Student Executive Council

San Beda College Alabang

College of Arts and Sciences A.Y. 2011-2012

OFFICERS: Ardanette Francine L. Pantajo, President Janel Marice D. Almira, Internal Vice President Kenneth Albert C. Yrastorza, External Vice President Samantha Nicole B. Del Carmen, Secretary Lian Marco S. Cacapit, Treasurer Anna Joanna L. Mardo, Auditor Anna Beatriz F. Rillo, Public Relations Officer Maria Alexa L. Ronquillo, 4th Year Level Representative Alicia Marie C. Alcantara, 3rd Year Level Representative John Kendrick P. Pea, 2nd Year Level Representative Jenine Jay G. Bufi, 1st Year Level Representative Angelo D. Garcia, 1st Year Level Representative Nikoru S.J. Kamiunten, 1st Year Level Representative

CAS STUDENT FORUM

August 26

2011

[This newsletter is the actual transcription of the Student Forums proceedings. This aims to: - Provide a venue for communication between the students and the school administration, so that the students can raise their questions and concerns, and be provided by the answers directly from the concerned department and school officials. PROGRAM: Opening Prayer: Alexa Ronquillo, 4th Year Level Representative Hosts: Ciarie Alcantara, 3rd Year Level Representative and Kendrick Pena, 2nd Year Level Representative Opening Remarks: Ardanette Pantajo, President Before the Student Forum started, Dr. Jason A. Penaranda from Vitamilk gave a talk on the basic principles of healthy eating. They were the sponsors of todays activity. The key to good nutrition is efficient digestion. Program Proper: Ardanette Pantajo, President and Kenneth Albert Yrastorza, External Vice President

Message from: Dom Clement Ma. H. Roque, Rector President Closing Remarks: Prof. Thelma Geraldine Baricaua, CAS Dean Closing Prayer: Alexa Ronquillo, 4th Year Level Representative

Rosendo Herrera Hall

9:00AM-12:00AM

The top 15 concerns presented by Ardanette Pantajo, President and Kenneth Albert Yrastorza, External Vice President (based on the survey conducted) NO. 1: Dress Code Rules And Restrictions. Specific guidelines could be found in the handbook. SBCA requires the ladies to wear decent shoes, one-inch heels. (Chapter 12 Section 8 pp. 75-76 of the 2008 Ed.) For civilian attire: students must still project an image of decency and propriety. NO. 2: Nalalate kasi di pinapapasok ng guard Save yourself from the hassle. Enrolling in San Beda College Alabang and signing your COR means you agree to abide by its rules and regulations (specifically the dress code). NO. 3: Why cant students use the center stairs and right wing stairs? The stairs near the Deans office is for the exclusive use of the faculty. The center stairs is used for emergency purposes only, use is being limited due to security issue. The college only has 2 guards to man the left and right wing staircases. NO. 4: Number of available photocopying machines in the college Only 1 machine is being used because of a restriction stated in Skew Matrix Copy Centers contract. They have 2 machines because one is for standby in the event that the other malfunctions. NO. 5: Ano pwede gawin kapag may unfair ako na prof? or pag may reklamo ako about sa school? If there are complaints, always approach your Department chair or Vice Dean for Academic Affairs. Kapag sa guard, you may tell the authorities. Speak out so the SEC may help. NO. 6: Bakit walang printing sa library? Sira printer di pa napaparepair, once it gets done, their printing service continues. NO. 7: Bakit ang mahal ng printing sa SEC? Costing is based on price of toner and bond paper.

NO. 8: Bakit di pwede gamitin ang weights sa Gym? It is a privilege for the athletes. There are no fitness trainers to monitor the students working out. The school prohibits unmonitored use of weights gym because they are after the safety of the students. NO. 9: Bakit Monday ang washday? Washday has been on a Monday ever since. Mas konti lang ang papasuotin nila ng civilian kasi konti lang ang may PEP and BLF classes every Monday. NO. 10: Pwede ba dumaan sa Inner Circle? Of course but you need to have an ID. I.C. is a private subdivision so we need to respect its regulations and the residents. There is also a schedule to be followed. NO. 11: Bakit walang shuttle from Alabang Hills Village Subdivision and/or tricycle inside San Beda? Alabang Hills Toda and AHV Subdivision have a contract... Ikawawala ng trabaho ng tricycle drivers yun pag may shuttle. Having a shuttle from the main gate to the college is not economical, lugi sa gas and it adds to traffic jam which is already happening in SBCA during dismissal hours. And if it operates during off peak hours only, it would still not be economical to have one. Having tricycles inside the school will disrupt classes plus it adds up to the pollution. Everyone is encouraged to exercise; anyway youd be seated for hours. NO. 12: Kelan ang Pep Rally? Tayo naghost ng opening ng NCAA this year. The activity has the same purpose as Pep Rally. Bakit di naramdaman ng college yung opening? Most of the college students had class. High school students were invited. So for the CAS, swerte yung walang class for they are free to watch. It was not possible to excuse all CAS students from class as we all would not fit in the grounds of the gymnasium. What we can have is a celebratory event for the athletes on December. Details still need to be discussed. But the athletes will still be given tribute.

NO. 13: Guidelines for suspension of classes during typhoons (CHED Memorandum Order No. 34, Series of 2010) 1. Classes at the collegiate level, including graduate school, are automatically suspended if the proper authorities have declared signal no. 3 or higher. 2. Classes at the collegiate level, including graduate school, may be suspended may be suspended at the discretion of heads of HEIs if special circumstances in their area such as flooding, road damage, etc. warrant it. 3. HEI heads or their duly authorized representatives shall make the announcement for the suspension of classes not later than 5 o clock in the morning of the day when it shall take effect, using all means of communication. 4. Even without the suspension of classes, students who are unable to report to class or participate in scheduled activities such as exams, due to inclement weather, shall be given consideration and be allowed to make up for the missed class or activity. NO. 14: What happened to the proceeds of fundraising activities (Rock and Roar)? Proceeds went to World Vision Philippines and as a result, we were able to sponsor 5 kids for 1 year. NO. 15: Changes to the Freshmen Integration program and final task Main reason why changes such as curfew were imposed is for the safety of the students, in response to the parents complaints. Final task was moved from Friday to Monday because it was based on the response of the survey conducted among the students. Though the name and day changed, the concept of the activities (Final task & Freshmen Olympics) were still the same. Why wasnt the CAS informed about it? The Council of Student Leaders was informed about it. There were cases in the past na nasasaktan yung mga freshmen. The SEC apologizes if the entire college wasnt involved, but our interest is the safety of the freshmen students.

(OPEN FORUM: The floor was opened for suggestions and questions for the different departments.)

1.) Regarding the Freshmen Integration, I dont understand why a tradition has to be changed or stopped when it is called a tradition? (Jaggy Jamias, IV- BSBAMM) It used to be called acculturation which speaks about it. This is for the freshmen; make them have a sense of belonging and identity. (Prof. Thelma Geraldine Baricaua, College of Arts and Sciences Dean) There were numerous complaints received that why the OSA has set limits in response to this. (Ms. Rosario Mielma Aquino, Department Chair) Though the expenditure was limited to a specific budget and hours of practice was shortened, objectives were still met. (Atty. John Jacome, Vice Dean of Student Affairs ) Bakit bawal mag-activity outside? The school is accountable to its students. Theyre just after the security of the students. Seminars outside school grounds are permitted as long as safety is ensured. (Atty. John Jacome) Activities whether in or out of the school premises are allowed but you must seek the approval of the administrators and project proposal must be submitted 2 weeks prior to the date of the activity. (Ardanette Pantajo, SEC President) 2.) Regarding the Pep Rally this December, I suggest na instead of having a celebratory event, still have a Pep Rally because I enjoy it. Its one way of boosting the Bedan Animo, one way of igniting the school spirit. (Marco Cabrera III BAIST) We will! We will pursue it. (Atty. John Jacome) Disappointed because they dont let us play the drums during the games Set time limit for practicing. As for the Pep Rally, we will have it. Plan for it. (Dean Thelma Geraldine Baricaua) After a whole day of practice, there are no drummers and cheerleaders during games. Instruct Miss Angie to have cheerleaders and drummers to pep up our players. (Dom Clement Ma. H. Roque, Rector President) 3.) Kung walang integration and Pep Rally, boring na lahat. So I suggest continue pa rin Yung stairs sa right wing, sana mga students may privilege rin gumamit kasi we pay for our tuition fee at para di rin kami mahirapan since we pass near the chapel kaya sana payagan. (Adrian Lopez, III BACMS)

 There were incidents of theft in the past thats why we dont allow the students to pass there anymore. And some make it an entry point when the uniform is being violated. (Atty. John Jacome) We want you to be aware that we are after your security. There are some outsiders who come in here and I hope nothing happens. The middle stairs can be used for special events. (Dean Thelma Geraldine Baricaua) Putting another guard is another expense but were here to listen to your concerns. (Ms. Arlyn Gatmaitan, General Services Director) Masasabi niyo ba na kailangan na palitan ang ID system? 20% of the tuition fee goes to the improvement of facilities. We have to prioritize, but right now the priority is to comply with CHED requirement of the CCTV. There are improvements already implemented and some still in on-going. (Ms. Gatmaitan) 4.) Ano ba ang SOP [Standard Operating Procedure] pag may nabangga na private car? and sana may sign where you could and could not park. (Lawrenz Guevara, III BSLM) We are still waiting for the delivery of the signs. (Ms. Gatmaitan) Inform the security office right away to conduct an initial investigation. And if you have any concerns regarding the security guards (attitude, negligence and how they impose rules) kindly make an immediate report to their superior. (Security Operations Officer) 5.) [For the Bedan Herald] For transportation going to the printing press, bakit walang tranpo na prinoprovide ng school and if the buses will be used bakit ang mahal? (Ace Nacional, IV BSIT) Make a reservation since our vehicles are limited but its on a first come first serve basis. Do the reservation at least 5 days before. (Ms. Gatmaitan) It is expensive because gas needs to be paid and some repairs need to be done. Makakahingi po ba kami ng support when we go to the printing press? For the small vehicles, we do not charge and if it is properly requested. It is usually the athletes that use the bigger vehicles. (Ms. Gatmaitan) 6.) During the day I have my PE class, can I wear it for the entire day and not change to my uniform anymore after my PE class? (First year student) [Dean Thelma Geraldine Baricaua] I still want you to be in uniform for the day.

 [Ms. Jean Arriola, Prefect of Student Formation and Discipline] Students are required to wear your school uniform. School policy should be followed. 7.) E-learning sa IT, di ba pwede sa handouts so it would be easily accessible? Masmaigi matago para they could refer to it anytime. (Henry Gacasan, II BSIT) [Mr. Adrian Carlos, IT Center Head] The E-Learning fee is for the facility and content. We pay for the content because we get it from the States. I dont suggest handouts because it is not green (environment friendly). Suggestion, PDF file so it will downloadable. [Mr. Carlos] Cannot be done because it is licensed.
(GATHERED QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE)

Where did the proceeds of Paskong Bedista go? [Atty. John Jacome] Went to the amenities of the OSA lounge. We will post the liquidation of what was spent.

What are your plans regarding the limited eating areas for the CAS students? [Dean Thelma Geraldine Baricaua] Now is the time to strategize. The building can accomodate 2,000 students but were already having difficulties. The cafeteria has 240 seating capacity and it is busy and full only during lunchtime (12:30-1:30). One possible solution is, lunchtime can be moved for some students. It can be scheduled earlier say 11:00-12:30. Apart from the cafeteria, students may have their lunch at the gazebo and MPH as long as we maintain its cleanliness.

Mabagal and limited access ang Wifi [Mr. Carlos] This month we have 4Mbps, by the end of October it will already be 6Mbps. As far as access points are concerned, the school has plans to have an institutional WiFi which allow you to access the internet anywhere in the school. Responsible usage of the internet is advised. Once matapos yung institutional WiFi, kahit sa garden you may access the net. Suggest to stop downloading torrents when inside the school. Please use the WiFi responsibly.

Is there a regulation for the number of stickers of registered cars to the ratio of the parking lots? [Ms. Gatmaitan] There are 283 parking spaces and we hope to increase it by cleaning the back area of the tennis court. As of now, there are 1,448 car stickers

issued. We are asking for the help of the SEC to come up with a scheme for the parking. We can always restrict the issuance of stickers and its on a first come first serve basis. Pwede ba surprise quizzes from our professor? [Prof. Jose Vasquez, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs] Professors are discouraged to give surprise quizzes to be fair to the students so they have more time to study.

Why are the facilities of the CAS available for use to the HS and SOL students when their facilities are not available to the CAS students? [Dean Thelma Geraldine Baricaua] We have limited facilities. Using these facilities is a first come first serve basis thats why we are encouraging you that as early as summer, plan out your activities already. [So you can reserve facilities early too.]

Would it be possible that each classroom will be provided an LCD projector? [Dean Thelma Geraldine Baricaua/Atty. John Jacome] We are still reviewing this. If each classroom will be provided with one, we must be concerned of its security but there is already budget for it. As of now, we have one per floor. Your professor may borrow it.

We already have a mimeo fee but there are professors who prefer having their examination on a yellow pad. [Dean Thelma Geraldine Baricaua/Vice Dean Vasquez] Some professors opt to have their examination on yellow pad because The faculty is security conscious to avoid leakage.

Yung mga locks, sinks and bidet parating sira. Ano ang frequency of repairs? [Ms. Gatmaitan] Very frequent. After the request is made, materials needed are requested for and given tapos pinapaayos na. My appeal to all students is to please be responsible in using those para di kaagad masira.

Merong professors na nagpapaphotocopy of test paper tapos nagpapabayad [Prof. Vasquez] This is not allowed. Please report this to my office pag may professor pa na ganito.

Can we open our cafeterias to other concessionaires? [Ms. Gatmaitan] That is a management decision. Everything has to be studied.

 Update on the uniform change [Dean Thelma Geraldine Baricaua] I passed it on to Miss Amy [Amelia de Leon, controller] already. We havent decided yet but were still studying which among the designs is more appropriate. The EXECOM has to check it.

Bakit bawal dumaan yung college sa high school? [Ms. Gatmaitan] To avoid accidents, so the high school administration requested to prohibit the college in passing through that area.

Ano policy regarding suspension of class? [Rector-President Dom Clement] We wait for the order of CHED prerogative for classes to continue. According to Dean, she is in favor of pushing through with classes because sometimes PAGASA is not accurate with prediction. She still goes for productivity [of the students].

Are there any plans of fixing or restoring the elevator in the St. Bede Hall, CAS building? [Ms. Gatmaitan] We will be spending a lot if we have it repaired. I tried calling the company who installed the elevator but they are no longer in business. As for now, this is not the schools top priority.

Where will the 15% tuition fee increase go? [Rector-President Dom Clement] It is mandated by law that 70% goes to the employees (salaries and wages), 20% to the physical plant development and 10% to the operations. That is why in terms of budget, we prioritize.

Are there plans of adopting the (electronic badge) ID system of SBC - Mendiola? [Rector-President Dom Clement] We will look into that. Arlyn Gatmaitan has to study this. If this will improve the security, we will implement this.

For the organization budget, pa-clarify po about its rules and if pwede i-carry over from one semester to the next. [Ms. Amelia De Leon, SBCA Controller] 1st -2 nd semester budget is being carried over for the organizations but it depends on how it is consumed.

After the academic year, naca-carry over? [Ms. De Leon] Depends how it is spent, like for the yearbook. I suggest make the request 2 weeks before.