The Four-eyed Journal » La-Salle

Photos: Launch of DLSUD/HSI Bahay Pag-asa

jhay — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 02:50:48 +0000

The past week has been another busy one for me hence the lack of regular updates. The good side is, I have tons of photos to share and stories to tell with all of you.

This would be the first one, the launch of the Bahay Pag-asa in De La Salle University – Dasmariñas last January 19, 2009. It was a star-studded event as TV/movie personalities who received their education from a La Salle school was present to grace the event.

Center for CICLs

The Bahay Pag-asa project is a juvenile rehabilitation center for children-in-conflict-with-the-law (CICL) or those are who minor offenders. Long before the enactment of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 or R.A. 9344, children below the legal age of 18 who have been caught committing offenses or have been accused of the same, where treated like any other adult offender; they were locked up in the same appalling jails and prisons, their rights as children and accused are neglected and they are subjected to inhuman and life-scarring experiences which already do more harm than being convicted and sent to regular prison.

Fortunately, the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 changed all of that and mandated that minor offenders be not put in the same detention cells as the adult offenders. More so, the law provides them the opportunity and chance, thru alternative child-friendly measures, to reform and be reintegrated into their family and community as a productive member of society.

Bahay Pag-asa aims to be that place where CICLs are taken care of and rehabilitated pending the resolution of their case. It is a sanctuary where the spirit and letter of Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 is followed and implemented.

To this end, De La Salle University – Dasmariñas, De La Salle Health Sciences Institute teamed up with the PLDT Smart Foundation to turn this dream into a reality.

Art for life

During the opening of Bahay Pag-asa, an art auction for raising funds for the center was held with the big names in business and Philippine movie industry as guests and benefactors.

TV host star Edu Manzano was host for the auction and he really knew how to work the crowd and entice them to take out their check books and score fine pieces of art work, created by some of the CICLs themselves, in order to raise much needed funds for the completion of the project.

Actor Diether Ocampo was also present to show his support for this worthy cause. He even bought a piece of artwork which he hotly fought for during the auction. The event was spearheaded by Anthony Pangilinan, Executive Director for Juvenile Rehabilitation of the PLDT Smart Foundation and DLSU-D and HSI President Bro Gus Boquer, FSC. Local government and police officials were also present to show their support for the project. After all, they too are important partners in implementing the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.

The luncheon spectacle was capped by a wonderful performance of the Kundirana 2009 group from La Salle Greenhills.

It’s our calling

Completion of the Bahay Pag-asa is still on going and still waiting for more generous donors and benefactors. We hope that with this, those who would like to support this great cause would be encouraged to do so. It all starts by getting in touch with the PLDT Smart Foundation or DLSUD.

Together, let us build a better future for our children, especially those who are at risk and in conflict with the law.

LCDC Blood Letting: Dugo mong alay, pansagip-buhay

jhay — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 02:00:26 +0000

Last Wednesday, my fellow SERVE Volunteers assisted the Health team of the Lasallian Community Development Center in conducting this month’s blood letting activity entitled “Dugo mong alay, pansagip buhay.” (More photos here)

Blood letting or finding students from DLSUD who’d volunteer to donate part of their blood to replenish the stocks of the University Medical Center’s blood bank has been a traditional volunteer work here in university.

The usual goal for each blood letting activity is to fill 60 bags of blood, each having a capacity of 500cc or 500mL of blood. The toughest part for us SERVE Volunteers is to find those who are willing to donate their blood. We try almost any legal means to encourage our fellow students in donating part of their blood. From using moral persuasions of being able to help saving lives to the material comfort of a free meal just for them to donate part of their blood.

Of course, those who step up must qualify legally, meaning they have to be 18 years old and above and medically, they must weigh at least 100lbs, must be in good health and definitely have not consumed alcohol for the past 48 hours.

Once they qualify, they fill-up the standard forms, our blood letting team, who are trained medical personnel, take some tests like blood typing, then proceed to drawing part of their blood.

This part, where the needle is inserted into a vein on their arm is the most nerve-wracking moment of the experience as told by those who have donated their blood. Filling up the bag with almost 500cc with blood could take any where from half an hour to almost two hours depending upon the condition of the donor. Some remain conscious and very alert all throughout some doze off half-way. All of them are satisfied that their little sacrifice will save hundreds of lives in the future. Almost all of them would return to donate some more once their bodies have replaced the donated blood.

Over-all, this simple act of charity and generosity is what makes us truly human and Lasallian.

On the case of the De La Salle – Dasma professor arrested for attempted rape

jhay — Sun, 19 Oct 2008 14:04:46 +0000

This has been talked about among members of the De La Salle University – Dasmariñas, but to set things straight I quote in full text the news report from ABS-CBN News online

La Salle-Dasma prof held for attempted rape

A university professor was arrested by policemen in Dasmariñas, Cavite, for allegedly luring his student into sex in exchange of a passing grade.

Dasmariñas policemen arrested Arnel Sanchez, criminology professor at the De La Salle University in Dasmariñas, in front of a motel, where he was supposed to meet his 17-year-old student Thursday night.

Before the arrest, the student went to the Dasmariñas Police Station and showed policemen Sanchez’s text messages. One message said: “Ready kna ba? Ok lng ba mag sesex tyo? (Are you ready? Is it okay if we have sex?)”

The victim told the police that her professor had been bugging her about sex and threatening to give her dropping grades if she refuses.

Charges are being readied against the professor.

So the cat is out of the bag, and the accused in jail. What could possibly be one of the worst public relations and most scandalous news De La Salle University – Dasmarinas be involved

This issue of faculty, asking for bribes, favors and even sexual pleasure from students who fail in their subjects is not someting new. Just like the underground student sex trade, high-profile cases of plagiarism and corruption in the University, this recent scandal is just but a confirmation that things are not so green and white, holy and just, Lasallian and Christian in DLSUD. Indeed, foul, dark and evil things do exist within the campus.

I’ve heard so many times from faculy I know that this things should be kept within the campus or amongst our selves, meaning we should not even talk about it like the way we talk about the latest episode of Bubble Gang or Dyesbel, because this would do harm to the name of the University.

I say, that’s a ton of bull! Why protect the repuation of the University, a supposedly Catholic and rabid Lasallian University when one of its own faculty does something evil, something so inhuman, so unbecoming of an academic, so un-Christian and so un-Lasallian to one of its very own student?!

I say that the best way to protect the name of the University is for the University itself to have the courage to face the issue squarely and in full accordance of the laws of the land and the teachings of the Catholic faith.

The Administration should conduct a thorough investigation of this matter. Impartiality and objectivity must guide the said investigation and cover ups, compromises or even appeasements must not be tolerated just to save the name of the University. It’s already embarrasing and a PR disaster for this controversy to reach media but it would be a far bigger mistake and sin to be completely silent about this issue. It may tarnish the name of the University today but it will protect the interests and welfare of the students and in effect the institution’s own in the long run. That’s what the University is for, right?

The Faculty Association must police and clean-up its own ranks. I’ve seen them struggle so hard to fight for their rights and benefits but I’d like to see them be more adamant and steadfast in proving that as Lasallian and Christian educators, they’re not only being employed to teach minds but also to safe guard and promote the dignity, welfare and interests of us their students. If not, they don’t have the right to invoke the principle of “loco parentis” (meaning second parents) whenever they exert their authority on us students.

The University Student Council must do something more tangible, concrete and positive like extending assistance to the victim as well as to the other students who have long been victims of corruption, abuse and neglect by faculty. It is their mandate to protect and be at the front lines of defending, promoting and upholding the rights and welfare of the students. It is the very reason why they were in office to begin with. If they fail to do so, then they should follow in the footsteps of their former President and resign.

For all students of De La Salle University Dasmariñas, we must never be afraid and be constantly vigilant in protecting, promoting and advancing our rights and interests as students. Let us not forget that we are the very reason why the University exists, we must never forget that it is our good parents’ hard-earend money that keeps the University running, the Brothers are well-fed and are able to do their mission, its administrators and faculty making a living so that they would be our “second parents” and partners in becoming complete human beings through that much touted Lasallian education, not some evil and corrupt individuals using as us students to satisfy their immoral, inhuman and dastardly wants and whims.

On behalf of Lasallian students who would not shrink into silence and passivity, on behalf of those who believe and struggle for justice and goodness, and on behalf of those who believe in the Lasallian values, I say that we as part of the DLSUD community stand up and face this issue squarely and without pretensions or compromises, let due processes take its course, our laws, though could be harsh, be followed and implemented and the Lasallian values of spirit of faith, zeal for service and communion in mission be given full fruition and kept burning alive in our hearts.

Let justice be done! Animo La Salle!

Jun Lozada – Krus ng Katotohanan

jhay — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 06:21:54 +0000

It’s been a long while since my last update here in The Four-eyed Journal. The last few weeks of the school year has just been too much that it has taken up a great deal of my time. Nonetheless, since this post comes during the Lenten season and it is a time for reflection not just about our faith but also among a lot of many other things, I’d like to share a video that I hope would be a good source or inspiration for all of us to reflect on.

It is a video of Mr Jun Lozada sharing his reflections on why he has come out to tell the truth despite the dangers, perils, criticisms and obstacles hurled against him from the time he has worked in the government up to now that he has stood up for the truth. It was taken in a forum in La Salle Greenhills last March 4, 2008, in which we Lasallians from Dasmariñas, Cavite finally made it out of our province to join our fellow Lasallians and Mr Jun Lozada himself for a gathering for truth, honesty, justice and accountability.

In this sharing that lasted for almost 30 minutes, Jun Lozada brought up the following points that would be good bases for our Lenten reflection:

Apathy and indifference has pervaded our society. Even the Catholic Church has become indifferent to the truth, or the lack thereof, and the corruption in government.
Corruption in government is a form of business. And if you would “rock the boat”, no body would do business with you again.
Most are afraid to carry the torch of light because the very first thing to be illuminated is one’s own self thereby exposing one’s sins and dirty image.
Conscience is the driving force for someone to brave the odds and do what is right and doing something for the truth.
Carry the light of truth and those who thrive in darkness, corrupting others, will reject and even destroy you.
If you will fill your heart with the light of goodness, then there will be no place for a shadow in you.
Act with compassion, not with hatred, because compassion for those who suffer, who are oppressed, who are victims of injustice and corruption will be the reason for our collective constant struggle for change and a better tomorrow. The removal of an evil empire is simply a consequence of this compassion-driven movement.

I hope many will find a gem or two in this video and in these points of reflection. If you happen to find some more, do share them for everyone’s benefit.

Everyone wake up! Time to face the truth

jhay — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 01:10:02 +0000

Today, Friday, March 7, 2008 marks the 1st week anniversary (naks!) of the suppression and blatant violation of the Constitutional Rights to the freedoms of abode, information, speech and peaceable assembly of the 85 students, faculty and some administrators of De La Salle University – Dasmariñas at the hands of the Bacoor PNP. And don’t forget the harassment and putting our lives and safety at risk thanks to their UDJ-297 White Tamaraw FX. Which I may add, was parked at the Bacoor Police Sub-Station at Talaba, Bacoor, Cavite last Tuesday morning and was seen going around Zapote later that afternoon.

We struggle even in our own campus

Our tragic experience last February 29, 2008 has been made known to the whole country thanks to our own small efforts which have been magnified by the media. The next logical step to do is file formal charges against the Bacoor PNP. That’s what almost everyone is expecting. The question is, will the 85 Lasallians from Dasmariñas, Cavite do so? A majority of us 85 are willing to do just that, however, by the nature of how our University works internally plus the socio-political climate in campus, we are forced to take things in much more reflective and slow manner.

The reasons for such are valid and true. However to my beloved DLSU-D administrators, undecided faculty and “snakes in the grass” let me re-echo one classic maxim about law and justice: “Justice delayed, is justice denied.”

To add further appeal, let me share that prayer that has been the battle-cry of Lasallians who have come out in support of Jun Lozada and the crusade for truth and justice:

Let me be the change I want to see
to do with strength and wisdom all that needs to be done
and become the hope I can be

Set me free from my tears and hesitations
Grant me courage and humility
Fill me with Spirit to face the challenge
and start the change I long to see

Even if I am not the light
I can be the spark
In faith, service and communion
let us start the change we want to see
The change that begins in me

Live, Jesus, in our hearts FOREVER!

It saddens and frustrates me to know and experience first-hand that the very teachers, professors, and administrators all educators in one way or another who have been lecturing us to do the right thing, to fight for our rights, to stand for what is truth and just, to grow up into the righteous leaders of this nation, to become true Lasallians enliving the Lasallian mission and the three core values of faith, zeal and communion in mission to be the first ones to silence us, coil up and let the February 29 tragedy pass on by as if it had never happened.

However, I believe there is still hope. And we, the 85 victims: your fellow students, faculty and administrators will show you that there is hope.

Continuing the struggle outside campus

If the criticisms from inside our very own campus is not enough, which is normal in an academic setting, we have also been engaged by individuals and groups from the public who have sent us emails, sms and made comments in our blogs that range from fair criticisms, defense of GMA to downright behavior that is no different, even worse than what the Bacoor PNP has done to us.

I say to each and everyone of you; much thanks for the added insight and the healthy conversation. I respect your positions and opinions however, it’s time to wake up, re-think your stances and face the truths:

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is “evil” and corrupt. From the “Hello, Garci” scandals, to the extra-judicial killings of activists and journalists, the overpriced government projects and the envelopes to Congressmen and the bishops, up to the NBN-ZTE controversy today. Add to that the treatment of her allies and loyalists, in particular the local government of Bacoor which was given to us last February 29, 2008 at Daang Hari and then at Niog, Bacoor.

You defend her by saying that Jun Lozada is a hypocrite and was once part of the system. True, Jun Lozada said so himself. We believe him, and we also believe that more must be exposed and confessed about the NBN-ZTE controversy by the other officials and individuals who were involved in the issue.

“Let he who has no sin, cast the first stone.”

Again, we’re not talking about Jun Lozada here, we’re talking about the “bukol” (lumps) in government projects and contracts. We’re talking about the exchange of “200″ between government officials in a fancy golf course. We’re talking about the Chief Executive Officer of this Republic, who has ~~sworn to lie, cheat, steal and kill~~, defend the Constitution and uphold the laws of this land who has knowledge and direct participation in of all of these irregularities but has done absolutely nothing to remedy all of it, as prescribed in our laws.

“It’s not the economy, stupid!”

You defend her by saying that she has done well for the economy of the country. I say again, wake up!

You harp and banner the 7.3 percent growth in our GDP, the fastest in 31 years so they say, but have you really taken a second look at it? Or have you swallowed more of this administration’s propaganda designed to deceive and fool us all about GMA’s “enchanted kingdom”?

Even a government agency, the National Statistical Coordination Board (NCSB) has reported that poverty in the country worsened in 2006 which only proves that the claim of Malacañang of an improving economy is false.

According to the NSCB, 32.9% of the population, or 27.6 million Filipinos, are poor, nearly three percentage points higher than the 30% reported in 2003. This was computed using an annual poverty threshold of P15,057.

So again, borrowing the government’s own tag line; “ramdam mo na ba ang pag-asenso?” Let’s hear the 27.6 million poor Filipinos answer that. If Arbet’s mother has been complaining about increased prices of some goods, I’ve been lamenting the constant shrinkage of the pandesal and it’s increased price from 1 peso to 2 pesos, all during the term of Gloria Macapgal-Arroyo!

Lastly, Peter Wallace wraps up all of this eloquently:

We have an economy today that is skewed to favor a few. The growth is not widespread and is not reaching the bulk of the people. It is an economy that is losing its middle class (it shrank in 2007). One could say that it takes time to reduce the huge inequality that exists, or that the momentum toward that is there. But after six and a half years, surely there should have been some improvement, not a worsening.

I told ya, it’s time to face the facts.