Safety and Security in DLSHSI

Ok, for those of you who have heard the news about the shooting, robbery/ burglary in Villa Nicasia, here's my opinion on the matter.

First off, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of this student.

For privacy purposes, I won't mention his name. I didnt get the chance to know him since he was several batches higher than me, and what I heard, I just heard from classmates, and those who lived near the site where the incident happened. Most of the details are in the news.

Secondly, for those of you who are questioning whether DLSHSI is safe, especially the Villa Nicasia area, think about all the other places that you consider safe. Are they, really?

DLSHSI itself is perfectly safe, with security guards at every station, every entrance and exit. Outside of that, it is all dependent on the authorities of Dasmarinas.

I personally think that those in power have not made the necessary steps to secure the area, or make the proper arrangements/ improvements considering that De La Salle is a highly populated area. The lack of streetlights, the large holes in the sidewalks, the open creek to the side of the walkway--these are things that could have easily been fixed, but, no changes have been made in the past year. I personally would like to change that, but in all honesty, I dont even know where to start with this one. Hopefully this year, since elections and all, they can do something about the periphery of DLSHSI.

With regards to Villa Nicasia, everyone has the right to question the security of this place right now, considering that other robberies/ burglaries happened within this year alone. Most of these incidents happened in the dorms farther away from the entrance to Nicasia. Some speculate that most of the criminals enter and exit from behind the village because of the empty lots nearby. Others also speculate that it was more of an inside job or so, rivalries, fights between students, fraternities, etc. Others speculate that the lenient procedures implemented by Nicasia for entry into the village was the reason. I mean, any car can get into Nicasia just as long as you either have a sticker, or Php 20.00. Yup, they don't ask for your ID when outsiders come in. They just ask for Php20.00 and you are free to roam around the place. They just assume that everyone who enters Nicasia are just there to look at dorms, and inquire.

It was an oversight on their part, and one, I hope, they would correct this year.

One more point that I'd like to make. I've been reading on comments from people on facebook and other forums that they're doubting if they made the right choice to apply to DLSHSI because of the safety issues.

Some are even correlating the quality of education to the quality of safety that the school is providing. That is completely irrelevant.

Well, give me a school that is 100% safe. Is there? Everything you do has corresponding risks. The risks can be lessened by the cooperation of the city authorities, the school, AND the students. If its late at night, and you still want to go out to study or go on a random road trip, its fine to do so...just as long as you take the proper precautions when going out.

Always travel in groups.
Don't stay out too late.
Always let someone know where you're going.
Be street smart.

In my undergrad, our area was a hotspot for crimes like that--holdups, salisi gangs, robberies, break ins, shootings, rallies, frat fights, but in my 4 years there, I never once experienced it (thank God). Other schools have experienced similar incidents like the ones you have been hearing about, and they can do only so much to protect their students. Much like DLSHSI, the safety of the students are always a priority, and they're doing their best to respond to these issues. But the blame/bulk of the responsibility doesnt rest solely on the school.

It needs the cooperation of everyone.

DORMS

UPDATES:  A LOT OF THE DORMS JUST RAISED THEIR PRICES, expect a php 1,000+ increase on the prices you see here. Although you can still find some pretty cheap rooms, they're gonna be pretty hard to come by now.

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hey guys, just reposting this since most weren't able to view it in the tab at the top of my blog. :))


Okie dokie, so 2013 is coming up, and I know a lot of you are starting to narrow down your choice of schools, or have already chosen one. 

And for those who chose DLSHSI College of Medicine.... CONGRATS AND WELCOME!!!! :) 

When I was choosing a med school to get into, one of the factors I considered were the availability of dorms, or at least accessibility to public transpo when I did want to go home.

So for those of you who are already dorm hunting, here's a short list of places you can check out. :)

1) VILLA NICASIA

This place is about a 5 minute walk away from the school. Its just a village of dorms where a lot of students, interns, doctors, and even professors stay. 

Dorm room rates vary from dorm to dorm and whether its going to be a single room or you're gonna share it with 2-4 people. 

For single rooms, average cost is about Php 5,000/month, excluding your electric bill, and sometimes water.

For rooms good for 2 people, its about Php3,500/person, you can look for your own roomie, or you can just let the caretaker know that you're open to having a room mate. 

Within Villa Nicasia, there are eateries (Asuncion, Frying Pan, Ninja Gohan), laundry shops, sari-sari stores, and its just a walk away from 7-11 and the school. :)


2) DEERLAND/ ANTLERS

Deerland is located right across the school, it has two entrances: the one right in front of 7-11, and another beside Starbucks. Its the one that looks like a forest. HAHAHAHAHAHA

It might look creepy, but based on feedback from classmates, its a pretty good place to look for a dorm since they are really cheap. 

One of the reasons they also call this place Deerland is that inside, there's a pen with around 6-8 deer, another pen of pigs (i am not joking. :))  

Antlers Hotel is located at the Starbucks side of this area, this one is a bit pricier than Nicasia since its set up very much like a hotel, but its totally safe, airy, you get to use the pool there. 

Single Rooms cost around Php 6,000/month, includes a bed, cabinet, cr--just the basics, you;re not allowed to cook, but I think you can heat your food there (there's a common microwave i think). 

Rooms good for 2 people cost around Php 4,000. 


For Deerland (yes, they're considered separate, but they're owned by the same people), its located at the 7-11 side of the area. As my friend put it, the dorms here look a bit like the GK houses, and it might look a little scary, but the prices make up for it. HAHAHAHAHAHA

The rooms here are pretty big, with Single Rooms averaging about Php 3k (and also depending whether the room is tiled or not) a month, exclusive of electricity. It also contains the basics .

Rooms for 2 average around Php 2,500/person.

There's also the Deerland Extension, located beside the hospital, near a row of eateries. As the name suggests, its an extension of deer land, with the same type of dorms and is pretty secure. For over night stays (just in case your mom, sister, brother, family member wants to stay), there is a Php 500 fee.

NOTE: Its better if you have your name listed for reservations, a lot of people are looking for dorms at Deerland since its cheap, and the waiting list is pretty long.

Security is pretty good here, a bit dark at night though, but overall, its pretty good. :)


3) VILLA ISABEL

From Villa Nicasia, its another 5-10 minute walk, its entrance is near the Korean Grocery Store. The dorms are nearly the same price as Nicasia's, there are eateries and sari-sari stores too. 

The village is huge, and not too many dorms have been set up there, its more of a residential type of village unlike Nicasia. 

4) DORMBUILT

Located behind the Wang Building near the Animo Center.

Its much more expensive than Nicasia, Deerland, and Isabel, and stricter in terms of the accommodations. 

Girls are separated from boys, I just forgot which side they are placed in. There is a lobby where the students can study or just get together, the soccer field/ track is located behind it, has a curfew, and you can't wash your own clothes (do your own laundry inside), or cook. But if you're pretty busy, this wont really matter since you would just have all your clothes laundered or you can buy your own food outside.

Prices for rooms vary, but based on classmates, Single Room costs around Php5-6,000, while rooms for 2 cost around Php3,500-4,000 each exclusive of electricity. It also has the basics, and you can request for cleaning service here. 

Waiting lists for Dormbuilt are also pretty long, since its location is pretty good, being right inside the school.


So these are just some of the options for dorms, feel free to ask about anything else. :)


DORM LIFE MUST HAVES