• April 1 - April. 30, 2010 • Volume 11 No. 8 • The official newsletter of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde

SMIT Dean Benhur Ong in the hot seat!

The Trails of the Blazers

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Count me in!Count me in!

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The people’s right to suffrage is guaranteed by the 1987 Philippine Constitution which states that “Suffrage may be exercised by all citizens of the Philippines otherwise not disqualified by law” (Art. V, Section 1). It is also embodied in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant and Civil Political Rights (ICCPR).

These documents give emphasis on the universality of the right to suff rage. The basis of government authority is the will of the people, and this is exercised in the process of electi ng public offi cials. Electi on is a formal democrati c exercise and the essence of democracy. It is a vehicle for transformati ve and democrati c governance.

However, conduct of electi ons in the Philippines has been characterized by massive electi on fraud and violence. Behaviors, atti tudes and actual practi ces of voters and politi cians before, during and aft er electi ons contribute to the deplorable situati on. This can be refl ected in patronage politi cs. A common element of patronage politi cs is “utang na loob.” For example, a politi cian grants special favors such as doling out funds, giving jobs, approving contracts. Those who receive these special favors would feel indebted and eventually be pressured to support the politi cian. It can also be a powerful politi cian or a business group funding the campaign of a candidate and when the latt er is in positi on, the only acceptable way to return the favor is to support the politi cal and economic agenda of his benefactors.

For ordinary Filipinos, supporti ng a candidate is an investment that should be perceived as a personal favor. There are expectati ons that when the candidate is in power, they would help them by giving out donati ons and scholarships, att end functi ons, or even provide a positi on in government. As a result, electi on becomes a personality contest with the voters looking at the popularity of the candidate rather than their performance, qualifi cati ons and program of acti ons of candidates as basis for voti ng.

An electi on victory means unlimited access to government funds, having the power to disburse and allocate funds, develop projects and earn from it. Next page, please

Benildean Pride

• Page 2 • April 1- April 30, 2010 •e r s p e c t i v e

Elections in the Philippines

A1937

Sectoral struggle and politi cal parti cipati on were only realized in 1937 when Act 4112, granti ng women the right of suff rage, was implemented and when the peasant movements gained meaningful parti cipati on in politi cal parti es and in the fi lling of government positi ons. 1946

The fi rst democrati c electi on aft er World War II was the 1946 electi on for President and Vice-President of the Republic, members of the Senate and of the House of Representati ves. From then on, the country operated on a two-party system wherein two major politi cal parti es, the Nacionalista Party and the Liberal Party, fi gured in succeeding electi ons. 1972

Ferdinand Marcos declared Marti al Law. The 1935 Consti tuti on was scrapped, an Interim Batasang Pambansa was created and a new (1973) Consti tuti on was adopted.Marti al Law period

1978 electi on for the Interim Batasang Pambansa. Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) became the administrati on party. The electi on was claimed to be towards restorati on of old politi cal order but Marcos’ purpose was to gain legiti macy for his unpopular administrati on and to create a rubber stamp legislature. The exercise defi ed democrati c procedures, and was characterized by rampant electoral manipulati on done by the Marcos government to ensure victory.1983

Assassinati on of Ninoy Aquino.1986

Snap electi ons characterized by electi on manipulati ons

Aside from the economic gains, electi on victory is also equated to having unlimited politi cal and social powers without accountability. With so much to gain, massive electi on fraud and violence are employed to ensure victory.

The 2010 Nati onal Electi ons will be historic and criti cal for the country. Historic because it will be the fi rst automated electi on in the country. The process of voti ng, counti ng, transmission and canvassing of votes will be automated, a method that the Commission on Electi ons (COMELEC) ensures will speed up the electi on

process. However, questi ons have been raised about COMELEC’s credibility to put measures in place measures to protect the electi on process from massive fraud and cheati ng.

The country is at a crossroad. It is criti cal that the incoming President has the qualiti es to lead the nati on in improving the lives of millions of Filipinos through socio-politi cal and economic policies that are based on social justi ce and human rights. The incoming President will also have the challenging task of rebuilding democrati c insti tuti ons that have been damaged through ti me and

of restoring the people’s trust in these insti tuti ons.

Thus, it is important that we parti cipate in the 2010 Electi ons by voti ng according to our conscience and volunteering for organizati ons that work for clean and peaceful electi ons such as volunteering as Citi zen Reporter for Bantay Eleksyon. An informed, acti ve and vigilant electorate is the best safeguard in ensuring the credibility of the electi on process and results.

For more informati on, please contact the Center for Social Acti on at 526-7441 loc 258or 266.

Count me in!Count me in! From page 1

and irregulariti es. These and the worsening social and politi cal order resulted in the EDSA revoluti on which led to collapse of KBL, ouster of Marcos and installati on of Cory Aquino as President.1987-1988

Aquino’s program of bringing back democracy and politi cal stability comprised three major electoral exercises: nati onal plebiscite for the approval of the 1987 Consti tuti on, electi on of members of Congress and local electi ons in 1988. The 1987 Consti tuti on provided for a multi -party system.1992

First presidenti al electi ons under the 1987 consti tuti on. Main campaign issue was anti -trapo or traditi onal politi cs. Fidel Ramos won as President and Joseph “Erap” Estrada as Vice President.1995

Congressional and local electi ons; Dagdag-bawas (subtracti ng votes from one candidate and adding them to another) as a form of fraud was widely practi ced.1998

Estrada, won the presidency with a popular support of 38%. The fi rst party-list electi on was held.2000

An impeachment case against Estrada was fi led.2001

EDSA Dos, a repeat of the 1986 People Power, ousted Estrada, and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo became the new president.2004

President Arroyo had become so unpopular that, by 2004, she only narrowly won over her closest rival, actor-turned politi cian Fernando Poe, Jr.

A system of election was first practiced in the Philippines during the Spanish and American colonial period. The process, however, was limited only to male, educated, and landed voters and was more ceremonial rather than a genuine democratic mechanism.

Next page, please

• Page 3 • April 1- April 30, 2010 •e r s p e c t i v e

>>>Images from htt p://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/component/content/arti cle/43-headlines/6553-mariano-photo-exhibit-at-rp-center-in-ny.html

2005 In June 2005, President Arroyo was

confronted by the “Hello, Garci” controversy, wherein her alleged taped conversati ons with COMELEC Commissioner Garciliano with the intent of rigging the electi ons was leaked to the media. This generated large street demonstrati ons, reminiscent of EDSA I and II.

2007While President Arroyo was able to stay

in power, she was not able to endear herself to the majority of the people, resulti ng in a resounding victory for the oppositi on in the senatorial electi ons of 2007.

The 2007 electi ons also signaled the entry of trapos into the party-list system, which drew signifi cant votes away from the top performers in the party-list electi ons.

From:“Your Vote. Our Future. A Primer on Citi zen Parti cipati on in Electi on” by the Insti tute of Politi cal and Electoral Reform and Consorti um on Electoral Reforms (CER) and Insti tute for Politi cal and Electoral Reform, 2003 & 2010.

How to Vote

in an

Automated

Election

System

Elections in the Philippines

Conti nued from page 2 1. Check your precinct number

before May 10. Make a kodigo or

list of candidates you want to vote

for. On Election Day, go to your

precinct early.

2. Look for your name. Bring your

voter’s ID or any valid ID.

or

be

3. Present yourself to the Board of Election Inspectors

(BEI) to get a ballot.

4. Listen to the BEI’s instructions on how to properly fill up

the ballot.

5. Receive the ballot. Make sure it is empty and unmarked

on both sides.

6. Proceed to the voting area and fill up the ballot.

a. Completely shade the oval.

b. Do not make unnecessary markings on the ballot.

c. Remember: DO NOT OVERVOTE!

*Overvoting is when you choose more candidates than the number

of slots that need to be filled up for a particular position.

7. Take your ballot to the counting machine and feed it into

the machine. Wait for the confirmation message on the screen.

8. Return to the BEI for indelible inking.Source: www.gmanews.tv; www.comelec.gov.ph

Benilde’s PrideSchool of Design and Arts (SDA) alumnus and former faculty member Michael Mariano, launched an exhibit enti tled “Philippines: Sky Is the Limit” at the Philippine Center in Fift h Avenue, New York. His exhibit featured the best scenery, lifestyle and culture from around the Philippines and ran from March 29 to April 9.

Arti cles on his exhibit may be viewed through the following links:• htt p://lifestyle.inquirer.net/homeandentertaining/homeandent-ertaining/view/20100421-265492/New-York-photo-exhibit-show-cases-Philippine-culture-scenery• htt p://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/component/content/arti cle/43-headlines/6553-mariano-photo-exhibit-at-rp-center-in-ny.html

FootballThe football team placed 2nd in the UNIGAMES and

bested San Beda in the NCAA. This is the fi rst win in a football event for DLS-CSB since joining the NCAA 12 years ago. Current and Upcoming Games

The Blazers are currently playing against top schools in the UAAP, NCAA and from the provinces in Shakey’s V-League Women’s Volleyball Invitati onal Tournament and the 16th Fr. Marti n Summer Cup. The Blazers are also slated to compete in May in the Philippine Women’s Basketball League and the Filoil Flying V Basketball Tournament.

Preparati ons are also under way for the 86th NCAA Season, which starts in July with basketball. Other events featured in its 1st semester lineup include chess, table tennis (men and women), beach volleyball (men and women), swimming (men and women), taekwondo (men and women) and cheerleading.

In the 2nd semester NCAA events, featured sports events include football, lawn tennis (men and women), badminton (men and women), indoor volleyball (men and women), and athleti cs.

For updates on the Blazers’ performances and schedule of games, you may contact the Sports Development Offi ce at 526-7441 loc. 255 or 319.

• Page 4-5 • April 1- April 30, 2010 •e r s p e c t i v e

Achievements

The

For the fi rst ti me in 14 years, the Blazers became the overall champion of the 14th Philippine University Games (UNIGAMES). The Blazers are also the 2nd overall champion in the 85th Nati onal Collegiate Athleti c Associati on (NCAA) and 40th Women’s Nati onal Collegiate Athleti c Associati on (WNCAA).

Results in the sports events within the diff erent tournaments were also very rewarding. These include:Lawn Tennis

The men’s lawn tennis is this year’s champion in the Milo All-Students tennis tournament, while the the women’s lawn tennis team placed 2nd to DLSU. The women’s lawn tennis loss to DLSU was recovered at the UNIGAMES when they beat DLSU twice coming from the losers’ bracket. The men’s lawn tennis championship at the UNIGAMES was also as exciti ng because in the 1st round, our team lost to DLSU and was sent to the losers’ bracket and had to beat DLSU twice to become the champions. Table Tennis

Our women’s table tennis won the championship for the 5th consecuti ve year and are looking very good for the next NCAA season. They also won in the UNIGAMES, coming back from a loss last year.

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Photos courtesy of Ana Arce, Daphne Oliveros, Gerard Teaño, JC Salamat and the Sports Development Offi ce.

It was an exciting and rewarding year for the DLS-CSB Blazers as they scored major points in major college athletic competitions in the country.

- With reports from the Sports Development Offi ce

The achievements of the diff erent teams for school year 2009-2010

NCAA Standing Points Remarks1. Basketball (Men’s) 8th 12.6 Tied with 2 other schools2. Badminton (Men’s) 2nd n.a. Demo sport3. Badminton (Women’s) Champion n.a. Demo sport4. Chess (Men’s) 2nd 35.0 Champs: pervious season5. Football (Men’s) Champion 30.0 1st ti me in 12 years since entry to the NCAA6. Lawn Tennis (Men’s) 2nd 35.0 2nd: previous season7. Swimming (Men’s) 2nd 25.0 2nd: previous season8. Swimming (Women’s) Champion n.a. Demo sport9. Soft Tennis (Women’s) 2nd n.a. Demo sport10. Table Tennis (Men’s) 2nd 35.0 Champs: previous season11. Table Tennis (Women’s) Champion 25.0 Champs: 5 peat12. Taekwondo (Men’s) Champion 25.0 Champs: previous season13. Taekwondo (Women’s) 2nd n.a. Demo sport and champs: previous season14. Track and Field (Men’s) 5th 25.0 3rd: previous season15. Volleyball-Beach (Men’s) 2nd 30.0 2nd: previous season16. Volleyball-Beach (Women’s) 2nd 30.0 2nd: previous season17. Volleyball-Indoor (Men’s) 5th 15.0 3rd: previous season18. Volleyball-Indoor (Women’s) 2nd 40.0 2nd: previous seasonOverall Standing 2nd 321.60 Champions: 83rd and 84th season; lost by 3.4 pts.

WNCCA Standing Points Remarks1. Basketball 2nd 2. Volleyball 7th Will not join next season; to be replaced by futsal3. Badminton 2nd 4. Swimming 2nd 5. Cheerdance Champion Lost by 1 point last season; last championship 2002Overall Standing 2nd

UNIGAMES Standing Points Remarks1. Basketball (Men’s) 5th n.a. 2. Basketball (Women’s) 3rd Bronze 1st ti me to join in 14 years3. Badminton (Men’s) 3rd Bronze 1st ti me to join in 14 years4. Badminton (Women’s) 2nd Silver 1st ti me to join in 14 years5. Chess (Men’s) Champion Gold Champs: previous season6. Football (Men’s) 2nd Silver 2nd ti me to join in 14 years7. Lawn Tennis (Men’s) Champion Gold 8. Lawn Tennis (Women’s) Champion Gold 9. Swimming (Men’s) 4th n.a. 10. Swimming (Women’s) 3rd Bronze 11. Table Tennis (Men’s) 3rd Bronze 12. Table Tennis (Women’s) Champion Gold 13. Taekwondo (Men’s) 3rd Bronze 14. Taekwondo (Women’s) 3rd Bronze 15. Track and Field 2nd Silver 16. Volleyball-Indoor (Men’s) 5th n.a. 17. Volleyball-Beach (Men’s) 5th n.a. 18. Volleyball-Beach (Women’s) 5th n.a. Overall Standing Champion 4 Gold, 3 Silver, 6 Bronze

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• Page 6 • April 1- April 30, 2010 •e r s p e c t i v e

The Ask Anything Campaign is a secti on of the perspecti ve that allows members of the community, parti cularly students, to have their questi ons answered by a featured administrator. Administrators may choose to answer at least fi ve questi ons and these will be printed in the perspecti ve. Any additi onal questi ons and answers will be published in the DLS-CSB Intranet.

To see additi onal questi ons asked of Dean Ong and his answers to them, go to htt p://intranet.dls-csb.edu.ph

The May issue’s featured Administrator will be Ms. Veronica Templo-Perez, Dean of the School of Deaf Educati on and Applied Studies. Questi ons for Dean Perez may be sent to mco@dls-csb.edu.ph, with [Ask Dean Perez] in the subject line, on or before May 17, 2010 (Monday).

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DDLS-CSB’s School for Management and Information Technology (SMIT) trains students to become competitive managers, entrepreneurs and program developers who can hit the ground running as they graduate and enter their respective industries. The team of faculty and staff that ensure the School’s quality education and relevance to today’s industries is led by Dean Benhur Ong.

Dean Benhur Ong

What improvements do you wish to see in your school? In the College?

I would like to see more acti ve community service involvement from both faculty and students. We are working to off er more opportuniti es for student and faculty involvement for sustainable community service acti viti es next school year.

What has been your most signifi cant accomplishment in your career as Dean of SMIT?

It would be ensuring acti ve industry parti cipati on in the various acti viti es of the School from curriculum development, to student / faculty exposure trips, to industry- sponsored classes and parti cipati on in academic acti viti es. Of course these acti viti es will not be possible without the help of the whole SMIT team. From the chairs, faculty and program staff along with the att ached professional organizati ons of SMIT, everybody helps out to ensure we deliver quality educati on that matches the needs of industry.2

1In IT competi ti ons, SMIT-led teams have been steady competi tors and have won a lot of accolades for the school. How do you maintain the school’s drive to compete?

We start our students as soon as they enter the School. During their orientati on, they are briefed on SMIT’s expectati ons from them. Chairpersons and faculty members, through their industry and academe partners, identi fy competi ti ons and strongly encourage our students to parti cipate. Our faculty members are also acti ve parti cipants as they mentor our students throughout the competi ti ons. We also encourage our undergrad students to att end the Best Final Academic Project Competi ti ons where our industry partners are the judges. Through these various acti viti es, our students are able to draw inspirati on and insight from upperclassmen and SMIT’s industry partners.

How does SMIT intend to popularize and expand its CDP programs?

The Career Development Program (CDP) will conti nue to off er quality Business Management and Marketi ng Management degree programs to working students by capitalizing on the strength of CDP’s faculty base. SMIT intends to increase the number of students by increasing the number of scholars via the Blessed Arnould Scholarship Assistance Program (BASAP) and partnering with companies in targeted industries to off er off -campus classes in the near future.

What areas of collaborati on with other schools would you like SMIT to explore further?

SMIT currently has a solid collaborati on eff ort with SDA in the BS-Informati on Technology with Specializati on in Game Design Development program. We also collaborate with the other Schools for their IT course needs. We will also be studying cross-discipline fi nal academic projects to enhance the learning experience of our students.

• Page 7 • April 1- April 30, 2010 •e r s p e c t i v e

Calendar of Activities, 1st Term SY 2010-2011For schedule updates and further inquiries, please contact the Offi ce of the Registrar at 526-7441 to 47, locals 103, 108, 160, 161 or 162.

May 29, 2010 Sat Last day of payment without surchargeMay 31 Mon Start of ClassesJune 12 Sat Last day of payment with surcharge Last day of dropping with refundJune 14 Mon Independence Day (No classes)June 15 Tues Start of applicati on for shift ing (Forms are available on the fi rst day ofclasses)June 15-July 2 CCS endorsement period to CLPA for shift ingJune 16 Wed Orientati on for graduati ng students (Date not applicable to HRIM students) Start of fi ling of request for evaluati on of records for graduati ng studentsJune 17, 21, 23, Shift ing test schedules28July 1, 5June 24 Thurs Araw ng Maynila (No classes)June 30 Wed Last day of fi ling of request for evaluati on of records for graduati ng studentJuly 1 Thurs Last day of releasing of shift ing formsJuly 5 Mon Last day of submission of approved withdrawal forms to the ROJuly 12-17 Midterm Examinati on WeekJuly 15 Fri Last day of submission of approved shift ing/tracking forms to the ROJuly 19-24 Online enlistmentJuly 24 Sat Midterm grades due at the ROJuly 26-31 Online course approvalAug 9-13 Online enrollmentAug 13 Fri Feast Day of Saint Benilde Last day of submission of approved returnee form to the ROAug 20 Fri Last day of submission of Lett er of Intent (LOI) to graduateAug 23 Mon Ninoy Aquino Day (No classes)Aug 30 Mon Nati onal Heroes Day (No classes)Aug 31 Tues Will follow once a week Thursday class schedule onlySept 1 Wed Will follow Monday scheduleSept 2 Thurs Will follow Monday scheduleSept 3-9 Final Examinati on WeekSept 11 Sat Course cards distributi on/Final grades due at the ROSept 12-19 Term BreakSept 13-18 Course Adjustment periodSept 20 Mon Last day for change of grade request for graduati ng studentsSept 27 Mon Last day for change of grade request for non-graduati ng studentsOct 30 Sat Commencement Exercises

Erratum:In the last issue of the perspecti ve, we referred to the Superior General as Br. Alvaro Rodriguez Echeverria FSC, assuming that “Echeverria” is his family name. However, Br. Alvaro writes his name in the Spanish way, in which the surname is followed by the maternal name. “Rodriguez” is his family name, and “Echeverria” is his mother’s surname.

OOPS!

DThis one-month celebrati on aimed to promote and to expand the rich cultural heritage of the

Philippines, and to raise awareness of social issues that enrich the interests of arti sts and art enthusiasts.

Acti viti es were featured such as festi val competi ti ons, which highlighted the producti on skills of student arti sts and festi val performances that featured the talents of students and guest performers such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Pasinaya 2010, Harmony of Hearts and Voices – a Valenti ne Concert with Mr. Jose Mari Chan, Masterworks and Worship Concert by the Center for Lasallian Ministry (CLM) and Offi ce of Culture and Arts (OCA).

Another event held was the 4th Tanghal, a Nati onal University and College Theater Festi val with a theme “Dula ng Kabataan para sa Mapagpalayang Kaalaman”. With this,

three acti viti es were featured: Tanghal, an annual theater festi val for university-based theater groups in the Philippines; TANGHALin Special Events which is a series of theater

shows and acti viti es simultaneously happening in the regions, an exhibit display of regional theater documents, memorabilia, materials, and mini-performances from

selected university theater groups in Metro Manila and TANGHALan ng Mag-aaral Nati onal University Theater Conference, a forum on contemporary university

theater issues, problems, programs, arti sti c processes, technology, etc.Now on its fi ft h year, the Lasallian Arts Month off ered these cultural and

creati ve works to insti ll awareness to the current generati on to its identi ty as a people and empower its audience in taking acti ve role in initi ati ng

social transformati on for a bett er tomorrow. It is a collaborati ve att empt to restore hope and inspirati on in the immediate Lasallian community

and its external Manila community through the powerful medium of the arts.

• Page 8 • April 1- April 30, 2010 •e r s p e c t i v e

e r s p e c t i v e

The perspective is published monthly by the Marketing and Communications Office. The perspective welcomes contributions from the DLS-CSB community. Coordinate with Ms. Carrie de Guzman for par ticulars and appropriate ar rangements. The perspective reserves the right to edit ar ticles submitted for publication. Direct all concerns to the MCO, 536-6752 local 117, or e-mail mco@dls-csb.edu.ph.

Marketing and Communications Office9th floor SDA CampusDe La Salle-College of Saint Benilde950 P. Ocampo St., Malate, Manila, Philippines 1004

Talents Ruled in Lasallian Arts MonthDe La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and De La Salle University presented the annual Lasallian Arts Month with the theme “Sinag Sining” last February. It showcased the talents, the knowledge and the enthusiasm of the Lasallian community in the field of arts through performances, seminars, workshops, films and exhibitions.

- Photos courtesy of OCA