Here is the summary of five other TEDxSillimanU speeches last Feb. 3 at Luce Auditorium.
Palanca – awardee Ian Casocot’s “Language We Breathe In” examined the use of Bisaya as a means of literary expression and the negative connotations attached to the local dialect. Americanized educational systems that patronize the mastery of the English language is a possible reason, Casocot said, recalling the “badge punishment system” to discourage students from speaking the dialect in class and speak English instead.
As a sports psychologist and athlete, Michele Valbuena understands what makes team sports a challenging feat for the human mind. In her talk, “The ego is most challenged in dragon boat,” she shared her experience as member of dragon a boat team, “Team Hilera.” Valbuena emphasized that it takes more than physical skill to make it in team sports, particularly in dragon boat where all members have to perform equally.
Moreover, Razcel Jan Salvarita’s “Artivism: Effecting Environmental Consciousness through Art” explained what it means to be an “artivist.” Before the age of “clicktivism,” a term used to describe the use of online platforms to facilitate activism, Salvarita marched in Dumaguete’s downtown area half naked, painted in all white to protest against a former congressman’s idea of further exploring Lake Balinsasayao. Salvarita said “artivism,” like his “Save Balinsasayao Twin Lakes” performance art and campaign, is a nonviolent protest that can enhance public discussion and bring about social change.
In “Quintessential and Queer,” Regal Oliva recounted his days as a student who was already aware of his sexual preference and identity at a young age and the struggles of the LGBTQI community which he faced and witnessed especially during his college days in Silliman. He continues to fight for LGBTQI rights as a lawyer, social activist and public official in Mandaue City, Cebu.
Foreign relations and globalization were redefined by Stacy Danika Alcantara in her “Diplomacy and the City” talk, which highlighted the potential of cities to further develop by establishing relations with other cities around the world. Specialized government offices in cities can be established and international partnerships between cities can be forged as ways for the government and LGUs to fulfill international commitments of the country.
