A MESSAGE TO MY STUDENTS

My beloved students of IV – Prudence,

Last June 2013, I have presented you a spirited discussion of the school’s vision and mission. In it is an illustration of a man; arms outstretched; head looking up to the heavens. The picture shows how to effect change. I told you that before dreaming of changing the world, you must start the change in that little corner of the world where you find yourselves. 

  I went on further by telling you to fill your hearts with the Ignacian Spirituality of humble servanthood. By doing so, you will be able to witness the loving compassion of Jesus. By witnessing, you will say and do good things which will lead you to change yourselves, and then eventually influence the society to change as well. 

  During that time, you made me believe that you have understood all that I was telling you. And from then on, you constantly remind me that you are driven by our vision. And in that way, I carried out my advisory duties to you with great satisfaction.

Being your teacher is such a great joy. You are all amiable, affable and smart. You are an assurance to me that I was indeed right in choosing teaching as my vocation. As such, with the energy you have given me, I was compelled to become better. Being better entailed raising the bar and expecting quality outputs from you.

These outputs, from theatrical presentations to literary critiques, have constantly fueled me to be the best I can be. In the end, I have realized that I was the one who has learned many things. You are, after all, my great teachers. Thank you for showing me the good things in life which I’ve never thought I’d see nor I’d imagine.

Now, I will be completely honest. Endings require honesty for satisfaction. I should like to tell you that my belief in your capabilities has always been at a high level. I’m a huge fan of your batch. 

  The very thought of your future dealings with the treacheries of life excites me to a great degree. I am certain that you can and will be successful. Because of that, I will always be fond of you. 

  Our relationship has always been joyful. This has been settled in the years we have shared. However, this relationship also is now in the brink of a hiatus until the next time we’ll be able to find time to exchange pleasantries, but only up to pleasantries. In that time, things will never be the same as today. Yes. But don’t feel bad; I won’t. If there is any possible consolation in the tragedy of letting the people we have learned to love go away from our lives, it is the necessary hope that perhaps it was all for the best. In our case, I’m certain it’s all for the best.

I may appear threatening and difficult to deal with at times. Some of you may have rightfully labeled me moody and intimidating. But I know deep inside all of you is that special spot I would like to believe I will forever hold. Presumptuous as I may sound, I have that uncanny ability to be awesome—awesome because I am fair in giving you shares of my wrath. 

 Together with this belief is the congruent line of thinking that I can put reason into your very minds. Thus I will leave you with a request which you are to consider in your future careers. But since I may not find the exact words to let you get my point, I will quote a Professor of the UP School of Economics. She said, “You're going to be as good and as honorable as you should be. You are going to stay in the Philippines. And if you leave the Philippines, you are at least going to try to pay back. And if you don't do any of the above, this is my last threat to you. I am going to haunt you! From the grave! I intend to go up there and from up there I'm going to look down on you and I am going to confront you at the worst possible moments in your life.”

My dear students, you have magnificently reached this far in your academic life; please continue on building excellence, nurturing faith and developing service

With an undying affection, I remain yours,

Sir Leo the Great

Dalaguete Needs to Send Scholars to Study Agriculture in Visayas State University

Dalaguete Needs to Send Scholars to Study Agriculture in Visayas State University

(A narrative of our enrollment trip in VSU, Baybay City, Leyte)

by Leo Carlo D. Casinillo

The Three Scholars to take BS Agriculture - Agronomy (from  left, Rizal, Divina and Edmond)

The Municipality of Dalaguete has long been recognized as The Vegetable Basket of Cebu. Twenty-three midland and highland of her thirty-three barangays have agriculture as one of the sources of income. Agriculture, therefore, is a heritage the Dalaguetnons yearn to pass to the future generations. What other way to preserve and foster this treasured knowledge than to reinvigorate it with current, scientific and research-based techniques found in universities.

This year, the Dalaguete Municipal Scholarship Board, where I work apart from my duties as administrative officer of the STAR Center, decided to send three scholars to study Bachelor of Science in Agriculture to major in Agronomy. The choice of a Higher Education Institution for Agriculture was an easy one. A premier university in the Visayas hailed as the forerunner in agriculture is renowned to many. This is the Visayas State University (VSU) in Baybay City, Leyte.

Checking out their website and other articles in the internet, I have realized that VSU is a marvel. She possesses not only a beautiful face but also a great mind. This university leads in agricultural research. She is accredited by the Department of Tourism as a tourist destination for the rich flora and fauna within her thousand-hectare grounds. She is, after all, a resort-university. And to cap all of these things, she has produced magnificent graduates and has influenced growth and development of communities. Indeed, VSU is the best choice for the sought outcome in Dalaguete’s agricultural future.

DAY 1: May 28

And so, after the selection of the three scholars—Rizal John of Tabon, Edmond of Caliongan and Divina of Balud, the office bought four round-trip tickets via Roble Shipping, Cebu-Baybay, to have our long-delayed enrolment. Our trip was set on Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at 9:00 in the evening. Manong Nesing punctually readied the service vehicle that afternoon and drove us to Cebu City. We stayed in SM for a while since our trip is still a few hours away. The kids and I had quite an experience in dining and strolling the big mall. For most of them, it was their first time. We ate at Mang Inasal and bought a Pasalubong Bag of Cebu delicacies for our would-be host in Leyte. 

Our service van with Manong Nesing our driver...

By 7:00 PM we hailed a taxi and went to Pier Tres. It was all our first time to go to Leyte and the boarding process came as a surprising and enjoyable experience. We relaxed inside Pier Tres after we had our bags X-rayed and paid our respective ten-peso terminal fees. It was a clean and well-managed terminal.

Cebu Port...

Inside Cebu Port 3...

After a few minutes, a bus came. It was our ride to go to MV Sacred Stars of Roble Shipping for Baybay. The inside of the bus was like that of the MRT. I know I was smiling throughout the duration of the ride. The bus stopped. A man shouted to us “O! Sacred Baybay!” and we climbed down the bus toward the vessel. We climbed up the plank; showed a cadet our tickets; asked where our places are; and were ushered toward Tourist A.

Tourist A is air-conditioned and clean. However, it was packed at that time plus we are far from the AC unit, so we have had felt just a little coolness. We surveyed the ship at length. Many of the passengers stayed near the TV screen by the lounge watching basketball. Some are eating instant cup noodles in dining tables. I, on the other hand, stayed near the charging area charging and texting.  My supervisor kept on texting me for updates. The PA announced the departure of the ship. It was twenty minutes past 9:00 in the evening.

DAY 2: May 29

The ship traveled for about seven hours before we reached Baybay Port at about 4:00 AM. I was told by my office head the night before of the things to be ironed-out once we set foot in Baybay City. He told me that the Registrar III of VSU—Mr. Eusebio D. Olleras, will meet us at the port. I texted Mr. Olleras that we are about to dock; it was a few minutes past four in the morning. I had qualms to the intrusive nature and the inconvenience my message has at such an early hour. He replied right away anyway. And there we were, stepping into Leyte soil.

Mr. Olleras stood on his maroon wrangler-like top-down owner-type vehicle we call The Jeep. He is a fair, medium-built man in his forties, with a toned voice and slightly chinky eyes. The firm handshake he gave me sent a message of warmth. He was honorable beyond words and his hospitality was endless. The first impression he exuded to us was generosity and humility. How many persons of his rank would wait for strangers at that kind of hour in exchange for nothing? For that, I admire him.

We traversed the tranquil morning of Baybay with our genial host asking whether the trip was pleasant. We had small talk. And then we reached the Olleras residence at Mirambel Homes in Gabas, Baybay City.

The marker for Mr. Ollera's place...

In contrast to the decrepit old jeep he was driving, their house is sybaritically plutocratic. 

I’ve seen many beautiful houses in my life, and their house can simply match them all. He ushered us to enter his two-year-old dwelling. Inside, we marveled at the elegant simplicity of the design and arrangement of things. Their family really has an educated taste for aesthetics.

We were seated in the living room. Mr. Olleras, together with his niece, prepared coffee and fresh bread which he bought in Baybay when he waited for our ship. He set the dining table and gestured that we eat. We talked about life in Leyte, about the scholars, and about VSU. For every topic, I haven’t had a hint of egotism in his airs. He then told us to freshen up, so that by 6:30, we’ll take our breakfast. He went out to water the plants.

We showered and changed our clothes. By 6:30, Mrs. Olleras who prepared breakfast called us up to eat. She also works in VSU. Like her husband, Mrs. Olleras is generous and humble. She gave us valuable advices about college life and life itself. After we ate, Mrs. Olleras did the dishes while she told us to wait in the living room and watch a movie on TV. In that moment I handed her the Pasalubong. She thanked me cheerfully.

I sat in the living room staring blankly on the flat-screen TV. I kept on thinking of the problem. The dormitories in VSU have all been filled because it’s almost June. The scholars need to have a place to stay in VisCA. The Olleras couple is working on that day and would greatly be hassled should I ask for help in finding boarding houses. I sat in silence hoping all will be well.

At 7:00 AM, we’re back on top of The Jeep. We basked under the cool morning sun as the crisp wind tore past us as we cruise towards VisCa. The University is just a few kilometers away, and the couple took the role of guiding and touring us in that part of Leyte.

The Dalaguetnon Scholars entering the main gate of VSU, Baybay City, Leyte.

The University Grounds...

The University is everywhere. It’s vast; has many cottages; buildings and greenery. It’s bigger in land area than most barangays I’ve been into.

After Mrs. Olleras left for her work station, Mr. Olleras continued touring us in the different old department buildings, quaint cottages, dark green forests, lush gardens, abundant market, varied food lanes, ginormous libraries, towering obelisks and open spaces littered with good-looking students.

Walking the streets of VSU...

Before 8:00 AM, Mr. Olleras dropped us at the VSU Infirmary for the student’s Medical Examination. He has directed us the entire enrolment procedure, and getting a medical certificate is the first step. Three enrollees were already waiting when we came. We joined them seated on monobloc chairs under tents canopied by giant mahogany trees. Promptly at 8:00 AM, the nurses signaled the start of the process. After almost an hour, we are through with step 1.

Carrying their X-ray plates and envelopes, we marched on wide sunny roads lined with cottages named after flowers. Many of the raintrees (acacia) that could have provided shade along these thoroughfares have been uprooted probably due to typhoon Yolanda. We crossed the highway and entered the main gate adorned with two towering white pillars decorated with carvings that speak about the courses offered by the university. We arrived in the second step with a considerable amount of sweat trickling our foreheads. The in-charge asked us if we are the ones from Dalaguete. We said yes. He then informed us that the university registrar had instructed them to facilitate for our registration. Being scholars, the three students with me have to be coordinated with the scholarship coordinator and guidance counselor, Ms. Chona A. Brit of the University Student Services Office (USSO) so that any concern about our scholarship grant will be properly attended to. It will also be our chance to ask for help regarding our dorm problem, Ms. Brit being also one of the dorm coordinators.

So, heeding the instruction, we left for the USSO Building located on top of the hill. Like the other and many walks we had and will have in VSU, it was an enjoyable one. The building, like also the many others, is old.

Ms. Brit was entertaining other scholars who also have problems when we arrived in her office. The office was cramped but cozy. She told us to wait. When our turn to talk with her came, I alone entered her office on behalf of the scholars. She inquired about the scholarship program of the municipality and the would-be benefits of the scholars. She mentioned about making a Memorandum of Agreement between VSU and the Municipality so that obligations for either party be outlined. We then came to the topic about accommodations. She was sympathetic about our concern since we come from a far place. I implored her to really help us about this problem. She said they have reserved 260 dorm accommodations for 4P’s scholars as part of a commitment the university has made with the DSWD. It is possible if some them who come from Baybay will opt for staying out the campus. She scanned the long list; and behold, one dorm accommodation for girls and two for boys are available. I was so relieved.

Another good thing about VSU is that her personnel and staff are so accommodating and cordial. You will feel their eagerness to serve and to serve with concern, even with affection at times. Many of them appear excited and happy knowing you are scholars. They would give you their best wishes and good intentions. Mr. Olleras is an excellent example of this. He constantly communicated with us through text as to the progress of our enrolment and dorm accommodation.

We are now hungry.

It was already 12:00 noon when we decided to go to the fastfood hall. Inside are about five eateries situated on the sides. At the center are many tables and chairs. We occupied a vacant table. I took the liberty of ordering food for the scholars. It is essential to try the fastfood because they will be given food allowance and actual prices are necessary in budgeting. I’ve learned that it wouldn’t be a problem. The prices range from 15 to 30 pesos for viand and 5 pesos for a serving of rice. We had chicken curry, maalat na itlog, tinunuan vegetables, and spaghetti paired with rice and iced tea. We paid 125 pesos good for four hungry persons.

VSU Fastfood...

We went back right away for the next enrolment step. This time, we ascended in the second floor of the computer building—the only building I’ve noticed that is new. We were the first to arrive that afternoon. We entered the air-conditioned computer room and had each student’s study load encoded. After some time, we descended and went to pay the miscellaneous, dormitory fees and Student Government contribution. The receipts were printed, so we went out back for validation at the enrolment tents. It was raining cats and dogs.

We are now enrolled.

We sat and napped. Rain is still pouring so we have to forego our planned stroll of the campus grounds. At about 3:00 PM, the rain stopped and we walked our way towards VisCa Market. This is still within the campus grounds, but perhaps a kilometer from where we are. On our way to the market we saw ATM machines; Cebuana and other money transfer establishments; mini groceries; fresh produce; meat sections; and snack stores. We chose a spot with a view of wide ground and had cheeseburgers and iced tea.

A marketpalce within the University grounds...

At 4:30, we walked back toward the buildings on the hill into the administration building. We will now say our goodbyes to Mr. Olleras.

Before entering the administration building, we had photo opportunity with the Search for Truth sculpture in front of the building. On April 5, 1984, ViSCA President Dr. Fernando A. Bernardo unveiled the monument to a young college community. Standing in front of the Administration Building are two gigantic nude figures of a man and a woman, emphasizing partnership in the quest for truth, knowledge, and the professions. Nakedness symbolizes boldness, impartiality and unemcumbered drive in seeking for truth in its academic pursuits.

Rizal, Divina and Edmond at the Search for the Truth Monument in front of VSU Admin Building...

At the inscription at its foot, Bernardo writes:

"Let search for truth prevail as a dominant activity of university life. For truth is the guiding light in our paramount mission: the pursuit of excellence. A teacher must foster intellectual curiosity among students and train them in the art and science of searching for truth to achieve excellence - whether in the classroom, in the laboratory, in nature, or in society."

I was simply amazed by the iconic monument.

We hurried ourselves climbing the steps two at a time because it is almost 5:00 PM and the employees are to go home. We are now inside the administration building. The guard pointed us to the Office of the University Registrar. Mr. Olleras was busy with paperwork when we came. He literally jumped off his chair when he saw us in front of his desk, so happy that we have accomplished the enrolment and solved our problem with the accommodations. We extended to him our deepest gratitude and happy experiences of the day. We promised to see each other again and said our farewells.

Down, we descended passing the grassy amphitheater fronting the admin building until we reached the highway. We boarded a “multicab” for Baybay; paid the driver 11 pesos for each of us; and stopped in front of Baybay church. It was a pleasant afternoon. People are going out for a walk in the plaza. We joined them; took pictures of the scenery; and went on tramping and wandering the streets of Baybay City.

The Amphitheater in front of the Admin Building...It's an uphill...

The scholars and I rested after the climb...

The walk we had was similar to walks I’ve had in Carbon, Cebu City with all the street markets and busy business sprawling the expanse of the traffic. We saw Jollibee, packed as usual. We went inside Prince Mall—the biggest establishment in the city. Within the Prince are Dunkin Donuts, Mang Inasal and other food shops I know of.

We stopped near Baybay Church...

A Park in Baybay City...

A wonderful afternoon stroll in the Parks of Baybay City...

Prince Mall...the biggest commercial establishment in Baybay City...I think...

 

Jollibee Baybay City, Leyte

 We went to the Port of Baybay. There we saw the spacious PUV Terminal, Novo shirt shop, and Lee shop. Ukay-ukay and stalls selling fruits also lined on the street. Huts selling barbecue and offering band entertainment are also available on the other side. Just outside the gate of the port are vendors selling “moron,” a delicacy made from ground rice, cocoa, and cheese. I bought some for pasalubong.

Barbecue Huts along the Boulevard near the Port...

Moron....a delicacy from Leyte...Pasalubong...

The sun was about to set. It was breathtaking because the sun sinks in the sea. The tinged indigo and other ethereal hues make the moment so special. We sat on comfortable benches along the boulevard and enjoyed the spectacle.

It was dark, and our stomachs rumbled because of the long walks we had. We went to Jollibee for our dinner; took our last walk in Baybay; and went inside the gates of Baybay Port.

We paid our Terminal fees and head towards Sacred Stars, our ship for Cebu. Our accommodation is still Tourist Class. Now we have our cots just below the air conditioning unit. Little was said that night; we all slept right away out of fatigue.

DAY 3: May 30

Good Morning Cebu City!!!

When we woke up, we are already in Cebu Port 3. We disembarked; hailed a taxi towards Emall; ate breakfast at Jollibee ACT; and walked toward the Cebu South Bus Terminal. We boarded an air conditioned Ceres bus; used our student ID’s to get discount; and slept once again. I don’t know if one had motion sickness. I forgot to give them an anti-emitic drug.

At 9:00 AM, we are already in Dalaguete. I was advised not to report for work today.