COM SCI JUNIOR INJURED IN HIT AND RUN

  BY MONNA SENARA

SAFETY FIRST. Aldwyn Cabarrubias crosses the street with care at the pedestrian lane after learning his lesson from his hit and run incident last September 27.

    A third year computer science student was hit by a jeepney while crossing the street from the University of the Philippines (UP) Main Campus to the Arts and Sciences Building last September 27.

            Aldwyn F. Cabarrubias was brought to Cebu City Medical Center after obtaining bruises and scratches from the hit and run incident that happened at 9:30 a.m.

            “When I disembarked from the jeep, there was another jeep that stopped at the pedestrian lane and blocked my view from oncoming vehicles. While I was at the middle of the road, a third jeep suddenly overtook it, coming so fast,” Cabarrubias said.

            He said that he was in a hurry because he was already late for his 9 a.m. class. He immediately crossed the street a few meters away from the pedestrian lane, after disembarking from the jeep that stopped just before the orange unloading area.

            He was hit by the side of the jeep, throwing him off three meters away and into the opposite lane.

            “I became dizzy at that time. Good thing the driver and konduktor of another jeep came to help me,” Cabarrubias said.

            His friend, Mary Kaye Bucad, a fourth year computer science student, witnessed the incident and accompanied him to the hospital. After the X-ray results cleared him of fractured or broken bones, his bruises were treated and dressed. He also received an anti-tetanus shot and prescription medicine. He was released from the hospital in the afternoon after spending six hours there.

            The medical expenses, which were shouldered by Bucad, were later on reimbursed through the student insurance.

            Cabarrubias reported the jeepney with plate number GWF 143 to the Cebu City Traffic Operations Management (CITOM) Office that same day. However, it was later found out that they reported a wrong plate number. However, the driver of the reported jeepney was still suspended.

            “We conducted proper investigation of what happened. We confirmed that the plate number given by the student wasn’t the one that hit him,” said UP Cebu Head Security Guard, Allan M. Mayuela.

            “The jeep that hit me was on its way to Colon but I was thrown off to the opposite lane. So I mistook the jeep from that lane that dodged around me for the jeep that actually hit me,” said Cabarrubias.

            Mayuela said that they are waiting for Cabarrubias to submit a letter saying that he won’t file a complaint against the driver so that they can inform CITOM office and release the mistaken driver. However, at present, Cabarrubias has not accomplished the letter yet but said that he will not hold the driver liable for the incident.

            “I won’t ask liabilities from him because I think he is in need [financially] and he did that to evade expenses,” he said.

            Cabarrubias admitted that he was partly at fault in the incident for not crossing the road properly, but the driver is also to blame for not slowing down in a school zone.

            “I think crossing the street here is fairly safe but pedestrians need to cross carefully. The jeepneys should also slow down and not stop at the pedestrian lane but at the designated orange area,” Cabarrubias said.

            Mayuela said that though Cabarrubias was at fault, drivers who do not follow traffic signs and warnings also contribute to this kind of incident.

            “Drivers should really be mindful and careful when passing through a school zone but they just take the signs for granted,” said Mayuela.

            Meanwhile, Cabarrubias said he is recovering well from the incident. He also received treatment from the school clinic for the dressing of his wounds.

UP Cebu goes “techy” with telemedicine facility

By Hazel Pacturan

   

              University of the Philippines Cebu seeks to link its whole system through Telemedicine.

            Telemedicine is the communication system combined with telecommunication and information technologies in order to provide clinical health care at a distance. It helps eliminate distance barriers and can improve access to medical services that would often not be consistently available in distant rural communities. It is also used to save lives in critical care and emergency situations.

            Telemedicine had its first session last September 19, 2013 with the some hospitals here in Cebu City as a test run to see if it is already capable to conduct one. It gained positive feedbacks from the doctors. Ms. Sandra Famador, CSU head said that telemedicine will benefit the system since it can save traveling time for the meeting.

            Telemedicine is not limited to the medical setting. University of the Philippines Cebu is planning to introduce this communication system to link the entire system through video conferencing, and to give a solution to distant communication problems.

            The facility is video conferencing equipment and an audio-video capable. The use of a public IP will create the connection between two parties: two groups of people talking to each other through video conference. This will benefit students of the UP Cebu since telemedicine enables a large number of people to join the communication at a same time.

            The Computing Services Unit (CSU) funded by Electronic UP (EUP) is assigned for this project.

             “There are still vibrations and feedbacks so I had to go from one room to another,” said Ms. Famador Vibrations are caused by the noise created by the room itself.  She also added that there is already room intended for the telemedicine but it will still require big amount of money to renovate it.  “I expect that this new facility will be able to cure to the problems regarding communicating from a distance. I hope the students will be able to benefit from it,” said Brille Camposano, UP Cebu student.

Due to room problems, there is still no exact date as to when the telemedicine facility will open in UP Cebu.

Patiño’s view of technology in 10 Years

By Emma Hernandez

Professor Chito Patiño, Computer Science faculty, sees that in 10 years’ time, the ‘Sixth Sense Technology’ will be what’in.

According to Professor Chito Patiño, this is a technology that ‘brings all good aspects into the person itself.’

People interact with a computer by using a keyboard or using the mouse. For smartphones the screen is used for interaction. But now with the ‘Sixth Sense Technology’ people can interact with the web by simply using their body.

For example, instead of having a screen or a monitor to read and counter from the web, you just need any flat surface to project the content or display,” Patiño said.

He added that Google has developed the Google glass—an optical-head-mounted display (OHMD) that has the capability of reflecting projected images as well as allowing the user to optically see through it. It is a computer device that is worn like normal eyeglasses.

This gadget is in a way the same with the sixth sense technology. However in using Google glass, it allows a person to control it via voice command.

“It’s a very visionary idea, to have the whole of your body being able to interact with technology. Interaction with the technology is something very much natural,” explained Patiño.

He added that a technology like this one would likely be popular in a matter of 3 to 5 years. And with this kind technology, browsing and researching for a certain work or activity will be much convenient and helpful to the student.

Computer Science instructor as the new dorm manager’s plans and projects

By  Hazel Pacturan

             

         Ryan Dulaca, a Computer Science Instructor was appointed as the new UP dorm manager this school year.

            “I was delighted and ecstatic. Nostalgic as well. You see, I was a resident of the dormitory myself from 1997-2001. That’s 3 dormitory managers, from Sir Carnaje to Miss Palma and the late Sir Mike Mende. Too excited for the new challenge and responsibility,” said Ryan Dulaca.

In his stay in the dorm for almost a semester now as the manager, he has already made several projects. Improvements include the doors of the rooms and comfort rooms to the ceiling and exhaust fans, replacement of router, repair of study room which included the repainting of walls and changing of lights.

 Residents’ complaints before included the improper ventilation of their rooms, which was given solution with their new ceiling and exhaust fans. They were also provided with a set of computer placed in their living room for everyone’s use. Dormitory residents were also able to use the medicine kit and nebulizer which they borrow from the clinic every night.

Mr. Dulaca also expressed his plans for the dormitory. “At the top of my head is helping the administration in providing for a safe and clean environment for the residents,” he said. These include renovation of the dormitory which is the priority of the dean.

He also plans to replace the double decks bunk beds and foams because those were still the original beds since the dorm erection. Mr. Dulaca likes to have desktop computers for each of the room. He added that something must be done with the study room because it is adjacent with the two rooms in the male wing.

 “Nindot na jud run ang dorm ky nipaspas na ang wifi” Donald John Roy Buna, dormitory resident said. “Importante man gud sa amo ang internet ky daghan kaayo mi ipang research,” he added.

The dorm manager also organized new activities that involved the residents of the dormitory such as trivia nights held ever first or second week of the month. The winning group receives cash prize.

Aside from all the plans the dorm manager has mentioned, he also wants the residents to build a happy and healthy relationship among themselves. “For them not to just consider the dorm as a place where they just sleep but a place that they can truly call home,” he said.

EDITORIAL: HONOUR BEFORE EXELLENCE

For years now, the University of the Philippines inculcated right from the first day its academic years the motto:  honour and excellence. It has always been honour and excellence, never the other way around. However, the issue of Mark Joseph Solis is a call to remind the students and people of how important that motto is.

Solis caught the national headlines when it was found out that he joined and won numerous photography contests by passing photos that are not his own. The University falls into the mucks of shame, brought about by a mind it nurtured who failed to see through its teachings.

UP has always upheld high moral and intellectual standards. It garnered the reputation of giving the most difficult entrance exam to ensure that it hones the best and brightest minds. The nation knows that much. It is home to students who are encouraged and fostered to be their best and be able to give back to their country. A student of the University of the Philippines is an Iskolar ng Bayan.

In a society that continues to equal self-worth with achievements rigidly, it is easy to be blinded. Solis expressed that he was driven by "youth, lack of experience, and the inability to see the repercussions of [his] actions." He even added that the prize money and the opportunity to travel abroad "blinded" him. In his apology letter, honour, it seems, is what he aims for. However, we should always remember that integrity enables one to sleep with a clear conscience.

Intellectual theft has always been considered a grave offense by the university. Such actions mar the identity that the university strives to keep. Honour always comes first. For the list of one’s achievements, no matter how long and impressive, will never make up for tainted integrity.

Plagiarism is no less than corruption. A corruption of the public fund and the public trust. Being an Iskolar ng Bayan entitles one to have his tuition subsidized by the taxes paid by the Filipino people. As such betraying that trust becomes a slap in the face of the millions of Filipinos who paid for the chance of an Iskolar ng Bayan to study.

Sherwin Garbrinez, Jr.

Education is a right, however, right now it is a privilege. Making a fool out of that chance is a mockery of those who are not able to go to school and learn, and to the citizenry of this nation.

Solis may have admitted his fault. What is done is done. Such instance should be a lesson. We should move on, learn from the mistakes and strive to be better.

We should remember that it is honour before excellence.

OPINION: Whose is True?

           

Alni Emphasis

            The trial of the criminal case, charging 11 Filipino members of Greenpeace, who destroyed an eggplant research farm of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) in 2011, will resume this Monday, Oct. 11. However, the unresolved battle of knowing “whose claim is right?” between Greenpeace and the Filipino farmers remain questionable.

            Two weeks ago, Court of Appeals’ decision to permanently stop UPLB scientists from pursuing field trials for Bt talong (genetically modified eggplant - a variety resistant to fruit and stem borer and the most destructive pest attacking eggplant) was applied. In fact, CA issued a “writ of kalikasan” against Bt talong, citing it was “justified and warranted.” 

            But how did the CA come to this decision? Did Greenpeace prove the GMO unsafe for human consumption and for the environment?  

            It was said that the CA junked the appeal of our scientists because Filipino Scientists “failed to prove that Bt talong is safe for human consumption and for the environment.”

            However, government agencies like the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI); the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB); and the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) argued that “the ‘Bt talong’ was still in the field trial stage”. They have also informed the Appellate Court that the tests were done in a controlled environment. 

            Though speculations arise about its harmful health effects to the public, New FDA head Dr. Kenneth Hartigan-Go clarified it to the public, through media interviews, that “there has never been a single case anywhere in the world where a person was adversely affected by biotech food”.

            Aside from that, they have also opted in GMO’s for they’ve seen the inefficiency of our foods. We have lots of crops affected by pests and diseases which are already enough to feed a big portion our population.

            Isn’t this enough proof to safely say and believe the claim of the scientists?

            If so, why did CA permanently stop them, when aside from the facts presented, they have also the constitutional right of academic freedom when they had their experiments? What proof did Greenpeace show for CA to believe them then?

            Nonetheless, quoting from Pres. Aquino’s favorite phrase, “no matter what the doubts and questions are on the mind of Filipinos, the CA and its decision must be respected. If the wisdom of the decision is to be questioned, we believe it must be done so in the right venue. In this case if it ever reaches the highest court of the land, it is the Supreme Court (SC).”

            All Filipinos deserve the best food to eat—weather it’s raised through traditional farming or by using GMOs. But even more, we deserve to know the truth and we entrust this “search for truth” to our judicial system.

            Whose claim is better? Who between them says the truth?

OPINION: Healthy Cup

Neil Degal

A lot of the youth these days, hang out at tea houses and coffee shops. Aside from the refreshing and good-tasting brews they offer, their interior designs and furniture allow the costumers to relax and unwind from stress from work or school.

Students and professionals flock inside these shops. There’s no denying that Cebuanos are hooked with it. Maybe that is why a lot of tea houses and coffee shops in Cebu have popped out lately.However, are we knowledgeable enough of the effects of these beverages? What are its benefits?

Caffeine, which is commonly found in coffee or tea, has been studied closely to determine where it may be of benefit, and where it may cause undesirable effects.

HealthTea Benefits

Drinking tea could help reduce the risk of heart attack. Tea might also help protect against cardiovascular and degenerative diseases. Regular tea drinking is also linked with a lower risk of Parkinson’s disease. When considered with other factors like smoking, physical activity, age and body mass index, regular tea drinking was associated with a lowered risk of Parkinson’s disease in both men and women.

Coffee Benefits

On the other hand, the roasted beans that are used to make coffee are a rich source of antioxidants, particularly a certain type of antioxidant called chlorogenic acid. It is the antioxidant content of coffee that is thought to be responsible for many of its health benefits. Coffee also contains caffeine, a substance that stimulates the central nervous system and which may in turn be responsible for enhancing learning, memory, performance and coordination. Caffeine improves alertness and reaction time in people, whether they are habitual consumers of caffeine or not.

The Other Side of the Cup

However, too much intake of these caffeinated beverages may lead to certain negative health effects like osteoporosis, diabetes and loss of sleep.

Increased amounts of caffeine lead to dependency due to increased tolerance and hence the need for greater amounts to gain the same stimulatory benefits. Heavy users who have to go without can experience withdrawal symptoms such as headaches and fatigue. Too much caffeine can produce restlessness, nausea, sleep difficulties, upset stomach, increased urine production causing dehydration, and cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).

Caffeine taken during the day may prevent from falling asleep at night, shortening the normal length of time of sleep. Caffeine also increases the number of times you wake up during the night by increasing the need to urinate and interfering with deep sleep.

Moderation is the key

According to studies, the recommendation for safe drinking levels is 500mg per day, less for those with heart conditions, elevated blood pressure, and pregnant women. The average cup of instant coffee contains between 80 and 100mg/cup. The stronger the coffee the more caffeine it contains. Tea usually has less caffeine than this, except if it is very strongly brewed.

Research suggests a moderate intake of around 3 cups of tea or coffee per day is needed for the beneficial effects and is unlikely to cause any negative effects on health.

While we appreciate these amazing health benefits, we should be always be reminded that too much of everything is always unhelpful. Moderate intake of coffee and tea will help us stay fit and healthy.

Shoot 1,000 Words

              Shoot UP Cebu allows your creative shots to become an instrument for social awareness.

              Shoot UP Cebu, a new organization in the University of the Philippines (UP) Cebu was introduced just this school year.  It is a campus circle composed of 35 members.

Avrie German, the president of Shoot UP was inspired to put up a chapter of the organization in the campus because of her love for photography. “I was very much inspired by the concept of Shoot UP Manila and I think that it would be nice if we have a similar organization in our campus. So I decided to start the organization, with the help of a few friends,” she said.

        “A photograph tells a thousand words. It is up to the viewer on how he/she will depict the meaning of a certain photograph. Photography is a powerful tool for social change because it captures the reality of life and storing it in a static form of art. It can influence people to witness the underlying truth in a photograph,” German said.

According to John Isaac ‘JI’ Saguit, one of the founding members of the organization, they saw and felt the need to establish a photography organization in the campus not only for photography enthusiasts but for the entire UP Cebu community.

  Organization adviser is Mr. Jason Baguia from the Arts and Humanities Cluster. He helps Shoot UP Cebu on which campus events to cover.

Who can join?

      According to Avrie, anyone who has passion and love for photography may join. “The requirements in order to become a member include an online submission of a membership form (downloadable at their Facebook page) on where questions about photography and basic information about the applicant are asked.” Anyone interested to join may e-mail their application form to shootupcebu@gmail.com with their three best photos attached in it.

         “I always tell people who want to join our org that the camera doesn't matter. It's all in the skill of the person behind it. DSLRS, point and shoots, mobile phones, and film cameras are all welcome,” assures Arvie.

Struggle to be recognized

      The organization as well experienced struggles before they became a recognized organization of the university. According to Avrie and JI, they had a rough time in processing the papers required for the recognition especially in looking for interested members. Luckily, it turned out that there were a lot of photography enthusiasts in the campus and were able to join the group.

            “One of our struggles also includes completing the long list of org requirements, from the constitution and by-laws to the plan of activities. I'm so thankful to my cooperative members for really helping in making this org possible.”

Longshot plans

             “Since Shoot UP is a service-oriented organization that promotes social awareness, our main goal is to shoot and cover the different events in UP Cebu. We covered Freshies' Night 2013, UP Cebu Cookout 2013, and Intramurals 2013,” says Avrie.

              “Nagkahiusang Kusog sa Estudyante (NKE) also asked us to be their partner in their photo contest HOCUS FOCUS that promotes social awareness by capturing the nation's current state of education.” Avrie added.

            According to JI, the organization is looking forward for a lot of activities such as photography seminars and forums with renowned speakers, photowalks, photoshoots, and activities that will surely bond each member.

“We are still focusing on establishing our name in UP Cebu; to gather more members and plan out activities not only for the members but for the every student in the campus. “ JI ended.

The organization is open to all students of the University of the Philippines who love photography and want to develop their skills.

             Anyone interested to join may e-mail their application form to shootupcebu@gmail.com with their 3 best photos attached in it. Application form can be downloaded from their FB page.

  For more information contact: Avrie German 093-3424-7591.

By Neil Degal & Emma Hernandez