Looking back, Dr. Ma. Assunta C. Cuyegkeng has done a lot in the name of the Loyola Schools, and has a lot to be remembered for. Here are but a few glimpses of what transpired in her term (’06-’10), as the 2nd Loyola Schools Vice President.

ISSUES

September 2007: Dress Code

Back in the 2nd semester of SY 07-08, Dr. Cuyegkeng implemented the dress code policy that caused uproar from the student body. Several students did not agree with the new implemented policy, saying that it violates a student’s right for freedom of expression.  However, Dr. Cuyegkeng contested the complaints saying that she has to consider that the Ateneo is a Filipino, Jesuit, and Catholic University, and that a thrust for simplicity in decency is required.

This is why we’re required to wear closed footwear and appropriate clothing in order to enter the library and admin buildings. According to Cuyegkeng, the University is not an extension of the bedroom.

November 2007: Smocket Moving

According to the Republic Act No. 9211, or Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, smoking is prohibited in “centers of youth activity”, including colleges and universities. To comply, Dr. Cuyegkeng relocated the original smoket areas, to where they are today.

The locations of the smokets we have today are strategically designated, such that they are away from main campus sites, and do not bother the non-smoking students.

August 2009: Union

In her term, Cuyegkeng was faced with the wage increase issue that was pressed by the Union, twice. Twice, the union threatened to strike a deadlock should their demands not be met.

For the longest time, the dispute between the Union and administration has been a long-standing issue, and Dr. Cuyegkeng was one of those who had to mediate the argument.

October 2009: Suspension of Finals

When Typhoon Ondoy hit Metro Manila September last year, it was upon the VPLS’s shoulders as to how the college will respond to the situation. It was the decided that the Ateneo was to cancel its final exams, because the priority of the school then, was to help community service and relief operations.

Cuyegkeng said the current priority for the LS community is to help out, especially to our fellow Ateneo community that has been greatly affected by the tragedy. It follows the school’s thrust for being ‘men and women for others.’

This is only the first time, since the EDSA Revolution, that the Ateneo cancelled final exams.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS

AEMC

A coalition founded upon the support of Dr. Cuyegkeng who believed in the protection and preservation of the environment.

BYOB

A policy implemented upon the decision of Dr. Cuyegkeng to eradicate all non-biodegradable disposables used in the cafeteria.

CLAYGO

A regulation set with the help of AEMC that follows the thrust of Dr. Cuyegkeng for student formation—to teach them to clean up after themselves.

E-Trike

The E-Trike, just launched this year, was done to fulfill the goad of Dr. Cuyegkeng to enable a more eco-friendly campus. As the name implies, it is indeed an eco-friendly tricycle that runs on an electric battery rather than a fossil fuel engine. As a result, the E-Trike expels nearly no CO2 emissions as it runs on a clean and renewable energy source.

Many of us may have seen the E-Trike roaming around campus. Unlike its original counterpart, it is rather large, blue, and round—that looks somewhat like a lovechild of a cab and a trike. Currently, there are about ten units in service, and they are only effective within the Ateneo schools campus.

Waste Water

In August 2008, the wastewater disposal system was revamped with the initiative of Dr. Cuyegkeng to assess the sewage system of the LS. It has been found that the pH levels of the wastewater are above that of the normal level. Particularly that of Schmitt hall, since the disposal system was not carefully regulated.

The sewage and drainage structure were then reconstructed with proper systems to filter out the harmful and unclean chemicals that may have been polluting the wastewater system.

E-Bee

The E-Bee is the latest system that truly embodies the CLAYGO policy.  Currently, the policy is effective and implemented only in the JSEC.

As many students have noticed, just this year, the JSEC has adopted a deposit scheme for cafeteria ware. In order for students to get their deposit money back, they have to return the cafeteria ware that they ‘borrowed.’

BUILDINGS IN HER TERM

• College Lane/Red Brick Road [Renovation] (2006)
• JSEC / JG-SOM Mall (2007)
• JGSOM was featured for acquiring the first CHED CoE citations in business administration and entrepreneurship among other CHED-supervised schools.
• Social Sciences Building [Renovation] (2008)
• Leong Hall (2008)
• University Dormitory (2008)
• Rizal Library (2009)

ACADEMIC CHANGES

• Reconstruction of the Biology Program
• College of Science and Engineering introduced their newest offered course, BS Life Sciences.
• College of Science and Engineering introduced an additional NatSci course to the curriculum, Biotech.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Dr. Cuygekeng was featured as the The GUIDON’s person of the year for 2009.
• Several Recognitions for excellence in teaching and contributions to the field of chemistry.
• Countless awards for teaching excellence that are recognized internationally too.
• Studies and research that have been published in renowned chemistry journals.