Students and some faculty members picketed the Ateneo de Davao University last week in protest of the restrictions imposed on them in going online on social networking site Facebook within campus.
Students complained that they were required to pay more than P1,300 as “information technology fee" each semester.
But the administration of Ateneo de Davao clarified that Facebook is “not totally banned" in their university, but rather the restrictions prohibit students from going to the popular site from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. only.
School officials said that the sheer number of people who go on Facebook on campus heavily overburdens the university’s internet service bandwidth, such that it negatively impacts on the university’s other online services.
“Most of our books are not really physically in the library. It’s online, they [students] can read these books while they are inside the campus," Assistant to the President of Ateneo de Davao University Jeremy Eliab told GMA News.
“Now, if Facebook is eating the bandwidth, it’s impossible to download the whole book," he explained.
“We want our personnel to focus more on – not on social networking – but on their necessary work, basically educational work," he added.
Eliab also said the ban was also a disciplinary measure to prohibit students from accessing Facebook during their classes.
Faculty statements
After the official announcement of the ban, an open letter was issued stating: “The College Faculty Union of Ateneo de Davao University (CFU) vehemently protests the blocking of social networking sites such as Facebook and Friendster, including other sites. The blocking is initiated by the Technical Service Office (TSO) of the university, as the internet site claims to be [sic]. This infringes on the freedom of information and of expression which requires thorough discussion beforehand to determine what constitutes a violation or not. The CFU will file grievance as initial and LEGAL response directed to the head of TSO."
On his blog, Ateneo de Davao professor Dominique Cimafranca noted that the picketers held up placards with Facebook’s blue-and-white “f" logo and the statement “Stop Facebook Ban."
“They do know what an ‘F’ means academically, right?" he wrote wryly that he had quipped to his fellow faculty member.
Also last week, another university in Mindanao, state-run University of Southern Mindanao prohibited school personnel from going on Facebook, Twitter, and other social networking sites during office hours. (report from Marlon Anthony Tonson/VS, GMA News)
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
DepEd opposes Ateneo de Davao Facebook ban
The Department of Education (DepEd) opposes the partial ban on Facebook in Ateneo de Davao University, the morning newscast “Dobol B sa News TV" reported Tuesday.
DepEd communications head Kenneth Tirado said that the school should instead teach students to use social networking sites like Facebook responsibly, according to the newscast. A good alternative would be the prohibition of the use of social networking sites while in class, Tirado reportedly added.
Last week, some students and faculty members of the Ateneo de Davao staged a picket to protest the Facebook restriction, considering that students were required to pay over P1,300 as “information technology fee" each semester.
But the Ateneo de Davao administration clarified that Facebook is “not totally banned" in the university as the restriction only covers 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In an interview aired on GMA News’ “Saksi" newscast Monday, Ateneo de Davao assistant to the president Jeremy Eliab explained that Facebook eats into the bandwidth of the university’s Internet connection, making it difficult to use some online services.
“Most of our books are not really physically in the library. It’s online. They can read these books while they are inside the campus. Now if Facebook is eating the bandwith, it’s impossible to download the whole book," Eliab said.
“We want our personnel to focus more on not on social networking, but on their necessary work, basically educational work," he added. (report from Paterno Esmaquel II/TJD, GMA News)
DepEd communications head Kenneth Tirado said that the school should instead teach students to use social networking sites like Facebook responsibly, according to the newscast. A good alternative would be the prohibition of the use of social networking sites while in class, Tirado reportedly added.
Last week, some students and faculty members of the Ateneo de Davao staged a picket to protest the Facebook restriction, considering that students were required to pay over P1,300 as “information technology fee" each semester.
But the Ateneo de Davao administration clarified that Facebook is “not totally banned" in the university as the restriction only covers 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
In an interview aired on GMA News’ “Saksi" newscast Monday, Ateneo de Davao assistant to the president Jeremy Eliab explained that Facebook eats into the bandwidth of the university’s Internet connection, making it difficult to use some online services.
“Most of our books are not really physically in the library. It’s online. They can read these books while they are inside the campus. Now if Facebook is eating the bandwith, it’s impossible to download the whole book," Eliab said.
“We want our personnel to focus more on not on social networking, but on their necessary work, basically educational work," he added. (report from Paterno Esmaquel II/TJD, GMA News)
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
ABS-CBN News: Davao City flash floods kill 15
DAVAO CITY, Philippines (UPDATE) - Heavy rains caused flash floods in parts of Davao City Tuesday night, killing 15 people and affecting more than 25,000 residents.
A report from ABS-CBN Regional Network Group said 7 of the 15 fatalities were children. Majority of the victims lived near the Matina Pangi River.
Davao Mayor Sara Duterte said the flash floods struck 4 barangays after a heavy downpour caused the Matina Pangi River to overflow Tuesday night.
"This is not the first time that the river has overflowed but it is the first time that it overflowed in all 4 areas at medyo mataas yung tubig. It's more than 10 meters in some parts and in some, up to 20 meters.
Completely submerged yung ibang lugar. Yung iba inabot ang second floor," she told ANC's "Headstart."
An ABS-CBN report said some residents in Matina Crossing climbed trees or stayed on the roofs of their houses to escape the raging flood.
The mayor has canceled classes in the affected barangays. The four affected villages are Matina Crossing, Balusong, NHA and Matina Pangi.
Members of the 911 Urban Search and Rescue Unit used 3 rubber boats to rescue residents trapped in their homes. Elements of the Regional Public Safety Batallion, Philippine Air Force and Coast Guard also helped in the rescue operations.
The local government has designated the Central Park Gym in Bangkal and GSIS gym in Matina as temporary evacuation shelters.
Duterte said she will convene the city council for a special session Wednesday morning if they will declare state of emergency for the 4 baranagays hit by flash floods.
"The water is already gone. Mabilis umakyat at mabilis din dumaba. Overflowing river siya pero sobra hindi ko ma-describe. It was 3 hours of heavy rain," she said.
Science and Technology Undersecretary Graciano Yumul said an isolated thunderstorm caused the heavy downpour.
"What happened is that 8mm of rain fell for a 2-hour duration so that is classified as heavy. It was an isolated thunderstorm embeeded in the Intertropical covergence zone...Isolated thunderstorm biglang bumubuhos at biglang nawawala," he said. (report from Francis Magbanua, ABS-CBN Davao)
A report from ABS-CBN Regional Network Group said 7 of the 15 fatalities were children. Majority of the victims lived near the Matina Pangi River.
Davao Mayor Sara Duterte said the flash floods struck 4 barangays after a heavy downpour caused the Matina Pangi River to overflow Tuesday night.
"This is not the first time that the river has overflowed but it is the first time that it overflowed in all 4 areas at medyo mataas yung tubig. It's more than 10 meters in some parts and in some, up to 20 meters.
Completely submerged yung ibang lugar. Yung iba inabot ang second floor," she told ANC's "Headstart."
An ABS-CBN report said some residents in Matina Crossing climbed trees or stayed on the roofs of their houses to escape the raging flood.
The mayor has canceled classes in the affected barangays. The four affected villages are Matina Crossing, Balusong, NHA and Matina Pangi.
Members of the 911 Urban Search and Rescue Unit used 3 rubber boats to rescue residents trapped in their homes. Elements of the Regional Public Safety Batallion, Philippine Air Force and Coast Guard also helped in the rescue operations.
The local government has designated the Central Park Gym in Bangkal and GSIS gym in Matina as temporary evacuation shelters.
Duterte said she will convene the city council for a special session Wednesday morning if they will declare state of emergency for the 4 baranagays hit by flash floods.
"The water is already gone. Mabilis umakyat at mabilis din dumaba. Overflowing river siya pero sobra hindi ko ma-describe. It was 3 hours of heavy rain," she said.
Science and Technology Undersecretary Graciano Yumul said an isolated thunderstorm caused the heavy downpour.
"What happened is that 8mm of rain fell for a 2-hour duration so that is classified as heavy. It was an isolated thunderstorm embeeded in the Intertropical covergence zone...Isolated thunderstorm biglang bumubuhos at biglang nawawala," he said. (report from Francis Magbanua, ABS-CBN Davao)
ABS-CBN News: 2 dead, 12 hurt in Davao City accident
DAVAO CITY, Philippines - Two people, including a toddler, died while 12 others were injured when a truck rammed 3 vehicles in Matina, Davao City on Tuesday afternoon, police said.
The fatalities were identified as 3-year-old Antoine Francisco and Imee Belardo.
Francisco was on board the taxi cab while Belardo was a passenger of a multicab. The toddler's mother, Glocie Francisco, was injured.
The truck also hit a bus, according to investigators.
The other injured victims were identified as Jonamae Anojado, Carmia Aninon, Rene Avellana, Roel Hermoginez, Eric Ramona, Irene Tatad, Lanie Bustamante, Jennilyn Palmero, Ronald Brion, and Eduardo Perez.
They have been brought to nearby hospitals.
An initial investigation said Henry Bengil was driving the truck coming from the high portion of Shrine Hills when the vehicle's brakes reportedly failed.
The vehicle first hit a taxi before heading straight into a car wash shop.
Police are now preparing criminal charges against the truck driver. (report from Hernel Tocmo, ABS-CBN News Southern Mindanao)
The fatalities were identified as 3-year-old Antoine Francisco and Imee Belardo.
Francisco was on board the taxi cab while Belardo was a passenger of a multicab. The toddler's mother, Glocie Francisco, was injured.
The truck also hit a bus, according to investigators.
The other injured victims were identified as Jonamae Anojado, Carmia Aninon, Rene Avellana, Roel Hermoginez, Eric Ramona, Irene Tatad, Lanie Bustamante, Jennilyn Palmero, Ronald Brion, and Eduardo Perez.
They have been brought to nearby hospitals.
An initial investigation said Henry Bengil was driving the truck coming from the high portion of Shrine Hills when the vehicle's brakes reportedly failed.
The vehicle first hit a taxi before heading straight into a car wash shop.
Police are now preparing criminal charges against the truck driver. (report from Hernel Tocmo, ABS-CBN News Southern Mindanao)
GMA News: Flash floods hit Davao City; 4 confirmed dead
(Updated 9 a.m.) At least four people were confirmed dead in the wake of flash floods that hit Davao City following a three-hour downpour since late Tuesday night.
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte also said at least three children remain missing, even as the city mulls declaring a state of calamity on four affected villages.
"Yung official count namin nasa punerarya is apat na dead bodies... Nalunod ang mga bata. meron kaming anim na missing bata, tatlo ang na-recover, and lahat sila nalunod, nadala ng tubig baha," she said in an interview on dzBB radio.
On the other hand, she said at least 40 families have lost their homes to the floods.
She also said the local Department of Public Works and Highways had recommended that a bridge near the highway be opened only to motorcycles.
"Recommendation ng DPWH, hindi na padaanan ng sassakyan. Motor na lang pwede. Nag-divert kami ng traffic ngayon (The DPWH recommended that vehicles not be allowed to pass through the bridge, and that only motorcycles can cross it. We are diverting traffic along the bridge now)," she said.
The mayor added she had called special session of the city council for Wednesday afternoon to assess the damage caused by the flood.
She said the city council expects to decide by Wednesday afternoon whether to declare a state of calamity in the four affected villages.
Earlier, Duterte said the affected villages include Matina Pangi, Matina Crossing, Matina Aplaya, and Talomo village.
As of 9 a.m., Duterte said the weather had cleared, and is very sunny. She added the floods had mostly subsided.
"Nag-call off kami ng search-and-rescue sa apektado ng baha dahil bumaba ang tubig at ang iba bumalik sa bahay except those nawalan ng bahay dahil sa tubig baha. Ang nawalan ng bahay estimated 40 families as of this hour," she said.
Raul Tolibas of radio dzBB's Davao affiliate, a resident of the city, said the floods hit the National Housing Authority (NHA) Subdivision, Bangkal, and Flores Villages.
"Ang tubig 8 feet ang lalim (Floods reached eight feet in some areas)," he said.
"Rescuers did not allow us to get near the flooded areas. The floods also left vehicles to be stranded along the highway there," he added.
Cause of floods
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said an inter-tropical convergence zone was behind the floods that hit Davao.
"Dala ito ng [intertropical convergence zone] ITCZ na nakakaapekto sa Mindanao," PAGASA forecaster Rene Pamil said on dzBB radio.
PAGASA's 5 a.m. bulletin had also warned of flash floods and landslides in parts of Mindanao.
"Mindanao will experience mostly cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms becoming cloudy with widespread rain over Northern and Eastern Mindanao which may aggravate flashfloods and landslides," it said.
The rest of the country will be partly cloudy to at times cloudy with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening. (report from LBG/GMA News)
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte also said at least three children remain missing, even as the city mulls declaring a state of calamity on four affected villages.
"Yung official count namin nasa punerarya is apat na dead bodies... Nalunod ang mga bata. meron kaming anim na missing bata, tatlo ang na-recover, and lahat sila nalunod, nadala ng tubig baha," she said in an interview on dzBB radio.
On the other hand, she said at least 40 families have lost their homes to the floods.
She also said the local Department of Public Works and Highways had recommended that a bridge near the highway be opened only to motorcycles.
"Recommendation ng DPWH, hindi na padaanan ng sassakyan. Motor na lang pwede. Nag-divert kami ng traffic ngayon (The DPWH recommended that vehicles not be allowed to pass through the bridge, and that only motorcycles can cross it. We are diverting traffic along the bridge now)," she said.
The mayor added she had called special session of the city council for Wednesday afternoon to assess the damage caused by the flood.
She said the city council expects to decide by Wednesday afternoon whether to declare a state of calamity in the four affected villages.
Earlier, Duterte said the affected villages include Matina Pangi, Matina Crossing, Matina Aplaya, and Talomo village.
As of 9 a.m., Duterte said the weather had cleared, and is very sunny. She added the floods had mostly subsided.
"Nag-call off kami ng search-and-rescue sa apektado ng baha dahil bumaba ang tubig at ang iba bumalik sa bahay except those nawalan ng bahay dahil sa tubig baha. Ang nawalan ng bahay estimated 40 families as of this hour," she said.
Raul Tolibas of radio dzBB's Davao affiliate, a resident of the city, said the floods hit the National Housing Authority (NHA) Subdivision, Bangkal, and Flores Villages.
"Ang tubig 8 feet ang lalim (Floods reached eight feet in some areas)," he said.
"Rescuers did not allow us to get near the flooded areas. The floods also left vehicles to be stranded along the highway there," he added.
Cause of floods
The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said an inter-tropical convergence zone was behind the floods that hit Davao.
"Dala ito ng [intertropical convergence zone] ITCZ na nakakaapekto sa Mindanao," PAGASA forecaster Rene Pamil said on dzBB radio.
PAGASA's 5 a.m. bulletin had also warned of flash floods and landslides in parts of Mindanao.
"Mindanao will experience mostly cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms becoming cloudy with widespread rain over Northern and Eastern Mindanao which may aggravate flashfloods and landslides," it said.
The rest of the country will be partly cloudy to at times cloudy with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening. (report from LBG/GMA News)
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