream of promoting Bikol culture to actualizing a thesis, Huni nin Sarong Gamgam: Sarong Pasaling Musikal (Pagbalangibog kan mga Bikol na Awit-Banwaan sa paagi nin  Pasali sa  Entablado) was staged last 19 February at the Arrupe Convention Hall.

4-AB Communication students Ann Jilian B. Borja, Guia B. Nacario, Jiren S. Pasario had made all the paper works last semester and advanced to production making this semester, inviting some Media Studies students and playhouse enthusiasts to portray certain roles.

Providing positive feedbacks on the presentation, Noel Volante, Ph.D., Media Studies Chairperson Digna Mac-Paner Alba, Ph.D. and Paz Verdadez Matina Santos, Ph.D served as the panelists during the first day of showing which was also the defense and critiquing part.

Seeing the potential success of the stage play, the Center for Culture and Arts sponsored the program for second day’s airing as public exposure, which drew more audience.

Meanwhile, Digital Illustration and Animation transferee-student Eugine Valeza, a musical aficionado, composed a new arrangement of the ten songs incorporated in the event, namely:  Sarong Bangui, Pantomina, Bulanon, An Mga Soltero, Si Natay, Si Tatay, Hematea Man, Ano daw itong sa Gogon, Marasa Pabaya, Sa Baybayon nin Sisiran, Caturog na Nonoy, Isipon mo Sana and their original song, Igwa nin Lalake.

According to Borja, Nacario and Pasario, this was the first time that a thesis had materialized into a real musical play done in Bikol language.

“We’ve decided na buhayon an mga Bicol folk songs through play-acting para makatabang kami na dae mawara ang kultura ta mismo. Sige magpasurvey man kamo digdi sa Ateneo ta mayo lamang d’yan ang may kantang Bikol sa playlists ninda,” said Pasario.

He also added that due to globalization, “natatahuban ang culture ta.” “Nagkaigwa na kami nin theater arts na course for one sem tapos ginamit mi para tawan gabat ang written project mi, na bako lang basta mini-concert.”

“Sana magka-igwang awareness an mga Atenista asin mga Bikolano sa beauty kan folk songs ta tapos sana man i-embrace kan mga Bikolano  an sadiri tang kultura bago an iba, which is the main goal of our thesis,” Borja furthered.

Welcome to the show!

Phillyda Lloyd’s Abba Musical Show was their “inspirational basis in coming up with one sensible story” for enactment out of the different songs they have gathered. Like a “Sarswela” also, the show had various subjects; of which love was its general theme.

The theatrical production’s tale was set in an isolated island having a secluded community and as the play went on, the mysteries of the place has been unveiled, leading to a tragic end.

As inspired by the Barcelonita community in Cabusao, Pasario expressed his appreciation of Bikol culture voicing out that “maraming bagay na madidiskubre pa sa Bicol, hindi lang Ibalon, Peňafrancia… kundi something new, ‘yung other faces of Bicol.”

Contrariwise, Nacario stressed out that they had problems with the procurement of funds, the location of practices and the documents needed by different offices; whereas Volante cited that the students already know these sorts of requirements and expenses when talking about production.

The three production heads, however, were still ‘grateful for the success of their show which gave life to one side of Bicol identity, but “hoping that time would come when actors and dramatic pieces will have their own venues in this world.”

AdNU invests for new org’l leads

AdNU invests for new org’l leads

Are they ready for the challenge?

By Englebert A. Villegas

With the theme “To lead and to serve in victory and defeat,” the Summer Ateneo Workshop on Ignatian Leadership for Life (A-WILL) 2013 served as an investment of Ateneo de Naga University in preparing the new set of student leaders.

Conducted last 16-21 May at the Stella Maris Renewal Center, Tigaon, Camarines Sur, the event offered basic leadership themes and trainings for the 47 incoming presidents and vice-presidents or executive officers of co-curricular and extra-curricular organizations.

“Su mga workshops and exercises ninda based duman sa needs mismo kang mga participants tapos sa situations that they might experience whether campus-wide man o sa luwas kan school,” shared Program Officer for Student Development and Student Organizations’ Formation and Training Trish Penelope B. Araña.

As a major component of the Ateneo Leadership Development Program, a three-year cycle program established by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) for the formation of student groups, Summer A-WILL 2013 concentrated on Ignatian Spirituality, Competency Building and Social Responsibility of the partakers.

According to Araña, the various sessions  allowed the participants to gain the deeper appreciation of their potentials and capabilities as authentic human persons who live up to the character, discipline and ethical standards expected of an Atenean.

Leveling up

Being in a sphere of Jesuit education, the events correlated the church teachings vis-à-vis six workshops concerning leadership facets which parallel and examine societal settings.

Fr. Ritchie B. Elot, SJ discussed the first session entitled “The Person of a Leader: Knowing Yourself as a Foundation of Leadership.” The topic was all about gaining a deeper understanding and appreciation of one’s self and reflecting on one’s values, principles and worldviews.

Labeled as “The Person of a Leader: Towards Articulating One’s Mission, Session 2 focused on the broadening, evaluation and recognition of one’s leadership potential. Ateneo Presidential Assistant for Operations and Planning Maria Alessandra Medina added that “discernment and prayers will lead student leaders more to success.”

Session 3, on one hand, tackled the various leadership approaches and styles, especially on the importance of delegation. Juan Delos Reyes of the Center for Community Development said that “a leader should have the mind-set, the skill-set and the tool-set.”

“I commend OSA for this wonderful program… Talagang gumastos at nag-effort ang Ateneo para sa formation ng mga student leaders who will become our future leaders. And I observed na ang mga Ateneo leaders of this generation are more involved, participative and reflective,” disclosed Delos Reyes.

Meanwhile, Alumni and International Relations Director Karlos Jerome Llorin, College Athletics Office’s College Basketball Program Coordinator Emmanuel Ayo and Heads of different Formation and Student Support Offices acted as the speakers of the last three sessions.

“Developing Competence and Commitments”, “Cultivating Teamwork: Motivating towards Empowerment” and “Pulling Together Commitments” were the titles of their talks.

Squeezing out potentials

Even if the participants had engaged into various workshops, group sharing, plenary assemblies, reporting and talks, Araña still admitted that a period of three to five years is needed to verify if the program is really effective or not.

She also mentioned that they hope for good results which they can get through monitoring, evaluations and feedbacks from students organizations.

“Basta maging open lang sinda sa process… collaborate with each other, if possible and that they should grab the opportunities na tinatao mi sainda for them to be holistically formed. Napansin ko lang na medyo mabagal maghiro su mga participants pero kang Summer A-WILL, mayo man major glitch na nangyari,” Araña ended.

SOAR '13 recognizes exemplary leaders, orgs

By Englebert A. Villegas

Serving as a commencement exercise of student organizations, the Student Organizations’ Awards and Recognition (SOAR) Night 2013 was held last 25 February coinciding with the 27^th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution.

SOAR aims “to recognize the best performing student organizations and commendable student leaders to inspire them and their peers to continually do their best in terms of their performance in the organizations and as forerunners of it.”

According to Program Officer for Student Development and Student Organizations Formation and Training Trish Penelope Baesa Araňa, the event also gave recognition to moderators "whose support and assistance to organizations are deemed crucial to the student groups’ successes."

Soar higher!

Conducted at the Arrupe Convention Hall, the SOAR Night primed its way of “appreciating the role of organizations in the formation of student heads as responsible members of community.”

Araňa shared that the Ateneo de Naga University-Office of Student Affairs (OSA) organized the award-giving body and made group deliberations to determine the awardees of individual, activity, special and student organization categories.

The nominees were screened through a pointing system that OSA created, and then finally identifying the winners based on the reports, completed requirements, evaluations, academic performance and activities submitted by different organizations, and with the help of Organizational Support and Assistance Program also made by OSA.

“Maingat kami sa pagpili – sa check and rechecking of points ng mga organizations, sa pagverify ng mga activities nila. Ang pinakamahirap na proseso kasi dito eh ‘yung paglilinis ng data at pagdetermine kung social involvement ba talaga ang activity nilang ito o baka naman special project,” said Araňa.

She also stated that the entire program was conducted in collaboration with different offices and groups such as College Registrar’s Office, Office of the President, University Band and a lot more.

The Night

In its second year of display, attendees came to SOAR Night 2013 in their Barong and Filipiniana outfits as a sign of nationalism ‘for a change’.

In the course of the event, OSA Director Fr. Ritche B. Elot, S.J. expressed his admiration to the balanced performance of distinctive organizations in terms of “management and operations, skills development, social involvement, spiritual formation, special projects, and participation in OSA-sanctioned formation activities.”

The awarding ceremony also renamed the Student Leader Award to Jesse M. Robredo Student Leader of the Year Award and from Moderator Award to Fr. John “Jack” Phelan, SJ Moderator of the Year Award.

These two individuals are known for their good values, principles and leadership which earned them outstanding honors from the society.

On one hand, Ateneo Catechetical Instruction League (ACIL) President Rea Marie Javal said, “Unexpected and overwhelming ang results ng SOAR. We only hoped to win the ‘Spiritual Formation Award. We are very grateful for receiving other big awards.”

When asked about the reason why they won such awards, she imparted that they were able to implement programs embodying their organizational mission and vision making them proud catechists of this generation.

She also believes that this kind of affair will motivate organizations to develop their management style, to be holistically formed by trying out various fields of interests, and to make a change in the society.

Here is the Complete List of Awardees:

Fr. Raul J. Bonoan, SJ Student Organization of the Year: 
Ateneo Catechetical Instruction League (ACIL)

Most Outstanding Extra-curricular Organization: 
Ateneo Literary Association (ALA)
1st runner-up: Ateneo Sarong Bangui Junior Eagles (ASBJE)
2nd runner-up: Uswag Junior Eagles

Most Outstanding Co-curricular Organization: 
Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA)
1st runner-up: Media Studies Department (MSS)
2nd runner-up: Economic Society (ECOSOC)

Achievement Award for Spiritual Formation: 
Ateneo Catechetical Instruction League (ACIL)
Nominee: Days with the Lord-Women (DWTL-W)

Achievement Award for Skills Development:
Extra-curricular: Ateneo Literary Association (ALA)
Nominees: 
Uswag Junior Eagles
Remontados Debate Society

Co-curricular: Association of Bicol Business Students (ABBS)
Nominees:
Association of Psychology Students of Ateneo (APSA)
Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA)

Achievement Award for Social Advocacy and Involvement: 
Ateneo Catechetical Instruction League (ACIL)
Nominees:
Pathways for Higher Education Youth Group (PYG)
Gabay Scholars’ Organization
Ateneo College Red Cross Youth (ACRCY)

Jesse M. Robredo Student Leaders of the Year:
1. Sonia Marie Bacares – President, Uswag Junior Eagles
2. Rea Marie Javal – President, Ateneo Catechetical Instruction League (ACIL)
3. Celdhon Nacario – President, Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA)
4. Sheryl Ravanilla - President, Atene Nature Crusaders
5. Raiza Beatriz Rosero – President, Media Studies Society (MSS)

Fr. John “Jack” J. Phelan, SJ Moderators of the Year Award:
• Maria Cheradee Rachel Alarcon – Days with the Lord-Women (DWTL-W)
• Noel Amador – Ateneo EAGLES for Environment, Inc.
• Juan Carlos de los Reyes - Ateneo Sarong Bangui Junior Eagles (ASBJE) / Uswag Junior Eagles
• Jonafel Garol-Singson - Ateneo Catechetical Instruction League (ACIL)
• Jay Salvosa III - Ateneo Literary Association (ALA)

Special Awards:
• Service Award: Ian Mar Nebres Lee
• Outstanding Volunteer Group: Center for Community Development Volunteers (CCD-Voltz)
• Special Commendation for Projects:
Tarpadyak – Ateneo Sarong Bangui Junior Eagles (ASBJE)
Tilad - Ateneo Literary Association (ALA)
Whistle for the Deaf – Uswag Junior Eagles

Top Ten Student Organizations:
• Ateneo Catechetical Instruction League (ACIL)
• Ateneo EAGLES for Environment, Inc.
• Ateneo Literary Association (ALA)
• Ateneo Paradigm Éclat Xircle (APEX)
• Ateneo Sarong Bangui Junior Eagles (ASBJE)
• Days with the Lord-Women (DWTL-W) 
• Economic Society (ECOSOC)
• Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA)
• Media Studies Society (MSS) 
• Uswag Ateneo Junior Eagles

Rugeria places second in JRMSP tilt

Awarded second in the search for ten Jose Rizal Model Students of the Philippines (JRMSP) last 30 December 2012, Senior AB Philosophy student Javier Leonardo V. Rugeria stressed out that “education should not be taken for granted.”

Conducted annually, the search aims to recognize model students throughout the country who best depict the qualities of the national hero.

The candidates were judged in terms of their academic excellence, leadership skills, and involvement in extra-curricular activities which cater to the needs of the community as a whole.

JRMSP was under the sponsorship of the Order of the Knights of Rizal (OKR), a private non-stock and non-profit fraternal group that upholds the ideas and teachings of Rizal and instills them to others.

Catching the Triumph

Rugeria was chosen among the four student applicants within the university and competed against 67 others in the national level. They went through paper screenings and panel interviews. On 28 December, only 20 were chosen for the final selection.

The finalists faced the board of judges led by the OKR Supreme Commander Reghis Romero II. Other judges were the OKR Council of Elders, Rizal’s direct descendant Gemma Cruz-Araneta, JRMSP Chair Lutgardo Barbo and former Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr.

Students from University of Cebu – Banilad Campus, Jezreel Erzer Archival and Far Eastern University – Manila, John Michael Lava got the first and third posts, respectively.

Rugeria shared in an interview that the final selection was thrilling yet he enjoyed the question and answer portion.“I must say magayon ang Philosophy program ta, ta without Philosophy dae mo masisimbagan si mga intellectual questions duman,” he said.

The Ateneo offers four core philosophy courses and for Rugeria, that gives the Ateneans an edge in JRMSP.

Previous JRMSP candidates from the university never failed to win for eight consecutive years. Aspirants in the said search were first ranked in 2010. Since then, AdNU candidates secured the first and second posts.

When asked what advantage he got for being a JRMSP awardee, Rugeria said that he does not take his recognition as an advantage or to the disadvantage of another.

He furthered, “I don’t work for recognitions, dae ko ‘yan sinasakat, dae ko ‘yan kinakanap.” Rugeria explained that he does things because he loves doing them, not because he will be awarded afterwards.

He hopes that the students would develop a culture of learning. He also stressed the need to make changes in the society just like what Rizal did.