The wait of 27 years was long and dreary. In 1998, we saw it find ground and emerge like a phoenix from oblivion. Resilient, it has remained faithful to its creed of serving the Tamaraw community, trudging despite obstacles, and surviving amid trials. Now 12 years later, it is high on its flight and stands stronger than ever.

And we made it all happen.

It was us behind every fearless Advocate issue. A band of student journalists, staffers, who remained unfazed by the steep commitment the publication required. You were there. Whether as a writer, photographer, layout artist, illustrator, or editor, the Advocate became a product of our collective struggles and efforts. In turn it has nurtured us back and gave us the best and most unforgettable experiences of our college years, enduring friendships, and a home we could forever return to.

Now, it is long overdue that we return the favor. Show your support for the publication by attending our Grand Advocate Alumni Homecoming on March 20 at the FEU University Conference Center. Invite your former editors, staffers and Advo buddies, and have a mighty good time reminiscing deadlines, long sleepless nights and everything that made our publication days the best time of our lives. Come home. The Advocate counts on you.

FEU Advocate Reunion Team 2010

For the record, Mr. Joey Ting has not, at any time, been subjected to any form of harassment or intimidation and that the incident which occurred on 9 January 2010, was of his own doing and not at all connected with the on-going CBA negotiation or his position as union president.

Records will show that despite his numerous and various acts of provocation against the University and its management, which he himself admitted on several occasions, the University has consistently maintained a position of maximum tolerance, in deference to Mr. Ting’s position as union president.

To set the facts straight; without any justifiable reason, Mr. Ting parks his car and blocked the main vehicle entrance at Gate 4 in the morning of January 9, 2010 and in the process almost hit two students who were in the area. Before leaving his car, he even left on the driver’s window a handwritten poster with the following statement:

“AKO PO ANG FACULTY UNION PRESIDENT NG FEU NGUNIT LANTARAN
ANG PAMBABASTOS NG ADMINISTRASYONG ECHAUZ!! AKO SI JOEY TING,
HANDANG I-ALAY ANG BUHAY SA MGA FACULTY AT STUDENTS NG FEU”

Although there was an attempt on the part of the security guards to have him remove his car, he was not physically harmed as he would now belatedly claim.

The story fabricated by Mr. Ting shows utter inconsistency and defies basic logic. Immediately after the said incident, Mr. Ting attended and was even able to finish all his classes for the day without any sign of physical harm or trauma. Until this date, he could not present any proof to show that he sought medical attention of reported the matter to the police for all that he alleged have been done to his person. May it be added that the night prior to the incident, he already warned the security guards that he shall park the car at the said entrance so that not even the University President could enter the campus.

Evident premeditation, the motive to ignite the emotions of faculty and students and to connect such with the ongoing CBA negotiation are very apparent in all of these.

We have referred the said incident to the appropriate government agency for necessary action, and in time, we will be able to prove that FEU is not how it is being unjustly pictured in the said Anakbayan NCR open letter.

We encourage everyone to have a fair and objective mind, as we likewise ask for calm and sobriety through all of these.

Thank you.

Two third year Far Eastern University (FEU) students grabbed second place in the 3rd Pinoy Quiz Show last January 14 at the University of the Philippines (UP)-Manila.

Jordan Cabandong, AB in Political Science student, and Ricardo Villas, Jr., BS in Elementary Education represented FEU and competed with 50 participants from 25 colleges and universities in National Capital Region.

Participating schools included UP-Diliman, UP-Manila, Adamson University, Ateneo de Manila University and San Juan de Letran,

UP-Diliman and UP-Manila participants emerged first and third respectively. The FEU-team received P3,000 cash.

The annual quiz show was organized by UP-College of Medicine Regionalization Organization.

The quiz show promotes academic excellence which tests knowledge on Philippine history, arts, culture, sports and entertainment.

Rizal’s legacy lives on with a Far Eastern University (FEU) student along with 19 other finalists who embody national hero’s virtues and qualities in the Jose Rizal Model Student of the Philippines (JRMSP) search.

Fourth year BSC finance student James Edward Ang was awarded as one of the top 20 finalist during the awarding ceremony Knights of Rizal Building, Bonifacio Drive, Port Area, Manila last December 11.

Other Rizalian finalists were students from different college and universities nationwide.

“To be a Rizalian, you have to have hope for the country and be the change,” Ang said.

Finalists were evaluated based on academic excellence, student leadership in local school and community activities, and student leadership in regional, national and international area.

Established by the Order of the Knights of Rizal in 1988, the annual search recognizes the top youth model students who best epitomize Rizal’s qualities of leadership, academic excellence, and love of country and people.

“We should possess the values and morals that can change lives. It is best to have a model student who visions the country to be great again. To set an example for others, to dedicate things that you have and make ways for others to follow,” Ang stressed.

Raffy Christopher Dominguez, News Editor, won third place in news writing while Ardie Aquino, senior illustrator, placed fifth in editorial cartooning.

With more than 80 campus journalists from different colleges and universities nationwide, some participating schools were De La Salle University-Lipa, Universidad de Sta. Isabela, Laguna State Polytechnic University-Siniloan and Capiz State University.

Participants competed in five categories: News Writing, Editorial Writing, Photojournalism, Editorial Cartooning and Page Design and Layout.

The annual event provides avenue for skills development of students through seminars and competitions.

An incident regarding an alleged attack of a security guard against a professor triggered a rally of students and faculty in protest of a claimed “Martial Law”.

FEU Faculty Association (FEUFA) President and Department of Communication Theater and Film Head Geofferson Ting claimed last January 9 to have been harassed by security guards.

The occurrence which was later learned by students through Ting’s Facebook post last January 9, entitled “Martial Law”, resulted to a silent protest campaign of black and red ribbons supported by students and faculty.

In his note, he questioned the issuing of directives from officials, violation of policies and the new security measures. He also mentioned that even days after January 9, Admin has not issued a memo.

Sparked by the silent ribbon campaign, an open letter against campus oppression and tuition increase titled “Defy Martial Law!” was distributed by Anakbayan last January 15 simultaneous with the posting of posters urging to stop campus repression. The letter discussed series of harassments involving Ting and the on-going Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Manggagawang Pilipino (KAMPI), Society for Homosexual Emergence/Sigma Homo Epsilon (SHE), FEU Outdoors, Sandugo Fraternity Alliance and Alyansa ng Piyu handed out flyers last January 16 titled “Martial Law sa FEU Kondenahin!” calling for students and other organizations to be united in reproving “Martial Law”.

Students and different youth political parties assembled last January 20 against tuition hike and campus repression. Anakbayan and Kabataan Party List gathered students for the rally in FEU Plaza. Students lead by party list leaders headed to the different spots in the University: Administration Building, Tayuman, grandstand and Gate 4.

“Does it mean that FEU tolerates this kind of security? Are they just ignoring it because they think that this is not a major issue? It is. It is because whether I like or not, I’m a political person because I have a position to protect here in the campus,” Ting stated.

Ting speaks up
In an interview with the FEU Advocate, Ting detailed the incidents that happened on January 9.

At around 7:00 a.m., Ting tried to enter the University for the open parking. According to him, instead of opening the driveway, the guards did not lift the steel bars and restrained him from entering.

Before leaving his car, Ting posted a note saying, “AKO PO ANG FACULTY UNION PRESIDENT NG FEU NGUNIT LANTARAN ANG PAMBABASTOS NG ADMINISTRASYONG ECHAUZ!! AKO SI JOEY TING, HANDANG IALAY ANG BUHAY SA MGA FACULTY AT STUDENTS NG FEU”.

“I’m the type of president who would air, who would demonstrate visually my grievance. That’s my right. For as long as wala akong sinasaktan, wala akong hinahawakan physically, walang problema (For as long as I am not hurting anyone physically, there is no problem),” Ting stated in an interview.

Ting further pointed that the guards said they did not know who he was “How can you not identify the officials if you are working under a security agency? Eh protocol daw ‘yan sa lahat ng (to all) security, to know the organizational chart of this company.”

According to Ting, after he locked his car blocking the driveway, the guards dragged him to the corner and threatened him. He quoted that the guard said “’Wag kang mag-eskandalo dito, p— i— mo! Hindi mo ba ako kilala?”

He described the guards like military men. Ting claimed that as the guards were trying to get his car keys from him, they kicked him in his right leg and one of the guards was about to get his gun but the other guard stopped him.

Seconds after, Ting said that “troops” of security guards came. He then named Chief Security Officer Verlando Miguel and security Leonardo Banaag, Jr. as the guards involved in the stated incident.

Ting stated that due to his refusal to give up his keys, the guards decided to let him go. He then went straight to his 7:30-10:30 a.m. class.

One of Ting’s students, Alyssa Louise Rodillion, third year Mass Communication student, confirmed to have witnessed the encounter.

She recalled entering Gate 4 and seeing Ting with the guards. “Binagalan ko lang ‘yung lakad ko tapos patingin-tingin ako kay Sir Joey. Maya-maya, naririning ko na siya sumisigaw na parang ‘Nasasaktan ako! Bakit niyo ako sinasaktan?’ (I walked slowly then I looked at Sir Joey [Ting]. Later on, I heard him saying ‘You are hurting me! Why are you doing this?’),” Rodillion narrated.

Ting found that his car was towed after his 9:30 a.m. class. He recalled going to University Belt Area (UBA) Police Station 4 to file a police blotter but was then informed that an earlier blotter was filed.

Parking Incidents
January 2008, Ting had a record of blocking his car in the driveway of TB where he insists for his parking privilege as the union president.

January 4, Ting narrated that he got his and Budget Officer Arnie Macapagal’s car was locked in TB parking. Ting shared how Macapagal was surprised to found out about the curfew considering that he was working in the Admin.

Since they were an hour late from curfew, the guards did not allow them to get their cars. It took them an hour of argument with the guards on duty before they got their cars.

Friday, January 8, another similar incident occurred. Ting’s rehearsals with Art Theater Clinic (ATC) ended past 10 p.m. and forgot to bring his car out from TB parking area before curfew. When he went down to get his car, the guards explained that it was closed and he could get his car the next day.

He had a discussion with the guards about his rights as the FEUFA president but the guards still refused to grant him the access saying that the keys were with another security guard.

“Doon ako nagalit, because hindi ko makuha yung logic na hindi ako pwedeng sabihan, ano ba naman yung as part of your security responsibility (That’s the time I got angry, because I didn’t get the logic of not informing me, what about the thought that its part of your security responsibility,)” Ting said.

”I waited for hours, two to three hours,” Ting added.

Ting called Melinda Macaraig, Assistant Vice President for Human Resource Department (HRD) and asked for help. The professor stated that it was about past 12 when the guards opened the parking area.

Counter parting Ting, Miguel said that a request from custodial must be issued beyond the curfew.

“Beyond 10 p.m., there should be a proper request from Custodial,” Miguel said.

Questioned unfamiliarity
According to Ting, FEUFA was not informed by the Administration (Admin) regarding the new security and policies.
“As far as I know, there’s no communication or memo about the sudden change of security,” Ting said.
Furthermore, Ting discerned the orientation of the new security.

“Since they’re the ones securing us, dapat automatic alam na nila kung sino especially kung official ka (Since they’re the one securing us, it should be automatic to know who, especially if you’re an official),” Ting stated.Gaspillo said that every three years they’re changing the security company because they want to preserve the unfamiliarity within the campus for the safety and security of the community.

On the other hand, Miguel said that on their first day, January 4, they were already acquainting themselves on FEU officials.
“Una, we searched all the directors, but sa dami ng faculty, ID system ang sinusunod namin (First, we searched all the directors, but due to the number of faculty, we followed the ID system,)” Miguel said.

Miguel affirmed but not specified some changes in FEU’s rules.

“May rules na ‘di na pwedeng i-apply, dumarating mga pagbabago (There are rules that are not applicable, that leads to changes)” Miguel said.

Clearing up
Martial Law is defined as a military rule or authority imposed to a population when peace and order in the community cannot be maintained.

Recently, Martial Law was declared in Maguindanao after the mass murders last November 23, 2009.

FEU officials cleared that there is no basis to the alleged Martial Law for security measures are just done to maintain peace and order.

Vice President for Facilities and Technical Services Engr. Rudy Gaspillo clarified that the change in the security management was to comply with the University policy of having a security contract for three years (see related article New Year, new security provider). Moreover it is their way to assure the unfamiliarity between the security guards and the community.

He clarified that memos are not part of the University policies and there is no need to inform the community of the new security management.

It is also their aim to set unfamiliarity between the community and the security for they see this as a way to maintain the tight security measures.

“We are all doing this to make our campus safe. If that cause students inconvenience at times, we apologize but we’re just doing our job to make us all safe”, said Gaspillo.

In addition, to the change of security, Bitun organized a system to monitor the guards and assure the rotation through the matrix posting of guards. Matrix includes the rotation schedule and the number of guards on duty.

He explained that the newly installed grills were part of their development program to strengthen the security of the Technological Building (TB) from unwanted culprits and by-passers who might damage the glass doors.

According to him, it is also a way on how to at least minimize man power since the building is now secured with the new security grills.

For safety reasons, a curfew of 10 p.m. was also implemented; however this curfew caused a heated argument with Ting and the new securities on duty.

Gaspillo added that for safety reasons they want all vehicles entering the University be inspected regardless of the owner, the same with the random inspection of bags but the guards were also oriented who are the officials of the University.

He even added that FEU President Dr. Lydia Echauz also undergoes the same security measures, and the president took it positively.
Moreover, when it comes to the handling of keys, Security Manager Marcelo Bitun clarified that for security and emergency purposes, key duplicates of the University premises were kept in their office.

Gaspillo also denied the allegations of the gun possessions of the security. “They are not allowed to carry firearms, moreover there is a nationwide gun-ban for the upcoming election” he stated.

He even cleared the harassment issue, and according to him the guards are just following orders. All inspections and curfew implementations are part of the University security measures.

Admin’s statement
Human Resource Department (HRD) issued a statement last January 20 in response to Ting’s allegations of harassment and Anakbayan’s protest. The statement claimed that the accusation of Ting was “unsubstantiated and unfair.”
Furthermore, it was pointed there that the professor had not been subjected “to any form of harassment or intimidation”.
HRD states in its letter that on several occasions, the University consistently shows “maximum tolerance” with regards to Ting as the FEUFA president.

According to HRD, in the morning of January 9, Ting parked his car and blocked the main vehicle entrance at Gate 4, almost hitting two students” in the area and before leaving his car left a handwritten poster.

It was emphasized on the open letter that security guards attempted to remove Ting’s car and that he was not physically harmed.
HRD claims that Ting’s story was fabricated and was inconsistent as evidenced by Ting being able to finish all his classes for the day “without the sign of harm or trauma”. Stated in the incident was that Ting at the night before the incident had told the security guards that he would park at the entrance to block the entrance of the University President.

Moreover, the letter states that the incident has been referred to the appropriate government agency for necessary action, and in time, they will be able to prove that FEU is not how it is being unjustly pictured in the said Anakbayan NCR open letter.

Connecting to CBA
Ting sees the incidents are somehow connected to the negotiation on the CBA between the FEUFA and Admin.
“Kasi nga, during the negotiation, ang normal na ginagawa ng company ng employer, guluhin ang buhay mo. Kasi nga para made-focus ka. Kahit saan mo tanungin ‘yan, ganun (During negotiations, it is normal for a company to distract an employer to have your attention divided),” said Ting.

As of press time, the negotiation is on deadlock, meaning the two parties did not agree on requested benefits.
The non-negotiable proposals were the 24-unit load/pay (IRR follows), 16 and 17 percent across-the-board increase, rice subsidy of P4,000/first semester, P4,000/second semester, P2,000/summer and P50,000 medicine/eyeglasses annual benefit.

“The CBA is ‘kinda strong and we don’t want to give in. We want what we want, and we need what we want. And they can’t give in, so there’s a probability na itong mga ito ngayon ay may kinalaman dun sa negotiation. It’s so complicated, pero very clear naman how one connects to another,” he furthered.

In an open letter from the HRD it states that the incident is not at all connected to the ongoing CBA or his position as the union president.

“The motive to ignite the emotions of faulty and students and to connect such with the ongoing CBA negotiation are very apparent in all of these,” HRD includes in letter.

Additional tasks
Aside from doing rounds inside the University and checking bags of students and faculties entering and exiting the campus, security guards now are responsible for turning off air-conditioning units in vacant classrooms.

The security guards are now also responsible of the keys of classrooms.

“Okay naman nakakapagod kasi pati aircon kami nagpapatay tapos ‘yung mga students na sinusuway nagagalit samin (Our job is tiring because we are held responsible in turning off the airconditoners and some students get mad at us when we rule them)”:,said one of the security guard who requested for anonymity.

The guard also shared that a lot of students get mad when they prohibits them to eat at the corridor and inside the classrooms He said that, they’ re just following orders and cleanliness is being promoted with those rules.

Regarding the use of rooms, students are allowed to stay and use vacant rooms as long as they will not use the air conditioners. Also guards are not allowed to confiscate ID’s if a student commits violation.

Check and Balance
Gaspillo admitted that there are a lot of things to address and to improve.
He pointed the usual problems addressed to their office regarding the strict inspection of the entry of vehicles and checking of baggage.

“I don’t see any problems with the guards inspecting our bags. I know it’s part of their job but the thing is sometimes they’re not being fair because they let other pass without checking their bags”, said Kimberly Ann Garcia, third year level B.S Nursing.
“At times, we assign guards at the gate with voice not so [pleasing], no matter he tries to be polite, but because of the voice intonation it turns very offensive for the receiver”, he said.

They also pointed that they still need to orient the guards on the exchange students who have uniform exemption slips to avoid misbranding these students of not wearing proper uniforms.

Gaspillo considers every complaint as a learning process for them to improve and adapt to the system inside the campus.

Obstruction
Also last January 9, at 8:15 a.m., Miguel called the University Belt Area (UBA) Police Station requesting for assistance involving a case of obstruction within the University’s vicinity.

Police Chief Inspector Rayan Ador discussed that act of blocking the driveway is a clear violation with regards to obstruction.
Ting violated Republic Act 4136, also known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code specifically Article IV, Section 46 which prohibits parking in specified places such as within an intersection, crosswalk, in front of a private driveway, etc.

However, the complainant did not mention anyone in particular but instead reported the car which was said to be owned by an outsider. The account included descriptions of Ting’s car and plate number.

Ador furthered that the police tried to search for the owner of the car but was unsuccessful. This triggered the security to tow the car─a statement that counters Ting’s side.

The crime report also includes referral to the traffic wrecker.

Ting said, “Ako, may klase naman. (I have my classes) It can be proven; I have a 7:30 to 10:30 class at AB 202. Then, I had 1:30pm to 7:30 pm class. How come they denied that I am the owner of this car?”

Ting said that he tried to blotter the security agency but was denied of the action. According to him, the police said his complaint did not meet the grounds for police blotter.

As of press time, the obstruction case filed against Ting is being heard at the Municipal Trial Court of Manila.

FEU Advocate reportorial team:
Larra Mariz C.Domingo, Alessandra J. Modesto, Lora Gene D. Tumulak, Ma. Criselda D.C. Tan, Jeanne Marie A. Calvo, Abbey Gail Shayne R.Yumul
With reports from Kimberly Mae C. Mendoza and Clarice Pearl M. Ansil, Arvin James A. Despuig

I thank God I am still alive until now.

Hear the story and be open to the incident that had happened to me within the week.

When we resumed classes last Monday, January 4, 2010, I knew something went wrong. All new faces of security guards surprised us as we enter the campus uncomfortably. They were so tall and well-built, looking like young military men. They stood everywhere as if a Martial Law is about to happen, vigilant and so attentive to entering students, faculty and staff. It was Monday, resume for work (faculty and administrators) and study (students) in the campus after the Christmas break. Everybody has its own personal reasons to endure the day.

For me, I still need to catch up for the rehearsals for the upcoming theater project SPOOF. I stayed in the Arts Building together with the ATC (Art Theatre Clinique) kids until past 10pm, the usual night rehearsal just to polish the show due on the last week of January and the new theater company (family) I founded for the FEU Mass Communication majors. Normally, I would park in the Technology Building since I have become the FEU Faculty President (2007) and before Christmas break started, my front part of the car was slightly damaged as unknown culprit never appeared before me to confess. I just saw the damaged part when I was about to leave one time from the SPOOF rehearsal in the parking. I communicated it during the last CBA (FEUFA Collective Bargaining Agreement) Meetings with the officials but nothing has done to remedy the part. The dent is still there until now. Then, as the year change from 09 to 10, another security agency came about.

That Monday evening started it all. After the rehearsal, I went to get the car, unfortunately, the newly-installed steel bars covered the whole area of Technology Building where parking is also located (I am referring to the old hospital space). I asked the guard to open up the said bars so I could bring down my car. I, together with Neil Tolentino, Ian De Ausen and Wilbert Castillo waited for almost an hour just to open the bars. I inquired as to why the community was not informed of the new installation and blockage as there were no MEMOs or E-mail or any communication for that matter regarding this “curfew” thing and the “closing time” approach. The security guard didn’t answer as a trained communicator. He just looked at me as if I am questioning the pronounced Martial Law To add, another FEU Official – Budget Officer Arnie Macapagal – had his car upstairs, also trapped. Eventually, we got the cars down the parking and out of its vicinity. This prompted me to be conscious with the time.

But that Monday night fatefully repeated. Last Friday, January 9, 2010, I accidentally forgot that I need to transfer the car again from the Technology Building to the Administration open-air parking simply because my teaching schedules for that day and my first blocking rehearsals for SPOOF got so tied-up. I just remembered the car after the rehearsals that ended as usual past 10pm since a lot of things should be done for the show. I got so tired as I went through a lot last Friday, however, the discourtesy displayed by the guard on duty that time provoked me to a heated argument with the assigned guard. This became worse. I waited two hours to get my car. KARAPATAN KONG KUNIN ANG SASAKYAN KO KAHIT NAKA-SARA NA ANG STEEL BARS NA YAN. TAMA PO BA? I called several officials before guards agreed to look for the key and finally opened up the bars.

Saturday morning, I attempted to park inside the open-air parking (VIP & OFFICIALS’ parking) since I do not want to park anymore in that Building and be trapped inside it and the only parking available perhaps for me since there’s no office on Saturdays. After the two previous incidents, I introduced myself as a Faculty Union President this time through a written notice that I’ve prepared a slogan posted inside the car and the kind of relationship I have with the FEU President. Like a thunder, I went out of my car. An unknown security approached me suddenly and asking for the key. I refused to give the key. To my surprise, he dragged me like I was a criminal to the corner gate, physically pushing my right face and body against the wall and forcing me to get the key. He threatened me with a gun and discreetly kicked me while I was down on the floor, helpless. I have stood up once more yelling WALA KAYONG KARAPATANG SAKTAN AKO! WALA KAYONG KARAPATANG HAWAKAN AKO! HUWAG NIYO AKONG HAHAWAKAN! Then a troop of security guards came and the Security Head VERLANDO O. MIGUEL, again, once more held me but this time, I forcefully shouted for help and he let me out of the scene. So as I continue to leave my car at the gate hoping to communicate my point, I still met my 7:30-10:30am class in the Arts Building pretending to be okay but continuously trembling, as if nothing happened. I acquired bruises on my right elbow and muscle pain all over my right portion of the body as I was pushed by a 5’8 or 5’9 guard Hernandez.

The security never came back to inform me about the TOWING. During my class, a student who is familiar with my car told me that a towing service gets the car WITHOUT ANY SECURITY INFORMING ME. Since, the security fabricated the story that – after I left my car in front of the one of the three opened gates, they still have the guts to blotter the car as OBSTRUCTION and that the police station officer told me that I left out of the campus after having it parked.

They treated me like a criminal. In my eight years in the university, this is the first time I was physically touched and hurt by a security guard. Honestly, they do not look like one. They look like a trained military man ready to harm the ones asserting their right. This is still an educational institution.

ARE WE TO TOLERATE GUNS INSIDE THE CAMPUS?

ARE WE TO TOLERATE PHYSICAL HARM TO ANYONE WHO IS A MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY EVEN IF VIOLATION OF POLICY IS COMMITTED?

ARE WE TO ENCOURAGE FEU OFFICIALS THIS KIND OF SECURITY MEASURE?

Yes, I do assert my right as the Faculty President of FEU but I condemn the act of seriously hurting people especially in public. Whether I like it or not, I do carry the name Faculty President of the whole university system but being the first person to be harmed on the first week of this month by a one-week old security agency is unexplainable, a forceful act.

I can accept SUSPENSION OR EVEN EXPULSION FROM WHAT I DID WITH MY CAR but to touch me and harm me is another major matter.

IF THEY COULD TOUCH AND HARM THE FACULTY WITH OR WITHOUT A PURPOSE, THEY COULD DO EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING THEY WANT FROM US.

There is no difference now if directives come from the Officials.

From,
JOEY TING
Faculty President, FEU
Sunday, January 10, 2010 at 9:44am

As elected officers of Association of Law Students in the Philippines, Inc. (ALSP), six law students will represent Far Eastern University (FEU) in Indonesia on January 15 to 22.

Chosen FEU delegates for the Asian conference were Giancarlo Capco, ALSP national board-Vice President for Southern Luzon; Charlotte Silungan, president; Zilpah Sagaysay, ALSP-National Capital Region PRO; and Ryan Flores, ALSP national board- PRO.

Together with the delegates are Ian Encarnacion, International Board Representative for Asian Law Students’ Association (ALSA) and JC Asuncion.

The event joins together law students from other countries to gather and discuss the latest issues and resolute ideas. There are also representatives from European Law Students’ Association and Australian Law Students’ Association.

“As officers of ALSP, we get to be chosen for the conference. We will be discussing about global legal investments and issues on international relations. ,” Capco said.

Filling other spots of the nationwide ALSP organization are FEU students Aaron Anonuevo as ALSP Executive Director and Russ Parcia as Academic Committee member.

ALSP, Inc. is the central organization of law student governments in the Philippines while ALSA is a non-political association of Asian law students composed of 10 countries which include Philippines, China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Malaysia.

Former Institute of Education (IE) Dean Dr. Barbara Wong-Fernandez voluntarily resigned due to lack of Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) license after complying with Commission on Higher Education (CHED) order.

CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 52 Series of 2007 mandates a qualification for higher education institution offering an education degree to appoint dean that holds a doctoral degree in education and professional license.

Despite lacking of LET license, Wong-Fernandez explained that she was appointed because of her doctoral degree in Philippine Studies.

“Though I am not holding an education doctoral degree, it is considered that Philippine Studies is a related field,” she said.
According to the former dean, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) and the Administration took her in the position prior to the CMO last 2007.

The former dean is a professional guidance counselor and dean of Education in De La Salle University (DLSU) for three years before she served her two and a half years of deanship in IE.

As FEU needs to build up its research component, Wong-Fernandez was appointed as the University Research Director.
She accepted the position because FEU has its urgent need of strengthening the research program.

Dr. Elsa Gerardo, former East-Asia College (EAC) Mathematics and Physical Sciences Department Chair undertook the position last January 4.

After Gerardo’s retirement year last December 2009, Assistant VPAA Dr. Cecilia Anido offered the vacant position to Gerardo.

Setting goals
Taking the responsibility, the new dean sets plans for IE.
She proposes to improve graduating students’ Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) review, targeting a 100 percent passing rate of FEU examinees.

“That is my main goal now that as soon as possible, all [graduating] students will pass the LET exam and [to be] above the national passing rate,” she stated.

Through extensive LET reviews, she assures FEU passing rate to mark higher than the previous years.
To broaden educators’ field study, Gerardo will also build up tie-ups from different schools for students’ practice teaching.
“I am actually planning to look for better schools. We will also improve the model classrooms in order for students to have a school set-up,” she said.

The EAC-based dean will also try to have students’ practice teaching in colleges and universities as some future educators will become college professors.

As the smallest institute in FEU, she also envisions an annual increase in IE’s population.

In addition, the Institute is getting ready for Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation’s (PACUCOA) Level 2 re-accreditation on March.

“And hopefully, after we get the Level 2, IE will immediately apply for Level 3 and with that, we keep on improving. Every year, IE improves,” she said.

The said plans are patterned from Wong-Fernandez’s five-year development plan for IE.
“I am still studying the programs of IE and I can say that Wong-Fernandez laid very good plans,” Gerardo remarked.
During Wong-Fernadez’s term, the Institute set up model classrooms, fixed Institute policies for graduate thesis and disorientation procedures.

Moreover, the new Research Director hopes to maintain the programs and improve IE policies under a new supervision.

Back to service
Practicing the profession for 40 years, Gerardo shared that she still wants to become a teacher aside from being a dean.
“I miss teaching so I am planning to ask VPAA’s permission to teach again next school year,” she said.

The new dean is a graduate of BS Mathematics in University of Santo Tomas, finished her Master of Arts in Mathematics in DLSU and Manuel L. Quezon University.

Unheard issues struck Congress.

Students’ Congress, the bridge between Administration and student body, has produced resolutions for FEU community development, but by its latest account, FEUCSO down plays major grievances to be raised.

With four resolutions during 2008 StudCon and another four last year, House of Congress (HOC), the legislative body of FEUCSO, represents the student body through resolution-making and deliberately seeks for developmental transformation.

According to HOC Chair James Ang, StudCon gathers all student leaders to create solutions to problems that students encounter and for Admin to hear and make actions.

However, Office of Student’s Affairs and Community Services (OSACS) Dean Dr. Adelaida Fronda said student leaders lack resolutions that touch the whole FEU community.

“They should raise issues that the management is unaware. FEUCSO has to have a strong need on what that resolution is. It should be an advocacy of the student body,” Fronda revealed.

She added that resolutions are in plain sight. “I’m looking for an advocacy that would touch a major problem,” she stated.

Admin’s response to raised resolutions, according to her, depends on the significance the issues are dealing with.

On the other hand, Ang shared that Admin should be proactive and open about problems addressed by the Congress.

The 2009 StudCon dealt with four focal points in which the four resolutions focused.

Resolutions surfaced on disaster and crisis management, student-related policies, environment and health.

As of press time, Ang, along with HOC members, finalizes the resolutions to be passed to Fronda for her endorsement to Admin.

Overhauling
Pioneering the project since 2003, FEUCSO aims for FEU community’s betterment in the form of StudCon.

FEUCSO President Ramon Victor Roxas, Jr. said that the project improves annually.

Last year, FEUCSO began the resolution making through a survey-initiated “Pulso ng Bayan,” where 24,000 survey sheets were distributed to gather students’ concerns.

However, Ang explained that for 2009 StudCon, the HOC had the discretion of five issues on which student leaders focused unlike 2008 StudCon focused on 11 issues and trimmed down to five.

Former PolSciSoc President Dean Yap challenges the integrity of StudCon.

“StudCon is useless. It’s not well-represented and the resolutions made were not feasible,” Yap said.

“How can they really voice out students’ problems if they do not go into grass-root level like inviting in the Congress class mayors?” he furthered.

Compared to the previous StudCon gatherings, FEUCSO invited class mayors to represent studentry.

The two-day event was witnessed by students who served as observers during the discussion of parliamentary procedure (ParlPro) and deliberation of resolutions.

Opposing Yap’s statement, Ang said that FEUCSO was successful in tapping various organizations in the University.

“StudCon is well-represented because we tap academic orgs, Uni-wide orgs including student councils. We invited them because we believe that they represent their institutes,” Ang said.

Moreover, StudCon, according to Yap, should be represented by Admin officials; however, the Congress lacked the presence of Admin representatives.

Fronda explained that she was invited but failed to attend due to appointments scheduled that day.

Slowly but surely
Roxas stated that making resolutions take a slow but precise process.

“Making resolutions is hard and strict. At first, they’re not feasible, but we are adjusting it to be applicable in the FEU system,” Roxas said.

Furthermore, Roxas affirmed that it could be tedious to invite class mayors and it could consume a whole time and effort.

“It’s like micro to macro. Institute SCs have mini StudCon wherein they talk with the class mayors,” Roxas said.

On the other hand, with 113 attendees, Yap questioned the competency of the chair.

“We [SCs and Academic orgs] are just informed a day before the StudCon,” Yap said.

He also added that ParlPro, a deliberative assembly of legislative body that is governed by rules and ethics, is inappropriate because not all students are acquainted with it.

“It’s [ParlPro] actually hard. But it’s a training ground for student leaders in facilitating a more formal and direct meeting efficiently,” Roxas said.

Ang added that ParlPro is the systematic way to handle things.

“As the Chair, I wanted them to learn. We want to instill in their system that ParlPro is being used to suggest formality, just like what is happening in the Congress,” Ang said.

But according to Yap, the irregularities in the procedure of the Congress were discerned.

“It takes time to really learn the procedure. As a PolSci student, we studied it for almost five months,” Yap said.

Roxas, on the other hand, said that in maximizing the time they have and given with fine resources, ParlPro can be learned within short time. The first day of the Congress was spent to ParlPro discussion.

“Nevertheless, the resolutions were efficiently deliberated,” Roxas said.

“These [specified] resolutions are for students. Resolutions are timely and are really needed. Last year was more on improvement,” Ang said.

Moreover, Yap said that it is FEUCSO’s role to check on the resolutions that was passed on the Admin.

Roxas said that they are still hoping for the Admin to answer fast.

On the other hand, Political Science Society (PolSciSoc) adviser Jerry Apolonio described the 2009 StudCon as weak.

According to him, the execution of ParlPro was confusing as some student leaders were unfamiliar to the deliberation processes.

Unexercised power
Two-year FEUCSO adviser Mateo Macalaguing sees Admin as receptive in responding the resolutions during the two previous StudCon.

“[But] technically, hindi s’ya [resolutions] na-submit. Na-follow up lang before the year [Weber Amores’ term] ends (But technically, resolutions were not submitted. It was only followed up before Amores’ term ends),” Macalaguing said.

“All of the resolutions were passed to the administration, but I guess since it lacks monitoring and supervision, the resolution that were passed seems to be invisible to the eye of the students,” last year’s HOC Chair Jaycee Zoreta said in an email sent to FEU Advocate.

He added that resolutions drafted during Zoreta’s term are supposed to be for approval and implementation for school year 2009 to 2010.

“The reason why before I ended my term, I delegated this crucial responsibility to the incoming Vice-President and HOC Chair which is James Ang. Monitoring and supervision is one of my key responsibility as the outgoing Vice-President/HOC Chair,” Zoreta stated.

In an interview with Fronda, she shared that resolutions from 2008 StudCon were directly forwarded to Admin.

Questioned by the prolonged passage of resolutions, Macalaguing stated that the problem settled on HOC members.

When asked if SC presidents and FEUCSO representatives are not working effectively, he said: “I should say [that they are working effectively].”

Macalaguing also shared that HOC should not only exist in StudCon.

“Hindi kasi napa-practice ang chance to exercise their political power. Hindi lang sila dapat sa Students’ Congress (The chance to exercise their political power is not practiced. They should not only exist in StudCon),” he remarked.
On disaster fund
The resolution in urging Admin to allocate a specific amount from the tuition increase for disaster fund was questioned by Apolonio.

According to the resolution, the fund will be managed by FEUCSO and monitored by OSACS. The fund will depend upon the rate of tuition increase.

In addition, it refers to the budget allocated for operation and assistance given to FEU community who has been victims of natural disasters.

The motion was resolved that a fixed amount of P250,000 will be allocated for the calamity fund regardless of whether there will be a tuition increase.

In session, Oratorical Debate Council President Sedfrey Lacsamana objected because “the resolution is not yet discussed and fully analyzed” and asked if the resolution is feasible.

Matthew Vergel de Dios, Institute of Education-SC vice president, asked the Chair to approve the resolution due to time constraints.

The resolution was approved an hour before 5 p.m. cut-off time.

On syrofoam usage
With styrofoam’s contribution to environmental destruction, a resolution urged the Admin to regulate the use of the said material inside FEU except for academic purposes.

Through StudCon, student leaders made an appeal with recommendation from OSACS to Admin regarding the prohibition of styrofoams in all canteens.

The resolution also states that Security Department will ban the entry of styrofoams which include food containers from fast food restaurants.

On sponsorships
The resolution provides guidelines from Admin to allow sponsorship exchange deals to external partners endorsed by recognized student organizations.

Based on the resolution, sponsorship refers to supplemental help of a company to a student organization in means of tangible or in-kind materials but no monetary sponsorship will be allowed.

A Memorandum of Agreement must be provided which will be screened by OSACS, Vice President for Academic Affairs and the President if necessary.

Since FEU practices no clear guidelines on sponsorship exchange deals and external partnerships, the resolution was carried out.

On health awareness
Authors of the resolution related health services as a vital role of being a University awarded as the best student services.

Urging Admin to promote health awareness offered by University Health Services (UHS), a year-round campaign and information dissemination about the free services must be conducted.

UHS will intensively promote services through utilizing Tamscreens, posters and flyers and will coordinate with SCs to publicize services offered.

UHS free services include: freshmen medical and dental examination and treatment; chest x-ray; emergency treatment, medical certification, periodic scheduled on-campus digital eye check-up and minor surgical procedures.

ParlPro experts
The Congress ended with the announcement of outstanding delegates of StudCon.

Lacsamana, de Dios and Larra Mariz Domingo, FEU Advocate Editor-in-Chief were announced as the best delegates for demonstrating active participation and knowledge on ParlPro.

With reports from Abbey Gail Shayne R. Yumul