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)