Tuition Fee Increase

Patuloy ang pagpapahirap sa mga estudyante dahil sa mga nakaambang resulta ng pagtaas ng matrikula sa mga paaralan sa Pilipinas. Hindi lamang ang PUP ang may ganitong sitwasyon sa ating bansa. Habang patuloy ang komersyalisasyon ng Edukasyon sa Pilipinas at hindi pagtutok ng mga kinauukulan, lalung lalo na ang gobyerno sa kalidad ng Edukasyon; nananatiling biktima ang mga kabataang Pilipino, ang kanilang mga magulang o mga nagpapaaral sa panganib na maidudulot nito sa kanilang kinabukasan. Ang PUP, bagama't may mga organisasyong tumatayong mata at boses sa naturang mga hinaing ng mga estudyante ay maaring mauwi lamang sa wala ang kanilang mga pinaglalaban kung hindi mareresolba sa pamamagitan ng dialogo o matinong pag-uusap upang mailahad ang mga isyung kaakibat nito kasama na ang agarang resolusyon. Paano na lamang ang ibang mga paaralan na walang organisadong liderato ng mga estudyante? Mananatiling busal ang mga kanilang mga bibig sa mga ganitong usapin at patuloy ang mga ganitong klase ng paglabag ng mga namamahala ng kani kanilang mga paaralan. Hindi rin bago ang naturang usapin sa mga ilang paaralang may mga student council ngunit ang kanilang liderato ay PAPET ng kanilang school administration. Oo, inuuna ang pampisikal na hitsura ng paarala, maaring mabuti nga sa imahe nito at makaakit ng iba pang mga mageenrol subalit pinunan ba nila ang mga kakulangan sa mga pangangailangan sa pagtuturo at mga importanteng gamit para itaas ang kalidad ng edukasyon?

Hindi na dapat mauwi sa marahas na demonstrasyon ang mga estudyante ngunit nakakapanggalaiti ang kawalan ng tainga ng mga taong nasa CHED na ibalik ang naturang usaping sa mga school administration ng PUP na ayon sa mga militanteng estudyante ay hindi handa sa pakikinig at bagkus hindi tapat sa kanilang mga tinuran para resolbahin ang naturang usapin.

Nawa'y hindi ganito ang klase ng pamamalakad ng mga ibang school administrators. Dapat sila maging handa at tapat sa estudyante sapagkat ang huli ang mga nakikinabang sa mga teorya at mahahalagang balangkas ng aralin na kanilang itinuturo. Kung ganito man lang ang sistema, marahil tama nga si Osyo na lahat ng mga tagapagturo sa paaralan ay sinungaling simula't sapol pa.

Lorma Idol

Inspired by the wave brought about by Simon's popular American Idol that soon revolutionized Star in a Million, Pinoy Pop Superstar and other reality singing contests that invaded Philippine TV. JJ Macagba, director of the Creative Services , Albert de Guzman (Chairman of the project, SML secretary) brought the Brown Flava to LC's stage. Brown Flava composed of Carlo, Nelson, Josia, Jaema, Deni, Johann infused the new flavor of urban music mostly to my interpretation a groove soul of RnB. They appeared as opening acts of South Border in their Northern Luzon Crossover Concert in SLU so with Side A's promo tour. Also, they played back-to-back with K24/7,Retrospect, Pido and P.O.T.... It was August 14, 2003 when the Gimik Night was held at the LC Multi-purpose Hall. The first Lorma Idol was Genalyn F. Viola, a nursing student. The runners up were Jhoanalyn Noble Nano, followed by Trisha Badong, if my memory serves me right. The other contenders were: Gerald Roque, now a full pledged nursing Clinical Instructor (the last time I saw him was during a job fair in LC coz he's eyeing a middle east job.)- he was one versatile singer who could do pop, RnB... he was singing in LGS to LCSSHS, Ireneo Dulatre- he's a balladeer, Jaycus Nacis- too bad he pulled out last minute in the contest (reasons are not clear)- he's a superb amateur singer from the MT Department, also a PAMET scholar (I saw him at ITRMC Laboratory Complex), Kristina Marie Vendiola, Marife AimeeTrinidad, and Princess Marie Antonio also heat the night. Well it was a good project and the Gimik Night was a fresh experience. The SBO chairmen were among the judges but there was a text vote that enraged me that night. I'm just disappointed with the result because my bet was really on Jhoanalyn who rendered a difficult Miss Saigon piece but lost the title to Genalyn due to some text votes. I really don't believe in text votes. Sorry to say but I hate how the PDA or PI does when they do promote text votes. It spoils the real talent! More to say, I saw Trisha Badong's earlier performances before she stepped the Starstruck. I heard she's in the USA as a full pledged nurse now but I still bumped at some easy videos showcasing her talent over youtube. The Lorma Idol was also supported by the Lorma Highlights in terms of poster designs and some leaflets... some editors were even part of the production crew. The stage back-draft was done by the LC Visual Arts Guild. LH also partnered with the "Donate a Book Project" chaired by former EIC, Albert de Guzman who was SML secretary.

PROSTITUITION

There has been some buzz over an alleged prostitution activity of LC BSN nursing students (basing from an alleged email that has been circulated, it also involved some other schools.). Opinions have been posted on the LH blog message board which as follows:

by kasyam apo:
yuck….
at take not jalm….
hindi lang po mga babae
kundi pati mga lalaki na din…. i have a friend na lalaki… third na sya ngayon dito sa lorma, nursing student sya… ang sabi sa mismong mga boarding house nila ginagawa yun..
i hoping sana next issue ng lormahighlights, maging bahagi po ito doon… thank you po

by Jalm
To kasyam apo:
yupz may nabalitaan na rin akong mga ganyan. mas malala pa yung iba kasi mismong mga doctors ang costumers nila. di naman pinangalanan ang mga nursing students na mga yun.

sana nga sa next issue meron na ito. para malaman na rin natin ang kanilang mga rason kung bakit nila ginagawa ito. nga pala kasyam apo kung gusto mo eh magregster ka sa forum site ng LH

by kasyam apo:
sana nga po.. mailathala po ito sa next issue
salamat po ulit…

by sabaw:
wag niyong ijudge ang other people malay niyo may rizon cla kung bakit ganun

by kasyam apo:
baka naman sabaw you’re of them…
walang lugar ang mga pokpok dito sa mundo..
sila pa nga ang sumisira sa isang pamilya eh…
at one more thing, bawal ang makiapid… so better quit in that bad habit or else… KNOCK! KNOCK! KNOCK!

by have mercy:
kasyam apo is right. malay mo baka maadik sila sa gingawa nila at magkaroon sila ng sakit. o di kaya ay magkakaso sila pagdinemanda ng kampo ng pamilya ang pagiging kabit nya. see………

by Igmedio Damian:
I don’t think that publishing the issue would change much as the city seems to be legalizing prostitution at some points. Jalm, nurse ka diba… u should be aware that local prostitutes are even entitled for medical check-ups sa city health. Don’t judge the person, you should point to the act. Tama si Sabaw at some points, may rason ang lahat ng bagay. Oprah even admitted to have been in that situation. Remember empathy Jalm. If you’re really concerned about these persons, bakit hindi niyo sila tulungan? Isa lang naman ang klaro diyan eh, they seem to have no other choice… give them another choice so that they can change. Payak na pag-usapan ang acts of prostitution… you should dig dipper. Kung may rason kung bakit napipilitan ang ibang cheerers (because they are failing academically); I’m sure may rason din ang mga alleged nursing prostitutes na yan.

by piz:to igmedio damian….may razon nga sila pero hindi naman nila iniisip kung ano yung mga negative or magiging bunga ng kanilang ginagawa… nakaksira sila ng pamilya… hindi mo kasi alam kung anong pakiramdam.. i admit ng dahil sa isang nursing student, nawala ang taty ko… iniwan kmai ng nanay namin at ngayon, 3 na lang kaming magkakapatid ang nabubhay dito sa mundo… mahirap yun.. sana wish ko lang maramdaman mo din ang nararamdaman ko, namin…

by jalm:Yupz may reason nga sila, pwedeng kulang na ang pangtuition nila. I know the feeling kasi scholar din ako hehehe. Pero I think prostitution is not the best solution to that problem. Pwedeng siya ang pinakamabilis na pwedeng kumita ng pera pero Nurse tayo eh, dapat imaintain natin ang “kaputian” ng ating uniform. May ibang paraan pa naman siguro para kumita ng extra income.
About sa medical check-ups sa city health, nakita ko yung mga pics at profile ng mga CSW at ang bata pa nung iba. At kung sakali mang maipublis ito, I think dalawa ang magiging result nito, first - pwedeng matauhan ang mga Nsg Students na ito at maghanap na lang ng ibang job and Secondly - pwedeng maencourage yung ibang Nsg Student para gawin din iyon knowing na di sila nag-iisa!

by jalm:to piz: nag-aaral ka pa rin ba? ang hirap naman ng situation mo ngayon. I got your point. At sana di na lumala pa ang problemang ito, sana ay magawan na ng solusyon.

by Igmedio Damian:To Piz: It must have been very difficult for you. I am not tolerating the act or even taking sides on the alleged people involved. Don’t prejudge as if I am insensitive. Dysfunctional nga ang society natin eh. Kaya napakadaling masira ang basic foundation which is family. To strengthen it is to find ways to understand the whereabouts of the components. You are speaking as to experience, I understand the rage but if we radically hang each suspected prostitute, will this world a better place to live in? I’ll give you a hypothetical question, are you blaming solely on the prostitute because of what had happened to your family? That is why you are reacting on that compulsion? In that case hindi pa nga handa lahat ng senses mo para makinig.

by Igmedio Damian:Jalm, tama ka sa puntong hindi nga solusyon ang prostitution. It will never will. Classical ngang example ito ng dysfunctional behavior. Kaya nga natin yan pinapag-aralan kung papano natin atakihin ang problema. Kaya dapat huwag kang maging OR nurse eh kasi mas magiging epektibo ka sa human to human interaction. More to say buddy, tama na maipublish ang prostitution issue pero dapat protektahan ang identities ng alleged people involved. Menor de edad nga eh. Matagal ng may ganito sa Lorma. May encounter na ring ganito si Jubilo noon (former dean). Ang punto lang, gaano kalawak ang jurisdiction ng school dito? Kung pagbabasehan mo yung Guidelines ng Nursing Department, wala ng laban ang mga ito kung tutuusin. Pero, Christian educational institution ang LC, alam mo ba kung ano ang meaning ng pagiging Christian? So to speak, responsibilidad din ng Lorma na palawigin pa ang kanilang kamay para maitama ang mga ito. To add, may batas tayo eh. Kung may reklamo sa mga ito, mag-file ng kaso. Kung tutuusin nga trial by publicity na itong ginagawa natin. Man, may human rights din sila.

post script: LH already published a topic related to the issue titled: Investigative Journalism... PLAZA: Sa Likod ng Liwanag written by Elmer dela Cruz (Filipino Literary Editor). Vol 27 issue 2 of LH magazine with a theme CAMPUS JOURNALISM TOWARDS A HUMANISTIC SOCIETY.

Sporting On

Sporting On
by
Igmedio Damian

Hindi natin alam kung papano nangyari ang aksidente.
It was posted:
Let us pray for the fast recovery of one of our
schoolmate...

Walang masama sa pagdarasal. Ang pagdarasal nga
"can move mountains". Hindi ba? Gusto kong iparating sa mga authorities na bagaman ito ay
matatawag na aksidente. Hindi kaya't mayroon ding
matatawag na kapabayaan o pagkukulang?
Pagsasawalang-bahala sa kaligtasan ng mga
estudyante na may kinalaman sa aktibidad ng
paaralan? Do all schools have safety rules on sporting
events?

Sa aking pagkakaalam, itong insidenteng ito ay
matatawag na grabe kung pag-uusapan ang bahaging
nasaktan. May mga aksidente narin noon na kung saan
nasaktan ang isang pep squad member. Hindi ko
sinasabing sa pep squad na ito, dito ring nagmula.
Sinasabi kong maaaring sa ibang departamento
sapagkat ang bawat Kolehiyo ay may sari-sariling pep
squad at ang main pep squad naman usually na pang
inter-school ay binubuo ng mga miyembro mula sa iba't
ibang departamento. Isa ito magandang tradisyon at
magandang ehemplong pagpapakita ng "true
leadership" ng mangilan ngilang guro. (Sinu sino pa po
ba sa mga guro ngayon ang may ganitong dedikasyon?
Mangilan-ngilan nga lamang hindi ba? Kung meron man
natitira ay yaong mga matatawag na lamang na
"remains", coaches for compliance sake.) Dapat po
natin tularan ang mangilan ngilan na aktibong
nagtataguyod ng interes ng mga estudyante.
Bagama't ito ay bahagi lamang ng usaping pang-
akademiko (maaring tutulang hindi nga pang-
akademiko sapagkat ang sigaw ng mga elitista ay
ibalik muli ang focus sa Agham at Teknolohiya);
sapagkat ang Isport daw ay hindi naman ang
pangunahing interes sa Kagawaran ng Edukasyon. (Is
this the reason why DE is no longer DECS?) Atin pong
alalahanin ang mga sinimulan ng the "great Dr. C." who
lived by example, advocating the value of physical
fitness in overall health.

Bagama't mukhang "cheering" na lamang ang
bumubuhay sa mapaklang sporting event ng bawat
paaralan at inter-school competitions; kung
pagbabasehan ang mga kumento sa LH blog at mga
opinyon ng common students; dapat din nating alamin
ang masalimuot na problema ng isport. Dapat,
dagdagan ang safety precautions sa mga practices ng
CHEERING o anumang event. Have it written. Science
should be applied in each stunts. It's not just an art.
"I've watched some documentries on how stunts are
executed, it's not just a matter of coming up with it
successfully (PE teachers know this) but behind
that... SAFETY should always be a priority. Needless
to say further, should we qualify an athlete's
assumption of risk factor?" O dili kaya'y nasabak
lamang sila sa naturang sporting event simply because
there is no better choice or simply this is quite the
easier choice than to take another exam? Or given No
choice? Oh yeah, because this is like an unwritten rule
kagaya ng isang Dean's prerogative over who
deserves to pass, who deserves to attend the
capping and badge ceremony, who deserves to
proceed in OJT or level higher and move one step
further, who deserves to graduate with flying colors.
Fact is, this is categorized in extra-curricular activity
to break some gaps in deliberation of grades. Or
rather, a poor interpretation and exercise of the so-
called Academic Freedom. Make sport an option to
supplement academics? If Logic could solve this
mystery, how would the logic gurus translate these?
Or just be blind and ignore the facial expressions of
students who don't want what they are doing? Watch
them in youtube, have fun, laugh till it hurts.

Kaya nga napakahirap maging isang boxer kasi
maraming exercises... Inaanyayahan kong suriin ng
studentry at mga student journalist ang
napakahalagang bahagi ng usaping pampalakasan sa
paaralan. Meron nga bang matinong sports program
ang bawat paaralan? Or simply it reflects how poor
and we lack so much that we can't even have a good
match in major events such as the Olympics? Or we
have the poorest Characters behind it that we can't
be proud of having?

Kung ikaw ay isang mapanuring estudyante,
napagtanto mo na ba kung ano ang importansya ng
PRISAA fee na inyong binabayaran? Bagamat hindi
natin nalalaman kung ano nga ba ang halaga ng
PRISAA sa buhay ng isang simpleng mag-aaral. Para sa
iba'y ito lamang ay payak na "patungkol sa simpleng
kataga na sports." Para sa isang tunay na atleta, ito
ay higit pa sa salitang sports. Ito ay nagpapahayag
dapat ng isang "pagkakataon" ng isang malalim na
paghubog sa isang pambihirang kakayahan ng
indibidwal. Ang salitang sports ay sumasalamin sa
isang kahusayan na hindi lamang pampisikal na bahagi
ng katauhan ang nahuhubog kundi ang kabuuan ay
natututong maki-ugnay sa bawat isa para namnamin
ang salitang "tagumpay" at "karangalan". Ano nga ba
ang kalagayan ng mga paaralan sa PRISAA? Marami ng
atletang sinubukang bagtasin ang rurok ng tagumpay
sa kabila ng "kawalan o kakulangan ng suporta" at
pansamantala'y maging popular pagkat nailimbag ang
kanilang nagawa sa mga pang-estudyanteng
publikasyon o promosyon. Hanggang pagpapalimbag na
nga ba? Hanggang padayu-dayong kumpetisyon kung
saang may piyesta na lamang ba? Manalo,
magpakasaya sa buong gabi sa isang night spot at
hintayin ang umaga? Let's aim for the National and
International Events. We can! Gaano ba kataas ang
ating pangarap? Gaano ba kataas tumalon ang isang
MVP? Makakaya ba niyang patumbahin ang mga
naghahariang mga kakumpetensiyang paaralan? Can
we give a good game or just mumble our bitterness
because of a beauty pageant? Kailan naman tayo
sisigaw sa level ng pang UAAP? One hundred years
from now?

Walang bang maayos na sport program? Everyone is
just preoccupied by Imeldific display of lighting
torches. Halos maghingalo na ang noo'y mga buhay na
buhay na guro ng PE. Nirarayuma na ang bawat kasu
kasuan ng mga ito sapagkat nanamlay ang kanilang
aktibidad. Papano'y wala namang malinaw na polisiya.
Wala hindi ba? "How do you make a Champion?" Paulit
ulit lang naman ang mga naglalaro sa basketball diba?
(Performance has never been so bland.) Kaalinsabay
ng ibang sporting event mula track and field,
badminton, tennis, chess, darts, volleyball, etc, sila-
sila na naman (minsan nagdo-double body ang isang
participant... dalawa or tatlo ang sport niya, conflict
tuloy sa schedule. Hindi na nakapagtataka if may
manalo by default.). Bad gaming. Bad schedule. Sila
na naman nung nakaraang taon, sila na naman
ngayon. Dapat kumukumpitensiya na sila sa labas para
"sila" naman na nagsisimula ay "sila naman". Saan ang
motibasyon na dapat ay nakapunla para sa mga
nangangapang freshman? Na-review na ba kung maari
nang isalang ang matagal nang nakaupo sa bangkong
atleta? O dili kaya'y naghihintay na lamang ng suporta
mula sa mga nag eeli-elitistahang student leader kuno
na pre-occupied sa isang napakagarbong "beauty
pageant" sa bawat school event. Pamilyar diba? Tipikal
na Filipino culture, mahilig sa pageant... di ba nga
halos lahat ng sulok may masasabing "pageant" mula
Miss Talipapa, Mr. Suwave, Mrs. Banyera. Pinoy na
Pinoy! Hindi ako nagtatangi sa mag ito pero ano nga
ba ang "sense", ano ang nais na iparating?
Imeldification. Bakit di niyo tignan kung maari niyo ng
palitan ang mga officers ng bawat sporting event?
Bakit hindi pag-aralan ang mga rules kung angkop ba
sa students? Baka naman may marunong sa faculty? o
sa non-teaching employee kaya? Ano naman kaya ang
mensaheng maipaparating nito sa isang baguhang
kolehiyala o high school? How could we erase the
blemishes of cheating? Meron ba?

Isa sa aking sina-saluduhang mga atleta ay ang
naghihingalong Martial Arts team ni Sir Noel Sumingwa.
Opo, ang walang kakupas-kupas na "Dragon" ng LC
martial arts Club. Mantakin niyong kayang kaya niyang
magpa-demonstrate ng routine sa ilalim ng puno ng
santol at sirok ng mangga? Hindi nahihiya ang team na
ibuhos ang kanilang high kick sa ere para lang ipakita
ang abilidad, ang pormang may disiplina. This team
should have a space in the Gym with real equipment!
Alam ni Sir Noel how it's like to have nothing to come
up with something but we can't wait to have
"quantum physics" take its effect. I mean, gosh
having a Champion coach is not enough to motivate
martial artists. This is not classical anime or
something. Martial arts is a discipline that Filipinos are
excelling in and out of the country. International
martial arts enthusiast come to this part of the world
just to train and learn variations from Kali to Sikaran,
etc.. Kaya support what the team deserves.

I met an athlete in a school in Pangasinan, yeah their
gym was in bad shape. The student paper keeps on
publishing how bad the gym was... but then, the lack
does not kill their morale. It sucks but their team was
struggling and they produce Champions. Should they
be given better equipment, their Champions are not
just ordinary Champions. However, when they should
be given a chance to compete in the Nationals, make
a step further to join the Olympic team... Hmmm some
crocodiles kill their hope. Yeah sad but true. Mafias in
the National Team. There's no unity to come up with a
powerful team. You can just feel how that Olympic
coach sighed. OMG! The lack, yeah the Lackl.

Sepak-takraw. Is sipa still our National Sport? Di
naman kasi importante ... (Hahah. No sense of
Nationalism nga ang kabataan ngayon. Biruin niyong
kailangan pang magpalabas ng directive si Sec. Lapus
just to stop playing canned Lupang Hinirang during
Flag Ceremonies. Well, do you still know how to sing
Lupang Hinirang with your heart?); Darn, do we know
how many teams that are viable for any sporting
events? Authorities would boast of the well-publicized
accomplishments of many students who made it to
the national or international arena but the reality is,
they only did little to the development of such talent.
Sad reality. I would say that those who made it to
these scenes are really the lucky ones because they
are well-supported by their parents, if not... let us
give commendation to PTO/PTA for their full support.
Give commendation for the Politician who signed some
clearance and gave financial support out from his own
pocket? (and make sure we dont forget to vote for
him in the next elections.) In most schools, an
athlete is lucky if student leaders will raise funds or do
something for the delegate. Sa barangay nga namin,
mismo yung mga atleta ang nagso-solicit pero
nakakainis, makikita mo lang silang tambay na naman
pagkatapos ng liga. When funds are available, there
are delegates... if non, hmmm maybe look forward for
another event next time or next school year anyway
the final exams are approaching, focus on your studies
instead. The high spirited athlete would go anyway.
Assuption of Risk factor. If he still have PE, inform the
instructor to make an exemption, don't tell other
students they might get jealous. For the remaining
subjects, make-up exams. Enter at your own Risk. Be
a Hero, they would just have to be too proud of the
"bacon" when you are LUCKY but truth is; the school
did only little. This is a sad reality again. Napapansin
ka lang kapag nananalo ka. If natatalo, normally
authorities would rethink of Politics behind the
sporting event: corruption, cheating, etc.; then wala
ng pasasalihin or kaunti na ang suporta the next time
kasi feeling nadaya yung result or di na worthy yung
competition. That should not be the attitude. Mas
masarap kaya ang matalo, at bumagsak, at
bumangon... It's better to fight and avoid
procastinations than to be Impotent. Impotent na
nga, wala pang erection.

We hate Politics in Sport. Some school authorities
really hate it to the point of discouraging inter-school
competitions. Others dance to the music. Can't beat
them, join them. Yeah, the fact that sports should
promote an apolitical environment as in the case when
Pacquiao's fight would allow politicians to enjoy the
fight nor we see the world leaders in Olympics to
convey their support... though the hot part is "We get
more ringings with activists outcry of Freeing Tibet".
No one would dare to talk much in media if a religious
fundamentalist burned himself as a form of protes.
Rather, we would track the medals, see who is the
hot babe or adonis among the athletes. Fact is, We
love sports to death that we are most amazed to see
our heroes demonstrate their world record skills. It is
like being in the game itself- inspiring, empowering,
adrenaline rush, sometimes stupid because it is spoiled
by technicalities and boboos from different factors,
protests due to age, scoreboards, unsportmanlike
behaviour, drugs, and shits. Hate Sports and Love it.
It's like reliving the Gladiator movie.

Worse and more exposes. In public schools... kids are
taught to lie on their age just to have a grip of that
scholarship; never try to break that old rule for the
school's glory. That expose is nothing more different
when that gymnast was asked... Too bad the
Standards imposed does not favor one's winning
strategy. Win, no matter how it takes. Be otherwise,
you'll break the rule then you'll have no future. Yet,
does an athlete ends being an athlete when the Game
is Over?

CEGP Corner

Campus Press Freedom

Our caucuses on campus situation prove the glaring cases of press freedom violations (CPFVs) in every formation. One of the worst is the case of UPLB Perspective. Direct interference of the university’s high official in the selection process is alarming and enraging.

Other publications remain closed such as The National of National University of Pintig ng Diwa of the Philippine School for Business Administration-Quezon City. Regina, student publication of Assumption University in Pampanga, was closed due to ‘vulgar and immoral language.’

These attacks aim to blunt our opposition to anti-student policies and practices of school authorities. Repression exists where commercialization of education is intense. Still, the Campus Journalism Act of 1991 (RA 7079) is being used by the enemies of press freedom to suppress student papers. Its provision on non-mandatory collection of publication fee results to closure of many student newspapers. Even as the Guild has been calling for the scrapping of the flawed law, the government continues to implement it to our detriment.

To launch an all-out campaign for CPF, all formations must systematize documentation of violations. Ensure that every member-publication accomplish the CPF profile. Submit the accomplished profiles to the National Office in the soonest possible time. Publish regional/provincial report on the situation of the campus press.

In pursuance of our three demands, [Reopen all closed student publications; Establish student papers in schools; End all forms of CPFVs] every formation, especially the chapters, must identify campaign schools with worst cases of CPFVs. Update the N.O. of your specific plans and actions. Our local struggles on campuses must reap concrete gains. Education, propaganda and alliance works are vital.

Sponsor/Co-sponsor forums, alternative classes and other venues for discussing CPF, CJA of 1991 and other issues hounding the campus press. Our objective is to raise the awareness of the most number of students and people.

Particularize the conduct of our CPF Week on July 22-26 and our National Day of Action for Press Freedom on July 25, the Guild’s 71^st anniversary. Inform us as soon as possible. We must unite the most number of students, press freedom and advocates and allies on this issue. We may launch a press conference as a kick-off for this campaign. Design broad and militant build-up activities for NDA. Our aim is to highlight our continuing struggle for press freedom vis-à-vis other democratic rights.

Tuition Hike

This is a hellish school year. Amidst the worsening economic crisis and increases in power and water rates and oil prices, many heartless capitalist educators managed to increase tuition. As a result, there has been an alarming trend of enrolment decline in many colleges and universities. Extended enrolment in many private educational institutions is a clear indication of a commercialized education. Those who cannot afford to pay high fees are compelled to transfer to schools with cheaper education or worse, to stop schooling.

If the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo government were a bit considerate, it should have declared a moratorium on tuition hikes and other fee increases. This year, 376 private schools increased their tuition. The national average of said hikes is 12.33%, equivalent to P36.66 per unit.

Instead, it continues to implement Education Act of 1982—the culprit of deregulation tuition increases. Even its own toothless agency, Commission on High Education, conveniently uses the law as an alibi. It is high time we seriously call and work for the abolition of Education Act of 1982. There is a need to develop it as a tactical fight.

Meanwhile, the sorry state of state colleges and universities has never gone any better with the government’s meager budget for education. Like her ousted predecessor, Macapagal-Arroyo ‘encourages’ SCUs to be self-reliant (read: rely on income generating projects such as privatization of assets and services and tuition hikes). In fact, tuition increases in SCUs reach to as high as 100%. Merging, essentially closure of other SCUs, is rampant.

Release regional/provincial Campus Watch, our monitor of tuition hikes, violations to democratic rights and other anti-student policies. Encourage our publications to write features and investigative reports on the history of tuition hikes vis-à-vis decline in student population, exorbitant fee increases, low salary of faculty members and employees, etc.

Most importantly, our formations must strive to develop anti-tuition hike struggles in schools and win concrete gains.

On July 11, there will be a National You and Student Summit at Balagtas Hall, Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta. Mesa, Manila. Nearby provinces may end delegation. Other formations may launch similar indoor activities. Primary issues to be discussed in this year’s Summit include Economic Crisis vis-à-vis Rising Cost of Education, Education Act of 1982, Budget for Education and Miniaturization, among others.

Our demands: (1) Stop tuition increases; (2) Allocate higher subsidy to education; (3) Scrap Education Act of 1981; (4) Fight for a nationalistic, scientific and mass-oriented education.

Curriculum Revisions

Under the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo regime, globalization in education continues to escalate. Besides merging the state colleges and universities and lower budget for education, curriculums are revised in adherence to the impositions of International Monetary Fund and World Bank.

In tertiary education, the general education program in the University of the Philippines has been altered. The Revitalized General Education Program (RGEP), masquerading as a liberal program, actually makes nationalism optional. By giving ‘freedom’ to students to choose their subjects, history and social sciences become mere options. Sooner or later, the scheme will be implemented in other state-run schools.

The Millennium Curriculum or Basic Education (BEC) for elementary and high school students prioritizes English, Math, Filipino and Science. All other subjects are lumped together in one subject, Makabayan. At young age, Filipino youth will have their history forgotten, their creativity and skills dulled. Such abrupt and absurd curriculum revision has sown confusion among teachers and students.

Both programs replenish the colonial character of the Philippine educational system. Both aim at molding the Filipino youth into cheap, ‘globally competitive’ labor force for multinational and transnational corporations.

We must strive to expose and oppose these. We may link up with progressive teachers union and associations.

NSTP

The National Services Training Program (NSTP) is even worse than the ROTC as it requires women students to undergo the same nauseating, senseless program of fascist orientation. The NSTP is an insulting response to the students’ overwhelming demand to abolish ROTC.

We must continue to expose and oppose this and call for the scrapping of the NSTP. In particular, we may write investigative articles on the corrupt and violent practices of ROTC officials and intelligence work carried out against progressive student organizations and individuals.

US Interventions

The US and Philippine governments are talking about the extension and widening of the scope of Balikatan exercises, approval of the Mutual Logistics Support Agreement and the participation of US troops in actual combat operations. The MLSA would transform this country into a virtual US military zone.

We must intensify efforts in opposing such blatant military intervention. We must ensure in-depth discussion regarding the issue. Include the topic imperialism in every discussion. Use creative forms of propaganda such as film showing, exhibit, concert, cultural night, etc.

Strengthen/Establish Anti-Imperialist Movement (AIM) of the Youth or any similar alliance against US military intervention in schools and communities.

All information are encouraged to respond to the National Youth Protest to Balikatan on July 4. plan other activities for this issue.

Triple Whammy

As the Gloria-Macapagal-Arroyo regime implements its wages- freeze policy, it tolerates capitalists to increase power rates, water rates and oil prices. Forced by the decrease in her popularity rating, Ms. Macapagal-Arroyo merely pays lip service to the people on the issue of Purchased Power Adjustment (PPA). As a patroness of the deregulation and privatization, she connives with the prize sector in exploiting further the people.

All formations must respond to these economic issues. We must participate and may initiate protest actions regarding these. We may reach out to local associations in communities.

LETTER OF SUPPORT TO LH FROM FORMER EIC

LH peeps!

I am Karen Michelle Calacal, former editor. In high school we were repressed (LI/Usbong)... in College we pressed and were pressed... While we had our own issues before that we feel Campus Press Freedom was violated, more to say it's more than Repression per se but we have suffered almost all forms (from ignorant and angry teachers, etc.) yet I cannot imagine the "self-control" that we have to condition and impose on ourselves- perhaps because of the idea of fear, prioritizing first our Education/graduating, and some other or personal reasons, etc. Though we have our own share and differences in opinions, I am one with the Lorma Highlights for a variety of reasons; that LH is the only organization that is brave enough to do moral and social responsibility as the YOUTH exercising their DEMOCRATIC FREEDOM in an Academic Environment - that should serve as a breeding ground for the purpose of exercising such RIGHTS.

The role of the student paper does not have to reflect a distorted element of what is really happening to the Environment. This is just one manifestation of our Nation's current status, a picture of a derailed Nation suffering from major crises in the face of weakened leadership and spiritual dilemma. When the questioning mind begins to untangle human constriction, it is inevitable to stop it; for it is human nature to search for answers, to infer and discern TRUTH. We cannot further question when such ideas are more than visible to the naked eye and what a BLIND man can see nor feel with his breath. A man will die but not his ideas.

Though it is undeniable that the publication fee is the lifeline of the paper; SUPPRESSING its distribution is more than a GESTURE of authoritarian power- a kind of leadership that could kill human spirit and hope; ironic to the mission and vision of LC as an institution where it boasts its humble beginnings from a quiet peaceful barrio. The Administration's reaction is a pre-empted damage control.

We cannot deny the fact that CHANGE is inevitable and perfect TIMING is very important and crucial. This is a NEW WAVE of student Idealism taking its FORM. Anyway, there is more to this after College. The real world is not in Lorma and it is true that despite we see forms of injustices and sense of discontentment fired at us, we have to be reminded that this is not a PERFECT world... but at least they could have LISTENED. They should have listened using all their senses because we also CARE and there is a felt need for us to take action and work together. The article published is a clear picture of a desire to walk in a direction, a path to alleviate this sense of emptiness that the Educators and authorities have failed to fill-in because they too are in their own crises situations. The Student-Administration Dialogue is not enough to fill into the gaps; for democracy has no boundaries no matter theories have come out to define it. Lormanians are not IGNORANT and deserve to be respected. If the Academe is still in the DENIAL stage, let the STUDENTS move forward and take their coarse. Fight and stand up for TRUTH you believe in!

Why SUPPRESSION? Because Knowledge is Power so distort it. That's the idea. Whether it could be rationalized as some other way… the TRUTH IS OUT THERE.

Pinatigil ang Pagdistribute ng LH tabloid

This is getting exciting and intriguing. LH people, let the "tabloid" be circulated. Students already paid the publication fee. Besides, students know these issues before you even came up with it, LH acted as their voice since the authorities concerned seems inadequate in giving information that may shed light to these issues. Lahat po ng impormasyon, be it good or bad ay karapatan ng mga estudyanteng malaman. With regards to the authenticity of the reports, estudyante parin po ang bahalang huhusga niyan. It only shows that when an issue is PRINTED implies more than a CONFIRMATION of an issue/s. It only shows how powerful a pen is and what level of LH integrity has. "Wala po sa history ng LH na hindi na-circulate ang diyaryong pang-estuyante." Ang LH ay pag-aari ng estudyante. Do not be intimadated. "Bakit kasi pinakita niyo ang bomba?" Arrrgh! I'll give you a fact, the Black issue was supposed to suffer the same fate but the President said that it is against Law to stop its circulation. (Meaning, he is totally aware of the Law and we respected him more out of that statement. Out of that sincerity that he showed to us, we did our best to become more responsible student journalists.) Since that was a different situation, I would suggest the board to keep things cool. Listen more and be united. (Do not resort to CEGP bara bara ok but listen to whatever they could advice. You don't wanna end-up like UCC right? ). This is time to lay your cards. Remember, no one should be sanctioned because of this (there is no specific sanction in the LC handbook as to press issue is concerned (this is not about the writer/s, this is about the issue/s) since we are governed not by such law but by Freedom of the Press and by CJA). So, if your case reached the conduct board and Admin, Challenge them to make their own press statement to counter your issue/s. No matter what the impact is at stake against LH. You hold the TRUTH (is with evidence and witnesses) you believed in. It is only a sphere that can't be demolished by LIES. Allow them to REACT, compose yourselves and LISTEN. No one should even think of resigning. I am also encouraging you to publish a supplemental issue/position paper. What about the puppet Student leaders? Allow the non-puppets to get involved also. This is not about LH in the first place, it's about students' issue and the Admin's IMMEDIATE ACTIONS to such problems. Sa mga taga-Admin po, hello po. Ma'am Ano, Sir Mainggang, Ma'am Magpali et al. : napapanahon na po na lawakan natin ang ating pang-unawa at isipan ukol sa mga naturang bagay. Huwag po nating ituring na bata at pasaway ang mga Kolehiyalang naghahanap ng kasagutan at kaparaanan. Ito po ay isa lamang sa mga ebidensya na ang bansang Pilipinas ay humaharap sa pang-ekonomiyang krisis. Ang pagpigil sa sirkulasyon ng isang dyaryong pang-estudyante ay pagyurak sa karapatan. Ito po ay isang moral at sosyal na responsibilidad ng LH. Hayaan po ninyong gawin ng LH ang dapat. Ang dapat ay maaaring hindi tama para sa lahat, pero sino po ba ang nakakaalam ng tama para sa lahat kung hindi ginawa ang dapat? Pulsuhan po ninyo ang sangka-estudyantehan at tanungin po ang mga sarili... lalung-lalo na po ang mga guro at pangkaraniwang empleyado. Ito po ay nagpapakitang gising po ang kamalayan ng Lormanian. Kesa pigilan ang isang bagay na maaaring nakakatakot, harapin po natin ng sabay-sabay ang problema at matalinong solusyunan ang mga ito.

Campus Journalists as Change Agents

Before we tackle some points battled by student journalists this morning, let me raise a question to you writers: “Why do you write?” It’s an elementary question isn’t it? But this question may have different answers from you mainly for the reason- not everybody is writing for the campus paper. Some of you are just here because of the fact that you are readers and as part of the writer-reader relationship, we are here to convey understanding on some issues faced by campus journalists today.

Filipino journalists, like Filipino politicians and policemen, draw the wildest mix of sentiments among the citizens. There are those who hold journalists with great owe and reverence, and others who view journalists with great contempt and derision.

We must open or minds to the struggles of campus press freedom. Though thousands of students in the country still suffers from violations of this democratic right, the Campus Press, being the voice of the students, must find way to battle censorship, intimidating and punishing Editors and writers, holding back the funds for publication or shutting down the publication, to have a publication, council and organizations.

But we can not have a direction to achieve our goals for Campus Press Freedom, if student journalists do not even have organizational objectives. We are faced by the tragedy that “Student writers, just write without a Purpose”.

Know your Purpose

The Campus paper is a breeding ground for student leaders and advocates for better conditions in the educational system and in the entire society. These are the reasons why student writers should uphold a high standard for writing meaningful and quality articles for publication. It is not mainly to “Express Oneself” as journalism is defined in high school nor attack the student council for allegedly being Puppets of the School Administrators-but to promote awareness and involvement of students in all aspects affecting them in the educational community.

How can student writers be catalysts of change?

1. Know the Culture of the students

Students from this institution display distinct norms as manifested in their language, habits, or student life when compared to other institutions in the city. Of course, there’s that certain brand you have for DMMMSU, iba naman ang tatak ng UCC, AMA, at iba pa. Sinasabi nila ang UP may Fernando Poe, Sr, yung oblation, ang UST may ST. Thomas, ang Ateneo may Santo din, isali mo na ang iba pang Catholic Schools, pero ang AMA daw sino ang kanilang modelo? Siyempre, meron din, si Jolina…What I’m saying, we do not need to write according to the standards of the big schools using the coño language of la Salle or the trying-hard pa-effect of the emerging tag-lish na madalas gamitin ng mga showbiz chikadoras kung hindi rin naman kakagatin ng mga readers natin. It’s a fact, Ilocanos are hard to please and always on the go, like the old brand “Kuripot”, the articles should be substantial and informative equipped with a language that does not require them to scan pages of Webster and Oxford. Write something that could make student lives productive. To achieve this, make a simple survey on their interests or expand your knowledge and apply the principles of development journalism and investigative journalism. Write about issues that primarily affects students, add spice not only plain news on school events, hot issues confronting middle-adult readers, tuition fee increases, problems faced by teachers and even non-academic personnel to name a few. In this way, you could revolutionize to facilitate an interesting content of the paper.

2. Develop a plans to improve on the aspect of

- Writing Styles

There are few who could write effectively in both English and Filipino. Some writers prefer to write in English, coming up with more mess after arriving in a final draft, only to find out that it is not better or otherwise far worse than the other write-ups. Use the language you can utilize at ease and easily understood by your readers. Editors are faced with this example because they often have this reporter who has a long track of wrong grammars, misspellings and getting around the bush beats. Are there too much or too little information? All you have to do is to write all the facts of the story and organize them according to importance, date, etc. Write simple and appropriate words. Be a reader as well- reading is the key to writer’s block. In this case, you will be able to absorb the energy of how other writers let their ideas flow. Experiment by using variety of styles. Hence creative writing will be improved as well as critical thinking develops. The IBC format or the Introduction, Body and Conclusion is not new in writing. However, this is a trend in English Examinations today.

- Publication and Layout

Have you seen students crumpling your newspapers in front, tearing the pages samantalang kaka-release niyo lang, kabibigay mo.E nataon na sinulat mo yung pinunit? You’re first reaction, siyempre dahil normal ka naman eh magagalit ka but it should not just move you, you should figure out bakit? Was the article poorly written? Or most of the time, hindi maganda ang layout at presentation eh hindi Makita yung picture? Even if the school publication has the best writers in the city, if the presentation particularly the type-set is not clear, it has also a big-bang on the readers. Layout artists are there not just to arrange, place graphics or do the typeset but a certain standard must also be followed. Hindi dapat pinagtatabi ang mga hindi dapat sa layouting sheet. Editors as well and advisers must find ways to improve publication and layout presentation. Computer Application programs are now trends in publication. There are loads of free wares and these do not require long-term training since computer application programs could be self-studied. The only problem is the equipment and the financial resource. Expand your readers using the Information Superhighway or Internet, with it, you could convey information to other students to provide a gateway for communication to other students and writers here and abroad.

3. Editorial and Staff Development

Skills training in seminars, symposiums, small group, chat/ e-mail could be acquired through a variety of sponsors. These opportunities should be part of the publications action plan for the year. Of course, these opportunities should not be exclusively for those in the higher positions of the publications organizational chart. There should be a criteria whom to send in this affairs. Since, a publication is faced by problems concerned on the availability of funds; it must allow a shared decision-making by editors and staff.

Decision-making is a critical and productive activity within the publication, issues facing conflicts of interests could be discussed in this matter. It can not be denied that some students are part of the publication and other organizations in the campus. However, priorities should be set and discussed in order to have balance for both. There might be instances that confidential information is fed. Hence creates problems confronting this issue. With this, the publication should strengthen its policies and guidelines to avoid this conflict.

4. Affiliate in Organizations that Promotes the Interest of Campus Press

There are but few Organizations on the interest of Promoting Campus Press with a variety of Ideals. The Publication officers must study and seek more information about these organizations because some are just using Campus Press for the interests of politicians and certain groups which do not contribute to the real essence of true democracy and upholding student rights.

5. Know the issues facing Campus Journalism and its development

- Campus Journalism Act or RA 7079

- Academic Freedom and Commercialization of Education

- Cases in the Suppression of Campus Press Freedom

- Ethics in Campus Journalism

Campus journalists, students must continue to serve the best interests of the students and the people. Let us defend and assert the rights to free speech, free expression and free press.

portions of speech by
Karen Michelle P. Calacal, RN
former LH, EIC
during the 2nd Journalism Seminar-Workshop
College of Technology
held at Apilado Hall
DMMMSU-MLUC, San Fernando City
August 18, 2004
published with permission.

Requiem

The mind is depleted

Because his soul is immoral

The eyes are blinded

Because they fear the truth

The casket is open

For the fearful will shed tears

The DEVILS cheered

For they shall steal

The minds and bodies of the youth

The Ideologies die and perish!

Basilan was claimed by its people that it has earned its temporary peace when the American troupes joint forces with the Filipino soldiers in response to the Balikatan Exercises-2 Though the said move is condemned by militant groups and opposition because of its unconstitutionality, still the puppet government led by GMA exercised its underground powers and claimed victory using the slogan for Anti-terrorism. When America was threatened in the September 11, 2001 attack, our government took the scenario for granted. Analyzing both sides, America and the Philippines had that symbiotic relationship or parasitism: President Bush called upon the Nations to eradicate terrorism, Philippines responded, now the Americans are here to indirectly interfere again in our National sovereignty. It is remembered that the American bases left a scar among the Filipinos- the chemical wastes, the Americians, the many victims of sexually-transmitted diseases, etc. We owe a lot in exchange of a so-called Economic Free Zone popularly known as Subic and in response to an image-build-up of TRAPOS in the government. The Filipinos has been claimed to be blinded by the puppet regime expressing numerous promises on development and National progress. This is a clear implication that history just repeats itself because we Filipinos fail to correct our values thus the same exploitation of our Natural resources and our Integrity as a nation moves like an artificial food chain.

There is so much to question. Shall we say that the Filipinos chose to sell themselves to the foreigners in exchange for a greener pasture in the freedom land- green card, business opportunities, career…Or shall we blame the unique value called Filipino Hospitality wherein we give more than what we have? Or that hospitality has already been corrupted in the sense that we resort to it because we expect so much from the foreigners. That is a senseless idea! How could we gradually entrust our own security to these people where in fact they are the one’s who badly needed us? It must be clear that we are just being cheated by the provisions of the inhumane Free Trade policies!

That is why we can not blame the numerous pirates (those that imitate goods from music , clothing to the basic commodities) because on the other hand there has been no fair competition. The so called technological innovations by the Filipinos has doomed us in terms of Science and Technology

Though we have the brains- the government did not took the risk of resorting to funding these technological innovations because they want to appease the agreements made by the foreign business tycoons! On the other hand, they would express that “we have no fund for these” were in fact we have spent almost billions for a centennial celebration.

We need to correct on the value of hospitality. Our government has been cuddling the cronies of the late dictator and the many graft and corruptors. What more could we get but a massive economic sabotage, a high inflation, brain drain, low cost of living and the like. Let us correct the value on Filipino Hospitality.

So This Is What You Call Celebration?

Filipinos always find reasons to celebrate things. Christmas and New Year Celebrations are not merely traditions that changed lives but these actually resulted into serious matters as to the development of new values embraced by many.

It is a fact that these merriment could mean: family reunion, truce or cease fire, shopping time, business opportunities for those who make decors and others. It is actually a fever signaling a cancer in which its real essence has been blurred by parties, concerts, crimes, families torn apart and other social sicknesses.

These events rationalized as the celebration for the birth of a King is in reality taken for granted by business tycoons, religious fanatics, politicians, etc.

Political Scene

It was January when it marked a so-called restoration of Philippine Democracy against a government that seems to be following a coarse of this Nation’s dark history. But what the heck? This is just one of the events that blinded the youth for them to believe that they have indeed the power to restore something for the future of a torn nation- The Philippines. We could recall the many “mahihirap” who went on rallying not because they have to fight for their principles. These people went there because “they were paid by politicians” who had their own political motives. Others were there for exposure to Media or let their names be written in the History. Let us face this overused scenario, Idealism seems to have no face anymore and if it does, it is not that pure and honest because that Idealism was paid by power-hungry Elites! To Ninong and Ninang: “Diyay pascuak tapnu ibutos kaytu manen.!”

The Family that Prays together, stays together

We salute the Filipinos for their spirituality. We salute the people who maintain the holy traditions like the Misa de Gallo, after which enjoying the aroma of a cup of coffee and puto-bumbong. Hail to all the families who maintain a yearly tradition of having their get together party and have a new version of feuds regarding on their inheritance… This is the new version of the “matibay ang bigkis ng pamilya”.

But there are families that remained happy in the cold streets. There are children who knock at the car doors selling sampaguita or singing a rough tune of Christmas carols for a penny. There are children maltreated for not bringing anything for their gambling and drunkard parents. How happy thou art fighting in front of the lechon and a bountiful banquet!

Good Luck and Mega Sales

Estrada has been removed from office! Who took the jueteng presidency? Hmmm, jueteng is IN again. “I even saw the collectors near a popular institution when I went home to Lingsat (tsk!tsk!tsk! definitely not Lorma!)”. According to a reliable source, it is only in La Union where these illegal gambling is revived!

“Nagbukas ang popular na shopping mall sa bayan. Guess what? Their security guard is so… as in binukitkitan pa ang bag ko and attempting to open pa my wallet! (Di ba Jen?) Heck, see how scrupulous people are. I was even in my uniform that day enjoying a window shopping.” Says one student.

Mall owners wont be putting security precautions like that if shoplifters are not… Christmas sale is greatly driving people crazy! The sale sign actually is an effective stimuli in luring passersby. Unluckily, one student was mistaken as a shoplifter!

Game shows are truly hitting the ratings and paving a new craze for “sugadors” who make use of their telephones, internet and celfones (high-tech gambling!). I hear the famous lines: “sure ka na ba?” “You’re the weakest link, goodbye!” “Is that your final answer?”. Is there any way to earn money through actual hard work and not relying on that so-called luck?

Teaching Strategeezzz?

What’s wrong with the lecture method in exchange of handouts photocopied by…? Despite of this recent scenario that we have the technology like that of the “Online ED.”, many instructors are still up to the tradition of “employing dictation, board, projector, etc.” Suddenly, there is an emergence of that so-called handouts! Popular ba? Whew! Call it an advantage because students don’t have to develop “kalyo” in their fingers while they let their Panda danced on their beautiful Sterling notes. (Nagpromote pa akech!) Advantage because students will somehow be enticed to read in advance on topics and all they have to do during the discussion proper is to ask questions or take a pre-quiz. On the part of the professor, it is a lot more advantage. Why? Ahem, he/she does not have to exert more effort in dictating(bawas pa siya sa risk ng throat problems) and “tipid pa sa chalk at white board marker”. Mind you! Kaya kumita na naman ang mga may-ari ng photocopiers dahil nadagdagan na naman ang kanilang selling factor! Tsk tsk tsk!

I’m not against handouts or any improvements in teaching strategeezz. However, if these topics are explained well by instructors then there is no question on its emergence.(Mabilis nga naman ang discussion di ba? Kaya nga malaking tulong para hindi na magmake-up class during the night?) At least kahit gumasto ang student, may malaking benefit ang pagpapa-photocopy ng handout. It is even cheaper than buying books and help save time when you research in the library because it is actually an outcome of many references. According to a boardpasser, it helped him a lot during his review kasi naka-simplify na ang reading material? Kaya lang, it’s up to the student to really scrutinize kung ang handout ay merely copied, recycled, wrong grammar, etc. in order to find out kung updated pa ang material at may mataas na significance sa pag-aaral.

Resolutions

We are observing Christmas and New Year celebrations annually and yet the transformation that we are actually aiming is too ambitious but like a turtle! We crave for many things like progress in terms of economy and uniting our family but have not started from the basic that is within our selves. The Filipinos are known to be “Maka-Dios”, a very important value. Very few are living with this, it is something so difficult to maintain. Yet, if we have the will power to stop anything detrimental to our being, then good, for it will not only benefit ourselves but the others as well. Let us not wait for another New Year to come with new list of new years resolutions turned out to be unresolved. Let us remember the very reason why these celebrations exist and became a part of our culture.

LORMA ON HIGH GROUNDS: REACHING BEYOND THE NICHE IN SHAPING THE IDEALS OF THE YOUTH

Rizal clearly stated in one of his most popular quotations that, “the youth are the hopes of the fatherland” it is an unquestionable fact that the youth of our nation inherits the future responsibilities of our present leaders and it is a reality that the youth must be guided by an educational institution. However, the youth of today is a product of various trainings as dictated and chosen by their culture, their institution, and perhaps by virtue of their own principles and the like.

The youth, before he enters into the complexities of this society must be molded and his principles and learning are therefore being reshaped as he continues to challenge and be challenged in the game called life.

The beginnings of the youth are clearly portrayed in Lorma Colleges’ Mission and Vision. Lorma Colleges began a history of small yet noble deed of what we call service and this principle has continued as the institution has aged to thirty-one years. But the thirty-one years of this dedicated institution does not only manifest an end or what we call termination. It is an end of a chapter by which Lorma has gone through but it is a manifestation of a rebirth or a beginning of another challenge. That challenge does not only involve the students who serve as main characters and subjects of Lorma’s history but also, it involves the people within and beyond the institution’s spheres.

As history answers, Lorma prioritized Quality Education, and Christian emphasis in shaping the ideals of the Youth. As society and with respect to our nation’s embrace in global excellence, the institution that begun in a quiet peaceful barrio undergoes the so-called metamorphosis, which is natural in most Colleges.

This metamorphosis proves that Lorma Colleges can stretch its aims to help people from beyond its area and reshape the Youth’s idea to inculcate into them virtues vital to nation building and national progress.

In addition, Lorma’s efforts cater tom produce effective leaders who will contribute to the betterment of our country.

Lorma Colleges is taking another step in molding the human person as a better citizen; as a sign of this effort, the institution has widen its areas in educational interest, It has embraced Computer Technology in order to answer the demands of global competence. Yes, this institution has progressed through the years through due to its attempt to bend its role in shaping the ideals of the Youth.

"Shaping ideals is not an easy task, it involves principles, and it involves dedication."

Lorma Colleges has proven its worth in the aspect of contributing effective leaders. Lorma Colleges continues to challenge and be challenged because the Filipino nation demands for quality leaders and to be able to meet this, an institution dedicated to service should guide the Youth.

Let us remember that the school is the training ground and the key in opening gates for a successful future for future citizens and effective leaders in the realization of a progressive nation.

* printed with permission from Karen Michelle Calacal, RN
EIC, the Lorma Highlights (sy 2003-2004)

Invisible but do they really Care?

wind earth water fire on January 8, 2008, 5:01 pm asked "Visible ba talaga ang president at college director sa mga estudyante? alam ba nila nag tunay na kalagayan ng paaralan at ng mga mag-aaral?"
I just sighed and started answering...
Ang tanong ay kung kilala niyo ba ang College Director ng Lorma at kung sino ang Presidente ng Lorma Inc.? Tungkol naman sa kalagayan ng paaralan, kung nalalaman ng mga taong ito ang ni “ha at ni ho sa Amrol.”… ang sagot ay malamang oo at malamang hindi. Kaya nga ginagawa ang “student-administration dialogue”. Ang punto, Ilan lamang sa mga student leaders ang nakakaalam nito. Kung kailan at kung para saan nga ba ang naturang dialogo. Who attends the dialogue? I bet not even majority of LH peeps nor SML, SBOs and club leaders know how the dialogue works. In fact, madalas kumpleto ang representation ng admin sa dialogue na ito and the fact that they have such representations convey a classical impression that they are ready to LISTEN and ready to play the ball. Aminin niyo man o hindi, sila ang nagdidikta kung kelan ang tournament at kung sino ang liyamado sa laban. The other side of the story is, “Kaya ba ng mga student leaders ang makipag- deal or no deal?”. Do they have the guts? Not even the puppet SML can turn the tides. (Puppet nga eh!) Kaya kayo mga LH, maging vigilant kayo. LH nalang ang natitirang org sa LORMA na may nakaumang na responsibilidad para lumaban underground. Keep the himas-banat principle and you can LEARN how to set-up the negotiating table. Sana nga lang, maging mas humble ang ilan. Student journalism in LORMA is not like Kule or anything. Don’t pattern for a CEGP standard for the sake of being on such popularity level. Basic always works and frankly, marami narin pong nagsakripisyo for such cause. Previous editors and staff were even accused of taking part in “ABLORMAL” yet brave enough to function just to stay on red lines to keep an eye on enemy grounds and do necessary actions be it conventional or not. It’s not to have one’s name printed but one’s heart enlightened… LH does not need to go bigtime when the studentry remains IGNORANT. Diversity and experimentation are healthy innovations but if it’s for a few… it’s a FLAWED EULOGY. “Does the admin care? They do if you convince them you do. However, be more realistic with your advances. We do not live in a UTOPIAN society. “Do you really care as students?” Sometimes, numbers matter.