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Listening to the speeches of the top three students who finished the Job Enabling English Proficiency (JEEP) Program gave the audience a natural high. The students exuded relaxed confidence and spoke in impeccable, clear English. They told of how the program honed their English communication skills; helped build their self-esteem; and opened their minds to greater possibilities for themselves. They were part of at least 300 pioneering students of the JEEP program coming from various colleges of the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) who were awarded certificates of completion during the first culminating activity held on April 3 at the Dr. Juanito Bruno gymnasium, WMSU campus, this city.

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Ms. Evelyn Lucefio

Graduates of the JEEP Program posing for souvenir with USAID GEM's Mr. Michael G. Langsdorf and Prof. Julie Cabato (5th and 4th from left, respectively).
JEEP is a two-year non-degree English language proficiency project of the USAID's Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) program, in partnership with WMSU and 25 other colleges and universities in Mindanao. It aims to increase the graduates' employability in industries that require English language proficiency particularly in such growing sectors as nursing, hotel and restaurant services, tourism and travel, maritime, and business process outsourcing. reason, the teachers involved underwent a training on the DynEd technology. Likewise, WMSU provides a JEEP laboratory equipped with computers in addition to USAID GEM's counterpart. Mr. Robert E. Barnes, Economic Advisor, USAID Office of Economic Development Governance, hailed WMSU President Dr. Grace J. Rebollos who willingly accepted the program in 2009, having discerned JEEP's great potential of helping make WMSU graduates, globally competitive. He was the guest of honor of the JEEP culminating activity which was also graced by Mr. Michael G. Langsdorf, Deputy Program Manager for Workforce Preparation and Governance, GEM Program which oversees the JEP Program implementation. Barnes said that years ago, it came to their attention that a large percentage of Filipino had difficulty passing English proficiency tests required of professionals applying for work abroad. He said this made his team think of ways ITURN TO PAGE 10

The following top ten graduates were given recognition: Joe James M. Alob (BSED); Kent Jestoni Q. Gabo (BSED); Evanessa Z. Villacrucis (BSED); Vickylou S. Ferrer (BSED); Wesley M. Perez (BSED); Medallon A. Rasonabe (BSED); Justine Kaye D. Rojonan (BSED); Elvin D. Enriquez (BEED); Micah Ezra N. Chang (BSED Physics) The program utilizes the and Therese Mae D. Trayvilla Dynamic Education (DynEd) (BSED) interactive modules. For this

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Now on year three after its full implementation in 2009, the Job Enabling English Proficiency Program or JEEP has significantly taken positive turns towards enhancing education that promotes a learner-centered strategy. It was a challenge for the school administration, particularly the Language Development and Resource Center to have moved forward without reservation and inked a MOA with the USAID GEM team a couple of years back. With the first batch of more than 300 graduates having completed the two-year training, there is no doubt about the success of the project. A crucial ingredient that underlies instruction in the different career pathways (nursing and other health allied courses, business process outsourcing, travel and tourism, among others) offered in the JEEP program is recognizing the learner as a unique and independent entity. All throughout the learning process modules provide computer-based interactive lessons and simulations that stimulate dynamic exchanges with the learners who gain more self-confidence as they go along. Learning in effect is experienced in varied degrees and paces well appreciated by learners even while the teachers monitor closely. Extension activities further enrich instruction as they are designed by teachers based on context and content of the pathway chosen. At the end of the training the learners are expected to have achieved proficiency in the English language and positive attitude about themselves. JEEP envisions a holistic program that hones not only the learner's English communication skill but his faith in his own individual potential which in turn can transform his entire future by leaps and bounds to compete successfully for jobs in high demand sectors. The LDRC through the leadership of Prof. Julie U. Cabato has initiated summer training for JEEP teachers in its effort to strengthen and expand the program to benefit more students in the future. The program is supervised by the Vice President for Research Dr. Milabel E. Ho and is under the auspices of the Research Development and Extension office. JEEP WMSU goes global. The three outstanding JEEP graduates (1st place Kent Jestoni Gabo, 2nd place Joe James Alob, 3rd place Evanessa Villacrusis) with Robert Barnes of the United States Agency for International Development Growth with Equity in Mindanao taken last April 2011. The photo was published in the Gold Star Daily, a foreign newspaper (Money Matters, page 12, Monday-May 9, 2011, photo at upper right)

THE UNIVERSITY BULLETIN EDITORIAL BOARD

Editorial Consultants Dr. Grace J. Rebollos
President

UBStaff Evelyn C. Luceno

Managing Editor

Dr. Felicitas F. Falcatan

VP for Academic Affairs

Ekeena O. Lim
Staff Writer

Dr. Milabel E. Ho
VP for Research, Development Extension and

Ivan Eric C. Salvador

Layout Artist

Dr. Loyda A. Bangahan

OIC-VP for Planning, Administration and Finance

Jan Paolo A. Yap Technical Staff

Dr. Lea U. Laput

Director, Public Affairs Office

All Deans and Directors Contributors Public Information Officers of the Colleges

"LA UNIVERSIDAD NA SERVICIO DEL COMUNIDAD"

Deal-Mule Talk about Rights

Philippine Deaf Resource Center (PDRC) in coordination with the Zamboanga City Deaf Federation conducted a seminar for the deaf and mute grounded on the discussion of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Treaty. The seminar was held at the Executive Building's Conference Hall, Western Mindanao State University last April 28. The seminar was first of its kind touching on the fundamental human rights of the differently-abled individuals in the city. There were twenty-two deaf and mute who participated in the seminar. Most of the participants are members of the federation. "We didn't realize the differences in signing and how they would be handling the very unfamiliar and very abstract concepts," shared by Dr. Liza Martinez, PDRC Director. Dr. Martinez gave her remarks as to how the participants took in the new concepts and ideas and she also gave her view on the situation of the deaf-mute in the city. "I've seen how intelligent they are. They are a little bit shy at first. They're very aware of their environment. As we talked about the principles of human rights, you could see on their faces that they appreciated it," she said further. Dr. Liza Martinez was the speaker during the event along with Raphael Domingo, PDRC Deaf Liaison. Some of the activities during the seminar were lectures; small group discussions of the participants' experiences of what they think are human rights violations; and output skits of their learning. "The understanding of the treaty requires additional inputs through time. And now that they have the basic idea of human rights they started to see it in their daily lives and it will give them a deeper understanding of their rights," Dr. Martinez imparted. (EKEENA O. LIM, WMSU-PA0)

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APRIL 2011 Prof. Effrendy Estipona, Dean, College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE), spearheaded the formation of the Association of Practicing Questioned Documents Examiners of the Philippines (APQDEX), the first of its kind in the country with members coming from various regions. The pioneering 13 members of the association are all registered criminologists and specialist-practitioners in examining questioned documents. They attended the Questioned Documents Specialized Skills and Competency Training held from April 3 to 16 at the Criminology Forensic Investigation and Law Enforcement Academy of the Philippines, under the Professional Academy of the Philippines in Cebu City. According to Estipona, the aim of the association is to hasten investigation involving various forms of suspected forgery, in the interest and welfare of the criminal justice system. Through the association, the members hope to pool their resources and assist each other in the expert examination of questioned documents, giving second opinions to strengthen findings. The graduates of the aforestated seminar realized that in their profession, they need each other's support especially when confronted with difficult and delicate cases. The examination of questioned documents is a branch of forensic science which deals with the study of documents when the authenticity of these is being disputed, in part or as a whole. It employs the macrophotography method, that is, using a film camera to take photos of subject documents and analyzing the

Dean Estipona organizes specialists on questioned documents

Dean Effrenddy Estipona (2nd from left) with APQDEX members and NBI R7 Regional Director Atty. Edward A. Villarta (6th from left). resulting images under a magnifier. The piece of questioned document may take the form of a land title, a piece of signature, a suicide note, and bank notes, among others. Estipona said that the CCJE has the pieces of equipment needed for questioned documents examination, as well as the expertise to do so. According to him, the college is ready to serve the public for a fee.

WMSU gets Japanese grant for new Bajau floating school

A new floating school for Bajaus will soon ply the waters of Zamboanga City. Bajau children aged seven to fifteen will once more experience the joy of learning their basic reading writing and Arithmetic. A mobile teacher from the Alternative Learning System (ALS) of the Department of Education (DepEd), this city, who knows how to speak the Bajaus' native tongue, will be assigned to teach. This was learned from Dean Lucio Somblingo of the Department of Extension Services and Community Development, Western Mindanao State University, who coordinates the project implementation together with Dr. Rufina A. Cruz, Dean, College of Social Sciences. The project will be implemented under the Office of the President. According to Somblingo, after "LA UNIVERSIDAD

finishing the first ten months of the literacy course, the pupils will take the assessment and equivalency test to be conducted by DepEd. Those who pass the examination will proceed to the next ten-month phase of the program, after which they will take the acceleration test of Dep-Ed to determine what grade or year level they are qualified to enroll in. By this time, they are DEL COMUNIDAD"

already prepared to enter formal school. Some 25 pupils each from the barangays of Taluksangay, Sangali and Maasin will be benefitted by the project. This lease on education is made possible through a grant from the Japanese government, through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security I TURN TO PAGE 10

NA SERVICIO

Basilan Government, WMSU Sign Pact lor Scholars

Hon. Hadjiman "Jim" S. Hataman-Saliman, Representative of the lone District of Basilan will send five Basilefios students on scholarship to the Western Mindanao State University-College of Agriculture. WMSU President, Dr. Grace J. Rebollos and Hataman-Saliman's Chief of Staff, Arnel Paul Abah sealed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) last March 31 during the university's post-graduation party at the Grand Astoria Hotel's Celebrity Hall. With the desire of the Department of Agriculture and the province of Basilan to strengthen the agricultural aspect of the province of Basilan, Rep. Hataman-Saliman gives away educational grants among his constituents. Among other schools, the government of Basilan preferred the university to carry on with the objectives of the project. "We [government of Basilan] believe WMSU has the capability and the capacity to lead students. We also believe in the leadership of the President and also [in] the Deanship of Dr. Salang," said Abah. Also present during the MOA signing was WMSU-College of Agriculture Dean, Dr. Eriberto D. Salang. (EKEENA O. LIM)

Nurturing future nightingales

Clad in their immaculate white uniform, 938 candidates for graduation of the College of Nursing (CN) of the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), this city, proudly marched for the 35th Pinning Ceremony held on April 9 at the Dr. Juanito Bruno gymnasium. Proud parents and guardians too were there to savor the taste of sweet success. It was a time for jubilation and nostalgia. The future nightingales eagerly marched, looking to a future full of promise and hope. At the same time, leaving the portals of dear alma mater brought back memories of joys relished and lessons learned from pains triumphantly hurdled. Ms. Franz Chezka Kathrize Ochotorena, gave the response to

likewise thanked CN Dean, Dr. Gloria Florendo,for believing in her capabilities. With tears in her eyes, she also acknowledged the unconditional love and support of her mother WMSU Dean of Admissions, the inspirational message and challenge posed by the guest Dr. Ma. Carla Ochotorena, speaker. She expressed the and of her whole family. graduating students' deep Ochotorena is one of this appreciation for the support and year's honor students which patience of their CN mentors saying, "you are the wind include Judith C. Gaan, Arvin AI F. Toribio, beneath our wings". She Princessmae R. Deloy,

Mario T. Tumacmol, Jr., Afreen S. Amerin, Maria Esperanza R. Almonte, Sarah J. Taradji, Charity F. Marquez, Jonnas W. Salvador, Allen Mar M. Jalon, Fatima Nurfaida J. Jandul, Vanessa May H. Alfaro and Annalyn A. Ibrahim. The Clinical Proficiency awardees are Fran Chezka Kathrize Ochotorena, Gold Medal with Certificate and Afreen S. Amerin, Certificate I TURN TO PAGE 10

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By: Ms. Evelyn C. Luceiio

[An alumnus of the Western Mindanao State University College of Soci~1 Work and Community Development, Mr. Teddy Kahil is currently t~ey'ntt Head of the Persons with Disability Affairs Unit (PDAU), Welfare ~/vlslon, City Social Welfare and Development Office, Zamboanga CIty.]

He is physically blind but Mean Feat nurtures a clear inner vision of hope. He lives life to the full. In 2004, Teddy was admitted to He is a source of profound the graduate program of the inspiration. Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) College of Teddy Kahil, a native of Jolo, Social Work and Community Sulu, was diagnosed with Development (CSWCD) after uviaitis on his right eye and completing the leveling subjects with optic atrophy on his left required for non-majors in eye in 1995. The sickness Bachelor of Science in Social rendered him totally blind in Work. He worked during office 1999. This was six years after days at the AVRC and studied on he earned his Bachelor of weekends. But Prof. Emerita Science in Nautical Basilio, then chair, graduate Engineering degree from the program, told him straight, "Do Zamboanga State College of not expect any special Marine Sciences and treatment." So, Teddy hurdled the Technology in 1993. rigors of earning a masters degree according to WMSU A New Purpose in Life standards, just like the rest of his classmates. Ten years later in 2003, Teddy summoned his His determination, coupled with indomitable Tausug spirit and the kindness and support of the bounced back like the people who believed in him, paid proverbial rubber ball. He off. In 2009, he defended his studied Braille and therapeutic master's thesis. He was body massage at the Area subjected to a barrage of probing Vocational and Rehabilitation questions, just like the rest of the Center (AVRC) Center III of the candidates. He recalls how Prof. Department of Social Welfare Eulyn Tangalin, then dean of and Development, Region IX in CSWCD,told him emphatically, "I Mampang, Zamboanga City. want you to be as knowledgeable He became one of the Center's as any student who graduates instructors in the same year. from this college." He passed his The AVRC gave him new hope and a higher purpose - to make life more dignified and meaningful for himself and his fellow PWDs (Persons with Disability). This prodded him to aim for higher education. He needed to equip himself with workable principles, new skills and more appropriate paradigms in order to pursue his new-found goal. thesis defense satisfactorily.

Earning a Master's Degree: No

Mr. Teddy Kahil (2nd from left) receiving his award.

the same year, which was no Service law and rules, and not mean feat for a because of their disability per visually-impaired person like se. him. Hence, Teddy doggedly Today, he is a source of pushes for more relevant courage and inspiration to skills trainings and better CSWCD masters students opportunities for PWDs to who may be struggling with attain higher education their master's thesis, and through the National Council sometimes finding it hard to of the National Anti-Poverty balance work and studies. Commission (NAPCI) and other organizations of which he is either an officer or a A Vision of Hope for PWDs member. He believes that this Teddy's master's thesis is the best way to afford which is titled "Government PWDs their rightful place in Employment Support Policies the world of work; end their for Persons with Disabilities in mendicancy; improve their lot; Zamboanga City," manifests and enhance their his deep commitment to self-respect which is their improve the lot of PWDs. birthright. Teddy has been a Through his research work, he council member of NAPCI intends to call attention to their since 2005 representing the plight. He wants individuals PWD sector of region IX, even and institutions to help make before he earned his master's life a little less difficult and degree. more meaningful for them, through appropriate and A Recognition, gainful employment. Well-Deserved Teddy received the Outstanding Visually Impaired Award (OVIA) given by the White Cane Inter-Agency Committee during the 21st White Cane Safety Day held on August 1, 2010 at the SM, North Edsa, Quezon City. The White Cane Inter-Agency Committee, / TURN TO PAGE 10

The study is anchored on the spirit of RA 7277, otherwise On March 26, 2009 Teddy known as the "Magna Carta for marched down the isle of the Dr. Persons with Disabilities". Juanito Bruno gymnasium Results of the study revealed accompanied by his wife Marilyn. that most PWDs in With humble pride and Zamboanga City are refused overwhelming joy, he received his employment by government diploma in Master in Social Work agencies because they lack Major in Clinical Social Work the necessary minimum Practice. Teddy passed the social qualifications required by job worker licensure examination in vacancies, based on Civil "LA UNIVERSIDAD NA SERVICIO DEL

APRIL 2011

CEd's SPED Center offers arts course

The Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) College of Education(CEd), through its Special Tertiary Education Program (STEP), is offering a new two-an-a-half year certificate course on Arts Management - Reverse Inclusion and Mainstreaming Education (AM-RIME), starting on the first semester of school year 2011-2012. This was learned from Ms. Virginia Palmares, head of CEd's Special Education (SPED) Resource Center which is tasked to implement the course, in collaboration with the Office of Culture and the Arts (OCTA), under its Director Dr. Roberto B. Torres, Office of the President. Meanwhile, Dr. Torres informed that AM-RIME is being implemented on the strength of WMSU Board of Regents Resolution No. 22, series of 2011 which confirmed Resolution No. 04, series of 2011 of the Academic Council, approving the then proposed AM-RIME program. As a certificate course, AM-RIME includes a two-year program for the academic courses and one semester for on-the-job-training, according to Dr. Torres. It offers regular students (non-handicapped) the chance to learn side by side with the differently-abled, he added. Hopefully, the program will enhance the potentialities of the differently-abled with the support of the regular students, while at the same time, enriching the latter's artistic capabilities. This also provides an alternative opportunity for students who do not qualify for the university admission, Dr. Torres revealed. AM-RIME has the following major courses during the first year: Elements of Art; Art History; Fundamentals of Design and Aesthetic; and Forms of Art. On the second year, major courses will include: Technical Art Design (Scenography, Lighting and Sounds); Basic Acting; Basic Dance; Photography Fundamental; Visual Designs and Video Art Techniques; and Fundamentals of Art Management. Admission requirements are: high school report card (Form 137), certificate of good moral character, birth certificate, college entrance test rating (including below 50 score), and interview with the applicant.(Evelyn Lucefio)

First CCJE research forum presents lie detection study

Prof. Mario Ritchie D. Hibionada of the College of Criminal Justice Education (CCJE) is a specialist in polygraphy. He presented his master's thesis titled, "Polygraphy in the Field of Criminal Investigation at the Zamboanga City Police Office, Its Effectiveness, Problems and Prospects", during the first CCJE Research Forum held on April 26 at the CCJE conference room. According to Hibionada, poligraphy is a field in forensic science which deals with lie detection of suspects of a criminal case. A polygraph, which is also known as lie detector, is the main instrument that a polygraphy specialist uses, he said. It tries to determine whether the subject is telling the truth or is lying while answering a series of questions, based on certain physiological indices such as blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and skin conductivity. The belief is that deceptive answers will produce physiological responses which are different from those that are associated with non-deceptive answers, Hibionada explained. The results of Hionada's study show that the conduct of polygraphic examinations in the Zamboanga City police office is effective as one of the tools in criminal investigation. It likewise showed that the major problems encountered in its implementation are: physical unreadiness of the subject; mechanical problems encountered in using the polygraph machine; and the failure of investigators handling the cases to submit complete records and documents of the cases to the polygraph examiner. Case documents are the basis of the latter in formulating the questions that he will ask the subject. Meanwhile, Vice-President for Research, Extension and Development Dr. Milabel E. Ho, in an inspirational message she delivered during the forum, challenged the participants, who were mostly students of CCJE graduate program, to develop more their thinking ability and creativity. She urged them to spur their inner dynamism and curiosity to aim for more answers to questions because, according to her, research starts simply with a nagging question that makes us start to think and investigate. The forum was organized by CCJE under its dean, Prof. Effrenddy Estipona, through the college Research Coordinator Prof. AI-Rashid T. Jama, in coordination with Dr. Julieta Tendero, Director, Research Utilization, Publication and Information Dissemination (RUPID) office, together with Prof. Ruzzel Nazario, RUPID Technical Associate. (Evelyn Lucefio)
Prof Mario

Nazario, Dir. Tendero and Dean Effrenddy Estipona.

... ~~~=======~ie~f1i§C~====== Empowering barangay

officials to fight human trafficking

Close to a hundred barangay officials coming from the 98 barangays of Zamboanga City attended the orientation on RA 9208, otherwise known as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003. It was held on April 25 at the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) Social Hall, this city. The orientation was spearheaded by WMSU, under its President Dr. Grace J. Rebollos, through the WMSU- Center for Peace and Development (WMSU-CPD) headed by its Director, Dr. Marcelina G. Carpizo; in collaboration with the Katilingban Para sa Kalambuan, Inc. (KKI) led by its Chairperson, Fr. Angel Calvo, CMF and the Executive Director, Ms. Elsa Manabat; and with the city office of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) which was represented by Mr. Taha Arakama, officer-in-charge and Ms. Annangsita S. Hassan, Local Government Operations Officer III. The activity aimed to empower barangay officials to wage war against this growing global malady by raising their awareness and deepening their understanding of the nature of the crime, as well as their role as guardians of their constituents' welfare. Dr. Marcelino G. Carpizo, WMSU-CPD director, presented a very comprehensive lecture on the salient features of RA 9208. She put a human face on the issue of human trafficking, particularly of children, by presenting a movie in caricature titled, 'Red Leaves Falling' by Monica Ray. The presentation ripped at the hearts of the participants, men and women alike. It vividly portrayed the elements of trafficking which are the act, transport and the purpose of the recruitment.

UD Editorial Board Accepts Headship

April 6, 2011 marked another high point for the University Digest (UD), the official student publication of Western Mindanao State University as the School Year 2011-2012 Editorial Board took their oath during the Induction and Turnover Ceremony at the College of Law's Moot Court of the university. Prof. Milagros F. Yosores, Dean of Student Affairs initiated the induction of officers. Prof. Yosores expressed her expectations as the pen pushers accepted the responsibility to uphold the publication's ideals and to dedicate tireless headship and commitment. Dr. Lea U. Laput, Public Affairs Office Director and also the University Digest Adviser for Technicalities graced the event and showed support to the young campus journalists. "Being elected as EIC pressures me a lot but I'm taking it as a challenge. This is not only my fight but our fight. I need you all to make Digest work," Abigail Y. Fuerzas, incoming UD Editor-in-Chief directed to her fellow journalists. The newly elected Editorial Board are as follows: Editor-in-Chief-Abigail Y. Fuerzas; Associate Editor-Leo Jess G. Baya; Managing Editor for Administration- Elson C. Ledesma; Managing Editor for Finance- Joel Gerone B. Larupay; Managing Editor for Advocacy- Marija M. Mamang; News EditorAmanda Jean R. Dalugdug; Feature Editor- Zahra Kaye A. Dapiton; and Literary Editor- Danielle Dae B. Aquino. (EKEENA O. LIM)

Carpizo informed the participants about the success stories of convictions in the city, she said, were one each in 2007, 2008 the Philippines Against Child Trafficking - Zamboanga City and the latest was in August 2010. Most of the convicted Chapter (PACT-ZCC) like the caused the first conviction, traffickers are operating under a syndicate, she added. nationwide, of a human trafficker in 2005. Subsequent Carpizo also assured the officials that they will have the full support of PACT-ZCC, particularly the local PNP's Women and Children Protection Desk, which recently intercepted 82 would-be trafficking victims at the local airport bound, allegedly for Syria, through Malaysia. The women came from various parts of the country. Since the international airports in Luzon are already tightening security measures against trafficking in person, it seems that perpetrators are now focusing on the nation's backdoor, Carpizo said. Hence, we need to be even more vigilant, she concluded. In an open forum that followed, the participants expressed utter disgust over the inhuman treatment to which victims are subjected to by their perpetrators, with impunity. Representatives of the participants expressed their unwavering belief that the crime has to be stopped now. They / TURN TO PAGE 11 NA SERVICIO DEL COMUNIDAD"

Dr. Grace J. Rebollos welcomes barangay officials.

Dr. Marcelina G. Carpizo, explains RA 9208. "LA UNIVERSIDAD

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APRIL 2011
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English Department holds critical thinking workshop

Language teachers of the English Department, College of Communications and Humanities were trained on the "Concepts and Theories on Critical Thinking and their Implications to Syllabus Design: A Focus on English and Literature Subjects". The seminar was held on April 11-12 at the College of Law Moot Court. Dr. Arnel Madrazo, head CCH-English Department, initiated the training with the support of CCH dean Dr. Estrella P. Olaer, Vice-President for Academic Affairs Dr. Felicitas F. Falcatan and WSMU President Dr. Grace J. Rebollos. Resource Scholastica the College Dr. Madrazo persons were Dr. Eduardo A. Bolanos from St. College in Manila; Dr. Aireen Barrios-Arnuco, dean of of Liberal Arts, Ateneo de Zamboanga University and himself.

PSMEDonates Instructional Materials

ZAMBASUL TA (Zamboanga-Basilan-Sulu- Tawi- Tawi) Chapter of the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) donated instructional materials to the university's College of Engineering and Technology-Mechanical Engineering Department. The turnover of the materials was held last March 31 during the university's post-graduation party at the Grand Astoria Hotel's Celebrity Hall. Chapter President, Engr. Jaydrick A. Yap together with other PSME officers led the turn-over of the materials. Engr. Yap also expressed PSME's commitment to the academe and to the university's student engineers in his delivered speech. Dr. Grace J. Rebollos, WMSU President with College of Engineering and Technology Dean, Engr. Dante Jesus P. Villareal, in turn, received the donated books from PSME. In addition, Dr. Rebollos expressed her gratitude towards PSME during the luncheon. (EKEENA O. LIM, WMSU-PAO)

Dr. Bolanos spoke "Concepts and Theories on Critical Reading Skills. He stressed that "critical thinking goes beyond basic comprehension to gain insight as you read". He also tackled the topic on the "Conceptual Framework and Report Findings of a DLSU Dissertation on Reading and Writing Skills of College Students". Dr. Madrazo, on the other hand, spoke on lesson planning. He came up with models to aid teachers come up with their own which would help promote critical thinking among students. Workshop outputs of this session were a revised syllabus each for English 101, Literature 101 (Philippine Literature, and Literature 102 (World Literature ). Dr. Arnuco, in her session, led participants in answering the question, "What do linguistic features of literary text reveal about literary meaning?". She made use of poems and a short story to do this. With the success of the seminar, Dr. Madrazo revealed his plan of conducting a similar training in October, this year, at the regional level. (Evelyn C. Luceno from a news report by Mr. Vic Larato)

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JEEP FROM PAGE 1 to be of help. "Clearly, having a degree was no longer enough for graduates to land good jobs in the growing sectors," Barnes stressed. This gave birth to the JEEP program, he revealed. "The results (of the program) show we are on the right track," Barnes said. According to him, he is very happy to hear of the story of the Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM) students of the WMSU College of Home Economics (CHE) who breezily passed the interview for internship in Singapore hotels. The students, who have undergone the JEEP Program, impressed the interviewers with their confidence and excellent English as they responded to questions. But the real test, according to Barnes, will be the actual percentage of graduates who will land good jobs in the global job market because of the English proficiency they have gained from the program.

Longakit. Engr. Antonio Angelo Limbaga, Director of WMSU's Management Information System Technology Office Ms. Judith C. Gaan led the (MISTO), is the program's Exercitus Batch 2011 in Information Technology reciting the Nightingale's Coordinator. Pledge. Meanwhile, Zamboanga City Mayor Celso L. Lobregat, through his representative, Councilor Rudy Lim, Chair of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Education Committee, lauded the JEEP Program and thanked USAID GEM for introducing it in the city. Indeed, riding high on the wings of initial success, nothing can stop the JEEP Program in WMSU from zooming to greater heights. FLOATING SCHOOL FROM PAGE 4 Meanwhile, like a homing pigeon, City Councilor Percival Ramos of the 2nd District of Zamboanga City came back to his alma mater as the event's guest of honor. Ramos finished his Bachelor of Science in Nursing in WMSU 14 years ago. He thanked his former mentors for having taught him how to love no matter what. He also congratulated the administration and the CN dean and faculty for making WMSU the 9th top ranking nursing school in the country today. To the future nightingales, he posed the challenge of becoming a healing influence in the world by practicing love and compassion in their work.

NIGHTINGALES FROM PAGE 5 of Clinical Proficiency.

APRIL 2011 VISION OF HOPE FROM PAGE 5 headed by the Department of Education, recognized the "exemplary performance and active involvement" of Teddy "as a representative of the disability group, making a difference in the lives of his fellow blind in Zamboanga through his active leadership skills in managing an organization that provides gainful employment to the visually-impaired masseurs." Teddy is the founding president of VISTA (Vision) Inc, a non-government organization that operates a massage therapy center in Zamboanga City run by blind masseurs. Teddy's current involvement in other PWD organizations include being president of the Zamboanga City Federation of the Differently-Abled Communities; regional president of the Zamboanga Peninsula Federation of PWDs; member of the Board of Trustees of AKAP Pinoy Foundation; and council member for Region IX, of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPCI).

University officials who witnessed the ceremony were WMSU President Dr. Grace J. Rebollos; Dr. Felicitas F. Falcatan, Vice President for An Office for PWDs, Academic Affairs; Dr. Ma. Carla Ochotorena, Dean of Managed by PWDs Admissions; and Dr. Gloria Florendo, Dean, College of For a year or so, Teddy signed a Memorandum of Nursing. pushed for the passage of an Most of all, he congratulated Agreement on March 25 at the ordinance that sought to LDRC Director, Prof. Julie Cabato Astoria Plaza Hotel in Manila to This year's Pinning establish the Persons with for doing a splendid job as seal the deal. Japan was Ceremony carried the theme, Disability Affairs Unit (PDAU) WMSU JEEP Program represented by the Japanese "WMSU Graduates: in the City Social and Welfare Coordinator. Prof. Cabato works Ambassador to the Philippines, Office Expanding the Frontiers of Development with a team of competent English His Excellency Makoto Katsura, Nursing Service and Social Zamboanga City. After a long teachers composed of Ms. Pilar while WMSU was represented Responsibility to the Global and hard battle with the S. Caparas, Dr. Lea U. Laput, by its President, Dr. Grace J. Panlungsod / Community". (Evelyn C. Sangguniang Prof. Myrna Joy B. Mendoza, Ms. Rebollos. Lucefio, PAO-WMSU) TURN TO PAGE 11 Alice D. Gonzales, Ms. Ruzzel L. Nazario, Ms. Susan L. Ramos, Aside from building the boat, Mr. Ericson O. Alieto, Ms. the grant amount of 19,146 US Fhadzralyn L. Aidil, Ms. dollars, or roughly four million In the banner story titled "CNN Hero Haydeliza T. Magtupa, Mr. Mark pesos, will be used to equip the Addresses WMSU Grads '11," the list of B. Selisana, Ms. May-Ridel A. boat with safety and colleges for US March should include the Pinili, Ms. Raissa M. Ponce, Ms. navigational tools. These College of Asian and Islamic Studies. The Pilar T. Rosaldo, Ms. Analine R. pieces of equipment include life Fernando, Ms. Rodita Silva, Ms. boats, life vests and fire name of the college was inadvertently omitted. Roxan R. Adrias and Ms. Czarina extinguishers, among others.

, to finance the building of a new floating school, Somblingo informed. Unlike the old boat which was made of a wooden double hull, the new boat will only have one hull made of iron. The Japanese government is offering this grant in spite of its Barnes, commended Vice own dire need to rehabilitate its President for Research, country and people after the Extension and Development Dr. killer earthquake and tsunami Milabel E. Ho under whose recently hit Japan. supervision the JEEP Program is being implemented through the The Japanese government Language Development and and the Western Mindanao Resource Center (LDRC). State University (WMSU)

Erratum:

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APRIL 2011 VISION / FROM PAGE 10
THE

and preparing differently-a bled students for the world of work.

of Zamboanga, the latter finally passed City Ordinance No. 354 which was signed by Honorable City Mayor Celso L. Lobregat on December 9, 2009. This is an important piece of legislation because, for the first time, an office for PWDs will be ran solely by qualified PWDs. What makes this successful effort of Teddy even more significant is the fact that the ordinance was passed and approved even before the signing, by then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of RA 10070 on April 6, 2010, which provides for the establishment of PDAUs in every local government unit. According to Teddy, he based his arguments during the Sangguniang Panlungsod deliberations on PADAU, on the strength of Article 13, Section 13 of the Philippine Constitution. The PDAU in Zamboanga City, according to Teddy, is the first one to be fully operationalized in Mindanao, and one of the very few, nationwide. It seems that the dilemma of some LGUs which have approved the creation of a PDAU in their locality but have not operationalized these, is the fact that LGUs can hardly find PWDs who are qualified to run the office, Teddy opines. It must be stressed, he said, that a PWD also has to satisfy at least the minimum qualifications required by civil service law and rules, to be employed in PDAU. On the contrary, Zamboanga's PDAU is currently staffed with three qualified PWDs, one of whom is a registered Social Worker and also a graduate of WMSU-CSWCD, just like Teddy.

EMPOWERING from PAGE 8

BRGY. OFFICIALS

He is especially thankful to the College of Social Work and Community Development faculty and staff for their support and encouragement which they give to PWDs like him.

likewise expressed their commitment to help protect their women and children from being victimized. For the barangay officials to enflesh this commitment, city DILG officer-in-charge Mr. Taha Arakama challenged the barangay officials to reconstitute and strengthen their respective committees on Violence Against Women. He also encouraged them to let the Barangay Committee on the Protection of Children (BCPC) map out strategies to protect women and children. To ensure that women and children concerns are well-embedded in their respective barangay development plans, Arakama asked the barangay officials to revisit this document. Most of all, he urged them to create and promote employment and increase livelihood activities in their localities.

He is also thankful for the loving support of his wife; his family; his cousin Alex Manding; his former colleagues in DSWD IX; his WMSU-CSWCD family; the special education students of Fr. Angel Calvo, CMF, likewise echoed the challenge posed by the WMSU College of Education SPED center who his fellow resource persons. He also assured the participants helped him read out his that their efforts will not be put to waste because according to master's thesis, which was him, the justice system is working in Zamboanga City. written in Braille, during his thesis defense; and to countless others to whom his gratitude is boundless. Through it all, Teddy believes that, without them, he could not have A barangay navigated successfully through official poses life's ups and downs. Most of a query. all, he bows down to Allah. An Avatar of the Indomitable Human Spirit Teddy has proven, and continues to prove, that physical disability is no deterrent to the blossoming of one's potentials and the fulfillment of one's dreams. Neither does it diminish one's capacity to serve others nor the will to do so. Despite experiences of self-doubt and moments when he was tempted to succumb to his human frailty, Teddy, a modern-day Helen Keller, is no doubt an avatar of the indomitable human spirit that is strengthened by adversity. On darker days, when the veil of cynicism and hopelessness blur our sight, let a recollection of Teddy's courage give us a glimpse of a vision of hope. Then we will taste once more life's sweetness, like nectar in a sieve. ?!+JI'S','43;f11 lu'I'SrrJ513d'4[IJ[·' Mr. Taha Arakama (front, extreme right), Officer-in-charge, city VILG office, with some of the participants.

...

A Sense of Gratitude
That is why, Teddy is profoundly grateful to WMSU headed by its President Dr. Grace J. Rebollos, and particularly the College of Education - Special Education Resource Center, for training

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2ND
Now on its 2nd year, the Requiza Students' Choice Awards, pioneering accolade of the university's College of Communications and Aside from commending Humanities-Mass media personalities, Requiza Communications Department also took the opportunity to continued to recognize the convene the different local excellence of professionals in practitioners in the the local media industry such media celebration of professionalism as in radio, television and print and to acknowledge the and artistic brilliance. As for the they were further outstanding achievements of students, motivated and inspired by their the Mass Communication students in different media mentors and role models during the event. productions. Being one of the firsts among the schools in Mindanao, Once again, the Masscom Department aims to distinguished award-giving improve the body acknowledged the WMSU relentlessly awarding body for the next years students' choice among the tri-media programs, to come. Astoundingly, even with stretched means in sustaining publications and personalities. the activity, Requiza still has The awards night was held last April 14 at the Sapphire reaped positive comments and Ballroom of the Grand Astoria feedbacks. On the other hand Prof. Villanueva also expressed Hotel. his intention to broaden the scope of the awards by covering Requiza, in the Chabacano the national media setting. And vernacular, means to search or that, the Masscom to look into details. This with Department looks forward to the award-giving body is a realized aspiration of its founder, Prof. Edralin "Butch" Villanueva. It started in 2010 when Prof. Villanueva, together with his Advertising class students, initiated the project. It was then a class requirement that also served as a final venue for the senior students to apply what they learned throughout their years in college. Also showcased during the event were the radio and television productions, advertising and documentary films of the Masscom students. Certificate of recognition and support for their cause. "For as long as I'm here, Requiza would be here. And I hope I can continue it every year. Dreaming ... hoping that they will also give support," Prof. Villanueva shared. Some 1,000 randomly-picked WMSU students took part in the nominations and voting of their choices. While the Requiza research committee collated and interpreted the results. A plaque of recognition and medallion were also given to the award recipients. Winners of the following categories are as follows: / TURN TO PAGE 11

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