International Engineering Research Conference (IERC) 2008

INTERNATIONAL ENGINEERING RESEARCH CONFERENCE (IERC) 2008
University of San Carlos – Talamban Campus
Cebu City, Philippines
March 13-15, 2008

“Nurturing Relevant Technologies towards Sustainable Development”
CALL FOR PAPERS

Purpose

The International Engineering Research Conference (IERC) 2008 brings together engineering practitioners and stakeholders in government, industry and academia to discuss pressing issues and important advances relating to development, application and innovation of technologies. Primary focus is given on technologies relevant and appropriate to current and future demands in the context of Philippine development and globalization. Interdisciplinary approaches towards sustainable development are likewise highlighted in this conference.

Objectives

The conference, organized by the University of San Carlos, College of Engineering, aims for a productive exchange of ideas and sharing of research findings in the following interdisciplinary areas of engineering practice:

• Appropriate Technologies for the Built and Natural Environment
Construction and land use, building performance, indoor environments, transport systems, mining of resources, environmental technology and management, waste management, disaster mitigation.

• Alternative Energy Technologies
Non-conventional energy sources, biofuels, energy-saving devices, energy systems.

• Advanced Technologies
Developments and new applications in biotechnology (BT), information technology (IT), nanotechnology (NT), plasma technology (PT), electrohydrodynamic technology (EHDT) and other emergent technologies.

• Best Practices in Technology Development and Adoption
Industrial R&D case studies, technology transfer and management, government-industry-academe cooperation.

• Engineering and Technology Education
Creative pedagogies in engineering, engineering curriculum design, best practices, action researches, virtual classrooms, design and implementation of distributed learning systems.


Outline of the General Program

The technical program will consist of keynote lectures, invited papers, technical paper sessions, poster presentations and product exhibits


Call for Papers

The organizing committee invites interested individuals to present research or technical papers within the identified broad topics of the conference.


Abstract Submission and Acceptance

The program committee will review all abstracts for acceptance. Authors are requested to submit abstracts of their papers to the chair of the program committee via email:
Engr. Luis K. Cabatingan (ierc2008@yahoo.com)
Department of Chemical Engineering
University of San Carlos, Talamban, Cebu City 6000 Philippines
Telefax: (+63-32) 344-6783


Requirements for Abstracts

• Abstracts must be written in English and must not exceed 500 words.
• Page size must be standard 8.5x11”.
• Font must be Times New Roman.
• Margins must be one inch (2.54 cm) on the top, bottom, left, and right.
• Line spacing of 1.5 must be used.
• Title must be in 14-point, bold typeface.
• Authors and affiliations must be listed in 12-point, bold typeface.
• Body of the abstract must be in 12-point typeface.
• Abstracts must be submitted via e-mail to ierc2008@usc-ph.org and ierc2008@yahoo.com.
Papers not selected for oral presentation may be presented at a poster session, and will be included in the conference proceedings


Deadlines

January 15, 2008: Authors should submit abstracts of the papers via e-mail.
January 21, 2008: Authors will be informed of the acceptance of their abstracts and will receive instructions forsubmission of extended abstracts for inclusion in the proceedings.
February 15, 2008: Authors should forward through e-mail the extended abstracts of their papers for finalacceptance.


DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF ABSTRACTS IS EXTENDED UP TO JANUARY 21, 2008

Registration Fees

Php 2,800 (US$ 70) Regular participant rate. Fee is inclusive of conference kit, certificate, snacks and lunch.
Php 800 Discounted undergraduate student rate. Proof of student status must be shown upon registration and payment. Fee is inclusive of student conference kit, certificate, snacks and lunch.

Visit the site.

USC Annual Physical Examination Schedule

Office of the Director
Human Resource Management Office

TO: THE USC COMMUNITY

RE: Annual Physical Examination

DATE: February 20, 2008

Please be informed that our on-site Annual Physical Examination is scheduled on March 3, 4, & 5, 2008, 7:30a.m.-5:00p.m., simultaneous in all campuses.

Venue
Main Campus 2nd Floor LGB (near HRMO) Stanford Laboratory
Talamban Campus TC Admin Conference Room Stanford Laboratory
South Campus (3 & 4 only) Campus Clinic Reactive Laboratory
North Campus (3 & 4 only) Multi-Purpose Hall-Grade School Alpha Diagnostic

***Fasting is necessary for Cholesterol and Fasting Blood Sugar Screening, which means no intake of solid or liquid from 12:00 midnight to 7:00a.m. or until the procedure is done.

Those who will not be able to have their APE on the above dates will be accommodated at Kainos Medical Clinic between March 6 to May 3, 2008 only. May we remind you that the APE is required for our annual clearance.

Thank you.

RENE Y. PAQUIBUT, Ph.D.
Director

Defending Human Rights - a discussion

Trinity of Remedies: A Discussion on Defending Human Rights

Atty. Jose Midas P. Marquez

As a way of commemorating the 22^nd year anniversary of the 1^st People Power Revolution the University of San Carlos hosted a socially relevant and intellectually enriching lecture on how we can Defend Human Rights in the country through the Trinity of Remedies – Writ of Habeas Corpus, Writ of Amparo and the Writ of Habeas Data – as recently promulgated by the Supreme Court of the Philippines. In order to provide the appropriate understanding about said legal remedies Atty. Jose Midas P. Marquez, the official spokesperson of the Supreme Court who is at the same time the Chief Justice’s Staff Head, graced the occasion and enthusiastically led the Carolinians to dynamic reflections as he talked about the history, scope, application and limitations of these promulgated rules. The lecture became more interesting when guests, students as well as faculty members actively shared their thoughts and queries during the open forum. More meaningful related issues were discussed and given light, among them is the current “activist” character of the highest court under the leadership of Chief Justice Reynaldo Puno. Atty. Marquez clearly emphasized that the open-mindedness of the Judiciary springs from an activist 1987 Philippine Constitution. Hence, more can be expected of every sector empowered by the fundamental law. In the end the Supreme Court Spokesperson aptly stated that still the best defense for human rights is the consistent and constant vigilance of an informed Filipino nation.

Atty. Jose Midas P. Marquez with faculty

The endeavor was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Sociology-Anthropology and the Department of Political Science and was held at the Theodore Buttenbruch Hall last February 21, 2008.

Thanks to author: J.E. R. Bersales
27 / February / 2008

Upcoming USC Events

19th BPI-DOST Science Awards 2008
February 26, 2008
CAFA Theater, Talamban Campus
2:00 p.m.

International Engineering Research Conference (IERC) 2008
March 13-15, 2008
Talamban Campus

Strategic Social Entrepreneurship
USC-Main Campus
March 3-5; 13-15; April 4,5 2008

German Language Crash Course
April 1 to July 12, 2008
USC-Main Campus

University of San Carlos (USC) Alumni links

Be an Active USC Alumni Member!

Active membership in the USC Alumni offers the following advantage:
* It formalizes the support that you, as an alumnus, give to your Association.

The University makes sure its alumni are able to keep in touch for updates, linkage, and job placement. The latter is an important service it offers to former students, especially the new graduates. This is facilitated through the Alumni Affairs and Job Placement Office under the Office of Scholarships, Alumni, and External Affairs. Alumni Relations Committees are organized in the eight colleges composed of designated faculty, staff, and students.

* CAFA – College of Architecture and Fine Arts
* CAS – College of Arts and Sciences
* COC – College of Commerce
* COE – College of Engineering
* COEd – College of Education
* COL – College of Law
* CON – College of Nursing
* COP – College of Pharmacy

The Chairs of the College Alumni Relations Committees together with those of the Basic Education Departments in both USC North and South Campuses constitute the University of San Carlos Council of Alumni Relations (USC CAREs).

The Alumni Relations Committees handle the following areas of concern in their respective college/Basic Education Department.

* Alumni Database
* Alumni Relations Program
* Alumni Links
* Job Placement

Contact the Scholarships, Alumni and External Affairs Office for more info.

Email: scholarships@usc.edu.ph
alumni@usc.edu.ph
Telephone: (+63 32) 253 5495

Speaking Truth, Seeking Justice, Setting Things Right

Speaking Truth, Seeking Justice
Setting Things Right
CEAP on the Events of our Time
February 14, 2008

“No lie can live forever,” said Carlyle. “Truth, crushed to earth, will rise again,” added William Cullen Bryant. And forty years ago, Martin Luther King cried:

On some positions,
Cowardice asks the question, “Is it safe?”
Expediency asks the question, “Is it politic?”
Vanity asks the question, “Is it popular?”
But Conscience asks the question, “Is it right?”

There comes a time when one must take a position
that is neither safe nor politic nor popular;
but one must take it
because Conscience says, “It is right.”

Following his conscience, Rodolfo Lozada Jr. these days has revealed possible corruption in the handling of government contracts. His confession has stirred memories of other allegations by other people of graft and greed in government, and is shaking the souls of many to speak and act in response.

What of us, the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), an association of 1,252 schools, colleges, and universities with at least 2 million students and around 120,000 school personnel and faculty?

We too must speak, we too must act. For, as the same Martin Luther King continued, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent on things that matter.”

Silent then we must not be or must no longer be, if once we were. May not our lives end but rather begin in a special way this Valentine’s Day. Beyond the love we are expected to declare for the persons of our hearts, is the love for the people of our country that we are invited to express in this time of crisis in our land. Mere bystanders we cannot just be but active participants in the continuous task of shaping our nation’s life. In the words of Vaclav Havel, “By perceiving ourselves as part of the river, we take responsibility for the river as a whole.”

For those of us who know the truth, we pray for the courage to speak it. For those who seek justice, we pray for humility in the pursuit, personal integrity in the quest, respect for others involved in the search. For those of us who must judge and act on what we see and hear, we pray for fairness and the will to make the good triumph over evil in a way that removes the bad, without the act leading to what is even worse.

In tandem with the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) we invite our member schools and their constituents, our alumni and friends individually and communally to pray for guidance on what to do in these times of tension and difficulty. We ask our administrators, faculty, and students to bring to the fore the issues of the day, discuss in humility and decide in fortitude and love what we must do together as a people in the different parts of the country where we are.

We must seek to discover the educative moment and the lesson for life in the investigation sessions and in the rallies and other mass actions we may join. To our country and the world we must show and say that we will not allow dishonesty, corruption, indifference or neglect to rule our lives. We must look into ourselves and ensure that what we decry in others we do not do ourselves.
We should pledge to continue to teach and live truth, honesty and integrity in our own schools so that when our graduates leave us they bring with them not just skills and knowledge but wisdom and love to inspire and change the world.

To this end, we link up with other groups sincerely searching for truth and justice. We encourage the establishment of truth centers in our schools so that our students, teachers, and staff are led to continuing awareness, reflection, and formation toward social-political engagement. We invite our members to support the sanctuary fund set up by the Association of Major Religious Superiors of the Philippines (AMRSP). We support the signature campaign demanding the implementation of the Supreme Court's decision junking Executive Order 464 so that the search for truth is not hindered or compromised.

Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life we shall continue to ask to lead us, accompany and comfort us in all we need to do. It is He, after all, who will truly set us free. The Holy Spirit we ask to enlighten us so that our external actions flow from inner harmony of heart. We remember the words of Will Durant: “A great civilization is not conquered from without until it has destroyed itself from within.” So we ask our Heavenly Father for the grace that we never neglect but ever firm up the moral fiber of our souls.

Our anger at the wrong and sinful things in and around us may we not allow to make of ourselves men and women of violence. We take to heart the thought of Martin Luther King: “The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence, you may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. Through violence you may murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate. So it goes. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

May our light dispel our darkness, may our love melt whatever hatred may lurk within. But in this Kairos moment, this time of grace, we, the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines, with all men and women of good will, in our nation and in the world, in the name of the Lord, by the grace of His Spirit, in concert and in communion call on ourselves and one another to -- speak the truth, seek justice and work to set things right.

Nobel laureate for Economics Kydland in USC

USC hosts Nobel laureate Kydland

Prof. Finn Erling Kydland, 2004 Nobel Laureate for Economics, visited the University of San Carlos on February 8, 2008 to deliver a keynote speech at the Hoerdemann Building and dialogue with University officials and the public.

Prof. Kydland (center) arrives at the USC lobby flanked by wife Tonya and USC President Fr. Roderick Salazar Jr., SVD.

Prof. Kydland traveled with his wife Tonya, International Peace Foundation (IPF) founder Dr. Uwe Morawetz, and IPF staff Supaporn Bertrand under the IPF Bridges Program (www.peace-foundation.net).

Dr. Uwe Morawetz (right), founder of the International Peace Foundation, gave the rationale for the Bridges program.

In his keynote speech, Prof. Kydland spoke of technological change as one of the main driving economic forces and discussed the examples of Argentina and Ireland. He contrasted the two countries policies and how these affected investor confidence and economic growth. He argued that policies need to be credible, forward-looking, transparent, and consistent for long periods. Quoting from the book Barriers to Riches, he said, “With good policy there is a potential in poor nations for not a 1–2 percent but 1000–2000 percent income increase.”

Prof. Kydland delivers his keynote speech at the Hoerdemann Building.

His speech was followed by a dialogue participated in by students and invited guests from the government and private sectors. University President Fr. Roderick C. Salazar Jr., SVD, M.A. then presented Prof. Kydland with the San Carlos Borromeo Award.

Prof. Kydland splits his time between the Department of Economics of the University of California in Santa Barbara and the Tepper School of Business of the Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. He shared his 2004 Nobel Prize with Prof. Edward C. Prescott of Arizona State University for their work on business cycles and the time consistency of macroeconomic policy.

Author: P. J. Lim
15 / February / 2008

Faculty: College of Architecture and Fine Arts

The College confers degrees in Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Interior Design, Advertising Arts, and Painting. In June 2006, it has also opened graduate programs in Architecture, with majors in Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, and Architectural Science.

Faculty
Architecture Department

Alcordo , Richeto--- MA Arch
Aliño , Benjamin John--- BS Arch
Atega , Socorro --- MA L Arch
Avila , Josephine--- MA Socio
Diano , Imelda Charito--- BS Arch
Dinglasa , Raymundo --- BS Arch
Elizaga , Troy Dino --- BS Arch
Espina , Omar Maxwell --- MURP
Flores , Antonio Andres --- MA Arch
Java , Melva ---MA Antrho
Lanyl , Bela ---MA Arch
Lara , Eleazar ---MTE
Manalo , John Jiffer ---BS Arch
Maninang , Mara ---BS Arch
Migallos , Maxcel ---BS Arch, BFA
Muaña , Norman ---BS Arch
Muego , Andres ---MS UEM
Ong , Andrew ---LLB, BS Arch
Puerto , Ellis ---BS Arch
Raagas , Sergio Jr. ---BS Arch
Racho , Jensen ---BS Arch, CE
Rafanan , Roberto ---BS Arch
Ravina , Danilo ---BS Arch
Rosales , Joel ---BS Arch
Rosario , Margret ---BS Arch
Seno , Vicente ---BS CE
Solis , Carmencita ---MS UPHD
Uy , MA Lizeta ---BS Arch
Valenzona , Antonio ---MS EM
Vallejos , Bernadette ---MBA, BS Arch
Walag , Fe ---BS CE
Yung , Kimberly ---BS Arch,BS-ID
Zafra , Carlos Pio ---BS Arch


Fine Arts Department
Abellana , Gabriel ---BFA-PA
Aliño , Mary Felma ---PhD-TE, MMBM
Castro , Ivy Miriam ---BFA-AA, CPE-BSEd
Cruz , Alexander Charles ---BFA-AA
Culibra , Araceli Jayne ---MMBM, CPE-BSEd
Del Monte , Adrian ---BFA-ID
Enoveso , Orven ---BFA-AA
Lao , Jorge ---BFA-PA, BSC
Loyola , Marie Suzette ---BS Arch
Mah , Ma. Daisy ---BS Arch
Mangura , Michael ---BS Arch, PS ID
Montebon , Cheryl ---BFA-ID
Muaña , Efren ---BS Arch
Oncada , Junald ---BFA-AA
Paredes , Radel ---MA Philo, BFA-AA
Sagayno , Lucilo ---BFA-PA
Seno , Brenda ---MS Ad
Tabotabo , Marie ---MBA, BFA-AA
Vega , Paul Lawrence ---BFA-AA
Villalonga , Tyke John ---BFA-AA
Yap , Jose ---BS Arch

Sinulog short film contest won by Carolinians

Carolinians win grand prize in Sinulog short film contest

A group consisting mostly of fresh graduates from the Department of Fine Arts bagged this year’s grand prize in the Sinulog Short Film Competition.

Eight Thumbs, a collective of young independent filmmakers, most of whom used to be classmates in USC, teamed up to produce “Sinug”, an experimental short documentary that features striking motion graphics.

Directed by Remton Zuasola, the film investigates how the original native dance of devotion was distorted when “Sinug” became a major public festival called the “Sinulog”.

Zuasola and his group received a cash prize of P30,000 and a trophy. Their video bested over a dozen entries that included works of Manila-based filmmakers and a Frenchman.

When not busy doing commercial projects, Zuasola and his group organizes film workshops and produce short films.

"Sinug" screenshots

Author: Radel Paredes
06 / February / 2008

USC College of Pharmacy ranked second in the nation

College of Pharmacy garners licensure examination honors, grad places 4th

The USC College of Pharmacy ranked second in the nation, while one student placed fourth, after the Professional Regulation Commission released the results of the Pharmacist Licensure Examination last Saturday, January 26, 2008.

The College of Pharmacy notched second place in the 10 to 25 examinees category with an 88% mark (15 passers out of 17 examinees).

Carlene A. Cunanan also grabbed 4th place with a rating of 91.55%.

The list of the successful examinees follow: Arias, Vic Tara Raichelle L., Avila, Clark D., Bureros, Charles Gibran D., Cabili, Maria Shahana S., Chan Lim, Dianne Kristine D., Cunanan, Carlene A. (4th place), Echavia, Nadine Eve L., Ignacio, Liezl L., Laboga, Clarelle B., Lim, Angelie L., Ong, Nerissa Rae, Pates, Rudolph Ivan Mark M., Pineda, Celeste A., Salimbongcogon, Sheryl P., and Tiu, Cristina U.

With reporting from M. V. Repolido

Author: P. J. Lim
30 / January / 2008

USC School of Engineering soon to rise!

Dr. John Gokongwei Jr. breaks ground for Gokongwei Brothers School of Engineering

Gokongwei Brothers Foundation Chairman Dr. John Gokongwei Jr. graced the ground breaking ceremonies for the University of San Carlos Gokongwei Brothers School of Engineering today, January 28, 2008.

The ceremonies kicked off the whole day celebration at the University, which also remembers 25 years of missionary service of the USC Retreat House, where Dr. Gokongwei and his party were invited to lunch. At 5:30 this afternoon, the USC Law and Business School’s new building will be dedicated to Fr. Ernest Hoerdemann, SVD.

Dr. Gokongwei, along with his wife, Elizabeth, and sister, Lily G. Ngochua, as well as University officials took part in the blessing of the construction site and the blessing of mementoes for the time capsule. He then laid the capsule together with Fr. Pres. Roderick C. Salazar Jr., SVD, USC Board of Trustees Vice Chair Fr. Dionisio M. Miranda, SVD, Engineering dean Nicanor S. Buenconsejo Jr., Ph.D., and Architecture dean Omar Maxwell P. Espina.

Dr. John Gokongwei lays the time capsule together with (from left) Archt. Espina, Fr. Miranda, Fr. Salazar and Dr. Buenconsejo.

Fr. Salazar delivered a message of gratitude to Dr. Gokongwei during the ceremony. Dr. Gokongwei then gave a response, recalling the times that he has spent at USC when he was still “young and agile” and under the tutelage of some of the best educators in the country, calling them some of the most memorable moments of his and his brothers’ life. The Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, Inc. has given the University Php50M for the School of Engineering.

Author: P. J. Lim
28 / January / 2008

Field demonstration (intramurals 2007)

Field demonstration (Intramurals 2007). USC Grade school doing their dance.


Thanks 14katrinaj.

New College of Law and Business School building inaugurated

The University of San Carlos will inaugurate the new home of the Law and Business School on Monday, January 28. The edifice is named after Fr. Ernest Hoerdemann, SVD, who led the ten-year postwar reconstruction of the Main Campus that began with the Archbishop Reyes building in 1948. The new edifice conjoins the College of Law and the College of Commerce Graduate Business School as well as the Department of Hotel and Restaurant Management.

Began last May 5, 2007, the six-storey edifice took eight months to build, with at total floor area of 9, 500 square meters. This reinforced concrete structure, which presents a new façade amidst the number of iconic structures that have risen in the Main Campus, projects into Pelaez Street, just beside the Center for Religious Education-Fr. Ludwig Lehmeier Building.

Hoerdemann Building is home to twenty-four classrooms for Law; Graduate Business and Hotel and Restaurant Management classes. Among its major amenities are a 234-seat Audio Visual Hall, a 280-seat Law Practice Court; HRM commercial kitchens and laboratories; an 80-seat dining hall; a 30-seat conference room; a student lounge; an exhibit hall and a library. The building is served by an elevator as well as an integrated voice and data network. All classrooms and offices in the building are mechanically-cooled.

The building is also the first in the university with integrated fire suppression system and video surveillance capability as well as provisions for cable TV. Parking and maintenance facilities are located at its lower ground floor. The upper ground floor houses an exhibit hall, business incubator offices and the Business Resource Center. The Audio Visual Hall straddles the lower and upper ground floors due to its tiered seating arrangement. The second floor contains the Vice-President for Academic Affairs Conference Room; the Human Resource Management Office; the Alumni and Student Organizations Office; as well as hospitality and restaurant management classrooms and kitchen laboratories. On its third floor are classrooms and a faculty room. Its fourth floor houses classrooms of the College of Law with the Law Library and Law Practice Courts conveniently located on the fifth floor.

An atrium halves the building for light and ventilation, while a driveway runs along the length of the building leading to the lower ground-level parking. The buildings main entry is at Pelaez street and exits at Sanciangko street via the Anselmo Bustos Sports Complex gate.

The design consultants who were pooled together under the Institute of Planning and Design come from the College of Architecture and Fine Arts and the College of Engineering. These are Ellis A. Puerto, architect; Ramon M. Gitamondoc, structural design engineer; Warlito F. Nimis, electrical systems engineer, Ronald M. Galindo-mechanical system engineer; Danilo V. Ravina-plumbing systems design and Vic C. Navarro, electronics and communications engineer.

The building was constructed by DURACON Construction and Development Corporation, which also built the Robert Hoeppener Health Science Building, home to the College of Nursing and the College of Pharmacy at the Talamban Campus.

Author: Web Office
25 / January / 2008

Boy Abunda talk show at CAFA theater

Barely two weeks after a Nobel laureate took its podium to give a lecture, the College of Architecture and Fine Arts Theater became the venue last 23 January evening for another high profile, though less highbrow, event--this time a showbiz talk show on national TV.

Celebrity host Boy Abunda interviewed Pilita Corrales, Chanda Romero, and Michael de Mesa, respectively for the three pilot episodes of "Inside the Cinema," the new talk show on cable TV's Cinema One channel.

Hosted by Abunda, the magazine program features local film legends, or actors and movie directors who contributed to the growth of Philippine cinema. It is directed by young independent filmmaker Oscar Nava.

This accounts for the presence of film class instructors and students, local independent filmmakers, and, of course, starstruck fans during the show.

Though the actual interviews proved to be a delightful exchange of wit, the audience had to bear with watching the crew finalize stage set up and other technical requirements, which took about an hour before cameras could finally roll.

Thus when a glitch occurred in the sound system at the start of the show, the Ateneo-educated show host gave the young, film-savvy crowd an impromptu lecture on hosting. This added an academic air to what could otherwise be a mere spectacle of glitz and glamour.

Author: Web Office
18 / January / 2008

REFLECTION ON THE FEAST OF STO. NINO

REFLECTION ON THE FEAST OF STO. NINO

We were children once, remember?

And though each of us would have a different memory of growing up -- some more happy than others, others more sad and painful than some – I submit we all have, if only for a moment, a remembrance of innocence, of trust, of joy. It is that moment that the feast of today invites us to recall. Calling it to mind again, may we know and be assured that what once was can be again, even if in a different form and in a different time and place.

We may be grown-ups now. But to God, we still are His children -- always have been, always will be. The tragedy is that often we do not wish to hold His hand anymore, or be held by Him. We take pride in our being adults. We say we are our own persons. We wander off to highways and byways far from the Way He wishes us to take with Him. So we get lost.

But if this is our tragedy, our consolation is that He does not want us to remain lost. He looks for us. He calls us by name, aching with concern, desiring communion, as in Eden days when He said: “Adam, where are you?”
Today, in our inmost heart, may we hear that call again. And come home.

The Feast of the Sto. Nino is the feast of the God-Child. It invites us to remember our history, how Christianity came to us as a people even if not in the most pleasant of circumstances. It should also shake us into realizing that if the feast is to be real today, it must embrace the ninos and ninos of our society, many of whom are lonely and are getting lost, abandoned and forgotten by those of us who call ourselves adults. It tells us that if we are to enter the Kingdom of heaven, no matter how old and how professional we may be and claim ourselves to be, we remain and must always convert ourselves to be children of God.

Today is the Feast of the Christ-Child. It is also ours. We were children once, remember? We still are. We need to be. Let us be. Again. Santa or Santo – like the Cristo Nino.

FATHER RODERICK C. SALAZAR JR., SVD President

Carolinians set homecoming

Carolinian "boomers" set homecoming

A 60’s themed homecoming will be the hot topic when members of the high school class 1960-1969 meet lunchtime on 19 January at the YO.U Restobar in Mango Avenue .

Billed “Alumni Dekada 60s”, the grand reunion is scheduled to be held on 25 January, 6:00 pm, at the Cebu International Convention Center .

Also up for deliberation during the meeting is the creation of the USC Boys’ High School and Girls’ High School Alumni Foundation, the Alumni Fund for Education, and plans for community development.

One of the aims of the Alumni Foundation is to extend its scholarship program to children of non-members who are poor but deserving.

With these socially-conscious activities already lined up, expect more than a night of socializing and rock and roll when USC’s ‘baby boomers’ meet once again to relive the good old days.

Author: Web Office
18 / January / 2008

San Carlos Borromeo ( St. Charles Borromeo) biography

St. Charles Borromeo (San Carlos Borromeo) -- Archbishop of Milan, Cardinal-Priest of the Title of St. Prassede, Papal Secretary of State under Pius IV, and one of the chief factors in the Catholic Counter-Reformation -- was born in the Castle of Arona, a town on the southern shore of the Lago Maggiore in northern Italy, 2 October, 1538; died at Milan, 3 November, 1584. His emblem is the word humilitas crowned, which is a portion of the Borromeo shield. He is usually represented in art in his cardinal's robes, barefoot, carrying the cross as archbishop; a rope round his neck, one hand raised in blessing, thus recalling his work during the plague. His feast is kept on 4 November.

His father was Count Giberto Borromeo, who, about 1530, married Margherita de Medici. Her younger brother was Giovanni Angelo, Cardinal de' Medici, who became pope in 1559 under the title of Pius IV. Charles was the second son, and the third of six children, of Giberto and Margherita. Charles' mother died about the year 1547, and his father married again.

His early years were passed partly in the Castle of Arona, and partly in the Palazzo Borromeo at Milan. At the age of twelve his father allowed him to receive the tonsure, and, upon the resignation of his uncle, Julius Caesar Borromeo, he became titular Abbot of Sts. Gratinian and Felinus at Arona.

When he received the tonsure he was sent by his father to Milan, where he studied Latin under J.J. Merla. In October, 1552, he left Arona for the University of Pavia, where he had as his tutor Francesco Alciato, afterwards cardinal. His correspondence shows that he was allowed a small sum by his father, and that often he was in straitened circumstances, which caused him considerable inconvenience. It was not only that he himself suffered, but that his retinue also were not suitably clothed. Charles evidently felt bitterly his humiliation, but he does not seem to have shown impatience. Leaving Pavia to meet his uncle, Cardinal de' Medici, at Milan, he was, within a few weeks called upon to attend the funeral of his father, who died early in August, 1558, and was buried in the church of Santa Maria delle Grazie, Milan.

Fresh responsibilities at once came to Charles, for though he was not the elder son, yet, at the request of his family, including even his brother, he assumed charge of all the family business. The question of possession of the Castle of Arona was one of great difficulty, as it was claimed by both France and Spain. Charles conducted the negotiations with great energy and diplomatic skill, and as a consequence of the Peace of Cambrai (3 April, 1559) the castle was handed over to Count Francesco Borromeo, in the name of his nephew, Federigo Borromeo, to be held by him for the King of Spain. He also did much to restore to their ancient monastic discipline the religious of his Abbey of Sts. Gratinian and Felinus. Though his studies were so often interrupted, yet his seriousness and attention enabled him to complete them with success, and in 1559 he maintained his thesis for the doctorate of civil and canon law.

In the summer of 1559, Paul IV died, and the conclave for the election of his successor, which began on 9 September, was not concluded till December, when Cardinal Giovanni Angelo de' Medici was elected and took the name of Pius IV. On the 3rd of January, 1560, Charles received a message by a courier from the pope, asking him to proceed at once to Rome. He started immediately for the Eternal City, but though he travelled rapidly he was not in time for the pope's coronation (6 January). On 22 January he wrote to Count Guido Borromeo that the pope had given him the charge of the administration of all the papal states. On 31 January he was created cardinal-deacon, together with Giovanni de' Medici, son of the Duke of Florence, and Gianantonio Serbellone, cousin of the pope. Charles was given the title of Sts. Vitus and Modestus, which was in the August following changed to that of St. Martino-ai-Monti. He wished for no rejoicings at Milan; all the celebration was to be at Arona, where were to be said ten Masses de Spiritu Sancto. At this time Cardinal Ippolito d'Este, of Ferrara, resigned the Archbishopric of Milan, and on 8 February the pope named Charles as administrator of the vacant see. In succession he was named Legate of Bologna, Romagna, and the March of Ancona. He was named Protector of the Kingdom of Portugal, of Lower Germany, and the Catholic cantons of Switzerland. Under his protection were placed the orders of St. Francis, the Carmelites, the Humiliati, the Canons Regular of the Holy Cross of Coimbra, the Knights of Jerusalem (or Malta), and those of the Holy Cross of Christ in Portugal. By a motu proprio (22 January, 1561) Pius IV gave him an annual income of 1000 golden crowns from the episcopal mensa of Ferrara.

Charles' office of secretary of state and his care for the business of the family did not prevent him from giving time to study, and even to recreations in the form of playing the lute and violoncello, and a game of ball. He lived at first at the Vatican, but in July, 1562, removed to the Palazzo Colonna, Piazza Sancti Apostoli. Soon after his arrival in Rome he founded at the Vatican an academy, which was a way of providing, by literary work, a distraction from more serious occupations. The members, whether ecclesiastics or laymen, met nearly every evening, and many of their contributions are amongst the works of Charles as "Noctes Vaticanae". Charles was very soon occupied as secretary of state in using his influence to bring about the re-assembling of the Council of Trent, which had been suspended since 1552. The state of Europe was appalling from an ecclesiastical point of view. Many were the difficulties that had to be overcome -- with the emperor, with Philip II of Spain, and, greatest of all, with France, where the demand was made for a national council. Still, in spite of obstacles, the work went on with the view of re-assembling the council, and for the most part it was Charles' patience and devotion that accomplished the object.

It was not until 18 January, 1562, that the council resumed at Trent, with two cardinals, 106 bishops, 4 mitred abbots, and 4 generals of religious orders present. The correspondence which passed between Charles and the cardinal legates at Trent is enormous, and the questions which arose many times threatened to bring about the breaking-up of the council. Difficulties with the emperor, the national principles put forward on behalf of France by the Cardinal Charles of Lorraine, Archbishop of Reims, required from Charles constant attention and the greatest delicacy and skill in treatment. The twenty-fifth, and last, session of the council was held 3 and 4 December, 1563; at it were present 255 Fathers. At a consistory on the 26th of January, 1564, Pius IV confirmed the decrees of the council, and later appointed a congregation of eight cardinals to see to the execution of these decrees. During the sitting of the re-assembled council Charles' elder brother, Count Federigo, had died (28 November, 1562). This event had a very determining result as to Charles, for he immediately resolved to give himself with greater strictness to spiritual matters, and he looked upon his brother's death as a warning to him to give up all worldly things. His resolution was well needed, for, as he was now head of the family, great pressure was brought to bear upon him to give up the ecclesiastical state and to marry. This view was even suggested to him by the pope at the instance of other relatives. Some months passed in these efforts to influence Charles, but finally he resolved to definitely fix himself in the ecclesiastical state by being secretly ordained priest. The ordination took place, by the hands of Cardinal Federigo Cesa, in Santa Maria Maggiore, on the 4th of September, 1563. He writes that he celebrated his first Mass on the Assumption, in St. Peter's, at the altar of the Confession. He said his second Mass at his house, attached to the Gesu, in an oratory where St. Ignatius had been accustomed to celebrate. Charles at this time had as his confessor Father Giovanni Battista Ribera, S.J. On the 7th of December, 1563, the feast of St. Ambrose, he was consecrated bishop in the Sistine Chapel; on the 23rd of March, 1564, he received the pallium, and was preconized on the 12th of May. In the following June his title was changed to that of Santa Prassede.

Meanwhile Charles had provided for the spiritual wants of his diocese. Antonio Roberti, in May, 1560, has, as his vicar, taken possession of his archbishopric, and Charles sent Monsignor Donato, Bishop of Bobbio, as his deputy for episcopal functions. Monsignor Donato soon died, and in his place, Charles commissioned Monsignor Girolamo Ferragato, O.S.A., one of his suffragans, to visit the diocese, and to report on its needs. Ferragato entered Milan, 23 April, 1562; on 24 June of the same year Charles sent to Milan Fathers Palmio and Carvagial, S.J., with the object of preparing the faithful of the diocese, both clergy and laity, for the carrying out of the reforms prescribed by the Council of Trent. While anxious for the spiritual welfare of his flock, he was no less solicitous for his own. There came to him the thought of what was the will of God concerning him, and whether he was to continue as the spiritual father of his diocese or retire to a monastery. It happened in the autumn of 1563, between the sessions of the Council of Trent, that the Cardinal of Lorraine went to Rome, accompanied by Ven. Bartholomew of the Martyrs, O.P., Archbishop of Braga, in Portugal. Bartholomew had already shown himself to be of a like spirit to Charles, and when Pius IV introduced them, and suggested that he should begin the reform of the cardinals in the person of Charles, Bartholomew answered that if the princes of the Church had all been like Cardinal Borromeo, he would have proposed them as models for the reform of the rest of the clergy. In a private interview, Charles opened his heart to Bartholomew and told him of his thought of retiring to a monastery. Bartholomew applauded his desire, but at the same time declared his opinion that it was God's will that he should not abandon his position. Charles was now assured that it was his duty to remain in the world; but all the more he felt he ought to visit his diocese, though the pope always opposed his departure. Bartholomew counselled patience, and represented the assistance he could give to the pope and the whole Church by remaining in Rome. Charles was satisfied, and stayed on, doing the great work necessary by sending zealous deputies. After the Council of Trent he was much occupied with the production of the catechism embodying the teaching of the council, the revision of the Missal and Breviary. He also was a member of a commission for the reform of church music, and chose Palestrina to compose three masses; one of these is the "Missa Papae Marcelli".

Pastoral solicitude, which is the characteristic chosen for mention in the collect of his feast, made him ever anxious to have the most suitable representatives in Milan. He heard of the excellent qualities of Monsignor Nicolò Ormaneto, of the diocese of Verona, and succeeded in obtaining the consent of his bishop to his transference to Milan. Ormaneto had been in the household of Cardinal Pole, and also the principal assistant of the Bishop of Verona. On the 1st of July, 1564, Ormaneto reached Milan, and at once carried out Charles' instructions by calling together a diocesan synod for the promulgation of the decrees of the Council of Trent. There were 1200 priests at the Synod. It was with the clergy that Charles began the reform, and the many abuses needed skilful and tactful treatment. Father Palmio contributed much in bringing the clergy to a sense of the necessity for reform. The synod was followed by a visitation of the diocese by Ormaneto. In September Charles sent thirty Jesuit Fathers to assist his vicar; three of these were placed over the seminary, which was opened on the 11th of November (feast of St. Martin of Tours). Charles was constantly directing the work of restoration of ecclesiastical discipline, and the education of the young, even down to minute details, was foremost in his thoughts. The manner of preaching, repression of avaricious priests, ecclesiastical ceremonies, and church music are some of the subjects on which Charles wrote many letters. The revival of strict observance of rule in the convents of nuns was another matter to which Charles urged Ormaneto's attention; the setting up of grilles in the convent parlours was ordered, and, to remove material difficulties, Charles ordered his agent, Albonese, to pay the cost of this where the convents, through poverty, were unable to bear the expense. This order brought difficulties with his own relations. Two of his aunts, sisters of Pius IV, had entered the Order of St. Dominic; they resented the setting up of the grilles as casting a slur on their convent. Charles, in a letter (28th of April, 1565) displaying much thought and great tact, strove to bring his aunts to see the good purpose of the order, but without success, and the pope wrote on the 26th of May, 1565, telling them that he had given general orders for the setting up of the grilles, and that it would be pleasing to him that those united to him by ties of blood and affection should set a good example to other convents.

Notwithstanding the support which Charles gave, Ormmaneto was discouraged by the checks with which he met, and wished to return to his own diocese. Charles pressed the pope to allow him to leave Rome, and at the same time encouraged Ormaneto to remain. At last the pope gave his consent to Charles visiting his flock and summoning a provincial council; but, desiring his stay to be short one, he created Charles legate a latere for all Italy. Charles prepared to start, chose canonists to help the council, and wrote to the Court of Spain and Philip II. He left Rome 1 September, and, passing through Florence, Bologna, Modena, and Parma, he made his solemn entry into Milan on Sunday, 23 September, 1565. His arrival was the occasion of great rejoicings, and the people did their utmost to welcome the first resident archbishop for eighty years. On the following Sunday he preached in the Duomo, on the words: "With desire I have desired to eat this pasch with you" (Luke 22:15).

On the 15th of October the first provincial council met. It was attended by ten out of the fifteen bishops of the province, those absent being represented by their procurators. Three of these prelates were cardinals, and one, Nicolò Sfondrato of Cremona, was afterwards pope with the title of Gregory XIV. Charles announced that the reform must begin with the prelates: "We ought to walk in front, and our spiritual subjects will follow us more easily." He commenced by fulfilling all things required in himself, and his wonderful clergy astonished the prelates. The council was finished on the 3rd of November, and Charles sent a minute report to the pope. On the 6th of November he went to Trent as legate, to meet the Archduchesses Giovanna and Barbara, who were to be married to the Prince of Florence and the Duke of Ferrara. Charles conducted Barbara to Ferrara and Giovanna to Tuscany, where at Fiorenzuola, he received the news of the pope's serious illness. He reached Rome to find that the pope's condition was hopeless, and he at once bade the Holy Father turn all his thoughts to his heavenly home. On the 10th of December Pius IV died, assisted by two saints, Charles and Philip Neri. Onb the 7th of January, 1566, the conclave for the election of his successor was concluded by the election of Cardinal Michele Ghislieri, O.P., of Alessandria, Bishop of Mondovì, who, at the request of Charles, took the name of Pius V. It had been maintained that Charles at first favoured Cardinal Morone, but his letter to the King of Spain (Sylvain, I,309) seems to prove that he did his utmost to secure the election of Cardinal Ghislieri. Pius V wished to keep Charles to assist him in Rome; but though Charles delayed his departure for some time, in the end his earnest representations obtained permission for him to return to Milan, at least for the summer. He returned to his see, 5 April, 1566, having made a detour to visit the sanctuary of Our Lady of Loreto. Charles showed admirably how the Church had the power to reform from within, and, though the task he had to do was gigantic, he set about its execution with great calmness and confidence. He began with his household, gave up much of his property to the poor, and insisted that in all that concerned him personally the greatest economy should be used; for his position as archbishop and cardinal he required due respect. He practised great mortification, and whatever the Council of Trent or his own provincial council had laid down for the life of the bishops he carried out, not only in the letter, but also in the spirit.

The rules for the management of his household, both in spiritual and temporal affairs, are to be found in the "Acta Ecclesiae Mediolanensis". The result of the care that was taken of his household was seen in the many members of it who became distinguished bishops and prelates. More than twenty were chosen while members of the cardinal's household; one of these was Dr. Owen Lewis, fellow of New College, Oxford, who taught at Oxford and Douai, and after being vicar-general to St. Charles was made Bishop of Cassano in Calabria.

The administration of the diocese needed to be perfected; he therefore chose a vicar-general of exemplary life, learned in law and ecclesiastical discipline. He also appointed two other vicars, one for civil and the other for criminal causes. He associated with them other officials, all chosen for their integrity, and took care that they should be well paid, so as to preclude all suspicion ofvenality. Corruption in such matters was specially distasteful to him. Whilst providing for upright officials, the needs of the prisoners were not forgotten, and in time his court was known as the holy tribunal. He so organized his administration that by means of reports and conferences with the visitors and the vicars forane, his pastoral visits were productive of great fruit. The canons of his cathedral chapter were in turn the object of his reforming care. He put before them his plan of giving them definite work in theology and in connexion with the Sacrament of Penance. They welcomed his reforms, as he wrote to Monsignor Bonome: "The result of the way I have taken is very different to that in vogue today" (27 April, 1566). Pius V congratulated Charles on his success and exhorted him to continue the work.

Another great work which was begun at this time was that of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, in order that the children might be carefully and systematically instructed. This work was really the beginning of what is now known as the Sunday school, and there is a remarkable testimony to this in an inscription under a statue outside the Essex Unitarian Church, Kensington, London, where Cardinal Borromeo is mentioned in connexion with the work. The visitation of his flock was steadily carried out and various pious foundations were made to succour the needy and sinners. In 1567 opposition began to be made to his jurisdiction. The officials of the King of Spain announced that they would inflict severe penalties on the archbishop's officers if they imprisoned more laymen, or carried arms. The mmatter was referred to the king, and finally to the pope, who counselled the Senate of Milan to support the ecclesiastical authority. Peace was not restored; and the bargello, or sheriff, of the archbishop was imprisoned. The archbishop announced sentence of excommunication on the captain of justice and several other officials. Much trouble followed, and again the matter was laid before the pope, who decided in favour of the archbishop.

In October, 1567, Charles started to visit three Swiss valleys, Levantina, Bregno, and La Riviera. In most parts, indeed, there was much to reform. The clergy especially were in many cases so lax and careless, and even living scandalous lives, that the people had grown to be equally negligent and sinful. The hardships of this journey were great; Charles travelled on a mule, but sometimes on foot, over most difficult and even dangerous ground. His labours bore great fruit, and a new spirit was put into both clergy and laity. In August, 1568, the second diocesan synod was held, and it was followed in April, 1569, by the second provincial council. In August, 1569, matters came to a head in connexion with the collegiate church of Santa Maria della Scala. This church had been declared by Clement VII, in 1531, exempt from the jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Milan, provided that the consent of the archbishop was obtained; but this consent had never been obtained, and consequently the exemption did not take effect. Now the governor, the Duke of Albuquerque, had been induced by the opponents of the archbishop to issue an edict declaring that all who violated the king's jurisdiction should receive severe punishment. The canons of La Scala claimed exemption from the archbishop and relied on the secular power to support them. Charles announced his intention of making his visitation in accordance with the wishes of the pope, by sending Monsignor Luigi Moneta to the canons. He was met with opposition and open insult. Early in September Charles himself went, vested for a visitation. The same violent demeanour was again shown. The archbishop took the cross into his own hands and went forward to pronounce the sentence of excommunication. The armed men raised their weapons; the canons closed the door of the church against Charles, who with eyes fixed on the crucifix, recommended himself and these unworthy men to the Divine protection. Charles was indeed in danger of his life, for the canons' supporters opened fire, and the cross in his hand was damaged. His vicar-general then put up the public notice that the canons had incurred censures. This act was followed by blows and cries, removal of the notices, and the declaration that the archbishop was himself suspended from his office. Pius V was shocked at this incident, and only with very great difficulty allowed Charles to deal with these rebellious canons, when they repented.

In October, 1569, Charles was again in great danger. The Order of the Humiliati, of which he was protector, had by his persevering care been induced to accept certain reforms, in 1567. But some of its members strove to bring about a return to their former condition. As Charles would not consent to this, some of the order formed a conspiracy to take his life. On the 26th of October, whilst Charles was at evening prayer with his household, a member of the Humiliati, dressed as a layman, having entered with others of the public who were admitted to the chapel, took his stand four or five yards from the archbishop. The motet "Tempus est ut revertar ad eum qui me misit", by Orlando Lasso, was being sung; the words "Non turbetur cor vestrum, neque formidet" had just been sung, when the assassin fired his weapon, loaded with ball, and struck Charles, who was kneeling at the altar. Charles, thinking himself mortally wounded, commended himself to God. A panic arose, which allowed the assassin to escape, but Charles motioned to his household to finish the prayers. At their conclusion it was found that the ball had not even pierced his clothes, but some of the shot had penetrated to the skin, and where the ball had struck a slight swelling appeared, which remained through his life.

It was seen how far the unruly-minded had gone, and the serious turn affairs had taken. At once the governor took prompt steps to assure Charles of his sympathy and his wish to find the assassin. Charles would not allow this, and asked the governor to use his efforts to prevent the rights of the Church being infringed. In some measure this occurrence led the canons of La Scala to sue for pardon, and on the 5th of February, 1570, Charles publicly absolved them before the door of his cathedral. Notwithstanding his wish to forgive those who had attempted his life, and his efforts to prevent their prosecution, four of the conspirators (amongst them Farina, who actually fired) were sentenced to death. All being of the clergy, they were handed over to the civil power (29 July, 1570); two were beheaded; Farina and another were hanged.

Charles at this time made a second visit to Switzerland, first visiting the three valleys of his diocese, then over the mountains to see his half-sister Ortensia, Countess d'Altemps. Afterwards he visited all the Catholic cantons, everywhere using his influence to remove abuses both among the clergy and laity, and to restore religious observance in monasteries and convents. He visited Altorf, Unterwalden, Lucerne, Saint Gall, Schwyz, Einsiedeln, where he said that he nowhere except at Loreto, experienced a greater religious feeling (10 September, 1570). Heresy had spread in many of these parts, and Charles sent to them experienced missionaries to win back those who had embraced it.

At this time Pius V came to the conclusion that nothing less than the suppression of the Order of the Humiliati was adequate. He therefore issued a Bull (7 February, 1571) suppressing the order and providing for its property. This same year, owing to the short harvest, the whole province suffered from a terrible famine, during which Charles worked with unceasing toil to help the starving, relieving at his own expense as many as 3000 daily for three months. His example induced others to help, the governor, especially, giving large alms. In the summer of 1571 Charles was for somme time seriously ill, in the month of August; having partly recovered, he was making his visitation when he heard of the serious illness of the governor, the Duke of Albuquerque. Charles returned to Milan only in time to console the duchess. He made use of the prayers ordered by Pius V for the success of the Christians against the Turks, to urge on his flock the necessity of averting God's anger by penance. Great were the rejoicings at the victory of Lepanto (7 October, 1571). Charles was especially interested in this expedition by reason of the papal ships being commanded by Marco Antonio Colonna, whose son Fabricio was married to his sister, Anna Borromeo.

The archbishop remained in bad health, suffering from low fever and catarrh. It was feared that consumption would set in; in spite of his illness he prepared for the third diocesan synod, which was held in his absence in April, 1572. He soon afterwards heard of the death of Pius V (1 May, 1572), and, though feeble, he started for the conclave, which lasted one day and resulted in the election of Cardinal Ugo Buoncompagni, with the title of Gregory XIII, 13 May, 1572. As medical treatment had not restored Charles to health, he now abandoned it and returned to his ordinary rule of life, with the result that he was before long quite well. On his homeward journey he again visited Loreto, in November, and reached Milan on 12 November. He at this time resigned the offices of Grand Penitentiary, Archpriest of Santa Maria Maggiore, and other high dignities. In April, 1573, he held his third provincial council.

The new governor of Milan was Don Luigi di Requesens, who had known Charles in Rome. However, as soon as he took office, being urged by the opponents of Charles, he published some letters falsely incriminating Charles in questions of the royal authority and containing much that was contrary to the rights of the Church. Charles protested against their publication; with great reluctance, and after much anxious deliberation, he publicly pronounced, in August, sentence of excommunication explicitly against the grand Chancellor and immplicitly against the governor. As a consequence of this, libels were published in the city against Charles. The governor showed his displeasure by placing restricitions on the meetings of the confraternities, also depriving Charles of the Castle of Arona. Various rumours were in circulation of more wicked plans against Charles, but his tranquillity was maintained, and he carried on his work with his usual care, despite the fact that the governor had placed an armed guard to watch his palace. None of the governor'sactions succeeding, the governor was led to ask for absolution, which he obtained by deception. When Gregory XIII learned of this, he compelled the governor to make satisfaction to Charles. This was done, and on 26 November Charles announced that the governor was absolved from all penalties and censures. In this year Charles founded a college for the nobility at Milan.

In August, 1574, Henry III of France was passing through the Diocese of Milan on his way from Poland to take the French throne. Charles met him at Monza. The fourth diocesan synod was in November, 1574. Gregory XIII proclaimed a jubilee for 1575, and on the 8th of December, 1574, Charles left for Rome. He visited many shrines and, having reached Rome, performed the required devotions and started for Milan, in February. He assisted at the death-bed of his brother-in-law, Cesare Gonzaga, and continued the visitation of his province. In 1576 the jubilee was kept in the Diocese of Milan. It began on the 2nd of February. Whilst the jubilee was being celebrated, news came of the outbreak of plague in Venice and Mantua. The fourth provincial council was held in May. In August, Don John of Austria, visited Milan. Religious exercises were being carried out, and his arrival was made the occasion of rejoicings and spectacular effects. All at once everything was changed, for the plague appeared in Milan. Charles was at Lodi, at the funeral of the bishop. He at once returned, and inspired confidence in all. He was convinced that the plague was sent as a chatisement for sin, abd sought all the more to give himself to prayer. At the same time he thought of the people. He prepared himself for death, made his will (9 September, 1576), and then gave himself up entirely to his people. Personal visits were paid by him to the plague-stricken houses. In the hospital of St. Gregory were the worst cases; to this he went, and his presence comforted the sufferers. Though he worked so arduously himself, it was only after many trials that the secular clergy of the town were induced to assist him, but his persuasive words at last won them so that they afterwards aided him in every way. It was at this time that, wishing to do penance for his people, he walked in procession, barefooted, with a rope round his neck, at one time bearing in his hand the relic of the Holy Nail.

At the beginning of 1577 the plague began to abate, and though there was a temmporary increase in the number of cases, at last it ceased. The Milanese vowed to build a church dedicated to St. Sebastian, if he would deliver them. This promise was fulfilled. Charles wrote at this time the "Memoriale", a small work, addressed to his suffragans, which had for its object to recall the lessons given by the cessation of the plague. He also compiled books of devotion for persons of every state of life. By the beginning of 1578 the plague had quite disappeared from all parts. At the end of 1578 the fifth diocesan synod was held. It lasted three days. Charles endeavoured at this time to induce the canons of the cathedral to unite with himself in community life. In this year, on the 16th of August, he began the foundation of the congregation of secular priests under the patronage of Our Lady and St. Ambrose, giving it the title of the Oblates of St. Ambrose. Though he had been helped by various orders of religious, especially by the Jesuits and the Barnabites, one of whom (now Bl. Alexander Sauli) was for many years his constant adviser, yet he felt the need of a body of men who could act as his assistants and, living in community, would be more easily impressed by his spirit and wishes. He was the master mind of this new congregation, and he ever insisted on the need of complete union between himself and its members. It was his delight to be with them, and, looking to him as a father, they were ready to go where he wished, to undertake works of every kind. He placed them in seminaries, schools, and confraternities. The remaining synods were held in 1579 and succeeding years, the last (the eleventh) in 1584.

His first pilgrimage to Turin, to visit the Holy Shroud, was in 1578. About this time he first visited the holy mountain of Varallo to meditate on the mysteries of the Passion in the chapels there. In 1578-9 the Marquis of Ayamonte, the soccessor of Requesens as governor, opposed the jurisdiction of the archbishop, and in September of the latter year Charles went to Rome to obtain a decision on the question of jurisdiction. The dispute arose in consequence of the governor ordering the carnival to be celebrated with additional festivities on the first Sunday of Lent, against the archbishop's orders. The pope confirmed the decrees of the archbishop, and urged the Milanese to submit. The envoys sent by them were so ashamed that they would not themselves present the pope's reply. Gregory XIII had welcomed Charles and rejoiced at his presence. Charles did much work during his stay for his province, especially for Switzerland. In connexion with the rule which Charles drew up for the Oblates of St. Ambrose, it is to be noted that when in Rome he submitted it to St. Philip Neri, who advised Charles to exclude the vow of poverty. Charles defended its inclusion, so St. Philip said, "We will put it to the judgment of Brother Felix". This brother was a simple Capuchin lay brother at the Capuchins, close to the Piazza Barberini. St. Philip and St. Charles went to him, and he put his finger on the article dealing with the vow of poverty, and said, "This is what should be effaced". Felix was also a saint, and is known as St. Felix of Cantalicio. Charles returned to Milan by Florence, Bologna, and Venice, everywhere reviving the true ecclesiastical spirit. When he reached Milan the joy of his people was great, for it had been said he would not return. After the beginning of Lent (1580), Charles began his visitation at Brescia; soon after, in April, he was called back to Milan to assist at the death-bed of the governor, Ayamonte. In this year Charles visited the Valtelline valley in the Grisons. In July he was brought to know a youth who afterwards reached great sanctity. He was invited by the Marquis Gonzaga to stay with him, and refused, but while staying at the archpriest's house he met the eldest son of the marquis, Luigi Gonzaga, then twelve years old, now raised to the altars of the Church as St. Aloysius Gonzaga, S.J.. Charles gave him his first Communion. The next year (1581) Charles sent to the King of Spain a special envoy in the person of Father Charles Bascape of the Barnabites, charging him to endeavour to come to an understanding on the question of jurisdiction. The result was that a governor, the Duke of Terra Nova, was sent, who was instructed to act in concert with Charles. After this no further controversy arose.

In 1582 Charles started on his last journey to Rome, both in obedience to the decrees of the Council of Trent, and to have the decrees of the sixth provincial council confirmed. This was his last visit, and during it he resided at the monastery attached to his titular church of Santa Prassede, where still are shown pieces of furniture used by him. He left Rome in January, 1583, and travelled by Sienna and Mantua, where he had been commissioned by the pope to pronounce a judgment. A great portion of this year was taken up by visitations. In November he began a visitation as Apostolic visitor of all the cantons of Switzerland and the Grisons, leaving the affairs of his diocese in the hands of Monsignor Owen Lewis, his vicar-general. He began in the Mesoleina Valley; here not only was there heresy to be fought, but also witchcraft and sorcery, and at Roveredo it was discovered that the provost, or rector, was the foremost in sorceries. Charles spent considerable time in setting right this terrible state of things. It was his especial care to leave holy priests and good religious to guide the people. Next he visited Bellinzona and Ascona, working strenuously to extirpate heresy, and meeting with much opposition from the Bishop of Coire. The negotiations were continued into the next year, the last of Charles on earth. All his work bore fruit, and his efforts in these part ensured the preservation of the Faith. The heretics spread false reports that Charles was really working for Spain against the inhabitants of the Grisons. In spite of their falsehoods Charles continued to attack them and to defend Catholics, who had much to suffer.

At the end of 1584 he had an attack of erysipelas in one leg, which obliged to remain in bed. He however has a congress of the rural deans, sixty in number, with whom he fully discussed the needs of the diocese. He also made great exertions to suppress the licentiousness of the carnival. Knowing the needs of the invalids who left the great hospital he determined to found a convalescent hospital. He did not live to see it completed, but his immediate successor saw that the work was executed. During September and early October he was at Novara, Vercelli, and Turin. On the 8th of October he left Turin and thence travelled to Monte Varallo. He was going to prepare for death. His confessor, Father Adorno, was told to join him. On 15 October he began the exercises by making a general confession. On the 18th the Cardinal of Vercelli summoned him to Arona to discuss urgent and important business. The night before Charles spent eight hours in prayer on his knees. On the 20th he was back at Varallo; on the 24th an attack of fever came on; he concealed it at first, but suffering from sickness he was obliged to declare his state. For five days this state lasted, but still he said Mass and gave Communion daily, and carried on his correspondence. He seemed to know that death was at hand and determined to work as long as he had strength left. The foundation of the college at Ascona was not completed, and it was urgent that it should be finished in a short time, so Charles pressed on and started, in spite of his sufferings, on 29 October, having previously paid a farewell visit to the chapels. He was found prostrate in the chapel where the burial of Our Lord was represented. He rode to Arona, thence went by boat to Canobbio, where he stayed the night, said Mass on the 30th, and proceeded to Ascona. He visited the college, and afterwards set out at night for Canobbio, staying a short time at Locarno, where he intended to bless a cemetery, but, finding himself without his pontifical vestments, he abandoned the idea. When he reached Canobbio the fever was decreasing, and he was very weak. The next day he took the boat for Arona and stayed there with the Jesuits, at the novitiate he had founded, and on All Saints' Day he said Mass for the last time, giving Communion to the novices and many of the faithful. The next day he assisted at Mass and received Holy Communion. His cousin, Rene Borromeo, accompanied him on the boat, and that evening he reached Milan. It was not known there that he was ill. He at once was visited by doctors, whose orders he obeyed. He would not allow Mass to be said in his room. A picture of Our Lord in the tomb was before him, together with two others of Jesus at Gethsemani and the body of the dead Christ. The physicians regarded the danger as extreme, and though there was a slight improvement, it was not maintained, and the fever returned with great severity. The archpriest of the cathedral gave him the Viaticum, which he received vested in rochet and stole. The administration of extreme unction was suggested. "At once", Charles replied. It was at once given, and afterwards he showed but little sign of life. The governor, the Duke of Terra Nova, arrived after great difficulty in getting through the crowds which surrounded and had entered the palace. The prayers for a passing soul were said, the Passion was read, with Father Bascapè and Father Adorno at the bedside, the words "Ecce venio" (Behold I come) being the last words he was heard to utter (3 November, 1584). On the 7th of November his requiem was sung by Cardinal Nicolò Sfondrato, Bishop of Cremona, afterwards Gregory XIV. He was buried at night in the spot which he had chosen.

Devotion to him as a saint was at once shown and gradually grew, and the Milanese kept his anniversary as though he were canonized. This veneration, at first private, became universal, and after 1601 Cardinal Baronius wrote that it was no loger necessary to keep his anniversary by a requiem Mass, and that the solemn Mass of thedau should be sung. Then materials were collected for his canonization, and processes were begun at Milan, Pavia, Bologna, and other places. In 1604 the cause was sent to the Congregation of Rites. Finally, 1 November, 1610, Paul V solemnly canonized Charles Borromeo, and fixed his feast for the 4th day of November.

The position which Charles held in Europe was indeed a very remarkable one. The mass of correspondence both to and by him testifies to the way in which his opinion was sought. The popes under whom he lived -- as has been shown above -- sought his advice. The sovereigns of Europe, Henry III of France, Philip II, Mary Queen of Scots, and others showed how they valued his influence. His brother cardinals have written in praise of his virtues. Cardinal Valerio of Verona said of him that he was to the well-born a pattern of virtue, to his brother cardinals an example of true nobility. Cardinal Baronius styled him "a second Ambrose, whose early death, lamented by all good men, inflicted great loss on the Church".

It is a matter of interest to know that Catholics in England late in the sixteenth or at the beginning of the seventeenth century had circulated some life of St. Charles in England. Doubtless some knowledge of him had been brought to England by Blessed Edmund Campion, S.J., who visited him at Milan in 1580, on his way to England, stopped with him some eight days, and conversed with him every day after dinner. Charles had much to do with England in the days of his assistance to Pius IV, and he had a great veneration for the portrait of Bishop Fisher. Charles also had much to do with Francis Borgia, General of the Jesuits, and with Andrew of Avellino of the Theatines, who gave great help to his work in Milan.

Please visit also The Catholic Encyclopedia.

Source. http://www.newadvent.org

Upcoming Events and Announcements

Silver Jubilee Celebration of the USC Retreat House
January 28, 2008
5:00 p.m. Eucharistic Celebration

Blessing and Inauguration of the Law and Graduate Business Building
(to be named Joseph Waltzlawik Building)
February 8, 2008
4:30 p.m. Eucharistic Celebration

National Communication Arts Seminar
February 8 & 9, 2008
Buttenbruch Hall, USC-Main Campus

Message from the USC President

The Year of our Lord. May we, as Christians, Catholics, Carolinians continue to look at time in this way even if others – sometimes we too, ourselves – call the year by other names as well. The birth of Jesus, after all, was the prime consideration in determining the Christian calendar.

Some hesitate to remember that now, unfortunately, though for various reasons, admittedly. To keep from associating faith with the marking of time, Common Era is now sometimes used instead of the long-standing Anno Domini, in the Year of the Lord. The greeting “Merry Christmas” yields to “Happy Holidays” out of the fear that non-Christians might be offended.

Without losing respect for people of other faiths or those without faith at all, let us, because we are Christians, Catholics, Carolinians continue to honor the God of time and use the time of God well. We welcome 2008, the new Year of our Lord. And endeavor to make Jesus continue to be the Lord of our Year. Up ahead in our January calendar are events that need our attention:

Thursday, January 10 is the first day of the novena masses in honor of the Sto. Nino.
University of San Carlos and Society of the Divine Word are assigned to sponsor the Holy Mass at 2:30 p.m. at the Pilgrim Center.

We shall have work and classes that day, but those who are free are invited to celebrate the Mass. Administrative employees from any campus may attend so long as a skeletal force remains to serve our clients. After the mass, though the high school students who attend the mass may go home, college students and teachers with late afternoon and early evening classes are required to go back to school. Administrative employees, too.

Saturday, January 19, starting at 1:30 p.m. shall be the Sto. Nino procession. Our work ceases at 12 noon. Whatever Saturday afternoon and evening classes are scheduled shall continue. Our USC Band is to follow the carroza of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Division 2 with assembly station in D. Jakosalem St. at the back of the Basilica. CWTS and ROTC students are to help maintain the procession line along the route of the procession, specifically, P. del Rosario St. USC participants, as a group, are assigned to Division 2, though we may also choose to join the procession privately.

Sunday, January 20 is the actual Feast of the Sto. Nino. The Sinulog street dancing will be held that day. May we enjoy the festivities without neglecting the reason for the celebration.

We have no work and no classes on the following day, Monday, January 21 but resume both on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, January 29, The Philippine SVD Southern Province will hold its Provincial Assembly at our CAFA theater. That date is the feast of St. Joseph Freinademetz, first SVD missionary to China. Among other things, the SVDs will elect a new Provincial Superior and Council. The next day, at the USC main campus, the Provincial Chapter will be held. We ask you to keep us in your prayers.

Other activities are lined up for the following months, till the end of the academic year. May we each and all do our best in whatever we do. We pray: Lord, in Your mercy, forgive what we have been, help us to amend what we are, and direct what we shall be, so we may act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with You, Lord of our Year, this 2008, Year of our Lord.

FATHER RODERICK C. SALAZAR JR., SVD President

USC Dance Troupe in the International Students Night!

USC Dance Troupe in the International Students Night!

The University of San Carlos Dance Troupe performing at their best at the USC Cultural Center during the International Students Night- a event that showcased students from different parts of the globe the wonderful culture that they have brought to the Carolinian community.

The University of San Carlos Dance Troupe is a performing arts group dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Filipino culture through its repertoire of cultural dances. It is composed of students from various colleges in the University. The group serves as the cultural arm of USC through its cultural performances in the local, national and global scenes.

The USC Dance Troupe will remain steadfast in its commitment to bring pride to our nation and continue preserving, promoting and enriching the legacy of the Filipino culture for the community and the world.

VIDEO

Thanks to JamesKho for the video.

Upcoming Events and Announcements

University Christmas Party
Rudolf Rahmann Cultural Center
USC - South Campus
December 20, 2007

Fr.alingasa Thanksgiving Mass
on the ocassion of the 50th Priestly Ordination anniversary of Fr. Margarito R. Alingasa, SVD President, University of San Carlos 1975-1979
Church of St. Arnold and St. Joseph
USC - Talamban Campus
December 21, 2007, 4:00 p.m.

Fr. Alingasa "The coming revolutions in fundamental physics"
A dialgoue with Professor David Gross 2004 Nobel Laureate in Physics
College of Architecture and Fine Arts Theater - Talamban Campus
Friday, January 11, 2008, 2:00 p.m.

Takiling Pattong by the USC Dance troupe

A Cordillera dance, Takiling Pattong, danced by the University of San Carlos
Dance troupe during the national Philippine Folk dance Society Workshop.

The University of San Carlos Dance Troupe is a performing arts group dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Filipino culture through its repertoire of cultural dances. It is composed of students from various colleges in the University. The group serves as the cultural arm of USC through its cultural performances in the local, national and global scenes.

The USC Dance Troupe will remain steadfast in its commitment to bring pride to our nation and continue preserving, promoting and enriching the legacy of the Filipino culture for the community and the world.

VIDEO

Thanks mistressnicey.

Prof. Annika Lagerqvist Veloz Roca holds lecture in USC

Law professors and students had the privilege of attending a lecture-discussion by Prof. Annika Lagerqvist Veloz Roca on the Swedish Constitutional System at the Theodore Buttenbruch Hall last December 13, 2007.

A noted constitutionalist in Sweden, Prof. Veloz Roca is in USC as visiting professor under the Staff Exchange Program that the college has with the Department of Law of Stockholm University, Sweden.

In the lecture, Prof. Veloz Roca highlighted the special features of her government such as the function-sharing set up as opposed to the power-sharing system in the Philippines. She likewise pointed out the best features of the government such as having separate Supreme Courts to deal with matters pertaining to administrative cases, and to penal and civil cases.

The concept of the Ombudsman originated in Sweden and Prof. Veloz Roca also shared how this control arm of the government guards against bribery and corruption in public service.

USC College of Law is the only law school in the country with the Staff and Student Exchange Program with Stockholm University. The program is now on its seventh year since its formal launching.

Author: J. J. Largo
19 / December / 2007

Atty. Joan Largo completes training at Georgetown University Law Center

Law prof completes training at Georgetown University Law Center

In Fall 2007, Assistant to the Dean Atty. Joan Largo attended the Second Annual Academy of World Trade Organization (WTO) Law and Policy at Georgetown Law's Institute of International Economic Law (IIEL) in Washington, DC.

The Academy brought close to eighty professionals from different countries for an intensive instruction in the legal obligations and policy underpinnings of the WTO and its agreements.

The participants were trade policy officials, international trade lawyers, and academics from developed, developing countries and transition economies who were taught by international trade law experts, many of whom negotiated the WTO Agreements at issue.

Atty. Largo took the training in connection with her doctoral dissertation entitled “Transnational Practice of Law” for the degree Doctor of the Science of Jurisprudence.

Author: J. J. Largo
19 / December / 2007

University of San Carlos - Theatre Guild "Paglilitis"

University of San Carlos - Theatre Guild presents "PAGLILITIS"

Thanks gwafashofa.

Revised Christmas Holiday Schedule, 2007-2008

The Christmas Holiday Schedule for Academic Year 2007-2008 is hereby revised thus:

After the college pre-midterm examinations scheduled next week, college and graduate classes shall continue until Friday, December 21, and, where applicable, until Saturday, December 22.

The University Christmas Party shall be held from afternoon until evening of Thursday, December 20. Work and classes on that day shall be only until noon.

Work and classes resume on the next day, Friday, December 21.

For the Basic Education Department in the South Campus, which will most probably be the venue of the University Christmas party, good weather permitting, classes will be held only until Wednesday, December 19. The teachers in that campus will please make the necessary adjustments for the date of their recollection and Christmas get-together.

For the Basic Education Department in the North Campus, arrangements shall be made with the Office of the Vice-president for Academic Affairs, within the overall university schedule here outlined.

Work in all campuses continue until Saturday, December 22. Though Saturday classes, where applicable, shall be held from morning through the afternoon until evening, official work in all campuses shall be only until noon.

We all come back for work and classes on Monday, January 7, 2008.

The change has been prompted by the desire to put together class days and rest days while ensuring that we do not lose official academic and class days.

Some of us might feel uneasy that we should still come back for work and classes on Friday, December 21. But let the uneasiness yield to our obligation to deliver classes as we should and the need to balance work days and rest days.

And may we, as USC community, and as individual families joyfully celebrate the birth of the Word of God who became one of us –

“just to say I love you,
so we may live
and learn to say the same.”

FATHER RODERICK C. SALAZAR JR., SVD
President

University of San Carlos wins 4th national ECE quiz title

USC wins record 4th national ECE quiz title, prof named most outstanding engineer

Six electronics and communication engineering (ECE) students won for the University of San Carlos a historic 4^th national ece quiz title by besting twenty one other finalists during the 28^th Electronics Engineering Interscholastic Quiz Bowl dubbed as “BIT the BEE’s” held on the occasion of the 57^th Institute of Electronics Engineers of the Phils., Inc. (IECEP) National Convention and Exhibition at the Philippine Trade Training Center, PTTC Building, in Pasay City on November 23–24, 2007.

The victorious USC ECE team pose with their awards.

USC, together with Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU) and Cebu Institute of Technology (CIT), gained entry to the finals after emerging as one of the top three teams during the tough regional elimination round for the IECEP Visayas Chapter held last September at the CAFA Building in USC, Cebu City.

During the November 23 quiz show, they joined other finalists from Northern Luzon, Calabarzon, NCR and Mindanao areas. USC won the championship after edging out Xavier University of Cagayan de Oro City, which eventually copped 2^nd place in a thrilling tie-breaking question. Third place went to Batangas State University.

The members of the winning team are graduating students Don Joven Agravante (team captain), Annaliza Robin, Clarence Adrian Valendez, Jason Roa, and fourth-year students Ryan Paderna and Neil Villegas. USC, thus far, is the only ECE school to have clinched the title four times after also winning it in 1999, 2003 and 2005.

Engr. Joseph Karl Salva

Also honored during the IECEP National Convention as the Most Outstanding ECE in Education was Engr. Joseph Karl G. Salva, an associate professor at the EE/ECE Department. In a separate occasion on November 29, 2007, Engr Salva was formally conferred the prestigious title of ASEAN Engineer, the first in the Vis-Min area, during the 25^th Conference of ASEAN Federation of Engineering Organizations(CAFEO-25) Awarding Ceremony held at Waterfront Hotel and Casino Hotel in Lahug, Cebu City.

Author: A. S. Bañacia
07 / December / 2007

Professor Lucilo Sagayno wins Excellence Award in ASEAN art tilt

Fine arts prof wins Excellence Award in ASEAN art tilt

Lucilo Sagayno’s scroll paintings entitled “Childhood Memoirs” won the Excellence Award in the recently-concluded 2nd China ASEAN Youth Art and Creativity Contest held in Nanning City, Guangxi, China.

An instructor in the painting program of the USC Fine Arts Department, Sagayno will receive a cash award of RMB 10,000 and a certificate. His entry joined other winning works in the exhibit held at the Guangxi Provincial Museum during Nanning City’s hosting of the China-ASEAN Expo between October and November this year.

The international contest was open to all artists below 45 years old from China and the ASEAN. A total of 400 entries were submitted for this year’s contest which was limited to oil paintings only.

Other Cebuano painters who won the contest are Jun Impas and Savier Palanca, whose works were selected as among the finalists. The winning works will be featured in a hardbound catalog to be published and circulated shortly in China.


Author: Radel Paredes
06 / December / 2007

University of San Carlos Debating Team reaps awards

The University of San Carlos Debating Team under the tutelage of Atty. Archill Niña Faller-Capistrano (coach) and Mr. Owen de la Victoria (faculty adviser) once again displayed its dominance in a debate held in Foundation University in Dumaguete City last November 29, 2007.

The team composed by April Laine Murcia, Rejene Lakibul, Cristita Giangan and Manilyn Mier (team captain) awed the audience when they debated with the Foundation University debating team on the proposition “Resolved that the Human Security Act of 2007 be repealed.”

Giangan grabbed the Best Debater award while Mier was awarded Best Rebuttalist. The debate was a non-competitive debate organized by the Saceda Youth Lead, a Youth Serving Institution based in Dumaguete City.

Thanks to the author: Owen de la Victoria
06 / December / 2007

University of San Carlos readies for PAASCU undergrad survey

The University will once again undergo the scrutiny of peers as a survey of majority of its undergraduate programs and operations begins today, December 3. Members of a ten-person team from the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PPASCU) began arriving yesterday to conduct the crucial two-day evaluation of the standards of programs offered by the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Commerce, and Education.

Another 10-person team will also be arriving on Thursday and Friday to evaluate the College of Engineering and the College of Nursing. Mrs. Concepcion Pijano, PAASCU executive director is joining the two teams to represent PAASCU during the surveys.

Fr. Pres Roderick C. Salazar, Jr., SVD, set the tone for the important event in a statement entitled “Thank You, USC. Welcome PAASCU”, which was released last Thursday, November 29. In it, Fr. Salazar thanked the members of the University community who exerted all efforts to ensure the successful conduct of the coming PAASCU visit. At the same time, he also exhorted the community to rise to the challenge of upholding USC’s reputation for excellence, reminding the students, faculty and staff to be who they are: “a community with San Carlos Borromeo as patron, dedicated to academic excellence and the pursuit of the mission to Witness to the Word”.

The team that will conduct the evaluation for the Arts and Sciences, Education, Business, and Accountancy programs is chaired by Fr. Antonio Samson, SJ, president of the Ateneo de Davao University (Davao). He will be assisted by Fr. Christian Young, president of Fr. Saturnino Urios University (Butuan), who will handle the area of college community involvement; Sr. Ancilla Cabula, SFIC, AV coordinator and archivist of St. Joseph’s College (Quezon City), for the area of library; Mr. Don Amorsolo, professor at St. Scholastica’s College (Manila), for physical plant; Sr. Alegria Avellaneda, SPC, guidance director of the St. Paul University-Philippines (Tuguegarao), for student services; Dr. Evangeline Escobar, vice president for finance of St. Mary’s University (Bayombong) and Mr. Ronald Holmes, assistant professor of political science at De La Salle University (Manila) for faculty; Dr. Maria Lourdes Baybay, dean of Miriam College (Quezon City) and Fr. Romeo Saniel, OMI, president of Notre Dame University Midsayap College (Midasayap), for instruction; and Dr. Rosalinda Valdepeñas, president of the University of St. Louis (Tuguegarao), for laboratories.

The formal survey for the Nursing program is chaired by Miss Concepcion Rosales, assistant professor in the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies at Ateneo de Manila University (Quezon City). She will be assisted by Ms. Ma. Luisa Uayan, Faculty, College of Nursing, University of East-Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center (Quezon City) for the area of college community involvement; Mrs. Rhoda Reyes, associate dean of the College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences at St. Paul University of Manila (Manila), for faculty; Mrs. Gisela Luna, dean of St. Luke’s College of Nursing at Trinity University of Asia (Quezon City) for instruction; and Dr. Rhodora Escaño, dean of the College of Nursing at Philippine Women’s University (Quezon City) for laboratories.

For the engineering programs, the team will also be chaired by Miss Concepcion Rosales. For the area of faculty, the evaluator will be Dr. Julius Maridable, vice chancellor for academics of De La Salle University (Manila); for instruction, Dr. Peter Ureta, dean of the School of Engineering, Lyceum Institute of Technology (Calamba, Laguna); and for laboratories, Engr. Cirilo Calibjo, former dean of the College of Computer Studies at Central Philippine University (Iloilo).

The University's secretariat to assist the PAASCU evaluators with their needs and requests is led by Dr. Antonio Batomalague, head of the office of quality assurance, the office which also coordinated the University's preparations for the coming visit.

Author: J.E. R. Bersales
02 / December / 2007