The GUIDON

The GUIDON is the official student publication of the Ateneo de Manila University. Comments? Sugestions? Email us at [email protected].

Now on its 94th year, The GUIDON deepens its commitment to social justice by Standing with the Truth. As the official student publication of the Ateneo de Manila University, the publication chronicles Ateneo history and Filipino realities as they unfold, documenting the issues and narratives that matter. The GUIDON maximizes its print and multimedia platforms for timely human-centered narratives responsive of socio-political contexts, crafting spaces for critical discourse and positive change.

20/12/2024

FEATURES: In the haze of holiday songs and celebrations, people with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) find warmth within their community at the temporary shelter.

tgdn.co/3VQg2PH

19/12/2024

NATIONAL UPDATE: A third impeachment complaint was filed against Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday, December 19. A group of priests, clergymen, and lawyers submitted the complaint before the House of Representatives.

According to the complainants’ legal counsel Atty. Amando Ligutan, the petition was endorsed by Camarines Sur 3rd District Representative Gabriel Bordado Jr. and Rep. Lex Colada of the Ang Asosasyon Sang Mangunguma Nga Bisaya-Owa Mangunguma Partylist.

“The complainants are arguing that it is no longer just a constitutional, legal obligation of the members of Congress to impeach/remove the Vice President. That obligation becomes a moral one,” Atty. Ligutan told reporters

Similar to the existing impeachment complaints filed against Duterte, the third petition asserts betrayal of public trust and culpable violation of the Constitution as grounds for the vice president's impeachment, citing the findings of the House hearings concerning her alleged misuse and “illegal disbursement” of confidential funds in the Office of the Vice President and Department of Education.

The Congress adjourned for a month-long break on Wednesday, December 18, and will resume session on January 13, 2025.

After its resumption, the House Speaker has a maximum of 10 session days to include the complaint in the plenary’s order of business and a maximum of three session days to refer it to the Committee on Justice.

18/12/2024

UNIVERSITY UPDATE: Negotiations between the Ateneo administration and the Ateneo Employees and Workers' Union (AEWU) for the 2024–2027 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) have officially concluded today, December 18, according to a statement released by the University.

Notably, the statement noted that key items agreed upon included salary rate adjustments, union security, and bereavement assistance. Moreover, the implementation of the new CBA terms will take effect upon ratification.

In the statement, the Ateneo administration also expressed its gratitude to the University stakeholders for the patience and support during the negotiation process. "Both parties have demonstrated goodwill and cooperation in finalizing the terms, which prioritize the well-being of employees while supporting the University’s operational sustainability and goals," the statement read.

Following the release of the statement, AEWU President Raymond Tano reaffirmed the conclusion of the negotiations in a Facebook post, recognizing the efforts of both the Union and the administration.

In another post, Tano acknowledged his fellow Union officers for upholding the interests of their members. "Kudos sa mga kasama kong opisyales na marunong lumaban, manindigan at umintindi sa sitwasyon ng nakakaraming miyembro," he noted.

Read the full statement here: https://www.ateneo.edu/news/2024/12/18/ateneo-de-manila-university-aewu-successfully-conclude-cba-negotiations?fbclid=IwY2xjawHPZ4ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHY-ChARAu08-U_XkTpJEdpB04tXTONNYTqzOaFp-INFADBdzDtX3GZqjIA_aem_TYTN47nev_eiyrXyl-ppww

18/12/2024

OBF UPDATE: Pia Ranada (AB COM ‘12), Jenica Dizon-Mountford (BFA ID ‘13), and Billie Dumaliang (BS MGT-H ‘14) were honored in this year's list of The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM).

Ranada was conferred the TOYM Award for Journalism and Mass Communications for being “the voice of truth in turbulent times” through her coverages during the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

Meanwhile, Dizon-Mountford was recognized in the Humanitarian Aid and Social Work category for her contributions in Waves for Water, an organization aimed at providing clean drinking water to communities in need.

Moreover, Dumaliang was hailed in the Environmental Leadership and Community Development category for her work as the Director and Board Trustee of Masungi Georeserve Foundation.

Notably, Jose Gabriel Mejia (AHS ‘14) was also awarded in the Arts and Culture category for his art, articles, and efforts toward environmental action.

TOYM award is an annual national recognition given to Filipinos whose dedication to their professions has significantly contributed to their fields.

15/12/2024

FEATURES: Speaking to hundreds if not thousands of people every Sunday, two priests reflect on the cross they have to carry by incorporating socio-political realities into their homilies.

https://tgdn.co/4feLxtK

14/12/2024

OPINION: We grow up being told that the pinnacle of love is something sought in the confines of romantic relationships, but everything I know about love, I’ve learned through the women who held my hand through every heartbreak, every joy, and every moment in between.

https://tgdn.co/4fdB3e8

14/12/2024

INTERNATIONAL UPDATE: The South Korean National Assembly has successfully voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over the latter’s attempt to impose martial law throughout the country. The vote marks the Assembly’s second attempt at a presidential impeachment.

The National Assembly voted 204-85 in favor of Yoon’s impeachment, with three abstentions and eight votes declared invalid.

Following the impeachment, President Yoon is automatically suspended from office, while Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is set to take over as interim president. The South Korean Constitutional Court has been given 180 days to ultimately decide whether Yoon’s action warrant a full removal from the presidential office.

On Tuesday, December 3, President Yoon proclaimed martial law in a supposed effort to “protect the country from communist North Korean threats” and “anti-state forces.” Within hours, members of the National Assembly moved to reverse the proclamation in a unanimous vote among those present at the emergency vote. Subsequently, National Assembly members held a failed impeachment vote on Saturday, December 7, after members of Yoon’s People Power Party boycotted the assembly.

14/12/2024

OBF UPDATE: The team of Gian Carlo C. Fernandez (5 BS EcE), Adrian Enrico D. Rodriguez (5 BS EcE), and Jed Matthew A. San Luis (5 BS EcE) emerged as one of the Top 3 winners at the Bank of the Philippine Islands - Department of Science and Technology (BPI-DOST) Innovation Awards 2024.

Under the guidance of Electronics, Computer, and Communications Engineering Department Chair Erees Queen B. Macabebe, PhD, the team conceptualized SOLANI—a solar dryer designed to modernize the traditional sun-drying process and support Filipino farmers and fisherfolk. It made use of heat-trapping technology and a cloud database system to efficiently cater to different drying crops.

Notably, the winning teams were awarded the BPI-DOST Innovation Award and a cash prize of Php 150,000.

Organized through the partnership between the BPI Foundation and DOST – Science Education Institute, the annual competition invites students in Basic and Applied Sciences to develop solutions addressing key challenges in Filipino communities.

13/12/2024

OBF UPDATE: The Ateneo de Manila University attained a 100% passing rate in the September 2024 Licensure Exam for Teachers (LET) - Secondary Level, with all its 23 examinees successfully passing.

Notably, among the 48,875 passers, Mark John Verayo Ayaay (BS MA ‘06) ranked as Top 8 with a rating of 93.00%.

View the results here: https://www.prcboard.com/let-result-september-2024-secondary-level-passers-topnotchers-and-top-schools

13/12/2024

OPINION: In a highly competitive sport, debate communities become a lifeline, strengthened over time through the shared struggles and triumphs that pushes each member to excel.

https://tgdn.co/3ZQZlWO

13/12/2024

OBF UPDATE: The Ateneo de Manila University School of Law (ALS) achieved a 96.02% passing rate with 169 out of 176 passing examinees in the 2024 Bar Examinations held last September. This is the fourth consecutive year the ALS is ranked as the top performing school with more than 100 test-takers.

Among this year's 3,962 bar exam passers, six Ateneans secured spots among the top 20 scorers, with Maria Christina Aniceto (JD '24) and Kyle Andrew Isaguirre (JD '24) placing second and seventh, respectively. Meanwhile, Paolo Antonio Gerpacio (JD '24), Marielle Janine Joy Macarilay (JD '24), Therese Bianca Garcia (JD '24), and Betlee-Kyle Barraquias (JD '24) finished as 11th, 13th, 15th, and 18th, respectively.

View the full results here: https://boardexams.ph/bar-exam-results-2024/

ERRATUM: An earlier version of this post incorrectly stated that this year marks ADMU's third consecutive year as the top performing school with more than 100 test-takers, instead of fourth. This post has been updated to correct this error. We apologize for the oversight.

12/12/2024

OPINION: I sometimes catch myself waiting for others to amplify my voice, and that’s not the empowerment women need—it’s to be heard without shouting and to thrive without limits.

https://tgdn.co/3DniXcb

11/12/2024

FEATURES: In the face of relentless land-grabbing, the residents of Mariahangin ask to heed their call in helping reclaim their home.

tgdn.co/3BoOdXJ

11/12/2024

BEYOND LOYOLA: As artificial intelligence further advances, industries and companies eagerly anticipate the benefits it may bring, such as work efficiency and further profit generation. However, Filipino workers worry that such may come at the cost of their livelihoods.

tgdn.co/3BkdceU

11/12/2024

OBF UPDATE: Two Atenean teams earned the Top 3 and Top 5 spots at the Data, Analytics, Transformation, and AI (DATA) Wave Hackathon and Summit 2024 held at Makati last December 9 with the theme, "Data-Driven and AI-powered Solutions for MSMEs: Fueling Growth with Innovation."

Team MisSME, comprised of Zaidamin Haron (3 BS COMTECH), Andrea Nicole Senson (4 BS AMDSc- M DSc), Rafael Tagulao (4 BS AMDSc- M DSc), and Dianne Yumol (4 BS AMDSc-MDSc), landed in 3rd place under the Data Visualization and Dashboarding Track at the Data, Analytics, Transformation, and AI (DATA). Their solution entitled, "Economic Resilience Index for Capacity Adaptation (ERICA)" is a data-driven tool allowing banks to support micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through tailored financial solutions to foster economic growth.

In the Generative AI track, meanwhile, Jon Ethan Lancelot Batara (4 AB MEC), Raphael Justin Lim (4 BS MIS), Arianne Nicole Mendoza (4 BS MIS), and Nathanael Johann Villegas (4 BS MIS) finished in the Top 5 with "KumplAI," which aims to aid MSMEs with various business regulation processes.

Organized by the Bank of the Philippine Islands, the DATA Wave Hackathon and Summit is a three-month long competition that challenges participants to prepare creative solutions under any of its three tracks, namely Generative AI, Classical Machine Learning, and Data Visualization and Dashboarding.

Editor's Note: Jon Ethan Lancelot Batara and Arianne Nicole Mendoza are the current Managing Editor and Video Production Producer of The GUIDON, respectively.

11/12/2024

LOOK: Construction of the new e-jeep express lanes has started near SOM Forest and Xavier Hall. Developments can also be seen along the Red Brick Road, near the Philippine Institute for Pure and Applied Chemistry.

Since yesterday evening, December 10, Partido Pandayan has released several posts online, expressing its distraught and disappointment by the decision. In light of this, the committee reiterates its call on the Ateneo administration to release the Campus Master Plan, in an effort "to involve a broader range of community members in decision-making processes."

Last October, University members raised their concerns over the project's impact on pedestrian and green spaces on campus, as well as the lack of extensive consultative measures regarding the project.

The administration has since clarified that no trees will be cut in the construction of the e-jeep express lane in the SOM Forest and that it consulted with student leaders and faculty members before the project was awarded to a contractor.

Photos by Karl Dimaculangan

11/12/2024

OBF UPDATE: Jewel Ruther Miraña (4 BS BIO), Andrea Joyce Peñaflor (4 BS BIO), and Kevin Tejada (4 BS BIO) bagged the top spot at the Australian National University (ANU) International Case Study Competition (ICSC) 2024. Their winning project entitled, “Baba Baha, Bye-Bye Bangka,” designed a game that teaches children the importance of the natural environment in flood prevention and climate resilience.

Meanwhile, Patrick Abrigo (4 BS BIO), Desiree Balanquit (4 BS BIO), Kristanna David (4 BS BIO), and Leigh Patrick Mamisay (4 BS BIO) placed third. With their project, “The Power is in Your Hands,” the group demonstrated how to generate electricity using household items, aiming to educate students on scientific ideas.

Held by the ANU College of Science, the ICSC invites students worldwide to present their solutions to pressing global issues. This year, the competition ran from September to November, centering on hands-on communication approaches to climate change and energy transition.

Watch their winning projects here: https://science.anu.edu.au/engagement/international-case-study-competition-2024

11/12/2024

OBF UPDATE: The Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) maintained its status as the highest-ranked Filipino private university in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings: Sustainability 2025. Achieving a 503rd global rank and a 61.9 overall score, the University is 90 spots higher from its ranking of 593rd last year, making it second overall in the Philippines.

The QS World Sustainability Rankings assesses higher education institutions in three areas, namely environmental impact, social impact, and governance. The Ateneo ranked 458th, 649th, and 529th in these measures, respectively.

Notably, ADMU ranked 302nd globally in environmental sustainability, a subcategory under environmental impact, which reflects a major decrease from its 38th rank last year. This subcategory measures an institution's efforts and commitment in alleviating environmental impact through ten metrics, including Alumni Impact for Innovation, Climate change commitment (staff perception), and Publicly available strategy or policy on sustainable procurement and investment.

Meanwhile, the University significantly improved in environmental education, another subcategory of environmental impact, which ranked 269th compared its previous 1001+. The University's rank in knowledge exchange, a subcategory of social impact, also increased from 675th to 428th.

View the global rankings here: https://www.topuniversities.com/sustainability-rankings

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LIVE: Leaders of indigenous peoples (IP) from Bugsuk, Palawan gather for a protest on the last day of their hunger strike before the Department of Agrarian Reform in Quezon City. Tune in as we hear more about the prayer and fasting event as they continue their decades-long fight against land displacement and harassment. #AteneoParaSaBugsuk

As the first semester closes, The GUIDON looks into the notable developments and issues that have unfolded within and beyond the University in the last quarter of 2024. Read The GUIDON’s November–December 2024 Issue here: tgdn.co/NovDec2024

THE GLIMPSES: The Ateneo de Manila University honored seven remarkable individuals at the 2024 Traditional University Awards held on November 6 at the Hyundai Hall, Areté. The awardees, namely the late Dr. Ricardo G. Abad, Atty. Leila de Lima, Atty. Raissa H. Jajurie, Fatima Garcia-Lorenzo, Alberto M. Malvar, the late Florencio Antonio Quintos II, and Father Flaviano “Flavi” Villanueva, SVD were recognized for exemplifying the University’s core values, shaping their communities through selfless service. Among them, Bukas Palad Awardee Father Flavi was honored for his unwavering commitment to service, particularly through unconventional ministries and his brave stance against the drug war of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

LOOK: Strong rains and winds batter Katipunan Avenue as Wind Signal No. 2 and Red Rainfall Warning is raised over Metro Manila. Meanwhile, the Marikina River is already at the second alarm as of 9:42 PM, with a water level of 16 meters. Video by Derreck De Leon #Voyager

At a Glance | Watch The GUIDON’s top stories at a glance. Here are the leading headlines from the Ateneo and beyond: 1. Sanggunian launches Ateneo Task Force for 2025 Midterm Elections: tgdn.co/3zGsVnz 2. Devaluation of the Filipino language, reflected in the Ateneo: tgdn.co/3XmYQmh 3. Local communities face threats amid the development of the Bulacan Special Economic Freeport Zone: tgdn.co/3MU5HNQ 4. Education crisis continues to burden teachers in remote areas: tgdn.co/3ZSjGeJ 5. Flooding in Katipunan calls for smart urban planning: tgdn.co/4dIWCTQ 6. 15 new student-led stalls open at the JGSOM Student Enterprise Center: tgdn.co/4fcBfuF 7. Ateneo’s Paolo Medina takes home first-ever UAAP NBA 2k title: tgdn.co/4dMzKlU

VOYAGER: A minor phreatic event was reported from the Taal Volcano's Island Main Crater at 1:59 AM on Wednesday, September 25. The event produced an eruption plume that drifted southwest. An eruption plume is a cloud mixture of hot volcanic particles, water vapor, and other magmatic gases. This is usually observed after a minor phreatic eruption that is made up of steam-driven explosions driven by continued emissions of hot volcanic gases. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology maintains an Alert Level 1 status over Taal, with some expected hydrothermal, magmatic, or tectonic disturbances. Video courtesy of PHIVOLCS-DOST

LIVE: Leaders of indigenous peoples (IP) from Bugsuk, Palawan have come to Ateneo for a week-long campaign for the return of their ancestral land, the Bugsuk Islands. Tune in as we hear more about the Sambilog: Balik Bugsuk Movement from IP leaders, Melanio Bundac, Angelica Nasiron, and Tarhata Pelayo at the Forum at Media Conference Para Sa Balik at Faber Hall. #AteneoParaSaBugsuk

With the ever-evolving media landscape, digitization has become crucial in countering the present challenges in preserving history. As first-hand accounts fade and witnesses grow older, the call to advance historical events—such as the country’s dark years during Martial Law—rings louder than ever. Last June 14, The GUIDON formalized its partnership with the University Archives (UA) in its pursuit of creating a central database for all its published content since its inception. Through the efforts of former Design Executive Editor Emman Evangelista, the project has materialized into an initiative that will keep the publication’s narratives alive for years to come. Contributing to the enduring call to #NeverForget, the publication publicly launches The GUIDON Archives, which contains the cover pages of its issues during the Martial Law years, as well as its complete releases since 2013. As the publication moves Forward with the Truth in its 95th year, The GUIDON Archives hopes to help our readers find information easily from our issues prior to reaching out to the UA. As the battle against historical distortion continues, the publication ultimately aims to transcribe all published articles over the next few years in preparation for its centennial anniversary. Visit The GUIDON Archives here: archives.theguidon.com Video by Brescia V. Amandy

The declaration of Martial Law in 1972 led to the government’s intimidation and censorship of media outlets, including campus publications. Fifty-two years later, student writers within and beyond the Ateneo still face threats of repression in their pursuit of truth. In this commemorative video, members of the Confederation of Publications of the Ateneo emphasize that while national democracy has already been “reclaimed,” the challenges to press freedom from the Martial Law era continue to find their way in the present context—emboldening our commitment to persistently hold the line and carry the Truth forward. #RememberingMLAt52 #NeverForget #NeverAgain

Fifty-two years since the declaration of Martial Law, the country remains embattled with Filipinos’ polarized memory of Marcos Sr.’s dictatorial rule. With disinformation and historical distortion continually plaguing the nation, The GUIDON documents the mirroring societal issues of the present and the past, as well as the challenges of preserving history in the face of injustice and socio-economic turmoil. Read The GUIDON’s August–September 2024 Martial Law Special here: tgdn.co/MLSpecial2024

Past in Focus: Why Remember Martial Law? On September 21, 1972, Martial Law was declared through Proclamation 1081, marking one of the darkest periods in our country’s history. Now, 52 years later, the fight to remember and uphold the truth continues. Hear from your fellow Ateneans as they answer why preserving our collective memory is crucial in the face of historical distortion. #PastInFocus #MartialLaw2024 #Ateneo #HistoryMatters #DefendTheTruth Executive Producers: Allison Co, Angela Ballerda Producers: Lourence Segovia, Eloiza Mariano, Liana Fernando, Lancelot Batara Reporter: Tep Isidro Video Editor: Angelica Nicole Bagsic

LIVE: Ateneans gather at Gate 2.5 to commemorate the declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines 52 years ago. The mobilization, led by student organizations, serves as a reminder to be vigilant and critical in the face of censorship, historical distortion, and injustice. #NeverAgain #NeverForget

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Now on its 91st year, The GUIDON aims to continue its rich history of campus journalism. As the official student newspaper of the Ateneo, The GUIDON chronicles Ateneo history as it happens, delivering the burning issues and events that matter. Through fair, accurate and responsible campus journalism, The GUIDON seeks to enlighten and inspire Ateneans to make a difference. Comments? Suggestions? Email us at [email protected]

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