The Central Echo - Summer Tabloid 2021 by The Central Echo

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OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA OF CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY

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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

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

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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

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

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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

 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

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

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

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

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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

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“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

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 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

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

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

 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

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

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

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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.

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Bondoc qualifies as an Ayala Young Leader BY KARREN JAY ASGAR

 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

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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

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

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.

lokal

TUNGO SA PAGBABAGO MGA  ALINGAWNGAW

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

BY DANICA HABLADO

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’

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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

 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

THE CENTRAL ECHO

Iloilo LGU inilunsad ang ‘first responders program’ BY KARREN JAY ASGAR

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.

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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 13, POLIO- FREE

DRUG WAR FROM PAGE 12

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

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.

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

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“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

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

7th

Filipino Journalist Maria Ressa bags Nobel Peace Prize '21

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

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

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

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

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

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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

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

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

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

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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

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The Independent Student Media of a Free Student Body

Band-aid Solution

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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.

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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.

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

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

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

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.