Good crisis response
The sex video controversy involving a student of the University of San Jose- Recoletos (USJ-R) is indeed unfortunate. The young woman told reporters the cellphone video was done with her consent and was meant to be a private copy. She said her boyfriend at the time, who was also in the video, lost his cellphone during a drinking session with friends after they had already ended their relationship. So the person who probably found the cellphone may have uploaded the video, and from there it became viral on the Internet.
I am happy the student, who agreed to be interviewed by the media, did it without showing her face and that the media obliged and didn’t expose her features.
I am also elated with the press conference of USJ-R administration which announced that as a Catholic institution they are helping the student graduate under the present circumstances.
This new approach of Catholic educational institutions isn’t new to me. When I was the emcee of one convention of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), one exclusive school for women was confronted with a student who got pregnant. Instead of suspending or expelling her, the school arranged for her to continue her studies without being exposed to jeers from schoolmates.
CEAP called that a caring university. The school was well applauded by convention participants.
What happened to the USJ-R student was unfortunate but she and her boyfriend, who was studying in another college, did not violate any law. The video was meant for their private viewing, they were adults and the intimacy was done in a private place.
The USJ-R’s response was indeed that of a true Christian university acting with compassion and understanding for the difficulties the student had undergone. The university did not mind what the public would say about their guidance and training.
I would like to congratulate Fr. Enrico Peter Sibal and the administration for their handling of the controversy. I reckon that the student regretted her acts so just like God, let us forgive her of her sins and allow her to move on.
And I hope people now stop circulating the sex video for the studen’ts sake allow her to graduate. A friend told me that it’s very challenging to raise a child today because it’s not enough to provide your children all the material things in this world but to raise her to become a productive member of the community. Now that requires more physical attention and interaction with your children.
It’s very important for parents to interact with their kids to know their sentiments if needed, immediately respond and react positively.
It is still important to play with your children. It is during their unguarded moments that they blurt out things that may need your attention.
I remember how Fr. Ramon Mores SJ of Sacred Heart Parish would remind us of the importance of the home in rearing children and not leaving this task to schools. Rightly so. I agree with Fr. Mores. Children who interact with their parents are better adjusted than those who are lavished material gifts. Love and attention are more importanT.
Lucky are those who have children, the best gift God gives to mankind so take good care of them, love them and pay attention.
It’s not easy to bring up a child today with all the difficult challenges but our parents were able to do it. Parents just need a lot of prayers.
