The Crusader Publication

The Crusader Publication The Crusader is the Official Student Publication of Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan.

BREAKING NEWS: The XU Office of the President (OP) announced the suspension of all work and classes in the Basic and Hig...
10/10/2025

BREAKING NEWS: The XU Office of the President (OP) announced the suspension of all work and classes in the Basic and Higher Education campuses, following the magnitude 7.5 earthquake in Davao Oriental on October 10.

Consequently, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) has issued an Intensity IV alert in the city. School authorities, together with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC), are currently assessing the buildings and awaiting further advice on possible aftershocks.

The University Registrar has also postponed all examinations set for today to October 13, maintaining the same schedule.

UPDATE: XU OP declared that all inspected buildings in the University are safe, following the Rapid Post-Earthquake Building Assessment. In a released statement, work was also suspended on October 11 to allow for psychological recovery after the earthquake.

XU Office of the Vice President for Higher Education (OVPHE) has moved the exams scheduled for today (October 10) and tomorrow (October 11) to October 13 and 14, respectively, following the same time schedule.

The Wellness Break is also rescheduled to October 15–17.

With unyielding spirit, the XU Crusaders Karatedo Varsity Team conquered the tatami at the 2nd Masanori Takahashi Memori...
03/10/2025

With unyielding spirit, the XU Crusaders Karatedo Varsity Team conquered the tatami at the 2nd Masanori Takahashi Memorial Karate Championship, hauling an impressive 23 medals last September 14 at the University of Visayas (UV), Cebu City.

Leading the charge, the women’s team delivered double championships that set the tone for the competition. The Women’s Advanced Team Kata, composed of Ailyn Amparo (BSBA FM 4), Jheskay Esparrago (BSBA MM 4), and Mary Factura (BSED Eng 4) clinched the title, while the Women’s Advanced Team Kumite—with Amparo, Esparrago, and Keisha Sailago (BSBA MM 4), also secured the championship title. In the Team Kata men’s division, Ivan Larrazabal (BS IT 2), Lleyton Santos (BSBA MM 2), and Aloysius Valmores (BSBA FM 1) finished in third.

In the individual events, Amparo extended her dominance with double golds in Advanced Kata and Advanced Kumite. Larrazaba also secured two gold medals in Intermediate Kata and Intermediate Kumite. Esparrago added a silver in Advanced Kata and a bronze in Advanced Kumite, while Factura and Sailago each brought home silvers in their respective Advanced Kata and Kumite divisions.

Adding further to the medal tally, Chrislene Nalitan (BSBA FM 3) struck gold in Intermediate Kumite; Walter Donasco (BSBA MM 2) bagged bronze in Advanced Kumite; Valmores added silver in the same event; and Santos contributed with a silver in Advanced Kata and a gold in Advanced Kumite.

Team Moderator Ned Jaudian shared: “The athletes were trained 10 times the intensity compared to their regular training to the point that they go beyond their limits every training.” He highlighted the athletes’ dedication and discipline in preparing themselves both mentally and physically for the event. “Back to zero in day 1 of our preparation,” he admitted, acknowledging that even with prior experience, they had to start over and work their way up again.

Reflecting on the victory, Team Captain Amparo expressed: “I want to be a model and be worthy as their team captain,” emphasizing that despite the mounting pressure, she remained composed and supportive of her teammates. Her top priority was not the title nor the number of medals, but rather the team’s safety and the enjoyment of the competition. “It will always be an honor to represent the University in any level of competition,” she added.

Competing for the first time, Santos echoed the importance of teamwork and support, saying, “This victory is not only for me but for all of us. The support from my teammates, coaches, and everyone who keeps supporting us made this possible, proudly bringing honor to Xavier Ateneo de Cagayan.”

The Crusaders’ triumph shines as a testament to the institution's athletics excellence, a victory fueled by zeal as well as honor on the national stage.

Report by William Barron and Athena Quipit
Layout by Justine Loreto

Thick, heavy smoke shrouded Abellanosa St., Brgy. 17 on October 2 as the 4th alarm signaled a fire that consumed approxi...
02/10/2025

Thick, heavy smoke shrouded Abellanosa St., Brgy. 17 on October 2 as the 4th alarm signaled a fire that consumed approximately 20 houses, according to residents.

At around 12:45 pm, initial signs of the fire began to spread, causing nearby residents to evacuate their respective homes. An estimated 14 firefighters, alongside various respondents from the Bureau of Fire (BFP) and City Services Department (CSD), were immediately notified of the case, proceeding to the affected area. With the cause yet to be identified, respondents moved to take the necessary steps to assist residents.

BFP Fire Senior Inspector (BFP-FSINSP) Kyle Lauzon assured that the situation is under control. “Ni-abot ta ug 4th alarm. [...] Nidagan ta ug mga more or less 14 kabuok fire trucks nanag responde karon,” he stated. “Karon nag declare na ta ug ‘under control.’ [...] There is no possibility nga mu-spread ang fire,” Lauzon added.

Resident and witness Prince Lasmarias said the fire had already grown massive by noon. “Mga quarter to one, pag tan-aw namo dako na kaayo ang kalayo gyud. [...] Dali-dali na gyud mi ug kuha sa among mga gamit kay dako naman gyud ang kalayo,” he shared.

Current developments have shared no definitive cause for the fire, with possible casualties yet to be seen. As of now, investigations are still underway.

Report by Camile Grace Bombeo and Crisella Sai Saara Caiña
Photo by Ralf Koen Geollegue
Layout by John Clark Bation

IN PHOTOS: The last day of the General Assembly and Organizational Trip (GAOT) 2025 ensued on September 27 at the XU Gym...
28/09/2025

IN PHOTOS: The last day of the General Assembly and Organizational Trip (GAOT) 2025 ensued on September 27 at the XU Gymnasium with college chants and the crowning of the new Emblems of Excellency.

Carrying the unified theme of “Beyond Beginnings,” the event asserted that new opportunities are not mere starting points, but also steps toward progress.

The organizational parade, intended to be the opening highlight for the Day 4 program, was called off following heavy rains and road safety incidents within the campus.

Prior to opening the program, the “Dress to Address Corruption” segment featured students portraying Filipino figureheads in a satirical commentary of the recent national anomaly. This was soon accompanied by shouts calling for accountability.

Spirited chants from different colleges soon reverberated across the gymnasium, echoing their distinct identities as they vied for the Cheer Chant Competition. The School of Education (SOE) secured the victory and stood out amongst the contending colleges.

Introductions of the 2025 GAOT Emblems of Excellency marked one of the key highlights of the evening, before the Advocacy Presentation segment gave candidates the platform to present their chosen cause before the audience.

Nathan Ruelo from the School of Education (SOE) and Jierecah Taal from the School of Business and Management (SBM) were crowned as this year’s victors.

The Emblems of Hope title was awarded to Kayleigh Nambatac and Ben Yusop from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). Meanwhile, Ram Kenneth De La Fuente of SBM and Leona Angelica de la Rita of SOE were crowned the Emblems of Goodwill.

For the minor awards, Angelo Anor from the College of Engineering (COE) won both Best College Attire and Best Production Number; Ben-Zha’ad Yusop from CAS claimed Best Advocacy, and River Corrales from the College of Computer Studies (CCS) received Best Evening Attire for the male category.

In the female category, Kayleigh Nambatac of CAS swept three awards: Best College Attire, Best Production Number, and Best Advocacy, while Jierecah Taal was hailed for Best Evening Gown.

To close the night, the newly-crowned Emblems of Excellency graced the stage with their first walk as this year’s titleholders.

This year’s unified GAOT theme is a response to feedback from the previous year when it utilized separate themes for the General Assembly and the Organizational Trip.

Project Head Athasha Namoc emphasized that both the Central Student Government (CSG) and the Assembly of Extra-Curricular Organizations (AECO) wanted to highlight the same goal for the XU community: amplifying student engagement. “At first, lisod siya kay we had different ideas of what the branding should look like. But later on, through coordination and constant discussions, we were able to come up with a concept that really represents both of us and the vision we want to share,” Namoc affirmed.

GAOT 2025 emphasized unity and identity, underscoring that the student body’s strength lies in advancing together beyond their beginnings.

Report by Lhian Branzuela
Photo by Mic Gochuico, Ralf Geollegue, Zle Yee, and Shaquille Chou

28/09/2025

As the 2025 General Assembly and Organizational Trip (GAOT) drew to a meaningful close, the Xavier Ateneo community gathered inside the University Gymnasium for the much-awaited Emblems of Excellency Coronation Night.

From the dynamic stage performances to the crowning of this year’s Emblems, the celebration highlighted the elegance, pride, and passion of Xavier Ateneo students.

Catch the highlights in this Insider Reel episode.

Report by Rinzel Poblete
Video by Noelle Yap, Louky Taal, Alcherika Badal, and Seth Jangao

The General Assembly 2025 concluded with the crowning of the Emblems of Excellency. This year, the title was given to Na...
27/09/2025

The General Assembly 2025 concluded with the crowning of the Emblems of Excellency. This year, the title was given to Nathan Ruelo of the School of Education (SOE) and Jierecah Taal of the School of Business and Management (SBM).

Consequently, Ben-Zha’ad Yusop and Kayleigh Nambatac of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) were awarded the Emblems of Hope. Meanwhile, Ram De La Fuente of the School of Business and Management (SBM) and Leona de la Rita of the School of Education (SOE) bagged the Emblems of Goodwill.

May their advocacies and responses serve as testaments to how the pursuit of excellence extends beyond beginnings.

Report by Cyril Luis Aranas
Layout by Clark Bation and Zyle Asis
Photo by Mic Gochuico and Zle Yee

JUST IN: The final spotlight of the evening falls on the newly crowned Mr. and Ms. Emblem of Excellency 2025.Jierecah Ta...
27/09/2025

JUST IN: The final spotlight of the evening falls on the newly crowned Mr. and Ms. Emblem of Excellency 2025.

Jierecah Taal of the School of Business and Management (SBM) and Nathan Ruelo of the School of Education (SOE) now carry the titles of Mr. and Ms. Emblem of Excellency for this year’s General Assembly.

In a display of eloquence and excellence, here are the standout responses that earned them the coveted crown.

Report by Zoie Go
Layout by Clark Bation and Zyle Asis
Photo by Mic Gochuico

XU achieved a 100% institutional passing rate in the September 2025 Computer-Based Psychologist Licensure Exam, with Mar...
27/09/2025

XU achieved a 100% institutional passing rate in the September 2025 Computer-Based Psychologist Licensure Exam, with Maricon Soledad ranking third with a score of 89.20%; and Marl Tabañag obtaining 88.80% and ranking sixth, emerging as the only topnotchers from Mindanao.

“It [Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam] shaped my perspective that all our efforts, whether in study, service, or the challenges of the board exam—must be offered for the greater glory of God,” shared Soledad, who emphasized how her Xavier Atenean education lent not only experience, but also practice rooted in compassion, ethics, and responsibility. “What we do as future psychologists is never just for ourselves, but always for others.”

Meanwhile, Tabañag managed an intensely demanding review period while juggling multiple commitments. “I was working full time as an HR professional in another province, and at the same time, I enrolled in another degree while reviewing,” he stated, further expressing how he worked at his own pace. “It’s really important to disengage for a moment to have a fresh perspective of what I was reviewing.”

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) conducted the exams last September 24–25 at testing centers in the National Capital Region (NCR). This year, XU had a total of 22 test takers for the examination. With 469 passers from over 549 examinees, this year’s batch garnered a national passing rate of 84.84%.

View the full results here:
https://www.prcboard.com/results-september-2025-psychologist-licensure-exam-list-of-passers

Report by Asheville Franje
Layout by Summer Temple

IN PHOTOS: On the second day of the General Assembly and Organizational Trip (GAOT), local talents delivered an electrif...
25/09/2025

IN PHOTOS: On the second day of the General Assembly and Organizational Trip (GAOT), local talents delivered an electrifying showcase as they competed in the Battle of the Bands (BOTB) at the University Gymnasium on September 25.

Despite an unexpected downpour that led to the postponement of afternoon performances, the XU Band, Cultural Dance Troupe (CDT), and Class Act pushed on as the opening acts for the event.

Hosted by the XU Soundtable, this year’s battle of the bands saw a lineup of five competing groups, representing various colleges with a diverse range of genres: the College of Engineering’s (COE) Vellichor and Kalk Kullus; the School of Education’s (SOE) Chalkboarders; the School of Business and Management’s (SBM) Check Sound; and the College of Computer Studies’ (CCS) February Lane.

COE’s Kalk Kallus earned the award for Best Vocalist, as well as the title of the battle of the bands’ back-to-back champions. COE’s Vellichor grabbed the first runner-up along with best drummer, lead, and bassist. Meanwhile, SBM’s Check Sound seized second runner-up and the best pianist award.

The event served as a powerful forerunner of further excitement as GAOT festivities continue to unfold, reaffirming music as the heart and soul of this annual spectacle.

Report by Asheville Franje
Photo by Precious Progella, Ethan Magto, and Mat Dy

IN PHOTOS: Emphasizing the role of the youth and the public in safeguarding democratic and civil rights through suffrage...
25/09/2025

IN PHOTOS: Emphasizing the role of the youth and the public in safeguarding democratic and civil rights through suffrage, the XU Ateneo Diplomatic Corps (XU-ADC) organized “Voices and Waves: A Forum on Voters’ Education and National Sovereignty” on September 25 at the University Gymnasium.

The forum featured experts from the academic, civic, and political sectors. Atty. Dennis Flores, a former XU International Studies (IS) professor, emphasized the significance of the country's involvement in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), citing its impact on food security, energy resources, and national sovereignty. Meanwhile, Social Involvement and Advocacy Program (SIAP) Director Nestor Banuag Jr. stressed the importance of informed and responsible voting, particularly among first-time voters who play a crucial role in shaping the nation’s future.

Over 700 participants from PHINMA Cagayan de Oro Senior High School (PHINMA-COC SHS), XU students, educators, and local community leaders actively engaged in the open forum, asking questions on the topics of focus. Jake Luna (AB IS 4), a participant, acknowledged both the progress and shortcomings under the current leadership and stressed that the 2028 elections will be critical in choosing leaders truly suited for the role.

“Our organization’s tagline is ‘Pointing the way forward.’ And the way forward for our country is in your hands—the youth, the next generation of Filipino leaders and voters,” affirmed XU-ADC Chargé ďAffaires Ivan Amanense in his closing remarks, reminding the participants that the people are the nation’s strongest defenders, and that begins with informed and responsible voters.

“Voices and Waves: A Forum on Voters’ Education and National Sovereignty” aimed to provide critical knowledge on voters’ education, promote active citizenship, and reinforce the importance of national sovereignty in the democratic process.

Report by Emmanuel Mayor
Photo by Precious Progella

IN PHOTOS: The annual General Assembly and Organizational Trip (GAOT) 2025 officially launched on September 24 at the XU...
24/09/2025

IN PHOTOS: The annual General Assembly and Organizational Trip (GAOT) 2025 officially launched on September 24 at the XU Soccer Field, with the theme “Beyond Beginnings.”

The event kicked off with the organization parade along XU Main Lane, joined by co-curricular and extracurricular organizations, student government, and college councils. For the Cluster Fashion Showcase, organizations were grouped into eight factions: Governance and Policy Making; Media and Arts; Environment; Sports and Recreation; Natural Sciences, Engineering, and Technology; Service Learning; Program-Based; and Faith-Formation.

In her message of thanks, GAOT Project Head Reina Reyes emphasized how the event is a celebration of what the community has built and become in the process. "We’re not just here to start something, we’re here to continue to grow and to move forward.“

Following the remarks, Association of Extra-Curricular Organizations (AECO) Secretary-General Zacchaeus Gabales, together with Reyes, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony. The program was highlighted with a lively cheer chant competition performed by the diverse clusters, showing their spirited energy and creative flair.

Gabales conveyed his hopes that this year’s GAOT will empower student organizations by giving them visibility and opportunities to serve the community. “This is why we set our vision [...] so we could promote student engagements,” he said.

The program culminated with the awarding of the fashion showcase, where Jeremy Barraquias from the United Arts and Sciences Student Council (UNITASS) bagged the awards for Best Dressed and People’s Choice.

Organization booths are open from September 24 to 27, while the General Assembly is scheduled for September 27.

Report by Cyril Luis Aranas
Photo by Ethan Magto, Precious Progella, and Ralf Geollegue

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