Bagwis AY 2023-2024 1st Sem SEPTEMBER

bagwis.

the official student publication of Mindanao State University General Santos City

02 bagwis

editorialboard trainees

editor-in-chief

associate editor

managing editor

circulation manager

jefferson quipit

herkurt tamba

jasmine joy panes

adrian joven

kimbian lim

departmentheads

news editor

opinion editor

feature editor

sports editor

head cartoonist

layout director

photo editor

head videographer

lynxter gybriel leaño

leonard tucjayao

mia dorothy marcos

niel zsun john vega

louise abing

kevin asombrado

krishtine rivera

clarenz caballero

publicationstaff

news writers

opinion writers

feature writers

sports writers

cartoonists

layout artists

photojournalists

lourenz loregas

ian villacencio

guia rebollido

daniella doce

aljim kudarat

videographers

mark negro

maria silva

herkurt tamba

jasmine joy panes

ronajean lavado

jefferson quipit

berjan pagadatan

kimbian lim

lyle jome dela madrid

sharif ryan beldia

krisczer dave david

tycoon james flores

adrian joven

katrina elises

ashley loyloy

hidden manna avila

john ross sambanan

gwyneth ericca lubaton

krizza maningding

louise jordan

rhynchielyn melgar miles uchi

feature sports

cartoon layout

photojournalism

cathylene bulado

keziah cariño

krystel lubaton

leslie payongayong

joseph carl estrera

vaness villafuerte

ma. angelica pio

micha pancho

jezrah gamutin

jewel tapel

muhamad miras

denzel jade caluyong

ylen criz balanon

john rusell camia

rayjie carillo

jibrylle mohammad

christian alburo

jared adlawan

alsimar ibrahim

editor’s note

The first two months of the resumption of the academic year 2023-2024 had been a rideonly more or less 60 days had elapsed. Our team had found many different narratives - most sprouted in that 60-day timeframe - that are worthy to be reviled and be called out.

The looking glass is an allegory of how we view these portrayals, a look in the past, present and future reflections; and it is also a play on how we clamor to find our own identity as a Filipino and as a student amid the Martial Law Commemoration.

table of contents

03

GEARING TOWARDS DIGITAL ERA

New, revamped Intramurals events tickle MSUans; expressed mixed reactions

MSU riders, mag-aaral nanawagang ipaayos ang sirang daan sa kampus

OPINION

Recalibrate recurring GEC course narratives

Take the Wheel

MAIN EDITORIAL

Macro tolerant, micro critical

MSULOGY COVER STORY

Face the Phases

FEATURE

MIAsteryosong Kwento

SPORTS

Sports is a MASTS

Asteegs lead Athletic supremacy in Angara Cup

about the cover

This issue looks at the different narratives of innate anecdotes in our society, more so from an MSUan narrative. Like a looking glass, the reflections of who we are are displayed unapologetically.

From the mirrors of the past, we unveil the narratives during the Martial Law and how it had bent its facade into something unrecognizable on the metrics of truth. We also look at the mirrors of the present where we unveil the different portrayals of the normative MSUan life and how it played out in our future reflections.

GEARING TOWARDS DIGITAL ERA

GUIA REBOLLIDO, LYNXTER GYBRIEL LEAÑO

MSU GenSan to ease long queues through smart buildings

The rise of technology-driven buildings in MSU GenSan campus signals the transformation of General Santos City’s premier learning institution into becoming a smart university.

Sheila J. Loable, the Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development (VCPD), said three edifices will soon dot the sprawling campus – one to house the Virtual Learning Studio (VLS), faculty lounge, and a Information Communication Technology (ICT) office which will bring reliefs to MSUans as it

will solve the usual problem – the long queues.

Two of these buildings, the ICT office and faculty lounge, are currently being constructed while the VLS is yet to be built, as the VCPD emphasized. Loable uttered that these projects were proposed in line with the national government’s agenda in 2020 and were already included in the annual investment program of the university. “Lahat yan na mga building, they are really significant. Kasi we cannot have

the digital transformation without them,” she pointed out.

She added that the need for MSU to undergo digital transformation is to address the existing problems of students like long queues to process payments and getting their clearances signed.

“By 2043, dapat natransform na ang university to digital, lahat na ng ating processes ay online. Most of the

processes will be digital, para mas mabilis ang services ng ating university sa mga estudyante,” the vice chancellor remarked as it takes 20 years for a traditional university to convert into a smart one.

Faculty lounge

The faculty lounge is a locally-funded project with a budget of 9.8M pesos that is currently ongoing construction near the University Library.

Loable said the lounge will help provide an in-campus space for all faculty members. The project was proposed by MSU System Faculty Regent, Dr. Mario D. Aguja, and implemented by the Department of Public Welfare and Highways (DPWH) - South Cotabato 1st District Engineering Office.

According to her, the faculty lounge will contain a mini-library and have designated areas where faculty members can rest and even hold meetings.

“It is one of the requirements for the accreditation of the university,” Loable stressed.

The faculty lounge began construction last June 2023 and is expected to be finished by November, this year.

ICT office

According to Loable, the ICT Office is the part of the university which will contain the equipment intended for its digital transformation.

“Para siyang ICT Hub, but eventually it is not an ICT Hub. It’s really the office of the ICT,” she said.

The ICT Office will be able to cater more students than the ICT Hub that is currently located in the second floor of the administrative building.

With the completion of the ICT Office, students will no longer have to climb up to the second floor to accomplish ICT-related tasks such as getting their ID photos taken.

The construction of the ICT Office

is divided into two phases. The first phase, with a budget of 2.9M pesos, is expected to finish by 2024 while the second phase, costing 3M pesos, is set to commence right after the completion of the first phase.

According to Loable, this project is funded through the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

Virtual learning studio

The VLS proposed by Loable herself, is a project recently awarded by the Acting Chancellor Usman D. Aragasi after being approved in the 2022 GAA.

Loable says it will contain the speech laboratory intended for students of the College of Social Sciences and Humanites (CSSH) for their subjects which require oral communication.

It is also one of the requirements for CSSH to reach level IV of accreditation.

Based on our interview, the VLS will be built next to the faculty lounge, beside the University Library for the convenience of students and teachers.

Loable said that aside from the VLS, another ICT Hub will be constructed behind the University Library where teachers can record videos and produce quality outputs of their lectures for their students to utilize.

“Later on, yung mga online classes gusto ng mga teacher and faculty, gusto nila magvideo, doon na sila. Meron isang room doon na okay talaga ang sounds para maganda talaga yung output na maibigay nila sa mga estudyante,” she said.

Upcoming projects

Aside from the three projects, the university is also awaiting the construction of the university canteen and the completion of other buildings such as the College of Medicine (COM) and the University Infirmary.

The VCPD stressed that the canteen, which is also a project needed for the accreditation of the university, is expected to begin construction in 2024 with a budget of 5M pesos.

With regards to the completion of the University Infirmary, Loable clarifies that the newly built structure next to the old infirmary will later be connected to the old building through a pathwalk and will be a portion of the overall zoning of the said building. “Later kasi, icoconvert natin yan into an infirmary talaga. Kasi ngayon, hindi pa siya PhilHealth-accredited. Si DOH, meron siyang prescribed na room. Yung room doon, connected yan siya.” she said. `

According to Loable, the completion of the infirmary will address the issue of lack of space for the prescribed number of rooms by the DOH. Students in need of medical attention can be admitted within the university grounds, instead of being referred to big hospitals.

“Yung estudyante, hindi na natin siya ipadala sa hospital, pwede na sila mag-admit. Ngayon kasi they cannot practice the admission kasi we are not yet accredited sa DOH. Kaya nirerefer tayo sa hospitals,” she further emphasized.

Loable also adds that later on, students from the COM can intern here but reiterated that the University Infirmary must be Philhealth-accredited first.

The infirmary is said to have a budget of three million pesos funded by the university’s income.

Future plans

Along with the goal of becoming a smart university through digital transformation, MSU also plans to become an eco-campus.

“Kasi kailangan green campus din tayo. Meron tayong green initiatives. Nasa plano na yan siya, in 2043,” Loable shared.

According to her, they are also eyeing the construction of a Psychological & Research Center to assess the psychological wellness of not only students from MSU but the whole SOCCSKSARGEN area.

New, revamped Intramurals events tickle MSUans; expressed mixed reactions

As the university celebrates its golden year, new and revamped events on this year’s Intramurals will be added to one of the highlights in bringing excitement and zest among students in which, however, garnered mixed reactions from MSUans.

According to sir Monlouie Sorzano from University Press Communications Office (UPCO) and also the literary committee head for Intramurals, the event will revise Essay Writing and Sanaysay into collaborative desktop publishing, aiming to showcase the writing mastery of different students.

“It doesn’t mean na tinanggal natin yung essay and sanaysay, wala na sila. This time, we have essay and sanaysay combined in a bigger platform which is the collaborative desktop publishing.” Sorzano stressed.

He is also inviting all studentjournalists of different colleges to join in the said contest to display their journalistic prowess.

On the other hand, the literary head said that the committee decided that they initiated an improved version comical skit, separating them into two minor events namely, declamation and impromptu.

“For how many years, this is also a question of the committee na our cosplay comical skit is not as funny as it used to be,” he added.

Sir Sorzano said that the said events will be held at quadrangle, making it broader for everyone.

“We cannot put the academic night and musical night because of conflict and schedule sa gabi, so the persons involved in the planning decided to put them in 1night, safer siya kasi hati yung population, di magsisiksikan dun sa gymn, basically it’s conflict if schedule.” he added.

“I hope na sana masustain ang excitement and yung passion not just for intrams but for our golden anniversary as we celebrate our accomplishments and at the same time look forward to many years coming for MSU Gensan as centered on our academic excellence and at the same time creating champions for peace and development.”

MSUans’ voice out

In a statement by Dianna Faith Ramoran, a fourth-year BSECE student of College of Engineering (CoE), she is satisfied in the idea of having desktop publishing to be one of the events in this year’s Intrams.

“I think I feel sad sa mga nag expect sa essay and sanaysay at the same time excited sa bagong event kay diri pud makita ang pagka creative sa different colleges. And its also nice kay somehow nagkaroon ta og inter college press conference like same sa mga events before sa highschool and elementary.” Ramoran said.

In contrast, she is unhappy in the newly-issued schedule for Intrams.

“Okay naman ang iba pero na sad ko sa academics and musical especially

as someone who support both events. Also nanibago kay wednesday magstart ang intrams week and day 5 pa ang Miss msu. Wala koy mabuhat kay decided na ang all so i think i enjoy nalang nako ang tanan.” she stressed.

On the other hand, Angel Grace Llamelo, a 3rd year BA History student of College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH), was thrilled on the inclusion of Desktop Publishing as one of the events.

“Bilang isang batang mamamahayag, na-appreciate ko na sa wakas ay magkakaroon na ng stage para magshine ang mga students na nasa journalism ang interest, lalong-lalo na’t ito rin ang panahon na papalago pa lamang ang mga college publication ng bawat kolehiyo sa unibersidad.” Llamelo said.

She also stressed that the inclusion of declamation of impromptu will test how the actors will convey messages and the power to speak.

“Sa comical skit naman, medyo sad lang since mao man gud nang pinakasadya jud na part sa literary night. Mugawas ang humor sa tanan ba. Sa impromptu and declamation naman, I am glad na na apil na sila. Dili ra man gud dapat writing prowess ang maharness nato as students of the university, I believe performing is one of it.” she said.

This year’s Intramurals will kick off on October 4-10, 2023.

MARIA NICOLE SILVA, IAN PAOLO VILLACENCIO

MARK NEGRO, LOURENZ JAY LOREGAS

daan sa kampus

Nanawagan na sa mga kinauukulan ang mga MSU rider at estudyante sa pagkumpuni ng mga lubak-lubak na kalsada dahil sa panganib na maaaring maidulot nito sa araw-araw na pagbabyahe.

Hiling ng MSU Rider

Ipinahayag ni Dennis Tabanao, isa sa mga MSU Riders na nakatalaga sa Gemma Road, na araw-araw na nilang binabaybay ang mga sirang kalsada sa loob ng mahigit dalawang dekada kung kaya hiling nila na ito’y ipaayos.

“Sa hapit kapin duha ka dekada kay dugay-dugay na pod ko namasahero diri kay 2006 pa gud ko nagsugod aning trabahoa, naa na jud ning mga lubaklubak na semento, bisan sauna, guba na jud ni siya (Gemma road),” ani ni Tabanao.

Nanawagan din ang driver na sana ay mabigyang-pansin ang sirang bahagi ng kalsada upang masiguro ang kaligtasan ng mga estudyanteng pasahero nila.

“Unta tagaan og pansin ba nga maayo ning ubang parte sa dalan kay para safety ta kanunay og mahilayo sa disgrasya kay estudyante baya ni among mga bitbit.” panawagan ni Tabanao.

Hinaing ng motoristang estudyante Gayundin, nanawagan ang isang motoristang estudyante na si Kent Troy Mansueto, isang mag-aaral ng BA Sociology na kasalukuyang nasa ikalawang taon, sa administrasyon ng unibersidad na bigyang pansin ang kasalukuyang kondisyon ng mga kalsada sa kampus.

“Unta tagaan ug pansin sa atong admin

basig minor changes lang gud, bahalag dili sa nila usbon ang tanan dalan diri basig tapakan lang ang mga buslotbuslot.” panawagan ni Mansueto.

Inilarawan ni Mansueto ang partikular na senaryo kung bakit mayroong delikadong dulot ang mga sirang kalsada sa campus.

“Delikado sya kay halimbawa ikaw naguna tapos naa pod nagsunod sa imuha nga motor, niya wala ka kabantay nga naa diay pot hole, niya natumba ka or onsa ba na disgrasya. Unya katong naga sunod sa imuha mao ano pod, madamay pod,” pahayag ni Mansueto.

Ikinababahala rin niya ang pinsala sa mga motorsiklo na maaaring idulot ng pagdaan sa mga sirang kalsadang ito. “Sa parte pod sa motor, possible nga ma damage imong shock absorber kung dili nimo mabantayan nga naa diay lubak mao nang mag amping jud,” ani ni Mansueto.

Depensa ng Kinauukulan

Iginiit naman ni Prof. Shiela J. Loable, Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development na hindi madali ang pagpasa ng mga proyekto dahil may prosesong sinusunod ang kanilang tanggapan na siyang binubusisi at hinimay-himay ng mga responsableng ahensya.

“Since patapos naman ang fiscal year kasi nasa fourth quarter naman tayo, and kung mag-program kasi ng project nasa two years ‘yan siya bago maaprobahan,” diin pa niya.

“We actually conducted consultative meeting with the DPWH at pinapasok talaga nila pero hindi siya nasali for next year na major projects kasi sabi ko

nga two years nga ‘yong pag-program and it takes millions per meter which hindi pa kaya ni MSU-Gensan kung University income ang gagamitin kaya inuna muna natin ang ibang projects like canteen, kasi ang daan, pupwede pa naman siyang madaanan,” pahayag ni Loable.

Nilinaw din niya na mayroong prayoridad ang administrasyon na kailangang aksiyonan at pondohan na mas higit na mahalaga kung ikokompara sa iba.

“Ang priorities talaga natin for next year, uunahin talaga natin ang school canteen kasi wala talaga tayong ganiyan; ang Gymnasium, ang Infirmary, at pagbayad ng mga utang natin sa mga scholars kasi may utang pa talaga tayo,” paglilinaw ng opisyal.

Eco Campus Plan

Inilahad din ni Loable na may aksiyon at konkretong solusyon ang MSUGensan hinggil sa problema sa daanan na siyang nakapaloob sa Eco Campus na kung saan isa itong “10-year long term plan” ng pamantasan.

Kasalukuyan naman itong ini-endorso ng NEDA sa mga ahensiya para sa pondo.

Kabilang sa naturang plano ang pagsasa-ayos ng daan, drainage canals, landscape, green parks, forestry, at marami pang iba.

Samantala, hinihingi ng opisyal ang kooperasyon at pag-intindi ng mga motorista at pinaalalahanan na patuloy na mag-ingat at sundin ang speed limit na 20 KPH upang maiwasan ang anumang disgrasya.

MSU riders, mag-aaral nanawagang ipaayos ang sirang

ALJIM KUDARAT

Recalibrate recurring GEC course narratives

Cartoon by Sharif Ryan Beldia

It is a proverbial belief running through the veins of every MSUan that admitting themselves to MSU is a much-championing academic endeavor, thereby making studying at this prestigious university truly a great privilege. Right after their win is a resonant echo dominating the ground, realising that now, as an officially MSUan, they are entitled to have education free of tuition but in steeped condition, and that is to prepare themselves for a battle where brains shed blood to triumph or otherwise bereft. As most MSUans stumble into penury, General Education Curriculum (GEC) courses weigh the scale unbalanced. Over time, these numerous courses have been subjected to redundancy tantamount to what K–12 Curriculum subjects offered, paving the way for a huge interval in students’ academic set-up, which seems to be a contributing factor to their problems.

After more than a month of studying at MSU, problems faced by students increased, and resources were debilitated. General Education Curriculum (GEC) courses are umpteen and innate in the system and are taught diversely depending on how the respective professor strategies to impart common knowledge. Relatively, as tactics vary, ways and means also diverge, making the structure of GEC courses amorphous and subjected to a massive dim. Unlike other major courses, GEC courses are kind of a different breed; evidently, students are bombarded with heaps of tasks, reports, and financial emissions,

among others. Unfortunately, the culture that has been instilled and nurtured throughout these years has backslid and is not compatible anymore with an MSUan who barely lives in escarpment and whose pockets were torn out, deviating from the set benchmark.

Students might have been enmeshed among these courses if, in the first place, they could be the standard they wished to be and get rid of life’s mediocrity. In the case of Mary, her chosen sobriquet, a freshman from the College of Agriculture (COA) who is taking GEC courses, she shared her standpoint on how studying the above-mentioned courses is thorny. She categorically agreed with the claim that learning these courses is pivotal, but she later found loopholes in how similar courses she took resurfaced in college. Just giving space for another tribulation because some professors value memorization-based learning metrics and faulty modules that escalate her status quo.

“Natudlo naman ni sauna, maong para sa akoa dili na kaayo siya lisod. Pero lahi man gud ang approach sa uban na teachers...naa pa juy modules nga kung dili hardcopy na bayaran, didto pud sa online nga kailangan pa ug load,” she said.

Meanwhile, the statement opens up the point that GEC courses are already taught under the K–12 Curriculum, and removing one of them is an advent for something better.

Subjects like “The Contemporary World,” “Purposive Communication,” and “Science, Technology and Society” show interconnectedness with K–12 Curriculum subjects like “Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions“ and “Oral Communication“, to name a few, which appear to be redundant for most students. However, despite their clear relativity, these courses took part not just in the learning development of every student but also in looking back to where it all began and shaping this world with the necessary knowledge to trim all potential harm. Hence, deducing all apparent overrated entities in GEC would be the best recourse rather than terminating.

The concept of GEC courses offers a really great learning impact on students, sustaining their capacity to get immersed in the fundamentals of this world’s learning body. But teaching the same substance all over again and repeatedly makes them eventually stagnant, making their bodies a repository of repetitious contexts. Considering that burdens may intensify a student’s life due to retaking a multitude of interdisciplinary courses, a sorted review will do. With all the GEC courses taught, it is never feasible from a student perspective to easily adapt the mandates of their pedagogues. Therefore, as much as these courses care for conducive and general knowledge, it should be fairly in great balance with how GEC subjects attain a new facade without being flagged as redundant again and again.

Take the Wheel

In matters of safety, one cannot simply let chances and unseen forces ‘take the wheel’. Human lives are precious and fragile, and such might be the reasoning for the Mindanao State University - General Santos Campus (MSU-GSC) mandate of requiring drivers’ licenses for motor owners entering the campus grounds. Simply requiring licenses, however, barely eliminates the danger of motor vehicle accidents within MSU-GSC; as long as there are motor vehicles anywhere in the campus, the chances of road accidents happening will never be zero.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) as well as the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC), nearly 1.35 million people die due to road traffic accidents, while around 50 million people get injured annually. Around the globe, one of every four deaths occur among pedestrians and cyclists. On August 9, within MSU-GSC grounds, three individuals ended up injured, with one in critical condition, after a van crashed into them. Not including any other recent vehicle accidents within the grounds for the past few years, regardless of the involved driver’s possession of a license, the best that requiring driver’s licenses from vehicle owners could hope to achieve is to remove unlicensed motorcyclists from the campus roads.

Licensed or unlicensed, unfortunately, accidents spare no one. Presently, the maximum speed limit within MSUGSC is on 20 kph (kilometer per hour). Lowering the speed limit any further might begin inconveniencing vehicle users, while raising the speed limit would be a counterintuitive measure to lower vehicular accidents.

For now, the measures in place may have proven effective. In the future, however, complacency is sure to creep in. What difference would be neglecting to check one driver’s license make? An arm, a leg, maybe the

death or a lifetime of disability for the possible victims.

In a Facebook post of one of the mothers of victims in the August 9 accident, Albert, an enrolling student, needed around P140k for an operation for his fractured leg. If even licensed drivers can induce such a mishap, then the problem would not just be in the possession of a license.

What is necessary for any school or university allowing the free usage of motor vehicles within its grounds are measures that do not need to depend on people in order to be effective. For one, speed bumps along lengthy roads would prove themselves as alternative, cost-effective deterrent of speed limit perpetrators. Another long-term outlook on mishaps on the MSU-GSC roads would be the repairment of the roadways, which are already in a battered state.

Posting security within the campus grounds may be another viable idea to catch perpetrators, but its limit would be the number of available manpower that can cover the perimeter of every area. Another way to watch out for the safety of everyone within the campus, therefore, would be focusing security

and proper driving within MSU-GSC such as a localized version of speed tickets or incremental monetary penalty that will increase with the number of offenses, or in the case of students, a minor offense that shall affect their academic credits by virtue of endangering other individuals within the campus who deserve the right to safely traverse the university, might be another strict but thorough way to go.

In an environment where the reliability of involved individuals’ self-discipline is on a slippery slope, the only way to go is to firmly assert the importance of such qualities which may either save or jeopardize another human being’s life, while putting in place countermeasures independent of the involved motor vehicle owners’ disciplinary discretion.

Requiring only drivers’ licenses and solely relying on the latter as a panacea for traffic accidents within the university is a reasonable but flimsy measure. When it comes to the safety of every person within the campus, it falls upon MSU-GSC to take the wheel and to plant firmer counteractions as a way to effectively curb the risk of traffic accident within the university.

Cartoon by Micha Pancho

Editorial

Macro tolerant, micro critical

One month onward, the Filipino citizens will once again be put on the pedestal, of being left with the fundamental decision of electing their representatives. However, this time around, it is no longer within the bounds of the national level, but within the most felt and seen community of every locality as the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections come to close on Oct. 30. However, despite how the 2022 presidential elections turned out, with 31 million Filipinos electing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to office even for being notorious for fabricating credentials like his educational attainment, it is evident that the emerging reflections and new narratives in elections of the status quo, especially that for SK conquerors painted by the Filipino voters, have blatantly caused for the strict imposition of meticulous requirements for these aspirants as if local elections are in any way different from the national landscape– a clear byproduct of Filipino hypocrisy and wrong nuance of dichotomies.

In the heat of the upcoming local elections, digital citizens, particularly the youth sector, have restructured the template of the conventional election, for which qualifications should not solely be based on merely fitting basic guidelines but rather carrying exemplary credits on their shoulders. In an article published by Worldbank. org, it was highlighted that young people in the Philippines wanted more from their leaders, as conveyed through the pooled discussions conducted by the Knowledge for Development Community (KDC). In addition, media posts circulating online pertaining to the SK elections totted with poking statements with regard to the 9 Centers of Participation to which SK plans and mandates should incline. This swayed some political runners to keep up with

the pace of the election marathon, holding their banners with decorative achievements and affiliations. To localize the outturn, some MSUans aspiring for seats at their respective SK tables are student-leaders from either academic or non-academic organizations. In a conversation with some of the candidates, the same sentiments arise: merit is a reason or even qualification for them to file for candidacy. Perhaps this is a manifestation of the changing political winds of the election after experiencing the issues that ensued from the frailty of the youth-led government council over the years.

Whether it is binding or not, money has been a force that politicians have to reckon with. Today’s political

environment pressures aspirants to accumulate as much wealth as possible to gain momentum in the electoral race, either for their ulterior motives or perhaps as a more justified operational expense. This phenomenon was revealed to be a pivotal factor in the success of these hopefuls, as statistical data provided by Statista, a global intelligence platform, showed that BBM’s total expenditures during the 2022 presidential elections were estimated at a staggering 623 million pesos. The relevance of pecuniary capital to the Philippine election is not just an orthodox truth, but it becomes so obvious that it is regarded as a fact, at least in the higher elections. However, eventually, this narrative prevails on the grounds of local elections, even in the SK’s niche, where

some of these youth-led factions enter a political party to seek financial support in the form of funding campaign materials, advertisements, and other political agenda. Hence, the financial aspect of candidacy is so essential to the extent that running without adequate monetary means is viewed as a bootless errand.

However, regardless of whatever issue poked at the SK itself, the constitutionally stipulated mandates it holds still stand. The barangay and SK elections portray a pivotal role for grassroots governance in the country which will provide the jurisdiction to govern their respective local territories and ensure that all needs of the people are met. By electing competent and credible leaders, citizens may be able to strengthen their communities and live up to the primary elements of democracy. Clearly, the existence of local government and local officials has always fended on the merit that it shapes the democratization milieu and intensification of mass political participation in the decisionmaking process. As contended, there is no political system that is considered complete and democratic if it eliminates the system of local governance. Surely, this micro-scaled governance hugely illuminates macro-scaled effects in the society, especially in the status quo plagued by innumerable imbecile representatives. But sure, generosity for the last grain of hope to the long-standing and cliche adage of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, that so long as there are youths, there is still hope for our nation.

Despite the changing narratives under the umbrella of the SK elections, the real truth still pours heavily. The domain is still regarded as a breeding ground for corrupt officials, who are sooner standing on higher pedestals. Corruption has numerous facets, causes, reasons, and functions in varied circumstances. In the study conducted by Ponce et al. Al (2018), pertaining to corrupt practices among young elective officials in Iligan City, discussed that corruption undertaken by these young politicians is not just limited to embezzlement but ranges from plain dishonesty to highly concerning fraudulent actions such as forgery, bribery, and payroll padding, among others. As new generations of leaders

develop, they find themselves treading the same path of corruption previously established by traditions within their community. The very ideals of public awareness and idealism that spurred the advent of political reforms and a transparent government are currently in jeopardy.

While it is of imperative relevance to be highly critical in choosing political leaders, especially in the local scene as in observance of the fundamental concept of decentralization where the prime concept of democracy resides, where problems and issues are more evident on the grassroot level, however, the Filipino people should understand that it is just as important to be cautious and be highly meticulous upon choosing national representatives. The Filipino people must realize that the Philippine political landscape is shaped by a unitary form of governance, which means that local leaders are not absolutely sovereign, and that these leaders still continue to anchor local policies and initiatives from the topmost structure of the government. However, the real deal lies not on being critical in electing future leaders of the community, but on the false narratives engrained on Filipino minds, and living on the falsely constructed worlds where one is better than the other when in truth and essence, they only have equal relevance.

In the end, politics is a choice. The reflections that society transcribes have proved that political thought is dynamic and that it is closely related to its environment. The reshaping of these ideas has brought significant changes, both positive and negative. The critical standpoint of the people in local elections—the pressure imposed on the grassroots and their demand for good governance—must also reflect their view in the macrocosm of the Philippine government. Gainful narratives should be taken to form a consensus, for once established, they can create inertia, making it difficult to change course or challenge the status quo. Therefore, the alignment or divergence of choices redefines the narrative’s direction, meaning, and reception, contributing to the consensus by reflecting real-world conditions.

While it is of imperative relevance to be highly critical in choosing political leaders, especially in the local scene,... however, the Filipino people should understand that it is just as important to be cautious and be highly meticulous upon choosing national representatives.

cover story

FACE THE PHASES: Through the Looking Glass

Amidst the timeless symphony of frames adorning the hallowed walls of the Chancellor’s Gallery, an MSUan stands in reverent contemplation. Each frame, depicts a history, holds within it the dreams, struggles, and triumphs of generations past. In this gallery of legacies, he gazes upon the mosaic of narratives which manifests as a mirror that reflects the current normality. Through the looking glass, he foresees a reality both recognizable yet at the same time not. The glimpse of realities depicts different eras, one which is obscured and shrouded, another seemed bright yet shadowed, and lastly, a golden haze filled with uncertainties.

As we welcome the Golden Era of Mindanao State University - General

Santos City and commemorate the 51st Anniversary of Martial Law, it is imperative to reminisce about the phases it lived through that prompt the narratives it currently embodies. Delving deeper to the roots of different mirrors in our Institution—from the grayest of its hues to the golden shimmers of today, may the journey through the looking glass direct the future we aim to attain as we touch the vital narratives in our status quo.

Mirrors of the Past: A Tale to Tell

Mindanao State University was established from the hopes and dreams of our predecessors. Its history trails back to a critical juncture — a year after the proclamation of Martial Law by

Ferdinand Marcos Sr. In the midst of this historical turbulence, Mindanao State University - General Santos City emerges as a tale of enduring courage, earning its rightful place as the revered “school of survivors.”

MSU-GSC started off as a public High school, to a community college that shares a small portion of land with Dadiangas campus, and gradually became an independent University that has its own. However, during the heights of Martial Law, it has threatened the community college’s existence. From there, MSU-Gensan strives its way to survive while delivering excellence, which now manifests in our status quo.

JASMINE JOY PANES, CATHYLENE BULADO

Moreover, as the Marcoses return to power, poses a great loom of historical distortion that affects the whole MSU system. It is undeniably true that this family has no intentions of making amends for the heinous crimes they have committed towards the Filipino people, nor of offering apologies for all the bruises they inflicted on our motherland. In this month of September, we commemorate the 51st Anniversary of the dark chapter in Philippine History – the Martial Law. Decades may pass, but the horrors of the past still remain in the minds, hearts, and bodies of the victims; their unwanted comeback further added salt to the wound.

A clear intention to burnish their name is evident on their recent directive to change “Diktadurang Marcos” to simply “Diktadura” in the Grade 6 Araling Panlipunan syllabus under the new Matatag curriculum. As shameless as they already are, the Department of Education (DepEd), spearheaded by Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s crony Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte, is now on the move to corrupt the young minds of the next generations. It does not end there, as they have been manipulating history through fake news that circulate throughout social media especially during the last elections. Their attempts to shift the narratives reflect their motive to obscure the mirror of the past to make the Filipinos forget their wrongdoings.

In forgetting the remnants of Martial Law, means forgetting the roots of Mindanao State University - General Santos City which was built to be an institution of knowledge to those who are victims of injustice and poor leadership. The stories of triumph and chronicle of hope vanishes as the obscured mirror of the past seems too shrouded to tell.

molding resilient students, it still lacks action for a significant change and leaves a detrimental narrative to the students’ end. While being branded as such do not entail a negative note, it leaves a tainted mark to accountability.

Originally, Mindanao State University was built to accommodate the progress of Muslims and Lumads in Mindanao—a chance for them to enrich and showcase their culture that has endured a series of neglect as they aim for peace during the heights of Martial Law where the stereotyping towards our Lumads and Muslim brothers and sisters took height. Furthermore, a hope for General Santos City to have a public state college where indigents and residents can study. Yet, during the last enrollment period for the Academic Year 2023-2024, the admission process of MSU-GSC was unfair for some of the College Bound Program (CBP) passers and waitlisted students. Their efforts to attend classes in order to secure enrollment at the institution were in vain, as they were met with unavailable slots, and others were unknowingly placed on the courses that they had not chosen.

administration, casting a shadow on our accomplishments.

Face the Phases

Navigating through the different phases as we step into the golden era beacons us to ponder the sorrows of the past and the shadows of the present. In order for our advancement towards the future, it requires us to face the phases while reflecting on the narratives it holds. Now that the biggest tyrant’s son sits in his shimmering golden throne of irony, it is crystal clear that his primary ambition is to bury the unsettled past of his father’s regime, exploit the nation’s present resources, and leave the future crumbling. In the spiraling tapestry of time, it appears that history is weaving its intricate patterns once more – a reminder and, perhaps, a punishment for those who failed to learn from it.

Mirrors of the Present: Through the Looking Glass

As years continue to add up and the walls of MSU-Gensan begin to age, the narrative it holds also starts to deteriorate. Despite the current successes of the institution and its brand of delivering excellence and

Recently, the administration has shifted the narrative as it puts a premium on other aspects while neglecting the essential foundations required for quality education. Furthermore, branding excellence stands in stark contrast to its failure in providing basic amenities such as electric fans, comfortable chairs, and teachers’ desks, which raises significant concerns about the administration’s commitment. The shortage of classrooms has led to classes being held in uncomfortable, mosquito-infested cottages. Even the university’s varsity team has suffered from inadequate financial support from the administration, leading to subpar conditioning due to a lack of equipment and coaches. What’s even worse, they were unable to participate in the recently concluded Mindanao Association of State Tertiary Schools (MASTS) Friendship Games 2023 due to budget constraints.

While we celebrate our achievements in Intramurals and the excellence of our board passing rates continue to rise, the gleaming mirror of the present is marred by the shortcomings of the

While the fiscal turbulence in our economy serves as a time teller, there’s still more to the unprecedented lows of the receding tides. The very hope for a bright future for our Lumad, Muslim and Indigent brothers and sisters quivers under the weight of budgetary slashes as their hope for free education comes into a spiral of doubt. Year after year, the university’s population grows, yet the repeating call for basic classroom amenities and sports funding seems to fall on deaf ears. Despite our yearning for optimism, the course we currently on leaves a hazy veil over our envisioned future, shrouding it with uncertainty.

As Mindanao State University - General Santos City celebrates its 50 “Golden” years of excellence, may every MSUan pay attention to the obscured mirror of the past, shadowed gleaming mirror of the present, and the hazy mirror of the future. Standing at the crossroads of our history, casting our gaze upon the tales of yesteryears and the unfolding narratives of today, let these reminiscences and reflections serve as a forge of a renewed perspective— an essential compass for navigating our golden path forward. May our realizations embody the long-sought peace and inclusivity, where everything becomes history, history becomes a mirror, and mirror’s reflection begets renewal.

RONAJEAN MAY J. LAVADO

MIAsteryosong Kwento: Asan na ang Dating Casa Mia?

“Nais kong magpakalasing. Dahil wala ka na. Nakatingin sa salamin at nag-iisa.”

“Ibuhos na ang beer sa aking lalamunan Upang malunod na ang puso kong nahihirapan Bawat patak, anong sarap Ano ba talaga’ng mas gusto ko? Ang beer na ‘to o ang pag-ibig mo?”

Ito ang mga linya ng kantang aking narinig ng una akong makaapak sa lugar na kung saan sinasabi nilang sandali mo raw na makakalimutan ang iyong mga problema at lumbay na dinadala sa buhay. Ang lugar na itinuturing ng iilan bilang isang paraiso. Paraiso ng panandaliang kaligayahan at tawanan.

Pagpasok ko sa lugar na kilala bilang Casa Mia ramdam ko na agad ang sigla. Ramdam ko ang tinatawag nilang kalayaan sa sarili. Dama ko ang bawat saya na kanilang nararamdaman.

Mayroong nagsasayawan at may iilang sumasabay sa bawat kumpas ng kanta. Sa sobrang taas ng kanilang enerhiya, ako ay napahanga at sandali ring naging malaya.

Ngunit ano nga ba itong lugar na Casa Mia?

Bakit ganoon na lamang kalabis ang kagalakang napipinta sa kanilang mga mukha?

Sa katunayan, ang Casa Mia ay isang establisyemento kung saan madalas

nagliliwaliw ang mga tao. Sa madaling sabi, ito ay isang sikat na inuman dito sa Brgy. Fatima, General Santos City. Ang sikat na inumang ito ay malapit lamang sa Pamantasang Mindanao kaya ang madalas na naging kustomer nila ay mga MSUan. Maraming mga estudyante ang dumadayo sa lugar na ito tuwing gabi dahil hindi lamang pag-iinom o paglalasing ang kanilang intensyon kundi pati na rin ang makipagkaibigan.

Ayon nga sa mga ‘certified customers’ ng Casa Mia na sina Jana Parcasio,

Chrysta Mizzy Dohina at Godfrena Caberto na magkakaibigang MSUan, ang lugar na ito ay isa sa mga nagsisilbing ‘comfort zone’ para sa kanila – ang lugar na kung saan sila ay malaya na makapag-uka, makipagtawanan at makihalubilo sa iba ng walang panghuhusga. Ito ang lugar na nagpapalaya sa kanila mula sa tambak na gawain sa paaralan. Ito lamang ang pagkakataon na sila ay makatakas mula sa kalungkutan at kabiguan. Dito naipakikita nila kung sino at ano ang tunay na sila at sila ay nabibilang ng walang pagkukunwari at panghuhusga.

Asan na nga ba ang dating Casa Mia?

Sa aking pakikipagkwentuhan sa kanila, napansin kong tila matamlay ang kanilang pagsagot. Malungkot ang kanilang mga mukha na parang nawalan ng pagkasabik. Tila malaking kabiguan ang kanilang naranasan. Tinanong ko sila kung bakit ganyan ang reaksiyon ng kanilang mga mukha. Ang kanilang nagin tugon ay dahil ang dating Casa Mia na kanilang nakasanayan ay ibang iba na sa ngayon.

“Laos na.”

Ito ang naging bukambibig ng tatlong dalaga. Ganito nila inilarawan ang dating masigla at masayang Casa Mia. Kaya pala labis na lamang ang kanilang pagkalungkot. Tuluyan na silang nawalan ng gana.

Ngunit ano nga ba ang mga rason kung bakit tinagurian na nilang laos ang Casa Mia?

Sa lente ng katotohanan, mayroong nagsasabi na nag-iba na ang naging pamamalakad nito dahil sa gulong inumpisahan ng grupo ng mga kalalakihan. Mayroon ding nagsasabi na ito ay naging laos na dahil sa bagong namamahala at naging mas strikto sila sa kanilang mga patakaran. Dagdag pa, mas lalo raw nagsitaasan ang presyo ng mga bilihin lalo na ng mga inumin na siyang nangunguna at patok sa mga kustomer.

Dahil sa kasalukuyang naging kalagayan ng Casa Mia, marami na ang nayayamot. Hindi na nila ramdam ang dating sigla nito at parehong kasiyahan tulad ng dati. Ito ay nakapanlulumong balita para sa mga naging loyal na kustomers nito. Kaya lahat ng pangyayaring ito ay nakakapanibago sa kanilang dating nakasanayan. Sa kabila ng mga pagbabagong yaon, humahanap pa rin sila ng panibagong pag-asa na muli nilang maranasan ang dating sigla at kasiyahan na hatid sa kanila ni Casa Mia.

CASAma ka! Halina’t MIAgsaya!

Sa kabila ng mga pagbabagong naganap sa loob ng tinaguriang paraiso, ay nagbago na rin ang naging pangalan nito. Ang dating kilalang Casa Mia ay bininyagan at ito ay naging certified Sun Dance na. Maraming kustomer man ang nawala dahil ang mga ito ay

umiinom na lamang sa kanilang mga boarding house o sa mga tindahan ngunit may iilan pa ring nanatili dahil dito lamang pwedeng magsaya at dito lamang pwede maging masaya.

Giliw, ‘wag mo sanang limutin Ang mga araw na hindi sana naglaho

Mga anak at bahay nating pinaplano

Lahat ng ito’y nawala no’ng iniwan mo ‘ko

Kaya ngayon.”

“Ibuhos na ang beer sa aking lalamunan

Upang malunod na ang puso kong nahihirapan

Bawat patak, anong sarap

Ano ba talaga’ng mas gusto ko?”

Kaya ang mga linya na lamang ng kantang ito ang hindi ko makakalimutang nag-iwan ng alaala sa akin mula sa dating Casa Mia. Ito ay puno ng kahulugan na sumasalamin sa kung ano ang bakas na iniwan ni Casa Mia ng una ko siyang maranasan at makilala.

JASMINE JOY PANES

Sports is a MASTS

Cartoon by Jezrah Gamutin

Excitements have turned into disappointments for the studentathletes of Mindanao State University - General Santos (MSU-GSC), as the institution was not able to join the recently concluded annual Mindanao Association of State Tertiary Schools (MASTS) Friendship Games 2023. It is unflattering how state universities across Mindanao geared up whilst MSU-GSC, the biggest and only state university in GSC, skipped the games. Evidently, the administration chose not to give external sports competitions importance, unlike how it puts a premium on the internal and intercollegiate events like Intramurals and Angara’s Cup.

Dated September 9–15, social media was filled with MASTS Friendship Games 2023 updates, which fueled the dismay of MSUan student-athletes. Women’s table tennis player Rose Ann Garay can’t help but express her sentiments about how MSU-GSC’s absence in the games affected them. “Missed opportunity from previous MASTS cause discouragement for most student-athletes in the MSU Varsity community,” stated the Mechanical Engineering table tennis player.

Furthermore, Sepak Takraw Coach Christofferson Del Sol also shared the negative consequences of the university’s non-participation on the morale of MSUan student-athletes. In his words, “Somehow disappointing ito

sa mga student-athlete lalo na sa mga higher years na matagal ng naghihintay ng official games at sa mga bago naman, exposure sana ito nila.”

In an interview with Physical Education Instructor Mussar Atib Salamat, budget constraint and conflict of schedules were the primary reasons why MSUGSC was not able to join the games. “Nagdungan ang mga event which is Angara [Cup] and MASTS, as well as approaching ang intrams natin… Kung mu-join ta sa MASTS, wala tay budget na mahatag kay ang budget focus nato sa Angara ug sa intrams,” explained Sir Salamat. He further added, “When it comes sa sports natin, medyo behind talaga tayo because kulang tayo ng support from admin.” Clearly, the administration pays a little heed to huge external sports competitions that the student-athletes highly anticipate, in hopes that they would also be able to carry the MSU-GSC banner.

While the MSU-GSC joins and conducts sports tournaments around the city, the student-athletes stressed that they themselves give more importance to Mindanao-wide competitions because it challenge their skills on a higher level. As per Zedekiah Arsolon, the captain of Lawn Tennis, “Ang level of difficulty per events no sa MASTS, where from other school and sa ubang lugar na nagakalaban nila, mas madevelop ilang skills and confidence through match.” Howbeit, what disheartened them most

was the miscommunication by the Sports Development Office. They were given false hopes about the institution’s participation in the games along with the “available” budget, which drove them into extreme preparations that were eventually put into setbacks.

It is not new that the administration lacks adequate financial support when it comes to the varsity program. Athletes don’t have sufficient equipment they need, resulting in poor conditioning that affects their performances in actual competitions. They also have to cover their own expenses, lack of coaches and even use their own college sports uniforms instead of official school jerseys during interschool tournaments. Varsity players worked hard to be part of the team, with the goal of competing in higher events—not just in intercollegiate competitions, hence, it is then the responsibility of the institution to give them the financial support that they deserve.

The admin’s passivity with the recurring issue of budget constraints dispirits their burning passion and enthusiasm for proving that MSU-GSC also excels in the field of sports.The participation of our student-athletes in this kind of competition is a must to further our goal of being a competent university.

NIEL ZSUN JOHN VEGA

FINAL RANKING: Asteegs lead Athletic supremacy in Angara Cup

Mindanao State University, General Santos City - Following a four-year halt due to the dread of pandemic, Angara Cup Sports Fest is finally back on track for its 4th leg campaign.

A total of seven forceful colleges in the institution, including Senior High School duke it out in nine events spread across the university showpiece which took place last September 8 to 10.

With gold medals up for grabs in various sports, it was a decent haul for MSUan athletes as they face-off in a pre-Intramural fixture.

Having a burning ambition to extend their reign as victors from last year’s Intramurals, College of Engineering (COE) Asteegs continue to shine in sporting spotlight as they obtain the overall championship in the tournament.

Asteegs topped the medal table with seven golds, four silvers, and one bronze for a total of 12 medal, keeping their ball-game domination indelible, mainly: baseball, football, softball, table tennis, and men’s volleyball; they also captured the men’s title in badminton.

On the other hand, College of Agriculture (COA) Reapers slotted the second spot after capturing two golds, four silvers, and four bronzes, shining in both women’s chess and volleyball, respectively.

Intramurals 2022 fourth placer, College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH) Vanguards sealed the third position as they bagged two golds and five bronzes for a total of seven medals to beat out College of Education (COEd) Mentors, which produced one gold, one silver, and four bronzes for a total of six medals.

In a close-call fashion, the ever-ready Vanguards earned gold in both women’s basketball and sepak takraw, albeit competing against the formidable Asteegs, meanwhile the Mentors outlasted the Reapers to claim the women’s badminton crown.

The College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA) Tycoons and College of Fisheries (COF) Anglers tied for fifth place after achieving one gold and two silver medals, which they correspondingly made in men’s chess and basketball.

As the College of Natural Sciences and

Mathematics (CNSM) Wizards finished in seventh with one silver, and Senior High School posted a nil, which landed them in the bottom spot.

These vying colleges, together with senior high school, will battle it out once again in MSU-GSC Intramural 2023, dated October 4 to 10, where School of Graduate Studies (SGS) Masters, College of Medicine (COM), and College of Law (COL) Jurists are about to join the frenzy.

Here are the medal tally of the Angara Cup Sports Fest 2023.

through the looking glass

cartoon

by lyle jome dela madrid