NOVEMBER. FIRST SEMESTER
A.Y. 2024-2025
Bulok na Kamatis
Mahigit dalawang linggo na ang nakalipas matapos inilunsad ng MSUGSC ang Campus Youth Sportsfest (CYS) 2024 na ginanap noong Nobyembre 14-16. Datapwa’t naging matagumpay ang pagtatapos nito ay hindi pa rin nakaligtas ang ilan sa mga kontrobersiya lalong lalo na ang pagbawas umano sa mga premyong nakalaan sa bawat paligsahan ng nasabing palaro. Ilang mga manlalaro ang naiwang kuwestiyonable at
hindi maatim ang nagkukubling katotohanan sa likod nito. Madaling palipasin ngunit kapag unti-unti nang nabubulok ang isang kamatis ay madali na itong napapansin. Sa kabila ng mga pagkakataong umangat at patuloy itong iwasan, hindi pa rin dito nagtatapos ang reyalidad sa loob ng isports at mga manlalaro nito.
Sa taong ito nga ay sponsored mula kina Senator Pia Cayetano, DepEd
Chairperson Sonny Angara, at Senator Bong Go ang CYS 2024 kung saan ay mayroong apat na college teams ang naglaban-laban mula sa mga pinagsamang pwersa ng walong kolehiyo ng Pamantasang Mindanao ng Heneral Santos. Bukod sa mga iba’t ibang isports na kasali sa kompetisyon ay mayroon ding mga patimpalak tulad ng pagsasayaw at pagbibigay talento na binigyang pagkakataon makibahagi sa taong ito. Sa loob ng tatlong araw
JESSIE REY RUERAS
ay puro saya ang namutawi at lahat ay ginawa ang kanilang makakaya upang makamit ang inaasam-asam nilang gantimpala. Ngunit ang kaganapang ito ay baluktot para sa iba dahil sa pagkadismayang nadarama sapagkat ang ilan sa mga nakatanggap ng premyo ay hindi akma sa kanilang ekspektasyon.
Ayon sa isang manlalaro mula sa Team Tritors na nagkamit ng Unang Ikatlong puwesto sa Baseball, “Nakakadismaya para sa akin dahil nawala ang halaga ng pagod at sakripisyo ko. Sana ay mayroong pagbabago sa susunod na taon at hindi na ito mangyari pa para may gana pa kaming sumali ulit sa susunod na taon.”
Ang paglahok sa mga palaro ay hindi lamang isang libangan, kundi isang pagpapakita ng talento, pagsisikap, at dedikasyon ng mga estudyante. Ang mga premyo, bagama’t hindi ang pangunahing motibo, ay nagsisilbing pagkilala sa kanilang pagpapagal. Ang pagbawas sa mga ito ay maaaring makasama sa moral ng mga atleta at maaaring magdulot ng pagkawala ng interes sa mga susunod na pagbawas.
Batay sa Republic Act No. 11180 (Amending the National Sports Development Act of 1990) na nagpapalawig ng mga insentibo at suporta sa mga sports programs upang masiguro ang pag-unlad ng mga atleta at pagpapalaganap ng sportsmanship. Kung hindi mamarapatin, ang pagbawas sa mga premyo ay maaaring makaputol sa paninindigan at lunduyan nito sa paglalaro.
Samantala, nagbigay ng pahayag ang Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs na si Dr. Norman Ralph Isla batay
sa isyung ito. Aniya, wala umanong nabawas sa budget. “It is just that nagkamali tayo sa prioritization, so we take on consideration kasi yung unang nangyari is nagkakaroon ng project proposal ang per committee. Doon nilalagay na nila ang mga prizes, honorarium sa mga working team, foods and t-shirt.” Iginiit niya pa na isang ‘information glitch’ lamang ang nangyari sapagkat sa simula’t sapul, ang perang hinahawakan nila ay galing umano sa sponsors sa mga taong nasa labas ng MSU-GSC.
Mahalaga ring malaman ng mga estudyante ang katotohanan sa gitna ng mga impormasyong nagmamanipula sa ating personal na paniniwala. Ang pagbalanse sa timbangan ng katarungan ay siyang nag-uugnay sa pagpapantaypantay sa mapanupil na kabiguan sa komunikasyon. Sa kabila man ng mga agam-agam na ang lahat ng ito ay may katuturan, ngunit sa huli, ito lamang ay nagsisilbing manipulasyon upang magkaroon ng lamat sa orginasyon.
Ayon pa kay VCSA Dr. Isla, “Next time siguro, careful planning na siya. Ahead of time pa lang, tanungin na natin yung mga committees kung ano yung mga i-include sa budgeting. Rest assured, ang pera talaga is really for the entire activity.” Talaga namang nakakasilaw sa mata ang mga gantimpalang iprinisenta sa madla ngunit kung ating isa-alang alang na marami pang inilalaan sa ibang gastusin katulad na lamang ng admin cost na hindi nakikita ng mga tao. Halimbawa nito ay ang, pagbayad sa kuryente, renta sa mga kagamitan at iba pa.
Malaki ang pagkawala ng alyansa sa mga manlalaro at opisyales sa likod ng
CYS 2024 sapagkat sa paghahangad ng perpektong kaganapan, hindi na napapansin na nangungulimlim na ito sa hindi pagkakaintindihan. Huwag ding i-angkla ang sarili sa mga naliligaw na impormasyong walang maayos na komprontasyon.
Sa isang tanyag na pahayag ng isang American Footbal Coach na si Vince Lombardi, “Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is.”
Bagama’t ang tagumpay ay maaaring hindi ang pangunahing layunin, ang paghahangad na manalo at ang pagsusumikap na marating ito ang tunay na nagbibigay halaga. Sa huli, ang tunay na tagumpay ay hindi lamang nasusukat sa dami ng premyo, kundi sa pagkilala at pagpapahalaga sa bawat sakripisyo at pagsusumikap ng bawat iisa.
Samakatuwid, tayo ay mayroong kapangyarihan na maituwid ang mga nagkawatak-watak na mga ideyang ito. Sa paniniwalang ang pagkakaroon ng transparency at malinaw na ugnayan ng mga komite sa mga kinasasakupan nito upang mabatid na ang mga sentimong kanilang nailalabas ay napupunta sa tama at naaayon sa plano. Huwag na sana natin mas pabulukin pa ang kamatis at hayaan na lamang itong kainin ng kalupaan. Hindi man natin nababatid, ngunit kung uusisain, ang simbolismong ito ang siyang magiging bagong simula sa larangang ito. Umuusbong ang bagong pag-asa kasabay ng pagyabong nito sa kalupaan. Nagpapatunay na sa kabila ng mga hindi pagkakaintindihan, may pag-asa pa ring magpabatid na ang lahat ay pwede pang maituwid.
MSU-GenSan SSC’s 4 proposals earn FEMSUSSCO nod; Prexy calls to assert students’ rights
The Federation of Mindanao State University Supreme Student Councils (FEMSUSSCO) approved the four proposals of the Supreme Student Council (SSC) from MSU-GenSan with their SSC president calling on the importance of asserting the students’ rights at all costs, during the 70th Executive Meeting and Student Regency Turnover Ceremony.
With the said conference concluded last November 21-26 held at MSUTawi-Tawi College of Technology and Oceanography (MSU-TCTO), these three proposals namely Establishment of An Independent Commission on Audit (COA) for All Collecting Student Organization, A Resolution Mandating All MSU Campuses’ Highest Student Governing Bodies (SSG/SSC/KASAMA) to be Accredited Members of the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines, Institutionalization of a Standardized Auditing Procedures for Collecting Student Organizations Across MSU System were centered mainly for students’ rights while Amending the Student Assistants’ Hourly Remuneration from Php 25.00-40.00 to Php 50.00 for Student Assistants in the Mindanao State University System is the only proposal seeking approval in the upcoming Board of Regents (BOR) meeting.
“Actually we’re very happy for MSU General Santos and Supreme Student Council are so happy na ‘yung four proposals na ni lobby natin sa federation, approved one of which will be endorsed for BOR approval, which will take place on December 6,” Leonard Tucjayao, SSC President remarked.
He underlined that they recognized that the students’ assistance compensation was insufficient to compensate them for their diligent work as assistants, which is why they felt it was important to develop the proposal for adjusting their payment.
Moreover, the organization’s STRAW Desk Manual will be presented for BOR notation following its approval at the last BOR meeting.
“So hopefully ma-note na ng ating Board of Regents ng MSU Gensan as the chairperson of the technical working group of the creation of the Straw desk manual since the proposal was originally lobbied by MSU Gensan,” Tucjayao said.
Additionally, Hon. Tucjayao emphasized the importance of dedication and perseverance in asserting the rights of every constituent, shown through implemented policies, programs, and projects.
“I’m looking forward na mas maging progressive pa po ‘yong university and ‘yong system and mas ma- acknowledge pa po ‘yong student spaces and students rights for the welfare of the student party, not only of the students here in MSU –General Santos but for the MSU system in general,” he emphasized.
Elected Vice President
During the 70th FEMSUSSCO Conference, Mx. Leonard Tucjayao was called to the position as Vice President of the federation, remarked as a testament to the leadership present in the MSU – Gensan.
“I’m really happy that you know na rerecognize [‘yung] student leadership here in MSU Gensan and I share the achievement as well to all of the MSUans here sa ating dakilang pamantasan and I’m happy na even by that humble election na na-represent natin ‘yung student body not only within the premises of the university, but beyond the MSU system as well,” he expressed.
In addition, Tucjayao shared the plans and actions of the federation, focusing on the students’ rights and welfare in all MSU campuses.
“Magagamit natin ‘yung position to collaborate with various offices and administrative units not only within our university but beyond the MSU system and I’m so happy to recognize yung aspect na ‘yun,” he added.
He additionally expressed to his coofficers the importance of representing their constituents, addressing the need to advocate the welfare and condition of every student.
“I hope na ‘yong mga co-officers natin ay hindi susukong i-represent ‘yong student body ‘yong respective constituencies nila or natin in whatever way possible na magagawa natin,” he stated.
Throughout the conference, different campuses of the MSU System are present, pressing and deliberating student wellbeing and rights issues.
LYNXTER GYBRIEL LEANO, JOHN PAUL SIAPEL
photo by SSC MSU-General Santos
Underway MSU-GenSan school canteen to cater MSU dignitaries, students
LOURENZ JAY LOREGAS, DAVE MODINA
Have you ever wondered what the ongoing construction near the jeepney drop-off point may be?
A new school canteen will soon rise at the Mindanao State University - General Santos (MSU-GenSan), situated near the jeepney drop-off and beside the office of the MSU Police.
In an interview with Bagwis, Al-Yamen Amal, from the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development (VCPD), shared that the primary purpose of the school canteen is to accommodate the dignitaries of the MSU system—such as the MSU system president and chancellors from other MSU campuses, while also offering “additional income of the university”.
“Every time may visitors ang MSU—like pupunta dito yung president, chancellors ng ibang universities or any visitors, most likely kapag nandito sila tapos kumakain sila, sa labas, mas malaki ‘yung gastos. So ‘yan ang isang reason kaya ginawa ‘yang canteen,” Amal said.
Furthermore, he shared that the canteen
is designed to have designated rooms for the MSU officials and another two to three rooms that can be utilized for meetings.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the said establishment was done last October 10, 2024 and is expected to have a completion period of three to four months.
With a budget of around 3 Million pesos from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the school canteen is expected to be operational in March 2025 as permits are needed to be acquired for it to be operational.
“Ang project na ‘yan kay nasa three to four months of construction, so most probably, kasi after four months, magbuhat pa ug building permit, occupancy permit sa OBO (Office of Building Official) so matagal yan eh, minsan naabutan ng mga one to two months,” Amal explained.
Additionally, he said that existing food stalls on the campus will not be displaced and will continue operating in their current locations but may rent a space in the new school canteen once it becomes operational.
“[Pwede rin sila] magrenta ng space sa canteen, di ko kabalo asa, usually sa VCAF parehas tung mga ASSSA. Actually ganyan ‘yung concept, nagrenta din sila sa university, so sa VCAF,” Amal stated.
Additionally, he disclosed that plans are in place to construct two more school canteens once funding for these becomes available.
On another note, Prof. Sheila J. Loable, Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance (VCAF) and the former VCPD, revealed during the ground-breaking ceremony that the canteen had been a long-time priority which can be traced back to strategic planning sessions held in years 2020 and 2021.
“The construction of the university canteen is a crucial step toward improving daily life on campus. This facility will not only provide food services but will also foster a sense of community among students, faculty, and staff,” Prof. Loable said.
photo by Katrina Elises
Ceaseless hailing of resilience glorifies the tolerance of prolonged torment. Try as one might, problems can only stick around for too long before it becomes overlooked as a natural part of ‘culture’ rather than being seen for the poison they really are. Resilience is overrated- we cannot keep romanticizing suffering without ever setting our eyes on tangible relief.
Eyes on the shrunken prize
In the recently concluded Campus Youth Sportsfest (CYS) 2024 held on November 14 to 16, several student athletes found their bubbles bursting after having won in their respective events, only to find their hands grasping hard-won prizes diminished and less than what they were promised. Sponsored by the officials DepEd Chairperson Sonny Angara, Senator Pia Cayetano and Senator Bong Go, CYS 2024 was meant to be an event for student athletes to compete and showcase their physical prowess in various sports events, with prizes waiting for the top athletes who shall prevail.
The presence of the prizes in of themselves meant higher motivation and higher expectations for student athletes- and as such, higher disappointment after they found themselves receiving less than what they expected and were assured of. Although the issue was eventually clarified by the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. Norman Ralph Isla to be an ‘information glitch’ and a mishap of prioritization, this negligence led to the perception of deserving athletes to lower: in their trust, their morale, the event’s prestige, and what to anticipate for the next time around.
These unforeseen changes have brought to light what MSUans can, or must tolerate, as they set their eyes on what may be shrunken promised prizes. One can only hope that what has transpired wouldn’t become a precedent that will repeat and establish itself as the norm, not only for athletes, but the whole student body who might be forced to bear with it in the name of ‘resilience’.
Resilience-burdened
Nothing stings more than witnessing forced endurance to endless hardships being lauded as a virtue. The constant cycle of rebuilding after every storm, and Filipinos’ ability to smile through the devastation led to the Philippines being hailed as a “resilient nation”.
Being located near the Pacific Ocean, it is not unusual that month-by-month, PAGASA would announce how another
typhoon will come lashing, that another wave of destruction will arrive sweeping across the land. But even with families being displaced, homes being shattered, with lives left upended, the Philippines stood on end. Filipinos’ capacity for recovery is undeniable, but no one really considers how this adaptation is frequently borne out of necessity rather than choice.
Repeatedly being asked to endure and adapt comes at a heavy cost. While the Philippine news headlines are often inclined towards political battles, the government itself is lost in the void when asked for support, as if they’re out of grasp even when the spotlight is theirs. People constantly go beyond the extra mile to be pillars of strength, while those in power remain elusive figures unable to be where help should be.
Strangely, Non Government Organizations (NGOs) mobilized swiftly to offer help and provide relief to calamity-stricken Filipinos, bringing needed aid within hours, while it took the office of the president and the vice president days, and even weeks to respond. Without hesitation, Angat Buhay offered lifesaving interventions, while the government constantly pointed its focus on situations created through their negligence. Why is that? Seemingly preoccupied with their personal affairs and internal power struggles, the Philippine government continues to illustrate its incompetence in tending to the urgent needs of its people. When resilience is relentlessly asked to be practiced, the act of systemic change presents its absence. Perhaps meaningful action has become a myth.
It’s a cruel irony that the Filipino spirit is constantly praised for its resilience, expected to weather every storm, to rise again and again from the ashes, but the real issue of systemic failure is overlooked. Thus in this sense, resilience is a coping mechanism, not a solution. It is time we move beyond celebrating endurance and demand changes that will finally allow Filipinos to thrive, not just survive.
Bearing with the bare minimum
With the 2025 Philippine Midterm Elections approaching, the country faces yet another predictable cycle of deception from traditional politicians—trapo, as we call them. These politicians lavishly spend millions on everything from budots dance campaigns to catchy jingles aired on television, using the grave educational crisis to manipulate the ever-naive Filipino electorate. As a result, the public is easily swayed by these tactics, even when these trapos fail to present coherent
platforms. The fun part comes when these trapos are elected into office. Just as bubbles pop when poked, these politicians collapse under pressure in times of crisis. Campaign promises that once sounded so convincing vanish into thin air, leaving the public to bear the brunt of their failures. And yet, despite this repeated cycle of broken promises, no one is ever held accountable.
At this point, the reason behind Filipinos keeping the bar so low should really be studied. What happened to the list of esteemed national leaders in the 20th century with impressive educational and civil backgrounds? The country has grown complacent with the people we elect, and yet we can only do so much as complain about their poor performance as democratic proceedings seated them into power.
Perhaps our outdated 1987 Constitution plays a role here. It only requires the executive, legislative, and judicial departments to meet the following: be a natural-born citizen of the Philippines, a registered voter, able to read and write, of a certain age on the day of the election, and a resident of the Philippines for a specified number of years immediately preceding the election. It’s quite ironic how we entrust the future of the country onto the barest requirements, while it’s harder to land a cashier position requiring a bachelor’s degree for the role. This has allowed celebrities and influencers to use politics as a retirement plan, relying on the overused line, “to help the Filipinos,” to gain sympathy. The truth is, anyone can contribute to society without needing government titles.
Moreover, die-hard fanatics have been feeding the delusions of these politicians; showing fake resiliency and over-glorifying them. A small showcase of their supposed accomplishments, merely part of their duties, is enough to garner praise. It is easy to ignore their shortcomings, and instead defend them with “at-least-they’ve-done-something” narratives. While they blindly support the trapos, the marginalized who truly suffer from power-tripping and corruption are left to bear the consequences of poor governance.
Who is to blame, then? This unending vicious cycle has persisted for decades, despite numerous efforts to change the narrative, only to be thwarted by those driven by greed for power and wealth. Resilience, it seems, has become overrated—especially when we must bear with the burden of the bare minimum.
Service for Hu-MONEY-ty
Lying in the Pacific typhoon belt, the Philippines has already been a home for the vehement onslaughts of meteorological storms, but a far more raging portent brews in its corridors of power in recent times: that of political chaos rooted in the clashing personal interests of the leaders whom we have entrusted the future of our nation to. This speaks a lot about the tenure of corrupt politicians in our country’s bureaucratic system, where their goal in the first place is to not serve the people but to capitalize their love for them, turning public service into an industry of hu-MONEY-ty.
With 12 typhoons surging through the country this year, their detrimental
effects have struck devastation over Filipinos. But throughout the time during which these typhoons ran over the Philippines hit-and-pass style, the skies hovering over the country still rumbled with storms. These are not projected, by any means, of nature, however. Thunders of countless crises clap and reverberate across the political arena of the country, deafening Filipino ears and drowning issues that matter beyond the dramas and inter-ally feuds (later becoming swornfoes) ensuing in the government halls scattered across its branches.
The 2025 midterm elections in the Philippines are only five months away until the election on May 12 next
year. Since the filing of Certificate of Candidacy (COC) opened on October 1, many aspiring candidates have set their sails through the journey of elections. A comedic stunt, pulled yet again in the face of the Filipino people washed down, if not drowned out, from the sea of social maladies of the country—showbusiness actor Marco Gumabao, vlogger Rosmar Tan, and Diwata, a street food vendor who enjoyed fleeting social media attention with his famed “pares overload,” have all filed their certificates of candidacy. Additionally, vlogger Norris John Okamoto, political Tiktoker Eli San Fernando, and political vlogger Marc Gamboa all rose from their respective spheres to try to land themselves on
ALJIM KUDARAT, JEROMELEE PIANA
congressional decks, with Gamboa’s eyes set still on the Senate.
It is nothing new to see traditional politicians or trapos, emerging from the ranks of those rearing for the race towards the Philippine exclusive political zone… again. This year’s filing of COCs, however, saw quite a novel twist. An entry of political sailors riding different images of boats, though made of the same wood as those of the trapos’. No, they are not just celebrated mainstream Filipino artists who joined politics after losing their place in the industry. A new breed of underqualified aspiring politicians (skillswise) emerged from a different corner of entertainment: content creators. Together, they form a confederacy of comedians fishing for more fame while trying out new jokes, with the Filipino masses’ trust as the fish to be caught by their newfound nets.
Now, this does not mean that a celebrity or a content creator could not make a fine politician. The contention woven in this issue is the fact that they do not have prior background in politics, that is, to omit simply being a bystander as they produce political content. Dedicating no effort to study the ways of politics and public administration, no concrete platforms, just dreams and intentions. The standards for pageant queens or boxers in the country are far higher and scrutinized more meticulously by Filipinos than that which they hold for politicians. A non-college graduate for president? There is the incumbent president sitting atop the government. An action star with no prior experience in public service, whatsoever, for a senator? There is Senator Robin Padilla, with his latest nonsensical “inheat” statements over wives’ right to refuse sex to their husbands.
If Filipinos can hold sky-high standards for beauty queens or artists, equal efforts exhausted in forming a critical thinking electorate
are only right. Filipinos cannot expect competence in public service if they lack the competence in voting for office politicians with relevant credentials, a character of not only politicians but as well as those of genuine public servants’. If Filipinos cycle seating politicians with stains of corruption and other anomalies in circles in government posts, then they might as well expect to be subjugated yet again in a repetition of poor return for their public trust.
The national embarrassment that the UniTeam has become today is a primary product of this Filipino cycle. President Marcos and Vice President Sara Duterte’s 2022 electoral campaign trail, anchored on unity, has shattered into the broken laughingstock for those who knew it was nothing more than the facade of a political alliance for the convenience of the country’s most prominent political dynasties—never for the care of the Filipino public. The recent developments of the relationship between Marcos and Duterte prove that their election-time unity can only reach as far.
As far as the Filipinos are concerned, their unity has now taken a dramatic turn of events. A plot twist that, honestly, was not hard to anticipate. With Duterte stating that their relationship has grown toxic, she has said she dreamed of cutting Marcos’ head. Not only that, she also revealed in a post on her Facebook page, as the Marcos-Duterte melodrama unfolded, that she had spoken to a man. In the post, she stated that in the event that she gets killed, she had ordered the deaths of Marcos and his wife, as well as House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Filipinos deserve more than this comedic play, and above all, they must know better than to buy into the promises of these ‘good samaritans’ whose kindness only surfaces in elections.
Every Filipino has the prerogative to seek public office as long as certain electoral qualifications established in the Philippine Constitution and other legal frameworks, such as the Omnibus Election Code, are met. It is imperative, however, to recalibrate the standards set for individuals running for higher positions as existing qualifications for public office induce nothing but the barest outcome, paving a smooth road for underdeveloped culprits to ascend positions of power.
Hence, to optimize the system, it is high time to impose higher educational requirements, policy proficiency, literacy, and public service experience, all inclined toward the perceivably highest moral standard from them. If these qualifications are not met for national positions, then those who are trying to invade governance should be constitutionally barred from running for office. And whilst suffrage and participation in government are rights under the Philippine Constitution (Article V), as for the Filipino electorates, neglecting electoral accountability cannot justify, once betrayal comes in, a plea to oust a substandard government—with no escape, we should face the mistake of one and suffer thrice en masse.
And so, as the winds howl and rain lashes, the true storm we face is not one conjured by nature but by human ambition and greed, represented by people sitting in our bureaucracy, as well as those who are planning to tenure. Until we wake up and resist how certain people in the position provide only band-aid solutions to the major problems of our country, as we still dismiss the recurring narrative of resilience and neglect the systemic failures in trade for minimal supplies, change will not knock. Storms will never be weathered. It is time: demand leadership that rebuilds rather than destroys, that truly unites rather than divides, serving humanity, not huMONEY-ty.
MSU Cutie! A Letter From an MSUan to an Aspiring One
FAYROUZ OMAR
The journey to becoming an MSUan often starts with a pen, a test booklet, and the careful shading of circles. By now, you’ve probably heard every tip: study hard, manage your time, and stay calm. But here’s something you might not hear too often: beyond the SASE lies a world that no exam can fully prepare you for. Aren’t you curious about how scholars, who once sat where you are now, have navigated the heat, the dust, and the unrelenting grind of this campus?
It’s important to recognize that while the SASE is just the first step, what comes after is where the real growth happens. To all the aspiring scholars about to embark on this path, let me share with you what comes after the SASE—the experiences and challenges that no guidebook or prep material can fully capture.
Life on Dusty Roads
It’s simple to romanticize MSU, but let’s be real: the struggles are as authentic as it can be. We once painted the campus with rosy hues—the academic achievements, the grand intramurals, the culture, and the promise of education. And while they may all be true, the reality here is grounded—literally.
The campus itself is vast and expansive. Walking from one end to the other can feel like trekking through a desert, the sun beating down mercilessly as dust clings to your skin. Forget designer makeup—here, your face powder is generously provided by the dusty roads, whether you asked for it or not. You wear the campus on your skin. And along these dusty roads, you’ll come across an MSU staple—the beloved pastil. No true MSUan can claim the title without
having tasted it. Affordable and comforting, pastil quickly becomes a part of your daily rhythm. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between classes or exploring the best pastil joints on campus, you’ll never tire of it—at least not right away.
After all, life on dusty roads is exactly what you make of it.
A Sea of Strangers
One of the harsh truths about MSU is that no one will hold your hand. MSU doesn’t ease you into its world—it throws you in, and you either swim or learn how to. Professors deliver lessons with the expectation that you’ll keep up, no matter how confusing or overwhelming the material may be. Some may inspire you; others may leave you grappling with the material entirely on your own.
In a campus so full of life, you might feel strangely isolated. Friends may be few, acquaintances many, and the days of shared lunch tables from high school may seem far away. You learn to walk alone, study alone, and carry your struggles quietly. But perhaps the greatest stranger you’ll meet here is yourself. In the space between challenges, you might start to question the person you thought you were—the one who aced exams or never needed help. You’ll meet someone new, someone humbled by failure, frustrated by limitations, but also someone learning to stand tall despite it all.
MSU teaches you the unknown: in others, in the environment, and in yourself. It’s not easy, and it’s not meant to be. However, it’s this very sea of strangers who shape you into the person who can endure any storm.
The Worth of It All
Welcome to college! Having completed the SASE, the real journey begins. The path ahead is not straightforward but filled with challenges that will mold you in ways beyond the scope of a test. You’ll find pride in those small victories: mastering a difficult concept after weeks of struggle, finishing a project you thought you couldn’t complete, or simply surviving a semester that nearly broke you. What you’ll realize as you keep moving forward is that MSU isn’t just a university—it’s a community. It’s a community of dreamers and doers, each carrying their own burdens and aspirations. You’re no longer just an individual trying to succeed for yourself; you are now part of something bigger. You carry the weight of your family’s hopes and the dreams of a nation that believes in you. And in that realization, you’ll understand what it truly means to be an iskolar ng bayan.
So, aspiring MSU cuties, be aware that the journey is tough. You will stumble, shed tears, and question your suitability for this life. But every challenge you face is a step closer to becoming a true scholar, and you’ll carry that strength with you long after you leave this place.
One day, you’ll realize you’re no longer the hopeful dreamer shading circles on an exam. You’ll be here, living the dream you once dared to manifest. MSU cutie no more, but a scholar of the nation, shaped by the fire and dust of this campus. And when that day comes, we’ll be here, cheering you on, just as we once were.
To our future Iskos and Iskas, we’ll gladly be waiting for you.
Manong, Sukli ko po
MOEUM NOMEN
“Bayad po.”
Inabot ko ang singkwenta pesos kay Manong Bong habang nakasiksik sa sulok ng jeep. Pawisan at hapong-hapo ako mula sa maghapong klase. Tahimik niyang tinanggap ang perang papel at luminga-linga, naghahanap ng panibagong pasahero.
Tumingin ako sa labas, hinayaang sumayaw ang aking paningin sa kaguluhan ng terminal. Mga estudyanteng nag-aabang— iba’t ibang kwento, iba’t ibang dalahin. Ang ilan ay tila mas magaan ang hakbang, bitbit ang pitaka na puno ng pera. Ang iba naman, tulad ko, tahimik, nagtitipid sa bawat baryang hatid ng tiyaga.
“Hihingin ko ba ang sukli?”
Simpleng tanong, ngunit parang palasong tumama sa pagitan ng aking mga laman. Madalas akong manahimik, iniisip na baka masyado lang akong sensitibo. Ano ba ang
sukli kumpara sa halaga ng oras ng iba? Ano ba ang halaga ng bente pesos kung ang kapalit nito ay katahimikan? Ngunit sa bawat desisyong manahimik, naiisip ko, sino ba ang nawawalan? Ako ba, o ang sistemang sanay sa pangungupit ng mga maliit na bagay—oras, boses, dignidad?
Hinawakan ko ang strap ng bag ko, mahigpit. Sa loob nito ay hindi lang libro’t papel, kundi mga pangarap na pasan arawaraw. Pangarap na minsan nang binalot ng kaba, takot, at kompromiso. Hindi ba’t ito rin ang dahilan kung bakit maraming tao ang napipilitang yumuko, tumahimik, at maghintay na lang? Sa ilalim ng bigat ng sistemang hindi patas, paano mo ipaglalaban ang sarili?
Luminga ako kay Manong Bong. Sa kanyang mga mata, may pagod din—pagod ng araw-araw na paghahanapbuhay. Naisip ko, pareho kaming bihag ng parehong sistema. Ngunit ang tanong, sino ang gagawa ng unang hakbang upang kumawala?
“Manong, sukli ko po...”
Ang boses ko’y halos pabulong, ngunit sa bawat salitang lumabas, naramdaman ko ang bigat ng katotohanang binitawan ko. Hindi siya agad tumugon, tumingin muna sa akin nang may pagtataka, parang hindi sanay na may humihingi ng nararapat. Maya-maya’y iniabot niya ang mga baryang kanina pa nasa kanyang palad.
Ang lamig ng barya sa aking kamay ay parang alon ng paalala. Na ang pinakamalaking kawalan ay hindi ang nawala sa iyo, kundi ang hindi mo tinangkang kunin. Napagtanto kong kung mahirap man ang magsalita, mas higit na mahirap pa rin pala panatilihin ang pananahimik.
Sa unang pagkakataon, naramdaman ko ang bigat ng sukli. Bente pesos na sinsilyo ngunit tila pasan ang lipunan na nasanay na sa kompromiso.
Peace is a Compost Pit
KRYSTEL ANGEL LUBATON
Like a defective seed, Buried in enriched soil, Longing for rest—an eternal dream
Like a wilting plant, Rotting through thin air, Thirsty of ease—decomposing
Do my flowers die in spring? And has risen and lived in autumn— A glimpse of idealism
Like a waste, I have fallen, To where I belong, a compost pit To where my heart is at peace
MSU-GSC elevates peace advocacy through crosscollege collaboration in CYS
JOHN WYNNE ESCOLANO, BERJAN PAGADATAN
Friendship and camaraderie took center stage at the Mindanao State UniversityGeneral Santos City (MSU-GSC) as the Campus Youth Sportsfest (CYS) brought students together in a vibrant celebration of sports, talent, and creativity held from November 15 to 17, 2024.
The festival, spearheaded by Overall CYF Chairperson, Dr. Norman Ralph Isla, the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (VCSA), with former Acting Chancellor JD. Usman Aragasi’s approval, was made possible through partnerships and sponsorships from the Office of Secretary of Education Sonny Angara, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go, and Senator Pilar Juliana “Pia” Cayetano, featuring a blend of six sports events alongside the revival of the highly anticipated MSU Got Talent and Dance Unlimited competitions.
Building on the success of last year’s festival, CYF 2024 introduced new dimensions, expanding beyond sports to embrace the showcase of dance and talent in honoring a broader range of skills and expressions. Emphasizing its advocacy as a peace university, MSUGSC infused the event with activities that promote collaboration, unity, and community-building.
One of the festival’s standout features was the innovative merging of colleges through a draw-lots system, designed to foster unity and camaraderie among participants. The College of Engineering teamed up with the College of Fisheries, forming the trailblazing College of Aquatic Innovators (TeegAngs), while the College of Agriculture joined forces with the College of Business and Accountancy to create the powerhouse College of Agriculture and Business Studies (AgriBeedas).
Adding to the excitement, the College of Education partnered with the Institute of
Islamic and Arabic Studies to establish the unified College of Islamic Studies and Education (TriTors). Meanwhile, the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics reunited with the College of Social Sciences and Humanities, bringing back the legendary College of Arts and Sciences (LibaKeros).
The three-day festival showcased an exciting lineup of sports, featuring men’s and women’s basketball, beach volleyball, darts, volleyball, as well as baseball, football, and sepak takraw.
The CYF 2024 celebrated more than athletic excellence by fostering camaraderie and teamwork through a revamped format that united two colleges per team, creating a dynamic environment where athletes worked together to achieve success while embodying true sportsmanship.
Meanwhile, MSU Got Talent and Dance Unlimited captivated audiences during the opening night with Beatboxer Sallman Salipada emerging as the grand champion, impressing judges with his intricate rhythm.
Vocal powerhouse Mary Joy Parasan claimed the first runner-up spot with her stunning performance while rhythmic gymnast Miss Flexy Junna Capili secured second runner-up honors. Consolation prizes were also awarded to Kent Sombrio, Jhon Lester Mandaluran, and Huwisyo.
In Dance Unlimited, M&M clinched the championship, followed by the Generals Dancesports Team as first runner-up and a tie for second runner-up between BAE Alliance and The Anglers. A consolation prize has been given to Magnaye, as they bagged the fourth runner-up.
The sports fixtures also heated up with outdoor and beach volleyball
showdowns. In men’s outdoor volleyball, the LibaKeros claimed victory, while the AgriBeedas and TeegAngs finished second and third, respectively. The women’s division saw the AgriBeedas flourish, followed by the LibaKeros and TriTors.
On the sands, the TriTors triumphed in both men’s and women’s beach volleyball, securing gold in both divisions. The AgriBeedas and TeegAngs completed the podium finishes on the men’s while as LibaKeros and AgriBeedas on the women’s category.
In men’s darts, TeegAngs took the title, with AgriBeedas and TriTors placing second and third. The LibaKeros glimmered in women’s darts, claiming gold after surpassing a clutch three-way tie, with AgriBeedas and TeegAngs securing silver and bronze.
Basketball saw TriTors clinching gold in men’s basketball, with TeegAngs and LibaKeros finishing second and third. In the women’s division, TeegAngs took the crown, followed by LibaKeros and AgriBeedas.
On the diamond, TeegAngs dominated the baseball tournament with AgriBeedas and LibaKeros left as runners-up, while TriTors secured gold in the football competition
as AgriBeedas and TeegAngs took the following podium placements. Meanwhile, in sepak takraw, TeegAngs reigned supreme, bagging the championship title, with TriTors and AgriBeedas taking second and third, respectively.
As the festival concluded, apart from titles, participants were awarded cash prizes, in accordance with their designated sport.
Dr. Isla, who is the Overall CYF’s Chairperson, took the opportunity in the closing program to express his gratitude to all the committee members and individuals behind the successful execution of CYS 2024, acknowledging the challenges faced, particularly in terms of finances and scheduling, which had to be carefully managed to ensure that the festival did not disrupt the class days; he also extended thanks to their partners in the non-sport events and the other committee chairs for their contributions.
Similarly, Prof. Sammielyn Lavente, SDO Director, and CYF’s Chairperson for Sports, emphasized the importance of unity and sportsmanship. She shared, “What stood out to me was the collaboration between colleges, which fostered camaraderie and a sense of community. This year’s event proved that sports and competitions can
bring people together in remarkable ways.”
From the athletes’ perspective, the newly introduced setup became an opportunity for growth, as demonstrated by the collaboration between the CoEd and IIAIS men’s basketball teams, where their strengthened bond and the resolution of unspoken tensions among the players turned them into a more focused and effective team, ultimately leading them to become champions and outperform their competitors.
CoEd men’s basketball team captain
Thirdy Mangubat shared, “Para sa akoa, dako kaayo siyag impact sa competition ug sportsmanship, labi na gyud sa sportsmanship. [Sa niaging intrams], nagka-issue ang men’s basketball team sa Education ug IS. Pero tungod aning CYSF, nahimo ming kauban sa mga nakalaban namo sauna sa intrams, [ug karon] okay na ang men’s basketball team sa duha ka colleges.”
With discussions already underway for introducing Larong Pinoy and more activities, the CYF aims to return bigger and better, ensuring another memorable celebration of skill, creativity, and camaraderie.
NOVEMBER. FIRST SEMESTER A.Y. 2024-2025
VOLUME 44 ISSUE 03
AMPLIFYING VOICES DEFENDING FREEDOM PUBLISHING TRUTH