Bagwis AY 2022-2023 2nd Sem MAY

-Mainit

CON TEN TS

MSUlogy

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- Weekend Mental

Sports

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Cover Story

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Feature

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Much has changed after the 2022 national elections transpired, but what remained constant is the proliferation of disinformation and misinformation. As the status quo, it seems like we only lacked gravestone to confirm the death of journalism, but this publication will not allow the propagandists to carve the journalists’ tomb in the bottomless pit. Should we not allow the twisted stories to live in the future because only when we can put a period of becoming clowns to the colossal globe when we halt to tamper the gray history with a golden hue. We fight historical revisionism!

- Hindi maliJUANag na katarungan

Nabahag na pamamahayag: hindi lalayag

Opinion

- The Mockingjay has Risen: PESOLYMPICS resurrects, 4 Districts Clash for Ultimate Victory

- The Year Forebodes Tomorrow

Toni FOULer: Ang Pinay Santa Claus ng Masa

Bagwis Soaring Throught: 43 Years and Counting

Not a Golden Hue

Food Stalls

Ka-Wonder!

Mami Oni

Break

- IProud achiever in LET 2023 wishes to serve her community

58.5% sa 123 MSUans Sumagot ng hindi pabor sa panukalang P80 SSC fee

na panawagan

Scan the QR code to check us out on Facebook!

BAGWIS

EDITORIAL BOARD and STAFF

A.Y. 2022-2023

Editor-in-Chief

Associate Editor

News Editor

Managing Editor

Circulation Manager

Head Cartoonist

Feature Editor

Sports Editor

Head Videographer

Layout Director

Photojournalism Editor

News Writer

Sports Writers

Editorial Writer

Cartoonist

Layout Artist

Photojournalist

Videographers

Aubrey Mae Arrieta

Herkurt Tamba

Alex Tumagantag

John Zhidrik Galon

Jefferson Quipit

Louise Gabrielle Abing

Realee Gabarra

Johnrey Rollo

Clarenz Jude Caballero-

Kenneth Jay Ramping

Dianne Grace Jimenez

Rhoda May Ebad

Khate Catherine

Asuncion Kimbian Lim

Leonard Tucjayao

Sharif Ryan Beldia

John Mark Polistico

John Mark Bedayo

Bai Alleynore Kalim

Krishtine Rivera

Krizza Mae Maningding

Gwyneth Ericca Lubaton

Miles Jester Uchi

Rayner Ginno Paches

ABOUT THE COVER

This month’s cover featured an angle of a jigsaw puzzle with seemingly distorted scenes. Complete as the brainteaser may appear, but the historical image within the puzzle loses its authenticity as it should be all gray but now tampered with golden hue—as in the case of historical revisionism.

Trainees Advisers

Maria Nicole P. Silvav

Mark Joel P. Negro

Lynxter Leaño

Jasmine Joy Panes

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

IProud achiever in LET 2023 wishes to serve her community

Sherijane Ramos Tamblik, top 10 in the March 2023 Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET)-Elementary Level, who hailed from Lunen, Tupi, South Cotabato, bared in an interview that she is a proud Blaan and that she really has plans to teach in her community.

“Since I entered and took the education course, it has been one of my goals to serve the community where I came from. I want to impart the knowledge and skills I gained during my journey to where I am right now. I want to inspire them by returning my service to the community,” she said.

Asked what advise she could give to the younger generation of her tribe, the

teacher urged children to dream high and let the doubts die.

“All things are possible; just ask anything, do the work, and believe that it will happen. Being an IP is neither a hindrance nor an excuse to achieve what you want someday,” she further equipped.

Tamblik expressed her gratitude to her family behind this success, saying that the achievements she has today are because of her family, who have always been there and supported her throughout her journey.

“My family will always be my inspiration,” she highlighted.

AUBREY MAYE ARRIETA

‘‘

Being an IP is neither a hindrance nor an excuse to achieve what you want someday

More names in stellar bulletin

Apart from Ma’am Tamblik, three other alumni from Mindanao State University-General Santos City made it to the Top 10 Bulletin of March 2023 LET.

Joanne Matuguina Naya, a graduate of Bachelor of Secondary Education, major in Biology, hailed top 8 in the secondary level with a stellar mark of 91.40%.

Meanwhile, Dalj Andrew Quinanahan Sonsona who took Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED), major in General Education, ranked 9th and garnered a 90.60% rating. Completing the acer names, Steven Bardoquillo Pormento, like Miss Tamblik, placed 10th after reaping a 90.40% rating.

As Professional Regulation Commission announced on May 19, MSU-GenSan achieved an overall passing rate of 58.06% and 81.71% in secondary and elementary levels, respectively.

58.5%

sa 123 MSUans sumagot

ng hindi pabor sa panukalang P80 SSC fee

Kasunod ng salitang argumento ng dalawang estudyante mula CSSH at Supreme Student Council (SSC) sa naganap na Special General Assembly noong Mayo 17, nagsagawa ng sarbey ang Bagwis sa mga MSUan kung pabor bang itaas sa P80 mula P50 ang babayaring SSC Fee.

Lumabas sa naturang sarbey na mula sa 118 mag-aaral na sumagot, 58.5% o 72 na mag-aaral dito ang nagsasabing hindi sila pabor sa nasambit na panukala habang 41.5% o 51 namang mag-aaral ang pumabor.

Matatandaang kinuwestiyon nina Leonard Tucjayao at Ramzel Delloro ang laman ng bagong CBL lalo na ang Artikulo 5, Seksyon 7 dahil sa nakasaad na P80 na babayarang SSC fee.

“There are some factors why we opt to raise the fee. First, because of inflation since prices of materials and goods are now rising. Second, time value of money because if we still have the P50 collection then it is not enough to cover the costs in the future. Lastly, this is also to improve the quality services of SSC since having this budget cannot really suffice the events,” tugon pa ni Hon.

Randy C. Juaneza Jr.

Sagot naman ni Tucjayao na kung dahil sa inflation ay itataas nila ang singil, mas lalong dapat huwag na nilang itaas sa P80 at panatilihin nalang ito sa P50 sapagkat nakararanas din ng epekto ang mga estudyante ng inflation.

Idiniin pa rin ng mga opisyales na kinakailangan pa rin na P80 ang dapat na kokolektahin dahil sa malaking kakulangan ng badyet sa bawat aktibidad na ginagawa ng organisasyon lalo na at nangangailangan ito ng malalaking badyet upang maiparanas sa mga MSUan ang kalidad at masayang karanasan na inoorganisa ng SSC.

Pagkatapos ng salitan ng pagpapaliwanag, napagdesisyunan ng presiding officer na si Hon. Romeo

E. Tejada Jr., 2023 Constitutional Convention Chairperson na bumoto ang lahat kung itutuloy sa P80 ang SSC fee o ibabalik sa P50.

Ngunit, umalma ulit sina Delloro at Tucjayao dahil sa maliit na populasyon na nasa asembelya kagaya na lamang sa kanilang kolehiyo na 50 estudyante mula CSSH ang pumunta ngunit hindi ito kayang irepresenta ang damdamin ng 1300 estudyante sa naturang kolehiyo.

Giit ng mga commissioners at council, hinahamon daw ng dalawa ang nakalahad sa 2016 CBL dahil “quorum” ang naturang asembleya dahil nandoon ang lima sa pitong kolehiyo kahit maliit na lamang ang populasyon na dumalo sa bawat kolehiyo kaya sinabi pa ring mabisa ang pagdaraos ng botohan.

Sa huli, napagkasunduang sa susunod na sesyon ng General Assembly na lang magkakaroon ng botohan upang maraming MSUan ang makakadalo.

Hindi na rin natapos ang Special General Assembly dahil sa paliit na paliit nang bilang ng mga estudyante at kakulangan sa oras.

Ayon sa Facebook post ng SSC, magkakaroon pa ng ikalawang sesyon hinggil panukalang pag-amyenda sa CBL at ang pagkakaroon ng botohan kung saan malalaman kung sasangayon ang lahat dahil sa susunod na tatlo hanggang walong taon, ang iminungkahing CBL ay mamamahala sa lahat ng MSUans.

Isinagawa naman ang nasabing pagtitipon upang ihain sa mga estudyante ng Mindanao State University-General Santos City ang mga pagbabago sa Constitution and By-Laws (CBL) ng SSC na bunga ng tatlong araw na Constitutional Convention noong Abril 1, 15, 21 na kung saan sinuri ng SSC ang 2016 CBL at dinagdagan o mas pinatibay pa nito ang mga nakasaad.

Mainit na Panawagan

Nakapapasong sikat ng araw at maalinsangang mga silid-aralan ang kinakaharap ng mga MSUans arawaraw. Ito ay nagdudulot ng hindi komportableng pakiramdam na siyang nakaaapekto sa kalidad ng pag-aaral. Ang mas malala, kulang o hindi kaya ay sira-sira ang mga electric fan na siyang inaasahang makatutulong sana sa problemang ito.

Noong March 21, 2023 na ay idineklara ng Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) na simula na ng tag-init at tagtuyot. Dahil matinding init na umabot hanggang 30°C, napagdesisyunan ng MSU-GSC admin na sa halip na face-to-face ay online class na lamang sa buong institusyon noong

March 27-31, 2023. Ito ay nakatulong sa mga guro at mag-aaral, lalo na sa Muslim Community, upang kahit papaano ay mabawasan ang epekto ng init lalo na at kasagsagan pa iyon ng Ramadan.

Subalit, ito ay nagmistulang ‘band-aid solution’ lamang sapagkat pagkatapos ng isang linggo ay balik na naman sa eskwela ang mga mag-aaral at mga guro. Kanya-kanyang diskarte na lamang sa pamamagitan ng pagdadala ng sariling portable electric fan at mga pamaypay nang sa gayon ay mapawi ang init na nararamdaman dahil ang ibang mga silid-aralan ay walang sapat na bentilasyon. Wala ring libreng drinking fountain sa loob ng paaralan maliban sa isa na nasa University Gymnasium

at sobrang mahal ng mga de-bote at dehulugang tubig.

“Bilang isang mag-aaral, mahalaga para sa akin ang magkaroon ng komportableng lugar para makapagaral upang matuto sa leksyong itinuturo ng propesor. Kapag naman mainit ang panahon, nahihirapan akong makinig dahil sa nararamdamang init na dala ng panahon,” saad ni Shandee Athea Fulgencio, isang mag-aaral mula sa College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (CNSM).

Kaugnay niyan, ayon sa online survey ng pinakamalaking organisasyon ng mga guro sa bansa, ang Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), sa 11,706 na mga pampublikong guro sa Pilipinas mula March 24 to 27, ang matinding

init ay lubos na nakaaapekto sa mga estudyante dahil ito ay sanhi ng kahirapan sa pagpopokus at pagliliban sa klase. Dagdag naman ni Vladimer Quetua, tagapangulo ng ACT, ang mga guro at mag-aaral ay nakararanas ng pananakit ng ulo, pagkahilo, at pagdurugo ng ilong dahil sa init, na siyang pinalala ng kakulangan ng pangkalusugang pasilidad at tauhan sa mga paaralan. Nasa 54.5% naman sa mga silid-aralan ay mayroon lamang 3-4 na electric fan para sa 35-50 na mga mag-aaral.

‘Masikip at hindi well-ventilated’ kung ilarawan ni Princess Rau Cunanan, isang mag-aaral mula sa College of Engineering, ang mga silid-aralan sa H-Building. Sa katunayan, ganito rin halos ang sitwasyon sa iba pang mga gusali ng Mindanao State University - General Santos City (MSU-GSC) kagaya na lamang ng College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), Gemma East, Gemma West, at sa mga bagong gusali ng College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH) at CNSM. Sa katunayan, ibinahagi ni Mariya Nicole Silva, isang mag-aaral mula CSSH, sa isang Facebook post ang retrato ng ceiling fan sa Gemma West na mukhang malalaglag na anumang minuto mula ngayon. Umani naman ito ng sari-saring reaksyon ng pagkabahala mula sa mga

MSUan para sa kanilang kaligtasan. Kahit pa nagdadala ang mga guro at estudyante ng sariling tubig, hindi parin ito sapat dahil mas nakakauhaw ang matinding init. Higit na mahal ang bentahan ng mga de-boteng tubig sa mga kantina sa loob ng paaralan na nasa Php20.00 ang 500ml at Php30.00 naman ang isang litro. Samantala, Php15.00 at Php20.00 lamang sa labas ng paaralan ang mga ito, ayon sa pagkakabanggit. Sa kabilang banda, isa sa proyekto ng Supreme Student Council (SSC), pinakamataas na organisasyon ng mga mag-aaral ng MSU-GSC, noong unang semestre ng A.Y. 2022-2023 ay ang mga dagdag na drinking fountain. Ito ay napa-aprubahan na ng SSC subalit hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa ito nabili ng admin.

“Kung ninanais ng lahat ang magkaroon ng mataas na kalidad na edukasyon, sana ay bigyang-pansin ang pagpapaganda at pagsasaayos ng mga pasilidad ng ating paaralan. Ang “safety” at “welfare” ng mag-aaral ay dapat unahin upang makamit ang inaasamasam na kalidad na edukasyon,” dagdag pa ni Cunanan.

Hindi pabor sa Pilipinas ang pagtama ng face-to-face classes sa mga buwan ng Marso hanggang Mayo dahil ito ang

pinakamainit na mga buwan ng taon. Patunay ang kakulangan ng sapat na bentilasyon sa bawat silid-aralan ng MSU-GSC na hindi ito napaghandaan ng administrasyon. Ang labis na init ay hindi lamang nakaaapekto sa pisikal na kalusugan, bagkus maging sa emosyonal at mental na kapasidad ng mga mag-aaral at mga guro. Mistulang hanggang wala pang napapahamak sa sira-sirang electric fan ay hindi muna ito prayoridad ng admin. Tila habang sila’y komportableng nakaupo sa naka-air conditioned na mga silid ay tagaktak ang pawis ng mga nasa labas. Hanggang kanilang natatamasa nang libre ang tubig mula sa kanilang dispenser ay hindi nila pagtutuonan ng pansin ang natutuyong lalamunan ng kanilang nasasakupan.

Kapag kaya sinubukang tumayo ng nakaupo ay makikita na nila ang kalagayan ng nasa ibaba? Sana oo. Nawa’y marinig ng nasa itaas ang mainit na panawagan ng bawat MSUan.

Mga sanggunian:

https://www.philstar.com/ headlines/2023/03/28/2255097/teacher-survey-findsintolerable-summer-heat-affecting-attendance-learning https://en.climate-data.org/asia/philippines/southcotabato/general-santos-997978/t/march-3/

Hindi maliJUANag na katarungan

Hindi kakanta ang isang Juan kung ang kanyang karapatan ay hindi naapakan. Ito ang punto matapos hindi pinagkalooban ng due process ng Kalihim ng Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Benhur Abalos, Jr., ang umano ay sangkot na si Former PNP Deputy Chief for Operations Lt. Gen. Benjamin Santos, Jr. sa isyu ng malawakang cover-up sa isinasagawang imbestigasyon kaugnay sa P6.7 bilyong halaga ng shabu na nasabat sa raid noong Oktubre 2022. Masakit sa tengang pakinggan na panibagong pangalan na naman ang maililista sa pisara ng hindi binigyan ng pagkakataong ipaglaban ang kanyang sarili at patunayang wala siyang kasalanan.

Matatandaan na ang mga alagad ng mga batas na si Police Brig. Gen Narciso Domingo, Police Colonel Julian Olonan, at Police Lt. Col. Glenn Gonzales, kasama na si Santos ay pinagbakasyon ni Abalos dahil sa naturang isyu. Ani ni Santos na idinawit siya sa kaso dahil lamang sa kuha ng CCTV nang walang due process o karagdagang konsultasyon. Pahayag pa nito sa press briefing noong Abril 14, 2023 ay ika55 kaarawan niya ang Oktobre 8, 2022 na kung saan kasagsagan ng kanilang

selebrasyon ay tumawag si PNP Chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. ng 2:30 ng hapon at inutusan itong pumunta sa crime scene na may nasibat nang 600 kilo ng droga. Diin pa nito ay dumating na siya ng 6:20 ng gabi. Dahil dito, ayon sa abogado ni Santos na si Atty. Winston Ginez, wala ng impluwensya ito at wala na rin sa posisyon.

Gaano man katotoo o may bahid mang kasinungalingan ang mga pahayag ni Santos ay mahalagang matanto natin na siya ay pinagkaitan ng karapatan upang ipagtanggol ang kanyang sarili sa harap ng batas. Hindi maikakailang nilabag ni Abalos ang nasasaad sa Artikulo III, Seksyon 1 ng Saligang Batas 1987—hindi dapat alisan ng buhay, kalayaan, or ariarian ang sino mang tao nang hindi kaparaanan ng batas, ni pagkaitan ang sino mang tao ng pantay na pangangalaga ng batas.

Bilang mga batang mamamahayag, walang duda na suportado natin ang adhikain ni Secretary Abalos na lipulin ang talamak na iskalawag sa kapulisan. Subalit, mahalagang magninilay-nilay tayo sa dunong na aabutin natin ang layuning ito nang may transparensiya, pagkakapantay-pantay, katototohanan,

at pananagutan. Tayong mga nasa larangan ng dyornalismo ay may tungkuling tumalima sa due process, protektahan ang pananaig ng batas, at labanan ang paglipana ng pagkalat ng maling balita, dahil kung hindi, sa ating giyera kontra halimaw, tayo mismo ay nanganganib nang maging halimaw.

Hangga’t hindi nauupos ang kandila ng hindi pantay na pagtrato sa katarungang-sistema sa bansa ay patuloy na masisindihan ang apoy ng marupok na katarungan sa lipunan. Harinawang bigyan si Santos ng pagkakataon na ipagtanggol ang kanyang sarili laban sa mga paratang sa kanya. Atin ding pagnilayan ang punto na ang due process ay dapat na ipagkaloob sa taumbayan—nagdaralita man o mayaman. Hindi man ngayon ngunit darating ang pagkakataon na ang sistemang panghudikatura sa bansa ay hindi papabor sa kadiliman sapagkat ngayon, ang patakarang pangkatarungan ay hindi pumapanig sa maliwanag na kinabukasan ni Juan.

Ang artikulong ito ay lumahok sa National Journalism Convention 2023 at nanalo ng pilak.

AUBREY MAYE ARRIETA

Photo by Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo (SUNSTAR)

Nabahag na pamamahayag: hindi lalayag

Walang masyadong dapat ipagbunyi. Ito ang punto ngayong ginugunita ang araw ng World Press Freedom na inilunsad ng United Nations General Assembly. Sa loob ng tatlong dekada, madami na ang nagbago sa daluyan ng paghatid ng impormasyon ngunit hindi ang dunong na patuloy ang pag-atake sa mga mamamahayag ng buong mundo at maging sa Pilipinas. Kasabay ng mga pinaglalamayang buhay ng mga dyorno sa bansa ay siya ring unti-unting pagagnas sa ating malayang pamamahayag.

Sa datos ng 2022 World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) na taunang naghahanay sa sitwasyon ng press freedom sa buong mundo, nasa ika-147 ang Pilipinas sa 180 mga bansa. Ito ay umagwat ng siyam na hakbang mula sa pagiging 139 ranko taong 2021. Sa politikal na konteksto, inilahad ng Reporters Without Borders (RSF) na sa ilalim ng panunungkulan ng dating Pangulo Rodrigo Duterte, iilan sa mga news websites kagaya ng Rappler, Vera files, at National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) ay naka-eksperyensya ng pag-atakeng -sayber. Nakapanlulumong isipin na ang mga kritikal sa gobyerno ay nakararanas ng kaliwa’t kanang cyberattacks ng mga sinasabing pro-administration trolls.

Samantala, kung legal na balangkas ang pag-uusapan, ang mga batas sa Pilipinas ay hindi pinoprotektahan ang mga mamamahayag upang malayang makapagtrabaho kahit na may garantiya ang press freedom sa 1987 Konstitusyon. Ayon pa sa RSF, ginagamit ng gobyerno ang mga tuntuning nakaangkla sa pagmamay-ari ng midya at taxation para manligalig sa mga kritikal na midya gaya ng Rappler website at maging sa CEO nito na si Maria Ressa.

Ang pagpasok ng third media firm ng kompanya na pagmamay-ari ni Manny

Villar, na apilyado kay Duterte, ay inilarawan ng RSF sa ekonomistang konteksto. Hindi maikakaila na ang mga dyorno na nagtatrabaho sa media outlet na ito ay may kakarampot na editorial autonomy, self-censorship ang prinsipyo, at ang respeto sa etika ng pamamayahag ay walang kasiguraduhan.

Dagdag pa rito, ang kaligtasan ng mga mamamahayag sa bansa ay nananatiling nasa hangin ang kasiguraduhan. Si Percy Lapid, isang komentarista sa radyo at social media na nangahas na sumalungat sa kahariang binabagtas ng Duterte at BBM vloggers, ay pinaslang taong-nakaraan. Ilang buwan man ang lumipas, subalit hindi pa rin naghihilom ang sugat na idinulot ng pagpatay sa isa sa mga personalidad na ang tanging gusto lamang ay hindi manira, bagkus ay maglahad ng katototohahanan at maging boses laban sa kadiliman.

Bukod pa rito, ang talamak na red-tagging sa bansa ang siyang naglugmok pa sa Pilipinas sa ranggo nito sa WPFI. Ang Bagwis at ang mga miyembro mismo nito ay nakaranas, nakararanas, at posibleng makararanas pa ng pagmamarkang-pula mula sa mamamayang nangangailangan na pukawin ang natutulog na kamalayan. Gayunpaman, ang opisyal na publikasyon ng mga estudyante rito sa unibersidad ay patuloy na tatalima sa probisyong isinasaad sa Republic Act 7079 o ang Campus Journalism Act of 1991. Hangga’t hindi natutuyo ang aming tinta’t mga laway ay hindi patuloy kaming susulat ng may katotohanan at magiging boses ng mga hindi pinapakinggan.

Tunay ngang masalimuot at hindi biro ang pagpasok sa larangan ng

pamamahayag. Panahon na upang tuldukan ang anumang anyo ng panggigipit sa mga mamamahayag ng bansa. Sa ating pagdalumat sa ika-tatlumpung taong anibersaryo ng World Press Freedom Day ay siya ring paghagkan sa hangarin na dapat ay walang buhay ng dyorno ang pinaglalamayan dahil sa pagiging kritikal sapagkat sa mga nakalipas na taon, maraming bangkay na ang naagnas bunsod ng nilalanggam na estado ng malayang pamamahayag sa buong mundo at maging sa ating nasyon. Patuloy kaming sasagwan alang-alang sa pamamahayag sapagkat

The Mockingjay soars Triumphant: Lumbers carve victory in PESOlympics 2023

MSU Gensan - After a grueling two-year wait, the Physical Education Students’ Organization (PESO) exultantly brought back the PESOlympics to the university grounds.

After a hard-fought battle, The Lumbers of District 7 emerged as the ultimate champions, closely trailed by The Miners of District 12. Meanwhile The Powers of District 5 secured the second runner-up spot and The Textiles of District 8, although yearning for a breakthrough, finished as third runner-up.

Amidst the vibrant atmosphere at the University Quadrangle on Wednesday, May 17, the spirit of the Hunger Games-inspired PESOlympics came to life, as PESO orchestrated an awe-inspiring opening ceremony to remember.

Like tributes stepping into the arena, participants decked in personalized uniforms and gears entered their battlegrounds, with each district fervently representing their Physical Education

professors.

The exhilaration reached a crescendo as the battle for survival unfolded. District 5, known as “The Power,” harnessed their relentless vigor and marksmanship skills. Meanwhile, District 7, the formidable “Lumber,” carved unwavering strength and agility. District 8, the ingenious “Textile,” wove their way through challenges with creative strategies. And District 12, the resilient “Miners,” dug deep within their souls to overcome obstacles.

“Ang activity na ito ay pagpapatunay na we are supporting the welfare of the students in its truest sense,” said Office for Student Affairs (OSA) Director Prof. Rhumer Lañojan.

“Ito ay pang-balance ng ating academic requirements,” he added, emphasizing the profound significance of the PESOlympics.

The thrilling PESOlympics, a highly anticipated sports extravaganza, including basketball, volleyball, football, and more, captured the

hearts of sports enthusiasts and showcased the true essence of competitive spirit and camaraderie. As the sun set on an actionpacked Wednesday, May 24, the air crackled with anticipation as the audience roared with enthusiasm, heralding the crowning of the coveted titles: Mr. and Ms. PESOlympics 2023.

Alongside resounding applause, District 7’s Jaspher Ian Gregorio and Ishie Inocelda emerged as the victors, embodying the indomitable spirit of the Lumber district. Like Mockingjays soaring high, they symbolized resilience, courage, and the embodiment of the PESOlympic ideals.

The Mockingjay has risen, and its spirit reverberates throughout the PESOlympics, igniting passion and inspiring each participant to give their all. As the competition ends, athletes and students alike continue to hold their breath and be united by a singular hope: may the odds be ever in their favor.

NIEL ZSUN JOHN VEGA

Photo by Katrina Elises

MIA DOROTHY MARCOS

The Year Forebodes Tomorrow

Are We Waiting for Results or Broken Promises?

Time has passed by– that we are to notice that it has already been a year after the Philippines Election 2022 transpired. With glorified smiles of the victors and heavy hearts of the fighters, what did happen during the past 365 days?

A quick recap before proceeding: the 2022 Philippine presidential and vice-presidential elections happened on May 9, 2022. Marcos’ presidential transition began on May 25, 2022, and was inaugurated as the seventeenth president of the Philippines on June 30, 2022.

Now for his works, he promised plenty, especially continuing on the projects of the Duterte administration. One fact, however, is the bilateral agreements, and how it has been shady lately.

During the first 30 days of the Marcos presidency, it has been noticed by the public of his connections with China and how he himself declared that China is the Philippines’ “strongest partner.” The timing of the statement could’ve been better as during those times were the tensions arose regarding the South China Sea conflict.

In the present however, he has been engaging countries in pursuit of “strengthening alliances.” A country notable mention of that is the United States. There were virtual meetings with Secretary of State Antony Blinken on August 6, 2022. Same year, midNovember, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris visited Palawan and was soon followed after were White House press releases under her name. It was about the “New Initiatives to Strengthen U.S.Philippines Alliance” and “Initiatives to Support U.S.-Philippine Maritime Cooperation.”

Now from the aforementioned interactions, there are too other officials, (aside from the political and military leaders) who also happen to visit the country, specifically Manila. Still, results

of it was related and surrounded the topics of improving and interlocking the U.S.-Philippine relations.

Other countries were involved as well: Marcos Jr. approached and engaged in an aim to reestablish and reinforce relationships with Georgia, Indonesia, Australia, Canada, Japan, and even Israel.

Yet all of this has seemingly been contradictory with his connection with China.

Marcos Jr. himself was vocal at the 2022 ASEAN Summit, about establishing a “code of conduct” in South China Sea. His proclamation opened discussions, specifically from the top defense officials of the country, Australia, and the United States, in regards to initiating joint patrols there amidst “aggressive attacks” of China in undisputed waters.

Observers themselves noted that Marcos has readily pulled away from China and Russia. It has been noticeable after the ongoing war of Russia and Ukraine.

To the Supposed “Ongoing” Promises

Under his presidency and his campaign, Marcos Jr. has proclaimed to continue Duterte administration’s projects, specifically those relating to infrastructure development. Out of 194 projects, 71 were from the previous administration and at least 123 are new initiatives. Not only said prospects are infrastructure, it also involves digital connectivity, flood control, healthrelated initiatives, power and energy, and so on.

It is said that there are already 95 on going projects have been approved for implementation, eight to have gotten a go-signal from the administration, 47 still in the stages of pertaining feasibility studies and 44 are in so-called, “preproject preparations.”

“This is part of our Build Better More program, that aims to improve living conditions of the different sectors in our country,” Marcos Jr. said in his

Youtube video entitled BBM VLOG #239. He added, to go through said improvements, it has to go through the transition of modernization and by improving the quality of the country’s public infrastructure.

Up to a more recent case, Marcos Jr. exclaimed that the Asian Development Bank may assist in Department of Social Welfare and Development’s proposal to the introduction of “food stamps” to the “poorest of the poor.”

Another one of his vows, that Marcos Jr. declared under his campaign, was the improvement of agriculture and the lowering of rice to the amount of twenty (20) pesos per kilo.

We may also take notice of his 8-Point Socioeconomic Agenda, which consists of Food Security, Improved Transportation, Affordable and Clean Energy, Health Care, Education, Social Services, Sound Fiscal Management, and Bureaucratic Efficiency. This agenda intends to be the starting point for the spending priorities under the Marcos Jr.’s presidency.

All of these “actions,” and “on-the-go’s,” yet we still fail to see an end result. Marcos Jr. may have proclaimed that implementation and progress may take longer – years and/or maybe even time that will exceed his reign as the country’s seventeenth president.

He vowed to do so much, yet after a year, these “progresses” are yet to garner results.

Are we to wait for a while longer? And if so, are these vows guaranteed to be completed?

We are yet to know, there are still six years to come really – yet we too shouldn’t trust so easily. History has yet to repeat itself (though hopefully not), and maybe this time, we can hope for a slightly better future – to cancel the negativity of foreboding tomorrow.

Ramadan.

Bagwis Soaring Through: 43 Years and Counting

Amplifying Voices. Defending Freedom. Publishing Truth.

The official publication of Mindanao State University – General Santos City, Bagwis, will now be reaching its 43rd year anniversary. It has been the reflection of the sentiments, interests, concerns, propositions, and creativity of the student population of the institution since its establishment.

It all started on June 1 year 1980, the creation of the Bagwis publication.

Bagwis has continuously handled official university events, such as general assemblies, SSC-related and college-focused occasions, yearly graduations, relief operations, and the most known of all, the highlight of MSU: the intramurals.

Now aside from these special occurrences, the publication itself not only showcased news and articles within the campus – but those happening within the country as well. From national political situations to celebrity trends, Bagwis articulated these in their printed magazines and now the newer practice of monthly online posts and compilations.

Year by year the responsibility of journalism and soaring through the truth has been

passed down to the new generations – and year by year has Bagwis received backlash as well. It was either from the way articles were written, angles were discriminated against, or the amount of the publication wishes to receive from the students –“Where is it leading? Where is it used?”

Said counteractions were during campaign sorties, plus the publication has numerous occasions of being red tagged. To further elaborate, these are some of the specific situations that led to the hate: the DP blast during the Golden Anniversary of Martial Law, Bagwis being affiliated to radical journalism organizations, and a third, where Bagwis was red-taped and advised to “moderate” the publication’s positions on social matters, due to liberalism being disliked by the conservative public.

“They think they can hurt the publication?” Proclaimed current Editor-in-Chief of Bagwis, Aubrey Arrieta. “Bagwis has already rowed past the bigger rapids of hardships throughout the years since it was built.”

The irony of it all is that most of those circulating issues about the publication lack the credibility publishers ascertain it to be – these are now mostly accusations – and once addressed, (or even left alone really), there is still the fact that there is absence of evidence.

Nevertheless, Bagwis will continue traversing the path forging the bequest to amplify the voices of masses, defend truth, and setting the truth ablaze.

Arrieta emphasized that Bagwis is not for clout. She added, “We entered the publication and that means we are ready to take the heat – because if one member cannot, they will stop flying with us.”

The truth is a conundrum the masses are yet to accept, and the publication’s aim is for that to be delivered: to be the voice of the voiceless, to magnify the overlooked, and to fight for the injustice.

May it be another year of soaring through the skies of the unknown, Bagwis will still fly through with its wings, arm itself with its talons, and see through the painted lies of what is a proof of continuous act of dubious deception – for the righteous freedom of all is what the deliverance of veracity Bagwis is, has, and will do.

“Sa panahon kung saan naglilipana ang pagbusal sa bibig ng mga nais kumanta ng katotohanan, mahalagang matanto na kailanman ang pagsabi ng katotohanan ay hindi isang uri ng paninira.” – Aubrey Maye Arrieta, Editor-in-Chief of Bagwis Publication, 2022-2023.