115
years
PHOTOS FROM su.edu.ph
COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDU-
CATION (CHED) appointed Silli-
man University (SU) College of Arts
and Sciences Dean, Dr. Earl Jude Paul
L. Cleope, as a new assessor of Insti-
tutional Sustainability Assessment
(ISA) effective Aug. 1, 2017 until Dec.
21, 2019.
NegOr Pantawid
beneficiaries show
high health compliance
MOTHER BENEFICIARIES of the gov-
ernment’s conditional cash transfer program in
Negros Oriental have recorded almost perfect
compliance with the health conditionalities un-
der the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program
(4 Ps), saying they were doing this not so much
for the cash as for the value of disease
prevention and good health, according
to a study at Silliman University.
GENIN AMISCARAY, Silliman
University (SU) Economics graduate
(magna cum laude), made it to the
top 30 in the national selection for
the 56th Ten Outstanding Students
of the Philippines (TOSP).
TOSP recognizes students from
around the country who “have per-
sonified academic excellence, exem-
plary leadership and deep sense of
social responsibility, all anchored on
TOWA R D S A PRO G RE SSI V E C AMPU S PRE SS
VOL. LXXXIX NO.17 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15, 2017
SIGA 2017. The College of Performing and Visual Arts wins first
place in Jingle Competition of the All University Christmas Party-
SIGA 2017 last Dec. 11 at Roman T. Yap lane. PHOTO BY Jill Silva
CAS dean appointed as new Institutional
Sustainability Assessor
BY Meilynne Gem Sonjaco
CHED es- ports and assist TWAG-ISA in ori- the graduate programs and I’m also
tablished ISA News Writer
enting public and private HEIs within a Regional Quality Assurance Team
to help Higher their region, CHED Central and Re- member of CHED before, so being
Education In- ISA assessors assist CHED in gional Offices, and other stakeholders placed in this position is a kind of
stitutions (HEIs) develop Internal assessing the Internal Quality Assur- using the ISA tool. progression and promotion on my
Quality Assurance (IQA) systems ance systems of HEIs using the ISA According to Cleope, Vice Presi- part and still is a part of learning,”
that will enable them to perform ef- Framework and provide feedback to dent for Academics Affair Betsy Joy Cleope said.
fectively and efficiently and meet the Technical Working Group ISA B. Tan was the original nominee from “As an educator, I accept this role
their desired outcomes and perfor- (TWAG-ISA) on how to improve SU but she encouraged Cleope in- as a challenge. However, with this po-
mance targets. ISA policies, procedures, and instru- stead because of her busy schedule. sition, I can help Silliman prepare for
Among the 69 new ISA asses- ments. Cleope shared that the role is not the assessment; that is my primary
sors, Cleope was the only assessor ap- They will also help in reviewing a “new thing” for him. concern and main purpose,” Cleope
pointed from Negros Island Region. and finalizing the ISA narrative re- “I have been an accreditor of added. tws
Photo from https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com
Photo from https://twitter.com/govph/
Photo from www.su.edu.ph
Photo by Enrique Nicholas Bejar
Plastics dominate ocean Sports psychology Cum laude places 4th
wastes in a clean up overlooked, says expert in Agriculturist board
ELLINE T. MACAY, a graduate of the Sil-
A TOTAL of 29,659 pieces of trash were col- SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY should be given
liman University (SU) College of Agricul-
lected along the coastline of Brgy. Lo-oc and priority especially in honing not just the physi-
ture, cum laude, placed fourth in
Bantayan, Dumaguete City in a Coastal Clean- cal but psychosocial skills among athletes, and
the November 2017 Agriculturist
Up and Brand Audit last Dec. 2,
spearheaded by WOW-Break Free
schools should teach student athletes how to
balance their academic and sports responsibili-
Licensure Examination. P4
From Plastic Negros Oriental. P4 ties, said Dr. Michele Valbuena, sports psychol-
ogist and chairperson of the Silliman
P4 University psychology department.
P4
Amiscaray makes it to Top 30 for TOSP
good moral values.” by Esther Micah Gillesania project during
News Writer panel of judges convened by the Na-
Reacting as a national finalist, her Miss Sil-
tional Executive Committee in Feb-
Amiscaray said, “I will be up against liman 2015
country. ruary 2018.
the best of the best all over the coun- reign, which
The Ten Outstanding Students The finalists will also partici-
try. However, what I truly love about implement-
of the Philippines will receive their pate in the TOSP National Program
TOSP is that the organization’s cul- ed feeding
award from President Rodrigo R. Week in which they will attend a for-
ture erases the mindset that we are in and reading
Duterte at formal ceremonies in mation program, including outreach
a competition.” activities for
Malacañang. and exposure activities.
The top 30 was selected from children. tws
Amiscaray and the other finalists Amiscaray thanked those who
77 Regional Awardees and National
will undergo an interview before a supported her “Heart for a Child”
Nominees for TOSP all over the Photo from www.su.edu.ph
 2 twsopinions the weekly sillimanian
December 15, 2017
the weekly sillimanian
December 15, 2017 twsfeatures 3

QUESTIONS
Diamond
D
iamond is the hardest mineral on Earth. It can cut any kind of rock or metal.

for
In fact, to burn a diamond, it must be heated to 900 degrees Celsius. However,
a mere touch of a human finger can make this almost unyielding gemstone
quickly lose its sparkling appeal.

DR. cleope
So how can you keep your diamond looking its very best? You polish it..
2017 may not be the greatest year for Silliman University (SU), but surely, some
memories will forever be etched in the heart of its history.

EARL jude paul

Transition
If there is one word to best describe 2017 for SU, it would have to be transition. This
year, SU took some turning points that somehow changed the landscape of Silliman
education.
One of course, is the implementation of the first-ever three-part graduation rites. The
graduation ceremony is now composed of departmentalized presentation of candidates
on the first day and the baccalaureate service and the confirmation of graduates on the
following day.
Moreover, this year is the defining moment for SU with the full implementation of
the K-12 curriculum. The administration had expected a drastic decline of enrolment
that would affect the university’s monetary stability. However, as we reached halfway of
K-12’s full implementation, Senior High School turned out to be not that bad after
PHOTOS FROM su.edu.ph

Editorial
all—way better actually.

D
This year also marks the transition of power
and glory from one college to another. After three r. Cleope is a professor of History and Dean of the College of Arts
consecutive years, the Miss Silliman crown was bequeathed to another queen from and Sciences. He was appointed to the Commission on Higher BY Margarita Delos Santos, Feature Writer
a different college. The Intramurals championship trophy was clinched by the new- Education (CHED) Institutional Sustainability Assessment team.

THE GREATEST GIFT

comers Senior High School from the seven-time champion College of Business
Administration. 1. What is the most unique place you have ever been to in the Philippines? 5. What has being a Sillimanian taught you?
Bumps Actually there are a lot, but now, I can say it’s the island of Simara. Actually it’s an island Competence, Character and Faith.
One can never forget the historical faculty strike last July. The strike that did not just
compromise the recitation days of the university,but also tested the relationshipbetween Esther Micah B. Gillesania | Life in two cents | News Writer municipality called Corcuera it’s in the middle of the Romblon Sea. It’s very isolated that’s why it’s
6. Did you have to give up anything for success?
the administration, faculty association and the students. Most importantly, the strike very unique. A very small island but it’s a municipality. None that I know of.
has proven that Sillimanians may not be apathetic after all.
This year, a humanitarian crisis called for the Silliman Spirit—the Marawi siege. 2. Growing up as only son, what lessons have you learned from your sisters? 7. How do you maintain a strong and well-established relationship with others?
SU responded to this call. The administration donated one million pesos to Dansalan
What is the real meaning of celebrate the birth of God’s only sinfulness. If we believe that Jesus If you are an only son surrounded by all sisters, it’s better not to stay at home all the time or else Respect as persons. Don’t put the accolades and achievements on the top of your head.
College, a Christian school that was greatly devastated by the war. A Muslim you become one of them. That’s why I always go out and be with my cousins (HAHA).
organization in the university organized a run for the benefit of the victims in Marawi. Christmas? Is it the gifts under Son and the Savior of the world, died for our sins, we can ask Him to
And lastly, the Peace Studies department spearheaded a get-together between Senior the tree, the lights in the windows, Jesus Christ. His birth brought come into our hearts and forgive us. 8. What is it in history that fascinates you most?
High students and displaced war victims. the cards in the mail, noche buena great joy and hope to the world. He Then, we are clean and made whole. “Respect for women and filial piety” Human Vanity.
On the other hand, this may not be a major bump for the university, but welcoming with family and friends, stockings was no ordinary child. We can know that heaven is a place is also something I have learned from them.
a new university president is both a challenge and an excitement. We cannot wait to see hanging in the living room, and Why did Jesus come? Why did where we can go to when this life 9. If you could go back in time, what significant historical event you would
the changes or surprises the current university president will bestow onthe university cheers of “Merry Christmas” to the God have to send His only begotten is over. 3. How do you balance your time? want to witness?
now that he only has five months in office. passersby in the streets? Son for us? So with all these being said, Basically it’s just prioritizing and you should know how to delegate. Then of course, you The creation, the event when the snake tempted Adam and Eve because I don’t think if Adam
Excellence For some people, Christmas The Bible says that all have if Jesus truly is within us, then we should have or Eve were Filipinos they wouldn’t eat the apple. I think they would eat the snake (HAHA).
Amid these changes, the university continues to manifest the excellence it has
always been known for. Three Sillimanians placed 2nd, 9th and 10th in the 2016 bar
is a time of disappointment. They
don’t have the money to spend for
sinned. We are all born with a
sinful nature. We do things that
should also follow His perfect
example of giving love to the people.
“the courage to say ‘no’ to certain things.” 10. If you are to change something that happened in the past, what would it be?
exams. We also continue to top in the medical technologist, librarian, psychologist and
agriculture licensure examinations. presents for their loved ones. Many do not please God. Through the There are those who wish to have The Creation.
On the other hand, Silliman continues to send representatives to national conferences are saddened when they think of
the people who cannot go home for
sins of Adam and Eve, we have all
inherited that nature. We need to
a happy holiday but can’t have it
because they are less fortunate. If we
4. Being in Silliman almost all your life, what significant changes have you noticed in
terms of the environment, students, and quality of education?
“Filipinos should be in the Bible” (HAHA)
like Philippine Model Congress, Ayala Young Leaders Congress and Aboitiz Future
Leaders Business Summit. We also send students tointernational conferences like the season to be with them. And for have that removed, and it’s because have been given enough blessings, it For the environment, practically there’s nothing much that has changed but maybe there’s just 11. If you were talking to a student, how would you encourage him/her to love History?
“Jenesys” in Japan sponsored by the National Youth Commission. This year, we have an some, Noche Buena may only be a of God’s unfailing love to people is our time to share these to bring joy more cars than before. Well it’s really not more of words but it’s more of how you act out. How you explain to them
alumna who qualified for the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines. mere wish. that He provided a way to have our and bless them. Then, those people
2017 is the year that was. 2018 may bring uncertainties and challenges, but we the relevance, because history is practically about dead people but it’s not the dead people it’s really
believe Silliman is ready to face them. Oh come on, this university survived even the
Yet, Christmas can be a season
of great joy, too. It is a time of God
relationship restored with Him.
The only way is through Jesus.
will feel the happiness and love that
they have been longing for. They will
“Students probably became better looking, taller, bigger and more of the relevance.
greatest “dirts” the world has seen!
Silliman University is a diamond, it has always been. The older it gets, the more it
showing His great love for us. It can We cannot do righteous acts on see that Jesus lives in us and that His mature than ever.” “Relevance is very important.”
sparkles, just like a diamond. tws be a time of healing and renewed our own, that’s why we need a light reflects throughout the season.
strength. Christmas is a time to Savior who can deliver us from our tws In terms of education, I think Silliman has maintained the quality education. 12. If you can be a character in the history, who would you be and why?
I would probably be me (HAHA)

sillimaniansspeak
How St. Nicholas
Compiled by Miles Therese Granada, Circulation Manager

“What important lesson have you

learned in Silliman this 2017” LIBERATE THY HEROES

Became Santa Claus

Being an intern assigned in Cebu, I guess the most important lesson that I’ve learned this year is Carlee Cherokeeh T. Calingacion | Message In A Bottle | Features Editor
about the value of friendship and family. They were my support system during the times when I
was exhausted from a 16-hour shift or from a very busy day at the hospital. The co-interns and
clinical instructors that I have here somehow became an extended family and in a way they made
me feel that Silliman and Dumaguete aren’t very far away because I still have them.
Tricia Anne Tiangson, Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology - IV I was in my 2nd year of kindergarten who had to leave the country to nation, not the other way around.
when my dad first left for UAE. be able to give. “WHEREAS, I just want a system where
One thing I’ve learned in Silliman that has been very useful to me in the internship is to always do Stopping him was futile, for he millions of Filipinos are spread my father won’t have to leave to BY Kyle B. Reyes, Feature Writer
your best and be confident. Silliman has prepared you or is preparing you for the future.
was determined to leave. Questions in many countries of the world be able to provide for us. I’m sure

T
Pol Eldridge Caluscusan, Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy - V
flooded my 6-year-old brain as to as immigrants, workers, students, most, if not all, families of OFWs
he tradition of gift giving is a his family before they wed. It can generous deeds in secret. He did
Being many miles away from home with no one to do even the basic chores, I have learned to why he had to leave. He and my and professionals;” feel the same way.
very important element to the also be vice versa. Without a dowry, not expect anything in return which
do things by myself. The many miles put by education between me and my family have proven mom had to explain to me that life This goes to show that our Overseas Filipino Workers
beneficial to me as I have learned to face each day away from home with much confidence never Christmas season. It teaches the women cannot get married. St. earned him the title of “The Patron
was hard and they wanted the best nation lacks in many aspects that sacrifice their lives every day.
known to me. us the importance of generosity and Nicholas happened to pass by the St. of Gift Giving.”
for me and my sister. At that time people have to leave to acquire Celebrating their hard work for a
Marvin Florendo, Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy - V how giving can be much better than man and heard his problem. Later, St. Transition to Santa Clause
I never understood. Now I do and these things somewhere else. If month ONLY is not enough, don’t
receiving. Nicholas started throwing the bags of How did a bishop, dressed in
I learned that, more than academics, the four years of college I have spent in Silliman is all about truth be told, it saddens me. only our schools are well equipped you think? So, how can our nation
This tradition is done in memory money through the windows of the holy robes and seen holding a
finding out who I am, what I am to people around me and how I belong in the bigger world outside It was only recently that I and jobs are provided, people celebrate the bravery of these
of Silliman. of St. Nicholas, a fourth-century man’s house. This amount of money holy staff, suddenly become the
stumbled upon Proclamation No. would opt to stay. OFWs then?
PG Olivier Bulfa, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy IV bishop from Myre (Demere now in was enough for all three of these image of a jolly red-bearded
276. This was signed by Corazon “WHEREAS, many Overseas It’s by welcoming them back
modern day Turkey). He was well- women to pay for dowry. fellow who goes around the
I have learned not to procrastinate, though it was the thing that I used to do. It was very important Auqino, former president Filipinos contributed to the home as heroes for their sacrifices;
for me not to procrastinate since it had helped me not only in my academics, but also as a Silliman known not only for keeping his faith These bags of money would world in one night giving
and it states “DECLARING struggle against the prior regime giving them better paying jobs
student. Knowing that you are ready for the upcoming exams since you studied in advance releases in the midst of ruthless persecution usually land on stockings or shoes, gifts to all of earth’s children?
the weight from your shoulder, making you more fit answering any exam them may give you. DECEMBER, 1988, AND THE and fought for the restoration of that won’t require them to be
from Emperor Diocletion, but also thus giving rise to the tradition of Believe it or not, this most
Kyle Aaron Sarino, Senior High School, STEAM - Grade 12 SAME MONTH OF EVERY Philippine democracy;” separated from their families; and
for his generosity--providing things hanging stockings on chimneys. iconic image of St. Nick was
YEAR THEREAF TER AS Our nation cannot just telling them that they don’t have
to people who were less fortunate Another popular occasion of St. the product of the early
‘THE MONTH OF OVERSEAS depend on the OFWs to restore to leave our country anymore for
tWS wishes you a Merry Christmas , than he was. Nicholas’ generosity was shown in Dutch settlers in the newly
FILIPINOS.’” Not a day, but our country’s democracy. They are numerous reasons, these would be
Sillimanians! Stories of his Generosity the story of three little boys. As they found New York City.
an entire month is dedicated the ones we have to liberate from the best ways to celebrate their
Nicholas was born to a wealthy were making their way to Athens, Stories of the Dutch
to all of our nation’s people the slavery brought about by our heroism. tws
Christian family. When his parents the three boys came across a butcher version of St. Nicholas
For your answers, just scan the logo on the left or text the CIrculation Manager died, Nicholas took the words of who robbed and dismembered them. started spreading around
(09759664662). Indicate your full name (with middle initial), course and year. PHOTOS FROM https://www.pinterest.com/pin/432345632958283412/
Jesus Christ, “sell what you own and The butcher then left their bodies America. During the
give to the poor,” (Matthew 21:19) in a pickling tub. Mysteriously, St. American Revolution, the Americans an American fur-wearing, pipe- York illustrator Thomas Nast started
Layout Artists Web Manager The Weekly Sillimanian is published every week by the students
and set them in action. He decided Nicholas appeared and brought wanted to remember their Dutch smoking elf. This elf would carry a putting these ideas on his illustrations
Irah Kaye R. Osumo Jedidiah Jan L. Colinco of Silliman University, with editorial and business addresses
Michael D. Endab at 1/F Oriental Hall, Silliman University, Hibbard Avenue, to use his whole inheritance to help the boys back to life after praying roots. Therefore they took this sack filled with toys that he would for the Harper’s Weekly magazine.
Office Manager Dumaguete City 6200, Philippines. SU PO Box 24. Telephone
the needy, the sick and the suffering. earnestly to God. This story made version of St. Nick who was named give to the children on Christmas It was then the iconic image of
Doreen Joan P. Lumayag number (35) 422-6002 local 243.
News Writers
https://www.facebook.com/tWSilliman/ There were two popular occasions St. Nicholas the Patron Saint and “Sinterklausse.” eve. He was also given a sleigh towed Santa Claus was born, appreciated by
Esther Micah B. Gillesania Chrisse Martha B. Gillesania
Editor-in-Chief Francis Ryan B. Pabiania Meilynne Gem C. Sonjaco Circulation Manager
https://www.twitter.com/tWSilliman/ that showed how much he cared for Protector of Children. From this idea, Literature Professor by the eight reindeers. all children of different generations
Miles Therese P. Granada
Ray Chen S. Bahinting Edna Lhou P. Masicampo Joevic B. Baclayanto theweeklysillimanian.com those who were less fortunate. St. Nicholas was also known for Clement Clark Moore from New Despite this being an iconic that passed and yet to come.
Associate Editor
Gresheen Gift M. Libby
Jameela I. Mendoza Graphic Artist weeklysillimanian@su.edu.ph In one occasion, three daughters of saving people from famine, rescuing York, wrote a 56-line poem entitled image of Santa, he still isn’t the Although the representation of
News Editor Feature Writers
Gloria Gem T. Lumayag
a poor man were about to be sold into people for being accused of crimes “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” more jolly red giant we know today yet. Santa Claus has gone through many
Opinions expressed in the columns are those of the columnists
Sommer J. Buyante Merell Lystra L. Recta Angelica Mae D. Gomez Photojournalists and not of tWS or of Silliman University. Comments, questions, prostitution due to lack of dowry. A they didn’t commit, and praying for commonly known as “The Night Santa’s story of living in the north versions, the message of his character stays
Features Editor Margarita M. Delos Santos Kyle B. Reyes
Carlee Cherokeeh T. Calingacion
Al Remuel B. Tubongbanua
Hannah Diane E. Bengco Jill C. Silva
and suggestions are highly appreciated. All submitted
dowry is an amount of money that the safe trips of sailors and voyagers. Before Christmas.” It is here where pole, having a toy factory, having a the same. Through him, we understand
manuscripts become the property of tWS. Manuscripts will be
Business Manager Cartoonist Enrique Nicholas M. Bejar Dave Dianne O. Ludoc edited for brevity and clarity. a woman must give to the man and St. Nicholas did many of his he first described Santa Claus as naughty or nice list, etc. still didn’t the message of giving and how it can
Jenievieve Ann O. Amores Hervey Angelo F. Avenido
Josh Parilla Member: College Editors Guild of the Philippines
come into play. This was until New affect those who need it the most. tws
Adviser
Celia E. Acedo
 4 twsbackpage the weekly sillimanian-
December 8, 2017

Heart of Gold. Sharing blessings has become the image of Christmas. But being generous does not only happen at this time year—it could be done every day. There
the
RANDOMspace: are just people or groups of people who willingly emanate that Christmas joy.
THE NOCHE ORIENTAL NEGROS
BUENA PROJECT CHILDREN’S ADVOCACY CHRISTMAS HOUSE WISH UPON A
NETWORK IN DUMAGUETE STAR PROJECT
The Christmas benefit A child-oriented advocacy
gig of a band Ben&Ben networks which promotes A house beautiful and Individual stars with a
in Dumaguete was a children’s rights and grand is a haven both picture and wishlist of 250
support to this project children’s protection for your sight and heart identified beneficiaries
that gathers donations at a large scale and because owner, Dr. Rico will be hung at a Christmas
to bring the Christmas services include feeding Absin, annually shares his tree in a mall where you
joy to typhoon-hit programs and educational blessings to at least 300 less could be their sponsor.
communities. Photo from Oncan Dumaguete
Facebook Page sponsorship. fortunate children. Photo from Mini Learners
Photo from The Negros Chronicle
Compiled by Merell Recta, Feature Writer , VIA http://thenochebuenaproject.org/about/, http://www.charity-charities.org/Philippines-charities/DumagueteCity-1622138.html, http://truesense4u.blogspot.com/2011/11/christmas-house-in-dumaguete-city.html, http://pageone.ph/wish-upon-a-star-pro ect-to-benefit-
elementary-pupils-in-negros-oriental-hinterlands/

Sports psychology overlooked, says expert

SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY should
be given priority especially in honing
not just the physical but psychosocial
skills among athletes, and schools
should teach student athletes how
to balance their academic and sports
responsibilities, said Dr. Michele
Valbuena, sports psychologist and
chairperson of the Silliman Univer-
sity psychology department.
American Psychological Asso-
ciation defines sports psychology as
a “proficiency that uses psychologi-
cal knowledge and skills to address
optimal performance and well-being
of athletes, developmental and social
aspects of sports participation, and
systemic issues associated with sports
settings and organizations.”
Valbuena said, “In the Philip-
pines, [sports psychology is] still a
growing field because not many rec-
ognize the importance of developing
the psychosocial skills of athletes as
similarly important as the physical
skills.”
She said psychosocial skills refer
by Jameela Antoniette I. Mendoza
News Writer
to athletes’ ability to deal with anxiety
and pressure in their social environ-
ment that could affect their mental
health.
“Mental toughness and manage-
ment of anxiety should also be devel-
oped among athletes,” she said.
On the other hand, SU
basketball varsity coach Jake Villavi-
cencio said his training for the team
mainly focuses on improving physical
skills.
“As to [the athlete’s] mental
health, such as [dealing with] stress,
pressure, and anxiety, this should be
handled by professionals,” he added.
Moreover, SU Athletics Director
Niño Piñero said part of the training
before becoming a certified university
coach is to know how to teach mental
preparations to athletes before and
after competitions.
“But sad to say, maybe because of
stress and pressure of work, [and] be-
cause these are not full-time coaches,
they are not able to strictly imple-
ment the mental preparation of their
athletes,” Piñero said.
He shared that while there is
no formal psychosocial training for
student varsity athletes in Silliman,
counselling may be given to them
upon recommendation by their coach.
Coaches act as the go-between
person of student athletes before see-
ing guidance counsellors, he added.
tws

Plastics dominate ocean wastes in a clean up

by Esther Micah Gillesania
News Writer
A TOTAL of 29,659 pieces of trash When exposed to natural ele- can identify where there is need for
were collected along the coastline of ments, it breaks down into smaller more education or better manage-
Brgy. Lo-oc and Bantayan, Duma- fragments. These small pieces of foam ment practices,” said Natasha Kun-
guete City in a Coastal Clean-Up can look like food to marine animals, esch, WOW assistant head.
and Brand Audit last Dec. 2, spear- the post added. As of press time, WOW has still
headed by WOW-Break Free From “The counting is useful because has to give the Weekly Sillimanian
Plastic Negros Oriental. it allows us to assess the character- the final list of their inventory of the
A list posted on WOW’s Face- istics of the waste and try to predict brand audit. tws
book Page showed that plastics bags where it originated from; that way we
and unidentifiable plastics topped the
most number of trash, with 7,926
pieces collected.
This was followed by 7,404 piec- Cum laude places 4th
es of identifiable sachets and plastic
wrappers and 3,030 pieces of Poly- in Agriculturist board
styrene foam (Styrofoam).
FAKE NEWS. Dumaguete MetroPost publisher Alex Pal (center) reminds students to “Polystyrene foam floats on by Chrisse Martha Gillesania
validate information they share on social media. Together with Pal are Philippine
water which makes it a common type News Writer
Press Institute (PPI) training director Tess Bacalla (left) and PPI executive director
Ariel Sebellino in “Let’s Get real on Fake News” forum last Dec. 11 at SU Audio
of trash washed up on beaches,” it percent.
said. ELLINE T. MACAY, a gradu-
Visual Theater. PHOTO BY Dave Ludocdoc ate of the Silliman University (SU) SU’s new registered professional
College of Agriculture, cum laude, agriculturist are:

NegOr Pantawid beneficiaries show high health compliance

Silliman University Research and Environmental News Service
MOTHER BENEFICIARIES of
the government’s conditional cash
transfer program in Negros Oriental
have recorded almost perfect com-
pliance with the health condition-
alities under the Pantawid Pamilyang
Pilipino Program (4 Ps), saying they
were doing this not so much for the
cash as for the value of disease pre-
vention and good health, according
to a study at Silliman University.
The author of the study, Dr. Ma-
ria Theresa C. Belciña Jr. of the SU
College of Nursing, wrote in her dis-
sertation: “The health services uti-
lization of the beneficiaries of the
CCT program in Negros Oriental is
remarkably good. Almost all mothers
(94.69%) are submitting for pre-natal
check-up, a big majority (71.98%) is
availing of the post-natal care ser-
vices, and majority of the mothers
(50.72%) is attended by skilled or
trained health practitioner during
childbirth.”
In 2016 Belciña surveyed, for
her dissertation, seven municipali-
ties (Ayungon, Basay, Bindoy, Ji-
malalud, La Libertad, Tayasan, and
Vallehermoso) and asked 207 mother
respondents aged 25 years and above
what motivated them in (or hindered
them from) availing of health services
under 4Ps.
Her survey also covered 768
children considered for preventive
check-up and 294 children 0-5 years
old for immunization.
In child immunization, 84% of
children aged 0 – 12 months were re-
ported to have been fully immunized
(given 14 to 16 shots of required
by Celia E. Acedo
vaccines); but those 1 – 5 years old
recorded only 11.07% full immuniza-
tion, partly because immunization for
the latter age group was not required
and partly due to lack of vaccines.
For preventive check-up, the
children needed to be brought to
the health center once a month or
at least 9 times a year. In this study,
0-12 months old registered 84% full
compliance; 1-5 yrs old, 90% compli-
ance; 6-11 yrs old, 65% compliance;
and 12-18 years old, only 17% com-
pliance.
The older children registered low
compliance with check-up mostly
because they needed to be in school
while the check-ups were done.
Regarding positive health mo-
tivation, 55% of the mothers cited
the importance of maintaining good
health; while only 9% cited cash gift
as a motivation, and another 10%
said because the services are free.
On the other hand, respondents
who failed to avail of the health ser-
vices said bad weather and long dis-
tance from the health center was a
hindrance(34%), while others said
they were “ busy at work” (19%),
“couldn’t leave the house” (14%), and
“herbal and alternative medication
alleviated their ailments” (12%).
The Philippines enacted 4Ps
into law in 2010 as a poverty reduc-
tion and social development strategy,
providing conditional cash of up to
P15,000.00 annually to extremely
poor families.
In 2016 the government allocat-
ed more than 50 billion pesos to 4Ps,
benefitting some 4.4 million house-
placed fourth in the November
2017 Agriculturist Licensure Ex- 1. Ahig, Jan Mark E.
amination. 2. Amaro, Sidney T.
Macay is one of the 16 out 3. Apale, Leus Agustine A.
of 21 takers from Silliman Universi- 4. Apsay, Herv Martelle Z.
holds. ty (SU) who passed the board exam. 5. Biyok, Fatima B.
The premise is that keeping Fifteen takers were first-timers and 6. Delima, Alejandro, Jr. H.
children healthy and in school could one was a re-taker. 7. Diamante, Carlos Rock Z.
break the cycle of poverty between “I’m very grateful to Papa 8. Gaudie,l Aaron Jude M.
generations. God for granting my prayers and 9. Gumapac, Kenneth L.
In exchange, the beneficiaries for the continued guidance, and... 10. Macabinguil, Princess Akimi F.
need to meet health and education to my family and friends and the 11. Macay, Elline T.
requirements. SUCA facilitators for their intermi- 12. Sabilao, Risa May E.
In education, the condition is nable support and constant motiva- 13. Sy, James, Jr. B.
that 3 to 5 years old go to daycare/ tion,” Macay said. 14. Villacampa, Ellen Joy K.
pre-school, attending at least 85% of SU got an overall perfor- 15. Villamil, Kim Brian B.
the time, and 6 to 14 years old enroll mance rate of 76.19 percent, higher 16. Vineles, Franscil P.
and attend school also at least 85% of than national passing rate of 38.25
the time.
Pregnancy and childbirth are
among the leading causes of death,
disease and disability in women of
reproductive age in developing coun-
tries.
In 1990, the Philippines record-
ed 209 maternal deaths per 100,000
live births, worsening in 2011 to 221
per 100,000 (higher than govern-
ment’s target limits) from pregnancy
complications, high blood pressure,
hemorrhage, and abortive outcomes.
Deaths of children under 5 years
in the Philippines decreased from
80 per 1,000 live births in 1990 to
28 per 1,000 live births in 2015; but
the World Health Organization said
these figures were higher compared
to other countries in the region.
More than half of under-five
deaths are deaths of newborns, in the
first week of life, from complications
from prematurity, birth asphyxia, and
infections (sepsis and pneumonia).
Belciña said studies proved that
essential maternal and newborn care
could save lives of mothers and new-
born babies.tws