The Crusader Publication

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

Not all cages are made of steel. In a world plagued by strife and control, it can be built from distortion, labels, and ...
03/05/2026

Not all cages are made of steel. In a world plagued by strife and control, it can be built from distortion, labels, and most prominently—fear.

With an increasingly divided society looming over the pursuit of truth, we often seek the fire of change that will illuminate what is hidden. However, there are moments when that very flame is snuffed out, when efforts are made to silence the voices that stand for it.

In a time where the truth is vulnerable to being distorted and controlled, the duty of the press finds itself caught between being heard and being challenged by the forces that seek to contain it. In these moments, press freedom becomes more than a right; it becomes a struggle.

This World Press Freedom Day, may the fight for a free press continue to set ablaze the enduring courage to pursue the truth in all things. May this flame bring the truth to light, and break through the cages built to contain it.

Words by Camile Grace Bombeo
Layout by Zyle Bea Faye Asis

In the face of crisis, all collars, regardless of color, share the same fight. Across calm fields, restless seas, bustli...
01/05/2026

In the face of crisis, all collars, regardless of color, share the same fight.

Across calm fields, restless seas, bustling streets, and structured offices, the silent yet steadfast endurance of the Filipino working class is met with growing uncertainty, as ongoing economic shocks brought about by the persisting Middle East conflict widen the gap between wages and the cost of living. In a country marked by unresolved, intergenerational labor struggles, the increasing pressure falls upon the backbone of the nation’s economy in their chase for survival and stability.

During these times, they do not seek mere relief but rather the assurance that the government stands with them in the fight and drives forward systemic action that honors their labor.

May this day be more than a commemoration of the historic perseverance and resilience of the Filipino labor force but instead serve as a call to uplift the very hands that sustain the nation as we advocate for the security of their future and livelihood.

Mabuhay ang mga manggagawang Pilipino!

Words by Jertrude Diolanto
Layout by John Clark Bation

The pursuit of excellence continues. Submissions for BANWAG 2026 will still be accepting entries until June 3 (Wednesday...
01/05/2026

The pursuit of excellence continues. Submissions for BANWAG 2026 will still be accepting entries until June 3 (Wednesday).

Make every word count. Polish your craft and let your voice be heard.

View the guidelines and rubrics here: bit.ly/BANWAG26Guidelines

Stay tuned for more updates.

IN PHOTOS: For its third edition of The Research Awards Night in line with the University Research Week, the Kinaadman U...
30/04/2026

IN PHOTOS: For its third edition of The Research Awards Night in line with the University Research Week, the Kinaadman University Research Office (KURO) hosted the event on April 29, at the XU Little Theater.

With the theme “Research & Innovation for the Common Good: Nurturing Legacies and Serving Communities,” the event was attended by students and faculty from various schools and colleges within the University.

The program honored recipients of the Madigan Award, Publication Award, Publication Citation Award, and the Kinaadman Student Research Award, along with other special awardees, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to research within the university community.

This year introduced the Publication Citation Award, given to faculty members whose scholarly works, published in reputable journals and recognized publishers, have demonstrated impact through citations. The award highlights citations as a key indicator of research quality, visibility, and influence, contributing to the University’s national and global research standing. This year, the office received 41 publications from 12 faculty members.

Following the awarding of certificates of recognition for the aforementioned categories along with special recognition for externally funded research engagements and other distinctions, the program proceeded to the awarding of winners for the Research Poster Display Contest, QuickFire Pitching Contest, Bintana: Culture & Arts Installation Art Exhibit, and Hackathon Pitching Contest.
For the Research Poster Display Contest, the winners were:

• 1st Place: “Kapamilya pero Hindi Kakampi: Navigating Parental Political Differences among Politically Aware College Students” authored by Alyana Cania, Arlene De Jesus, Mary Dulangon, Luchis Guzman, Krystina Intal, Samiel Santillan (College of Arts and Sciences)

• 2nd Place: “The IBL-IN Model: Strengthening Science Process Skills of Grade 8 Students Through the Use of Interactive Notebook in an Inquiry-Based Learning Approach” authored by Shanerick Roxas, Alyssa Semini, Sheena Deconlay (School of Education)

• 3rd Place: “A Quantitative Study on Occupational Exposures, Sentinel Experiences, and Safety Risk Awareness Among Garbage Collectors in Northern Mindanao” authored by Fatimah Dimnatang, Mary Eduave, Daniel Estur, Sophia Fernandez, Marillac Gabia, Eisenn Galisa, Clint Gambe, Elyssa Gutierrez, Sarah Harina, Carmela Japay (College of Nursing)

For the QuickFire Pitching Contest, the winners were:

Category 1: Natural Science Cluster, College of Engineering, College of Computer Studies, College of Nursing

• 1st Place: “Microplastics in Selected Tuna Species” authored by Kristine Grace Lapaz, Alifah Mohammad (College of Arts and Sciences)

• 2nd Place: “Diatom Colonization in Lake Danao, Barangay Pagalungan, Cagayan deOro City, Philippines” authored by Leajane Alom, Nicole Nagac (College of Arts and Sciences)

• 3rd Place: “Phytoplankton in Lake Danao, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental,Philippines” authored by Jewel Bajuyo, Francheska Villareal (College of Arts and Sciences)

Category 2: Social Science Cluster, Humanities Cluster, School of Business and Management, School of Education, College of Agriculture

• 1st Place: “Corporate Social Responsibility Awareness and Employer Attractiveness Among Business Students” authored by Kyle Babael, Alyssa Cantones, Gio Low, Vic Magas, Jia Maghinay, Chylsea Mago, Criss Mugot, Kara Sumagang (School of Business and Management)

• 2nd Place: “Ready or Not: Readiness of Graduating Accountancy Students of Cagayan de Oro for the ASEAN Economic Community” authored by Shayne Bonayog, Christina Buron, Sam Chiu, Ken Endrina, Franz Go Pua Roa, Famida G**o, Jomar Manabilang, Nihayah Sayed (School of Business and Management)

• 3rd Place: “The IBL-IN Model: Strengthening Science Process Skills of Grade 8 Students Through the Use of Interactive Notebook in an Inquiry-Based Learning Approach” authored by Shanerick Roxas, Alyssa Semini, Sheena Deconlay (School of Education)

Category 3: School of Medicine and Graduate Level

• 1st Place: “Correlating Digital Food Exposure with Impulsive Snacking Frequency and Ultra-processed Food Consumption of Adults and Adolescents in Brgy. Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City” authored by Bianca Albano, Marley Albasin, Justin Alvear, Mary Andale, Michaela Apilat, Louie Santos, Princess Selma, Jed Solon, James Sorrera, Iana Tirol, Gene Tolomia, Kristiane Torrejos (School of Medicine)

• 2nd Place: “A Document Management System for Instructional Material Development” authored by John Belderol (College of Computer Studies)

• 3rd Place: “Public Speaking Self-efficacy as a Mediator Between Students' Characteristics and Communication Competence” authored by Francelyn Binondo (School of Education)

For Bintana: Culture & Arts Installation Art Exhibit, the winners were:

• 1st Place: “Tagubtob” by James Abbu (AB Phil)

• 2nd Place: “Pagkabanhaw Sa Abo” by Jezin Barroquillo, Kenneth Catubay, Paula Diaz (BSN)

• 3rd Place: “The Weaver of the Reef” by Thelma Dahan (AB English)

Lastly, for the Hackathon Pitching Contest, the awards for Best Hackathon Project, Best in Research Integration, and Best in Community Impact were all received by Team GRWM, composed of Vincent Gamos, Miguel Redoble, Vic Magas, and Nehemiah Wong. Their project, titled “Novus,” was developed by members coming from different schools and colleges.

The event concluded with the closing remarks of KURO Deputy Director Paolo Araune, who thanked all those involved in the program. He ended with the message: “Tonight we celebrate you. Research is not about outputs, but about purpose.”

Report by Jomar Manabilang
Photo by Mic Gochuico, Precious Progella, and Shaquille Chou

IN PHOTOS: Celebrating the University’s transcultural threshold, Beyond Borders: International Days at XU 2026 opened on...
27/04/2026

IN PHOTOS: Celebrating the University’s transcultural threshold, Beyond Borders: International Days at XU 2026 opened on April 27 to kickstart three days of meaningful engagements centered around global connectivity and local change.

The opening program commenced at the Little Theater with a welcoming message by University President Fr. Mars Tan SJ, followed by an opening statement from OICN Director Dr. Shiella Balbutin, who expressed her appreciation for the event’s fifth iteration. “With every partnership forged and every exchange completed, we gain a momentum that has become a defining force for this University,” she shared, highlighting the office’s role in bridging the institution beyond global borders.

Further emphasizing the role of global competency in higher education, various key figures took to the stage to highlight the role of internationalization, including a keynote speech by Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Director of International Affairs Service Dr. Christine Nabor-Ferrer, and the presentation of CHED ACHIEVE by CHED Region X Officer-in-Charge Dr. Arlita Minguez. In her address, Dr. Nabor-Ferrer discussed the Commission’s agenda toward global inclusion with a mission that remains glocal, sharing: “Internationalization is not leaving our roots behind, but it’s bringing our roots to the world.”

Following these, Education Advisor Beatriz Jimeno-Ortas from the Embassy of Spain in the Philippines supplemented the educational forum with a talk on global mobility and citizenship, shedding light on XU’s continued and fruitful partnership with the embassy, together with partnerships such as the Language Assistants Program (LAP). Later on, AFS Philippines National Director Hannah Salugsugan engaged in a talk bridging intercultural learning and community impact.

In the afternoon, the three-day Cross-Cultural Express: Cultures in Motion Exhibit officially opened at the Peace Park in partnership with the XU Development Communication (DevCom) Department through the Cross-Cultural Communications class, featuring a diverse selection of cultures and activities.

Hosted by the Office of International Cooperation and Networking (OICN), the event aims to deepen connections and foster an appreciation for internationalization, carrying the theme “Nurturing legacies, Serving communities: Realizing our global mission through local impact.” The event will run from April 27-29.

Report by Noelle Yap
Photo by Mic Gochuico

BANWAG: The First Campus Press Summit is officially accepting submissions for its Contest Categories. This is your chanc...
27/04/2026

BANWAG: The First Campus Press Summit is officially accepting submissions for its Contest Categories. This is your chance to showcase your journalistic craft and let your voice be heard.

Access the submission page and guidelines at bit.ly/BANWAG26Entries.

Deadline of submissions is on April 30.

BANWAG will take place on May 6, 1:00 PM at Xavier University Main Campus, Old Library AVR 1.

Shed light on the truth. Master the craft. Keep the fire of the campus press aflame.

Nine decades of speaking truth to power. One historic leap forward. Introducing BANWAG, the first-ever campus press summ...
23/04/2026

Nine decades of speaking truth to power. One historic leap forward.

Introducing BANWAG, the first-ever campus press summit of Xavier Ateneo. More than a milestone, it is a call for the University’s student publications to rise as one community in the pursuit of truth.

Inspired by the spirit of service and social consciousness, BANWAG opens its doors to entries from participating publications across recognized journalistic categories. The summit culminates in a space that not only recognizes excellence, but also affirms the role of the student press as a voice that informs, questions, and holds institutions to account within the University and beyond.

A new chapter of campus journalism begins here.

After a three-day voting period held from April 16 to 18, Botar Atenista 2026 (BA ‘26) has officially concluded. Final r...
20/04/2026

After a three-day voting period held from April 16 to 18, Botar Atenista 2026 (BA ‘26) has officially concluded. Final results were released on April 20 by the XU Central Student Government Electoral Commission (CSG–ELECOM), listing the winning candidates for all council and executive CSG positions.

Special elections for remaining vacant posts, including select co-curricular organizations, will be conducted at a later date.

Out of 6,258 registered voters, 3,028 cast their ballots, resulting in a 48.39% voter turnout for this year’s elections.

Here are the elected students for the Central Student Government (CSG) and the respective college and school councils:

Layout by Summer Temple
Photo by Precious Progella

Asusasyon sa mga Nagkahiusang Estudyante para sa Progresibo ug Madasigonon na Ateneo (DASIG)’s Nicholai Wong (AB Econ 2)...
20/04/2026

Asusasyon sa mga Nagkahiusang Estudyante para sa Progresibo ug Madasigonon na Ateneo (DASIG)’s Nicholai Wong (AB Econ 2) secured a decisive victory for the presidential seat; while running mate Ashley Anghay (BSN 2) fell short as abstentions dominated the polls on April 20.

In the results released by the XU Central Student Government Electoral Commission (CSG ELECOM) through Resolution No. 027 - 2526, Wong garnered a decisive victory with 1,640 votes, defeating opponent Ahlea Columnas of Alyansang Atenista (AA), who had 767.

On the other hand, Anghay received 1,503 votes, falling short of abstentions by 22 votes. With the CSG vice presidential seat remaining vacant, along with several positions across the respective college and school councils, a special election will be scheduled at a later date.

Under the XU Constitution and By-Laws of 2022, along with Senate Act No. 007-2324, the ELECOM is mandated with overseeing and managing all election-related processes within the CSG, College Student Councils (CSC), and Co-Curricular Organizations (CCO). During the concluding phase of Botar Atenista (BA), the Board of Canvassers conducted a public canvassing of votes, attended by party watchers and Commission representatives, to uphold transparency and ensure the integrity of the elections.

Held from April 16–18, the elections recorded an overall voter turnout of 3,028, representing 48.39% of the total undergraduate student population. This percentage marked an increase from last year’s 41.50%.

As BA ‘26 concludes, the results underscore the need for sustained engagement. With Wong at the helm and vacancies still present, the XU community turns toward the coming academic year with expectations for responsive leadership and stronger student participation.

Access the official results here: https://bit.ly/4cBzvLO

Report by Joash Gabriel Nalitan
Layout by Karl Ethan Cabello

16/04/2026

Ateneans head to the polls as Botar Atenista 2026 reaches its final phase.

With the elections drawing to a close, the responsibility now rests on every Atenean to help shape the future of student leadership in Xavier Ateneo.

Watch this Insider full episode as Botar Atenista 2026 concludes.

Report by Louky Adriane Taal
Video by Precious Progella, Serah Diasanta, and Tristan Demos

IN PHOTOS: In line with Botar Atenista 2026, the XU community gathered for the annual Miting de Avance (MDA) held at the...
16/04/2026

IN PHOTOS: In line with Botar Atenista 2026, the XU community gathered for the annual Miting de Avance (MDA) held at the Magis Walkway on April 15, marking the final stretch of the campaign period.

The event opened with a parade along XU Main Lane led by the XU Band, setting the tone for an afternoon of engagement and student participation. Mission and Ministry Director Fr. Frank Savadera SJ, then shared meaningful insights toward the vying candidates, imparting a reminder on the importance of campus leadership in connection to the larger political landscape of the country. “Our politics here is a reflection of what we bring outside,” he expressed.

Later on, the running candidates at the college council level and the higher seats of the Central Student Government (CSG) each took the stage to present their platforms. These included slates from Alyansang Atenista (AA), Asusasyon sa mga Nagkahiusang Estudyante para sa Progresibo og Madasigonon na Ateneo (DASIG), and independent candidates, each laying out their visions and priorities for the student body.

Unlike previous years, candidates featured more dynamic entries, including short performances and interactive stunts, before proceeding to their statements.

Organized by the Central Student Government-Electoral Commission (CSG-ELECOM), MDA serves as the culminating campaign event, giving the community a clearer view of the candidates’ plans and leadership directions ahead of the elections.

Meanwhile, in a memorandum released later on, CSG-ELECOM announced the withdrawal of two running executive candidates of the School of Business and Management Student Council (SBMSC), namely, Vice President candidate Lieza Nieve Tortola and Executive Secretary candidate Sabhena Maximiano, both under DASIG. The Commission confirmed that the withdrawals were submitted prior to the commencement of the voting period and that the candidates have since been removed from the official roster.

The voting period is scheduled from April 16 to 18, while results are expected to be announced on April 20.

Caption by Cyril Luis Aranas
Photo by Mic Gochuico and Shaquille Chou

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