The Dolphin Magazine Vol. 62 No. 1 November 2022 (Revival)

Editorial Policy

The Dolphin is published once or twice every semester by the Publication Office of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc., Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo, Iloilo City. Publications are carried online at http://www. arevalo.jblfmu.edu.ph. Articles contained herein are personal views of the writers and do not necessarily reflect official thought or endorsement. These are published to stimulate ideas and provide an open forum for discussion. The Dolphin accepts original articles from students, faculty, staff and department heads. We also solicit comments regarding our issues. All contributions must be submitted to the Publication Office, legibly written, with generous space and margin. You may also e-mail them to dolphinarevalo@gmail.com. All articles contained herein are considered property of the Publication Office. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or published without prior permission from The Dolphin or the school administration.

Publication of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc.

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF D/C Franzesca Mari B. Bautista Mdpn. Nicanor S. Cinco III

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Mdpn. Francis C. Baldemor

MANAGING EDITOR Mdpn. Jan Christian L. Catilo

NEWS EDITOR Mdpn. John Francis M. Babiera

FEATURE EDITOR Mdpn. John Euclid P. Parreño

LITERARY EDITOR Mdpn. Daniel Justine H. Belonio

SPORTS EDITOR Mdpn. Christian James A. Segovia

FILIPINO EDITOR Mdpn. Alexis Carl B. Tabasin

STAFF WRITERS Mdpn. Hans Ibert R. David Mdpwn. Jannah Mae S. Pidoy

PHOTOJOURNALIST Mdpn. Renze Ivan D. Gomez

CARTOONIST Mdpn. Arron John S. Mortega

ILLUSTRATOR Mdpn. Arcyne John N. Sermeno

LAYOUT ARTIST Mdpn. Cean David D. Barrion

ADVISER Mr. Norman F. Daliva

Aknowledgement

Dr. Ronald Raymond L. Sebastian, Capt. Alfred G. Espinosa, Ph. D., C/M Virmari S. Tan Ph. D., Mrs. Rohena Z. Miranda, Mr and Mrs. Reynaldo Catilo, Artivism, PhilCAFE, Mr. and Mrs. Manuel B. Babiera Jr., Mr. Ludy V. Balili, PENRO VI, Mr. and Mrs. Lanier H. Belonio, MLA Memoirs, Mrs. Mary Anne Estinoco, 3/0 John Pope Estinoco, 3/0 John Christian Guevarra, OIC-NW John Michael Londres, Mr. and Mrs. Joebert M. Parreño, Mr. and Mrs. Juanito B. Pidoy Jr., Mayor Elmer C. Untaran, Mr. and Mrs. Ariel P. Sermeno, Mrs. Violeta Dioso, Mdpn. Gerald Bayoneta, Mr. and Mrs. Arvin G. Bautista, Mr. Marlon Soberano Fernandez, D/C Joshua Antonio, 2/M Majella Angelie Parreño - Albances, D/C Anthony Ken Bucasas, D/C Rovic Lopez, Mr. Xandrix Monares, Mr. Peter de la Cruz, Mr. and Mrs. Nestor Segovia , Five Brothers Audio Classic, Ms. Mariane Gabrielle C. Cagalawan-Daily Guardian, Patnongon Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Mrs. Anecar M. Vera Cruz, Mrs. Ma. Jane Nanini, Mr. and Mrs. Irene R. David, Mr. and Mrs. Nicanor B. Cinco Jr.

In the modern world, the way of living is fastpaced and others struggle to catch up. They were taught to swim before they could float, so they spend their lives compensating for something.

They are constantly flooded by challenges, unstable emotions, and fatigue—no wonder mostly of them get drown. But, not every story is a traged. Exceptional personalities win the race, and some are reborn.

Revived through the chaos by calming waters, they seek to outshine those who followed the linear path and toast for a new beginning.

MODEL:

Mdpn.

Mdpn.

PHOTOGRAPHER:

Mdpn.

Mdpn. Nicanor S. Cinco III

Mdpn. Arcyne John N. Sermeno Mdpn. Cean David D. Barrion

All we could see was black. All we could hear were pleas for help. All we can taste was iron from our blood.

Alas, we felt that there wasn’t any hope for us—that we had no choice but to succumb to the darkness.

Yet, nothing is forever. The sun will rise and will fill us with warmth. It will give way to what is inevitable— the inflorescence of a lotus.

This year’s theme is “Revival”. We’ve noticed that people often focus on the resurgence, but seldomly take the time to know how it came to be.

Hence, we’ve gathered stories of tenacity and resilience— features that highlight the revival of hope from a seemingly endless void.

The tales that we’ve compiled are from locals who were faced with adversity, yet overcame it. We wanted to give light to the process rather than the outcome—presenting to you the beauty of the courage and strength to move forward, rather than simply glorifying the moment of success.

Truth be told, we’ve also had difficulties in trying to awaken our sleeping spirits. But, despite of those challenges, we wanted to give justice to our motto: we bring truth to the surface.

Dear readers, may you enjoy reading this issue as much as we enjoyed making it. In your hands lies the paragon of hope— from the features it contains, to the very design of the magazine. This issue is the product of countless people’s resilience.

PHOTO MANIPULATION BY: CREATIVE TEAM:

Francis C. Baldemor

Francis Nikko G. Escaner

Renze Ivan D. Gomez

Buhî para Buwas

Intertwined with The Past, Set for The Future

UNDYING RHYTHM: Tuning up Dinagyang’s heartbeat

words by: MDPN. ALEXIS CARL B. TABASIN & MDPWN. JANNAH MAE S. PIDOY

manipulation by: MDPN. FRANCIS C. BALDEMOR

by: MDPN. RENZE IVAN D. GOMEZ

The pre-pandemic has given him replete opportunities. The creative blood boiling made him exceed his previous masterpieces. Unfortunately, an unforeseen pandemic came into the picture.

Rolling casters carrying heavy backdrops are gradually being set at the center of the asphalt road. Along with the blistering heat of the untamed sun, lies the burning desire of performing tribes that are yet to grace the stadium.

Da-dum. Da-dum. Da-dum.

The echoed cue of the tribe leader’s sticks at the center of the enormous crowd vibrates the spectators’ eardrums—a sign that another tribe is about to perform. The crowd went crazy and applauds as they hear the cue.

The Dinagyang Festival is celebrated annually every 4th week of January. Based on a blog published by Cielo Fernando on May 6, 2021, the celebration started in 1967 when an Augustinian priest from Cebu gave a duplicate image of the Santo Nino as a birthday gift to a fellow Augustinian priest in Iloilo. The Department of Tourism (DOT) Region 6 Director, Atty. Helen Catalbas stated that the festival has reached over 250,000 domestic and international tourists in 2019.

“Makabati ako sang drum, gaaliwasa ko na dayon (Every time I hear the sound of drum beats, I feel the adrenaline rush in my veins),” Xandrix Monares blurted out, recalling his odyssey as a festival costume designer.

Despite being a registered nurse, Xandrix has never worked in the medical field because of his commitment to designing festival costumes. Not until the pandemic, when the festivals were put on hold and there were no opportunities coming, he had no choice but to give up his studio and employees.

“Kami na ang kaluoy sang pag pandemic kay kami ang nauna apektuhan, kami man ang naulihi recover (We pity ourselves because we were the first affected and last to recover),” he said.

The telltale is he spent his own money to book festival attires until there were holes in his pockets. Although he has an upcoming wedding, his efforts and slow attempts to redeem himself went futile. His costumes became covered with dust after two years of idleness—they turned unprofitable.

With locked and numb hands, he relentlessly amalgamated feathers to repeatedly form heavy ornate headdresses, like he can do it even with his eyes closed. His exhaustion is lucid. However, Xandrix is unbothered. His life revolves with designing and creating costumes; that is who he is. The weight of the headdress he makes is as heavy as his responsibility, equivalent to the hundreds of dancers wearing his creation.

He is grasping at straws. For some, his job only exists during the festival season. It is not a regular job that one can hustle on weekdays. But, when his crafty hands touch the tapestry, hygiene and sleep become a luxury. Food even becomes a seemingly plausible option. Instead, he spends it on beads and fabrics in order to conceive a fitting couture from the realms of his imagination. He may be in the background. But his creations, the product of his sleepless nights and devotion, give more life to the tribe performers and add colors to the festivity of Dinagyang.

His creations, the product of his sleepless nights and devotion, give more life to the tribe performers.

photo

photo

Xandrix’s undying devotion to Sto. Niño made him quit his profession and continue his passion for costume designing as the first digital Dinagyang was announced. Using the online platform, the Dinagyang transitioned from streets to screens— still in motion.

The Ilonggo Artists Festival Association (IAFA) is a group that supports local artists all throughout the city. It was built when virtual Dinagyang was declared and the initiatives of creativity and solidarity fostered in supporting co-artists.

“Dako gid ang akon pasalamat sa association nga kung sa diin, nahatagan kasanag kag oportunidad sa amon kapin pa sang tyempo sang pandemic (I’m grateful to the association in which they gave us the spotlight and opportunity, especially in this time of pandemic),” Xandrix said with hopeful eyes.

There is no doubt that Ilonggos’ devotion will stand until the end of our generation. Ash-covered locals danced in the street during the early years of Dinagyang, which was originally a parish festival. It has become customary to join the audience in chanting “Hala Bira!” as joyful dancers, dressed in vibrant costumes, dance to the pulse of the drums.

The Ati Tribe dance competition is the highlight of the month-long Dinagyang Festival. The pagan rituals of the Ati tribe and the spread of Catholicism are symbolized by relics of Sto. Niño in all forms and sizes are two recurring elements of the performances at Dinagyang.

A ray of sunshine slaps the disturbance of the pandemic. Foreseeing the crowd that not even a needle can touch the ground is indeed a remarkable day on the calendar. Other than that, the artists’ blood starts to rise, thinking of the best outfit for their dancers and drummers. There, they can start to have their shot at bringing their creative juices to outdo what they have created years ago. The lone streets only with vehicles will be closed as their costumes will ramp the City of Love.

Lub dub. Lub dub. Lub dub.

Days are as fast as his heartbeat, joining the slams of drums with the revival of traditional Dinagyang. Feeling anew. Bare hands are stroking every detail of the textures of his creation, picturing them dancing along with the rhythm of the beats of the rehearsal. The familiar beat has finally revived.

“Dako gid ang akon pasalamat sa association nga kung sa diin, nahatagan kasanag kag oportunidad sa amon kapin pa sang tyempo sang pandemic.”

COMMUNITY

Playing Pool with the Pandemic

words by: MDPN. JOHN EUCLID P. PARREÑO

D/C FRANZESCA MARI B. BAUTISTA

photos by: MDPN. RENZE JOSHUA L. ABELO

It was a typical day. There were students dressed in summer white uniforms walking to and from the school, some queuing up to print assignments, some eating their lunch, and some

Inside a certain bilyaran, every pool table was surrounded by a lot of students carrying cue sticks. One table was occupied by James, a Grade 11 student listed in a top section, and his friends who were still able to find time to play despite being preoccupied with the upcoming exams and deadlines. Until one of them shouted, “Yey, wala klase! (Yey! classes are suspended!)”

They checked their phones; the school principal announced that classes will be suspended for two weeks. This put a smile on their faces because they had more time to play billiards.

Alas, little did they know that the joy they felt at that moment was temporary. Little did they know that that was their last day of striking pool balls into pockets. Little did they know that that announcement wasn’t merely for a suspension of class—it was for the suspension of their “normal” student life.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t just the students. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the unemployment rate of 17.6% in April 2020 was a record high for the country. The economic shutdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in 7.2 million unemployed Filipinos.

Among those affected were the business owners inside the subdivision. Students returned to their hometowns, leaving them without a source of income. Karinderyas, computer shops, boarding houses, and bilyarans were forced to close down. Hence, they tried to compensate for their loss of income by exploring other business opportunities.

CONCEPT PHOTO

The Pool Balls

Manang Diday owned the karinderya where James always ate at. However, when the pandemic struck, she had to close down and resort to online selling.

“Ga-live ako permi sa Facebook kay diyan ako nagabaligya ka mga bayo ka mga bata, mga bistida kag mga bag karang lockdown. Syempre may ma ginansiya gidman ko sa muni nga ubra pay lain gid ya akon nga income sa karinderya ko katu. (I sold baby clothes, dresses, and bags via Facebook live during the lockdown. Although I earned money at that time, it still cannot reach the amount I was generating back when I was operating a karinderya.)” said Manang Diday.

Meanwhile, Manong Borj, the owner of James’ favorite bilyaran, started to breed guppies. He was tipped off by his friend that it was easy money, so he decided to pursue it.

According to Manong Borj, “Dasig malang mag hanggod kag duro ang mga guppy. Galab-ot na gani linibo kis-a depende sa kalidad. (Guppies are fast growers and fast breeders. They can even sell for thousands depending on their quality.) ”

“Garing maski karilingaw gidman magpaduro kaja kannada, nahidlaw man ko sang mga tinion nga duro estudyante sa sulod ka akon bilyaran. Kapin pa hindi man matupungan ka pagbaligya ka isda ya kwarta nga mabuol ko sa shop ko katu. (Even though I liked breeding guppies, I missed the times when my billiard shop was full of students having fun. In addition, the money I earned from selling guppies was still nothing compared to what I used to earn before,)” he added.

However, not everyone was as lucky as them. The pandemic hit the seafront community so badly that it crippled most businesses.

Madam Jonalyn, James’ landlady, had to suffer losses as her empty three-story boarding house had left her purse parched for two years. Aside from that, the places where computer shops were situated are now empty and abandoned.

Fortunately, by November 2021 the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) has reported an improvement in the Philippine labor market. It was also at this time that the face-to-face classes reopened.

COVID-19 turned the busy atmosphere of the Seafront Subdivision into a ghost town. It’s as if in a game of billiards, the pandemic was the cue ball that pocketed multiple businesses in a single strike.

Students started to return to the subdivision for the first time in two years. The gradual rise in the number of students who returned to Seafront to attend limited face-to-face classes was a go signal for the businesses inside the subdivision to reopen.

Karinderyas were popping out left and right, new computer shop franchises were being set, and bilyarans reopened. Albeit limited, the continuous face-to-face classes meant income for vendors like Manang Diday and Manong Borj who now came back to selling food and handling cues to students.

“Syempre nami gid nga nakadaha daha na ko liwat, duwa man ka tuig nga hulat daan. Maski pirahan pa ka bulan bag-o mabawi ya akon kaperdihan, mas mayad gid daya kaysa sa online selling. (I am so glad I am able to cook and serve again after almost two years. Although it will take months to fully catch up with my losses, this is so much better than online selling,)” said Manang Diday.

Manong Borj, on the other hand, said that “Gamay dulang ya mga kilala ko nga gasulod di, nag graduate dun tu guro iban. Sige lang, mas mayad dun ja makakita mga bag-uhanon kaysa mapaduro dulang ko ka guppy asta sa urihi. (I only recognize a few faces here, most of my previous customers probably graduated already. But, at least, I’m happy to see new faces filling up my billiard shop rather than breeding guppies for the rest of my life.)”

Meanwhile, James was able to see students in karinderyas, computer shops, and bilyarans —an experience he never thought would come again. The “new normal” made him realize that Filipinos are truly resilient; one way or another they will find a way to live amidst adversities.

“Waay na ko naghandum daad nga makita ko pa ja. Masadya gid ko kay maski paano ma-experiece ko pa mangabuhi di imaw ka mga kilala ko bag-o ko mag graduate, magkaon sa karan-an ni Nang Diday kag maghampang sa bilyaran ni Nong Borj. Hindi man gali tam-an ka kalain jang “new normal”. (I never thought I would see this once more. I am just so happy I can experience living in this subdivision with my friends before I graduate, eating in Manang Diday’s karinderya, and playing in Manong Borj’s bilyaran. This “new normal” seems to be working out better than I thought it would),” James said.

After two years, he was able to play billiards with his friends again. However, this time around, James’ game was much more meaningful.

Like the cue ball, the pandemic pocketed all businesses in a single strike.

Fortunately, students are now back to pick up pool balls that have fallen. They are the reason the game is still going – they are what keeps the Seafront subdivision thriving.

The “new normal” made him realize that Filipinos are truly resilient; one way or another they will find a way to live amidst adversities.

The New Normal

BLUEPRINTS OF HISTORY: Laying the Foundation for a Livable Iloilo City

words by: D/C FRANZESCA MARI B. BAUTISTA photo manipulation by: MDPN. NICANOR S. CINCO III

The sound of kids’ laughter resonated throughout the open space. The sway of their swings synchronized with that of the leaves, moving back and forth with the gentle breeze.

The ringing of church bells signaled the start of both the mass and the opening of streetfood stalls. The smell of fried tusok-tusok, grilled barbecue skewers, and freshly-made cotton candy filled the atmosphere.

A group of students practiced their yells in front of Athena’s statue, in what seems to be a cry for help from the goddess of wisdom. Female maritime students entered the gates of Saint Anne Parish Church – a befitting visit for what is known to be “the feminist church”.

That day was filled with the vibrance of Ilonggo spirit amidst the remnants of history–a juxtaposition that was typical for Molo plaza.

The plaza complex, along with Jaro Cathedral, Molo Church, Iloilo Central Business District, Fort San Pedro, Jaro Plaza Complex, Arevalo Plaza Complex, and Plaza Libertad Complex was declared as cultural heritage tourism zones through Republic Act No. 10555.

According to the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA), cultural heritage tourism zones are ‘areas that will allow the tourist to experience places, artifacts and activities that authentically represent the people living in the area, past or present’.

True to its title, Molo Plaza characterizes the ‘City of Love’ and Ilonggos – welcoming, endearing, and most importantly, full of life.

Keeping the People’s Safety in Mind

“Public spaces are very important as they give people a place to rethink and recharge,” Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas said.

The combination of local funds and privatepublic partnership has made the PHP246-million project possible. He stressed that environments for public interaction impact the quality of urban living, hence, he wants to create a sustainable, livable, and resilient city for Ilonggos. He further added that one of his priorities is “building and improving infrastructures for the benefit of the community”.

With this in mind, Treñas started a massive rehabilitation of Iloilo’s district plazas. The project started in the first quarter of 2021, beginning with the renovation of Plaza Libertad.

An approximate total of PHP 209 million was taken from the local government fund— PHP19 million for Plaza Libertad, PHP 90 million for Jaro Plaza, PHP60 million for La Paz Plaza, and PHP40 million for Arevalo Plaza.

Meanwhile, PHP17 million was provided by the Green, Green, Green 2020 program of the Department of Budget and Management for the renovation of Mandurriao plaza. Molo Plaza was also allocated PHP20 million under the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) through the support of Ilonggo Ex-Senator Franklin Drilon.

“With our desire to bring Iloilo City to the next level, we maximize our potential to create a better environment for our people,” Treñas added.

Hence, a flood control plan will be incorporated in all plazas’ rehabilitation to address the perennial problem of flooding. Particularly, La Paz Plaza will have a retention pond to catch rainwater.

Sustaining Iloilo’s Economy

“Preserving our rich history while promoting the metro’s tourism is one of our huge leaps towards economic growth,” said Treñas.

Research has shown that public places such as plazas encourage social interaction and economic

activities, which improves the development and desirability of a community. In the US, projects for public spaces have led to an increase in business investments and tourism, an improvement in public and environmental health, and a reduction in crime.

The said benefits would surely be an advantage for Iloilo City, whose economy is anchored on agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. In fact, since January, almost 200,000 tourists have graced Ilonggo land. Furthermore, it is part of Iloilo province—the 5th largest economy outside the National Capital Region.

Revitalizing Ilonggo Culture

The Plaza Libertad Complex was where the first Philippine Republic flag was raised in triumph on December 25, 1898, after Spain surrendered Iloilo to the revolutionary forces led by Gen. Martin Delgado.

This historic plaza was once surrounded by infrastructures that were slowly disintegrating due to the passage of time. Now, after its first phase of renovation, Plaza Libertad is wider and more open, without fences and grills.

Meanwhile, to further the beautification of La Paz Plaza—the largest of Iloilo City’s district plazas— a blue koi lagoon and green butterfly garden

“With our desire to bring Iloilo City to the next level, we maximize our potential to create a better environment for our people.”

will be established through the local government’s partnership with Global Business Power Corp.

Funded by the NHCP, Jaro Belfry and Jaro Plaza bandstand are also being rehabilitated. The Jaro Belfry, also known as Campanario de Jaro, was built in 1744. It served both as a religious structure and as a military watchtower—a significant reminder of Iloilo’s history.

On the other side of the city, a new PHP 42-million multipurpose gym will be built to accompany the revitalization of the Arevalo Plaza Complex. Travel 4 kilometers more and you’ll arrive at Molo Plaza, which finished its restoration last June 17.

The reopening of the plaza complex became grander through the local government’s partnership with MORE Power. They also donated the lights to Saint Anne Parish Church which is also located in Molo.

“The revitalization of our district plazas aims to bring back community patronage and appreciation of our public open spaces where ‘everyONE knows every JUAN,’ a diminishing trait or character in an urbanized society,” City Architect Regina C. Gregorio said.

It was a typical evening at Molo Plaza—the sound of children’s laughter resonated throughout. They were playing amidst the dazzling lights surrounding the church, running around the Greek goddesses of the gazebo.

On the other side, Ilonggos of all ages clustered in a local cafe. The endearing tone of the Hiligaynon language filled the atmosphere. The aroma of coffee that permeated the quaint shop fueled their conversation.

The revived architecture of the city laid the foundation for its paragon—a resilient, sustainable, and livable Iloilo. The plaza allowed tourists and locals alike to experience Iloilo as it is–welcoming, endearing, and most importantly, full of life.

One of the few belfries in the country that stood apart from the church where it belonged.

Features six Olympian beauties—Aphrodite, Artemis, Athena, Demeter, Hera and Hestia.

“The revitalization of our district plazas aims to bring back community patronage and appreciation of our public open spaces where ‘everyONE knows every JUAN’.”

THE MOLO PLAZA GAZEBO

JARO BELFRY

Sculptures of Greek mythology attributed to Raffaelle Monti

PLAZA LIBERTAD SCULPTURES

photos from: https://br.pinterest.compin/367254544604592954/

DEVCOM

PANAY RAILWAYS: Connecting

People,

words by: MDPN. JOHN EUCLID P. PARREÑO &

One Rail at a Time

Historically, the invention of railway systems eased the moving of goods in terms of land transportation around the world. With low fuel consumption and less driver costs compared to road transport, it became a greener and more practicable choice of shipping on land. Cruz (2015) considered it to be the most economical and efficient means of transportation worldwide.

In the Philippines, rail transportation mainly serves commuters within Metro Manila and the provinces of Laguna and Quezon as well as the Bicol region. Freight transport also once operated but was halted.

Somewhere south of Luzon back in 1907, a 117-kilometer railway that sliced Panay island into two equal parts existed and operated for more or less 76 years. This line served both passengers and freight from Capiz town (now Roxas City) to Iloilo town (now Iloilo City). Unfortunately, because of the declining sugar industry in Western Visayas, the railway stopped operating sometime in the mid-1980s (Salvilla, 2006).

The Revival

Talks about the revival of the Panay railway have been heard as early as 2006 but remained that way for almost 20 years. Hope about it becoming a reality was almost lost until President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. mentioned in his first SONA that the resurgence of the Panay Railway project is a “vital part of our transport and communication systems.”

According to Panay Railways Inc. (PRI) Chief Operating Officer, Cesar Capellan, the whole revival of the project will be a four-phase plan and the rail connecting Iloilo City and Roxas City is only the first phase. Other phases will connect Roxas City to Malay, Aklan, then from Aklan to Antique, and finally connecting Antique back to Iloilo City.

Benefactors

Raw materials, tourist spots, and products unique to specific places flourish in Panay. These have been essential for the overall economic growth of the island and its people. Moving people and goods within Panay by land has been mainly through bus or jeepney transport.

Transporting raw materials such as sugarcane, corn, and flour to factories across provincial borders would become faster without the presence of traffic in railroads. This also benefits those companies who rely on perishable goods for production and other cargoes that are needed to be moved quickly.

Railroads would also be a new experience for the people of Panay. For years, buses were the only ones that could transport loads of passengers from one province to another. After the reconstruction of railroads and the reintroduction of trains, people would be glad to experience new things for a change.

On top of these, railways that pass through known destinations within the island of Panay provide the most convenient one-way ride. For example, when the rail that connects Roxas City to Malay, Aklan is finished, tourists can directly go to Boracay Island in only one ride.

Challenges

Although it looks and sounds promising, the Panay Railway Project needs to undergo lots of processes before it can be materialized. Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jamie Garcia said that funds are not yet available for the proposed project and its revival is not a priority of the agency.

Moreover, DOTr Undersecretary Cesar Chavez added that the directive from the secretary was to just study the railways. On top of that, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas suggested that, should the railways be pushed through, it would be best if it is done outside Iloilo City as it would displace a large number of families living in around 1,000-1,500 houses.

Introducing a greener and faster mode of transportation will hasten intra-island economic circulation and can cause economic growth to go through the roof.

Lastly, PRI’s reliance on foreign investors for funding was the one that chained the whole project into words for the past 20 years. A lot of proponents vie for the responsibility but none has gotten past the feasibility study stage. Luckily, the main challenges involve budget constraints. Capellan stressed that the project is still achievable through Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The $1.5 million needed for the first phase of the project could easily be secured through a loan or will be provided by the proponent himself.

The most recent proponents who were interested are China Railway International Group Ltd. (CRIG), Londonbased Global Wealth Centres, and the Philippine-based Philtrak consortium - all of which are yet to undergo feasibility studies.

Panay Railways: A Brief Timeline

June 8, 1906

Work started with one team starting from Capiz town (now Roxas City) and another from Iloilo town (now city).

Despite the funding challenges in phase one, the ever-growing interest of both foreign and local proponents suggests that no matter the cost, finishing the project is so worth it.

Railway systems eased the moving of goods in terms of land transportation around the world. In Panay, it will not only improve the locals’ quality of life but also connect people one rail at a time.

1970s

The two teams met halfway somewhere along the 117-kilometer line. Operations began immediately with 19 permanent and 10 other flag stations.

1970s

Modern deluxe passenger cars were introduced, becoming a threat to the railways’ purpose.

1980s

A 12-kilometer spur line was erected from Dueñas to Calinog to serve the sugar refinery in Calinog.

1983

Panay Railways ceased operations due to declining sugar industry in Western Visayas.

source: https://www.thenewstoday. info/2006/07/28/panay.railways.html

The Panay Railway System promises better transportation and economy for the people of Panay.

March 5, 1906 Panay Railways started as Philippine Railway Company Incorporated at Hardford, Connecticut, thru the initiative of Governor Raymundo Melliza.

PROGRESSIVE ILOILO: Philippines’ Bike Capital

words by: MDPN. NICANOR S. CINCO III & MDPN. FRANCIS C. BALDEMOR illustration by: MDPN. ARCYNE JOHN N. SERMENO

They were all prepared. Their bikes’ seats were tightened and adjusted to support the riders as they slum their backs. The tire pressure of their wheels was just right, ready to outburst the tension from within them. Brake levers and brake pads were ready to respond quickly to encountered obstacles. They gathered in black — a silhouette of power and grit to claim something right.

It was March 19, 2019 at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand. A bicycle activist started to push himself by foot, tucking his feet upwards onto the pedals. He led the ride to protest the campaign “Ride to Liberation: Ride for our Rights” and 599 cyclists followed. They cycled the bustling streets of Iloilo City—swiftly, furiously, and bravely.

The summed-up clicking noise from the bikes’ pedals was heard from a distance. The echoes peaked through the noisy metropolitan—”liberation” became their battle cry.

Scrapping the outdated local ordinance (Regulation Ordinance No. 354 -1982) that bans bicycles in selected areas of the city was their goal in mind. They are heroes who stood up for their right to pedal, paving the way for Iloilo City’s Bike Capital branding.

Iloilo City takes pleasure in the picturesque bike lanes that Ilonggos had been using long before the COVID-19 outbreak. In fact, the metropolitan recently earned its right to be called the “Bike Capital of the Philippines”.

The Iloilo City Network is an award-winning bike lane that stretches 11 kilometers from the Diversion Road to a few city pathways, connecting locals and tourists to various destinations for work and recreation. It includes a 4-kilometer protected bike lane— one of the longest in the country— constructed with eco-friendly safety barriers that provide safe, scenic, and sustainable space for bikers of all ages.

Department of Tourism-Region 6 (DOT-6) Director Cristine Mansinares said that Iloilo City as the bike capital of the Philippines will promote wellness to local cyclists and tourists alike.

In the city, the COVID-19 pandemic sparked a desire for biking due to the utmost support of the local government by constructing more and more cycling infrastructures to promote pedal-friendly practices as a coping mechanism amidst health crises.

According to data, most cyclist respondents began regularly using bikes at the height of the pandemic. The number of cyclists skyrocketed by 41.89 percent alone in 2020. In the first four months of 2021, it climbed by an additional 12.38 percent from this yearly total.

Zero-emission Vehicle

A bicycle is a zero-emission vehicle. According to Reid (2022), if a city promotes bicycles as the main mode of transportation, then, the quality of air will enhance. The carbon emissions will reduce by 6 to 14 million tons and fuel consumption by 700 million to 1.6 billion gallons annually – creating a safer and more sustainable environment.

700M - 1.6 B GALLONS (Fuel Consumption)

6 - 4 MILLION TONS (Carbon Emissions)

The cycling industry of Iloilo City is an added boost to developing a healthy society. Cycling became Ilonggos’ lifestyle—their habit to achieve healthy living.

In an article in Medical News Today, cycling can improve cardiorespiratory health. It also notes that it can help the immune system protect a person from respiratory infections such as SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19.

DOT-6 Director Mansinares also added that Iloilo City as the bike capital will “create more jobs and bring more investments’’. It will provide economic progress as it “allows the expansion of economic and livelihood opportunities of local government units across the Western Visayas region”.

The biking activity will certainly boost the economy. According to a study by the Outdoor Industry Foundation, the US economy benefits from cycling to the tune of $133 billion yearly. Also, Portland, which has been recognized as a Platinum-level Bicycle Friendly Community, earned $90 million in bicycle-related activity in one year alone.

On the other hand, Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) Chief Operating Officer Lawyer Maria Anthonette C. Velasco-Allones said that they will continue to support bike tourism as this also aligns with their advocacy on responsible tourism since biking helps bring down carbon footprints.

The dedication and appreciation shown by Iloilo City’s local government unit (LGU) and tourism officials to Ilonggo cyclists is enough to motivate and encourage both veterans and newbies to pedal around the city. Take for example, the experience of Michael, a beginner cyclist who just started to pedal from Arevalo to downtown Iloilo a few weeks ago.

“The moment I saw how Iloilo’s cycling industry boomed and how it benefits the city, tourism

and the cyclist himself, I felt obliged to try cycling. I push myself even further every day until I circulate the city’s cycling network,” he said.

The Iloilo City Network is beloved by locals and tourists. Through the local government’s efforts to build sustainable infrastructures and promote eco-friendly practices, the city developed resilience and was ready to welcome the world.

Being the Bike Capital of the Philippines is not merely a city branding, rather it is an opportunity for Iloilo City to become the most sustainable metro in the Philippines. As a city, it became a model in terms of livability. Iloilo City receives various recognitions through the years: Highly Urbanized City, 8th Safest City in Southeast Asia, and Most Business-friendly City.

“What does this [Bike Capital of the Philippines] mean for us, really? Do we expect to attract more tourists? Maybe. Will there be more bike-owning Ilonggos? Why not, I hope so. Achieving both is good and all part of the grand plan. But the greater purpose is to make it known that Iloilo is a forwardthinking city that cares for its people, its environment, and its heritage,” said Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas.

It was July 31, 2022, at Festive Walk Iloilo–just like before, they were all prepared. Their bikes’ seats were tightened. The tire pressure of their wheels was just right. The brake levers and brake pads were functioning properly. But, this time, they didn’t gather in black. They gathered in colors— a symbol of their vibrant enthusiasm.

The same bicycle activist from the campaign was there, along with more than 1500 cyclists. They pushed themselves by foot and tucked their feet upwards onto the pedals. They pedaled together as one to celebrate Iloilo’s new victory— it bagged the “Philippine Bike Capital” title.

“The greater purpose is to make it known that Iloilo is a forward-thinking city that cares for its people, its environment, and its heritage.”

ENVIRONMENT

CUBIX: Sustainability and Creativity Mixed

words by: D/C FRANZESCA MARI B. BAUTISTA photos by: MDPN. NICANOR S. CINCO III

ScreecH !

– a box was hoisted, its bottom scraping against another metal. The shore crane that lifted it made yet another sound, making the Chinese foreman angry. Inaudible Mandarin shouts resonated throughout the Guangzhou port.

On the other side, numerous trucks are lined up. The drivers grow impatient while waiting for their cargo. They were behind

Meanwhile, the smell of molten iron filled up and ready to be assembled. Here, shipping

According to Anna Nagurney (2021), about US$ 14 trillion or 54% of the world’s goods are transported via container shipping. In order to accommodate this trade, approximately 1.5 to 2.5 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) worth of containers is manufactured in China every year.

At the onset of the pandemic, substantial commercial demands and port congestion created a container shortage in global markets. Hence, container production peaked at about 5.2 million TEUs. This increased demand has undoubtedly contributed to the current surplus of containers.

Empty container repositioning (ECR) is one of the shipping industry’s biggest problems today. The trade imbalance among regions, specifically export-focused Asia, and import-focused Europe, has caused this dilemma.

ECR occurs when there is an excess of containers in one area because it is too expensive to transport empty containers compared to making new ones. Hence, in China alone, 4.2 million containers were left unused by March 2020.

Meanwhile, 75,000 containers remained unclaimed at the Manila port in 2014. The surplus in containers was so massive that the Bureau of Customs has generated approximately PHP 1 billion in 2021, and PHP 555.44 million in 2022 from selling the contents of 1,257 and 1,898 abandoned containers respectively.

However, this revenue was solely dependent on the cargo within the containers. Hence, thousands more were disposed of or destroyed. This phenomenon in the shipping industry has raised the idea of refurbishing containers into houses, offices, and even pop-up malls.

CUBIXPARK

According to its official Facebook page, CUBIXPARK is a pop-up mall that features a mix of fashion and lifestyle brands, galleries, cafés, restaurants, and outdoor venues for boat and bicycle rides. It aims to bring communities together by providing the best street food, drinks, and entertainment under one roof.

Its vibrantly-colored containers provide a beautiful contrast to the monotonous greens that surround it. It is a goto destination for photoshoots with its romantic gondola rides and Instagram-worthy backgrounds.

Furthermore, it supports everything Ilonggo—CUBIXPARK is home to live performances, artworks, and handicrafts made by locals. The paintings in SelfieBox are made by Mark Fernandez and Boy Antique. Their live acoustic nights feature Khaye, Kirk, the Music & Lyrics band, and other local buskers.

It was able to provide almost 50 Ilonggos with a job during and post-pandemic. Even though its opening was delayed for 3 years, CUBIXPARK is now slowly gaining attention.

“Na-attract ko kay daw ka-aesthetic. Kag permi ko makita ang posts sa social media, daw kanami mag-take sang pictures didto. (I was attracted because it was aesthetic. I always see posts on social media, and it seemed like it was nice to take photos there),” said Josh Antonio, a visitor from Roxas City.

Josh also mentioned that he wasn’t aware that container vans can be upcycled into an accommodation. Hence, he was curious to see what it would look like inside as well as where the idea stemmed from.

“They [the owners] wanted to use old containers to make it unique through innovation and sustainability,” Marlon Soberano Fernandez, Marketing Officer of CUBIXPARK, answered when asked about the concept of CUPIXPARK.

Sustainability means “an increased importance being placed on use of materials, which are renewable, recycled and non-toxic” as stated by Vijayalaxmi (2010) in her study. Similarly, according to Hoyos and Scharoun (2014), the excess materials in cities have made reusing, reclaiming, and repurposing such items necessary. In CUBIXPARK’s case, a related study has proven that using upcycled containers have 64% less environmental impact as compared to conventional establishments because they used a ready-made product.

c H eer S !

—a group of friends drink beer amidst distant laughter and a subtle hum of OPM. The smell of charred meat, grilled vegetables, and oriental spice wafted through the venue on a warm city night.

On the other side, a couple was enjoying their boat ride through the narrow man-made canal. The lights that decked the containers reflected on the serene waters. They took a photo with a seemingly huge Rubik’s cube as their background.

Picturesque boxes gave life to the dreary hues of the city. A splash of color revived barren land and unwanted waste. Shipping containers are stacked—a piece of metal revived through creativity, representing sustainability.

How long do shipping containers last?

25 years

Shipping containers have an average lifespan of 25 years thanks to a design that ensures their durability when traveling by sea. After manufacturers modify cargo containers and transform them into container-based structures, the container’s longevity remains. The lifespan of a shipping container is determined by environment, use, and the number of years spent at sea prior to modifications.

source: https://www.falconstructures.com/ blog/how-long-do-shipping-containers-last

located in Iloilo City is a clear example of shipping container upcycling.

HUMAN INTEREST

THE POPE WHO LIVED: A Piracy Survivor’s Tale

words by: MDPN. FRANCIS C. BALDEMOR & D/C FRANZESCA MARI B. BAUTISTA illustrations by: MDPN. ARCYNE JOHN SERMENO

Everything happened within seconds—the reverberating sound, the sudden pain, and the smell of iron. Pope ran but he couldn’t beat the 7.62mm bullet that penetrated his skin.

The pain burned from the bones of his right hand. Blood burst like a fountain, leaving traces on the cold metal floor. The gushing of the red liquid passed through his blurry vision. Vermilion changed to black; fear made him lose consciousness.

They came in the night. The high-pitched whine of their boat was unnoticed, they dropped off their makeshift ladder on the deck. They swayed to the howls of the wind, carrying assault rifles and belts of knives slung across their tilted shoulders.

They were savages—fierce, violent, and uncontrolled. Their eyes were bloodshot; their skin was covered in slashes. Their clothes were worn. Their bodies were strong.

Pope Estinoco, then a 24-year-old seafarer, was doing his security rounds at the deck when he saw a ladder being latched. His cold, curious gaze narrowed to a squint as he was probing for information. Men suddenly materialized out of the murk. To no surprise, his instinct was true: PIRATES!

Pope was among the eight seafarers abducted on December 31, 2019, aboard a chemical and oil tanker, anchored in the coastal waters of Cameroon. He was an Ordinary Seaman (OS) at a Greek shipping company, who graduated from John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc. They would be held hostage for the next 21 days.

The maritime industry is dangerous. Conditions of work hazards, long voyages, accidents, and outside forces like pirate abduction can take a heavy toll on crew members’ health. A growing body of research over the past twenty years has demonstrated the effects that intense and upsetting experiences like being a victim of maritime piracy can have on survivors.

Numerous seafarers are subject to the anxiety of passing through high-risk zones. Hostage situations are associated with a noticeably higher chance of developing posttraumatic stress.

Moreover, the trauma affects not only seafarers but the families who are left behind in their home country. A sizable portion of the hostages’ families exhibits long-lasting behavioral impacts as a result of their experiences.

According to Selye (2016), 25.77% of former piracy hostages have symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress.

The Family’s melodrama

Pope’s mother, Mary Anne Estinoco, was working at the bank when she learned the news that her son was abducted.

“Nagtumbo-tumbo ako. Naga-hibi. Ginpakompirma ko sa kapitan nga nagtawag kung bata ko gid man ang gin-abduct. Ikaw bala ulihi mo na mabal-an ang balita nga ginhulog pa ‘ya ang bata ko sa dagat samtang duguan (I was jumping. I was crying. I was asking the Captain that called us to confirm if it was really my child who was abducted. I learned later that my bleeding child was thrown into the ocean),” she said.

The 21 days in the hands of pirates was a painstaking agony for Pope’s family. It was a mixture of tireless waiting for updates, sleepless nights, and unrelentless overthinking.

“May ara punto nga one week, wala ako nagakatulog sang intsakto. Kada udto, nagakadto ako sa simbahan kag maghagulgul hibi nga nagaluhod. Wala ako gana magkaon (It came to a point when I was not able to sleep properly for a week. In the middle of the day, I would go to church and cry while praying on my knees. I did not have the appetite to eat),” she explained.

Pope’s liberation from captivity has released his family’s agony from its tight grip. For one of them, however, the memories keep coming back. There were days when Mary Anne would see sudden pictures of men kicking her son or hear the murmur of Pope’s voice screaming for help.

POPE ESTINOCO

For Pope and his family, the trauma of captivity and release from the pirate hellhole lives were more than just a mere number.

“Bilib ako gani kay Pope. Unlike sa akon, may ara adlaw nga gaflashbacks. Pero, kis-a ginalambing ko lang sa, gadula man dayun. Ang importante nakita ko ang bata ko nga buhi (I’m very amazed by Pope. Unlike me, he doesn’t get flashbacks. Sometimes, I just talk to him to stop the flashbacks. What’s important is that my child is alive),” said Mary Ann.

The Victim’s ordeal

“I thought of taking the ladder, but instead I ran. Because of that, they shot me. That was my last memory on the ship. Every time a gunshot rang out around the camp, our guards would threaten to shoot us. It was so awful,” Pope recollected, the patch of healed stitches from an AK47 shot on his hand still visible.

The heavily armed pirates journeyed from Cameroon to Nigeria with their hostages—five Greeks, two Filipinos, and a Ukrainian. Meanwhile, Pope was unconscious for nine days. He heard voices—blurred, fuzzy, and unclear. He could not open his eyes. And when he did, he was faced with the stench of a

rotten smell, covered with insect bites, and surrounded by his crew’s tired eyes.

“We were the only captives in the camp. Breakfast consists of a boiled egg, noodles at lunch, and dinner generally consists of bread. In the same swamp where the pirates and captives defecated, we took a bath. I often think of my mom crying every night, my father standing by my mother’s side, and my brother taking care of them both,” he exclaimed.

Pope bears the pain of his agonizingly sore hand with swamp water to clean the wound. There were days when fear consumed him, and the hope of living blurred. His body would start to tremble; his hair would elevate. Because he had attempted to unlatch the ladder from the ship, the pirates’ prying eyes and actions always singled him out. Fortunately, a deal was agreed upon by his company and the pirates—a huge sum of money in exchange for their release.

“The 21 days we were held hostage were much less unsettling than the rescue. We thought it was a trap when the pirates instructed us to leave. Only when we spotted our Greek superintendent did we realize that we were safe,” said Pope.

The Seafarer’s Future and Beyond

The negative psychological effect piracy has on seafarers is significant and long-lasting. But, it also demonstrates the resilience of seafarers in the face of adversity (Selye, 2016).

“Abi ko san-o indi nako magbalik sa barko. Sang nakapasar ako sa isa ka business processes outsourcing company, hambal ko final na ni. Siguro calling ko gid man ang seafaring industry (I thought I would never come back to the ship. When I passed the screening for a business outsourcing company, I said to myself: this is already final). After a twist of fate in Asurion, I left my financially stable job,” Pope relinquished.

Pope still continued his seafaring career despite his past unhopeful predicament. He is fortunate that with the aid of his family, friends, crewmates, and strong connection with God, he was able to move beyond his past and revive himself from trauma. Now, 27-year-old Pope is a third officer at the same company.

“Daw wala ko abi sense of direction sa iban nga opportunities (I didn’t feel a sense of direction in other opportunities). I was mentally and emotionally ready to go to the ship,” he added.

Pope recovered his balance as he walked through the narrow platform leading to the watertight door of a small boat. The engine started thumping; his vision jittered with the vibration. As he steadied himself, the scar in his palm kissed the cold fiberglass chair.

The shore from the window started moving. Countless waves passed. Unlike the last time, he’s now fully aware of what is happening. He saw a ladder prepared in its midship– this time it is he who will be boarding the ship.

The vision of the past crept in, but he managed to vanish it in an instant. Pope is now braver than before. Considering himself a survivor, not a victim, he moved forward. He is now on his last step on the ladder. As he rose from the ship’s side, the gentle breeze of the afternoon welcomed him, and the scene became warmer as his family at sea offered him an excited smile.

This will be a tougher journey for Pope who lives. However, he is not someone trapped in his past but rather a brave sailor whose spirit remains steadfast against the waves that try to shatter it.

Piracy in Africa

“Sometimes, I would listen to my captors’ stories. It seems that they were using piracy as a form of retaliation against their government for stealing oil from their villages,” Pope said.

The Gulf of Guinea in West Africa serves as a gateway and a strategic point of entry to the Sahel, Lake Chad region, and the Atlantic Ocean. According to the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), it remains the piracy hotspot in the world, accounting for nearly 43% of all reported cases of piracy. It outpaced the records in Somalia.

Over $500 million is lost to piracy each year in the nations that border the Gulf. The average ransom for non-African hostages has more than doubled in recent years from $15,000 per non-African hostage in 2014 to as much as $40,000 per non-African in 2019. Meanwhile,

the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) revealed that in 2008 one Filipino seafarer was kidnapped every six hours somewhere in the world. Filipino seafarers have accounted for most of the piracy attacks. One Filipino seafarer is thought to be present aboard a ship for every four to five crew members (Business Mirror, 2022).

ENVIRONMENT

THE STRONGHOLD’S REBIRTH

words by: MDPN. JOHN FRANCIS M. BABIERA & MDPN. ARCYNE JOHN N. SERMENO

The Stronghold of Life

According to the Philippine Deforestation Rates and Statistics by the Global Forest Watch (GFW), in 2010, Iloilo had 13.2 mega hectares of natural forest, extending over 62% of its land area. With this vast amount of forests, most of which is found at the center of Lambunao, Iloilo– a town where Jalaur Basin is located– a stronghold protecting floras and fauna exists. It had 14.7kilo hectares (or 58% of Lambunao) covered by natural forest.

Jalaur Basin is part of The Greater Negros– an ecoregion of Panay rainforest that consists of several islands, namely the larger Negros, Panay, Cebu, and several smaller islands. But, like most islands in the Philippines, the forests in this area are cleared for logging, agriculture expansion, human settlements, and unsustainable use of natural resources.

The living Earth coughs as each tree falls flat on the solid fertile soil. The scornful heat during April and the heavy rains of June brings the green vegetation of the land with virgin forests as sanctuaries. To those who chirp, hiss, and growl this place is home during monstrous typhoons. The soil gives life, and animals of different shapes and sizes wake up to live their everyday lives as the sun rises East; an indication of blossoming life.

The Deterioration

In the latest statistics of GFW, the said area already lost a total of 22.7 hectares of natural forest. These forestlands were turned into agricultural lands and lumber plantations – a necessity to sustain another living human being. Ironically though, deforestation cuts down trees thay absorb carbon dioxide, and results in the emission of millions of tons of greenhouse gases.

photos from: Forestland Management Project Iloilo-DENR 6

These in return suffocate and destroy every living being due to air pollution and extreme weather conditions.

When people in the metropolis become comfy turning their calendars, the adverse effect of pollution and the insatiable greed of illegal loggers grow. The forestlands that we know, steadily dwindle in numbers as each page of the calendar from the same butchered tree is crumpled. As these unsolicited killings of flora and fauna expand, the felicity of these men with paper money in their pockets is obvious. The riches grow as forests and creatures perish; a sad investment for a short-term future.

The Restoration

The good news is, nature is incredibly resilient and broken ecosystems can bounce back to health when given enough effort and the right direction. To combat the continuing threat of forest loss, the Forestland Management Program (FMP) ensures the protection of the natural forests. The FMP is a ten-year Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) - Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) project with the goal of improving forest management in three important river basins through the use of coordinated and all-encompassing Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) techniques.

The rehabilitation of degraded forest lands especially in Jalaur River which began in 2012 ended last July 2022. Illegal loggers started waking up from upfront exploitation and were converted into Forest rangers, now protecting the stronghold of life. With their conservative efforts in the community, Lambunao gained 119 hectares of tree cover region-wide, equal to 4.7% of all tree cover gained in Iloilo.

The project scaled at a pace that insured winning the race of making the hills green. It was not too fast or slow, but it was sure to hit its goal. A goal to revive what was lost, a second chance for the souls, and a lesson to tame the greed that grows. The forest once dying, carved, and choked is now growing, giving its best for another shot in life. A life where it would selflessly serve others’ beings rather than itself attesting to be a true triad of nature.

The full-pocketed loggers are now a mere shadow. The people that once slaughtered the land now cry for it to grow. In a twist of faith, these men with greed sowed generosity. Their voices together with their actions depict a fight for revolt and change. Because of these people, the realization that a seed is a life worth fighting is a tomorrow better than today.

The Land Revived

The lands may be restored, making it possible for the forest and humans to co-exist. However, without a change of hearts and minds, evil will rise again and root itself deeper into the soil. Planting more trees proved that it is not enough. Nurturing and growing our hearts for nature will certainly create an impact.

Days, months, and years flow like the water nearby the mountains. The silhouette of a once barren land gradually turns back into a greenish forest. The trees that yield shade and life, now a twighave been revived to provide the same amenities and restart the cycle. Even with adversaries, the vision of revival for these roots is yet to be pitied. The dedication of Earth to live and support the souls of both righteous and wicked remains at the pedestal of biodiversity.

119 HECTARES

OF TREES

From 2000 to 2020, Lambunao, Iloilo gained 119 hectares of tree cover region-wide, equal to 4.7% of all tree cover gain in Iloilo.

As of 2000, 39% of Lambunao, Iloilo was Natural Forest Cover.

16.4 kilohectares

OF NATURAL FOREST

Illegal loggers started waking up from upfront exploitation and were converted into Forest rangers, now protecting the stronghold of life.

Forest Gain

SQUEEZING OUT EVERY BUCK:

A Seafaring Dilemma

words by: MDPN. JAN CHRISTIAN L. CATILO illustration by: RODERICK GUERRERO GALAM

“Hush now, this too shall pass.” A gentle, yet nerving whisper of prayer can be heard in a corner of a steel cabin. Though being a big man with a chubby belly, well-built forearms, and broad shoulders, Third Officer Lozada knelt and prayed in a portrait of Christ, gripping the rosary tightly in one hand while pleading and asking for miracles to subdue the harsh storm. After praying, he stood up and directed the helmsman and passed safely away from the North Atlantic Ocean.

‘Third Officer Chris Tomas Lozada’. This is written under his portrait in his room way back in the Philippines as his pregnant wife worries inside about his safety as soon as she got informed that her husband’s ship is encountering a storm. After five days, Mr. Lozada is set to go home as soon as the dock in Florida, USA. The timing of his repatriation is perfect as his wife’s due date is near, and she is ready to give birth to their healthy son.

The weather calmed as his prayers worked. Mr. Lozada is set to go home with his other crewmates safe and sound. Maybe God gave him a favor this time around as he will encounter and sort out more troubling stuff back home. In a span of three months, he needs to process so much paperwork and attend numerous training sessions for his next promotion, all the while enjoying his very short vacation.

But one thing shocked Mr. Lozada. A training he heard that had been taken away before had been reinstated and will now be a compulsory training course that he will take before being certified for promotion. A 45-day Management Level Course (MLC) for officers required by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) will take up the majority of his vacation time rather than spending it with his wife and newborn son.

MLCs are training courses for Filipino seafarers who want to advance in rank. Deck and engine officers both take them. They are part of the training and certification process for Filipino seafarer officers who would be in charge of ship management (Captain/Master, Chief Mate, Second Officers, etc.). This intensifies as more stories about how and why seafarers regard these training and refresher courses as “unnecessary” become louder.

“MLCs are such a hassle. It’s not just about the 40 thousand pesos that will be spent for only one training but also about the time that it will take to process and take up the course. We, seafarers, feel like we’re being milked by our government and training centers because they think we are always willing to spend and abide by their rules. But the truth is, we don’t have much of a choice. Authorities get

“We seafarers feel like we’re being milked by training centers because they think we’re always willing to spend and abide by their rules. But we don’t have much of a choice.”

what they want,” Mr. Lozada said. While authorities like MARINA may argue that this is required for Filipinos to be on par with European Standards and be certified to do so on any seagoing vessels, it contradicts the views of maritime education advocate Capt. Edgardo Flores. He stated that MLC had always been in the curriculum and should not be brought back to strain the seafaring workforce again.

“Management level education must be included in our BSMT and BSMarE programs and the findings were addressed to the Commission on Higher Education in education, not as training. If MLC will be reimposed as education and training, what is the purpose? Will it be a retroactive education since senior officers have already graduated with their BS education or a redundant education for financial gain?” Capt. Flores said.

Seafarers admit that they have no choice but to follow MARINA’s policy decisions, regardless of how they feel about the MLC. This sense of being neglected and forced to submit or just comply generates resentment towards the institutions that are supposed to look after them.

As a result, MARINA is pressured to do all possible means to provide legitimate training courses that respect the dignity and professionalism of seafarers.

Putting an end to the inconsistencies and profiteering that have made MLCs and other training courses such a blight and burden on sailors’ life. Seafarers prefer to work together with the agency, as it makes the process easier and all they have to do is comply with the requirements needed, as the convention abides by International standards.

Seafarers Training

Independent evaluators identified 15 instances of noncompliance with the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW). The Philippine maritime industry is “taking corrective measures” to address such issue. This is in addition to the 23 complaints following an audit by the European Maritime Safety Agency, which examines conformity with European Union rules.

Should the Philippines be left off the list, this could have an effect on the employment of more than 600,000 Filipino seafarers worldwide and, consequently, the global marine industry.

PH

Living The Day at Night

words by: MDPWN. JANNAH MAE S. PIDOY illustration by: MDPN. ARCYNE JOHN N. SERMENO

As the sun began to rise at the “Heart of Antique”, a harsh, high-pitched squeaking sound of roll-up doors reverberated through the hushed market. It was like a curtain had lifted after you woke up – welcoming another day. Slowly setting up displays for sale in order to lure customers.

The locals rush to San Jose Business Park whenever they need brand-new uniforms, need ball gowns tailored or rented, or simply want a decent pair of Crocs. This place has everything you need.

A long bus trip of three to four hours is needed to reach Antique from Iloilo. I could hear echoes of people asking me where I was headed as I made my way to Mohon Terminal. After feeling overwhelmed, I finally replied to someone who mentioned my destination. At 12 noon, I paid 200 pesos to fix myself in a van for two hours.

The van entered the last town of Iloilo before Antique. The vista beyond the darkened window captures the glory of the crystalline sea as the sun sets. When we reached the mountains, the dizzying adventure begins. The twisty San Joaquin and Hamtic, Antique mountain ride made me lightheaded for an hour. However, the scenery keeps me enthralled and at ease.

Running my bare hands on each textile they sell; I compared one fabric to the other as they stand like spring rolls. Shops in this area offer tailoring, rental, and ready-made uniforms.

The day is slowly approaching its end for these vendors. With loud and squeaking sounds of rolled-up doors, a sound of closing and new beginnings can be observed. It’s time for something tranquil to revive into the liveliest thing.

Business Park during the Daytime, Tiripunan Market at Night.

Who would have imagined that an ordinary and peaceful business park in the morning would turn into the busiest and bustling place in the evening?

The moon can be seen rising as the sun sets. At the market’s heart, a new group of stores began to arise. This time, it’s different. A large selection of food, beverages, and other non-food items are available at the night market, which also features street performances by local musicians singing kinaray-a songs.

The Tiripunan Night Market was conceptualized during the election by Congressman Antonio Agapito Legarda and Mayor Elmer C. Untaran, the Local Government Unit of San Jose de Buenavista. The congressman’s observations of comparable night

I grabbed a tricycle going to San Jose Business Park for 20 pesos. The busy townspeople welcomed my eyes as soon as I got out of the tricycle. At exactly 2:30 pm, I finally stepped foot on the business park. Enough to witness the place bare.

Walking like a celebrity, vendors from left to right want to catch my attention. It momentarily gives the impression of being on the red carpet of a lavish ball. If curiosity killed the cat, then the intriguing shops gave justice to its death.

TOURISM

Indeed, the journey is butt-numbing. The moment the ride stops, passengers are thrilled to hop out.

markets in other provinces served as an inspiration for this nightly scene. The Tiripunan Night Market began to take off as soon as Cong. Legarda declared victory.

The market is located at Villavert Street, San Jose de Buenavista, Antique, and was opened on September 30, 2022. It aims to give small business owners the opportunity to market their province’s crafts and delicacies.

There were people wherever you glanced at the Tiripunan Night Market from locals of San Jose to visitors from nearby towns and provinces. The children were greatly amused when the performers graced the stage while they ate their snacks. Snaps of cameras were heard and filled the tiny corner of the market. The hanging lanterns are striking and aesthetic, which made for a stunning background for Facebook and Instagram post. The new sensation of rebirth in our lives was marked and documented in photos.

The dark night remained vibrant with the ambiance of the market. Busy townspeople roamed the place endlessly. I spent approximately five hours wandering, tasting everything, and purchasing goods that made my wallet weep. However, the grace of the visitors and the lights never ceased to enliven the market’s atmosphere.

It was a long yet viable day. The path leading back to Iloilo was hazy. The overlooked lights from the outside of the tinted window made me nearly dream of the great memory from the Tiripunan Night Market. Living the day at night was the coolest experience I had.

The Symbolism of Chinese Lantern Colors

The hues of lanterns convey several meanings in Chinese culture. They are used on various special occasions.

RED lanterns

Red paper lanterns symbolize fame and fortune. They are traditional decorations for big occasions because they represent a prosperous life and a successful business.

YELLOW lanterns

In China’s Imperial era, yellow lanterns were mostly used in palaces. Yellow was the color of emperors in ancient China, hence, it was forbidden for the common people to wear it. Yellow lanterns are now thought to bring luck to young pupils attending school.

WHITE lanterns

White lanterns are associated with death or funeral in Chinese culture.

GREEN lanterns

During temple fairs, green lanterns are frequently used. The color green is associated with peace, health, and wealth.

source: https://www.chinahighlights.com/ travelguide/culture/lanterns.htm

On the blackest dreary night, hope only clings to the moon’s light. Void of beauty in every sight, how can one bloom in such blight?

The murky depths it stays still, for it waits for its grand reveal. Patience is key to its fight, knowing victory is in sight.

Blooming in grace and illumination, freed from the clutches of certainty, it shows its radiating divinity, for it has revived from mortality.

Inflorescence

words by: MDPN. DANIEL JUSTINE H. BELONIO

Sibol

words by: D/C ANTHONY KEN J. BUCASAS

Sa pagsalo ng init ng araw, kagandaha’y hayaang lumitaw.

Akitin ang mata ng mundo.

Bighaning tunay sa bawat anggulo.

Hayaan ang mga paru-paro sa talulot ay naglalaro.

Gumapang sa tubig man o kalupaan. Ugat ay magsisilbing panlaban.

Halimuyak na singtamis ng kulado sa kahanginan ay isaklaw mo.

Hayaang tagumpay ay ipalasap, sa pagsibol na tanging pangarap.

Kumpas ng Pinsel sa Pader na Kupas

sulat ni: MDPN. JAN CHRISTIAN L. CATILO mga larawan ni: MDPN. JOHN FRANCIS M. BABIERA

Lumang Iloilo, Sentro ng Komersyo

Habang binabaybay ang Calle Real ng Downtown Iloilo (Dalan JM Basa) at masiglang Socorro Pharmacy, batid ng mga dumadaan ang kanluraning arkitektura na nagpapahiwatig ng malakas na pagkahumaling, pagkakaugnay at tapat na debusyon ng Metro Iloilo sa kanyang hitik na kasaysayang kolonyal. Isang matatag na port city, ang lungsod ng Iloilo ay lumago sa pamamagitan ng export ng tela at kalaunan bilang isang shipment hub para sa asukal.

Ang karamihan sa mga gusaling pang komersyal sa panahong kolonyal ng mga Amerikano ay nakaligtas sa Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig. Nasaksihan ng mga pundasyon ng konkretong pader ang paglaki nito bilang isang Cosmopolitan Hub at ang hindi maiiwasang paghina nito nang lumaon.

Abala ang lahat, hilihilerang kariton at mga mesa sa gilid ng daanan, mga nagtitindang nanghihikayat sa mga bumibili, at abot kayang mga presyo – ito ang sitwasyon sa pang araw-araw na Calle Real. Dinadayo pa rin ang lugar na ito ng mga tao dahil sa bagsak presyong kalakal. Hindi alintana na ang nakaligtaang Downtown ay unti-unting nagiging makulay hindi lamang dahil sa pagbabalik ng komersyo at tao kundi dahil narin sa bukal na puso ng mga alagad ng sining na pagpipinta sa mga punas na pader ng mga lumang estruktura ng Calle Real.

ARTIVISM

Artivism: Sining ng Pagbabago

Kilala ang pangkat bilang Artivism, isang komunidad na mula sa mga lokal na grupo ng sining sa lungsod ng Iloilo na ang layunin ay magdala ng nakaka-enganyo at collaborative na sining sa puso ng lokal na komunidad. Ang art initiative na ito ay alinsunod sa pagdiriwang ng Iloilo Arts Festival kung saan kasama ng Artivism ang lokal na Pamahalaang Lungsod ng Iloilo sa pag promote ng street art sa mga Ilonggo. Nakaangkla ang Iloilo Arts Festival sa temang, “Ang Kan-on Mapilit,” na nagbibigay-diin sa diwa ng pagtutulungan, pagtulay sa kasaysayan at kontemporaryong lipunan sa pamamagitan ng pagbibigay halaga sa kalakhang lungsod.

“Dinanadala namin ang sining palapit sa masa, malayo sa sining ng mga mayayaman na kakaunti lamang ang makakaappreciate. Organic ang aming tagasuporta, walang bayad o binabayaran, mula sa puso ang aming alok na libangan na sining para sa karaniwang Ilonggo,” sabi ni Ginoong Mar, isa sa mga nagpatukod ng Artivism na layon ng grupo na buhayin ang pagbabago sa puso ng Pilipino gamit ang sining.

Pinarangalan ni Luke$, isang graffiti artist, at Kyle Francis Dile, isang muralist, ang mga nagtitinda, maglalako at mga maliliit na negosyante sa Downtown Iloilo. Binigyan nila ng puri ang pagsisikap ng mga nagtitinda sa araw-araw nilang trabaho. “Hamungaya” dahil ang Iloilo mula sa simula ay likas na masagana; dumating man ang pandemya, nawalan ng hanapbuhay ang mga tao ngunit pinagpala parin ang Iloilo dahil dahan-dahang bumabalik ang sigla ng komersyo.

“Sumabay tayo sa agos ng panahon. Unang-una, manalangin tayo. Nasaan ka man, mayroong Diyos na kasama at nasa loob mo,” sabi ng isang nagtitindang si Tiyay Erlinda, isang tindera ng mga prutas, isa sa daan-daang nagbebenta ng samu’t saring kalakal sa Downtown Iloilo.

ivi sm art

Padayon sa Pag-ahon

Kinikilala at pinarangalan ni 3PM (Graffiti artist) at Noel Epalan Jr. (muralist) ang kahalagahan ng mga kasanayan at serbisyo sa paggawa ng kamay; mga mano-manong kabuhayan katulad ng pag-aayos ng sapatos, pagdodoble ng susi, paggawa ng rubber stamp, at marami pang iba.

“Dati, ang tatay ng lolo ko ay nagkukumpuni na ng mga sapatos. Ang gawaing ito ay nakaukit sa kaloob-looban ko mula pagkabata hanggang sa ako ay tumanda. Ito ang aking trabaho mula pa noong ang aking mga anak ay nasa paaralan pa lamang. Sana bumalik dito ang mga kasama kong nagkukumpuni ng mga sapatos” saad ni Mang Migo, isang repair man sa Downtown Iloilo na bihasa sa sapatos, zipper, at iba pa.

Kulayan ang Haligi ng Bukas

Ang Magtanim ay Di Biro

Sino kaya ang hindi magtataka na ang mga panakot, o tawo tawo sa Hiligaynon, na karaniwang matatagpuan sa gitna ng palayan, ay biglang nagsilipana sa Sunburst Park? Ang Tawo tawo ay tradisyunal na ginagamit upang panangagala mula mga ibon at mga peste. Ito ang naging inspirasyon ni Red Gico sa kanyang installation art. Nagsisilbi itong paalala ng mga hamon sa agrikultura ng ating mga magsasaka. Isang representasyon ng mga paghihirap na kanilang kinakaharap bilang resulta ng mga pagbabago sa klima at iba pang salik na hindi maiiwasan.

Sa mga hindi alintanang lugar tulad ng mga lokal na komunidad kung saan ang mga ordinaryong tao ay humaharap at sagad sa realidad ng lipunan makikita ang tunay na bayanihan. Mga katotohanan na pinalalakas hindi ng mga tinig o ng mga pwersa, ngunit sa pamamagitan ng mga radikal na paggalaw upang gumawa ng isang pahayag at pagsama-samahin ang mga tao sa isang mas malaking layunin.

Ang pagkakaiba-iba at pagsasama-sama ay nasa ating mga puso. May inspirasyon ng makulay na pagbabalik ng Downtown Iloilo City; pagkilala ng iba’t ibang realidad ng buhay, pagpupursige, pagsulong, kahirapan, at praktikal na karunungan mula sa ating mga ninuno. Mula ngayon ay ipapakita na ng iba’t ibang komunidad tulad ng Artivism ang pagsulong sa pagbabago– kinakatawan ang kadakilaan upang parangalan ang nakaraan, pahalagahan ang kasalukuyan at ipinta ang hinaharap.

ARTIVISM ARTIVISM

Hamungaya – Tayo ay Pinagpala!

KYLE FRANCIS DILE muralist LUKE$ graffitiartist

NOEL EPALAN muralist

3PM graffitiartist

RED GICO installationartist

larawan mula sa: Artivism Iloilo Facebook Page

Pinas, Kape ‘Kita’

Ikaw, para kanino ka bumabangon?

Para kay Mang Toni Colacion, gumigising siya para sa kanyang pamilya, nagsisikap para sa kanyang dalawang anak na nasa kolehiyo, lumalaban sa hindi mapagkakailang mapait na kapalaran ng kanyang buhay. Isa siya sa mga padre de pamilyang araw-araw ay nasa ilalim ng sikat ng araw, palaging nasa madamo at masukal na bukirin, kumakayod at nagbabanat

sulat at larawan ni: MDPN. JAN CHRISTIAN L. CATILO ilustrasyon ni: MDPN. FRANCIS C. BALDEMOR

Kape ang kanyang nagsisilbing pampalakas bago harapin ang realidad ng buhay.

Isang magsasaka ng kape mula sa Brgy. Kabatangan Lambunao, Iloilo si Mang Toni. Kagaya niya ang milyon-milyong Pilipinong mahilig sa kape, sabay sawsaw ng pandesal na nagsisilbing agahan na nakatatak na sa kulturang Pilipino. Kape ang kanyang nagsisilbing pampalakas bago harapin ang realidad ng buhay. Isang masipag lahi, palaging maagang gumising kahit pa takipsilim, bitbit ang kanyang tasa, dakma ang kanyang mga mithiin.

Aniya ni Mang Toni na sumasalamin sa saloobin ng bawat Pilipinong manggagawa, “Kape lang, sapat na sa bukang liwayway”.

Subalit masarap nga ba talaga ang kapeng Pilipino? Hindi maipagkakaila na halos lahat ng kapeng iniinom ng karaniwang mamamayang Pilipino ay deistik o 3in1 na nabibili sa mga tyangge, naka-pakete at handa nang itimpla sa mainit na tubig - instant kumbaga, madaling hanapin at higit sa lahat, mura. Nakaugalian natin ito dahil sa mabilis na takbo ng buhay sa makabagong panahon, wala na tayong oras tumikim at mahumaling sa awtentik na kape dahil sa nakakalungkot na katotohanan na ito ay mahal at pili lamang ang makakabili nito. Katunayan ito ng realidad kung saan nangingibabaw ang murang produkto ng mga malalaking kumpanya katulad ng Nestle at Starbucks

Malakas ang demand ngunit unti-unting lumiliit ang bilang ng mga magsasakang nagtatanim at umaani ng kape dahil mahirap mag-alaga ng puno ng kape. Sa sitwasyon ng mga maliliit at local na magsasaka, isaisang pinipitas ang prutas sa matataas na mga sanga, hindi pa banggit and masukal at matarik na taniman. Malayo kung kukumparahin mo sa mga malalaking kumpanya o pabrika ng kape na may malawak na lupain kung saan mapanatili nila ang saktong haba ng sanga. Sagana pa ito sa mga pataba at may mga makinaryang ginagamit upang mapadali ang trabaho.

Kung susuriin ang kasaysayan, ang unang puno ng kape ay dinala sa Lipa, Batangas noong 1740 ng dalawang Pransiskong prayle, kung saan ang dalawang

Pilipino ay tumulong na palaguin at paramihin ang mga buto ng Liberica, mas kilala sa pangalang Barako Kumalat ang Liberica sa mga karatig-bayan kasama na ang iba pang uri ng kape katulad ng Arabica at Robusta at nang tumagal ay buong Pilipinas. Ang Liberica ay kilala sa tawag na ‘kapeng barako’ o ‘kapeng pangmacho o pang-matapang’ dahil matapang at mapait nitong lasa at Datapwat na wastuhin na ang tipikal na tinatawag na puno na kape na “native” sa mga lokalidad ay napasailalim sa uri ng Robusta dahil sa mas marami at pulupong ito kung mamunga kung ikukumpara mas maikli ang butil nito sa Arabica na karaniwan namang nakatanim at makikita sa matataas na lugar katulad ng Benguet at Baguio, ito ay mas mahal at kadalasan itong ginagamit ng mga barista.

Kung tatanungin ang tunay at dalubhasa sa masarap na kape, taliwas ang kapeng de-istik o 3in1 sa pagkakakilanlan at pinanggalingan ng kapeng Makabayan, kapeng tumatangkilik sa sariling atin, kapeng mula sa ating mga magsasaka at tunay na

may kalidad na kape. Ibinahagi ni Ginoong Ariel Lastica, isang miyembro ng PHILCAFE (Philippine Coffee Advancement and Farm Enterprise), isang nongovernmental organization kung napapasailaim niya bilang tagapangasiwa ang buong Western Visayas na may layon na pataasin ang kalidad ng kape gamit ang nararapat at wastong pamamaraan sa pag-produce ng kalidad ng kape upang madagdagan ang kita ng malaking margin ng mga lokal na Pilipinong magsasaka ng kape. Nagbibigay daan ang PHILCAFE sa mga magsasaka upang pagdugtungin sila bilang supplier sa target market ng kalidad na kape kung saan makabawi at wasto ang kalakalan sa pagitan ng dalawa nang libre at kanila lamang .

Mula sa isang hitik na kasaysayan na naghahalo ang pait at tamis ng pag-asa

“Ano ang kinabukasan ng Kape? May malaking prospect ang Pilipinas sa tatlong produkto: sa niyog, kakaw at kape. Ang niyog at kakaw sa ngayon ay may malakas at magandang lagay na sa produksyon dahil natututo na ang mga tao at magsasaka sa magandang pagpapalaki at pag-aalaga nito. Ngunit ang kape ay nakakaligtaan. Malaki ang future prospect pero dominated tayo ng mga banyaga sa market. Ang mga pira-piraso na quality coffee dito satin ay iniexport natin sa labas. Pero, ang mga nasa sachet na kapeng ating iniinom ay commercial low quality na nirereject ng ibang bansa. Kaya ang lasa ng kape na ito ay puro pait na lang at wala nang masarap na lasa, kalimitan itong kinukubli gamit ang mga pampatamis o paghalo ng gatas” sabi ni Ginoong Ariel.

Isinusulong ng PHILCAFE ang tama at makabagong klasipikasyon ng kalidad ng butil ng kape. Tiwali sa nakasanayang class A, B, C ng Nestle. Sila ay ang una, commercial coffee na pinakamura sa lahat, ikalawa ay ang Premium Robusta/Arabica na malakas ang demand sa kasalukuyang market, at ang panghuli na ang pinakamahal na Fine Robusta at Specialty Arabica. Host din ang PHILCAFE ng Philippine Coffee Quality Competition na nag iimbita ng mga banyagang at lokal na bihasa sa kalidad at lasa ng kape kung saan ino-auction ang mga produktong kape ng iba’t ibang lokal at maliliit na Pilipinong Magsasaka.

Patuloy din silang nakikipag-ugnayan sa Department of Trade and Industry para sa market integration at Department of Environment Natural Resources sa pagtatanim at mga lokal na kooperatiba na kinabibilangan ng mga maliliit na magsasaka.

Kapit kamay ng PHILCAFE bilang isang NGO ang pamahalaan sa pagsulong ng kalidad na kape sa mga nagtatanim at kumukonsumo rito. Mula sa isang hitik na kasaysayan na naghahalo ang pait at tamis ng pag-asa, alam ng mga tao na katulad ni Ginoong Ariel na makakamit ang bago at mas maliwanag na bukas para sa mga magsasaka tulad ni Mang Toni gamit ang wastong proseso ng pag-aalaga at paggawa ng produktong kape.

ARABICA

Batay sa kaalaman na binabahagi nina Ginoong Ariel sa PHILCAFE, nagsisimula ang paggawa ng kalidad ng kape sa pagtatanim ng puno pa lamang, kailangan kalidad ang pinanggalingan ng buto ng kape hanggang sa ito ay lumaki. Inaalagaan ang puno hanggang sa ito ay mamunga, pinuputol ang sanga kung ito ay mataas at hindi na abot kamay ng magsasaka. Sa papitas ng prutas, kailangan na ang pula at hinog na bunga lamang ang kinukuha, dahil ito ang naglalaman ng matamis sangkap na kailangan sa masarap na pagtimpla ng kape. Mula pagpitas ay kailangan itong ilublob sa tubig upang llumutang ang mga rejects na bunga at ang mga lumubog ay agarang patuyuin sa elevated waste bed at hindi kung saan saan na ari itong pamahayan ng fungus o mold na labis na nakakaapekto sa lasa ng kape. Halos dalawang linggo itong ibibilad habang kada dalawang oras inuukay upang pantay ang pagkakatuyo.

ROBUSTA

Tumutubo sa mga kapatagan o mga mabababang lugar at may mapait na lasa.

Tumutubo sa mga bundok at may bahagyang matamis na lasa.

Proseso sa Kalidad na Kape

Liwayway sa Pag-usbong ng Bagong Merkado

sulat at larawan ni: MDPN. ALEXIS CARL B. TABASIN ilustrasyon ni: MDPN. NICANOR S. CINCO III

Nakakabinging turbo ng dyip ang gumising sa mahimbing na natutulog na lungsod. Batid ang daplis ng malamig na hangin sa gabing mapusok dulot ng nagkukumpulang mga sasakyan na tila kumakarera sa isang race track. Kaalinsabay ng pagsikat ng araw ay siyang paggising ng diwa ng mga taong naghahanda ng kanilang mga paninda sa munti nilang mga pwesto. Sa mismong lugar kung saan umiikot ang kanilang buhay ay magsisimula ang pagbabagong mag-iiba sa daloy ng kanilang kinabukasan.

Ito ang kadalasang eksena sa palengke – karaniwan na ang mga tao ay nagbabanat ng buto dahil may mga

ay siyang pinupunteyra. Iyan ang marka na kahit nakapikit man ang iyong mata ay kabisado na ang mga daanan sa mga kakailanganing bilhin.

Ito ang pagkakakilanlan ng sambayanan sa isang pampublikong pamilihan.

Ang merkado ay isang lugar na kung saan ang pinkasentro nito ay ang sari-saring mga produktong binebenta ng mga nagtitinda at pinipiling bilhin ng mga mamimili. Nagsisilbing lugar kung saan sumisibol at umuugat ang paglago ng isang negosyo. Bawat bayan ay may mga merkado na nagbibigay kita sa pamamagitan ng pagbebenta ng mga lokal na produkto at kalakal. Kasabay ng modernisasyon ng mundo ay siyang pag-unlad ng pagbabagong-anyo ng mga merkadong pampubliko.

Layunin ng Public-Private Project (PPP) Program na mag-organisa ng iba’t ibang mga proyekto sa Pilipinas. Ayon sa Executive Order No. 8 series of 2010, na binago ng Executive Order No. 136 series of 2013, ang PPP Center ay ipinag-utos na mapadali ang mga proyekto at programa ng PPP. Kasama sa proyekto ang pagpapaganda ng ilang mga merkado sa lungsod ng Iloilo; kabilang dito ang Lapaz Market, Central Market, at Villa Arevalo Market. Sinimulan na ang mga rehabilitasyon at pagsasaayos sa mga merkdao ngayong taon. Nagsikilos at paumanhing pinalipat ang mga nagtitinda sa lugar sa pansamantalang pag-relocate sa kanila.

Merkadong Sagana sa Kultura

Ang sikat na Madge Café na itinayo noong 1938 ay isa sa mga inilipat sa temporaryong lugar malapit sa isinasaayos na merkado sa Lapaz. Kasama ng iba pang mga kainan, sila ay apektado sa rehabilitasyon na posibleng magtagal ng mahigit dalawang taon.

“Sinimulan ni lolo ang tindahan na ito noong 1938, kaya 84 years na itong kapihan. Simula noong bata pa kami, ito na yung training ground namin. Mula high school, nagsisilbi na kami at ito yung lugar ng ensayo namin”, sabi ng may-ari na si Peter De La Cruz, 54 anyos.

Halo-halong emosyon ang naramdaman ni Peter ng ipinatupad ang rehabilitasyon sa merkado na kung saan bantog ang kanilang kapihan.

“Ipinasa ito sa akin nang namatay si lolo, nakaraang 2003. 19 na taong gulang ako nang inaasikaso ko ang Madge. Hanggang naglipat kami ngayong October 1. Malungkot man sabihin, nawala na ang pamana, ang luma naming istraktura”, dagdag niya.

Kilala ang Madge Café sa kanilang makaluma at maaliwalas na interyor na dinudumog ng mga lokal at turista. Nakakahinayang na sa ilang dekadang serbisyo nila sa tao ay mag-iiba ang kanilang puwesto. Pagkatapos ng rehabilitasyon ay nakatalaga silang ipupwesto sila sa ikalawang palapag ng merkado.

Ikinumpara ni Peter ang lugar sa ngayon na isangkatlo espasyo lang kumpara sa malawak nilang orihinal na pwesto. Ang kinikita nila ay bumaba sa 60 porsyento noong nagsimula ang pandemya. Sa kabila ng lahat, dinadayo pa rin ng lahat ang kapihan.

Inilabas niya ang sariling kuro-kuro na panatilihin na lang ang lumang merkado dahil dito nakilala ang Lapaz Market. Idinagdag niya na wala namang kwestiyon sa bagong disenyo na isabay sa modernisasyon, pero sana hindi sinira ang mga luma, dapat inaayos at ibinabalik.

“Mayroon silang pasilidad bagama’t ang kaginhawaan hindi kagaya noon at yung paman ay nawala na. Yung iminungkahi sana namin ay ayusin lang yung bubong, kunin ang mga sabagal, linisin, at ayusin lang ang mga tindahan. Pero huli na, nasa plano na ang lahat, hindi na nila tinanggap ang suhestiyon”, pahayag ni Peter sa opisyal ng bayan.

“Pero okay gid, when it comes to the renovation, we can go with that pero tani kanugon.(Pero okay talaga, pagdating sa pagbabago, pwedeng sundin pero sayang ang nawala),” dagdag niya.

May higit-kumulang PhP 395M ang badyet para sa pagsasaayos ng nasabing merkado. Iminungkahi na ang bagong merkado ay makakapagkumpetensya sa mga malls kagaya ng Supermart, at ang kaginhawaan ay matitiyak para sa mga mamimili. Layunin nitong palakasin ang ekonomiya para lumaki ang kita ng mga nagtitinda, gayundin ang magandang karanasan ng mga mamimili.

Merkadong Sentro ng Katutubong Produkto

Sinong mag-aakala na ang mga paninda at produktong katutubo ay makikitang nakahilera sa kaibuturan ng Central Market?

Sa Central Market agad pumupunta ang mga mag-aaral kapag may proyektong ipapasa sa paaralan. Makikita rito ang lahat ng mga kakailanganing

Iminungkahi na ang bagong merkado ay makakapagkumpetensya sa mga malls, at ang kaginhawaan ay matitiyak para sa mga mamimili.

materyales. Kawili-wiling tignan ang mga makukulay na palamuti na tila makikita sa isang magarbong parada ng mga produkto. Kumikinang ang mga kabibe, kaakit-akit ang mga balahibo ng iba’t ibang ibon na ginagawang palamuti, at nagsasayawan ang mga iba pang produktong gawa sa kawayan.

Yaong masusulyapan ang mga bantay at manggagawa na sa bawat silid ay naka-pokus sa bawat detalye ng ginagawang likha. Tila bawat patak ng pawis nila ay siyang pundasyon ng kanilang mga obra. Sa isang parte, may isang ginang na may suot na salamin. Si Flor na ilang taong gumagawa ng katutubong produkto ay nakapwesto sa pintuang bahagi ng kaniyang pwesto upang mahagilap ng sikat ng araw. Ito ang nagsilbing kabuhayan niya sa pang-araw-araw na hamon sa buhay.

Ayon kay Flor, ang pagsasaayos ng Central Market ay makakatulong sa kanilang may maliliit na negosyo. Aniya, mas maayos ang ibinigay na plano para sa lahat na nagtitinda sa Central Market. Gayunpaman, doble ang pakikibaka habang inaayos ang merkado dahil ang mamimili ay posibleng malito at mas matindi ang init na kanilang titiisin. Sa ngayon, patuloy siyang nagpupursige na gumawa ng detalyadong mga produkto upang mas maenganyo ang mga dumadaan.

Ang PPP ng Central Market ay nakipapagsosyo sa SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPH) na may badyet na PhP 1.5B. Ito ay may layuning magbigay ng mas madaling puntahan na merkado para sa mamamayan at mga nagbebenta. Bukod dito ay plano nilang mas paramihin ang negosyo at benepisyo sa mga naninirahan sa Iloilo.

Merkado sa Dulo ng Syudad

Mabilis na tumaas ang bukang liwayway sa bayan ng Arevalo. Pansamantalang ipinagpatuloy nila ang kanilang pamumuhay at pagbebenta sa pansamantalang kuwadra sa tabi ng merkado. May

mga karatula sa itaas ng kani-kanilang lugar upang mas mabilis makita ang mga bilihin. Hindi alintana ang usok na nanggagaling sa labas at kasidhian ng panahon. Araw-araw, simula nang isinasaayos ang Villa Arevalo Market ay ganito ang eksena hanggang sa matapos ang panibagong merkado.

Kung babalikan, hindi magkamayaw ang kasikipan ng mga paninda sa bawat sulok sa lumang merkado. May ilaw man ay madilim pa rin ang palengke. Kung tutuusin, madaming tao ang bumili sa mga paninda dahil kumpleto naman ang mga bilihin sa mga nagtitinda. Mas mainam na siguraduhin ang kalidad ng pagkain, kaluwagan ng lugar, at mas malinis na puwesto sa lahat ng nagtitinda.

May badyet na PhP 150M ang naturang proyekto. Layunin nito na bigyang-buhay ang negosyo at pamumuhay ng mga nakatira sa bayan ng Arevalo. Aayusin ito upang mas inklusibo ang pag-unlad ng ekonomiya ng bayan. Habang isinasagawa ito ay siyang pagmulat ng mga mamamayan na dapat binibigyang aksyon ang kanilang mga pangangailangan.

Makikita ng mga dumadaan ang pagbuo ng gusali mula sa plano ng PPP para sa pagpapabuti ng merkado. Ayon sa nagtitinda, konting tiis lang ang kailangan upang mas mapakinabangan ang pagtatag ng bagong merkado para sa susunod na henerasyon.

Takipsilim ang siyang pahiwatig na nairaos ang araw. Makikita ang pinaghalong pawis ng nagtitinda at natitirang paninda. Ang mga nagkukumpulang mamimili ay humuhupa ngunit walang pinagkaiba ang pang-araw-araw na eksena sa merkado hangga’t may bumibili. May bukas pang haharapin. May bukas pa para magsumikap na harapin ang mga hamon sa buhay.

Kung tutuusin, sumasabay ang lungsod ng Iloilo sa modernisasyon. Titutungo nito ang pagbabago para sa kaginhawaan ng bawat Pilipino. Malaking benepisyo ito sa mamamayan, komunidad, at pati na rin sa mga namumuhunan sa pagpapaayos ng mga palengke. Ito ang panibagong marka na siyang tatatak at magsisilbing bakas ng pagbabago.

KULTURA

BATTLE OF THE SOUNDS: Ang Pagbabalik ng Alingawngaw

Labis na nalungkot ang puso ng mga entusiyastiko ng musika nang dalawang taong wala silang naririnig na malalakas na tugtog noong kasagsagan ng pandemya. Kaya’y marami ang nagalak nang nalaman nilang muli itong nagbabalik. Batid sa kanilang mukha ang saya at galak nang una nilang malaman na sila’y makakarinig na ulit ng kanilang minamahal na tunog mula sa paborito nilang mga sound system sa isla ng Panay.

Nakakabinging musika– yan ang tema ng mga naglalakihang sound system na kinagigiliwan ng mga taga-Panay. Marahil madalas mo na din ito narinig o kaya’y naranasan noong ikaw ay pumupunta sa mga pista sa bayan. Karamihan sa kanila ay nagmula sa probinsiya ng Iloilo. Tanyag sa mga tao dito ang ganitong paksa sapagkat sa tinagal ng panahon, ilang dekada na nilang naririnig ang tunog ng mga ito kahit milya-milya pa ang layo. Ngunit alam mo ba kung sino ang mga pinaka unang nagtayo ng mga dambuhalang sound sytem na ito? Alam mo din bang may isang patimpalak na kung saan naghaharap at nagtatagisan ng lakas ang mga sound system?Ano ba ang meron dito at labis itong kinagigiliwan ng mga tao?

Matatagpuan sa bayan ng Leganes, Iloilo ang maalamat na pangalan ng “Five Brothers”. Sila ay tinaguriang isa sa mga pinakaunang sound system na nabuo sa buong Panay. Sa pangunguna ni Capt. Elias M. Huervana, nagsimula siyang bumuo ng maliliit na sound boxes kasama ang apat pa niyang mga kapatid. Sa panahong iyon ay pawang hilig at katuwaan lamang ang kanilang proyekto. Mura pa ang mga piyesa noon kaya naman ay mabilis nilang napalago ang kanilang kinahihiligan na kalaunay naging negosyo na dahil madalas silang kunin pag may mga selebresyon o kaya pista upang magpatugtog ng disco. Dito nila napagisipan na pangalanan ang kanilang sound system na “Five Brothers Audio Classic”.

sulat ni: MDPN. CHRISTIAN JAMES A. SEGOVIA larawan ni: MDPN. RENZE IVAN G. GOMEZ

Agad silang sumikat ngunit kasabay nito ang pagusbong ng kanilang mga kakumpetensiya na sa panahong iyon ay maituturing ng negosyo. May mga maganda naman itong naidulot sa industriya. Dumami ang mga panauhin sa mga disco at lalo pang sumikat ang mga sound system sa isla.

Ang isang sound system ay binubo ng mga speakers, amplifiers at lights. Ito ang karaniwang makikita kapag naka set up ito sa isang okasyon. Hindi naman bababa sa pitong katao ang kinakailangan upang mapa-gana at mapanatili ito sa magandang kondisyon mapa sa disco man o naka-stand by lang.

Hindi man gaanong kumikita ng kalakihan, patuloy pa rin ang paggawa ng karamihan ng kanilang mga sariling bersiyon ng sound system. Karamihan sa kanila ay pagmamay-ari ng mga negosyante o di kaya ay mga marino. Kaya marami ang napaisip na kung marami na sila, ang labanan ngayon ay kung kanino ang pinaka malakas. At doon nagsimula ang konsepto ng “Battle of the Sounds”.

Hindi lamang ang napanalonang pera ang maiuuwi ng kampyon kundi pati na rin ang respeto at pagpupugay ng mga tao[...]

Ang patimpalak na ito ay naglalayong bigyan ng isang ekstraordinaryong karanasan ang nagmamahal sa sound systems na marinig at malaman kung ang kanilang idolo nga ba ang may pinakamaganda at pinakamalakas na tunog. May mga kategorya itong pinagbabasehan ng mananalo. Hindi lamang ang napanalonang pera ang maiuuwi ng kampyon kundi pati na rin ang respeto at pagpupugay ng mga tao sa kadahilanang kanila ang pinakamalakas na sound system sa lahat ng lumahok.

Palaging inaabangan ang “Battle of the Sounds” sa mga bayan lalo na pag may mga pista. Dagdag atraksiyon ito sa mga turista at dagdag kita din para sa mga sangkot sa patimpalak. Hindi mawawala ang angasan at yabangan nga mga fans na gusto ipagmalaki ang mga panglaban nila sa patimpalak. May mga nasisiraan man ng piyesa o kaya ay natatalo pero umuuwi pa din silang masaya sapagkat nagagwa nila at napakikinggan ang mga halimaw na ginawa at sinuportahan nila na mag-ingay at magpasaya sa iba. Ngunit lahat ng ito ay biglang natigil nang magkapandemya.

Kasabay ng paglaho ng ibang negosyo ay ganun din ang pagkalugi ng mga may-ari ng sound system. Walang mga okasyon kaya walang disco at battle, kaya wala rin kita para sa kanila at sa crew na nagpapatakbo ng mga sound system nila.

Hindi biro ang gastos para makapag-umpisa at magpatakbo ng isang sound system. Kung dati ay malayo na ang naabot ng ₱300,000 mo, ngunit ngayonngayun ay kahit maglabas ka pa ng ₱3 milyon ay kulang pa din ito para mabili ang mga de kalidad na piyesa na gagamitin sa paggawa. Kaya labis na nalungkot ang mga may hilig sa sound system nang natigil ang operasyon ng mga ito gawa nang bawal lumabas dahil sa paglaganap ng pandemya. May mga binenta na lang ang kanilang mga piyesa, meron din hindi na nakapag upgrade at may mga hindi na talaga kinaya at itinigil na ang negosyo.

Kasama sa mga naapektuhan ang “Five Brothers Audio Classic”. Isa man sila sa mga pinakasikat at matagumpay ay hindi rin nila naiwasan ang pagkalugi. Pero, dahil hindi nila kayang basta-basta nalang bitawan ang bagay na nagbigay sa kanila ng labis na saya at pagkilala mula sa iba ay pinagsikapan nila itong maibalik sa maayos na kondisyon.

Nitong taon lang bumalik muli ang ang mga battle gawa nang lumuwag na din ang paghihigpit sa mga tao para maiwasan ang sakit na dulot ng COVID19. Labis ang galak ng mga tao at sa wakas, pagkatapos nag mahigit dalawang taon na pagtatago at pananahimik sa kanilang mga kabahayan ay muli na silang makakasayaw at makakapagsaya sa disco kasama ang nakakabinging tugtog at musika ng mga sound system.

Madalas man na hindi maipaliwanag kung bakit marami ang gustong-gusto ang malalakas na tugtog ay hindi naman maitatanggi na ito ay hindi lang saya ang dulot sa mga tao. Marami ang dumanas ng madilim at tahimik na dalawang taon at maraming kwentong malungkot dahil sa mga pagkawala ng mga bagay na minsan ay hindi napapansin ng tao na sadyang mahalaga para sa kanila. Lahat ay nagdusa, lahat ay nawalan at lahat ay nalungkot, pero sabay ng pagbabalik ng malalakas na tugtog ng musika ay maririnig at mararamdaman din sa malayo ang tunog ng ating pag asa. Kung nagawa ng “Five Brothers” na bumangon, ganun din ang mga mamamayan.

Ang tunay na battle ng mga sound system ay kung paano nila nalampasan ang hamon ng pagbabago dulot ng pandemya.

May mga natalo man pero karamihan ay nalampasan ito. At sila ay nagbabalik upang yanigin ang ating tenga at puso. Sila ay mas pinalakas at handang harapin ang isa’t-isa sa bagong yugto ng battle of the sounds.

De Padyak, De Kuryente

Sumasabay sa bilis ng gulong, ang pagbabago ng pampublikong sasakyan. Kung noon, tinawid ng ating mga ninuno ang magkabilang kontinente gamit ang mga paa bilang pangunahing transportasyon, sa kasalukuyan, nagkaroon tayo ng samu’t saring pagpipilian sa paglalakbay depende sa layo, bilang ng pasahero, at klase ng kalupaan.

Subalit kahit gaano man kabilis ang pagsibol ng pagbabago, hindi natin maipagkakaila na may lubak-lubak tayong madadaanan. Saksi si G. Ludy Balili, 38, isang drayber, sa mga problemang umusbong noong nagsimula ang pandemya sa bayan ng Ajuy.

PADYAK

Nagsimula bilang pedicab driver, binuhay ni Ludy ang kaniyang asawa at dalawang anak sa pamamagitan ng pagpadyak sa loob ng 15 taon. Tila kalabaw kung siya ay kumayod, bago pa man sumikat ang araw hanggang sa paglubog nito, siya ay nagbabanat na ng buto para sa kakarampot na kita sa pasada na kanyang pantustos sa susunod na araw.

Araw-araw siyang nagbabanat ng buto - hindi maaari ang magkasakit dahil sa antas ng kanyang pamumuhay. Ang kitang 450 pesos ay pilit na pinagkakasya para sa baon ng mga bata, ulam at mga bayarin sa loob ng bahay. Ayon sa datos ng Philippine Statistics Authority, 2.4 milyon ang sumasahod ng minimum wage at 8 milyon ang tumatanggap ng mas mababa pa sa minimo.

Dumating ang panahon kung saan naging tila ghost town ang bayan ng Ajuy. Dulot ng COVID-19, nagkaroon ng malawakang lockdown para masigurado ng pamahalaan ang kalusugan at kapakananan ng bawat Pilipino. Isa ang pampublikong transportasyon sa mga labis na naapektuhan. Bilang pamamasada ang pangunahing kabuhayan, napilitang tumigil si Mang Ludy sa pamamasada at naghanap ng ibang pagkakakitaan upang patuloy na mapawi ang kumakalam na sikmura.

TEKNOLOHIYA

sulat ni: MDPN. JOHN FRANCIS M. BABIERA larawan ni: MDPN. RENZE IVAN G. GOMEZ

Noong Hulyo 2021, binigyan ng Ajuy Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office (Ajuy MSWDO) ang 66 na pedicab drivers ng subsidiya , mga relief goods at isang malaking oportunidad magbabago sa kanilang hanapbuhay. Sila ay nagkaroon ng e-bike, isang karwaheng de kuryente, bilang tugon ng gobyerno, sa hirap ng kanilang trabaho sa gitna ng pandemya.

AHON

Sa kada byahe, may mga kalsadang paakyat kung saan kailangan mong patuloy na umahon. Kaya hiindi na nagdalawang isip si Mang Ludy na maghanap ng pera bilang paunang bayad. Mayroon silang hulugan kada buwan hanggang tuluyang matapos ang bayaran. Tinatayang umaabot ng Php 34,000 ang presyo ng isang e-bike – mas mahal sa kapilas nitong padyak, ngunit labis na mas mura kung ikukumpara sa presyo ng isang traysikel.

Isa sa pinaka-episyenteng transportasyon ang e-bike, hindi lamang para sa mga pasahero, pati na rin sa mga drayber. Gumagamit ito ang kuryente sa pagtakbo, kumpara sa mga sasakyang tumatakbo sa gasolina. Tinatayang tumatakbo ito ng 40 km/h –hamak na mas mabilis sa de-padyak nitong ninuno. Sa kasalukuyan, mayroon nang humigit kumulang 76 na drayber ng e-bike sa bayan. Pumapasada man, o gamit pangpamilya, isa na ang e-bike sa kabilang at bumubuhay sa lansangan.

Tumatakbo ang e-bike sa tulong ng electric motor o dynamo nito, kung saan nagiging enerhiyang mekanikal ang kuryenteng nagmula sa mga baterya nito. 12 oras, mula umaga hanggang gabi ang kakayahan nitong bumyahe sapat na upang maitaguyod ang pamilya habang siya ay may sapat na enerhiya at pahinga.

Pagdating naman sa bahay, kaniyang i-chinacharge ang behikulo, upang sa susunod na araw ay magamit niya ito. Umaabot ang pagcharge nang walo hanggang siyam na oras na kanyang sinusubaybayan sa app na konektado sa kanyang munting cellphone. Bagamat kumakain ito ng kuryente, nababawi niya rin naman sa kanyang pasada ang electric bill na binabayaran.

Mga parte ng e-bike

1. Electric motor (De kuryenteng Motor)

Ito ang makina ng e-bike na nagsasalin ng enerhiyang elektriko sa enerhiyang mekaniko. Ito ay karaniwang matatagpuan sa loob ng e-bike na nakakonekta sa gulong.

2. Lithium-ion battery (Baterya)

Isang uri ng baterya na angkop sa gamit ng pagpapaandar ng electric motor na may nakalaang kapasidad na siyang maari lamang gamitin para sa makina ng e-bike.

3. Pedal

And e-bike ay may karagdagang pedal kahintulad sa pedicab upang magamit ito kung sakaling maubusan ng baterya.

4. Brake system (Preno)

May mga lubak-lubak man sa lansangan, ang gulong ng buhay ay patuloy pa rin sa pag-ikot.

PADAYON

Sumasabay ang tao sa pag-ikot ng mundo. Kung noon, ang mga paa at biyas natin ang naging puhunan sa pagtuklas ng bagong kalupaan; sa ngayon, may mga makinarya tayong binuo upang mas mapadali at episyente ang paglalakbay. Isa ang e-bike sa makinaryang ginawa ng tao. Kumpara sa padyak, mas komplikado ang pagpapaayos nito ngunit hindi ito makapapantay sa hirap at pawis ni Mang Ludy noong depadyak pa ang kanyang pasada.

May mga lubak-lubak man sa lansangan, ang gulong ng buhay ay patuloy pa rin sa pag-ikot. Dahil sa e-bike nagkaroon ng panibagong buhay, panibagong pag-asa ang mga katulad ni Mang Ludy, upang maiahon ang sarili sa kahirapan dulot ng pandemya.

Kagaya ng mga motorsiklo at sasakyan, ang makabagong sistema ng preno ng ng e-bike ay napatunayang ligtas, mabisa at angkop dito.

5. Tires (Gulong)

Ang gulong nito ay mas maliit sa mga gulong ng pedicab kaya mas madali para sa electric motor na paikotin ito.

6. Lights & Reflectors (Mga pailaw)

Ito ay para sa mas ligtas na biyahe sa gabi dahil mas makikita ng ibang motorista ang e-bike kumpara sa traysikad.

pinagmulan: https://flyer.radioflyer.com/ blog/ebikes-101-anatomy-of-ebike/

Sa dingding na kahoy, lupang sahig, at makalawang na yero ng isang tagpitagping bahay masusulyapan ang pintuang tila subok na ng panahon. May mga nakasabit na makukulay na banderitas at isang karaoke na nakahanda sa labas ng bahay. Senyales ng paparating na pista sa lugar sa pagsapit ng bukang liwayway. Sabik ang lahat sa pista kinabukasan kaya inihanda na nila ang unan at kumot upang maipahinga ang mga katawang pagod sa pagbabanat ng buto.

Tahimik ang paligid. Maliban sa sirang pinto ng barongbarong, may usok na nagmumula rito. Isang babaeng may pausok para sa hika sa kanyang kanang kamay at may rosaryo sa kaliwa ang mahahagip sa butas ng dingding. Nagpatuloy ang usok hanggang sa ang mainit niyang katawan ay nanlamig kasabay sa pag-idlip ng kanyang mga mata at pagtigas nito.

Ang malamig na simoy na hangin, mga nakasampay na damit, at ang litratong kuha kasama ang pinakamamahal niyang asawa ang huling naalala ng apatnapu’t limang (45) taong gulang na si Violeta Padrones Dioso bago siya tuluyang nalagutan ng hininga. Isa siyang residente ng Sohoton, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo na kilala sa kabuhayan ng mga mamamayan nito sa pangingisda at agrikultura. Si Violeta ay ipinanganak sa mahirap na pamilya. Namulat ang kanyang mga mata sa reyalidad sa murang edad. Hindi niya nasulit ang kanyang kabataan at pinagsabay nalang ang pag-aaral sa pagtulong niya sa mga magulang. Kalaunan ay nag-asawa at nagkaroon ng tatlong anak.

“Tatlo bata ko, palangga ko guid sila” (May tatlo akong anak at lubos ko silang mahal) ang wika niya sa interbyu. Kalakip niyan ang kanyang malakas na pananampalataya sa Diyos. Ayon sa kanya, ang buhay ay handog ng Diyos at ang pananampalataya

ay dapat paigtingin sa pagsamba sa poong maykapal. Lingid sa kanyang kaalaman, ang pananampalatayang iyon ay masusubok sa gabi ng ika dalawampu’t walo ng Abril. Nagsimula ang kuwento sa gabing iyon. Katatapos lamang niya sa mga gawain at preparasyon para sa darating na pista. Naramdaman niya ang pagod at ang unti-unting hirap sa paghinga. Kumain at natulog. Nagising siya bandang alas-onse at nagpausok para sa hika, walang kung ano-ano ay nakaidlip siya at hindi na natandaan ang paglamig at pagtigas ng kanyang katawan.

“Bulig! Bulig! Bulig!” biglang sigaw ng asawa niyang si Zaldy Dioso. Bangkay na si Violeta-hindi na siya humihinga bandang alas-dose. Nanlumo, nataranta, at bakas sa mukha ang labis na hinagpis sa sinapit ng asawa niya. Wala na ang ina ng kanyang mga anak.

Ang hagulgol ng asawang nawalan ay sapat na para magising ang mga taga-kabilang palayan. Ang mga taong nabulabog sa iyak ay mabilis na dumako para sa mainit na tsismis. Pagbukas nila ng pinto ay nakita nila ang mag-anak, balisa at humikbi sa malamig na bangkay. Alas-dose ng madaling araw nang naideklarang sumakabilang buhay na si Ginang Violeta.

Si Violeta, na nagsusumikap at sumasamba nang taimtim sa Diyos ay isang malamig na bangkay na lamang. Hindi inaasahan

na mangyayari iyon sa araw bago ang pista. Ang mga mukha na sabik ay napalitan ng lungkot.

Ngunit, lumipas ang dalawang oras at biglang may malalim na paghingang narinig. “Kanami sang tulog ko, ano na oras na man?” ang sabi ni Violeta sa harap ng manghang-mangha na mga itsura ng mga taong nakapalibot sa kanya. Tila bang walang nangyari at hindi siya namatay. Ang tanging bakas lamang sa kaniya ay ang sakit ng kanyang katawan.

Ilang araw ang lumipas, kumalat ang balita at hindi nagtagal ay nabatid ito ng isang tanyag na media outlet. Ang misteryong nakapalibot sa lugar ng Sohoton ay ginawang palabas na ipinakita sa iba’t ibang plataporma ng social media. Ang maliit na komunidad ng Sohoton ay mabilis na naging lugar para sa mga taong sabik malaman ang tungkol sa muling pagkabuhay ng isang taong namatay.

Natapos ang mga araw at ito ay naging buwan. Nalibing sa hukay ang balita ng kanyang muling pagbangon. Si Violeta ay bumalik sa dati niyang payak na pamumuhay. Ngunit, nabatid ang pagbabago sa kanya pagkatapos ng mga kaganapang iyon. Ang misteryong bumalot sa kanyang muling pagkabuhay gayun nadin sa buong komunidad ng Sohoton ay nakapagpabukas ng kanyang mga mata upang mapagtanto ang totoong mensahe ng Diyos.

Para kay Violeta, ang milagrong iyon ang nagbigay ng bagong perspektibo kung paano niya pahalagahan ang buhay na ibinigay sa kanya. Dahil sa pangyayaring iyon, natagpuan niya ang landas ng pagiging isang worship leader. Natutunan niyang

pahalagahan ang kanyang sarili, mas minahal niya ang kanyang pamilya, at higit sa lahat ang pananalig niya sa Diyos ay lalo pang umigting.

Sa kasalukuyan, nanatiling tapat sa Diyos si Violeta, nagretiro na siya sa pagiging lider sa simbahan. Ang kanyang mga anak ay nag-aaral at ang asawa niya ay may maayos na trabaho. Ayon pa sa kanya, “Ang natabo sa akon, amo to ang nag pabag-o sa akon panan-awan. May ara nga nagbag-o diri may ara man nga wala. Mas nami na lang tani nga waay nalang ako nagbugtaw pero hindi ko pa abi oras. Padayon kita ah.” (Ang nangyari sa akin ang nakapagpabago ng aking pananaw sa buhay. Meron din namang nagbago. Mas mainam na ngalang na hindi na ako gumising ngunit hindi ko pa oras kaya patuloy lang tayo sa buhay)

Ang oras natin sa mundo ay hiram lamang at ang bawat paghinga ay maituturing na isang himala. Kaya sa pagsipol ng hangin, sa dagundong ng kidlat, at sa mga senyales ng Poong Maykapal, tayo ay magbunyi at magpenitensya sapagkat ang misteryong nakabalot sa mundo ay lubos na mahiwaga.

Gamit ang agham sa medisina, kayang ipaliwanag ang misteryong nababalot sa pangyayaring naganap kay Ginang Violeta. Ayon sa isang Doktor, ang nangyari ay ang pagsara ng daluyan ng hangin na nag resulta sa pagkahimatay niya. Ang pangyayaring iyon ay maitatawag na Brain Hypoxia na nangangahulugang kulang ang daloy ng hangin sa utak. Sa loob lamang ng 30-180 segundos ng pagkakait ng hangin sa utak ay maaring mawalan ng malay ang pasyente. Ang Brain Hypoxia ay nangyayari lamang kapag ang isang indibidwal ay nalulunod, nasasakal, cardiac arrest, o di kaya’y inaatake ng matinding hika. Maari ring Lazarus Syndrome ang nangyari kay Ginang Violeta na isang napakabihirang sakit na may talang 32 kaso sa pagitan ng mga taong 1982 at 2008.

Ang oras natin sa mundo ay hiram lamang at ang bawat paghinga ay maituturing na isang himala.

Maaari pa bang mabuhay ang patay?

KABUHAYAN

Hiblang Hinabi ng Nakaraan

Pasok sa kaliwa…Pasok sa kanan…makailang maulit ni Aleng Anini ang paghimaymay ng mga sinulid na kaniyang inihilera nang ilang oras, habang nakapwesto sa habihang siyang tumataguyod sa kabuhayan ng mga anak.

Mula pa sa lungsod ng Iloilo, ginalugad ni Aleng Anini ang probinsya ng Antique para makapaghanap ng trabahong mapapasukan. At doon, sa gabay ng mapagpalang Panginoon, namataan niya ang makabagong Sentro ng Pagpoproseso ng Bulak at Paghahabi sa Barangay Padang, Patnongon, Antique. Ito ang lugar kung saan ang mga residenteng nakasalalay ang kabuhayan sa bulak noong dekada 80, ay pumupunta pa sa lugar na iniwanan ni Aleng Anini upang ibenta ang hilaw na produktong nakalimutan, ngunit muling tinangkilik.

Noong 1980, ang mga magsasaka ng bulak ay naglalakbay ng humigit-kumulang limang oras para maibenta ang produktong bihirang ginagawang alternatibo sa bigas. Sa lakbay pa lamang, ang limang piso kada kilo na kita ay tila bayad na para sa transportasyon. Ang kakulangan sa suporta ng gobyerno ang siyang pumatay sa kabuhayan ng mga taga-Patnongon.

Dulot ng nawawalang mga gawaing nakaugat na sa tradisyon at kultura ng Antique, muling itinaguyod at mas pinagyaman ni Senador Loren Legarda sa kaniyang hinaing na gumamit ng “100% Philippine Cotton” sa paghahabi. Sa aksiyong ito, agaran namang naisagawa noong 2019 ang Sentro ng Pagpoproseso ng Bulak at Paghahabi sa barangay Padang ng Patnongon.

Ang pondong inilaan ng Senador sa Philippine Fiber Industry Development Authority (PhilFIDA) ang siyang bumuo sa sentrong nakapagbigay trabaho sa mga empleyado nito. Ito naman ay pinanghahawakan ng Patnongon Multi-Purpose Cooperative (PMPC) sa tanan na pamamalakad sa sentro, mula sa mga makina, papunta sa binebentang produkto noong Disyembre 15, 2020. Ang Local Government Unit (LGU) ay aktibo ring tumutulong dito.

Dahil may angkop na kalupaan sa Patnongon para sa pagpaparami ng bulak, ay nakitaan ng potensyal para umunlad ang hilaw na produkto. Kaya naman, mas pinalawak ng PMPC ang kalupaan para sa produkto mula sa walong hektarya

papuntang 23 hektarya. Ang nagagawang sinulid galing dito ay ibinebenta pa sa ibang manhihibla gaya ng Bagtason, Taoka, Mapua sa Tibiao, Antique, at mga imbestor mula sa Manila at sa may Negros, ang HABI Philippine Textile Council. Ang pakikipagsapalaran ng PMPC sa sentro na walang dalang kasanayan at ideya sa pagproseso ng bulak ay naging masagana sa nagdaang panahon.

Bago pa lamang ang sentro kaya may mga kailangan pang labis na palakasin sa awput ng mga makina. Upang masolusyonan ito, humingi ng tulong ang PMPC sa kanilang tagapagtustos na Microspin galing pa India at pumunta noong Oktubre 2022 upang maiayos at mas paunlarin ang sentro. Sapagkat hindi maipagkakaila na sa humigitkumulang 10,500 na miyembro ng PMPC, marami ang natulungan ng kauna-unahang sentro sa pagproseso ng bulak sa buong Western Visayas na gumagana, at may naiambag sa pinansyal na aspeto.

Ang noo’y limang piso kada kilo ay naging PhP 25 na kada kilo, dagdagan pa ng 1,651 kilo na kabuuang dami ng buto ng bulak nitong Hulyo 2022 ay mas napaigting pa ng PMPC ang tulong na naibibigay sa mga magsasaka ng bulak sa baranggay ng Pandanan, Villa Crespo, Igburi, at Villa Elio na kanilang pangunahing mga tagapagtustos ng produkto.

Matapos nito, layunin din ng PMPC na sa mga susunod na taon ay sila na ang siyang magsasagawa ng pangkulay, na kung saan hindi na kukuha pa sa mga imbestor upang ang hibla patungong tela ay talagang gawang Patnongon.

Ito ay gawang Antique na may samu’t saring produkto mula sa bulak tulad ng mga kartera, supot, maleta, at marami pang iba. Ito ay likha ng mga Antiqueñong kahit walang digri o natapos ay may dedikasyong armas.

Tulad ng determinadong tagapasimuno ng sentro na si Gng. Anecar M. Vera Cruz, kaniyang namataan na sa pagkuha niya ng mga manggagawa ay mistulang galak at

sulat ni: MDPN. HANS IBERT R. DAVID ilustrasyon ni: MDPN. CEAN DAVID D. BARRION

Ang pagpasok sa kaliwa, at pagpasok sa kanan ng mga sinulid ay may patutunguhan.

kumikinang-kinang na pawis ang nakikita niya sa noo’y mga palaboy lamang. Sa kasalukuyan, sila ay mga tagapanatili na ng nag-uumpisang tradisyon ng paghahabi sa Patnongon. Nakikita niya rin ang misyon at pangitain ng PMPC, “To make life better for our farmers (Upang maging mas maginhawa ang buhay ng aming mga magsasaka),”

“Because of that, PMPC is very thankful that we provide additional livelihood to our members because of our vision. They are the most trusted steward of wealth and mission that we can provide better quality of life (Dahil diyan, and PMPC ay lubos na nagpapasalamat dahil nakapagbibigay kami ng karagdagang pagkakakitaan at trabaho sa aming mga miyembro at iyan ay dahil sa aming pangitain, ‘Sila ang pinakamapagkakatiwalaang katiwala ng kaunlaran’ at misyon na nagsasaad na, ‘Kami ay makakapagbigay ng mas maayos na kalidad ng buhay o gawing mas maunlad ang buhay),” ani ni Gng. Vera Cruz.

Masasabi na rin ni Aleng Anini na ang pagpasok niya bilang kasambahay sa ibang bansa ay walang masyadong naiambag sa pangingitaan niya ng pera, pero pagpasok niya rito, maitatawag niya na itong kabuhayan. Ang pagpasok sa kaliwa, at pagpasok sa kanan ng mga sinulid ay may patutunguhan. Ang tulong ng dalawang shoal sa paghabi ni Aleng Anini na umaabot ng 70 pulgada sa buong magdamag, ang siyang inspirasyon upang maipadala sa rurok ng tagumpay ang mga anak. Natitiyak na ang nakaraang tradisyon ng paghahabi mula sa pagtatanim ng bulak, ay muling manunumbalik.

Proseso sa Paggawa ng Hablon

1. Pagpaplano

Ang mga kono ng sinulid sa mga piling kulay ay isasaayos ayon sa gustong ‘pattern’ bago magkumiwal.

2. Pagkumiwal (Sab-ong)

Ang mga sinulid ay itatakda sa isang kasangkapan pankiwal at pagkatapos ang mga sinulid na ito ay igugrupo at paiikutin kasama ang ‘pegs’ ng kawayan ng ‘warping frame.’ Ang mga sinulid ay binibilang sa pamamagitan ng kamay batay sa nais na haba, lapad, at disenyo.

3. ‘Beaming’ (Likis)

Ang mga sinulid mula sa kiwal ay igugulong kasama ang ‘beam’ ng manghahabi, isang silindrong kawayan sa itaas na likod ng habihan.

4. ‘Hedding’ (Sulod sa Binting)

Ang bawat sinulid ng kiwal ay dumadaan sa mga bukana ng ‘heddle.’

5. ‘Reeding’ (Sulod sa Salod)

Pagkatapos ng ‘hedding’, ang bawat sinulid ay ipapasok sa bawat bukana ng metal na tambo gamit ang kawit ng kawayan.

6. ‘Tie-in’ (Higot sa Baston)

Ang dulo ng mga sinulid ay itatali sa rolyo ng tela, isang kahoy na tungkod sa patungan ng habihan.

7. ‘Spooling’ (Pangalinyas)

I-’spooling’ ang hinabi na sinulid na kailangan para sa shuttle gamit ang tradisyonal na ‘spooling’ na gulong.

8. Paghahabi (Habol)

Ang naghahabi ay pumepedal sa pedal na kawayan upang itaas o ibaba ang ‘heddle’ pagkatapos ang habi ay itutulak sa habihan ng isang ‘shuttle’ at ang susunod ay ang habi ay itutulak laban sa pagkahulog ng tela sa tabi ng tambo.

IN CELEBRATION OF 75TH FOUNDING ANNIVESARY

Intertwined with The Past, Set for The Future

words by: MDPN. DANIEL JUSTINE H. BELONIO

A phrase from the university’s hymn, often sung by the students during the flag ceremony. Through the eyes of a new student, the words may not resonate well with him for he thought these are just a set of flowery words to glorify the school and the founder, and carried on with his day.

While attending his class in Physical Education, they are required to memorize, sing, and recite the school hymn, mission and vision as part of their requirements. Throughout the weekend, he read and memorized. A spark of eureka came to him, realizing that the hymn carries the ambition and dream of the founder, Capt. Juan Bautista Lacson. The song starts to enter his heart, filling him with passion. Seeing his path is already paved, all he has to do is take a step and walk.

“My grandfather has always been a myth in my mind’s eye.”

Dr. Ronald Raymond Lacson Sebastian, the current Chief Executive Officers of the university, says as he honors his dear grandfather. Capt. John B. Lacson is a notable teacher, master mariner and port pilot whose name is eternally echoing through the halls of our esteemed institution. Reaching its platinum milestone, JBLFMU is ever-progressing, proving its worth to the international stage as a provider of outstanding masters, officers, and engineers, along with its pristine reputation to the maritime community.

JBLFMU, though a venerable institution, lacked documentation of its humble beginnings. Knowing this, it drove Dr. Sebastian to beg his mother, Dr. Mary Lou Lacson-Arcelo, to scribble down the school’s memoirs and after several attempts of convincing her, she gave in. JBLFMU archived its memories back into existence, a monumental step in the revival of Lacsonian history.

“To be completely honest, I credit my mother for being the ultimate torchbearer of that legacy. JBLFMU started its unstoppable climb when she stepped into the role of school president many decades ago. It was she who insisted that the name of the school be changed from Iloilo Maritime Academy to John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation, eventually working tirelessly into making it a university. She saw JBLFMU through countless trials by fire and seemingly insurmountable challenges. She was tenacious and driven, and for good reason.”

Dr. Arcelo wrote a book called MLA, which provided a narrative of how JBLCF institutions came to be. It gave more insight about the challenges faced by the institution, the story of the founder’s life from her point of view and his departure from America to a more destined Panay, Philippines where the greatest maritime universities settle.

“We look back to the humble beginning of John B. Lacson Maritime University.”

photos from: JBLFMU SYSTEM

“I have always thought that the school was an ode of love by my mother to my grandfather. In giving the school his name, she lovingly ensured that he was immortalized for life.”

Dr. Arcelo, a woman with a mission, displayed her prowess in raising the flag of JBLFMU and made it known to the world that a proud institution exists as if it were her love letter to her late father. She created the school values known as IPLEDGE, which stands for Integrity, Perseverance, Loyalty, Excellence, Discipline, Godliness, and Equality. These are the core values every student strives to embody, as being a seafarer is both an honorable sacrifice and a challenge to one’s character. The values will offer a path of fortitude, these torches that Dr. Arcelo wish to pass on, so that when the students look back, they will find themselves at the center of prominence.

The Revived History of JBLFMU-A

In the past, students went to Muelle Loney where Iloilo Maritime Academy was located. But, looking forward, young Dr. Arcelo was interested in the plot of 2 1/2 hectares of coconut plantation in Arevalo, which costs Php 75,000.00 and roughly the same amount of money IMA is left in their bank account. However, Capt. Lacson and

A woman with a mission, displayed her prowess in raising the flag of JBLFMU [...]

A Diamond Milestone

75th Foundation Day

January 09, 2022

othermembers of the board resisted, as it was too far from the city. She stood her ground and argued: “If the students from Mindanao would come to Iloilo, why would they not go to Arevalo?”

The Board eventually gave in and the purchase of the Arevalo property was consummated. Starting the construction of the school, they had to cut down the coconut trees and excavate the roots. Coconut lumber was not popular in 1972, often they would just cut the trunk into manageable pieces and move it out of the way. After the construction, the nautical students were transferred to Arevalo and enjoyed a peaceful and conducive hub for learning.

Problems arose. Public transport was not available in the area and students had to walk 2 kilometers as no jeepney will take them unless they commute in groups and willing to pay extra. Electricity was not available either. They even paid PHP40,000.00 for a generator. Students who lived out of town boarded houses in the vicinity of the school, extending boarding houses to accommodate students.

The problems plaguing the school threatened its future, however, the councilor lobbied for regular jeepney transportation to the Arevalo site and the installation of electricity. All came to pass and Arevalo’s problems were settled, creating another legacy. Come 2022 marks a year nearing the 75th Foundation Anniversary of the institution.

These events happened in a not-so-distant past; history defines the present and provides a future. The institution is dedicated to share its knowledge with its students to enable progress as reflected in JBLFMU’s tagline of being the “MARITIME VANGUARD” where “We LEAD, We EXCEL. The Lacsonian Legacy”.

Grandeur is a word fit to describe the incoming 75th Foundation Day, an event looked forward to by most Lacsonians. A platform to exhibit the core values of the institution through activities and events. The whole system prepares for it, to celebrate, honor, and experience a once-in-a-lifetime occasion. January 9, 2022 is the day when it all starts and an enriching competition between Arevalo, Molo and Bacolod campuses will unfold. A diamond milestone filled with a rich history, students and staff alike will undoubtedly dedicate themselves to bringing glory to the institution and themselves.

revival

theDOLPHIN

Two years have passed since the pandemic suppressed our efforts, but the rise of truth hastens our revival.

editorial staff

The Official Student Publication of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc.