The Central Echo - Summer Tabloid 2021

centralecho the

OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA OF CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY

BEARER OF

NO VOICE UNHEARD VOL. 111 NO. 3 OCTOBER 2021

EXCELLENCE

Imagine Nation is now on Facebook!

Scan to unravel stories of the unheard.

CPU reaps most number of awards among HEIs in WV

DR. ROBLES

Duremdes family named Philanthropists of the Year

BY KATHLEEN FRUGALIDAD

BY PIERRE JHUN SAN PEDRO

C

entral Philippine University has garnered ten (10) awards and distinctions from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region VI, making it the highest rewarded institution in Western Visayas, at the recent Gawad Parangal 2021, November 25.

The University was awarded with Autonomous HEI in Western Visayas; Center of Excellence (COE) – Agriculture, Business Administration, Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Teacher Education; QS World University Rankings (for 2 years); Outstanding Board Performance (OBP) – Civil Engineering; and Outstanding Board Performance (OBP) – Agriculturist. Following in second is West Visayas State University with eight awards.

University President Teodoro Robles shared in his speech that the “secret formula” in attaining the awards was staying true to the University mission and vision which is to provide Exemplary Education for Life (EXCEL) and adhering to its motto, scientia et fides.

“Throughout the years since its inception, CPU's forebears have sought to bring together scientific knowledge with the teachings of the Bible,” Robles emphasized, adding that “there is really no secret formula but the guiding light of the Almighty.”

Achieving these awards and recognition, he said, served as a "portal in the progressive future of Central, providing new doors of opportunity for the University to give out the greatest education."

For the coming years, Robles shared that CPU’s main goal is to maintain its 116-year legacy and produce more students that are “properly educated and would contribute positively to society in whatever way they can.” C

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) Foundation named the Duremdes family as Philanthropists of the Year last October 21 during the 2021 ACS Donor Luncheon held in Washington D.C., USA. According to the Princeton Community Hospital’s official Facebook page, Dr. Generoso Duremdes became a Fellow of the ACS in 1973. The family has then “generously supported” the ACS Foundation ever since 1992 through their financial support to their international scholarship fund, which is annually provided to deserving surgeons from all over the world.

In 2016, the Duremdes family founded a philanthropic foundation in the Philippines, which aimed to provide various learning opportunities through travel awards for the surgeons who are working in the rural areas of the country.

Furthermore, last 2019, the Duremdes family celebrated their 50 years of service at Princeton Community Hospital (PCH), to which it was reported that Duremdes was the first surgeon in southern West Virginia to ever perform laparoscopic gallbladder surgery using a new procedure introduced in 1988.

READ MORE ON PAGE 3, PHILANTHROPISTS

 CENTRALIAN LINK

WHAT'S INSIDE

Ilongga, kinoronahang Miss Trans Global PH '21 LOKAL READ MORE ON PAGE 9

ICC prosecutor to probe Duterte’s “War on Drugs” NATIONAL READ MORE ON PAGE 12

Iloilo City layuning makamit ang titulong ‘Creative City of Gastronomy’ ng UNESCO

BY YUSIMAY HABLADO

I

loilo City- Layunin ng Iloilo City na sungkitin ang titulong “Creative City of Gastronomy” na kabilang sa Creative Cities Network ng United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Kilala ang lungsod sa orihinal nitong ‘Ilonggo cuisines,’ kabilang ang La Paz Batchoy mula sa La Paz, Iloilo City at Pancit Molo mula sa Molo, Iloilo City.

Ang Iloilo ay isang gastronomic hotspot na kilala sa sikat na La Paz Batchoy at Pancit Molo. Ayon kay Tourism Secretary Berna Romulo-Puyat, dapat suportahan ang

Iloilo City sa layuning mapabilang sa mga kinikilalang lungsod ng UNESCO. Kabilang sa UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network ang Creative City of Gastronomy na inilunsad noong 2004 at napabilang sa pitong categorya o seven creative fields: Craft and Folk Arts, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, and Music.

BASAHIN SA PAHINA 10, GASTRONOMY

2

news UNIVERSITY

THE CENTRAL ECHO Official Student Media of Central Philippine University Volume 111 No.3

HUWARANG KOMUNIDAD  CENTRALIAN LINK UNA SA BAKUNA. Isang empleyado ng Central Philippine University ang isa sa mga unang nabakunahan.

C CPU retains Autonomous Status

BY KATHLEEN FRUGALIDAD

entral Philippine University was once again granted an autonomous status by Commission on Higher Education (CHED) valid for two years commencing from June 1, 2021 until May 31, 2023.

In CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) No. 07 series of 2021 signed April 30, CHED Chairman J. Prospero De Vera III, announced the grant of autonomous status to 70 Philippine Higher Educational Institutions (PHEIs) and deregulated status to 16 PHEIs. With the status, the University can enjoy inclusions such as being entitled to grant of subsidies and other financial incentives or assistance from CHED, whenever funds are available; the privilege without the need for CHED to monitor, evaluate or grant permits, to determine curricular programs and offer new courses or programs in the undergraduate level, provided these meet minimum standards; the opportunity to establish branches or satellite campuses and to offer extension classes and distance education courses or programs.

At present, the University is offering basic education, tertiary education, graduate studies, and post-graduate studies. The basic education offers pre-school education, grade school, Junior and Senior High School.

CPU continues to update its physical facilities: buildings, classrooms, and laboratories equipped with updated equipment and media technology to comfortably accommodate the existing and increasing population.

The University has been fully deregulated by the CHED since 1990 and institutionally accredited by international governing bodies.

Along with CPU, three other HEIs in Region VI namely, John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation-Bacolod (Bacolod City), John B. Lacson Maritime University-Arevalo (Iloilo City), and University of St. La Salle (Bacolod City) were also granted the 2-year Autonomous Status.

CPU was first granted an autonomous status by CHED in 2001. C

4 CAS studs are Gawad CASimanwa Awardees

BY ZHARINA MARIE STEPHANIE LUGO

R

 CPU CAS STUDENT COUNCIL

eigning from different departments of the College of Arts and Sciences, Karren Jay Asgar (PSPA-2), Mark Janscen Bautista (BSC-3), Ryan Dave Poral (BACom-3), and Zharina Marie Stephanie Lugo (PSPA-3) were recognized as Gawad CASimanwa Awardees last June 10.

To recognize the contributions of CAS students, Gawad CASimanwa confers the highest recognition to students who brought honor to the college and the University by participating in competitions, webinars, and workshops at the local, regional, and international level.

“This is already the second year of recognizing the talent and skills of my fellow CAS Centralians since 2019. It is fulfilling to know that the legacy I made when I was a Board member can shed light on the efforts of each awardee throughout the years,” Daryl Lutero, the former Governor of CAS, shared his sentiments about the said recognition.

Lutero also explained that his inspiration in initiating Gawad CASimanwa Award was to promote participation and inspire his fellow CASimanwa to represent the college and CPU in various fields as they express themselves freely.

“The implementation of the program was planned ahead of time; however, it is inevitable to battle against the challenges of the pandemic.

We had to deal with internet connectivity and communication problems, but we did our best to make it possible because we are dedicated to appreciating our champions who also gave their efforts despite the pandemic,” Lutero emphasized.

Out of seven potential awardees who applied, only four students passed the criteria and were able to earn huge points by submitting their credentials and required documents.

“It is a humbling experience to know that I was one of the awardees of the said program. Even though it was held virtually, I’m still grateful that my efforts in seeking opportunities in the realm of social media were worth it,” said Karren Jay Asgar, a 2nd year AB Political Science and Public Administration student and one of the awardees.

Gawad CASimanwa is divided into two categories—one for continuing students and another for graduating students. Unfortunately, there are no graduating students for the school year 2020-2021 who qualified for the said recognition.

A virtual awarding was aired via the CPU College of Arts and Sciences Provincial Council Facebook Page. C

3

UNIVERSITY

news

CPU faculty, staff nanguna sa pagpapabakuna kontra COVID-19 NI RYAN DAVE PORAL

H

indi nagpahuli ang mga empleyado ng Central Philippine University na magpabakuna kontra COVID-19.

Matatandaang sinimulan ng Iloilo City government ang pagpapabakuna sa mga A1-A4 categories ng lungsod. Isa si Kennedy Paul Espacio, guro sa College of Engineering, sa mga nagpaturok ng unang dose ng Sinovac noong Hulyo 7.

Ayon sa kanya, personal niyang desisyon na magpabakuna upang maproteksiyonan ang sarili sa naturang sakit.

Dagdag pa niya, hindi siya nakaramdam ng severe side effects matapos maturukan ng bakuna.

It is normal because it is how our body reacts to the vaccine, it means, may effect talaga ang vaccine.”

Nang tanungin kung ano ang kanyang mensahe sa mga taong nagdadalawang isip pa na magpabakuna, ang tugon niya ay, “Grab this opportunity while the vaccine is still free. It is one way of helping to stop the spread of the virus.”

“Wala na talagang katiyakan sa mundo ngayon. Ang mahalaga ay makakasigurado kang protektado ka laban sa mga sakit kapag nabakunahan. Huwag maniwala sa mga fake news, tiyaking ligtas at protektado.” C THE CENTRAL ECHO

Dean Fernandez receives Most Influential Educator award

BY KARREN JAY ASGAR

D

a blessing to their families. That is my hope for every student that I will handle,” Fernandez added. She also emphasized that she believes in the individual differences of learners, further admitting that these differences limit their capacity to “put everything into proper order.”

Fernandez also highlighted that the individual differences and uniqueness of each learner are essential to CPU. “Every Centralian has a great potential of their own. We are one body of different talents and each one is unique. Let us appreciate one’s success and empathize with those who had incapacities. Let us do good for the glory of God. Each one of us has a part in accomplishing the mission and vision of CPU and serving God through humanity,” she added.

UNIFFIED is an organization which recognizes Filipino and Filipino-American educators internationally who have exhibited above and beyond performances and services which have made significant contributions in their workplaces and the community. C

NO VOICE UNHEARD

 CENTRALIAN LINK

r. Stella G. Fernandez, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, was awarded Most Influential Educator Award of the United Federation of Fil-Am Educators Association (UNIFFIED) 2021. Dr. Fernandez, together with other awardees, received their awards last July 17, through a virtual ceremony.

For Dean Fernandez, being an educator is both a challenging and a fulfilling experience.

She started teaching in Central Philippine University in 1989 and she took it as her “ministry.” She was nominated for the award by a colleague who happened to be a member of the organization.

“Being a teacher and employee, I am doing my work and offering my services for the Lord Jesus Christ,” Fernandez stated during an online interview.

As an educator, she said that she feels elated whenever she sees her students finish their degree. She also stated that she is happy to hear, help, and be part of their selfrealizations.

“So far, I am happy with what they have become now —successful in their careers, and

PHILANTHROPISTS FROM PAGE 01

issuu.com/thecentralecho

“For over 50 years, the Duremdes family have served the healthcare needs of our area with the greatest skill and compassion, while providing much-needed medical missionary work in their native Philippines,” wrote Princeton Community Hospital in a post.

Dr. Generoso Duremdes’ son, Dr. Gene B. Duremdes, followed his father’s footsteps and joined the PCH in 1992 as a general surgeon. Father and son were then given the monikers “Dr. Dad” and “Dr. Gene” since they were often seen working together in the hospital.

According to the PCH, the residents of the area surrounding the hospital have greatly benefited from the joint help of Drs. Gene and Generoso Duremdes, stating that the latter introduced laparoscopy to the hospital, which was then further enhanced by Dr. Gene by utilizing modern robotic technology.

In a separate article, Central Philippine University revealed that Dr. Janelle Bermejo-Duremdes of the University’s HS Class of 1953 and Pre-Med Class of 1955 and the wife of Dr. Generoso Duremdes, has, together with her husband, been serving as active donors of the university for countless years.

“It is through their support that helped construct the Prayer Garden and revived the God’s Grace Program for the Work Students. They are also donors of the Golden Quenchers scholarship program of the Junior High School. Recently, they contributed P2,000,000 for the Senior High School classroom improvements through the Classroom Naming Rights Program. They are currently helping out Estancia Evangelical Church in northern Iloilo,” wrote CPU. C

 DUREMDES FAMILY

UNIVERSITY

news

4

 CENTRALIAN LINK CENTRALIAN PRIDE. Team CPU brings honor to the country and the University with UBCHEA recognition.

HUB FOR ACHIEVERS Team CPU clinches 3rd Place in Int’l Video Competition BYZHARINA MARIE STEPHANIE LUGO

T

o bring Centralian Community towards the international limelight, Team Central Philippine University (CPU) led by Dr. Lenny Rose Mucho secured the 3rd Place in the international video competition conducted by the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia (UBCHEA), in connection with the joint consultation of Association of Christian Universities and Colleges in Asia (ACUCA) and Silliman University last July 16-17.

When UBCHEA sent the invitation to University President Dr. Teodoro C. Robles, he appointed the video team, and they were able to conceptualize a winning entry in less than a month even when the invitation was received late.

“This was a team effort, composed of faculty and students of a higher education institution.

What was encouraging was that we had a highly enthusiastic, cooperative, and diveresed team with

empathy for each other and the desire to win. What I have learned from the whole experience was that success of a team project lies in the rapport, mindset, and values of the people who are working together,” Mucho elaborated.

As stated by the United Board, this virtual initiative aimed to provide a platform for institutions involved to share a creative yet critical contribution of its institutions in creating a vision of alternative futures to the current situation and craft strategies or approaches for a sustainable tomorrow.

“The video helped us present the role of CPU in terms of creating positive change in the environment. Our University is also committed to the whole person education, thereby gradually attaining our vision — a University committed to Exemplary Christian Education for Life (EXCEL) responsive to the needs of the total person and

the world.

Mucho believed that CPU is capable of producing the video since the University has the Advertising faculty and Centralian students with skills and creativity.

Amidst the pandemic, she also elaborated that "it could’ve been easier when all of the meetings were held face to face rehearsals became tougher because we had to synchronize the background music and narration virtually."

Mucho also highlighted a message for aspirants of the same endeavor, “To those who would be allowed to compete in the future as a team, my gentle reminder is to choose team members who share your vision, who have the expertise and talent and the winning attitude. To my CPU teammates who worked hard for our entry.

I am honored to be a part of our team. I am amazed by your dedication and positivity.” C

Aguirre introduces New Hope VisaYas

NO VOICE UNHEARD

BYKARREN JAY ASGAR

 AGUIRRE

R

osemarie Varona Aguirre, a BS Chemical Engineering alumna, launched New Hope VisaYas and brought the New Hope International (NHI) leadership teaching to the Philippines.

Aguirre’s journey started in 2007 when she established a Filipino ministry in her church and began traveling to the Philippines to share and inspire other people through faith. She traveled around the country, partnering with various pastors' organizations to teach and inflame NHI leadership principles to her fellow leaders.

Two years after in 2009, while at University on a mission trip, Aguirre said that God spoke to her through her devotion to leave her life as a minister in Hawaii and go to the "double portion."

"It started when I served at the NHI Leadership Practicum in 2000. I heard the testimonies of Pastors attending — how the

Leadership Practicum changed their lives and ministry. From that time, my desire grew to share the NHI Leadership Practicum teachings with the leaders and emerging leaders in the Philippines. I came as a missionary to CPU through the leading of the Holy Spirit,” Aguirre said. “The day God spoke to me to move to the Philippines; I was at CPU leading a group of students on a mission trip.”

Her experiences inspired her willingness to become a medium of faith and hope to others. Her passion and determination to share NHI Leadership Practicum Teachings influenced the lives of others.

“There is a big need to develop student leaders. Many leaders in our country, our city, and even in our schools are underdeveloped leaders. This is why New Hope VisaYas exist,” Aguirre highlighted. C

Facultad receives Nightingale Nurse Midwife Award in the UK

5

J

 FACULTAD A NIGHTING GALE. Jose Facultad accepts his award as one of the Nightingale awardees last May 2021.

ose Loreto Facultad, a Centralian Philippine University (CPU) Bachelor of Science in Nursing alumnus, received the Nightingale Nurse and Midwife Award last May 2021. The award is exclusive only to the staff of Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, and he was one of its honored awardees.

Receiving this unique professional award recognizes Mr. Facultad’s outstanding practice and his daily demonstration of the Trust’s values.

After being awarded, he has now the honor to be called a Nightingale Nurse.

He also received his own personally engraved badge and a certificate from

the Trust.

“This prestigious award allowed us to celebrate and develop our fantastic staff, and build on Florence Nightingale’s legacy of delivering high quality, compassionate care,” stated Avey Bhatia, Chief Nurse of Guy’s and St. Thomas’ in an article.

The award was named in honor of Florence Nightingale, who established her first nursing school at St. Thomas’ Hospital in 1860.

Facultad completed his nursing degree in 2003. Currently, he is the Deputy Head of Nursing of Guy’s and St. Thomas’ and has been working in the United Kingdom since 2007.

THE CENTRAL ECHO

BY COLEEN CASANOVA

5 CPU Graduates top Chemical Technician Board Exam

BY DANICA HABLADO

ROMERO

F

PANADERO

ive out of 23 Central Philippine University (CPU) graduates made it to the Top 10 in the October 2021 Chemical Technician Licensure Examination, announced by the Professional Regulation Commission on Friday, November 5.

With an overall performance of 85.19% passing rate, CPU scored above the national passing percentage of 81.24%.

Leading the Centralian passers is Ivan Jan Romero who ranked second with a rating of 91.00%.

When asked about his initial response after learning the results, Romero said he was "shaking" and went on to pray to God and quickly inform family and friends.

“It didn’t sink in for a couple of days,” he added.

Taking a board exam in the middle of a pandemic is no easy feat, according to Romero.

He noted he had to conquer a lot of "silent battles" merely to secure those licenses.

BILAN

When they were in the middle of their review in Los Baños, Laguna, their room was ransacked by unknown people their gadgets, which included their review materials, were taken.

In addition, he lost his best friend Sherwin, his grandfather to COVID, and his grandmother a few months before the examinations, all while dealing with three board exam postponements.

“Topping the board exam meant so much to me since this was the promise I made to my grandmother who passed away when I started college and the same promise I had with my best friend who passed away when I graduated from college,” Romero said.

He also passed the October 2021 Chemical Engineer Licensure Examination, with only one correct item away from making it to the top 10.

Romero graduated BS in Chemical Engineering, magna cum laude, in April 2020.

He further added that “there’s no specific formula

LAMASON

SAQUIBAL

to success,” but he keeps in mind the 3 Rs: Reasons Reap Result.

“Never ever forget to tell yourself every day that you have a God to glorify. So, in whatever you do, always give your best shot #ParasaDiyos.”

On the other hand, Renan Panes Bilan was in third place with a rating of 90.50%, who also shared the spot with two other passers.

Rowell Serac Lamason and Ernest Troy Bascoguin Saquibal, together with 12 examinees, tied at eighth place with a rating of 88.00%.

Completing the list, Aira Rose Patnugot Panadero, shared the 10th spot with eight others, with a rating of 87.00%.

A total of 55 graduates garnered the ten highest scores, and CPU had the fourth highest number of top-notchers. C

Narido ranks 8th in Social Worker Licensure Exam

BY DANICA HABLDAO

T

She also explained that there is no magical formula to her success; only “self-awareness, gratefulness, resilience, and faith.”

“In the weeks leading up to our exams in August, I stopped intensively studying my materials and focused on reviewing our mock examinations and quizzes. In the last week leading up to the exams, I stopped reviewing completely. Instead, I focused on resting and preparing myself mentally and spiritually,” Narido described her review process.

Even though she did not graduate with Latin honors, which was her goal, Narido claimed that “it is a testament of God’s grace” that she garnered one of the ten highest places in the board exam.

She encouraged her fellow Centralians to “keep the faith” and remember that they are “loved, blessed, and favored because they are the children of God.” Narido graduated last July 2021 and is one of the 43 passers out of 66 takers from Central Philippine University, with an overall performance rating of 65.15%. C

 NARIDO

issuu.com/thecentralecho

alitha Charis Mari Frondoza Narido, a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Social Work batch 2021, placed 8th among 612 passers of the August 2021 Social Worker Licensure Examination.

Narido scored a rating of 80.60% and is the only examinee from Western Visayas to enter the Top 10.

After knowing the results, Narido said that she was in “tears of joy and gratefulness,” adding that she was anxious and crying to her parents days before the results were released, preparing them for the eventuality that she might not pass the licensure exam.

“I am deeply grateful that my parents gave me constant reassurance that no matter what I achieve or do not achieve in life, their love for me will be unconditional,” she said.

The 2021 Social Work Licensure Exam is among several board exams that were scheduled amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which was a “challenge” to Narido.

“We were told many times that our examinations would be postponed or canceled. It was a challenge mentally to keep our motivation,” she stated.

UNIVERSITY

news

6

Bondoc qualifies as an Ayala Young Leader

BY KARREN JAY ASGAR

G

 BONDOC

abriel Mico Bondoc, a 3rd year Bachelor of Science in Accountancy student, represented Central Philippine University at the Ayala Young Leader Congress 2021 along with other delegates from different colleges and universities in the Philippines last June 30.

Bondoc and 13 other student leaders from Western Visayas are among the 84 "most promising" student leaders who qualified in the said summit. The summit was held for a whole month with the theme “Leaders Reimagining Hope” which aimed to hone leadership skills and potentials from the most promising student leaders in the country.

Bondoc shared that it was "an experience like no other," though the process of application along with all the qualifications and needed requirements was tedious.

"Believe me, the application process was something that certainly took much of my time, from overthinking the words I used to overthinking if I’m actually qualified, but it’s all worth it in the end,” Bondoc said.

“I think my main challenge was mostly doubting if I’ll be able to make it, but it was helped by constant self-pep talks and prayers. Nevertheless, I believe that your hardships today, may be your successes tomorrow, if you overcome them and learn from them,” he added.

Bondoc is the current president-elect of the CPU Republic and has been an active student leader. He was the Governor of the College of Business and Accountancy and was the President of the CPU Republic League of Governors from school year 2020 to 2021.

Furthermore, he is also a consistent rank 1 Dean’s lister in his College o and is an academic scholar of the University for the year 2020-2021.

When asked what would be his message to aspiring Centralian student leaders who also dream of joining the summit, Bondoc emphasized commitment and perseverance despite the intricate application process, because he believe that AYLC will continue to "open more opportunities to pursue planned advocacies and reach a wider audience for the same."

“In times like these when we tend to lose ourselves with all the negativity that surrounds us, the congress will help you rediscover yourself and come back stronger than your setback. Yes, you are going to undergo an intricate application process, a panel interview that might make or break you, and you might experience pressure throughout the whole process, but everything is going to be worth it in the end.

AYLC is a magical experience and I hope that more Centralians will experience the magic that I did,” stated Bondoc.

AYLC congress is a form of student leadership summit aimed to develop confidence, unfold commitment, build leadership skills, and also encourage students of their stewardship towards others. It started in 1998, together with the Ayala Group of Companies as their program partners.

Centralians Paul Christian M. Alado, Heber Paul C. Dalen, Chelsea P. Delos Reyes, and Ro-anne L. Lozada were also qualifiers for AYLC 2021 Online Panel Interview. C

Andrada qualifies for RMTLI NextGen Leadership Program

BY ZHARINA MARIE STEPHANIE LUGO

E

mbodying the University’s core values in leadership, Centralian Sam Andrada joined the Ramon Magsaysay Transformative Leadership Institute (RMTLI) NextGen Leadership Program held last June 14 to 25.

Andrada was one of the 33 outstanding Asian Leaders who were chosen for the said leadership program for young leaders mentored by Ramon Magsaysay Awardees.

“I was nominated by my organization, Borres Youth Leadership Institute Inc. (BYLI), to participate in the NextGen Leadership Program.

Out of hundreds of applicants all over Asia, only 33 outstanding Asian leaders have been qualified,” Andrada said.

With 10 days of intensive and personal learning sessions provided by the NextGen Leadership Program, Andrada was able to earn the opportunity to network and engage with the other 32 participants who presented sustainable and efficient ideas in pushing ways to resolve existing social issues.

When asked what were the possible challenges he encountered during the training, Andrada stated that the virtual platform in itself was a challenge, while meeting diverse individuals with different sets of values and principles in life has taught him countless lessons.

“Meeting them allowed me to dwell in endless possibilities of questioning myself – do I really deserve to be in this program? But then, I realized that just like the awardees themselves, they too are ordinary individuals who have done extraordinary

things for the betterment of their respective communities. I also would like to quote a saying from Ms. Emily Abrera, a trustee of the Ramon Magsaysay Foundation, “You do not go after honor. It is bestowed to you.”

Andrada also shared one specific significant moment during the training that left an impact in his experience, wherein Ms. Anna Oposa, the Director and Chief Mermaid of Save Philippine Seas told them that “Young people are not leaders of tomorrow; we are leaders of today. We just need to be given the right avenue and platform to implement our leadership.”

During those times, Andrada was reminded of how "vital the role of the Filipino youth is, where the transformative change of heart of the people must be for the people and with the people."

When asked to encourage others to join servant leadership training similar to RMTLI, he highlighted that “One must never settle for what yourself can bring, and as individuals who were gifted with leadership and understood the sacrifices that it entails, we should always perform our responsibilities beyond our capabilities, we must outstand the common definition of leadership.”

“Some may be hesitant of doing this but I know and trust me when I say that there is still something in you, that is greater than what you have found out and what you are expecting. Therefore, do not let that gift that is bestowed unto you be put into waste,” he concluded. C  ANDRADA

Dean Cabarles conducts research on Philippine Native Chicken Production

BY ZHARINA MARIE STEPHANIE LUGO

NO VOICE UNHEARD

D

r. Jaime C. Cabarles, the Dean of the College of Agriculture, Resources, and Environmental Sciences (CARES), together with his colleagues and students, led Central Philippine University to greater heights in the field of agriculture by conducting research focused on the development of technology for commercial production of two local chicken breeds, the Bisaya and the Jolo Native Chicken.

His recent research project titled, “The Verification and Standardization of Processing and Concentration of Garlic, Betelnut, and Asiatic bitter yam against Mycoplasma,” focused on the development of phytomedicines to prevent and control infection among Philippine native chickens.

“This is to improve the survival rate of this fowl and at the same time produce native chicken products free of antibiotics and growth-

promoting substances,” said Cabarles.

“Several students from CARES are already engaging in this kind of project. These students realize that there is income in participating.

These packages of technology are already circulating and adopted by raisers of both the Philippines and foreign native chickens.”

With their studies revealing that consumers are complaining about the inconsistency in size, toughness, and meat of native chicken available in the market, Cabarles said that the consumers will benefit as these concerns can be answered by the technology available at CPU.

READ MORE ON PAGE 07, = PRODUCTION CHICKEN

BY DANICA MAE HABLADO

BY DANICA MAE HABLADO

T

wo students from the College of Engineering emerged triumphant in the first-ever KAYA: The Civil Engineering Inter-School Virtual Quiz Bee by Ace+ Review Center last May 19.

Fedie Tabaquirao, a 3rd year student, and Froilan Tanque, an alumnus, bested other teams from Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion, Central Philippine Adventist College, and Western Institute of Technology- Iloilo.

“It is overwhelming since I did not expect that we would be hailed as champions. I am very happy that our efforts have paid off,” Tabaquirao said.

The competition was done online amidst the pandemic. When asked if

competing in a virtual quiz bee was more difficult than the usual faceto-face set-up, Tanque answered, “There are also hindrances like slow connection and power outage.”

“The prizes are a considerable help to survive this pandemic and also with my review for the incoming board exam,” Tanque added.

The winning pair was awarded Php 20,000.00 and review scholarships for the Civil Engineering program under Ace+ Review Center.

The online quiz bee was organized

by Iloilo-based Ace+ Review Center, provider of review services for the Civil Engineering, Architecture, and Master Plumber Licensure Examination. C

The CPU nursing delegation bagged awards from the Western Visayas Health Research and Development Consortium (WVHDRC) during the 4th WV Health Research Conference held on October 14-15 with the theme “Preparing for the Future: Sharing of Research and Practices of COVID-19 Prevention and Control.”

The delegates from CPU won in the categories of Poster and Short Film.

Awarded First Place for Best Undergraduate poster titled, “Anxiety Level and Social Support in Response to Lockdown and Self-Care Activities among Nursing Students in a Private Higher Educational Institution in Iloilo City” were Alexandra Louise Villareal, Carmel May Sotito, Dovi Jane Taganahan, Janela Chriselle Ticar, Zaira Maree Tumapang.

Under the same category in Second Place is the poster “Surviving the Pandemic: Lived Experiences of Nurses who Recovered from COVID-19 in Iloilo City” by Lynnor Ayn Caldito, Eula Jenina Bolaño, Ma. Paulline Rose Bolivar, Justice Camille Bracamonte, Cleo Marie Daradar, Crisha Ann Darroca, and Prof. Melba Sale.

Finally, participants Hazelene Grace De Asis, Christienne Capague, Veronica Blancaflor, Celyn Capate, Carl John Degala, Jan Gabriel Delos Santos, and Dr. Betty Polido placed third for their poster, "Lived Experiences of Doctors Utilizing Telemedicine for Patient Care in a Private Hospital in Iloilo City.”

Meanwhile, in the short film category, the entry, “Liza,” by students Joshua Paredes, Jill Rose Basiao, Prian Jed Dimzon, and Joanna Ann Marie Perido won second place.

Faculty members were also given the Merit Award in the Idea Generation Contest, namely, Prof. Alvin John Gustillo, Dr. Raymund Partisala, Dr. Charlie Baldon, Atty.

Salex Alibogha, and Prof. Melba Sale.

Spearheading the said conference was the Western Visayas Health Research Development Consortium, in partnership with the Department of Science and Technology Region VI and the Department of Health Center for Health Development in Western Visayas.

The two-day conference is part of the 2021 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW) celebration preevent activities hosted by the DOST VI. C

7

THE CENTRAL ECHO

Engineering students place 1st in inter-school virtual quiz bee

CON scores five victories in WV Health Research Conference

CHICKEN PRODUCTION  KATHLEEN FRUGALIDAD

FROM PAGE 06

BUNDLE OF SILVERS AND A GOLD. CE bags 27 silvers and 1 gold in NCPO 2021.

CE bags 28 medals in NCPO 2021

BY ZHARINA MARIE STEPHANIE LUGO

T

the said contest. “It’s quite challenging to beat the deadlines while all of us are fighting for the lives of our exams and school requirements. We couldn’t believe that we actually made it, all of our hardships paid off with God’s grace. It is truly a one-of-a-kind experience especially during this unprecedented time.”

The Central Echo received 27 silver and 1 gold medal. They also elaborated that they were thankful to the BDCP Designers and Creatives PH for organizing the first-ever National Campus Press Olympiad 2021 that provided the CE Staff with a wonderful chance to showcase and explore their journalistic abilities.

“Moreover, we would like to thank the whole Centralian community for their steadfast support. Thank you also to our guardians and mentors who helped us along the way. This new academic year, we pledge to give it all for you,” Frugalidad said.

Extending their words of love and gratitude, the staff members emphasized that they bring back all the glory and praise to our Almighty Father, who has been their rock and stronghold since day one.

“All for Him, All for Central.”

The Awarding Ceremony was held last June 26 and was aired at 1 o’clock in the afternoon on NCPO’s official Facebook Page as well as on Best-Designed Campus Papers of the Philippines’ page.

NCPO 2021 is a national online journalism tournament that featured a series of competitions for grade school, high school, and college students. C

issuu.com/thecentralecho

he Central Echo garnered 28 medals in the first-ever country-wide journalism competition, the National Campus Press Olympiad (NCPO) 2021 held virtually from March 20 to June 20.

Among hundreds of campus journalists who joined the said national competition, CE Staff Writer Kalanie Saldajeno won 1st Place in Feature Writing (English) and 5th Place in Science and Technology Writing (English); Prince Ric Emmanuel Paciente also garnered 2nd Place in Feature Writing (English) and 2nd Place in Editorial Cartoon (Digital); Kathleen Frugalidad brought home 2nd Place in Editorial Writing (English); and Zharina Marie Stephanie Lugo secured 4th Place in Feature Writing (English).

“The awards we gained were absolute blessings from above. After all the sleepless nights we spent in the school publication while balancing our academic works, we were able to surpass it with flying colors. We are beyond thankful for this opportunity,” Saldajeno said when asked about their behind-the-scenes efforts in achieving their awards.

With perseverance and diligence, the Central Echo had also successfully bagged the 2nd Place Overall Ranking in Interactive Media Publishing as a group; 2nd Place in Digital Publishing, 2nd Place in Social Media Publishing, and a special award for the DevComm Section.

Editor-in-Chief Kathleen Frugalidad shared her experiences together with the staff members in completing their group Media Publishing materials for

“The chickens grown using the technology developed here at CPU are tender, juicier, and has a consistent taste. The sizes of marketed dressed native chickens are uniform in weight. With all the technology we have, all these concerns are answered.”

He also explained that enterprises related to logistics, labor, and input dealers will also benefit in their projects.

There are also other projects being undertaken since the CPU Research Station for Philippine Native Chicken is the largest research station for this group of poultry. It is a "one-stop-shop" for the packages of technology for commercial production of Philippine Native Chicken. Several of the studies are done in collaboration with the College of Arts and Sciences, Medical Laboratory Science, Pharmacy, and Engineering.

However, the road in turning these ideas into reality also has its fair share of trials. One of the challenges they’ve encountered in implementing the projects was budget and funding. Cabarles said, “for every peso of success, I spent millions of pesos.”

Another challenge is the timeline. At times when the pandemic continues to lash out across the country, it also delayed the completion of their projects while requesting funding donors to extend their implementation to come up with the deliverables expected for each project.

“In the first three-quarters of COVID-19 in 2020, we were pushed to reduce the number of our stocks enough to be sustained by the available resources we have.”

After conquering the challenges and uncertainties along the way, they are now working on another project worthy of attention and support: the commercialization of CPU feeds for Philippine Native Chicken.

“This is one of the developed products from the various studies conducted. It is the first in the Philippines scientifically developed for our local chickens, in support of the need for the raising of native chickens in the country.”

Cabarles also stated that they are hoping and praying that the commercialization of CPU feeds across the country will place the name of CPU on the map for the industry of Philippine Native Chicken.

“Focus is the key. Whatever will be the goal of the individual doing the same thing with us, “Learn to live with ExCEL and work towards Excel,” he concluded. C

8

lokal THE CENTRAL ECHO Official Student Media of Central Philippine University Volume 111 No.3

ILOILO UMARANGKADA

Iloilo, hinakot ang ginto sa Mobility awards at Bike Lane Awards

 INQUIRER.NET WHEELS OF THE BIKE GO ROUND AND ROUND. Biking enthusiasts enjoy the dedicated Bike lanes around Iloilo City.

BY YUSIMAY HABLADO

K

ilala bilang biking capital of the Philippines, naghakot ng ginto and lungsod ng Iloilo sa ginanap na Mobility Awards nitong ika-25 ng Nobyembre at sa Bike Lanes Award na ginanap nitong ika-26 ng Nobyembre-- isang araw matapos idineklara ang lalawigan bilang “most-bicycle friendly city."

Mula sa 30 nominadong lungsod sa buong bansa, nanguna ang Iloilo City na nagwagi ng Gold Award, kasunod ang Marikina at Naga City na nagwagi naman ng Silver Award.

Kabilang sa mga kategorya ng Mobility Awards 2021 ay ang most bicycle-friendly city, most bicycle-friendly workplaces, at most bicyclefriendly business establishments.

“Having been chosen as the gold awardee for the most bicycle-friendly in the Philippines by the mobility award 2021 is such a great honor for Iloilo city and its people,” pahayag ni Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas.

“I believe that bike lanes contribute more spaces on the road and an improved traffic flow because cyclists do not need to dodge cars in the roadway, maintaining safety in turning and avoiding fixed obstacles,” dagdag pa niya Ayon sa alkalde, ang kasalukuyang 11-kilometrong bicycle lanes kasama ang 4 na kilometrong protected lane sa Aquino Avenue ay dadagdagan hanggang umabot sa 32 kilometro na siyang mag-uugnay sa mga bike lanes sa kabuuan ng urban center.

“In addition, bike lanes create a feeling of safety for many people who would like to bike as they felt that it was a safe option. We look forward to having more safe, open spaces for the Ilonggos,” ani Treñas.

Maliban sa iginawad na titulo, ang lungsod ay tumanggap ng Bicycle-Friendly Gold Recognition Sign at P10,000 voucher mula sa mga bikefriendly stores.

Ang 2021 Mobility Awards ay inorganisa ng Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), MNL Moves, The Climate Reality Project Philippines, 350.org Pilipinas, at Pinay Bike Commuter Community upang bigyang halaga ang pagsisikap ng mga Local Government Units (LGU), workplaces, at komersyal na establishemento na isulong ang pagbibisekleta bilang maasahan, mabisa, mapapanatiling paraan ng transportasyon sa kanilang mamimili, manggagawa, at mamamayan.

Nagwagi rin ang Iloilo ng isa pang Gold Award sa kauna-unahang National Bike Lane Awards na kumilala rin sa lungsod bilang top Local Governement Unit, kasunod ang Pasig City na nag-uwi ng Silver award, at Quezon City ng Bronze Award.

“We are moving closer to our vision of making a more sustainable metropolis for all. Madamu guid nga salamat, National Bike Day Bike Lane Awards for recognizing the beauty of the City of Love!” ani Mayor Jerry Treñas.

Kasabay sa paggunita ng “National Bicycle Day” na ipinagdiriwang sa ika-apat na Linggo ng Nobyembre taon-taon, idineklara ang mga nagwagi sa Bike Lane Awards na pinamunuan ng Department of Transportation (DOTr) at ng Department of Interior and Local Government (GILG) upang isulong ang safe active transportation at bigyang puri ang pinasimunuan sa mabisang paggamit ng mga bicycle lanes. C

 MANILA BULLETIN ONE CITY, ONE GOAL. Mayor Jerry P. Treñas enourage Ilonggos to be fullyvaccinated as Iloilo City embraces with the "new normal".

Treñas nanghikayat ng mga Ilonggo na magpabakuna

BY RYAN DAVE PORAL

H

inikayat ni Mayor Jerry P. Treñas ang mga residente ng Iloilo City na magpabakuna bilang proteksyon laban sa banta na dulot ng COVID-19.

Ayon sa pahayag ni Iloilo City Mayor Treňas noong Mayo 26, nasa edad 21 hanggang 30 taong gulang ang nagpopositibo sa COVID-19 araw-araw, batay sa ulat na ipinalabas ng City Epidemiology and Surveillance

Unit (CESU).

Ayon kay Treñas na karamihan sa mga kabataang manggagawa ay naninirahan pa rin sa kanilang mga magulang na may mga karamdaman at mga menor de edad na hindi pa maaaring magpabakuna.

Naniniwala ang Alkalde na ang pagkaantala ng mga bakuna ang magiging dahilan para patuloy na maghirap ang mga mahihinang sektor sa siyudad.

Sa kabila nito, umaasa si Mayor Treñas na ang pagbabakuna ang magiging solusyon para maibalik ang normal na pamumuhay ng mga tao.

Dagdag nito, mahigit isang taon na tayong nakikipaglaban sa virus. Hangga't hindi tayo nagkakaisa sa malawakang pagbabakuna, hindi tayo uusad tungo sa pangkalahatang lunas.

Sa ngayon, ang lokal na pamahalaan ay nagmungkahi sa National Task Force Against COVID-19 at sa Department of Health (DOH) na ipagpatuloy ang “buong pagpapatupad ng malawakan, mabilis, at sabay- sabay na pagbabakuna sa mga edad 18 na taon pataas” Umapela naman si Mayor Treñas sa kaniyang liham kay Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III para sa sapat na paglaan ng mga reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing kits, personal protection equipment (PPE), ventilators, oxygen tanks, at auxiliary equipment para sa Uswag Molecular Laboratory.

Ginagamit ang mga RT-PCR kits para sa mga pasyenteng pinaghihinalaang positibo sa COVID-19 at para na rin sa mga taong bumabyahe sa siyudad, maliban na lamang sa mga Authorized Persons Outside of Residence (APORs) na nananatili ng hindi higit sa 24 oras kung saan nangangailangan na sumailalim sa swab test.

Nakiusap rin si Treñas sa Department of Health (DOH) na dagdagan ang mga kapasidad ng mga higaan sa mga ospital sa siyudad at sa Western Visayas Sanitarium sa Santa Barbara, Iloilo. C

Ang totoong kakampi ay alam ang aming mga kwento at may lakas ng loob na ipaglaban ang aming mga karapatan.

9

lokal

TUNGO SA PAGBABAGO MGA  ALINGAWNGAW

Ilonggo, nalampasan ang bilang ng inaasahang rehistrante para sa National ID

BY DANICA HABLADO

N

ng LGBTQ+ community, isinagot ni Revalde, “Ang totoong kakampi ay alam ang aming mga kwento at may lakas ng loob na ipaglaban ang aming mga karapatan.”

“Tulad ng pag-ibig, nagmamahal tayo nang walang kondisyon at iyon ang bumubuo ng isang totoong kakampi,” dagdag pa niya.

Bukod pa sa pagiging estudyante at beauty queen, isa ring pintor si Revalde.

Ipinagbibili niya ang kanyang mga likhang sining upang suportahan ang kanyang hormonal replacement therapy at mga gastusin sa paaralan.

Maliban sa korona, umuwi rin siya ng Php 30,000.00 at magiging representative ng Pilipinas sa darating na Miss Trans Global Pageant sa Setyembre.

Sinundan ni Revalde ang 2020 queen na si Mela Habijan, unang Pilipina na nagwagi sa Miss Trans Global.

Siya ay nakatakdang lumaban ngayong taon sa Miss Trans Global 2021, isang internasyonal na online pageant para sa mga trans at gender nonconforming. C

80.24% Porsiyento ng mga Ilonggo na nakaparehistro sa ‘National Identification’

issuu.com/thecentralecho

agwagi ng korona at titulo ng Miss Trans Global Philippines 2021 si Albiean Revalde ng Iloilo City noong ika-6 ng Hunyo.

Ang mga online personalities na sina Macoy Dubs at Jervi Li (KaladKaren) ang nag-host ng pageant na binubuo ng pambansang kasuotan transcending introduction, night gown, transcending campaign, at ang pangwakas na tanong at sagot.

Ilan lamang sa bumubuo ng mga hurado ay si Miss International 2016 Kylie Versoza at Miss World 2013 Megan Young.

Sa edad na 19, ang estudyanteng nagmula pa sa Iloilo City ang pinakabata sa 24 na mga kalahok.

Sa kasalukuyan, nasa ikalawang taon siya ng pag-aaral ng BS Industrial Engineering sa Polytechnic University of the Philippines-PUP. Maliban doon, kilala rin siya bilang bise tagapangulo ng Sandigan ng Mag-aaral para sa Sambayanan PUP. Si Revalde ay tagapagtaguyod ng gender rights at equality, pati na rin ng mga magsasaka at estudyante.

Sa pangwakas na tanong kung ano ang bumubuo sa isang tunay na ally

NO VOICE UNHEARD

Ilongga, kinoronahang Miss Trans Global Philippines 2021

Ang probinsya ng Iloilo ay mayroong kabuuang 834,155 indibidwal na nagparehistro para sa Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) o National ID nitong Mayo 23.

Batay kay Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) - Iloilo Director Nelida Amolar, ang bilang ng mga Ilonggo na nagparehistro para sa PhilSys sa siyudad at probinsya ng Iloilo ay lumagpas sa target na 15.88 porsyento.

Nabanggit din ni Amolar na sa kabuuang 834,155 na nagparehistro, halos 188,075 ay nanggaling sa siyudad ng Iloilo.

Idiniin din ni Western Visayas (WV) PSA Director, Fred Sollesta na noong Abril 17, mayroong 8,000 na nagparehistro sa Antique at Capiz, kung saan nasa 230,000 at 250,000 ang nanggaling sa Iloilo, at 310,000 at 330,000 ang mula sa Negros Occidental.

Dagdag pa niya, ang mga pasilidad sa pagpaparehistro ay itinayo sa mga munisipalidad ng nasambit na probinsya.

Ang Iloilo ngayon ay mayroong 42 na registration facilities; 35 ay matatagpuan sa mga local government units (LGUs) at pito (7) ay makikita sa siyudad ng Iloilo.

Ang pitong rehistradong pasilidad ay matatagpuan sa Iloilo City Malls na nasa Ungka at Tagbak, Jaro district; Molo gym; Arevalo gym; San Rafael gym sa Mandurriao district; Iloilo Science and Technology University sa Lapaz district; at Midtown Hotel sa City Proper District.

Ang mga nasambit na pasilidad ay bukas mula Lunes hanggang Sabado at ang mga indibidwal na nagtalaga ng appointment sa mga target na barangay ay mabibigyan ng prayoridad.

Subalit, kapag meron pang sapat na oras, ang mga walk-in na magpaparehistro ay mabibigyan ng sapat na akomodasyon.

Gayunpaman, kailangan na kontrolin ng lokal na pamahalaan ang pagdagsa ng mga magpaparehistro para maiwasan ang paglaganap ng COVID-19.

Ayon kay Amolar, ang pitong pasilidad ng pagrerehistro ay patuloy na sarado simula nang napasailalim sa Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) ang siyudad ng Iloilo hanggang Mayo 31, 2021.

Dagdag pa ni Amolar, ang pagpaparehistro ay magpapatuloy sa buwan ng Hunyo at ang mga pasilidad ay madadagdagan ng dalawa pang malls sa siyudad.

Nagnanais ang National Identification System na gumawa ng ‘single national identification system’ para sa lahat na mga residente sa buong Pilipinas.

Nagsisilbing katibayan ang National ID ng PhilSys para sa mga pribado at pampublikong transakyon ng bawat indibidwal at para na rin mapabilis ang paghatid sa mga serbisyong panlipunan.

Ang mga Pilipinong nasa edad 15 pataas ay maaari nang magparehistro sa PhilSys-- magdala lamang ng isang valid ID gaya ng Professional Driver's License, DFA-issued Philippine Passport, ePassport, o GSIS o SSS-Issued Unified Multipurpose Identification Card (UMID), at iba pa. C

THE CENTRAL ECHO

BY KATHLEEN FRUGALIDAD

lokal

10

 PANAY NEWS PROUDLY ILONGGO. Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA) is the first museum for Contemporary artists in Iloilo City.

GASTRONOMY

NO VOICE UNHEARD

FROM PAGE 01

Kung papalarin, ang Iloilo City ang siyang magiging kaunaunahang lungsod mula sa Pilipinas na mapapabilang sa listahan ng Unesco Creative City Network (UCCN) na sa ngayon ay mayroong 36 Cities of Gastronomy mula sa iba’t ibang panig ng mundo.

Sa kasalukuyan, dalawang lungsod mula sa Pilipinas ang kabilang na sa pitong creative fields ng UCCN — Baguio bilang Creative City of Arts at Cebu bilang Creative City of Design.

Suportado naman ng Department

of Tourism (DOT) Western Visayas ang lalawigan kung saan nagbigay ito ng tulong sa Megaworld Museum at sa National Commission of Culture and the Arts (NCAA) sa kanilang threepronged program, “Timplada: The Art of Ilonggo Cuisine” na nakasentro sa mga Ilonggo ‘heirloom dishes.’

Kabilang sa mga programa ay ang virtual educational programs na ginanap mula Agosto hanggang Disyembre 2021 upang magbigay ng karagdagang impormasyon sa mga sangkap at pagkaing tatak Ilonggo.

Nagkaroon din ng exhibit sa

Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA) mula Agosto 21 kung saan sampong Ilonggo-based artist ang nakiisa sa sampong Ilonggo food establishments.

“Iloilo City is a gastronomic hotspot waiting to be explored, experienced, and enjoyed. The City of Love is passionate to offer its culinary assets to suit every discriminating palate.

Our affection for cooking arouses the sense of pride of our people, culture and heritage,” ani Iloilo City mayor, Jerry P. Treñas. C

11

THE CENTRAL ECHO

Iloilo LGU inilunsad ang ‘first responders program’

BY KARREN JAY ASGAR

A

ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Calinog, Iloilo ay nagsagawa ng kauna-unahang pagsasanay sa mga responde sa mga malalayong barangay para maging handa sa mga kalamidad na maaring mangyari.

“Dahil sa malalayong bayan sila, kailangan mayroon silang mga tao na unang magreresponde sa panahon ng sakuna,” diin ni Rodolfo F. Valencia, opisyales ng Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) sa isang panayam.

Mayroong kabuuang 59 na barangay kung saan 13 dito ay nasa liblib at bulubundukin na mga lugar. Sinabi rin ni Valencia na kailangan ang lahat na barangay ay may alam tungkol sa mga paraan sa pagsagip tuwing may kalamidad na maaaring mangyari.

Kapag natanggap na ng bawat barangay ang mga kagamitan na kakailanganin, sila ay isasailalim sa mga kaakibat na pagsasanay.

“Nais namin na lahat ng mga barangay ay may mga taong sinanay at dalubhasa sa pagtugon sa panahon ng kalamidad upang tayo ay maging matatag na bayan,” ayon kay Valencia.

 KAWALING PINOY ATON NI ILOILO. For Ilonggos, Iloilo City isn't only the City of Love but also a home for distinct delicacies.

Isa sa kanilang layunin ang paggabay sa bawat barangay ng mga dapat gawin at sanayin. Nais din nilang maisukat ang kakayahan ng bawat barangay kung paano sila mag responde sa bawat kalamidad. Natapos na nilang sanayin ang mga kinatawan ng Barangay Alibunan, San Nicolas, Malapawe, Mambiranan, Tibiao, Cabagiao, Ilawod, Aglunok, Hilwan, Caratagan, Marandig, Manaripay, Supanga, Tigbayog, at Binolosan Grande.

Ang BLS o mas kilala sa tawag na Basic Life Support training ay nakapokus sa mga first aid skills gaya ng bandaging, splinting, at cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Layunin namin sa MDRRMO na maturuan sila ng sapat na kaalaman,” dagdag pa ni Valencia sa isang panayam.

Sina Rodolfo F. Valencia at Mayor Fransisco Calvo ay nagnanais na ma “level-up” ang mga pagsasanay na ito sa lahat ng barangay para na rin sa proteksiyon at seguridad ng buong komunidad. C

‘YouVote Satellite Registration’ nangin madinalag-on

BY RYAN DAVE PORAL

 RYAN DAVE PORAL YOUTH FOR THE PEOPLE. Various youth organizations convene to help and educate Ilonggos in the voter's registration area of Comission on Elections.

N

issuu.com/thecentralecho

angin madinalag-on ang ika-una nga YouVote satellite registration kaupod ang Commission on Elections Region 6 nga gin hiwat sa kinalainlain nga mall sang siudad sang Iloilo halin Septyembre asta Nobyembre.

Madamo ang nagparehistro para maka boto sa pala-abuton nga 2022 eleksyon.

“Ang reason ko ngaa nag pa register ko because, I have the right as a Filipino citizen and I don’t want it to go into waste, so as much as possible I want to encourage others man nga if you know nga you have the opportunity or a chance to at least make a micro effect to the country by voting, so I hope you do it and as much as possible make it worth it,” suno kay Ron Kenan Toboso, isa ka pumuluyo nga nag pa rehistro.

Ang YouVote isa ka organisasyon nga ang tuyo makabulig sa pumuluyo para mas mapahapos ang pagpa-rehistro kag ma edukar ang mga botante sang sosyodad.

“YouVote is a voter’s registration and education campaign of Global Shapers Community Iloilo Hub. YouVote identified the recurring problems in every election and the unique challenges for the upcoming 2022 Elections. Low voters’ registration turnout and low voters’ turnout due to pandemic restrictions and health and safety protocols are also expected. Hence, the group decided to do a voter registration campaign and to conduct satellite registration activities for the first phase of the project,” suno kay John Michael Suelo, isa ka Centralian, Project-Lead kag Co- founder sang YouVote.

Dugang pa niya, “YouVote has also been proactive in representing the sentiments of more than 104 youth groups in Iloilo to enfranchise more qualified voters for the 2022 Elections through our Unity Statement and Letter of Appeal to the Commission on Elections to extend the voter registration beyond September 30. Recently, YouVote partnered with COMELEC Iloilo City, COMELEC Passi City and COMELEC Pavia to provide accessible and convenient means of registration through satellite registration activities held at various malls in Iloilo, serving a total of 16, 242 successful registrants.”

Ang Central Echo, CPU Republic kag mga provincial councils ang nangin parte sang YouVote kag nag volunteer sa tion sang satellite registration sa suidad sang Iloilo. C

12 INVESTIGATIVE NEWS

CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY

news NATIONAL

THE CENTRAL ECHO Official Student Media of Central Philippine University Volume 111 No.3

ICC prosecutor to probe Duterte’s “War on Drugs”

Google searches for birth control methods rise in PH amid pandemic

BY GAD CASTRO

READ MORE ON PAGE 15, CONTRACEPTIVES

F

ECHO  BITS

Pilipinas, kabilang sa “most deadliest country for journalists” - CPJ

BY YUSIMAY HABLADO

LOOKING BACK From July 1, 2016, to March 16, 2019, Duterte had waged a drug war that began shortly after he was elected as the country's 16th President. It was first handled by the Philippine National Police (PNP) until October 10, 2017, but due to accusations of human rights violations, it was moved to the Philippine Drug and Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

According to the Human Rights Watch Organization, at least six thousand people were killed in this conflict, including minors and the most recent government stats, police and security forces killed at least 6,117 alleged drug dealers during operations as of the end of April 2021, despite previous government estimates showing at least 8,600 fatalities. In 2017, a Philippine police report listed 16,355 “homicide cases under investigation” as accomplishments in the drug war.

Although brutal, these acts have been justified repeatedly by their so-called "gains": more than 10,000 individuals have been detained, and more than 600,000 users and pushers have surrendered in large-scale operations throughout the nation.

However, other fatalities may be more difficult to explain. Police are investigating at least 1,067 drugrelated, vigilante-style killings that have occurred in the first month and a half of the campaign, according to official figures.

Idiniklara ng Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) ang Pilipinas bilang ika-pito sa “world’s worst country for unsolved killing of journalists” sa kanilang taunang Global Impunity Index nitong Oktubre 28, 2021 na kumilala sa Pilipinas bilang isa sa mga pinakamapeligrosong bansa para sa mga mamamahayag.

Ayon sa datos na nakalap mula Setyembre 1, 2011 hanggang Agosto 31, 2021, may naitalang 13 kaso ng pagpatay sa mga mamamahayag na hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin nabigyan ng kaukulang hustisya.

Ang naturang datos ay mula sa tala ng mga mamamahayag na namatay sa loob ng 10 taon at karagdagang impormasyon sa mga nawala at nakulong sa naturang panahon.

Napag-alamang napabilang ang bansa sa ika-limang “most deadliest country for journalists” at nagtalaga ng 41 kaso noong 2019, kung saan kabilang ang mga biktima ng Magindanao massacre noong Nobyembre 23, 2009 na kumitil sa buhay ng 58 tao, kasama ang 32 mamamahayag.

DURING THE WAR Meanwhile, the PNP data said that more than 1.26 million drug personalities surrendered 15 months after the operation started.

READ MORE ON PAGE 13, DRUG WAR

READ MORE ON PAGE 15, JOURNALISTS

DOH declares PH as poliofree after reemergence in 2019

BY YUSIMAY HABLADO

atou Bensouda, the outgoing prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), seeks green light to investigate President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's "Oplan Tokhang" by asking authorization from The Hague Tribunal last June 14, following the Philippines' official withdrawal from the world's only permanent war crimes tribunal. Furthermore, she also wants to probe into the killings in Davao City from 2011 to 2016.

The Philippines announced its resignation from the court a year ago, but it could take effect for at least another year due to legal rulings. After Burundi, which departed in 2017, the Philippines is the second to leave the Hague-based body.

The ICC's pre-trial chamber must accept Bensouda's authorization request. If this motion is granted, the Duterte government would be subjected to increased international legal scrutiny.

An investigation is a crucial step during which summons, and arrest orders may be issued.

T

he Department of Health (DOH) declared the nation polio-free, July 11, nearly two years after a recurrence of the outbreak in 2019--and two decades after the country and the rest of the World Health Organization's (WHO) Western Pacific Region were declared free of the virus.

The DOH declared the outbreak on September 16, 2019, after the case of a 3-year-old girl from Lanao del Sur and the environmental samples from the sewage system of Manila and the waterways of Davao were tested positive for poliovirus.

From the start of the outbreak in 2019, the DOH reported a total of 17 confirmed positive poliovirus cases with no recorded deaths.

Through the support of the WHO,

 COUNCIL OF FOREIGN RELATIONS END OF ERA. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his last State of the Nation Address last Juy 16, 2021 with the possibilities of running in position in the 2022 Elections.

UNICEF, and partners, the DOH polio outbreak response was concluded on June 3, 2021, as the virus had not been detected for the past 16 months.

“This is a major win for public health and is an excellent example of what collective efforts can attain, even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to the WHO Representative to the Philippines, Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe.

Polio or also known as poliomyelitis is a life-threatening disease caused by poliovirus that spreads from one person to another and can infect the spinal cord, causing paralysis, which can be prevented through vaccination.

According to the WHO, the oral

polio vaccine is proven safe and effective, which prevented more than 18 million cases of polio and 1.5 million childhood deaths.

Thus, the government encourages every parent to vaccinate their children under five years old to protect them from the virus and practice proper hygiene by washing hands carefully and thoroughly.

“The campaign prepared us to now engage our communities and our partners in the larger campaign in the COVID-19 vaccination,” said DOH Undersecretary Dr. Myrna Cabotaje.

READ MORE ON PAGE 13, POLIO- FREE

13

DRUG WAR FROM PAGE 12

16,355 “Homicide cases under investigation” listed as accomplishments in the drug war

T

6,117

8,600

Killed alleged drug dealers

Estimated fatalities

SHOOT TO KILL "Pagka bumunot, patayin mo. 'Pag hindi bumunot, patayin mo rin,... para matapos na. Eh kaysa mawala pa 'yung baril. Ako na ang bahala sa inyo," the President said last September 2016, several months after starting the operation tokhang.

This statement made by the president was criticized by Senators Leila De Lima, the former justice secretary, and Panfilo Lacson, the former chairperson for Commission on Human Rights.

According to them, this should be the police forces' last resort, and if this order is not utilized for selfdefense, it will result in murder.

PH ranks last in Global Finance’s World’s Safest Countries’ List NO VOICE UNHEARD

BY KALANIE SALDEJANO

WHAT NOW In 2018, the Philippines withdrew its membership from the ICC due to its initial investigations to find out into whether President Duterte committed crimes against humanity.

As the ICC pursued its investigation into the narco war, Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque stated in a news briefing on June 15 that the President will never participate in the probe.

“Hindi ba pulitika nag dahilan kung bakit sinampa ang kasong yan? This is now a political issue. Hinding-hindi mag cooperate ang Presidente hanggang tapos ng kanyang termino sa June 30, 2022,” Roque stated.

Moreover, Asia Division Human Rights Watch senior researcher Carlos H. Conde said, “This news today or last night about the ICC requesting an investigation into these killings is very definitely welcome news for many of these victims of the drug war and also there’s a lot of hope that this will ultimately lead to accountability.” C

 HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH ORG. CLAMOR FOR JUSTICE. Kian Delos Santos’ family with human rights advocates seek justice and accountablity for the extrajudicial killings that started in 2016.

P

POLIO-FREE FROM PAGE 12

16 months

Since the last resurgence of Polio.

Then, from June 3, 2021 DOH declared that PH is now Polio-free.

hilippines ranks last out of 134 countries in international business magazine, Global Finance World’s Safest Countries 2021 list that was published on July 6, 2021.

The Global Finance Safety Index takes into account three fundamental factors namely: war and peace,personal security, and natural disaster risk including the unique risk factors stemming from Covid-19. Each factor is based on 2020 reports that were done in 2021. The Philippines scored 14.8899, a few decimal points higher than Colombia ranking 133rd with a score of 14.8461. The higher the score of the country the lower the ranking “While COVID-19 reshuffled our world’s safest countries ranking, it did not boost the worst-performing countries and their relative rankings. Countries with serious civil conflict that have high risks from natural disaster such as the Philippines, Nigeria, Yemen, and El Salvador all reported relatively low death tolls from COVID-19, yet performed poorly in terms of safety overall,” Global Finance explained.

This is not the first time the Philippines

finished last on Global Finance’s list. In its 2019 issue the country came in last together with Yemen out of 128 nations.

Despite this, Malacañang spokesman Harry Roque called Global Finance’s ranking “one among many varied points of view.”

Roque said that PH is prone to natural hazards due to its location and climate change. “The Filipino people are also growing more resilient and adaptive.

As for the “war and peace” factor in the Global Finance ranking, Roque said, “We are not at war, and since the start of the strict implementation of community quarantine in March 2020, there was a significant decline in crimes per the Philippine National Police,” he added.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) also does not support the magazine’s ranking of the country as it did not match the country’s current crime statistics.

“The crime rate in the country decreased by 63% nationwide in the five years of the current administration, compared to the five years of the past administration,” PNP chief Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar said. C

issuu.com/thecentralecho

“Now what are we planning to do is incorporate this COVID 19 immunization as part of the immunization program,” Dr. Cabotaje added.

The poliovirus was successfully crushed through the intensified immunization programs and surveillance activities in the affected places.

“The success of the polio immunization in the Philippines is proof that when we come together for children, great things happen. UNICEF celebrates all the vaccine champions and partners who made this possible. We must keep the momentum and accelerate routine immunization and safeguard essential child health services while rolling out COVID-19 vaccines for priority groups,” said Oyunasaikhan Dendevnorov, UNICEF Philippines Representative. C

to choose a COVID-19 vaccine brand when President Duterte himself chose between the vaccines made in China and Russia, respectively.

"It seems the message the Palace is sending to us is 'conform or get COVID-19'. Malacañang must put an end to its threatening statements and stop ramming vaccine preferences down the public's throat," said Hontiveros.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año conveyed the President’s order to local government officials. He also expressed that Filipinos should only be informed about the brand of the vaccine shortly before they are given the shot. By this means, they can offer their "informed consent,” and anyone who refuses will be relegated to the back of the line.

Informed consent is the process in which health care workers orient the patient about the risk, benefits, and alternatives of an intervention or procedure. Every patient always has the right to get information before treatment.

Nevertheless, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III assured Filipinos that all vaccines available are safe and effective and had been cleared for emergency use by the FDA. “As more vaccine supplies become readily available, I encourage everyone to take the earliest opportunity to get vaccinated. In addition, COVID-19 vaccines give additional protection against COVID-19 to prevent hospitalization and death,” Duque said. C

THE CENTRAL ECHO

NANLABAN SCHEME As the war on drugs continues, minors like Kian Delos Santos, a 17-year-old alleged drug runner, were among those who suffer. After the operation, Caloocan City police discovered Delos Santos dead with gunshot wounds on his head. This has drawn the attention of the United Nations Human Rights Watch, which criticizes the impunity and systematic brutality that has resulted in extrajudicial killings.

“Nanlaban sila (They fought back)” has been a common justification for police operations that have turned violent under President Duterte's so-called "war on drugs."

o address problems with achieving herd immunity, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque reiterated that Filipinos should not be "picky" about the COVID-19 vaccination brand they will receive from the government, during a press briefing, May 21.

According to Roque, President Rodrigo Duterte has also directed local officials not to reveal the vaccine's brand name to encourage people to get immunized with whatever is available so that the country might acquire herd immunity sooner rather than later.

“The President noticed that our fellow countrymen have become choosy when it comes to the vaccine brand,” Roque stated.

The spokesman said that Duterte gave the directive after noting that there were long lines for the US-made Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine than for the Sinovac Biotech vaccines, potentially resulting in superspreader occurrences as people flocked to vaccination sites.

“This is what the President said—that we can’t choose the brand of vaccine,” he said.

“So, we appeal for understanding from our fellow countrymen. Our position really is that there is no policy giving the people the opportunity to choose,” he added.

Some senators criticized his remarks about this matter. Roque's pronouncement was unfair, according to Sen. Juan Miguel Zubiri. On the other hand, Sen. Risa Hontiveros also asked why Filipinos do not have the chance

NATIONAL

BY KARREN JAY ASGAR

news

Roque tells Pinoys 'not to be picky' about vaccine brands

14

41

NATIONAL

news

Shawn Crispin

Naitalang mga kaso ng mga namatay na mamahayag noong 2009-2019, kung saan kabilang ang mga biktima sa Maguindanao Massacre.

Mga kaso mula Setyembre 1, 2011 hanggang Agosto 31, 2021 na hindi pa nabibigyan ng hustisya.

na kaso

13

na kaso

7th

Filipino Journalist Maria Ressa bags Nobel Peace Prize '21

M

aria Angelita Ressa, co-founder and CEO of Rappler, became the first Filipino Nobel Prize laureate, last October 2021. In recognition of her “efforts to safeguard freedom of expression, which is a precondition for democracy and lasting peace.”

Thirteen laureates were awarded in 2021 for accomplishments that have benefited comfort and welfare to humankind. Their research and discoveries encompass a wide variety of topics, including the Earth's climate as well as attempts to protect freedom of speech and expression.

"It's a recognition of the difficulties, but also, hopefully, of how we're going to win the battle for truth, the battle for facts. We hold the line," said Ressa in an interview.

Ressa utilizes her right to freedom of expression to expose abuses of power, brutality, and dictatorship in the Philippines.

BY KARREN JAY ASGAR

Sa buong mundo sa pinka- delikadong bansa para sa mga mamahayag.

She co-founded Rappler, a digital media firm focused on investigative journalism. Ressa has shown herself to be a brave supporter of freedom of expression as a journalist and CEO of Rappler.

Rappler has criticized the Duterte administration's controversial and homicidal anti-drug campaign. The campaign resembles a battle fought against the country's own people due to the high number of casualties.

Because of her fight to defend democracy and freedom of the press, she was convicted of cyber libel and is facing several legal cases that could see her imprisoned for up to 100 years.

The newsroom of her news website, Rappler, may also be shut down.Despite winning a Nobel Peace Prize, the award will have no direct bearing on the pending cases that Ressa faces. C

BYE SINGLE Bill banning single-use plastics passes its Second Reading

 DANIEL MULLER, GREENPEACE LOUD AND CLEAR. Nature conservationists rejoiced as the bill banning the usage of single-use plastics have been passed its second readings.

BY KAREN JAY ASGAR

NO VOICE UNHEARD

H

ouse Bill No. 9147, commonly known as the “Single-Use Plastics Products Regulation Act,” proposed to control the manufacture, importation, sale, distribution, supply, use, recovery, collection, recycling, and disposal of single-use plastic items, was approved on third reading with 190 positive votes, July 28.

Representative Francisco “Kiko” Benitez of Negros Occidental said that the bill aimed to "regulate production, importation, sale and the use of single-use plastics and shifts the responsibility on producers to recover plastic waste to prevent leakage to bodies of water and harm to the environment.”

Through a nationwide phase-out of singleuse plastics and the introduction of producer responsibility schemes, its primary purpose is to address the country's high incidence of plastic waste leakage and plastics' implications on the environment, public health, and climate change efficiently.

"We believe that this measure can finally

put an end to our addiction to single-use plastics and will accelerate the ongoing research and development of more sustainable products and technologies while creating green jobs," Climate Change Commissioner Rachel Herrera said.

HB 9147 was sponsored by Benitez, the assigned Chair of the House Committee on Ecology - Technical Working Group. He also chaired the technical working group that consolidated 42 bills and resolutions into this bill.

“It’s been two decades since the first bills were filed to ban specific single-use plastics expressly – the 18th Congress is committed to finish the job,” Benitez stated.

The bill was enacted to safeguard life on land and water from the dangers of plastic pollution and guarantee that society's noncompostable single-use synthetic plastic items do not seep into the environment.

Producer responsibility programs, such

as plastic waste recovery, transportation, and clean-up schemes, as well as the establishment of recycling, composting, and other waste diversion or disposal facilities, are all included in the bill and must be phased in over the next two years by single-use plastics producers and importers. There are also fines and penalties ranging from P50,000 to P1,000,000 and the revocation of permits.

“It’s been challenging work as TWG chair to balance the interests of the industry, consumers, and the environment. In the end, the health of the planet has to prevail,” he added.

Benitez extended his appreciation to House Speaker Lord Alan Velasco, Environment Committee Chairperson Glona Labadlabad, and the 106 co-authors of the bill above for their endless support throughout the process of drafting and crafting this bill. C

JOURNALISTS FROM PAGE 12

NATIONAL NEWS, PAGE 14  Ressa

Search for contraceptives in PH rises amid pandemic, iPrice.ph study says

BY PRINCE RIC EMMANUEL PACIENTE

P

hilippines – An iPrice.ph study recorded a surge in Google searches for different birth control methods in the country during the entire pandemic through data obtained from January 2019 up to April 2021.

The said study observed keywords for contraceptives such as “birth control pills”, “condoms”, “emergency contraceptives”, and “vasectomy” in the popular search, all of which combined garnering a 96% increase in 2021 compared to 2019’s data.

“Birth control pills” led in the popular search with almost 700,000 searches in the first trimester of 2021, about 91% more compared to 2019’s data in the same period.

It is followed by “emergency contraceptives” which was nearly 200,000 and a 76% increase from two years before.

“Vasectomy”, a procedure in males for sperm-release prevention, is also not far off the list with 130,000 searches, having interest in condoms also surged with 79% increase from 2019’s 37,000 to 2021’s 67,000 total searches.

The said data was obtained during the first trimesters of each year.

The study also showed the surge being more notable during the last quarter of 2020. C

CHEd says flexible learning to stay; spurs oppositions from youth orgs

BY KATHLEEN FRUGALIDAD

C

ommission on Higher Education (CHEd) chairman Prospero de Vera III, said that the commission has already implemented a resolution stating that the “flexible learning” system will “continue in the school year 2021 and thereafter,” during his presentation in a webinar, May 21.

Returning to face-to-face classes, De Vera said, would subject educational stakeholders to the “same risks if another pandemic comes in.”

Aside from this, he also said that it would waste the “investments in technology, teachers’ training, and retrofitting of our facilities.”

He continued stating that “flexible learning will be the norm,” as higher education institutions (HEIs) would have a “flexible system where universities will mix-and-match flexible learning methods appropriate to their situation.”

“The more prepared universities will continue investing and moving ahead using online platforms. Others will be allowing some of their students to come back at specific periods and do more synchronous versus asynchronous learning,” he said.

According to him, there will be “a transition from the exam-based system that depends on knowledge creation to group work and project or task-based systems, particularly in determining how to grade our students, and textbooks will no longer be the

 Vera III

THE CENTRAL ECHO

Ayon kay Shawn Crispin, kinatawan ng Southeast Asia, Committee to Protect Journalists, "our concern is that with the Maguindanao massacre cases off of the index, the Philippines is still in the top 10 worldwide and that's precisely because the lack of progress in moving these cases through the courts and achieving convictions in the case of media murders is still a problem," sa kaniyang pahayag sa pananatili ng Pilipnas sa ika-pitong puwesto mula nitong nagdaang panahon.

Sa kasalukuyan, nanatili pa ring nangunguna ang Somalia sa listahan na mayroong 25 kasong pagpatay na hindi pa nalulutas” kasunod and Syria na mayroong 21, at Iraq na mayroong 18. C

15

Filipino Journalist Maria Ressa bags Nobel Peace Prize '21

OVP’s Community Learning Hub builds New Hope for Distance Learning

BY KARREN JAY ASGAR

The Office of the Vice President established Community Learning Hubs (CLH) Project nationwide which started a dry run last October 12-16, and was officially launched on October 19.

The project is a learning facility that strived to give students experiencing difficulty in today’s learning system a safe and conducive learning environment. It also aimed to provide needed tools, technologies, and equipment, as well as volunteer tutors, to help them cope up with their lessons.

“CLH is a project under the Bayanihan E-skwela program of the Office of Vice President Leni Robredo that aimed to provide educational assistance to learners struggling with distance learning,” Christele Joy Diaz, CLH Volunteer (Operations Head) of Guimaras stated. San Miguel Jordan CLH is set to operate in January 2022.

The Office of the Vice President was able to instruct and train a total of 179 volunteers since its launching from 17 initial sites when the project started. This was also made possible because of partnerships with several nonprofit organizations and enterprises. The training itself includes Social Learning Program via Facebook Group and town hall sessions via Zoom.

“Kahit na gaano kahirap, magpapatuloy tayo kasi we’re all in this together… Ito ay hindi lang basta volunteer, hindi lang basta samahan, kung hindi ito ay isang pamilya,” Alcariza Ramos Peregrino said during a town hall session via Zoom last November 13. Peregrino is the Project Lead of CLH. Along with stakeholders and organizations from both the public and private sectors, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) determined that it was critical to aid in closing the education gap. Together with its CLH Team, they organized this project to cater to students and parents who are struggling with distance learning.

They also highlighted during sessions that CLH is not intended as a substitute for formal education in schools. It is not also labeled as a supplementary solution with the distance learning system. Hence, it will just serve as a supporting aid for those parents who find it difficult to teach their children on their modules and activities, and will remain even when the pandemic is over.

“Ang Community Learning Hub ay nandiyan kahit na matapos yung pandemya. In mind na ang mga bata ay nangangailangan ng tulong natin sa tutoring- mga hindi makapagbasa ay nandiyan yan kahit matapos ang pandemya. At hindi tayo titigil para tulungan sila,” Peregrino added. C

issuu.com/thecentralecho

sole source of knowledge.”

He emphasized in his presentation that adopting the system means “there is no going back to the traditional, full-packed face-toface classrooms.”

De Vera then advised that teachers must now “realize that the old norms are gone and they must adjust to new standards,” adding that it means for them to have “an openness to engage and spend time with students and use of new technology that we make conversations better and deeper.”

“Flexible learning” for higher education institutions entails a mix of digital and nondigital technology, which CHEd said doesn’t necessarily require internet connectivity.

Students, on the other hand, have been struggling to cope with the demands of online learning after schools switched to remote education in 2020. As the nation battles the pandemic, several students and groups have called for an “academic freeze.” They noted that the COVID-19 lockdown had an effect on household finances and that many Filipinos lack access to a computer or the internet.

The Kabataan Party-list also warned abandoning the “old mode” directly ignores the demands of students, teachers, and parents for a safe return to face-to-face classes.

“This new policy of [President Rodrigo] Duterte and De Vera passes the burden to be ‘flexible’ and ‘adaptable’ to teachers and students while making no actions to address current issues in education amidst the Covid-19 pandemic,” Kabataan said in a statement.

“Millions of students did not re-enroll and teachers and students struggled with lacking internet infrastructure and modular learning to the point some students took their own lives. De Vera’s move to commit to this ‘new normal in education means the Duterte administration has chosen to turn a blind eye to those problems,” it continued. #NoStudentLeftBehind and CHEd have been trending on Twitter as the students from different schools and universities shared their struggles with the current educational setup, following Chairman De Vera’s statement. C

ECHO  BITS

16

opinion THE CENTRAL ECHO Official Student Media of Central Philippine University Volume 111 No.3

EDITORIAL

Dirty, smelly secrets I

n the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the entire Philippines has been in a dire state. Cases have skyrocketed, deaths seem to be never-ending, and healthcare workers are nearing their limits. With the entire country in a dystopian-like state, who can our healthcare workers rely on to give them asylum?

In trying times like these, Filipinos are not expecting a superhero to sweep them off their feet and magically make the pandemic disappear.

Instead, Filipinos turn to the government agencies, specifically the Department of Health (DOH) to give them direction and refuge during this state of medical emergency. But what if our own government fails us? What if the organization that we have been expecting to rescue us during these trying times is doing anything but that? Who will be held accountable?

The Commission on Audit (COA) recently released an audit report flagging DOH for its numerous “deficiencies” in handling the budget

job. With the sheer amount of underutilized budget, it is understandable for the general public to have their suspicions.

Following COA’s release of the audit, DOH Health Secretary Francisco Duque III started falling into the conspiracy theory rabbit hole. In a virtual hearing, Duque tearfully shared that he and the entire DOH team had been "sleepless" due to being shamed, bloodied, and bludgeoned by COA's report that invited public scrutiny and condemnation towards the agency. "Winarak na ninyo kami eh. Winarak na ninyo ang dangal ng DOH. Winarak ninyo ang lahat ng mga kasama ko dito," he cried. Further adding that the criticism toward them was "unfair and unjust,” as they were supposedly not given due process and the full 60 days to submit their response.

COA Chairperson Michael Aguinaldo refuted Duque’s claims. He explained that before the audit report was transmitted to the DOH and published on the website, resident auditors conducted several

entire pandemic before they did their exposé.

Isn’t it odd to witness the revelation unfolding too late, but on time for the iron fist to set the country on fire and ice? DOH should’ve made the audit report public a long time ago and not wait for it to blow out of proportion. As for Duterte, he should’ve called for an investigation regarding this matter and not coverup DOH’s tracks.

It’s so easy for Duque to clear DOH’s “ruined honor”—just submit the needed documents that will get rid of all the suspicions instead of throwing a pity party. But why won’t they do it? If there is no corruption why not just allocate the budget correctly?

It is unfortunate that Filipinos seem to forget that government officials should be treated as servant leaders that can be held accountable for their actions, not saints nor heroes to be worshipped. Our government system should be a strong pillar that promote public interest—not a lousy circus tattered

If the budget had been properly utilized it would’ve eased healthcare workers’ burdens and saved more lives. reserved for the COVID-19 pandemic response.

The said report stated that the DOH did not touch P59.125 billion of its budget allotments in 2020 to the bewilderment of the auditors.

DOH’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Funds (DRRMF), spent only P316 million out of the P1.7 billion entrusted to it in 2020. DOH was given a Health Emergency Preparedness and Response (HEPR) fund of P279.49 million, but it spent only P69.59 million as of year-end. It also had a Quick Response Fund (QRF) of P827.638 million, and a calamity fund amounting to P593.836 million.Yet COA said that DOH spent only P185.59 million of the QRF and P61 million of the calamity fund. COA also questioned DOH's underutilization of donations received from the Chinese embassy, having spent only P4.145 million to buy a light cargo truck and a small delivery van.

DOH is the government sector that received one of the biggest budgets following the advent of the pandemic; however, billions of pesos disappeared into thin air. The data presented is only the tip of the iceberg—who knows how much more “discrepancies” there are. These so-called “deficiencies” should not be taken lightly considering it involved huge amounts of money that had the potential of saving the lives of millions of Filipinos. But why did DOH choose to underutilize these resources? The name says it all, “Department of Health,” the institution tasked with taking care of the health of the Filipinos especially during a medical crisis but they are not doing their

meetings and an exit conference with DOH officials.

Despite this, DOH failed to submit all the needed documents to COA. Contrary to what Duque believes, COA had no intention of ruining DOH. COA audited DOH’s use of public money because it’s their job.

COA’s Report on DOH deficiencies did not mention anything about corruption. However, why did DOH react defensively? It looks like people only get mad and defensive when they know they’re guilty.

"One whiff of corruption and you’re out."President Duterte famously said these words during his campaign for presidency, but where is that enthusiasm now that DOH is reeking of suspicious activities? Instead of going after DOH, Duterte defended DOH saying that these “deficiencies” are a result of incomplete paperwork. He further added that it is “pure b***s***” to say that the Php 67.3-billion budget for pandemic response has been stolen. How can he not take this seriously when there are millions of citizens and healthcare workers who are dying and billions of pesos have vanished into thin air? Despite all of this, Duterte continues to insist that there is no corruption in DOH. If DOH had sleepless nights, then how about our healthcare workers? The audacity of DOH to say that they have been sleepless when healthcare workers in our country have been working day and night since the COVID-19 pandemic happened.

COA also had a contribution in this chaotic mess.

The agency noticed that the DOH’s “deficiencies” is a yearly recurring problem; however, they waited for an

with crybabies, clowns and thieves. They are not fragile ornaments or snowflakes that could shatter on the slightest criticism.

These agencies should’ve done better, instead of whining their incompetence and insincere motives on national television and social media. We need government agencies to embody transparency, responsiveness, consensus-orientedness, equity and inclusiveness, effectiveness and efficiency and accountability.

Moreover, DOH should provide health workers with hazard pays as they placing their lives on the line. Hospitals should’ve been provided with complete hospital equipment; and provide a better vaccination program where the masses, will be accommodated and assisted in any way possible while proving proper and accurate health education for them to become responsible citizens—there is so much you can do with billions of pesos. If the budget had been properly utilized it would’ve eased healthcare workers’ burdens and saved more lives.

When will DOH start supporting our healthcare workers — when they drop dead from exhaustion?

In a time when we needed them the most, DOH should’ve been the bridge between the government and the people, instead, they became charcoaled stairs, bringing people towards the fangs of a health crisis while filling their own gluttonous pockets.

DOH failed the Filipinos, DOH failed the entire country. C

Playing Vaccine Roulette

17

BULL'S EYE

BY KALANIE SALDAJENO

hesitancy and vaccine preference.

According to the Department of Health, fear of possible side effects of COVID-19 vaccines remains the top reason why some Filipinos are still hesitant to be inoculated against the disease. On the other hand, those who are willing to get vaccinated show a bias on what vaccine they should get.

In a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey, 9% of adult Filipinos prefer Sinovac’s vaccine. In comparison, 32% prefer Pfizer’s—these two brands are currently the top picks and have been garnering much longer queues than other brands.

This creates a problem since these two vaccines are usually the first to run out, and some people refuse to get vaccinated unless it’s their chosen vaccine brand. In response to this issue, President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered local officials not to disclose the brand name of the shots to encourage people to get inoculated

more distrust toward vaccines and urged the National Task Force Against COVID-19 to reconsider its brandagnostic policy. In addition, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian warned that not disclosing the COVID-19 vaccine brand to its recipients in advance will “aggravate fear” among the public.

The issue of the lack of consent has also been raised as it is a human’s right to gain information and have autonomy over their bodies. Not disclosing the vaccine brands violate these rights since people will no longer have the freedom to evaluate different vaccine brands prior to vaccination individually. If they are able to have a thorough assessment regarding the brand and other details, they will be able to consent or decline the offered vaccination intelligently.

“Non-prior public disclosure of vaccine brand may be a practical measure only to avoid delays, undue hedging, and over-extended lines for EDITORIAL BOARD S.Y. 2 0 2 0 - 2 0 2 1

In these trying times, people are living in fear—both of the virus and the unknown. Not disclosing what vaccine brand they’re supposed to be getting will only intensify those fears.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Kathleen Frugalidad

THE CENTRAL ECHO

OVID-19 pandemic—a historical event that surely will be remembered but for all the wrong reasons. Millions of people from different walks of the globe were infected, and some were even unlucky enough to meet their early demise. This virus has struck fear into the hearts of every human being and placed the world’s entire activities at a stop. Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare nurses have been thrusts into the frontlines—they became soldiers as entire humanity wages war against the virus. As the world continues to plunge into darkness, a new hope comes to light—the development of COVID-19 vaccines.

For vaccines to be developed in less than a year was no easy feat. This was made possible through the efforts of various pharmaceutical companies, scientists and researchers. However, to create a vaccine that can combat a global pandemic as widespread

opinion

C

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Zharina Marie Stephanie Lugo MANAGING EDITOR

with whatever is available. “Whether you are a millionaire or a pauper, you get what is given to you. You can’t choose. Have yourselves vaccinated by any of the vaccines available? They are all potent. They are all effective.

There’s no reason for you, really, to be picky about it,” he added.

In a press briefing, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said, “The President noticed that our fellow countrymen have become choosy when it comes to the vaccine brand.

So, we appeal for understanding from our fellow countrymen. Our position really is that there is no policy giving the people the opportunity to choose.”

Despite persuading Filipinos to get vaccinated as soon as possible, these statements from the president and the spokesperson were met with backlash and criticism from both politicians and the public.

In these trying times, people are living in fear—both of the virus and the unknown. Not disclosing what vaccine brand they’re supposed to be getting will only intensify those fears.

Vice President Leni Robredo voiced that the government’s directive not to disclose the vaccine brands before they are administered might fuel

a preferred brand in the government’s free vaccination program,” says Domingo Cayosa, national president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP).

This right to information shouldn’t be taken away from us. Sure, nondisclosure of vaccine brands is much easier and faster, but a person’s health shouldn’t be placed over efficiency and speed. Instead, the government should focus on spreading CORRECT information and dispelling myths about vaccines. Rather than placing fear and pressure on Filipinos to get vaccinated, they should be equipped with proper information so that they can make intelligent decisions and choose to get vaccinated by themselves. Knowing what type of vaccine brand is one of the only ways we can have a semblance of control over what’s happening in our bodies, especially during an era where so much uncertainty occurs. Our health and our bodies are not supposed to be left in the hands of fate, nor is it a game. Humans are gifted with reason and understanding, and this is the proper place and time to use it. C

WEB ADMINISTRATOR

Ryan Dave Poral LAYOUT ARTISTS

Gad Castro Danica Hablado GRAPHIC ARTIST

Prince Ric Emmanuel Paciente ONLINE WRITERS

Yusimay Hablado Kalanie Saldajeno Coleen Casanova Karren Jay Asgar CONTRIBUTORS

Bejay Songcog Pierre Jhun San Pedro Ray Angelo Jagna-an ADVISERS

Ron Adrian Dionaldo Rea Angelica Villeza OFFICE

3rd floor, Alfonso Uy Student Union Bldg., Central Philippine University, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000 CONTACT

 329-1971 loc 1051  central.echo@gmail.com  Central Echo (Facebook page)

NO VOICE UNHEARD

as this, multiple companies have to invest in creating their own vaccines.

This resulted in the development of multiple vaccines from different companies with varying levels of efficacy but all with the same purpose—to protect citizens against coronavirus.

Intending to develop herd immunity in mind, the government is planning on purchasing more or less seven different brands of vaccines. As of now, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued emergency use authorizations to 7 COVID-19 vaccines, namely: Pfizer– BioNTech, Oxford–AstraZeneca, Sinovac, Sputnik V, Janssen, Covaxin, and Moderna. In addition, there are eight other vaccines on order for the program, at varying stages of development. You probably think that since there are multiples vaccines created and available, we are all safe, and we can now return to our old lives, right? This should be the case, but sadly it isn’t.

It turns out acquiring herd immunity isn’t as easy a task as government officials thought it to be.

Instead, these circumstances gave birth to a new set of problems: vaccine

Rachel Beatizula

The Independent Student Media of a Free Student Body

Band-aid Solution

FOUNDED 1910

CLAMOUR

BY DANICA V. HABLADO

A

learning methods. Among online learners, the phrases “academic freeze” and “ligtas na balik eskwela” have been highly popular, highlighting the need for better solutions in a country where internet connection is unstable and most students are struggling with lack of resources needed for virtual classes.

With flexible learning becoming the norm, it seems like there are no concrete, long-term plans on returning to normalcy. One would think that after reopening business establishments, the government would also come up with steps to ensure the safe reopening of physical classes, but De Vera reasons out that “going back to the traditional face-to-face classes would waste the investments in technology, teachers’

training, and retrofitting of facilities.”

The most pressing question of all—is Flexible Learning truly flexible?

Or is it simply inefficient, anti-poor, and a band-aid solution to a complex and urgent problem that has put the welfare of learners and educators at risk? Before the pandemic hit, there had been an existing divide brought by privilege already. In the alternative modes of learning, both online and offline, this gap has been made even more evident and tremendous, for “going to school” was as good as having the upper hand when it comes to having the resources and money in the time of unemployment and instability.

©2021 All rights reserved. Copyright reverts to the respective authors, illustrators, and photographers whose work appear in this issue.

PRINTED AT

Makinaugalingon Printer & Bookbinder 251 Lopez Jaena St., Baluarte, Molo, Iloilo City TABLOID DESIGN BY

Gad Castro READ MORE ON PAGE 18, BAND-AID SOLUTION

This publication is not for sale.

issuu.com/thecentralecho

lmost a complete school year after the education sector adapted the flexible learning system that combines different methods of teaching, CHED chairperson declared in a webinar on May 21 that “there is no going back to the traditional full-packed, face-toface classrooms,” causing the clamor of students and teachers for a safe resumption of face-to-face classes to be reignited. After the uproar on social media and various criticisms from youth groups, De Vera said that many are “confusing” flexible learning with online learning and that they cannot have a “one-size fits all policy at this point.”

Even early into the school year, students have already been chanting for changes to be made in the exhaustive and non-conducive

The Central Echo is an independently managed and financed student press. Opinions expressed herein by the authors, respondents, and artists are exclusively theirs and do not necessarily reflect those of the University or the entire editorial board.

18

The Price of Pink: Why Being a Woman Can Be Expensive

BAND-AID SOLUTION

opnion

FROM PAGE 17

Is Flexible Learning truly flexible? Or is it simply inefficient, antipoor, and a band-aid solution to a complex and urgent problem

BULL’S EYE

BY KALANIE SALDAJENO

I

More so, are students actually learning?

Or are they only pushing through, putting health and sanity at risk for the sake of complying? Not all homes are conducive for studying. Not all students are equipped with devices to keep up with the demands of online classes. Not all educational programs can be exclusively learned through online simulations. Not everyone has access to stable and working internet.

Based on DepEd data, close to four million students could not enroll for the current school year. If the set-up remains unchanged, this number is expected to increase. Early into the school year, we remember viral stories of students climbing trees and mountains to access the internet for their classes better.

In addition, mental health webinars have been continually sprouting from all corners of the web—a temporary solution that does not fully address the mental crisis brought by the failed pandemic response. Even worse, headlines were continually showing up with a common theme of deaths connected to the difficulties in the modular and online learning modes.

What De Vera described as a flexible system where universities will mix and match flexible learning methods appropriate to their situation is simply ineffective considering all the factors and variables mentioned. While mixing and matching available options for learning is a choice, it cannot be denied that the government has come up with various unsustainable solutions without actually addressing the primary root of the problem. The sad but essential truth is that, at the end of the day, the disadvantages will far outweigh the supposed strong points of this policy. Students and educators alike are exhausted and ultimately used up. The outcome is not surprising at all when the system was not designed with their wellbeing in the first place. C

t’s a man’s world they say and it appears that any woman of the 21st century can’t seem to catch a break. We receive less pay, get fewer job opportunities and lastly, we have the risk of getting harassed every time we stepped out of our houses. To make things worse, we have been paying more for daily necessities like toiletries, clothes—basically, anything from the women’s section of the mall is overpriced compared to its male counterpart and we might haven’t even noticed! This is due to something called Pink Tax. Pink tax refers to the extra amount of money women pay for specific products even if the sole difference from the items marketed to the opposite sex is merely superficial design. It is sometimes referred to as price

to the female market. This strategy seems to say these feminine items are made for women hence they should pay more since such products are specially designed for women.

Yes, women want products that are specially catered to them but please do it without the sexist and discriminatory stereotypes.

In the Philippines, the idea of Pink Tax remains relatively new and unknown, however, countries like the United States have conducted studies around this topic.

In a study conducted by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) in 2015, they examined an estimate of 800 products from more than 90 brands. In this study, it was found that women’s products are seven percent more expensive than products

As consumers, we also have the responsibility to be more aware of the products and brands we support. discrimination or gender pricing. Pink Tax has been around for a while but it always managed to get swept under the rug. Upon entering a store, you can easily see the divide as products are usually marketed and displayed based on gender. “Masculine” products come in a darker packaging ranging from the colors blue to navy with a “manlier” sounding brand names while products marketed towards women come in pink and glittery packaging with a more “delicate and feminine” name. If it has a fragrance, men’s products usually smell something like sandalwood or old spice—no floral scents around. The thing is, the problem does not lie in the color of the packing nor the scents but more about the gender-based price discrimination.

The concept of Pink Tax is also rooted in a marketing strategy called the “shrink it and pink it” method. In this approach, manufacturers believe that the color and size of a product need to be altered for it to be marketable and attractive to female consumers. Due to this, items aimed at women come at a higher price point and yet contain less of the product. This “shrink it and pink it” strategy should stop and manufacturers should start thinking of other ways to appeal

42 percent (42%) of the time, and an identical product sold in the men’s section is relatively cheaper. A classic example would be the razors sold in most drug stores. The only difference is the color wherein the “men’s” version is blue and the “women’s” version is pink. Despite this, the women’s version is relatively more expensive than the men’s.

Pink Tax further widens the economic and social divide between women and men.

Women shouldn’t be charged more merely because they are women. If manufacturers want to appeal to the female demographic, they should start looking beyond packaging and stop these ridiculous price hikes. As consumers, we also have the responsibility to be more aware of the products and brands we support. Albeit buying gender-neutral items or buying from the men’s section can save you from paying pink tax, this doesn’t address the problem at all. We should bring the spotlight to this issue, stay informed and actively raise awareness. Hopefully, through these measures, we can someday get rid of this so-called Pink Tax. As women we shouldn’t be discouraged, we are no stranger to fighting for our rights—it looks like this time we have to do it again. C

Katawan at Dignidad ang Puhunan: Dapat nga ba sila Protektahan?

PLUMA NI KARREN JAY G. ASGAR

NO VOICE UNHEARD

P

ilipinas- kung saan naghihingalo sa labis na karalitaan at kahirapan, patuloy din ang paglaganap ng mga taong sarado ang kaisipan sa topikong ‘sex work’. Sa panahon ngayon, ito ay tinuturing pa rin na “taboo” ng mga nakakarami. Subalit ang tanong ng karamihan, nararapat bang isawalang krimen ang ‘sex work’ sa nasabing bansa?

May mga iba’t ibang rason at opinyon na patuloy na pumipigil sa mga ganitong klase ng trabaho. Gaya na lamang ng mga konserbatibong lipunan na ikinababahala ang pagpapahintulot sa trabahong ‘sex work’.

Dahil para sa kanila, ang gawaing ito ay labag sa kanilang sariling konsepto, paniniwala, kultura, at relihiyon. Ang prostitusyon para sa kanila ay pinaniniwalaang kasalanan at dapat ikondena ng bawat isa. Gayundin ang pagpapatupad ng Artikulo 202 ng Revised Penal Code kung saan ang pagbebenta ng aliw o prostitusyon sa bansa ay tinaguriang isang krimen at mayroong kaakibat na mga parusang dapat harapin lalo sa mga taong mapapatunayang sangkot dito. Nakasaad din sa Magna Carta for Women na ang prostitusyon ay isang uri ng karahasan sa mga kababaihan. Naglalahad din ito ng pahayag na kung saan ang mga babaeng nadawit dito ay biktima lamang ng iligal na aktibidad at dapat silang protektahan at kaawaan.

Pinaniniwalaan din ng nakakarami na kapag

ang gawaing ito ay maging legal sa bansa, mas pagtutuunan ito ng oras at atensyon bilang isang ganap na trabaho.

Iligal man ang trabahong ito sa bansang Pilipinas, pero ipinatupad pa rin ang pagpapatibay ng libreng serbisyong medikal para sa mga sex workers sa pamamagitan ng ‘Pink Card’. Ito ay nagbibigay ng permiso para sa mga babaeng nagtatrabaho bilang GRO upang magkaroon ng libreng STD test kada dalawang beses sa isang buwan. Patuloy pa rin ang suporta ng gobyerno para sa mga tinatawag na sex workers. Nagkaroon na rin ng iba’t ibang programa at aktibidad na nagbibigay gabay at tulong para sa kanila.

Bilang isang mamamayan na namulat sa realidad, ako ay naniniwala na dapat isawalang krimen ang sex work sa bansa.

Ayon sa mga eksperto, ang gawaing ito ay nakikitang benepisyal para sa pagpapanatili at lumukob sa buhay may asawa.

Napapatunayan din na ang gawaing ito ay nagpapalakas ng loob batay sa konteksto ng peminismo sa mga kababaihan. Kailangan lamang ng sapat na edukasyon para sa bawat isa tungkol sa bagay na ito. Kung ito man ay maging legal sa bansang Pilipinas, kailangan pa rin ang karampatang protokol at ligtas na mga proseso para sa mga taong susubok nito.

Isa sa karaniwang rason ng kababaihan kung bakit nila napili ang trabahong ito ay

para malagpasan ang gutom at maitaguyod ang pamilya dulot ng karukhaan. Ito ay isang uri ng trabaho kung saan kailangang itaya ang katawan sa iba habang dignidad naman ang itinuturing na puhunan. Hindi nila kailanman pinili ang trabahong ito. Bagkus, ang gawaing ito ang pumilit sa kanila upang patuloy na mabuhay at masustentuhan ang pangangailangan ng kanilang pamilya.

Sa panahon ngayon kung saan ang lahat ay patuloy na nagbabago, ganoon din sana ang ating kaisipan para sa mga taong mulat na sa kahirapan. Dulot na rin ng pandemyang patuloy na lumalaganap, ganon din ang hirap sa paghanap ng trabaho upang masuportahan ang kanilang mga pangangailangan. Kaya sila bilang kababaihan ay napilitang magtrabaho bilang sex workers at tahakin ang mundo ng prostitusyon. Kung ang sex work ay mapapawalang krimen sa bansa, ito ay makakapagbawas ng peligro at panganib sa kanilang tinatahak na trabaho.

Nakakaranas din sila ng diskriminasyon at pang-aapi sa mga taong may masasamang intensyon. Ito rin ay makakapagbigay sa kanila ng karapatan upang maprotektahan ng batas kahit sila na mismo ay aminadong hindi ito tama at nararapat sa mata ng karamihan.

READ MORE ON PAGE 19, DIGNIDAD

19 MAXIMUM  VOLUME

NO FILTER

BY RHYS CAMACHO

T

he world has always been as challenging and fascinating as I always imagine. Life is never too simple after all the heightened utilization of social media platforms and continuous bombardment of information via the Internet. People can never realize how short life is until regrets and disillusionments hit them hard and long. Despite the ugliness and emptiness experienced by everyone, the very tenet of such human existence still holds water – we are all built to persist, bear, struggle, and survive. This behooves me all the more to switch my humanity on whenever I get confronted with difficulties and dilemmas in all aspects of my plight.

Against the tapestry of horrific and dangerous times of COVID-19 terrors, our psyche is riddled with paranoia, helplessness, despair, fright, and frustration. We started to question the inner core of our faith in God. Our families succumbed to the raging waves of this menacing COVID virus.

The communities had been disenfranchised and distraught. The government could not contain the continuing havoc wreaked by various strains of this said virus. The economic status of every citizen was pulverized into shocking pieces. The majority of the business and commerce sectors had been paralyzed and stunted. The education system was nonetheless affected and rendered futile as 2020, and 2021 graduates never had the chance to march and receive their diplomas in graduation rites. All churches and places of worship were shut down.

Theme parks, inland resorts, and beaches were closed. No one and nothing was spared at these trying and bleak times.

With my personal narratives unfolding herein, I am going to tackle first about my family. COVID-19 struck our region sometime in November of 2019.

I have been keen on updating my family and friends in view of the COVID-19 onset by watching

THE CENTRAL ECHO

Risking It All for What I Believe Amid the COVID-19 Tribulation

the television, listening to the radio, and reading the news on the Internet locally, nationally, and internationally. I followed all the health and safety protocols set by all institutions and organizations, from World Health Organization to the Philippine government. My family had been a victim of witchhunting by linking us to the nasty accusation that we contacted the COVID-19 virus. We were exposed to wrongful allegations and sickening rumors spread in a community typical of a close-knit dynamic.

Sadly, the detractors were guilty. We survived another battle.When you say village or community, the Philippines is no stranger to this. We are collectivistic and intimate that we always have the high regard to be there for one another no matter what happens.

READ MORE ON PAGE 22, TRIBULATION

To be a Torchbearer or a Zombie of the Future?

DIGNIDAD FROM PAGE 18

CONVICTION

BY ZHARINA MARIE STEPHANIE LUGO

P

hilippine history is a coalition of truth, dignity, sacrifice, and strength that reminds us of who we are in the past, present, and future. It has a significant role in highlighting our strengths and faults and moving us forward without fear or hesitation.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was right when he said, “We are not makers of history. We are made by history.”

Of course, others may not see the importance of history subjects, We all should cultivate our historical and cultural roots and educate people to learn from it to have a progressive country.

As soon DepEd scratched Philippine History from the Junior High School curriculum, things definitely changed, with most

integrated or not.

It’s no longer surprising to hear and see some Filipinos praising Marcos’ leadership and listening to baffling historical facts being rewritten by odd vloggers with no solid understanding of what happened in the past.

Taking Philippine history out of our national education is like ripping our veins and bones out of our flesh and walking aimlessly into the unknown future.

With the absence of our history in textbooks and modules, we are breeding people prone to absorb various cultures from foreign places and leave our country behind bars of silence and hopelessness. If no one would give importance to

of patriotism and nationalism burning in the hearts of each Filipino that they could reach.

As they gather numerous signatures for the petition to return Philippine History to its rightful place, it is a good sign that Filipinos still want to keep the country’s history alive and honor the bloodshed of our heroes in the past.

Like other subjects, Philippine history is essential, especially for the younger generation. It can help them build their character and revive the spirit of nationalism within them.

It will be a torch that can guide them to unlimited opportunities and keep them away from the risk of historical revisionism. With a strong

Taking Philippine history out of our national education is like ripping our veins and bones out of our flesh and walking aimlessly into the unknown future. our history in the Philippines, who would do it for us?

Initiatives and petitions were created to raise awareness among the Filipino people through online platforms and social media.

There are groups of people who believed in the power of Philippine History, and so the High School Philippine History Movement, formerly known as the “Ibalik ang Philippine History sa High School Movement,” was born amidst chaos and confusion to provide holistic history education and to shed light and raise awareness to the citizens of this country.

This informal, independent, and non-partisan group of patriotic Filipinos are torchbearers of truth and hope, spreading awareness about the removal of Philippine history through infographics, short videos, articles, and petitions. They are dedicated to keeping the flames

foundation of the country’s history, they can say something about it and learn from its unique perspectives and angles.

The Philippine history is a bundle of threads that keep us all intact and connected. No matter where we go, it is within our lives, beliefs, and aspirations. It makes us Filipino citizens who can fight for our native land against those who threaten to distort it with words, force, and lies.

Philippine history must be returned to its rightful place, or else we will watch this cycle repeat in horror, endlessly distorting our hearts made of patriotism and nationalism. If not saved from this historical revisionism, you might become a zombie of the future whose mind and spirit are empty and dead inside. C

Ang mga sex workers ay maaaring pagtawanan at husgahan ng karamihan dahil sa estado ng kanilang trabaho. Madali lamang bumitaw ng mga masasakit na salita sa kanila pero alalahanin natin na may kuwento sa likod ng desisyon na ito. May kakayahan tayo na tulungan silang makawala sa nararanasan nilang diskriminasyon.

Isa na rito ang layunin ng pamahalaan na sila ay bigyan ng proteksiyon mula sa mga pangugutya at kalupitan ng ibang tao sa kanila. Sila lamang ay naging biktima ng kahirapan at hindi sana tayo magbulag-bulagan na sila rin ay magdusa at maging biktima ng karahasan. Ngayon ang tamang panahon na atin itong aksiyunan. Sila dapat ay makatanggap ng seguridad at proteksiyonhindi maging alipin ng batas. C

issuu.com/thecentralecho

Filipino people not noticing it.

Others may see this subject as baggage that needed to be literally “left” in the crossroads of the past and present, but let us remember of what Dr. Jose Rizal had written: “He who does not know how to look back at where he came from will never get to his destination.”

Unfortunately, this drastic move has the power to drain nationalism, patriotism, and our historical victories from the roots of this native land and the hearts and minds of every Filipino.

DepEd Secretary Leonor Briones stated that “Philippine history may not be a part of the High School curriculum, but it would be integrated into several subjects.”

This might sound possible, but feel free to check the modules and textbooks yourself, especially in Aralin Panlipunan and Filipino, if Philippine history was really

Sa panahon ngayon kung saan ang lahat ay patuloy na nagbabago, ganoon din sana ang ating kaisipan para sa mga taong mulat na sa kahirapan.

20

paniplat THE CENTRAL ECHO Official Student Media of Central Philippine University Volume 111 No.3

The Bookshop

BY PRINCE EMMANUEL RIC PACIENTE

F

ar deep into the town’s market, near the shore, hides a single bookshop, lit only by the sunset.

Some say it’s abandoned. Left to dust due to those weird books contained by its shelves and counters. Others say its mystical – filled with peculiar stuff and wonders that only appear only to those who posses the courage to seek truth.

A boy makes his way towards the bookshop, his steps were fueled by nothing but his mind's desire for satisfaction. He’s one of them, truthseekers, a title worth that attracts side eyes and piercing whispers.

But his music is too loud to care.

Neither stares nor words stop him from entering this shop.

The bell chimed, his favourite smell lingers in his nose as soon as he stepped in. He’s greeted by his own reflection in a mirror.

A sign says, “POINT A FINGER HERE” – which he found silly. Just below it, a megaphone flipped and taped for some reason. On his side, a newsstand filled with new and updated papers despite of it being abandoned, and on his right, a skull hidden behind fiction books down under.

He rummages through the centre aisle only to be welcomed by pages of a manuscript lying on the floor. Just a few inches away from it are two books: a blue one opened to a page with a Mark Twain quote and a pink one with “WOMAN” printed on its cover. He smiles.

He paused for a while, noticing a school of goldfish swimming through the air which then led him into a wall filled with framed butterflies with all sorts of colour.

So this is wonder.

He started strumming his hands through the books on the shelves.

Each timed as if it was a ticking roulette. Sprightly, swiftly… and it slows down.

Slower.

Until it stopped… on a scarlet cover – the one he’s been looking for.

A book titled “NOT A HERO”. C

21

paniplat THE CENTRAL ECHO

NO VOICE UNHEARD

issuu.com/thecentralecho

NO VOICE UNHEARD

opnion

22

TRIBULATION FROM PAGE 19

The community where I belong did have cases of COVID-19. What made the surge in the number of cases previously could be attributed to the Overseas Foreign Workers. We did not have the local strains of the aforementioned virus. Since we got this massive sense of responsibility and concern, we have managed to curb the dreadful rise of the COVID-19 cases in the middle of 2020. At the present time, there are several cases to date as safety measures have been stringently followed. We took the battle to a considerable level that we ought to protect our families and communities. Quite a paragon of resilience is embedded in our blueprints.

Meanwhile, our government has never been more specific with the urgent and valid measures in countering the spike of the COVID-19 cases. These doctors, nurses, medical technicians, health aides, and other health workers had been taken for granted.

I was appalled by the concept of giving more priority to the military personnel rather than health experts. When can military men be more powerful than those medical authorities? Will the lives of the people be at the mercy of these military officials? This is no politicizing or grandstanding at that.

Good thing, our renowned celebrities and artists staged charitable concerts online to help our health front-liners with their needed PPE gowns, food, and other essentials. I would like to share my chronicle to the entire world about my beloved Philippines. I have been hoping that our government leaders be enlightened all the more when people today are in pandemonium because of the invisible enemy, like the COVID virus, which seems formidable.

Alongside the hapless victims of the fight against COVID, such as teachers, I can surmise that (being one of them) we have to innovate, re-define, and re-tool ourselves by giving out the best to the learners. Despite the odds we all have to contend with, we must be true to our calling – we need to make an immense stand that no matter what the cost, we serve as this light at the end of the tunnel. Based on my truest experiences doing the hybrid teaching-learning process, I have been getting positive and comforting feedback that online learning is not as complex and boring as it sounds. Yes, we have to lead our learners to the genuine trajectory that education fears no enemy; not even COVID can dampen our soul and mind.

The new normal is not the right normalcy we used to believe in, but we better take the platform wherein our voices are heard and appreciated. Now is not the time to give up and yield to the monstrosity of COVID-19.

We assume this “Now,” and we cannot afford to be subjugated to the shackles of fear and sadness.

Whatever future holds, and uncertainty is part of the equation, we Filipinos do not vacillate in our faith. I, for one, am breathing life in my trust in the Omnipotent. We resort to praying, singing out our convictions, and viewing these aired masses via cable television. Our fire of faith still burns in our very veins. We huddle in proximity in terms of our religious beliefs. We are intensely resilient. Our hearts are ignited by this unwavering commitment and devotion that we as people, families, and communities soar higher and dream bigger. One classic example is my mother, Judith. She used to be an indefatigable religious leader in her Neo-Catechumenal Way community. She frequently, yet gently reminds me to join her in her prayerful routine every evening.

She does hear the mass over the radio or on television diligently. What better ways to become saner and stronger having this dogged faith on our side?

Conversely, life is meant for us people to cherish and take delight in. We have families whom we can love and depend on. They serve as our reservoir of hope and fortitude.

Communities or villages can play vital

Meanwhile, our government has never been more specific with the urgent and valid measures in countering the spike of the COVID-19 cases.

These doctors, nurses, medical technicians, health aides, and other health workers had been taken for granted. roles for our survival and diversity. These can make us expand our horizon of clarity and sanity. We have to contribute to the welfare of our society apart from affording our support groups and other pertinent services. Then, the government reminds and redirects our attention to the value of democracy and people. We have to be wary and sensitive to the system, conventions, and policies mandated by the government.

It is our intrinsic right to be heard and seen.

We can never afford to be passive citizens of our country. Speaking of education, it is one essential fabric of our existence that we have to be guided by knowledge, intelligence, and wisdom accordingly. I am part and parcel of education. The university (Central Philippine University) where I am connected believes in the essence of students as central to teaching and learning. How enduring such thought it evokes, isn’t it?

On the contrary, having God at the center of my life can never be more fulfilling.

You, I, and we all need to awaken our soul that this mysterious force is far greater and more significant than this disturbing and tormenting COVID-19 virus. We do not have to surrender to the countless deaths, fatalistic fears, deeper discontent, and ongoing tragedies. We can surely reclaim our power to stand and to move onwards.

This faith in God truly works wonders throughout the ages.

After all this weaving of my narratives, I can envision the world that we can embrace love, faith, hope, and courage altogether.

We do not give fears the chance to claim further victories and conquests. We can rise from our collapsed realms, damaged selves, scarred souls, and lost battles. Nothing is much sweeter and more profound than lifting our humanity to the best abilities we have. Something awaits us all. There is always a silver lining that we somehow missed to comprehend and reflect. Not to mention, this nearness of people, known or unknown, is simply within our grasp. At first, we failed to decode or heed the signs of times. We tried to indulge ourselves in the trappings of our selfishness and desires. We allow others to tell us or dictate whatever we think we want, not need. There is this evident difference between a want and a need. Our ethical decision is our accountability, a reflection of our genuine selves.

Hence, amid all the series of unfortunate events and lamentable situations, we have to respect and understand our fears better. Let us not be devoured by apprehensions and doubts. We get to go on living and fulfilling our purpose in life. COVID-19 will not be the last pandemic we are going to face. There will be another strain of infectious diseases that may alter our lives, blur our goals, and block our directions. The invaluable lesson I learned from this COVID-19 upheaval: there is one thing I am willing to take risks for – to be not overwhelmingly afraid and get easily defeated! C

 ROGER QUIMPO AND NELSON DIESTO Good Old Days CPU FB Page

23

features THE CENTRAL ECHO

THE CENTRAL ECHO Official Student Media of Central Philippine University Volume 111 No.3

A Nostalgic Glimpse of the Past

HALCYON

DAYS

BY DAN P. DORILLO PAST PRESIDENT, CPUAAI

H

READ MORE ON PAGE 24, HALCYON

issuu.com/thecentralecho

alcyon. I have been fascinated by this word since I first encountered it in a book with the same title. One day I found time to look it up in the dictionary to know what it really means: “calm,” “peaceful,” “happy,” “ affluent.”

As we add on years, I had long discovered that we tend to look back to our own “halcyon days” - when things were simple, uncomplicated, and predictable, and when the cost of living was definitely much lower than today. Perhaps my generation would consider the decade of the 50s as our own halcyon days; the lifestyle then was more healthful (and less stressful) without cell phones, e-mails, McDo, junk food, bird flu, covid, traffic jams, street demonstrations, coup d’etats, energy crisis, and pollution; fare to downtown Iloilo up to Fort San Pedro was an incredible five centavos on the Serantes “round trip” bus, and so was a bottle of soft drinks (Union); a bowl of batchoy was twenty centavos, and candies were sold at duha singko. Top-of-the-line Esco shoes could be had for P20.00, and Elpo rubber shoes cost less than P10.00 a pair. At that time, one could start a family with a salary of only P120.00 a month!

The coming of each summer during that memorable era was always anticipated with childhood glee, as we boys looked forward to doing what boys normally do during summers - climb trees, swim in the Salog river, palupad burador kag panirador pispis sa tabuk suba, or just horse around inside the CPU campus. Fruits of the season were in abundance at this time of year, including some that have become rare and considered “exotic” today: lumboy, garangan, tambis, sarguelas, kamonsil, sambag, santol, atis, chico, star-apple, bayabas, mabolo, tseresa. It was also at about this time that the world was ushered into the space age, and so every other else’s dog was named “Sputnik” - after the first-ever space satellite launched by the Russians. It is also the name the Russians gave their Covid vaccine recently developed.

24

 CENTRALIAN LINK Centralian Link FB Page

features THE CENTRAL ECHO Official Student Media of Central Philippine University Volume 111 No.2

HALCYON FROM PAGE 23

Summers would not be complete without some kids undergoing the rite of passage – the initiation into manhood for those brave enough to face the tigib wielded by an older boy who presided over the time-honored ceremony near the banks of the Salog river. Chewing on guava leaves in sufficient volume somewhat muffled the cry of pain during the procedure, after which the ruminated leavings was rubbed on the “cut” (the german cut was most popular) that elicited a suppressed yelp. Hapdiii.....! Afterwards, the newly initiated kid (now a “man”) was instructed to jump into the murky waters of the river to induce “healing,” as tradition went. This boys-only ritual could be likened to a girl waking up one morning into puberty. It was a secret not to be talked about and to be divulged only to trustworthy peers of confidence - never mind that the patadyong one wore for several days after the ritual announced the obvious to all and sundry.

Our memories of the halcyon days of the 50s are not only of its exciting summers but also of rainy days that often caused flooding in the CPU campus- about two to three feet deep, just enough to keep our banana rafts afloat on the football field.

We had a swell time playing “Huckleberry Finn” during those carefree days, hoping the floodwaters will not recede soon so that classes would remain suspended. At the time, nobody among us knew anything, or cared about, the ozone layer or heard of global warming or climate change. I guess we were too young then to be bothered by such high falutin words; besides, we were just too engrossed in winning our raft race to the other end of the football field.

There was a particular event one summer that keeps recurring in my mind like a bad dream. I remember that some cousins were vacationing with us during the summer break, and they, the

Hopevale: Martyrs of the Past, Heroes of the Future

BY KALANIE SALDAJENO

N

ot every story gets to have its own happy ending and not every hero gets to tell his or her tale. What I am about to tell you is more than a story, rather an account of what had transpired during the Japanese-American War. This is a tale of eleven American Baptist missionaries who gave their lives in the name of faith in God and love for the Filipino people. A tale of heroism only a servant of God could accomplish—albeit not the happiest tale.

Our story started in December 1941, less than 12 hours after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Japan set its eyes on the Philippine Islands. Soon after, troops from the Japanese Imperial Army arrived in the Philippines. Stories about the Japanese concentration camps were notorious for the horrors and tortures they would inflict on their prisoners. Several who were captured never returned and those who survived have been forever scarred. Despite the warnings and the fast-approaching shadow of war, many American Baptist missionaries in the country at that time

READ MORE ON PAGE 25, HOPEVALE

We can never understand why one goes, and another survives - this has long made me realize that we all exist on borrowed time. older boys, would let me tag along with them on their daily forays inside “Central” (CPU). For the children of that period, perhaps “lagaw ta Central” was as sweet-sounding as “let’s go malling” to kids of today. We climbed trees, gathered anahaw nuts to chew, or raided the Agri nursery for its “forbidden” fruit, the Indian mango.

On that particular day, I was with my brother Sam and some cousins, and I vividly remember that I was in “corduroy” long pants nga bakatin, and a yellow shirt. Someone bought some candies (shaped like Coca Cola) and gave me one as we were about to cross the street towards CPU. The street fronting CPU then was not as wide as it is now – maybe just half of its present width and traffic was minimal because there were very few private vehicles at that time.

Sam was the first to cross the street, running, near what is now CPU’s second gate, just in front of the present Administration building. Seeing him do that, I struggled to free myself from the grasp of a cousin to follow suit. When I managed to free myself, I hurriedly dashed across the street and then. WHAM! Everything went black. When I came to, I was lying on a patch of grass in a ditch near the school fence (there was no sidewalk then). What happened was that I was hit by an oncoming automobile and was thrown about 20 feet away, barely missing an electric post. The car was big, black, and tall with a long hood – the type you see in early gangster movies.

I guess everyone got the shock of their lives and feared the worst. Then, in the midst of the confusion, I clearly heard someone’s panicky voice above the din: “Let’s get the kid to the hospital!” he shouted as he opened the car door. When I saw the door open, I quickly got up and literally jumped inside the car excitedly as it was to be my first-ever automobile ride.

The doctors at the Iloilo Mission Hospital were puzzled because they could not find anything wrong with me; I didn’t feel any pain or remember crying. Just then, a nurse saw a lump on my face and got somewhat excited, but it turned out to be the coca cola-shaped candy I still held in my mouth. What a relief it was for all!

Since they could not find even a scratch on me, the doctors decided to send me home where a small crowd had already gathered - some of them teary-eyed with a mournful expression. Earlier, when she received reports of the accident, nanay burst into hysterical crying as all mothers typically are wont to do in such a case. Now, when assured that nothing was anything wrong with me, she blurted, still in tears, “What about that big lump on his face?” That’s when I opened my mouth, and everyone suddenly erupted into fits of laughter - no way would I part with my duha singko Coca Cola candy, accident or no accident!

I believe it was a miracle that I survived that accident, and God allowed me to celebrate my birthday soon after.

This particular incident was one of several death-defying experiences I have had through the years, the most serious of which was a head-on collision where the other driver died from multiple head injuries. We can never understand why one goes, and another survives - this has long made me realize that we all exist on borrowed time. It is by the grace of a merciful God that we continue to live each day, year after year.

Let us make each day count for Him moment, by moment. C

25

features THE CENTRAL ECHO NO VOICE UNHEARD

 ROGER QUIMPO AND NELSON DIESTO Good Old Days CPU FB Page

HOPEVALE FROM PAGE 24

The legacy of the Hopevale martyrs became an inspiration to their Filipino brethren, that despite the adversity and persecution they faced their faith did not waver nor wander.

READ MORE ON PAGE 27, HOPEVALE

issuu.com/thecentralecho

chose to stay and had continued with their ministry to the Filipinos.

War is no friend; war brings only suffering and most of all, senseless war goes against everything the Lord teaches. These are probably the same thoughts that ran through the mind of Dr. James Covell. He, along with his wife Charma, were missionaries originally stationed in Japan but went to the Philippines upon the order of the national office in the United States. The couple were originally teachers at the Kanto Gakuin School in Japan but they were transferred to the Philippines due to their vocal opposition to the war perpetrated by the Japanese. War is against the teachings of Jesus Christ and it is radical for a Christian to oppose the war.

The Covells were very open about their disdain for war. Since the Japanese Imperial Army had begun to take over, they required students in all schools to perform mandatory military exercises daily. In one of their drills, Dr. Covell showed up dressed in all black. Black is a color closely associated with death and mourning in Asian culture. Upon seeing him, the Japanese were puzzled and asked who had died, to which he replied—“Kanto Gakuin has died!” Considering the fragile political climate at that time, it was admirable how Dr. Covell stood up and voiced his beliefs. It was

because of this belief that they were transferred to the Philippines where they joined other American Baptist missionaries in Panay. Unbeknownst to the missionaries, God had something much greater in store for them.

One day, word had reached the missionaries that Japanese forces were closing in to overrun the town in Capiz where they were currently residing. It was not easy to make a decision. The group had several discussions and many sleepless nights were spent in prayer. Eventually, the group came to a consensus— they all decided not to surrender but to continue with their mission. The group was made up primarily of educators and health-care workers, namely: Jennie Clare Adams, Dorothy Antoinette Dowell, Signe Amelia Erickson, Frederick W. Meyer, Ruth Meyer, Francis Rose, Gertrude Rose, James Howard Covell, and Charma Covell (missionaries from Japan), Louise and Erle Rounds with son, Erle Douglas. The group traversed through harsh terrains walking two miles on the foothills up the mountain to a village called Katipunan —Ilonggo word for a place of gathering – located in Tapaz, Capiz.

Rev. Delfin Dianala, the pastor of Katipunan Evangelical Church at that time, welcomed the group and looked for a suitable hiding place for them. He took the group deep into the forest and the missionaries chose to settle at the bottom of a ravine surrounded by thick and lush greenery. It was beautiful—as beautiful as a hiding place could be. It was a small clearing, at the bottom of a ravine

features

26

Blinding lights: Regaining Hope Amid Adversity

BY GAD CASTRO

E

eeeeng, eeeeng, eeeeeeng!”

The sound of the siren goes on and on for more than thirty minutes, yet it doesn’t seem to bother the people inside the van. Their eyes tell that it’s normal, or at least, they simply got used to it. Almost every day, they keep on listening to this loud and unpleasant noise as if it’s the unsung opus of death, dreading for another person to be diagnosed as COVID-19 positive. This has been the routine for those frontliners working in the farflung municipality of Libacao, Aklan. Who would have thought that the virus would reach this town? For Maria Hala Deb Zambrona Estanislao, a Centralian who dedicated herself to fighting the unseen foe ever since the pandemic started, her world and job have never been the same.

STOP “As a medical technologist, we are tasked to do the preparation of specimens and swabbing of suspected and confirmed COVID- 19 person,” she said. “At first, I was overwhelmed about this pandemic because I am new to this as a medical frontliner of this generation. A medical technologist of a normal era is situated in four corners of the laboratory, reading, analyzing specimens, lab works, and other lab-related agendas. In this situation, we’re tasked to go beyond our limits.”

Within a few weeks, the once peaceful job was disrupted by COVID-19. Doing a swab test to suspected positive patients was one of the scariest jobs as a frontliner, as you might be exposed to a person with the virus. However, Maria and all of the frontliners in other parts of the globe didn’t hesitate for a second. They accepted the challenge to overcome this pandemic.

“We were doing swabbing collections on far barangays of our LGUs. Some of my colleagues collect swab specimens of dead suspected persons (post-mortem swabbing) sometimes at night.”

A Beauty Pageant Love Affair

BY KALANIE SALDAJENO

NO VOICE UNHEARD

T

hey say that there are two unofficial holidays in the Philippines that have the power to put a halt to any Filipino’s monotonous routine. Manny Pacquiao’s boxing matches have a history of clearing streets and closing shops early while beauty pageants can cause an office worker to call off work and, in some cases, cause teachers to unofficially cancel classes.

When I was a little girl, one of my earliest memories was watching the television whenever a beauty pageant was airing. Coming from a sleepy barangay in the middle of nowhere, we were one of the few families who were privileged enough to own a small television. My distant family members and neighbors would come to our house and gather in our small living room. The bamboo chairs which were made to occupy only a single person would have more than three people seated. Small children would sit on the floor and the elders brought simple miriendas usually consisting of boiled bananas and a bottle of cola that we would share. The way we shout at the television as we voiced our support for the Philippines would sometimes drown out the audio from the screen but we didn’t care. The pageant was held thousands of miles away from my home but we would cheer as if we were watching it live in a colosseum.

After the pageant, we girls would regroup and re-enact pageant scenes while pretending to be beauty queens ourselves. The streets were our catwalks and our makeshift gowns are from old curtains that we’ve managed to snatch from our windows—much to the disdain of our mothers.

We would parade the streets, paying no mind on how silly we looked, and repeat clumsy sentences from the answers of the Queens during their question-and-answer portion.

They didn’t hesitate to do their jobs in the wee hours. It’s time to stop and think about how we should support them as citizens and fellow human beings.

LOOK “My job before this pandemic is not that complicated compared to what I am facing right now,” Maria continued. “As a medical technologist in public health, I am also doing field work.

This pandemic started way back in the last quarter of 2019, field works and other medical activities are limited due to stricter health protocols. Even the world is not prepared for this pandemic.”

Indeed, protocols have been part of our pandemic lives. General Community Quarantine, Enhanced Community Quarantine, Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine, you name it. Nevertheless, their effects are the same— immensely affecting the medical practitioners in doing their jobs properly. With this experience, Maria believed that this is a lesson that will be embedded in the history of humanity.

“This current situation taught us so many realizations and experiences that can be remembered through generations,” Maria added.

Perhaps, it will even become one of the most remembered pandemics aside from the Spanish flu and the Black Plague.

LISTEN Being a frontliner in a time of a pandemic is one of the riskiest job. However, Maria chose to be brave and to be more careful in performing her job well amid the restrictions that were being imposed, even if the virus is invisible and omnipresent.

“This is actually frustrating. You are battling this war of not seeing your enemy.

READ MORE ON PAGE 27, FRONTLINER

Looking back, pageants were a huge part of my childhood, and in one way or another, shaped who I am today.

Now that I have grown up, nothing much has changed.

I still loved pageants but it has become more accessible nowadays. My family members and neighbors would no longer come to my house to watch pageants because livestream is already available on our devices. Instead of gathering on the streets, we would create group chats or call each other as we tuned in to the pageant. Social media has become the most popular way to express opinions about the pageant and watch it as it’s airing.

As long as it’s pageant season, you could almost find anyone whose eyes are glued to their cellphone screen watching a pageant livestream. During my senior high school years, a teacher of mine who happens to be a beauty pageant enthusiast would go as far as to cancel our class and watch Miss Universe with us. I remember jumping and exclaiming in joy as Catriona Gray was crowned Miss Universe 2018— to which my teacher also joined in our cries of celebration.

In a way, beauty pageants have managed to integrate themselves into our culture and have gained the love of Filipinos all over the world—but how did this happen? Why do we have this undying love for beauty pageants?

ORIGINS Pageants have been around for a long time, and Filipinos of all ages have been obsessed with them. Some historians would say that our love for pageantry stems from our traditions such as the Santacruzan and Flores de Mayo wherein both events focus on women, usually the town’s fairest maidens. However, some would argue that it was brought about by colonization.

“During the American Commonwealth period, we already had searched for Carnival Queens held at the Luneta as a prelude to the Christmas season,” says Eric Pineda, a fashion and costume designer, educator, and wardrobe and costume consultant for Miss Earth.

“But back then, the ladies and their escorts came from elite families. Referred to as las hijas de buena familia, these young women like Pacita Ongsiako de los Reyes represented the ideal Filipina—

READ MORE ON PAGE 27, PAGEANT

27 FRONTLINER FROM PAGE 26

PAGEANT FROM PAGE 26

beautiful, well-bred, educated, and usually mestizas of Spanish, American, or Chinese ancestry,” he continued.

Nonetheless, no matter its origins, Filipinos have come to accept and love the art of pageantry and it has gone as far as to integrate itself into our cultural practices and traditions.

CULTURAL PHENOMENON Nowadays there is a pageant for almost everything, from pageants for children, to members of the LGBT community. No town fiesta is complete without crowning the next “Miss Barangay.” There are even pageants for men!

Young girls look up to beauty queens as their role models, and some parents would go as far as to encourage their daughters to join such pageants because of the prestige and honor that comes with it. There are training camps, workshops, and personality development classes just to cater to the beauty pageant obsession. Families sometimes watch beauty pageants as a means to bonding and catching up with the entire family.

A DREAM OF DREAMS Aside from the glitz, glamour, and the competition, I think the reason why we have come to loved beauty pageants is the satisfaction that we feel whenever we see a girl achieve her dreams.

When a girl wins, we can also feel her win as a country.

As a developing country, we’re in no position to compete with Japan, the US, and most European countries. The country’s preoccupation with beauty stems from the fact that Filipinos need something to buoy their spirits and national pride.

“Having proven countless times that the level of Philippine pulchritude is world-class, the country’s beauty queens have also learned to parlay their initial success to other arguably bigger and more important arenas once their reigns are over,” says journalist Jay Patao. C

In a way, beauty pageants have managed to integrate themselves into our culture and have gained the love of Filipinos all over the world.

FROM PAGE 25

situated near the tip of the mountain “in the deep recess of evergreen” reached only by a “winding and misleading trail”. Francis Rose named their hideaway, “Hopevale” because they saw it as their valley of hope. They built several structures for housing.

They also built a makeshift chapel out of rocks and trees and they called it “The Cathedral in the Glen.”

Sure, it was all rocks, trees, and leaves but in the eyes of the group, it was their sanctuary—a place where they could escape the hands of the Japanese.

For twenty months the missionaries had survived with the help of the villagers. Led by Pastor Dianala and his wife, they would travel by foot across the rugged terrain carrying food and other supplies.

The villagers also carry with them news of the outside. Once the villagers arrived in that place, they would usually worship together—praying and singing praises to the Lord. The group eventually grew serving as a refuge for other Americans such as businessman, pilots, miners, and their families who were also fleeing from the Japanese. They were originally planning to wait out the war thinking that it will end soon with America emerging victorious.

Unfortunately, their time in peace was cut short.

An American pilot who stayed with the group for a short while was captured and tortured by the Imperial Army. He then ended up revealing the location of Hopevale. Not long after that, Japanese soldiers began flocking to the village of Katipunan and they found the missionaries’ hiding place the early morning of December 19, 1943. The Covells, able to speak Japanese, pleaded for their lives to the Japanese soldiers but to no avail, sealing their fates.

They requested some time to come to terms with their situation and they were granted one hour. The group used that one hour to pray together and sing hymns to God for the last time. After an hour had passed, one of the missionaries spoke up saying, “We are ready.” One by one they were taken to a hilltop and were beheaded on the 20th of December.

Pastor Dianala could vividly remember the day the tragedy took place, especially when the sky took on an ominous red tinge. He knew that something was happening but he could not do anything about it for the Japanese might persecute him and his family as well. He only prayed while continuously looking up the skies willing the red clouds to go away. A few hours later, he saw light coming from the hills, he ran towards the light but upon nearing he heard the Japanese speaking in their native tongue. With that, he immediately ran back to his house and told his wife to calm down. A few moments later three men called for him—they were some of the prisoners of the Japanese. There was some sort of strange veil of sadness surrounding the room and suddenly, one of the men opened their mouths and said, “All of us from Katipunan was set free. But all the Americans are finished.”

When the Japanese left their village several days after the tragedy, Pastor Dianala sent five boys to scout the missionaries’ hiding place. Two hours later the boys returned describing the awful sight they had witnessed—the decaying bodies of the Hopevale martyrs. A few weeks later, Pastor Dianala and Engracio Alora risked their own lives to recover the remains of the martyrs. He was led by a dream to bury the remains inside the Katipunan Evangelical Church—his last service and farewell to the martyrs of Hopevale. Later the remains were interred near the Hopevale site where it is marked with a large cross.

What happened at Hopevale was undoubtedly a tragedy, a great loss to the family members of the martyrs and to the people who loved them.

But these dark times ignited a new light and from their sacrifices came to a new life. The legacy of the Hopevale martyrs became an inspiration to their Filipino brethren, that despite the adversity and persecution they faced their faith did not waver nor wander. From their blood, the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches Inc. (CPBC) blossomed, fortified by the memories and sacrifice of the Hopevale Martyrs. Presently, the CPBC has around 1000 churches in the Philippines and has continued the various ministries started by the American Baptist missionaries and their Filipino counterpart through the different member institutions that were results of the early Baptist mission work in the country, such as Central Philippine University, Filamer Christian University, Iloilo Mission Hospital, and Capiz Emmanuel Hospital, among others—all in the name of the Lord!

The legacy of the Hopevale martyrs lives on and their martyrdom is commemorated every 20th of December. Without their sacrifices and commendable faith and also of the others who labored with them, Central Philippine University would not be here today. As Centralians and inheritors of the Central Spirit, it is our duty to commemorate and honor what the eleven martyrs have contributed to our community of faith. Let us continue to remember their life and deeds and pass on the story of the Hopevale Martyrs to the next generation. C

issuu.com/thecentralecho

PINOY PRIDE AND PAGEANTRY This love was further fueled because the longest placement streak ever in Philippine beauty pageant history —2010 to 2019—has produced two Misses Universe and several runners-up as well as several top 6, top 10 and top 20 finishers.

Because of this, the Philippines has proven why it is known as a beauty pageant powerhouse.

The Philippines has garnered a total of 15 wins, trailing behind Venezuela in the list of countries with the most crowns and titles from the Big Four international pageants – Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss International, and Miss Earth.

Since 1952, four Filipinas have successfully won the crown and title of Miss Universe—arguably the biggest beauty pageant in the world. In 1969,

Gloria Diaz made history after being the first Filipina to bring home the Miss Universe crown.

In 1971, Margarita Moran entered the pageant and impressed the judges with her honest answer. Pia Wurtzbach, meanwhile, broke the 42-year drought when she was crowned Miss Universe 2015 after one of live TV’s biggest blunders where the host, Steve Harvey announced her as a runner-up. Three years later, Catriona Gray won the most coveted title with her strong stage presence and her nowfamous “lava walk.”

HOPEVALE

THE CENTRAL ECHO

Central Philippine University taught me to be compassionate and dedicated to my job. The value of helping people to the extent of what you can do is always instilled in me. Trusting God in everything that I do encourages me to do my job better.

This is also a battle of your immune system versus the virus. When my family is facing this sickness, I realized that this virus is truly everywhere and can infect even those who are careful,” said Hala.

With the virus still lurking, scientists are trying to develop vaccines to mitigate and lessen the effects of COVID-19. With this, Maria strongly expressed her advocacy in supporting the government’s vaccination program through the help of other countries such as the United States of America, India, and other countries.

“Trust me, the vaccine works. Vaccines may not guarantee you are not contracting the COVID-19 virus, but this will make sure that you are prevented from having severe manifestations.”

As she reminisced about what is happening, Maria believed that CPU had prepared her for a time like this, conveying her gratitude towards upholding CPU’s motto, “Scientia et Fides.”

“Central Philippine University taught me to be compassionate and dedicated to my job. The value of helping people to the extent of what you can do is always instilled in me. Trusting God in everything that I do encourages me to do my job better. In everything I do, I will make sure I do it wholeheartedly, and even if I fail, I take it as a lesson and as part of my life.”

Frontliners in hospitals and local government units are tired, and everybody is very much aware of this fact. Although others said that it is their duty, and that it is their job— still, they are only human beings. They can feel the tiredness, frustrations, and anxieties. To the government, frontliners need support, care, financial assistance, and benefits that can sustain their needs, something that can compensate for their time and effort.

We need to help our health care system for the sake of our people. Imagine if the system collapses. We will never know what to do next.

Frontliners have always been by our side, even before the pandemic. We may see them as our scientific saviors, yet we must not forget that they are human too. All of us have been tested by this widespread event. Nevertheless, we must be sensitive to what we feel and be empathetic with each other for us to overcome this trial. May we learn from the experiences of Maria so that in the future, we can also share our stories with the younger generations, since this pandemic revealed many flaws within the healthcare system in our country. With this said, sharing these stories could inspire progress so that we may never be blinded by the lights that once snatched our hope. C

28

devcom THE CENTRAL ECHO Official Student Media of Central Philippine University Volume 111 No.3

Strength in Numbers: Why your vote Matters

BY YUSIMAY HABLADO

T

ime is running, and we only have less than a year until the next presidential election, on May 9, and we have a great responsibility to choose the right persons who will lead us for the next six years. How frightening and at the same time astonishing to think that the future of our country and its people depends on this one particular day, on a single vote that could make a big difference, and that vote could be yours!

WHO HAS THE RIGHT TO VOTE Every Filipino citizen age 18 and above possesses the right to suffrage declared in Article 21 section 1 to 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human rights. Furthermore, it is stated that everyone has an equal opportunity and access to the public services in the country; as such, the will of the people will be the basis of the authority of the government, which is expressed through an election. The same authority is expressed in Article 2 to 5 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and Article 5 section 1 and 2 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, emphasizing the secrecy of the process. Additionally, Filipino citizens abroad, immigrants, and permanent residents can vote on the national level, given that they provided an affidavit of intent to continue their residency in the Philippines.

However, the right to vote will not be granted to those sentenced to imprisonment for more than a year or who committed crimes involving dishonesty and are incompetent as declared by trusted authorities of these people can not participate in voting.

WHAT TO DO BEFORE THE ELECTION To vote, one must first be registered. Upon reaching the legal age, qualified voters must personally process their registration at their local COMELEC office.

The applicant’s identity and residence will be verified in the process, and they will be required to fill out an application form. After that, the applicant’s photo will be captured, fingerprints will be taken, and the signature will be used with COMELEC’s Data Capture Machine.

WHAT TO DO DURING THE ELECTION Practice your rights and be a responsible

Magtanim ay 'di biro

BY KALANIE SALDAJENO

N

citizen! Some voters choose their candidates based on popularity or the platforms they propose. Others even support a person or a party as influenced by their religious affiliations. Whatever reason we have, we should never forget that voting wisely is a must! There are many things to consider, and we should think not twice or thrice, but multiple times before casting a vote.

A simple tip! Listing down your candidates and keeping a note will help you during the voting process.

HOW TO BE A RESPONSIBLE VOTER Some might say, “it’s just one vote; it does not matter,” but the truth is, every vote casts holds great value, for there is strength in numbers. On the other hand, doing nothing is almost the same as letting the wrong person sit in a position, and bad leadership will eventually cause problems even for future generations. So do not let others pay for the price of our negligence and wrong decisions; let us use our voices to stand up with justice and truth. Imagine what future we could build with the right leaders who govern us.

To be a responsible voter, one must vote for the candidate with the right principles and with high moral values; look for someone who had done something and had shown great governance. Don’t be swayed by money, good looks, or popularity, and remember, not all wellknown politicians are good leaders.

According to youthvotephilippines, we must evaluate a candidate based on these three criteria. First is competence, or the capability of a person to do the tasks the position requires.

They should have experience in handling the demands and challenges that come with their title. The second is knowledge which includes the educational background of a candidate. Third, they should be aware of certain people's concerns and must have a stand or advocacies regarding relevant issues. The last criterion are credibility or the quality of being truthful and honest—a quality

aiinip ka na ba ngayong pandemya? Kung Oo, hindi ka nag-iisa. Hindi maipakaila na karamihan sa ating mga Pilipino ay naiinip na at naghahanap ng bagong pagkakaaliwan na pwedeng gawin sa loob ng bahay.

Isa sa mga bagong kinahuhumalingan ng mga Pilipino ngayon ay ang pag-aalaga ng mga halaman—binansagan sila bilang mga “plantita” at “plantito”. Kung mahilig kang gumamit ng social media walang dudang maraming mga litrato na ng mga “plant babies” ang nakita mo sa iyong feed. Mapa-bata man or matanda, ang pag-aalaga ng mga halaman ngayon ay ang na-uusong libangan.

Maraming magagandang benepisyo ang pagaalaga ng halaman ngayon. Ito ay nagbibigay kulay sa ating tahanan bagama’t kadalasan tayong nanatili sa ating mga bahay lalo na ngayong pandemya. Ayon sa mga plantita at plantito ang pag-aalaga ng halaman ay maihahalintulad sa therapy. Nakakatanggal din ito ng stress, nagsisilbing magandang uri ng ehersisyo at maari din itong pagkakitaan. Nakakatulong din ang pag-aalaga ng mga halaman sa ating kapaligiran sapagkat nagagawa nitong linisin ang hangin na ating hinihinga. Nakapag proproduce ng oxygen at sumisipsip ng carbon dioxide ang mga halaman. Mayroon ding mga halaman na pwedeng

that a leader must have.

Determine if the candidates have a history of defying the law or exhibit actions contrary to the law or a person’s right.

With the pandemic still raging on, the election process this time will not be like the one we’re used to. Face-to-face interaction will surely decrease, and the campaign will most likely be taken to other platforms such as the internet or social media. We don’t know what will happen in the future, but one thing is for certain— we have the power towards it if we practice our right to vote and choose the right leader to sit on the position. Voting is a right granted for all and not just a privilege exercised by a few. So don’t waste your time and start now. Know your candidates, keep informed, and be involved. Our future lies in our hands! C

magsilbing herbal remedies at gamot. Ang ibang plantita at plantito naman ay napahilig sa pagtatanim ng mga gulay at prutas. Sabi nga nila may pantanggal stress na, may pandagdag pa sila sa kanilang hapagkainan ngayong quarantine.

“Nakakatuwang tingnan ang mga alaga kong halaman,” ika ni Aling Ising isang self-proclaimed plantita.

“Karamihan sa aking kinokolektang halaman ay mga flowering plants. Mayroon akong iba’t ibang kulay ng mga roses, orchids, lilies, gumamela at coleus plants.

Nasisiyahan ako lalo na kapag full bloom sila. Pakiramdam ko nawawala ang lahat ng pagod ko mula sa aking trabaho sa tuwing nakikita ko ang mga makukulay kong halaman.

Para ko na rin silang mga anak dahil alagang-alaga ko sila.

Bukod diyan nagtatanim din ako ng ibat-ibang gulay tulad ng talong, sili, kamatis, kundol, patola, upo, kalabasa at iba pa. Nasisiyahan ako kasi minsan hindi ko na kailangang pumunta ng palengke para mamili ng gulay.

READ MORE ON PAGE 29, PLANTITA

29

diversion

Trigger Warning: Sexual Abuse

Domestic Violence: Behind Foggy Screens and Closed Doors

BY ZHARINA MARIE STEPHANIE LUGO

PLANTITA FROM PAGE 28

na mayroon din itong mga negatibong epekto lalo na sa ating kalikasan. Karamihan sa mga halamang ito ay makukuha sa mga bundok at kagubatan, dahil sa pagtaas ng demand hindi na ito nagiging sustainable at bumaling na ilang mga supplier sa mga illegal na paraan para lamang makakuha ng mga halamang ibebenta. Ang mga endangered at rare na mga halaman tulad ng pitcher plant na nabubuhay lamang sa mga matataas na lugar ay ipinagbibili na ngayon sa social media. Ang malaking pera na pwedeng kitain sa pagbebenta ng halaman ay maituturing isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit dumami na ang mga illegal gatherers. Halos dumoble ang mga presyo ng mga sikat na halaman tulad ng alocasias, spider plants, peace lilies at iba pa sa merkado. Napauso din ngayon ang pagnanakaw ng mga halaman sa ilang Barangay lalo na kung ang mga halaman ay naka-display sa labas ng kanilang mga bahay.

Ayon sa Section 8 ng Republic Act 9147 o ang “Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act” ipinagbabawal ang pagkakaroon at pagkuha ng wild flora and fauna maliban na lang kung pinahintulutan

LOCATE A MORE SECURE LOCATION If you see any of these red flags, seek assistance at the VAW Desk—a barangay-level institution that provides frontline services to victims and survivors of various types of violence.

It is generally located within the premises of the barangay hall and is supervised by a VAW Desk Officer. With the support of LGUs and civil society groups, Iloilo City likewise adopted the Philippine Commission on Women's National Mapping of VAWC Services for the Province of Iloilo. This serves as a service map that can provide contact details and procedures for desk officers to do their job in helping those who are in need.

Anti-Rape Law and Victim Assistance and Protection Act, Anti-Sexual Assault, Special Protection of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination, Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, and Anti-Child Pornography Act are some of the Republic Acts that are connected to VAW. Let us be reminded, as we stand in the midst of the pandemic, violence must be addressed and reported. When in doubt, keep in mind that you are not alone or abandoned.

Allowing violence to conceal the truth within the four walls of your houses and cover those bruises in shame and fear is a mistake. It may be difficult to ignore the pains of darkness that are embedded beneath your flesh, but remember that your life is important, and you have the capacity to fight for your rights. C

ng DENR o anumang ahensyang kaugnay ng gobyerno. Ang mga lalabag sa alinman sa mga probisyon sa panukala ay maaaring maharap sa anim hanggang 12 taon na pagkakulong at multang nagkakahalagang P100,000 hanggang P1 milyon.

Maliban sa batas, nararapat lamang na maging matalinong mamimili, maging maingat sa tuwing bibili ng mga halaman at palaging alalahanin kung saan nanggagaling ang mga halaman upang mabigyang proteksyon ang ating kalikasan. Sa halip ng pag-aalaga ng rare at endangered na mga halaman diba’t mas nakabubuting mag-alaga ng mga gulay, medicinal herbs at lokal na mga halaman? Sa pamamagitan nito mapapangalagaan mo si inang kalikasan at iyong mga pitaka!

Huwag nating hayaang magkaroon ng plantdemic ngayong pandemic, dapat palagi nating isaisip ang kaligtasan ng ating kalikasan. Tunay nga na magtanim ay di biro, kaya halina’t maging responsableng mga plantita at plantito! C

issuu.com/thecentralecho

Napapanatili ko pang ligtas ang aking sarili at pamilya mula sa Covid-19 dahil hindi na ako lumalabas ng bahay sa tuwing kailangan kong bumili ng gulay.” dagdag nito.

Dahil sa pagdami ng mga taong nagka-interes sa pagiging “platita” at “plantito”, tumaas diin ang demand at presyo ng mga halaman lalo na yung lalo na yung mga exotic at bihira makita sa kalunsuran. Tumaas hanggang 35%-45% ang presyo ng mga halaman gaya ng caladiums, rubber trees, at ferns. Umabot sa P3,000 ang halamang monstera deliciosa (swiss cheese plant) bawat isa mula sa dating P800. Ang puting deliciosa albo—isang rare plant ay umabot sa P7,000 ang isang dahon lang! Bagama’t masakit sa bulsa ng mga hobbyist, naging magandang balita naman ito sa mga plant sellers at flower shops sapagkat nagkaroon sila ng mapagkakakitaan ngayong pandemya.

Sa gitna ng magagandang dulot ng pagsikat ng pag-aalaga ng mga halaman ngayon hindi maitatanggi

DETERMINE THE KIND OF VIOLENCE Physical, sexual, and emotional violence are described as follows in Issue No. 08-2016 Philippine Statistics Authority REGION VI, an extract concerning Violence Against Women in Western Visayas: Physical violence is being physically harmed.

Pushing, throwing items, slapping, twisting, and pulling hair, punching or hitting with something that might harm, kicking, dragging, beating up, choking or burning for a purpose, and threatening or assault with an object or weapon are only a few examples.

Sexual violence is defined as a sexual

act perpetrated against a woman. It involves physically obstructing sexual intercourse and physically obstructing sexual actions.

At the same time, it is termed emotional violence if you are humiliated in front of others, threatened, degraded or made to feel terrible about yourself, destroying personal property, and threatening to harm pets.

NO VOICE UNHEARD

W

hen COVID-19 exploded onto the scene, most of our daily activities migrated online. Some people may consider this a pleasant time because they can do chores and attend online meetings from the comfort of their so-called crib. Others saw it as an opportunity to reconnect with their loved ones.

However, not everything is sweet and candylike as it appears, as some have suffered setbacks.

Since the start of COVID-19, emerging statistics and accounts from individuals show that all types of violence against women and girls, particularly domestic abuse, have escalated.

This was the case of Nene, who used school as an "escape" from her violent and alcoholic father at home, as well as a gender-biased household.

It would be easier for her to conceal her injuries under filters and a stack of modules now that distant study is the standard. However, if she felt threatened or disturbed, the dread and anxiety caused her to withdraw from the world. She

thought she was unable to stop it. No one had ever taught her otherwise.

Violence Against Women (VAW) is regarded as one of the country's persistent societal problems, according to the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW). United Nations defined VAW as "any act of gender-based violence that causes or is likely to cause bodily, sexual, or mental damage or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion, or arbitrary loss of liberty, whether happening in public or private life."

According to the Western Visayas Police, the number of cases of violence against women and children in the provinces of Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Capiz, Aklan, Guimaras, and Bacolod decreased by 35%. However, this may not be good news as it may indicate that victims have a more difficult time reporting crimes to authorities.

Every vulnerable individual should remain cautious and aware in the face of the pandemic and fight for their rights and dignity. There are some things to consider to combat and mitigate the effects of violence.

THE CENTRAL ECHO

How to seek help like Nene Amidst the pandemic

30

scitech THE CENTRAL ECHO Official Student Media of Central Philippine University Volume 111 No.3

 NASA OLD MEETS NEW. NASA’s obeservatory reports Mangrove reocurrence along the Iloilo River.

ROOTING FOR YOU! Rewriting Wrongs and Putting Back Pieces How a Decade on Ecosystem Restoration could bring the Earth to its former glory.

BY KALANIE SALDAJENO

Y

ou may or may not notice, but some things are changing in our planet. Summers feel a lot warmer, rainy seasons are longer, forests are becoming sparse, animals are behaving differently, and waters seem to be a lot deeper than they were before. To the naked eye, these changes seem minuscule—minor things not enough to alarm the public.

However, to the keen observer, these small changes hold a much deeper meaning. You see, changes like these don’t happen overnight; they are a product of long-term abuse that we have inflicted on our home— planet earth.

Considering the current state of the earth, we may not have a lot of time. Sure, a couple of hundred years may sound like forever, but it isn’t for our planet. In a couple of hundred years, we may no longer be one of its occupants, but what about the future generation? What will be left of the planet in the near future? Will there be anything left for our grandchildren and great-grandchildren? Are we really going to suck every last drop of life from the earth until there is nothing left?

The condition of the Earth continues to get bleaker day by day, with ecosystem degradation being a global phenomenon. By 2050, it is expected that 95% of Earth’s land will be degraded. Unsustainable agricultural practices have already eroded a colossal total of 24 billion tons of soil. This land degradation is the leading cause of losses of ecosystem functions such as nutrient cycling and climate regulation.

Another contribution to ecosystem degradation is deforestation. Between 2004 and 2017, in just a matter of

9 years, deforestation managed to destroy up to 43 million hectares of forest. In 2020 alone, we lost tropical rainforests approximately the size of The Netherlands.

We are currently in the middle of a global pandemic, and there is no denying how this drastically changed our lives for the worse, but did you know that COVID-19 is connected to ecosystem degradation? The COVID-19 pandemic, which caused the deaths of millions of people around the globe, is a reminder of how ecosystem degradation can contribute to the emergence and spread of novel pathogens. Environmental changes have a significant impact on the emergence and re-emergence of certain infectious diseases; this is a reminder of how badly damaged is the earth’s ecosystems. Biodiversity loss is an important cause of emerging infectious diseases and poses many other risks to businesses, society, and global economies.

According to the World Health Organization, Human health ultimately depends upon ecosystem products and services like fresh water, food, and fuel sources which are vital for good human health and productive livelihoods. Significant direct human health impacts can occur if ecosystem services are no longer adequate to meet social needs. A study conducted by the University of the West of England and the Greenpeace Research Laboratories at the University of Exeter presents the hypothesis that disease risks are "ultimately interlinked" with biodiversity and natural processes such as the water cycle.

Aside from degradation, there is still the issue of climate change. In simplest terms, climate change is a

long-term shift in global or regional climate patterns. The cause of current climate change is mainly human activities, like burning fossil fuels, like natural gas, oil, and coal. Burning these materials emits greenhouse gases into Earth’s atmosphere. These gases then trap heat from the sun’s rays inside the atmosphere causing Earth’s average temperature to rise— this temperature rise is called global warming. The warming of the planet impacts local and regional climates and has detrimental side effects on our environment.

Ecosystem degradation and climate change happen at an alarming rate, and if this continues, who knows what the future will have in store for us. Some would argue that it isn’t our problem anymore since we would be long gone by that time, but they’re wrong. It is every bit our problem. We, the current generation, are the ones doing this to our planet. We have been tasked to take care and preserve the earth’s beauty—but what are we doing?

Being the ones responsible for placing Mother Earth to such abuse, it is only right that we are the ones to write our wrongs.

Earth Day is an annual event held on the 22nd of April to demonstrate environmental support. The celebration has a different theme assigned each year, with this year’s theme being “Restore Our Earth.” This day has been celebrated for more than five decades.

On this year’s Earth Day, we were given a mission by the United Nations under the guise of Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.

READ MORE ON PAGE 31, RESTORATION

31

SYMBIOTIC RELATIONSHIP. With the continuous growth of the Mangrove forest within Iloilo river, various fishermen flock it to fish.

scitech

 Gad Castro

THE CENTRAL ECHO

NASA Satellite Images Show Mangrove Resurgence in Iloilo City

BY KALANIE SALDAJENO

S

atellite image taken by the NASA Earth Observatory reveals a resurgence of mangrove trees in Iloilo City.

Images were taken on April 1, 2013, and May 3, 2021, compared to Iloilo City’s surrounding waterways. Changes can be noted at the mouth of the Jaro Floodway, including a new delta lobe and an increase in greenery.

According to NASA, this new waterway brought a surprise—a

resurgence of mangrove trees.

Mangrove forests have been growing at a rate of 11 acres per year from 2010 to 2018 after the floodway construction.

Iloilo is a port city susceptible to intense floods and massive landslides.

During heavy rain, the Jaro River often rises out of its banks and floods parts of the city. In response, the government constructed the Jaro Floodway, an artificial waterway to help divert

floodwaters away from the city and mitigate the deadly events.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources says that most mangroves belong to the Avicennia species common to exposed coastlines.

The images were captured by the Operational Land Imager (OLI) on Landsat 8. C

FROM PAGE 30

0% 50%50% 50%

issuu.com/thecentralecho

The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration is a rallying call to world leaders, innovators, industry and investment leaders, and influencers for the protection and revival of ecosystems worldwide for the benefit of people and nature. It aims to halt the degradation of ecosystems and restore them to achieve global goals. If we can restore the earth’s ecosystem, we can enhance people’s livelihoods, counteract climate change, and stop the collapse of biodiversity. The UN Decade runs from 2021 through 2030, the deadline for the Sustainable Development Goals and the timeline scientists have identified as the last chance to prevent catastrophic climate change.

The movement was joined by more than 70 countries from all over the globe. This was spearheaded by the United Nations Environment Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The UN Decade is building a strong, broad-based global movement to ramp up restoration and put the world on track for a sustainable future.

That will include building political momentum for restoration as well as thousands of initiatives on the ground.

A huge challenge won’t be an easy task; however, if all people join hands and make changes in their little way, it can be achieved and made possible.

If we can restore our planet’s ecosystems, we will have a chance at a healthier and better future. We should work together to bring life and function back to our scarred ecosystems

through extensive and proactive restoration – rebuilding degraded areas to improve habitat for wildlife, protect our soils and watersheds, support economic resiliency, and better confront a changing climate.

If we succeed, restoration can help to put an end to poverty, combat climate change and prevent mass extinction.

Everyone should participate in this movement. There are tons of programs to join that have been started to fuel this movement. For example, farmlands that have been depleted over time due to intensive monocultures, overgrazing, fertilizers, pesticides, nitrate contamination, tree removal are currently in the process of being restored. The restoration involves using natural fertilizers and anti-parasite solutions, crop rotation, the introduction of increased agricultural biodiversity, and letting livestock graze on the land after harvest.

Taking your step towards global restoration can be done in the simplest of ways from the comforts of our homes, and it doesn’t need to be in the form of a grand gesture. The simplest things such as walking instead of riding gas emitting vehicles, picking up trash, recycling, buying more Earth-friendly products, and choosing sustainable options are steps anyone can undertake to join in the movement.

At the end of the day, we must not forget that ecosystems support all life on Earth. The healthier our ecosystems are, the healthier the planet - and so are its people. We must learn to co-exist with nature and take responsibility. Let us all start putting the broken pieces together, let us undo and wrongs and work towards a better future, let us save our planet! C

NO VOICE UNHEARD

RESTORATION

scitech

32

A LITERAL BUZZKILL:

Why bees are dying out and what’s in it for us

BY KALANIE SALDAJENO

I

magine this. You just woke up and decided to get some fresh air and sunlight. So you went outside to your garden to bask in nature. The sun was in your eyes, and the morning breeze was gently caressing your skin. A few minutes later, you decided to water your plants; you grabbed the watering hose when suddenly you heard something. Buzzzzzzz, buzzzzzz, buzzzzzzz. It’s a pair of bees dancing around! In a flash, they darted towards you. Beads of sweat started to form on your forehead, and your heart started to beat faster, further solidifying your fear of bees. Amidst the chaos of your thoughts, you remembered that you are holding on to a watering hose. In this situation, what would you do? Will you spray the bees with water, rendering them unable to fly? Or will you make a run for it and leave the bees alone?

Bees play a crucial role in the web of life that sustains all species on the planet. Their decline will eventually put us all in a tight spot, and we need to act today to save them.

I don’t know about you, but I have always been afraid of bees. Whenever I hear buzzing sounds, I would immediately open all windows and hide somewhere safe. As a child, I was taught that a bee’s sting hurts so much and I should be wary of them. However, in the situation presented, the best thing to do would be to leave the bees alone. Despite getting a bad rep, bees are one of the most important

Fighting COVID-19 Through Comimmunity

NO VOICE UNHEARD

BY YUSIMAY HABLADO

T

creatures in the animal kingdom. Unfortunately, bees might be in big trouble as they are currently facing threats and population decline.

The earth is home to 20,000 species of bees, and these tiny creatures happen to be one of the most important animals in our ecosystem. Bees are from a species of insects that have evolved from wasps, and they are best known as one of the busiest insects of the animal kingdom.

Flowering plants need animal pollinators to ensure survival, which remains true for 90% of flowering plant species. Without bees, plants will be unable to reproduce, which will surely tip the balance in the entire ecosystem. If we take out bees from the food chain, it will have dire consequences and affect other species, including us humans. If you think that honey will be the only consequence of losing bees, think again. There is a saying that bees are involved in one (1) in every three (3) bites of food that we eat in one way or another.

However, bee diversity has been decreasing since the 1990s, and beekeepers have reported that they’re losing on average 29 to 40 percent of all bee colonies. Honeybee and solitary bee population decline are due to various threats such as pesticide use, habitat loss, viruses, global warming, and widespread agriculture.

According to scientists, a particular type of insecticide known as neonicotinoids, commonly known as neonics, is one of the main factors causing bees to die at an alarming rate. Neonics are at least 5,000-10,000 times more toxic to bees than Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), a colorless, tasteless, and almost odorless crystalline chemical compound infamous for its environmental impacts. In addition, seeds treated with neonics have chemicals that can work their way into the pollen and nectar of flowers, and such chemicals can be toxic for the bees.

Climate change also worsens things for the

bees. A changing climate can bring droughts or flooding that affect the availability of flowers on which bees depend. This makes bees more vulnerable than ever. In addition, climate change can alter the timing of flower blooming and the timing at which bees pollinate. As global temperatures rise, flowers bloom earlier in the growing season before bees have had a chance to pollinate. When bees finally begin pollination, there's limited nectar available in competition for these valuable resources becomes more intense. A phenomenon called colony collapse disorder is also rampant in bee colonies. Its symptom is akin to Alzheimer’s, wherein bees spontaneously abandon their hives to lose their way, never to return. This leaves the queen plenty of food but no worker bees, with only a few nurse bees to care for the remaining immature bees.

Bees are also dying from various parasites, viruses, and fungi. Mites infest the honeybee broods weakening the bees and causing congenital disabilities, thereby destroying the colony from the inside. Furthermore, bee habitat continues to shrink as industrial agribusiness converts grasslands and forests into monoculture farms. Bees play a crucial role in the web of life that sustains all species on the planet. Their decline will eventually put us all in a tight spot, and we need to act today to save them. Let us spread awareness regarding the bee’s condition, plant more pollinator-friendly plants, lessen pesticides, and overall protect their homes. As humans, we need to take responsibility for our actions before it’s too late.

The next time you see a bee, try thanking them for their deeds rather than being hostile.

Without the presence of bees, do you think that the world will be as BEEautiful (pun intended) as it is? So join in the movement and save the bees! C

hroughout history, vaccines have been proven valuable and effective in combating illnesses that were once thought life-threatening. For example, in 1980, smallpox—one of the most devastating diseases known to humanity which caused millions of deaths—was eradicated once and for all, thanks to complex plans and widespread immunization.

Presently, it remains one of the most defining public health successes in history. Now, with the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been stated that herd immunity—the indirect protection from an infectious disease that happens when a population is immune—is the only way forward.

There are two ways to achieve this: through vaccination or immunity developed through the previous infection. However, countries can not afford to lose more people or uselessly suffer through infection to achieve this. That is why researchers and scientists across nations spent the last years developing vaccines and succeeded with at least 13 varieties of vaccines administered. In the Philippines, Pfizer/BioNTech, Sinovac CoronaVac, AstraZeneca, and SPUTNIK V are among the vaccines granted an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

the city could accommodate at least 10,000 Pfizer BioNTech vaccines and be fully prepared to receive the additional 30,000 vaccines. Even the city mayor himself served as an example to encourage the Ilonggos. He received his second dose of the Sinovac vaccine at West Visayas State University Medical Center (WVSU-MC) on May 22, 2021.

WHAT ARE VACCINES, AND WHY DO WE NEED THEM? Vaccines are given for the body to develop immunity against the virus. It contains weakened or inactivated microorganisms, which contrary to popular belief, will not make you sick nor cause you to acquire the disease. Right now, we don't have any medication to cure COVID-19, but we have vaccines to prevent infection and the adverse symptoms that the virus might bring. Everyone is encouraged to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their loved ones, and the community.

The Philippines have already started the vaccination programs. Iloilo City has shown high acceptance towards the vaccine, reporting to have vaccinated 30,865 residents with AstraZeneca and Sinovac as published by the Philippine News Agency. However, according to the Iloilo city mayor, Jerry P. Trenas, only a few remaining doses are left.

Therefore, he has already requested additional vaccines from the Department of Health (DOH).

Equipped with the proper storage facilities,

EFFECTIVENESS VERSUS EFFICACY A vaccine's quality is measured through its efficacy and effectiveness-- two somewhat similar words but vary in intensity. Vaccine efficacy measures the risk of getting infected in a controlled trial through the unvaccinated participants. The condition of the patients is selected, where younger children and people with existing diseases were excluded; thus, efficacy in laboratory conditions can not equate to its effectiveness. The vaccine should also reach the 50% efficacy set by the US Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency to be approved.

On the contrary, vaccine effectiveness measures the capacity of a vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infections, symptoms, and death in a more significant number of participants under more actual conditions. In addition, it considers other factors and real-life conditions that could diminish the effectiveness of a vaccine in preventing infection. For such reason, the effectiveness of the vaccine is more important than its efficacy.

HOW EFFECTIVE ARE OUR VACCINES? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTeach as an mRNA vaccine have an effectiveness of 94% against symptomatic COVID-19 for two doses.

Likewise, CoronaVac, an inactivated virus vaccine developed by Chinese company Sinovac Biotech, has a 94% effectiveness against symptomatic COVID-19. With much higher effectivity, the SPUTNIK V developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Russia showed 97.8% effectiveness against COVID-19 in a real-world assessment as reported by the Russian scientist Denis Logunov.

READ MORE ON PAGE 33, COMIMMUNITY

33

BY PRINCE EMMANUEL PACIENTE

C

OVID-19 pandemic has brought terror and confusion in many people's minds ever since it broke out in the early months of 2020. This is inevitable with its whole concept being vague and very brand new for the majority’s comprehension.

Undeniably, this is still enduring even in its full year of existence.

With the help of science, we are starting to grasp the whole idea of the said circumstance. We now have a picture of how this virus works, its mechanics, how we can fight it, and all its different aspects, whether it may be negative or otherwise. Things are starting to clear up, and ideas are being slowly understood, all thanks to research.

One aspect that scientists can explain now is how genetic differences can affect the severity of the virus’ symptoms to some people. A recent study discovered a genetic link that can be why some people catch COVID but don’t get sick. A possible factor why we have two types of COVID patients – the “symptomatic” and the “asymptomatic.”

THE STUDY A medical team led by Newcastle University, UK explained the existence of HLA-DRB1*04:01 gene, which is said to be often found on asymptomatic people. Their study suggests that people having this gene may have a degree of protection from the virus.

The study was done using computer models for the analysis of genetic variation.

This included manipulating the human body’s alarm system, particularly the Human Leukocyte Antigen System (HLA) when they utilized the different alleles and predicted their varying implications

FROM PAGE 32

112.45% Of Iloilo City residents are now vaccinated

in immune responses to coronaviruses.

They used samples from 49 patients with severe COVID, representatives from an asymptomatic group of 69 hospital workers who had tested positive, and a control group from a related study.

Their findings further explained how latitude and longitude can correlate to the identified gene and that there is a possibility that more people from North and West Europe have this same gene.

This also suggests that these people can be dangerous to susceptible populations; hence finding out about it is a great help.

The researchers say that these findings can be used to indicate priority targets for vaccinations in order to control the said virus. More studies will be needed soon due to the chances of different copies of these HLA genes in other populations.

To conclude, it is important to have these studies in order to have a further idea on concepts of such matter as big as COVID, prepare us on further damages it may induce, and provide people information, better understanding, and reassurance. C

Everyone is encouraged to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their loved ones, and the community.

BY COLEEN CASANOVA

November 23, 2021 – The Office of the Vice President (OVP) signed a memorandum to allow the use of the antiviral drug, Molnupiravir, to patients who were prescribed through the OVP’s Bayanihan E-Konsulta Program.

Vice President Leni Robredo posted on her Facebook page that her office signed the Memorandum of Agreement with the QualiMed Health Network for them to provide assistance to patients who were prescribed to take the antiviral oral pill.

According to an interview

by CNN Philippines, VP Robredo stated, “In the agreement, the OVP will issue a guarantee letter under our special medical assistance program to any qualified patient referred by our volunteer doctors at Bayanihan E-Konsulta.

QualiMed facilities will then further assess and prescribe the medicine to the patient.”

This is a collaboration that would see to the proper handling of Molnupiravir and use it according to the reference of an authorized program.

Molnupiravir is an antiviral drug used to treat mild to moderate cases of COVID-19 which was developed by Merck & Co. Inc. and Ridgeback Biotherapeutics LP. C

issuu.com/thecentralecho

source: Iloilo City LGU Facebook page

With the help of science, we are starting to grasp the whole idea of the said circumstance.

OVP signs memorandum to allow Molnupiravir use under prescription

COMIMMUNITY

Nevertheless, all vaccines prevent death and hospitalization, and according to the Department of Health, the best vaccine is the readily available vaccine.

The world as we know it has been completely changed in so many aspects; with COVID-19 vaccination, there is a way for things to transition back to normal slowly. However, scientists also believe that natural herd immunity is not sustainable to restore society to its normal status quo and would have resulted in huge casualties.

Without vaccines, protocols and strict measures would be put up until the foreseeable future to avoid further infection. C

THE CENTRAL ECHO

Built Different: Why some people with COVID don’t get sick

sports

34

Small Beginnings, Big Aspirations STRIKE ONE, STRIKE TWO!

BY KATHLEEN FRUGALIDAD

As much as it pains me to admit it, I feel Filipinos are just at a competitive disadvantage in basketball. No matter how much we love the game, there's no disputing that individuals with their shoulders higher off the ground have an advantage.

That's not to suggest we shouldn't play basketball, but it does serve as a reminder that if we want to compete on an international level, we must be selective about the games we play.

Esports are now a factor in the equation.

Filipinos are among the finest online gaming players globally, with one of the highest Internet penetration rates in the world. Our infrastructure may not have the quickest speeds or the most up-to-date gear, but we make up for it with our mouse, keyboard, and smartphone abilities.

NO VOICE UNHEARD

Filipinos aren't new to the global online gaming industry. Despite minimal government assistance, our national e-athletes are proudly representing their country in events throughout the world.

Filipinos aren't new to the global online gaming industry. Despite minimal government assistance, our national e-athletes are proudly representing their country in events throughout the world.

The lack of funding might be attributed to Esports' tough circumstances. In the conventional sense, sports necessitate a demonstration of physical skill and the beauty of human motion. To many observers, Esports is not a sport because it consists of participants sitting and tapping away at their keyboards. There are no free-throw line dunks or dashes to the finish line.

Although official backing is still decades away, grassroots programs are investing in our Esports infrastructure to believe that Filipinos can dominate in this area if properly funded and supported.

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) is one of the first collegiate leagues to host an Esports competition, which puts the finest gamers from various colleges against one another to motivate student-athletes to maximize their potential.

With an average male height of 5'5 and an average female height of 5'0, Filipinos must understand that physical sports may not be ideal for demonstrating their abilities. I'm not suggesting we should completely forsake our athletes and bids in these sports. What I mean is that I believe it is past time for us to take a second (or third, or even fourth) look at our perennial champions and aspiring Esports athletes and provide them with all of the support they require to represent our country and fight for the respect that every Filipino deserves because of their talent and ingenuity.

Let us play our cards well and maximize our strengths rather than blaming them on our faults. If we want to be global one day, we must first start small. C

Indian bruiser slams Vera, crowned new ONE heavyweight king

BY KATHLEEN FRUGALIDAD

F

il-Am Brandon “The Truth” Vera’s heavyweight kingship is over.

Indian bruiser Arjan "Singh" Bhullar slammed Filipino-American fighter Brandon Vera, crowning himself as the new ONE heavyweight king in the main event of the previously recorded ONE: DANGAL, which aired last May 15, One Sports.

The long-reigning ONE Heavyweight World Champ Vera stooped down against

top challenger Bhullar with second-round strikes and was no match for the Indian heavyweight star.

The first round of the colossal match was fairly close, with Vera hitting a couple of low kicks to the leg and fending off the Indian after securing a single leg takedown. The Fil-am used omoplata to ground them down for two minutes until time ran out.

Bhullar upped the ante in the second

Lakbay Tungo sa Unang Suntok sa Olympics

BY RAY ANGELO JAGNA-AN

"

Saan kaya nila kinukuha ang kanilang lakas, eh babae naman sila?”

Lumaki si Irish Magno na nakikita ang bagsik at galing ng mga kalalakihan sa larangan ng boksing, ngunit nag-iba ang kaniyang pananaw nang makita niya ang laro nina Josie Gabuco, Analisa Cruz, at Annie Albania, mga babaeng tinitingala sa larangang kaniyang pinasok.

“Gusto mo bang subukan ang boksing?”

Labing-anim na taon pa lamang nang naimbitahan siya para sumubok sa isang larong wala siyang ideya. Balot nang pagaalala, tinanggihan niya ang alok. Hindi niya kayang tiisin ang posibilidad na masasaktan siya, at bukod pa, sa kaniyang pananaw para sa lalaki lamang ito idinisenyo.

Ngunit, hindi nagtagal, nahikayat din siya na sumubok at pumasok sa pag-eensayo.

Pinaniwalaan niya ang sinabi ng isang coach sa kaniya na may potensyal siya dahil sa kaniyang tangkad at pangangatawan. Hindi niya pinaalam sa kaniyang mga magulang ang bagong pakikipagsapalaran na kaniyang tinahak. Wala man silang ideya sa ginagawa ng kanilang anak, pero alam nila na may tinatago ito dahil sa kaniyang kapansin-pansin na mga pagbabago.

Sa parehong taon, nabigyan siya ng pagkakataon na makapaglaro nang idinaos ang National Open, Youth and Women’s Amateur Boxing Championship sa kaniyang bayan sa Iloilo.

“Magaling ya’ng kalaban niya, anong laban niya ‘dyan?” Maraming bulong ang naririnig niya tungkol sa kaniyang makakalaban.

Pumasok na siya sa boxing ring at hinarap ang

kaniyang makakalaban at ito si Annie Albania, isang gold-medalist sa nakaraang Southeast Asian Games.

Hindi niya naisagawa ang kaniyang nais na maka suntok kahit isa lang. Dismayado siyang lumabas sa boxing ring, inisip niya kung ano ang kailangan niyang baguhin at i-ensayo.

Bigo man, napagtanto niya na isang boxing champion ang nakalaban niya. Lumubog man ang araw para sa kaniya, isinaisip niya na may bukas pang bubungad nang mas maliwanag.

Tinalo man siya ni Albania, naging inspirasyon lamang ito sa pagkilala sa sarili niya.

Sa pagtanto niya na maraming opurtunidad ang nabibigay ng larangan sa kaniya, hindi siya nag dalawang isip na pumunta sa Maynila at sunggabin ang mga ito. Binigay ni Irish ang kaniyang oras at dedikasyon, at kinuha ang benepisyo sa bawat suntok.

Mahina. Walang kakayahan. Iyakin.

Maraming kritiko ang nanghusga sa kakayahan na kayang ibigay ng kababaihan sa larangan ng pampalakasan, ngunit, patuloy na binubura at binabago ni Irish ang pananaw na ito. Ayon sa kaniya, hindi rin nakatutulong ang kakulangan ng pagpapalabas ng mga laban ng kababaihan sa telebisyon dahil mas pinapalakas lamang nito ang kaisipang walang kapasidad ang kababaihan.

Sa patuloy na pag-eensayo sa National Team, binago niya ang pananaw ng lahat. Siya, kasama ang ibang kasapi, ay nakikipaglaban ng suntukan sa mga kalalakihan bilang pagsasanay. Kahit na malakas ang kakayahan ng mga kalaban nilang lalaki, hindi rin naman nagpahuli ang

KINGSHIP OVER

BY RYAN DAVE PORAL

round, hitting Vera with a pair of overhand rights and piercing the Fil-Am with a blow to the ribs. Vera tried to get back on his feet, but Bhullar's grappling and control were locking him in a weak position.

Arjan eventually became the first Indian Mixed Martial Arts World Champion after Bhullar put his hefty weight on Vera's back and repeatedly struck the Fil-Am in the head until the referee deemed enough was enough.

“India, we got one now,” Bhullar said after winning in an interview with BBC News. “Your first world champion. Let’s go.”

“We were gonna box him up, get in and out range, wrestle him, pressure him, break him. That was the game plan,” he continued.

kanilang kasanayan.

Ang boksing ay isa sa mga pinakainaabangan ng bawat Pilipino, kahit ano mang estado sa buhay. Sa isang laro na naipapalabas, maraming mata ang nakaabang at umaasang masusungkit ng isang Pinoy ang kampeonato.

Ang larangang ito ay isa rin sa pinakamatagumpay na laro sa Olympics para sa Pilipinas.

Tumagal nang halos tatlong taon bago maging kwalipikado ang isang Pilipina na lumaban sa Olympics – parehong tagal bago rin nakamtan ito nang kalalakihan.

Hindi naging madali ang paglalakbay ni Irish tungo sa Olympics. Maraming balakid, maraming pagdududa, pero higit sa lahat marami ring pagkatuto. Sa kanyang mga pinagdaanan, isinaisip niya ang una niyang laban, na kaya niyang tumayo sa bawat pagkadapa at pagkatalo. C

 ONE FC

ALL MIGHT. Bhullar pours out heavy punches to Vera as they battled for the throne of being the Heavyweight king during the ONE: Dangal.

“I knew I was gonna hurt him. My coaches knew it. I’m well trained, guys. I’ve been with the best since day one.”

On the other hand, Vera was perplexed by his defeat, claiming that he simply tired out in the fight after intense preparation in Florida.

"This is the first time in my entire career that I've gassed," he said.

"I'm disappointed. I don't know. We just keep training, we just keep grinding to get my belt back." C

Three Centralian jins from the CPU Golden Lions Varsity Team brought home the emblems of victory as they participated during the Virtual Kim Un-yong Int’l Taekwando Championship, October 8.

Each of the Jins respectively garnering medal: Cindy Joy Diasnes (1 gold), Seth Ryan Templanza (1 gold), and Kean Ryth Bornazal (1 silver).

The competition consists of two categories: Poomsae and speed kicking. Poomsae is a pattern self defense. In poomsae competition the host or the Koreans select which poomsae to perform Competitors must perform and memorize around 8 poomsae. On the wother words, it is performed by athletes who will have to compete for the greatest number of kicks within exactly a minute. The participants shall be scored by an online set of judges based on technical (number of kicks) and overall performance (quality of techniques).

Only selected players are allowed to represent for the competition, specifically for blackbelts. Competitors must follow the guidelines wherein they must take a video themselves while doing the activity.

Diasnes said that it was hard for her to balance her academics and taekwondo. It is “especially difficult” for her since she has evening classes and proper training the morning after.

“What I do is I set or find a time to train, like in our vacant time or early in the morning. If I don’t have a class, I grab the opportunity to practice.”

Diasnes admitted that her biggest challenge while preparing for the competition is managing her time very well.

“Aside from school and taekwondo training, I'm also teaching taekwondo, but I always put in my mind that despite of my busy schedule I know that I can do it.”

With the help and support of her coaches and family, she said that she “overcame hardships easily.”

“Gina try ko gid akon best nga i-balance ko tanan nga activities ko sa life bisan akon nga social life (I really try to balance all of my activities even my social life,” she added.

Despite the challenges she encountered, Diasnes believed that her sport gave her the “fun and learning at the same time.”

“Taekwondo is a sport that extends beyond the realm of physical activity. I believe that taekwondo's primary goal is to teach us the fundamentals of self-defense, not just to keep us physically fit and healthy. Taekwondo is a wonderful way to learn about life's lessons while having a lot of fun.”

When asked about what is her message to the whole Centralian community who are struggling of being physically active during this pandemic, she said, “always remind yourself that you can do it. When you're about to give up, remember why you started. Go ahead and do what you need to do! Your body is capable of sustaining practically anything. It's your mind that you have to convince. Just enjoy everything you do fighting!” C

35

THE CENTRAL ECHO

Diasnes, 2 other jins bag 3 medals in Int’l Taekwando Championship

Belosillo wins 'Pahalipay sa Barangay' Circuit Race

BY RYAN DAVE PORAL

DID YOU KNOW?

Magno is the first-ever Filipina boxer representing the Philippines to qualify for the Olympics

issuu.com/thecentralecho

CPU Senior High School student Jose Maria Belosillo tops the beginner category of the Pahalipay sa Baranggay Circuit Race last April 25, 2021, at Sta. Barbara, Iloilo.

Belosillo secured the top spot against 200+ contenders in a 10 km highway + 3km off the road per lap race.

According to Belosillio, this was his first victory in a cycling event since he is used to focus on being a football varsity player of the university.

“Nagsugod ako bike sang 12 years old ako, pa lingaw-lingaw lang sadto akon bike kay varsity ako sa football since elementary asta subong [nga] grade 11 ako, [galing] tungod sang pandemya nga ini, wala ko ubrahon, so nag bike-bike lang ako asta sang na kilala ko ang mga tuod-tuod nga mga siklista kag na amaze ako kag gin padayon asta nakuha ko ang akon nga unauna nga daog.” Belosillio stated.

Belosillio also shared what he felt after achieving victory and his secret to winning the competition.

“Kalipay gid ang akon nabatyagan, kay ang tanan nga balhas kag dugo nga nag-gwa sa lawas ko, ginbuslan sa pagdaog. Sekreto ko sa kadalagan, practice kag salig sa Ginoo kag kaon mayo kag mag pahuway,” he said.

When asked about his message to the Centralian community who wishes to try cycling, his response was, “They should undoubtedly try cycling because it allows you to connect and socialize with other people while keeping yourself physically active.”

Pahalipay sa Baranggay Circuit Race was organized by the Sta. Barbara Barbarians Bikers' main goal was to help the people, especially youth struggling with their mental health in this pandemic. C

sports

Laserna, Marquez secure 2 Million Pesos at Playmaya CODM Tournament

BY DANICA HABLADO

 CPU Golden Lions

HOME RUN. CPU Golden Lions during the Play Maya CODM Tourney as they dominate the championship.

PHILIPPINE SPORTS:

A JESTER'S PLAYGROUND

BY GAD CASTRO

S

hort-noticed practices and limited training. This was the case of Michael Martinez during the Pyeonchang Winter Olympics in 2018 after serving as a replacement for Sweden's Alexander Majorov, who withdrew from the Olympic stint following the decision of the Swedish Olympic Committee. Still, the coldness of the ice did not prevent Martinez from showing an excellent performance to the world and being the lone Filipino Olympian in the winter games.

However, behind the scenes, Martinez lacked support from the country, and in this arena, he is not alone.

After all, it seems that Philippine Sports have been a court jester's playground by allowing corruption and lack of integrity to jumble around.

NOT A PRIORITY We all know that Filipinos are undeniably sportsminded people. Basketball, volleyball, football, you name it. Filipinos, without question, have always had something to say about the latest victory of Gilas or the latest upset in the NBA finals.

Ironically, sports have never been a priority of the government, despite trying its best to support our athletes. Is this support enough, though?

In 2011, the Philippine Sports Commission had a budget of P400 million, a double of the previous years budget. This is still far from enough compared to our neighboring countries like Singapore which invested P7.4 billion in sports alone. This investment has paid off through the years, especially in swimming.

Singaporean Swimmer Joseph Schooling made history in defeating the most bemedaled athlete, Michael Phelps of the United States of America, after beating Phelps in 100m butterfly during the 2016 Rio Olympics. If we would only learn from Singapore, maybe the long-awaited gold medal we all want would have been ours by now.

Sadly, the Philippines has a different case. It was not only about making sport a priority, but learning to understand the struggles of our athletes and supporting their dream. Through this, maybe it can change our perception why sports are essential to us.

Many of our athletes have sacrificed a lot, knowing that they have honed their skills throughout the years.

Sports, after all, is a celebration of the human body. Its significance to us is more than just for entertainment and to boost our morale. It constantly reminds us also that all of us are equal and capable; all of us are

Lakbay Tungo sa Unang Suntok sa Olympics SPORTS READ MORE ON PAGE 34

one. Aren’t the stories of our athletes also important?

The government should make sports a priority. After all, merits are secondary, but supporting someone's dream through sports gives hope for themselves and others.

POLITICS' TOUCH While it is not a priority, the world of Philippine Sports is also greatly influenced by many politicians, leaving its fate to the hands of those in position, which can either make or break the sports community.

Just like what happened in 2019 to Hidelyn Diaz.

Her name was included in a "Matrix" consisting of different personalities who allegedly aim to take down the current president.

"Kaya nga! Dami ko pang goals sa life and Pinas para sumali sa ganyan bagay. Nashock lang ako nalink ako sa ganyan," Diaz responded to a fan who questioned her inclusion in the matrix.

This only shows that even though our athletes are doing their job to make our country proud, they can be victims of someone's political agenda. Politicians flood them with congratulatory messages if they win but would wholly ignore them when they needed help.

LACK OF SUPPORT The case of Martinez and Diaz is just the tip of the iceberg regarding the lack of support from the national government.

Support is not only in terms of money, in reality is without proper funding, how could they train well when they are also worried about how to pay for their training? It seems that clownery and masked esters have infested sports and turned it into a surrealist setting wherein all of the colors of hope began to turn into black.

However, this didn't stop our athletes from taking the initiative to raise their funds. Support coming from the government was at its peak when athletes become vocal about their struggles.

Sports should celebrate the human body, and also the camaraderie of sportsmanship. The triumph of Diaz, Paalam, Petecio, Marcial, and all the athletes that represented us this Tokyo Olympics are the living testament to what dreaming and support can do. May we never forget that if your dream is essential to you, so are theirs. C

CPU Golden Lions Esports Don Erwin J. Laserna and Matthew Marquez together with their team Balugonians won a total of P2,000,000.00 in the recent PLAYMAYA CODM Tournament.

Mobile gamers from all across the country competed in the tournament introduced by Paymaya to see who can win today's most popular mobile games which included Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Call of Duty Mobile, and PUBG Mobile.

Don Erwin J. Laserna, a 4th year Nursing student, plays the roles of IGL (in-game leader), Anchor, and Support. According to him, he has been playing Call of Duty Mobile for almost 2 years.

“When we won at Paymaya’s tournament, we were just screaming we had won 2 million PHP, it felt like such a surreal moment as we were all screaming,” Laserna said during an online interview. “To be honest, at the start we didn’t think we would win at all or even get to playoffs, but the team worked hard and endlessly and left everything they had in the game so they wouldn’t regret anything.”

Meanwhile, Matthew Marquez, a 1st Year Packaging Engineering student, plays the role of Support (Sniper). According to him, he started playing CODM just for fun but later did he realize that he wanted to play in competitive scenes.

Last January 2021, he also got Top 21 on the Leaderboards having points of 103,000 using DLQ Sniper.

“I've felt mixed emotions upon finding out that we're the ones who won the PayMaya tournament.

It was unexpected because we've been clashing with the pro players who usually join the official tournaments. I once dreamed of playing with them on the same stage so it felt surreal winning over those teams…. We have prior ideas of those awards since they're all presented before the start of the game but we didn't expect that we'll be the ones who will win those awards,” Marquez stated.

Their team has won one of the biggest prize incentives in Esports received by Ilonggos.

When asked what would be their message to their fellow aspiring Centralian students, Laserna said, “For Centralian students who want to become pro players, I would emphasize management of time. If I have to be frank, I barely sleep. Some days I don’t sleep at all because I’m managing a lot. A lot of people view video gamers as lazy and just addicted to playing, but the reality is, we give up a lot to be where we’re at, especially the pros. As long as they can manage time and have their priorities in line, they can make their dreams a reality. Esports isn’t just a dream anymore; it’s an opportunity that can be taken.”

Marquez also added, “Everyone starts at the bottom but you'll learn and improve as you keep on honing your skills and your gameplay. It's also normal to lose many tournaments but it'll help you gain experience. The CPU GLE Codm Team is a good start for you so join the team and gather lots of experience. Don't be shy to join the tryouts and have confidence in yourself always. Take the risks and enjoy it while it lasts. But don't forget your responsibilities outside the game. Let your idols be your inspiration until you're on the same stage with them. Study hard, play harder.”

The tourney winners for each game will receive a total cash prize of P2 million, but those who aren't so lucky can still win prizes from over P4 million pesos worth of gadgets and cash prizes from Realme and Smart, bringing the tournament's total prize pool to over P10 million. C