Bagwis AY 2022-2023 2nd Sem JUNE

Aubrey Maye Arrieta

Editor-in-Chief, Opinion Editor

Herkurt Tamba

Associate Editor, Editorial Writer

John Zhidrik Galon

Managing Editor, Feature Writer Jefferson Quipit

Circulation Manager, Feature Writer

Alex Tumagantang News Editor

Realee Gabarra

Feature Editor

Johnrey Rollo

Sports Editor

Louise Gabrielle Abing Head Cartoonist

Kenneth Jay Ramping

Layout Director

Dianne Grace Jimenez

Photojournalism Editor

Clarenz Jude Caballero

Head Videographer

Rhoda May Ebad

News Writer

Leonard Tucjayao

Editorial Writer

Khate Catherine B. Asuncion

Kimbian Lim

Sports Writers

Sharif Ryan Beldia

Cartoonist

John Mark Polistico

Layout Artists

John Mark Bedayo

Bai Alleynore Kalim

Krishtine Rivera

Photojournalists

Krizza Mae R. Maningding

Gwyneth Ericca Lubaton

Miles Jester Uchi

Rayner Ginno Paches

Videographers

TRAINEES

Maria Nicole P. Silva

Mark Joel P. Negro

Jasmine Joy Panes

Lynxter Leaño

Mia Dorothy Marcos

Ronajean Lavado

Niel Zsun John S. Vega

Berjan Pagadatan

Lyle Jome D. Dela

Kevin C. Asombrado

John Ross T. Sambanan

Adrian A. Joven

Hidden Manna S. Avila

Katrina B. Elises

Ashley Louisa Loyloy

Rhynchielyne G. Melgar

Louise Martin Jordan

Tycoon James Flores

Krisczer Dave David

Engr. Steve Anthony Lim

Jibran Tomindug, CPA Advisers

ABOUT THE COVER

This

Welcome to this special edition of our school paper, dedicated to exploring the fascinating world of artificial intelligence (AI). In an era where technological advancements are shaping various aspects of our lives, AI has emerged as a powerful and transformative force. However, it is crucial to remember that while AI presents immense opportunities, it also raises important questions and concerns. Ethical considerations regarding privacy, bias, job displacement, and the potential for unintended consequences deserve careful examination. As AI

continues to evolve at a rapid pace, it is our hope that this edition of our school paper will serve as a starting point for exploring the immense potential and complex implications of this groundbreaking technology. We aim to provide a balanced perspective, highlighting both the achievements and challenges associated with AI.

Happy reading!

- Editor’s Note Chatgpt’s note

month’s issue sported an original stroke of our cartoonist, Sharif Ryan Beldia. This illustrates the emergence of AI referencing to a popular japanese novel — “ghost in the shell,” revealing the renaissance of an individual’s nonbiological consciousness — a genesis of new era towards a possible dystopian madness.

KIMBIAN S. LIM

Not Here to Talk About Basketball

Sports Editorial

Filipinos are renowned for their unwavering passion and enthusiasm when it comes to sports. From the intense rivalries on the basketball court to the roaring crowds in Manny Pacquiao’s boxing matches, the nation’s love for athletic competition is undeniable. However, in the midst of this sporting frenzy, one crucial discipline often remains overlooked and underappreciated, a sport where points are not made with shots but with words - debating.

Our institution, Mindanao State University - General Santos (MSU-

GSC) is no stranger to the fervor of sports especially during university intramurals or college weeks. The resounding cheers and electrifying atmosphere of the courts have become ingrained in the university’s culture. Yet, hidden beneath the surface of this sporting spectacle lies the MSU-GSC Debate Society (MGDS), a group of individuals engaging in a different kind of battle– now one fought with the power of words, intellect, and the art of rhetoric.

The university’s debate society, despite its recent re-establishment

as a recognized non-campus organization in late 2021, has already achieved remarkable success within the debating landscape. In a mere two years, the society has made its mark, including a grand finals appearance at the prestigious Belgrade World Universities Debating Championships 2022 Public Speaking Competition, the Olympics of debate and public speaking. However, these accomplishments have sadly gone unnoticed, and the lack of support and appreciation from the university’s higher-ups is ironically noticeable.

Support, both explicit and tangible, remains a significant challenge for the MGDS within the institution. According to the President of the MSU-GSC debate society, Jefferson Quipit, bureaucratic hurdles impede recognition and hinder access to essential resources such as practice rooms and financial assistance. However, this is not an isolated issue confined to debating alone; other sporting niches within MSU also struggle with inadequate funding and support. The problem lies not solely in the undervaluation of debating but in the university’s failure to provide comprehensive support across various athletic disciplines.

Debate, as a sport, often finds itself overshadowed and undervalued, and most debaters recognize that the intricate exchange of ideas and the art of persuasion may not always captivate the public’s attention in the same way as the thrill of a basketball game. Debating is sometimes dismissed as boring, hyper intellectualized, and disconnected from the relatable aspects of everyday life. This perception, combined with the university’s emphasis on intercollegiate extracurricular events like pageantries and popular sports, contributes to the underestimation of debating’s value.

In order to address these challenges and uplift the status of debating within the university, several key measures must be implemented. It is imperative to provide all varsities, including the MGDS, with proper office and training spaces. This tangible support from the university administration, akin

to the assistance granted to other debate societies in the Philippines, would significantly bolster the MGDS’s capabilities. Recognition also plays a vital role. The society’s consistent participation and notable achievements in external competitions should not go unnoticed or unacknowledged. By acknowledging their accomplishments, the administration and the whole institution can inspire and motivate debaters to excel further. And while monetary support should be a last resort, easing the financial burden on debaters by covering registration fees would undoubtedly prove advantageous.

As we reflect upon the state of sports at our institution, it becomes evident that a more comprehensive and inclusive approach is needed. Recognizing and appreciating the diversity of talents and pursuits within our university community is paramount, and providing the MGDS and other organizations with the necessary resources, recognition, and support will pave the way for a holistic extracurricular landscape that fosters intellectual growth, critical thinking, and effective communication skills. By embracing the transformative power of debating and advocating for its rightful recognition, we can create an inclusive and diverse environment that supports learning beyond the confines of the classroom. While basketball holds a special place in our hearts, it is crucial that we start talking about other sports, such as debating, that have long remained in the shadows. Now or never!

Support, both explicit and tangible, remains a significant challenge for the MGDS within the institution.

Polaroid

BEAN

Looking at these old pictures and cameras that you once owned, while being surrounded by all your other remains, I remember how once in your lifetime these signified your hopes and dreams. The faint scent of the films and memories lingers in the air, whispering stories of a father I knew, and a man I thought I knew so well.

The very last moment that we photographed was my 16th birthday. Celebrated it with just the two of us in a small beach resort far from the city. It was surreal; it seemed like we owned the resort because we were the only people having fun there. The white sand, the fried tocinos and eggs, the dogs playing with the waves, the sunset, everything. You were happy back then, Pa. We were.

As I leaf through the pages of the album, the memories locked in the images and the pictures of you smiling—these etched with the weight of a heavy heart. I still cannot fathom how and why you did what you did, Pa. I still blame myself for everything. I could’ve helped you. I could’ve stayed longer. I should have noticed. Why would a man as strong as you succumb to the depths of despair? Why?

And then I came to the last page of the album which I never, even once, saw. That one polaroid tucked into the pile of our other keepsakes and crumpled with age held the untold stories of your struggles and pains. Written there were the words of your true identity, fears, judgements, afraid—you wrote of the relentless ache that gnawed at your soul, the longing for acceptance that

you never had felt.

Tears welled up in my eyes as I recalled everything about you, feeling an indescribable mix of sorrow and empathy. I never knew the depths of torments you were into, the heavy burden you carried, the silent cries you did. How I wish I could turn back time and tell you that your presence and happiness meant more to me than any preconceived expectations.

In that moment, understanding washed over me like a gentle wave and mingled with the sorrow that still clung to my heart. I have come to realize that your death was not solely the result of depression, but also the crushing weight of your hidden truth. You had fought a battle within yourself, a battle you ultimately lost as you believed you would only bring disappointment and shame to those you loved.

But now, as I close the album we both crafted, my love for you overflows, knows no boundaries, and transcends any forms of judgment and disappointment. In this moment of remembrance, I find solace in the hope that your struggle and truth will never be in vain.

I am sorry you had to go through this, Pa. I still desperately regret that I was not able to give you the safe space you deserve, that you didn’t need to hide and be weighed down by the fear of letting down those you hold dear.

This month, I celebrate you, I will always celebrate with you, and I love you.

PHOTO BY Tristan B.

PHOTO BY Norbu Gyachung

Sn AIl Momentum

With the goal of Mindanao State University - General Santos becoming a Smart University, it has capitalized on initiatives to develop projects that will bolster the upscaling of the technological capabilities of the institution in bringing topquality education and management services to its constituents. However, recently, graduating students of the university expressed their dismay at the cumbersome system of paying commencement fees in the administrative building. The lobby was crowded with students as they waited in line to complete graduation application requirements. This occurrence only serves the reality of what MSU-Gensan needs to bring to the roundtable as it pushes to befit the qualifications of a Smart University.

In the last academic year 2021, the ICT Modernization Project Presentation set the groundwork for MSU-Gensan to streamline technological growth through projects, such as the ICT Modernization Program, Acquisition and Development of Information Systems for the University, Construction of a 5-story ICT Building, and Universitywide Facilities Upgrade. These plans are established to be implemented from 2022 to 2024, which accordingly

would uphold its objectives of becoming a leading university in the Southern Philippines. As impressive as it sounds, plans are always subject to change, and at some point, they never actualize. The goals of the university are significant in transforming the overall administration of its people, but looking at the experience of its constituents, particularly in document processing, they still lag behind. Hence, it is a call to the higher office to not just look into the situation but to act on it.

Years have passed, but the same experience was faced by alumni of the university: the throttling processes of document submissions and request forms continue to be a tale that goes on generation after generation. If history repeats itself, it is the moment we don’t want to experience—to queue up until dawn. Students have been strained by their academic load and organizational responsibilities, and even more so by those living on their own in the dormitories and lodging houses. Therefore, students should not be burdened further by the lingering transactional process of the administrative offices, but instead, they should be allowed to experience a sense of calmness and reduce stress.

Furthermore, having a well-defined communication line is essential in any transaction, whether it involves requests, complaints, or other forms of correspondence. This ensures a smooth flow of information, allowing for the proper tracking and acknowledgment of these demands. Leaving a request unresolved can potentially tarnish one’s reputation. By maintaining clear communication and taking prompt action, positive relationships can be preserved, and negative consequences can be prevented.

It is now evident that the modernization project is indispensable for effectively delivering services to the student body. As an institution dedicated to supporting academic advancement, the administration must prioritize the interests and needs of the students. As a result, in order to develop into a smart university, it is crucial to employ smart strategies to address the challenges faced by the student community.

It is high time to adapt the AI momentum. We can not be smart so long we remain at a snail pace.

LEONARD E. TUCJAYAO

Averting its AIll-Fated Future

The people in the international community have once become victims of a global scheme when in the 18th century, the emergence of the infamous Industrial Revolution boosted the global economy. However, along with its massive impact came a wider gap between the rich and the poor as unemployment and loss of livelihoods penetrated the system. Nevertheless, media organizations have played a pivotal role, serving as an avenue for the investigation and reporting on the adverse social consequences of the Industrial Revolution, raising awareness, holding concerned actors accountable, and advocating for workers’ rights and privileges. Relatively, the role of journalism has once again been put on the pedestal as a brand new revolutionary and transformative development in human history transgressed the status quo, posing innumerable quantities of threats, more specifically, on restricting the villain and allowing its ill-fated future from happening.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the hottest buzzword in the status quo. The term first emerged in the 1950s coined by John McCarthy which refers to the development and deployment of computer systems that can perform tasks and make decisions relative to human intelligence. It revolutionizes various human aspects, stimulating and replicating human cognitive abilities, improving efficiency, and providing innovative solutions to complex problems. Relatively, experts regard AI as a factor of production, a new source of growth able to change the patterns of work conditions across industries. In fact, an article released by PricewaterhouseCoopers predicts that by 2035, AI could potentially contribute $15.7 trillion to the global economy. However, relative to the emergence of AI is the unending debate and research on the threats it posits, including ethical considerations, privacy concerns, among others.

Firstly, behind the AI revolution are corporate giants continuously amassing unprecedented power over data and the lives of individual people, perpetuating existing power imbalances and marginalizing already vulnerable communities. Systems are often shrouded in complexity, making them inaccessible to the average person. These giants continue to take advantage of these marginalized sectors bringing forth oppression and extreme exploitation in the front line to further their self-serving

and capitalistic interests. Journalism must remove the veil of corporate control and cease the monarchical-like rule of these giants. It should strive to demystify AI and empower the public with knowledge that can enable individuals to participate in shaping the AI revolution, ensuring that decisions about its development are collectively and democratically made. When journalists hold these entities accountable for their exploitative practices, the imbalanced concentration of power will be challenged.

More so, AI has disrupted the dynamics in academia. The integration of AI in the academe can lead to the reduction of direct human interaction which is crucial for critical thinking and social skills development. The quality of learning may be compromised as AI lacks the empathy and contextual understanding of human instructors, resulting in overreliance that hinders independent thinking and problemsolving skills. However, journalism should probe and report on these ramifications where concerned institutions are held accountable and ethical discussions and public understanding are facilitated.

Nevertheless, these roles should just never be exclusively limited to huge media organizations; instead, there needs as well for an acknowledgment of the university and college student publications like Bagwis, among others. They should grasp a

strong foothold in the academe, serving as democratic vanguards that always checks and promotes ethical considerations across the student body. Bagwis and other college publications should be in the front line of upholding the creed of journalism that any suppression of the news, for any consideration other than the welfare of the society, is indefensible.

In the era of Artificial Intelligence, journalism must rise as a radical force that challenges the status quo and unveils the concealed realities of this transformative technology. This is not a slippery slope where the existence of one thing leads to the ill-fated occurrence of another like how the emergence of the industrial revolution has certainly resulted in social and environmental consequences. There is not a question of the benefits AI has and is about to provide mankind, but its existence and the consequent ramifications it posits should be restricted by the presence of democratic vanguards who will pave the way for a more equitable society. Journalism in its innate nature and the constant pursuit of truth, justice, and social equity must expose the perils and pitfalls of AI, and disrupt the dominant narrative that holds those in positions of influence accountable. Through it, journalism can translate the AI revolution not following the footprints of the Industrial Revolution, but instead, averting it from its doomed ill-fated future.

Photo from pinterest.com