THE DOLPHIN MAGAZINE VOL.60 NO.1 OCTOBER 2020

ABOUT THE COVER In these timeless memories of winter and spring where hopes areuntangled. The color fades and the sky was braced with shady clouds, truly traced out of fancy.

An escape is always a tunnel certainly unending and the noisiest medley of everything before us. Conceded by the walls, chained in the isolation of peace and framed in the creepiness of unfounded thoughts and mystery.

Somehow, someone is weaving the thread for goodness or uncertainty to the superlative degree of worst and the best of times. Certainly, you are the steaming mist in the hollows of circumstances. An opposite of aggravation, breaking the cells of commitment and oppurtunities.

You have been unraveled. Free from all the invisible ties and knots and cuffs.

Model: Miss Joanne Jane Naciongayo Photographer: Mdpn. Jayland E. Singuillo Assistant: Mdpn. Loween John H. Seloterio Production Crew: Mdpwn. Franzesca Mari B. Bautista

Mdpn. Jashem A. Bardies

Mdpn. Bryan l. Holzknecht

Mdpn. Vincent Jay A. Vigo

BACK COVER Model: Photographer: Assistant: Production Crew:

Mr. Kevin Lee Devera Mdpn. Mark Joseph D. Alovera Mdpn. John Rovic T. Lopez Mdpn. Anjo D. Tuboc Mdpn. Anthony Ken J. Bucasas Mdpn. NiĂąo B. Maldecir Mdpn. Julius Caesar P. Alfaras

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Months had passed since we waged war against an invisible foe who put our lives into risk. A silent killer that infiltrated our territories, forcing civilizations to shut down and send us back to our homes — our last fortress, in order to contain its spread.

COVID-19 pandemic ceased our normal lives and caused drastic changes in our lifestyles. We are forced to equip ourselves with a mask and a face shield hoping to protect ourselves from this deadly virus. New heroes emerged who sacrifice their own lives and put the welfare of others above their personal needs. Countless battles have been fought to combat this enemy yet until now the battle is not yet over.

From the great sacrifices to the unselfish actions done by others, we have explored to bring you stories of “Unravel” — this semester’s theme. These are articles that tell stories of heroic deeds and great sacrifice of people amidst this adversity.

Mdpn. Anjo D. Tuboc Editor-in-Chief Mdpn. Loween John H. Seloterio Associate Editor Mdpn. Bryan L. Holzknecht Managing Editor Mdpn. Jashem A. Bardies Mdpn. Anthony Ken J. Bucasas News Editor

To our devoted readers, supportive individuals, fellow Lacsonians and the whole Lacsonian community, may the stories we wrote inspire you to appreciate the beauty of life and give hope to those affected by this pandemic. May you use this magazine as your motivation to survive and steer you in this uncertainties of life. This magazine serves as a proof of hope that no matter what hardships and challenges that daunt, we can still do what seems impossible.

- Mdpn. Anjo D. Tuboc

Mdpn. Niño B. Maldecir Mdpwn. Franzesca Mari B. Bautista Feature Editor Mdpn. John Rovic T. Lopez Literary Editor Mdpn. Julius Caesar P. Alfaras Filipino Editor

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:

EDITORIAL POLICY:

THE DOLPHIN

Mr. Michael Vincent A. Evidente SAC Publication/Adviser Capt. Alfred G. Espinosa, Ph.D. Administrator/DQMR

Mdpn. Jayland E. Singuillo Mdpn. Mark Joseph D. Alovera Photojournalist

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 thedolphinarevalo@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.

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Mdpn. Vincent Jay A. Vigo Cartoonist

Dr. Ronald Raymond L. Sebastian Capt. Alfred G. Espinosa, Ph. D. Mrs. Rohena Z. Miranda Mayin.De Los Santos Baasim Abbas Pendioday Carmela Francesca Adelantar 2/O Joven Necor Aaron Dave Escobido 2/O Majella Parreño-Albances Mdwpn. Ma. Toiza Gorantes Jennie Rose Geganzo Mr. Ranel Encanto Southern Iloilo Healthzone Bluekard Film Prod Christopher Garpa Joviann Magbanua Badenas Helen Faith Lojera Mr. Flord Nicson Calawag Mr. and Mrs. Armand Dilag Raynald Cabatbat

June Famur Junelie Singuillo Maria Suzzette Hijosa Hernalyn Macado Johnner Belaong

D/C Ivan Guzman D/C Kent Jasper Latoza D/C Eugene Delgado YSMX Club150i, Panay Kings Club 150i Jovenel Magno, OM- Antique Southkings Boss Brybry fives stars Dr. Roderick Germo Jake tabuada Mathew Baylon Vinge ZIrian Corda Michael Jay Bangcaya Mdpn. John Raylan P. Bañes

CONTENTS

TABLE OF FEATURE

4 6 8 10

HEALTH

13

CULTURE

Be a BIDA this Pandemic

ENVIRONMENT

In the 11th Month of the Year Untangling the Taste of Online Selling

DEVCOM

Liberating Gaea: Iloilo City’s Journey to Sustainability From a Kept Maiden to an Empowered Woman: The Liberty of a Binukot

17 INTERVIEW 14 days: Narratives of a Frontliner INTEREST 20 HUMAN Southkings: A Ride for a Cause 24 DEVCOM AAHRRO: The New Mother of Opportunities THE COVER 26 BEYOND She Who Shines the Brightest 28 INVESTIGATIVE Quarantine Unraveled: Unheard Narratives 31 DEVCOM PAIS: Hope of the Farmers FILIPINO

34 37 39 42 45 48 50 52

8

4

FOOD

11

14

MAKATAONG KAWILIHAN Mula sa Larawang Kupas

26

SINING

Ang Hindi Maikubli ng Maskara KULTURA Sa Hindi Ordinaryong Gabi sa Syudad ng Iloilo

29

33

SINING Saan mo Itatanim?

MAKATAONG KAWILIHAN Daan pabalik sa Paglalayag ng Isip at Kapalaran TEKNOLOHIYA Ang Bukas na Naghihintay sa Masusing Pagsusuri SEA EXPERIENCE Aking Unang Sampa ACROSS THE MILES

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FEATURE | HEALTH

Be a BIDA this Pandemic Written by Mdpn. Anjo D. Tuboc

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nvisible. Relentless. Contagious. The novel coronavirus.

It is an unseen enemy that stealthily infiltrated our territory and forced civilizations to shut down more than half of its world, sending us back to our homes to contain its spread.

Known by many as the COVID-19 virus, it swiftly crippled our economy in a short period and brought human beings to its knees, and struck fear in everyone’s heart. Even countries like China, United States, Spain, and Italy were overwhelmed despite their much advance medical equipment, scientific innovations, technological advancements, and expensive modern facilities.

The pieces of information that people are sure of today are that it is a human to human transmission and manifested in flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue, and shortness of breath similar to the SARS coronavirus that caused harm from 2002-2003.

The only difference was that COVID-19 had a broader disease spectrum, leading to mild and moderate illness.

The challenge to contain this virus is more difficult since people can carry and spread the virus without displaying any symptoms.

As of November 2020, the virus continuously spreads, with around 400,000 coronavirus cases and approximately 8,000 deaths recorded in the Philippines.

Since the outbreak of COVID-19 in the Philippines, the government has sought to contain the virus through strict community quarantine measures.

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Since the awaited vaccine is still in chemical trials, the government is putting much effort to prevent the virus from spreading and protect the Filipinos from COVID-19 infection wherever they are. One of the measures they implemented is the easy to remember “BIDA Solusyon sa COVID-19” guidelines.

What is BIDA Solusyon sa COVID-19?

It is a campaign of the Department of Health that promotes the active role of every Filipino in the fight against COVID-19 by practicing the following behaviors, which they simplified into four letters: B - Bawal walang mask (Not wearing of mask is prohibited).

Not wearing face masks in public places is prohibited. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, wearing face masks reduces potential exposure risk from an infected person, whether they have symptoms or not. According to recent studies, wearing N95 masks reduces transmission by 96% while 67% for the non-N95 face masks.

I - I-sanitize ang mga kamay, iwas-hawak sa mga bagay (Sanitize your hands, refrain from touching things).

Handwashing with soap and water for 20 seconds is an effective way to sanitize yourself. The use of 60 percent

Photos courtesy to DOH & signsofthelastdays.org

ethyl and 70 percent isopropyl alcohol is advisable for quick disinfection at all times. Also, avoid touching things, especially in public places.

D - Dumistansya ng isang metro (Distance yourself a meter away from others).

The observance of physical distancing by at least one meter can reduce the chance of transmission by 82%, and a further increase in distance can also increase the protection. It also reminds the people to limit themselves to going to crowded places.

A - Alamin ang totoong impormasyon (Determine factual information).

Check the information given if they are from reliable sources, and don’t trust information that is only forwarded to you. It is essential to be updated, take proper actions, and adhere to the safety standards imposed to be safe.

Furthermore, it also encourages the public to stay hydrated and always bring drinking water with you.

During their campaign, the DOH explained that following these guidelines and adopting the minimum health standards as a behavioral lifestyle can lower the chances of virus transmission by 96%.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to disturb and disrupt lives, and as people enter the new normal, they are all gradually seeing a shift in their lifestyles as their days in quarantine drags on. People realized the sad truth that everyone is vulnerable; however, amidst the uncertainties, as people struggle to transition, the spirit of Filipino resilience and camaraderie is still evident as they guarantee that no one is left behind as they continue to live. This campaign makes people realize that in this battle against this deadly virus, they can contribute and be a part of the change and be a “BIDA” for everyone else regardless of who they are.

WHAT IS COVID-19?

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus.

SYMPTOMS According to WHO, the most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness and dry cough. Few patients experience aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. Patients usually have mild symptoms that start gradually. Most patients recover without needing any special treatment.

TRANSMISSION COVID-19 is transmitted from person to person via droplets, contact, and fomites. It is transmitted when one individual talks, sneezes, or coughs producing ‘droplets’ of saliva containing the COVID-19 virus. These droplets are then inhaled by another person.

Source: https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/coronavirusdisease-covid-19

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Photo sources: NASA, toledoblade.com and flickr

FEATURE | ENVIRONMENT

In the 11th Month of the Year Written by Mdpn. Anthony Ken J. Bucasas

T

here were many untold stories of how people in the Philippines suffered every time the 11th month of the year passed by. Some stories were about the dead relatives we remember but some were about the tragedies suffered by Filipinos during the strong typhoons that passed by in the country.

CORONAVIRUS LOCKDOWN HELPED THE ENVIRONMENT TO BOUNCE BACK As the transmission of novel corona virus (COVID-19) increases rapidly, the whole world adopted the curfew/ lockdown activity with restriction of human mobility. The imposition of quarantine stopped all the commercial activity that greatly affects the various important environmental parameters which directly connected to human health.

As all the types of social, economic, industrial and urbanization activity suddenly shut off, nature takes the advantages and showed improvement in the quality of air, cleaner rivers, less noise pollution, undisturbed and calm wildlife.

“Although coronavirus vaccine is not available coronavirus itself is earth’s vaccine and us humans are the virus”.

Source: Abstract of Shefali Arora, Kanchan Deoli Bhaukhandi, and Pankaj Kumar Mishrac

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In the 11th month of the year, a person can lose everything – his house, his car, or even his loved ones. Nature’s wrath is truly unforgivable, but the way humanity treated the environment was never different.

Past and the present.

Seven years ago, 6340 people died when a Category 5 typhoon named Haiyan or known as “Bagyong Yolanda” devastated the Philippines. Cold bodies were left in streets, the sound of wailing from people asking for help awaken the whole world, and it was a day when a lot of people prayed for being safe but a mourning for some. It was November — the 11th month of the year.

Recently, Super Typhoon Rolly, another Category 5 typhoon that wiped out some parts of Catanduanes, and Typhoon Ulysses that made the whole province of Cagayan submerged in flood-water in the middle of a pandemic. It was November — the 11th month of the year.

The formation.

Whether it is named as typhoons in the western Pacific Ocean, hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean, or cyclones in the Indian Ocean, strong tropical cyclones are an example of nature’s violent rage.

The criteria that conspire to form tropical cyclones are rather simple. Its origin can be traced with a small atmospheric disturbance located near or in a tropical ocean. If water temperatures are warm enough, generally

more than 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and atmospheric conditions are supportive with moisture and uniform winds, a tropical system can evolve. It first becomes a tropical depression in the Atlantic. The system graduates to a tropical storm as it gets stronger and then to end, when winds increase over 74 mph, it is termed a hurricane.

A climate crisis.

It’s reasonable to assume that as humanity continues to discharge planet-warming greenhouse gases, the likelihood of tropical cyclone activity rises. Generally speaking, the warmer the water temperatures, the more heat energy is available and the higher the potential for tropical cyclones to develop.

A warmer climate will also bring some shifts in storm locations. For example, the authors of a 2014 paper discovered that tropical systems are increasingly reaching maximum intensity farther north or south from the equator as warmer waters expand towards the North and South Poles. This prospect puts areas of the U.S. northeast coast and maritime Canada in greater danger of a stronger hurricane in the Atlantic basin.

According to a recent study led by Mingfang Ting of Columbia University, human-caused warming may lead to a weakening of disruptive vertical wind shear during active Atlantic hurricane cycles using 21stcentury climate model projections. Wind shear refers to hostile environmental winds that serves as a storm barrier which sometimes steers storms away from land, helping to weaken them.

On a massively populated coast with a heavily built environment, this combination will be dangerous and destructive. The result will be more rapid intensification of storms as they near landfall if this weakening of wind shear is likely to happen.

It’s clear from the research presented above that threats from tropical systems, and in particular from the most intense cyclones, are increasing. This trend will continue for the foreseeable future. While some of these anticipated impacts are already seared into our warmer climate, the most serious escalations can still be prevented. The only remedy is a rapid decarbonization of our economy and a society that is more ready for threats approaching our way.

It was not different in parts of Europe. Cities like Brussels, Paris, Madrid, Milan and Frankfurt had a reduction on the medium levels of nitrogen dioxide between March 5th and 25th in comparison with the same period last year. With the factories and trade closing, the traveling restrictions to deal with the virus spreading resulted on a reduction of pollutant emissions in the atmosphere.

Remedy.

There were many untold stories of how people in the Philippines suffered every time the 11th month of the year passes by. Some stories were about the dead relatives we remember but some were about the tragedies suffered by Filipinos during the strong typhoons that passed by in the country.

In the 11th month of the year, a Filipino can lose everything – his house, his car, or even his loved ones.

Nature’s wrath is truly unforgivable, that is why humanity must treat the environment like how he wanted to be treated in return.

Corona’s blessing.

Because of the coronavirus, the world changed — many cities around the world implemented quarantine and campaigns encouraging people to not go out without requirement. The decrease on the movement in big cities caused focused effects in the environment, like the reduction on the release of pollutants in the atmosphere.

The European Environmental Agency (EEA) discovered that in Madrid, the medium levels of nitrogen dioxide withdrew 56% in the weekly comparison after the Spanish government banned unnecessary trips after March 14th.

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FEATURE | FOOD

Untangling the Taste of Online Selling Written by Mdpn. Jashem A. Bardies

Photos courtesy to the owners of the business

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n this time lapse of history where points are crossed and drawings started to fade, it is a job to seek another job or to sell another sell. The pantry was set open to cater piled up stocks of needs amidst this pandemic. Food is as essential as human beings struggled to get used to live in the new normal.

Online business flood the newsfeeds and dimensions of social media in the height of this pandemic. Fortunately, staying at home makes sense while ensuring the safety is a priority.

In this era of new normal, life will become more and more coated with mixtures of flavor grind through this challenging time. In the aroma of nature sprang, people who continuously makes every effort to sustain their living in everyday.

Meet Maria Suzzete Hijosa, a 29 year-old online seller from Iloilo City. She started her frozen foods business before the quarantine began in March but progress her dealing online. As an online seller, it is her significant attributes to sustain effectivity of her business in any way. However, as the pandemic continues to shadow the economic integrity of our country, her business was gradually affected by the first onslaught of the lockdown.

“Mabudlay mag online selling tungod damo kompetensiya, pero kung makaumpisa ka na baligya sa online nami man sa pamatyagan.”

(Online selling is a hard job since there are lots of competitors but once you’ve started it actually feels good.)

By posting her product in social media she gets instant customers and a lot of inquiries regarding her products. Using social media is a functional manifesto of making your business in more creative and easygoing venture. Through this platform it will really help to attract more people and encourage them to buy your products.

This pandemic also greatly affected their business venture since most of the food stalls they supply have been closed due to enhance community quarantine.

Canteens and other carinderias they have supplied before the lockdown also lessened their orders. Some customers who purchased their products also did not pay totally their debts because of the severity of the effect of the lockdown.

For her, it is quite a challenging but satisfactory achievement to sell online but along with it is the problem of losing the vibes of the business since competition is always there.

“Basta may gabakal lang sang akon baligya, enjoyable man japon ang pagbaligya.”

(As long as there’s someone buying what I’m selling, I still find enjoyment in it.)

This COVID-19 pandemic brought people to a point in their life that they need to venture out another means of surviving through this series of community quarantine.

Hernalyn Mercado from Barotac Nuevo Iloilo, an online seller of homemade shomai and progressively gains not only monetary benefit but a lot of selfconfidence. “Before I am not that confident to sell or promote my products because sometimes I feel shy and I am afraid of criticisms from others. Another thing is I get to know new friends and meet new people.”

She came up with the idea of online selling because she wants to earn money on her own and wanted to help her family in their business. “I tried online selling because it is the most convenient and popular way where you can have fast and easy transaction with your customers“.

This version of new normal trading initiated a purposeful impact to her by developing her skills and be able to meet new people towards this progress. It also stirs some of the indispensable ingredients of mental health effectivity which is important in this war against an invisible enemy. “I always have fun with what I’m doing online, getting excited with what I’m learning and what results I’m getting. It feels like success to own a business.

I am always motivated everyday to work especially when managing and promoting the business. Whenever I achieved my goals, I feel fulfilled when I receive positive reviews from my customers.”

As this pandemic continues, challenges of maintaining our safety is as essential as gaining money

to support daily needs. Miss Hernalyn business’ was also challenged by this threatening time of virus. One of the challenges she encountered is the limitation in the delivery of orders since some areas might be under imposed lockdown. She also need to be extra careful during meet ups. Despite these complications she has to face, online selling according to her is a productive venture and a sort of convenience for her buyers since they just had to order it online.

“Online selling is the most convenient way of promoting your business especially during this pandemic, where most of the people have their phones, it is easier for them to communicate and make transactions. As a seller, I need to fit in every change and find possible ways where both my customer and I can benefit.”

Working 24 hours a day or 7 times a week becomes easier through online selling since it reduces boundaries where distance no longer matters. It allows customers to buy and choose whatever they want wherever they are especially in this time of global health crisis.

These stories of online sellers and how they started and how the pandemic sufficiently or greatly affected their business makes them an empowered manifestation of the unraveled resiliency of the Filipino in whatever circumstances.

For interested customers

just send a direct message to Hernalyn Macado for her Homemade Shomai business. Delivery schedule is every Saturday but they are open for special orders. Delivery time and place is negotiable as per the benefit of the customer and seller.

For any inquiries or any interested buyers of frozen foods just visit the owner’s Facebook account Maria Suzette Hijosa since most of her products are posted in her Facebook timeline.

Sample Product of Ms. Macado and Mrs. Hijosa.

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FEATURE | DEVCOM

Liberating Gaea: Iloilo City’s Journey to Sustainability Written by Mdpwn. Franzesca Mari B. Bautista Photos by Mdpn. Jayland E. Singuillo and

Mr. Raynald Cabatbat

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Iloilo River Esplanade

he’s beautiful. Her eyes were as blue as the sky; hair as golden as the sun. Her skin was as clear as water; lips covered in blood. Her name was Gaea. Alas, she had been beautiful.

Waves were crashing, the wind was howling—Gaea was angry. Her waters have been flooded with waste.

Her children have been killed: sold for their flesh and banished from their homes.

Her air has been tainted with fumes. Her earth has been depleted of its resources: trees were cut and mountains were flattened. Her kindness was reciprocated with betrayal.

Money reigned supreme—Gaea’s home was a paradise no more.

According to an article by Eco-business, the Philippines generates 2.7 million metric tonnes of plastic waste per year. This massive sum of plastic waste has declared the country as the world’s third-biggest polluter.

In detail, the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) reports that Filipinos generate 59.7 billion pieces of sachets, 17.5 billion pieces of shopping bags, 16.5 billion pieces of plastic labo bags, and 1.1 billion pieces of diapers annually.

Despite the drastic amount of plastics generated globally, most of these are single-use in nature. It is estimated that only 9% of 8,300 million tonnes of produced plastic was recycled. The rest are either,

burned, landfilled, or released into the environment.

GAIA further highlights in their report that the strict implementation of plastic bag regulation produces dramatically significant results in lowering plastic bag use. In particular, the local government of Iloilo started with the enactment of the Non-Biodegradable Plastic Bag Regulation Ordinance in 2013.

The ordinance banned the use of nonbiodegradable plastic bags; encouraging vendors and consumers to use alternative eco-friendly packaging materials or bring their own reusable bags.

The said policy was followed by a ban on singleuse plastics this 2020. Iloilo City’s executive order no.

043 prohibits the use of cups less than 0.2 millimeters in thickness, drinking straws, stirrers, plastic utensils, “labo” or thin and translucent plastic bags, and thin filmed sando bags under 15 microns.

The bringing of the aforementioned plastic products is banned in all public parks, esplanades, and plazas of the city. According to an article by Panay News, Iloilo City mayor Jerry P. Treñas states that the order was in line with the massive amount of plastic waste regularly being collected from the said locations.

The ordinance further mentions that the ban was part of the city’s “solid waste avoidance and minimization strategy”. The local government unit strives to curb the use of plastics that pollute their waterways, kill their marine life, and contribute to the

Molo Plaza, Molo Church and Plaza Libertad

Philippines’ increasing solid waste.

“These are really small steps, that can make a difference. What we always say in the movement is that there is no big nor small initiative or vision towards attaining a sustainable future. Whatever step it is, basta maka-contribute (as long as it can contribute) to the environment it’s really good,” Carmela Francesca Adelantar, an environmental activist, said when asked about the importance of the ordinance.

On a positive note, Iloilo City’s initiatives seem to have already taken effect for the betterment of the environment.

According to the study of Joven (2019), buyers and vendors were well aware of City Ordinance No. 2013043 which bans the use of non-biodegradable plastic.

Moreover, they often practiced the provisions under the said ordinance.

Similarly, regulations from other LGU’s have also observed positive effects. A report by the Scientist Action and Advocacy Network (ScAAN) discloses that after the implementation of environmental policies, a 3% reduction in total daily waste (4 tonnes) was observed in Muntinlupa; Las Pinas generated only 4% of plastic and styrofoam in their daily waste. Lastly, 90% of the respondents from Antipolo indicated that they bring their own reusable bags.

However, notwithstanding these results, activists insist that the environment deserves more laws that

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WHAT ARE MICROPLASTICS? Microplastics are small plastic pieces less than five millimeters long which can be harmful to our ocean and aquatic life. They make their way into lakes, rivers and oceans, eventually contaminating our food and water. Much of our food comes wrapped in plastic, which leads to tiny particles breaking off into our meals.

HOW MUCH DO PEOPLE INGEST? One research review published in June calculated that just by eating, drinking and breathing, Americans ingest at least 74,000 microplastic particles every year. Another recent study commissioned by the World Wildlife Fund and conducted by researchers at the University of Newcastle in Australia estimated that people consume about 5 grams of plastic a week — roughly the equivalent of a credit card.

defend it from injustice and exploitation.

“We really demand stronger policies that demand climate justice. What are these? Institutionalizing renewable energy, protecting environmental defenders, and many more. Stronger policies ensure our political participation in keeping the democracy in check; in keeping the society that is still represented by these sectors. And also, we have to underline that as the government and institutions, and big companies are complacent and telling lies about climate change, more communities are being vulnerable, more sectors are being vulnerable and susceptible to climate crisis,” Ms. Adelantar stated.

In particular, based on the study of Tayong and Millamena (2011), Iloilo City residents disposed of their solid waste via dumping (40.9%), burning (34.3%), burying (21.8%), and composting (2.9%). If these results still prove to be true today, the unsustainable disposal methods will wreak havoc on the environment.

“Each of us have this kind of responsibility to fulfill in order to protect our future, to protect the future of the next generation,” persists Carmela.

Gaea’s eyes are as hopeful as the sunrise; hair as strong as the mountains. Her skin is as sensitive as our hearts; lips as important as our lives. She had been, and if taken care of, will again be beautiful.

Waves were crashing, the wind was howling — humanity was helping. Gaea’s waters are slowly being restored. Her children were rescued: their flesh healed, they were brought back to their homes Her air was being cleaned of fumes. Her earth is being repaired: trees were planted and mountains were rehabilitated. Her blessings shall be reciprocated with compassion.

The Earth reigned supreme — Gaea’s home shall be a paradise once more.

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HOW DOES IT AFFECT HEALTH? There is evidence, at least in animals, that microplastics can cross the hardy membrane protecting the brain from many foreign bodies that get into the bloodstream. And there’s some evidence that mothers may be able to pass microplastics through the placenta to a developing fetus, according to research that has not yet been published but was presented at a spring conference at the Rutgers Center for Urban Environmental Sustainability.

Sources: https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/microplastics.html https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/youre-literallyeating-microplastics-how-you-can-cut-down-exposure-tothem/2019/10/04/22ebdfb6-e17a-11e9-8dc8-498eabc129a0_ story.html

Sample Microplactics. | Photo source: optimistdaily.com

FEATURE | CULTURE

From a Kept Maiden to an Empowered Woman: The Liberty of a Binukot Written by Mdpn. John Rovic T. Lopez Photos by Mdpn. Mark Joseph D. Alovera Illustration by Mdpn. Vincent Jay A. Vigo

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he algid atmosphere of the film theater damps her skin even more as she gets on stage, receiving her very first Best Actress award for QCinema Film Festival 2017. Deafening applause, blinding lights, and stares of adoration from people like the veteran actress Eula Valdez whom she defeated on the coveted award—these are new for a Panay Bukidnon teenage girl like Jally Nae Gilbaliga.

After starring on the full-length film ‘The Chanters’ by director James Robin Mayo, Jally Nae was so proud to represent her culture on the national scene. Her face flashing in the huge screens of Quezon City doesn’t just stand as a representation of the rich culture of the Panay Bukidnon, but also a good scene of liberty—a young woman whose role is supposedly a Binukot (kept maiden) in the tribe, now defies tradition for freedom and opportunities in these modern times.

The pre-colonial practice of Pagbukot—where the Panay Bukidnon tribe chooses a beautiful maiden as young as three years old to keep inside the house until she is arranged for a potential husband—is ‘somehow’ put into an end when the last kept maiden, Rosita Silva Caballero of Calinog, Iloilo passed away last 2017. For some, a condign mourning is necessary not just for the death of Rosita but also for the nearing death of the century-old tradition of Binukot. Yet for young girls like Jally Nae, the nightfall of the tradition means a new dawn for their freedom.

“Kung binukot timo biskan pagtapak sa lupa indi ka pagsugtan. Pati pagparigus mo dapat gab-i don sa suba para waay it may makakita kanimo.”

(If you’re a kept maiden, you are not even allowed to step a foot on the ground. Even your bath should be done on the river at night so that no one can see you.)

A binukot is considered as the princess of the tribe.

She is given too much attention, care, and prestige that every time she moves from one place to another, she is being carried on a bamboo hammock accompanied by two men in the family so that her feet will not be bedraggled by earth. Her face is covered with sheets of silk so that no one can peek on her. This practice of sheltering women for dowry—to the extent of depriving them their free-will—is far from Jally Nae’s idea of a princess.

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The role and duties of a Binukot seem to be different to those of princesses that Jally Nae often sees in movies. The maiden is often isolated; sometimes she is left to just sit all day and stare blankly in her room. Aside from this, she is also being taught by the elders on how to weave their Tinubok nga tela, how to dance, and how to chant the entire Suguidanon epic. They are considered as the people in the tribe with the most knowledge on their culture, practices, and rituals. During weddings and other celebrations, the Binukot is allowed to go out with the guests and showcase her talents such as in dancing Binanog—one that mimics the movements of a free-flying endemic hawk called Banog. Only through dancing, a Binukot feels free. Until she goes back to her room again, like a bird on its cage.

For young women in the tribe like Jally Nae, the tradition is strangling their basic human rights such as the rights for education and the rights for freedom. In these times when movements arise fighting for women empowerment and fighting against child abuse, the old tradition does not comply to a friendly and more inclusive world that we are living in right now.

“Daw mayad man gani kon waay don ang pagbukot. Tulad maka eskwela tamon, makapili ka paramanhon; indi kami pag ibaligya baylo sa isa ka karbaw kag mahimo ang mga gusto namon parehos ka dayang pag akting ko sa pelikula” (I am glad that the tradition stopped. Now, we can go to school, have our choices in terms of marriage; we can’t be bought in exchange of a carabao anymore and we can pursue the things we are passionate to do such as this, acting in a film.)

When Jally Nae is hired to become an actress for the film The Chanters, she never hesitated to say yes. In the film, her character struggles with embracing

her culture in these modern times. This is not far from her real-life story. Like any other young people in their tribe, she is faced with a lot of distractions particularly those that are brought by the emerging technology and innovations. However, she learned one thing, and that is how to embrace her authenticity as a Panay Bukidnon and at the same time, as a part of the Generation Z. She always clings to the mentality that these innovations can actually promote their culture more. One example is her entering the film industry to showcase her identity. She also sees the modern times as a gateway to reforms for her tribe’s flawed practices.

Jally Nae believes that this tradition of women confinement doesn’t need preserving for it promotes abuse to women and children; somehow a violence.

Today, with the provision of the Republic Act No. 9262 which is also known as the “Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004”, any form of abuse—mental, physical, psychological, sexual or economic—is not and should not be tolerated. However, Jally Nae explains that this tradition will not be put to end because of the IPRA or The Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997 that states “The State shall recognize, respect, and protect the rights of ICCs/IPs to preserve and develop their cultures, traditions, and institutions. It shall consider these rights in the formulation of national laws and policies”. However, the choice is put into the hands of the elders now, which according to her, the tradition is alive but the practice is dying.

“Ang tradisyon ka pagbukot dayan sa gihapon, pay waay don ka daa ka gusto maghimo. Una, kinahanglan manggaranon ka gid para magbukot ka isa ka bata. Ikaduwa, indi tana don gusto ya mga malam nga bukuton timo hay kung binukot timo waay timo ineskwelahan. Husto lang timo intuon ka may tinun-an.

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THE SUGIDANON EPIC Hinilawod is an epic poem from early tribes of Sulodnon (now known as Panay Bukidnon) that is told through chanting. Considered as one of the longest epics in the country and in the world, it takes three days for a chanter to sing the original 29,000-verse epic. The story tells of the exploits of the three demigod brothers, Labaw Donggon, Humadapnon and Dumalapdap of Panay.

Some of the books of the written Sugidanon Epic researched and compiled by Alicia P. Magos, Ph.D. of U.P. Visayas.

Photos courtesy to UP Press Official

The QCinema Trophy that Jally Nae had received after winning Best Actress for the film The Chanters.

Photos courtesy to The Chanters FB page

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Pay sarang sa gihapon magbukot ang isa ka pamilya bangod sa IPRA law”.

(The tradition is still alive but it is not put into practice anymore. First, you need to have a very high social status to seclude and keep a young maiden.

Second, the elders don’t want to do it anymore because if you’re a kept maiden, you are illiterate. Those who are educated will simply take advantage of you. However, anyone can still practice the custom because of the IPRA law.)

Conforming to her cultural responsibilities, Jally Nae continues to promote the rich culture of Panay Bukidnon through their Panubok weaving, their epic chanting also called as Suguidanon, and their Binanog dance. At the same time, she also still pursues on spreading cultural and social awareness especially on the protection of women and children’s rights. And for her, one way to exercise these rights is to do what her heart desires to do— acting in front of the camera and on stage.

From the far-flung areas of Calinog, Iloilo, Jally Nae’s face has been shown internationally. The recognitions and the extraordinary limelight from the industry might be new for a person like her who is from a tribe of Indigenous people. But for Jally Nae, it is something to celebrate—from the fate of a supposedly confined woman behind closed doors, she steps out and chooses her destiny now. Beyond her little house in the mountainous areas of Central Panay are the endless possibilities of what an empowered woman can do.

FEATURE | INTERVIEW

WHAT CAN I DO TO COPE WITH THE EFFECTS OF COVID-19 QUARANTINE? Sedentary behaviour and low levels of physical activity can have negative effects on the health, well-being and quality of life of individuals. Self-quarantine can also cause additional stress and challenge the mental health of citizens.

Physical activity and relaxation techniques can be valuable tools to help you remain calm and continue to protect your health during this time. WHO recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorousintensity physical activity per week, or a combination of both.

Source: https://www.euro.who.int/en/health-topics/healthemergencies/coronavirus-covid-19

14 days: Narratives of a Frontliner Written by Mdpn. NiĂąo B. Maldecir and

Mdpn. Bryan L. Holzknecht

Photos by Mdpn. NiĂąo B. Maldecir

I

t was purple skies, birds singing tunes to give tingling to the ears. Freshly baked pandesal coupled with the best blended coffee welcomed her as she woke up. Her well ironed lab coats gave her warmth as she travels. She was fully set and ready. Breath in. breath out. A feeling that the day will go right according to plan.

She was blessed with a lovely face and a big bright smile but she did not wear it that day. Wear it that day. A challenging moment in the life of Jenie Rose Geganzo.

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When did you have contact with a Covid-19 suspect?

It was still fresh to me. It was March 13 during that time when I accompanied the Covid-19 suspect to one of the hospitals in Iloilo. I was a little bit skeptical during that time since the virus is starting to spread and the whole Western Visayas has no case yet. However, I was just telling myself that it is my duty to save lives and of course I wore proper protective equipment that suits the situation hoping that everything will be just fine.

What did you feel the following days after you delivered the patient?

On dates March fourteen to sixteen, I felt okay and even went to duty at the hospital. It was on March 17 that I felt something odd. I experienced slight fever, cough, and cold in which case I immediately consulted my doctor and he gave the anti-biotics as a prescription. I was not overthinking and yet I kept putting the thought in my mind that this could be just a fever. But for everyone’s safety, I called to the Representative Pedro G. Trono Memorial Hospital where I work that I won’t be able to report due the illness I have. Without being reluctant, I started home quarantine.

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When did you discover that the patient was the First Covid-19 positive in Western Visayas?

I received a call from the hospital last March 20. Nervous as I answer it, they informed me that the patient I accompanied was tested positive for the virus — the first positive case in the whole Western Visayas.

Anxiety and fear started to engulf me as I took a deep breath hearing the news. I cannot speak a single word nor offer a response to the information thinking that my illness could be the symptoms. I came to think about the people whom I had contact with; my family, closest friends, hospital colleagues or even random people I have spoken to. I feared what would some people surrounding me would say and started to worry to every single person that I encountered.

How did the Local Government unit respond to the situation?

Being one of the closest contacts of the patient, March 23, an ambulance provided by the LGU arrived at my house to deliver me to Western Visayas Medical Center and have my swab test as soon as possible.

My doctor advised that I should be admitted in addition due to the possible symptoms that I have.

Everything was processed accordingly while I was just strengthening myself with prayers and preparing myself to any further circumstances.

What happened when you were admitted waiting for the results of your test?

I feel depressed. It’s the agony of measured time that prolongs each and every day that I was waiting for my results. I think as I assess myself, I was physically okay. I keep checking my temperature from time to time but what brings pain to me is the possibility that I can also be a COVID-19 positive. At night, I can’t even sleep, I keep on moving from one position to another that leads my thoughts to jump rapidly. My family is the first thing I can recall as I stare at the ceiling knowing that they could be more anxious with my situation. Far away, my husband who is working as a seafarer could also be in difficult times thinking about me.

By that time, my phone was flooded with messages from my friends extending their support and prayers. They keep on telling me to be strong no matter what and advocated collection of funds, groceries, and some other means that can help me. I received foods and financial assistance with the RHU who continues to monitor my condition. My colleagues in RPGTMH also assisted the tasks that deals with my recovery and health transactions. I was happy when I recall those times, I never heard someone who discriminated me. I oftentimes cry alone, but those people who supported my back to make me stand gave me the strength to face the challenges that the almighty had given to me.

Their willingness was my motivation.

What was the result of your test and what did you do afterwards?

March 26 – the results came out NEGATIVE. Tears flow down from my eyes realizing how lucky I am that despite the symptoms I felt were synonymous to the usual symptoms a Covid patient have, I was still free from the virus. Few minutes later, my doctor called me and cheered me up that I was negative and told me that my immune system fought very well. He was wishing me a speedy recovery. I don’t know what to do or how to react. I just kneeled down and pray so hard, so sincere that God graced my safety. He gave me a strong body to overcome any illness. I felt that all those stress, anxiety, and depression were washed out in an instant.

I thanked everyone who supported me through prayers and effort. My husband and family will no longer have to worry about me and that I can go home sooner than I expected.

When I was delivered at home to spend another fourteen days of home quarantine to ensure my full recovery, I was so happy. There was relief in my soul.

And on April 16, I reported back to my duty at the hospital, ready to help people again as a front liner.

It was dark evening skies, no birds to be found but howls are heard everywhere. Her crumpled lab coats tried its best give her warmth as she travels. She was tired and exhausted. Breath in. breath out. A feeling of relief that the day ended.

She was blessed with a lovely face and a big bright smile and she finally wore it.

Ms. Geganzo together with her co-workers.

Photos courtesy to Jenie Rose Geganzo

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FEATURE | HUMAN INTEREST

Southkings: A Ride for a Cause Written by Mdpn. Bryan L. Holzknecht Illustration by Mdpn. Vincent Jay A. Vigo

W

hen making an uphill climb, don’t take a backward step. So goes a Chinese proverb. The Antique Southkings Sniper Club 150i did just that.

The humble beginnings of this club is worth recalling. It started from then team Antique 150i organized from the central part of the province. In the first year of existence last 2018, the group membership grew at a slower pace like a kid learning to stand and step on its own. Then with a legit member from the southern part, now the Area Officer (AO) Romeo Adrianne Paparon, it started to walk little by little until it grew into about 40 members in less than six months with new interested recruits from the southern part of the province alone. Brought by other noble objectives, team Antique was divided into two chapters for better existence, yet still valuing one province, one ideology as YSMX Club 150i.

It stands on its own as a distinct team covering Laua-an to Aniniy since October 19, 2020. As of November 25, 2020, it has 20 aspirants or new recruits and 58 Official Members (OMs are the ones who passed the ride and meeting requirements).

Members of the group while taking a pose after giving Melvin, a child suffering from Lupus his favorite fried chicken.

Photos courtesy to Jovenel Magno

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Gas up for Charity Works Charity ride. This is one of the vroom moves being looked into by any motor rider. For the months of October to November 2020, the team has conducted four charitable works. These include giving financial and foodpacks last September 20, 2020 to James Marvin Duaman, a child suffering from lupus living with his father alone and other siblings.

“I am thankful to your team because you have responded the soonest time since we have posted online about the condition of the Marvin,” said Hon. Betty Pillado, Punong Barangay, Mojon, Sibalom, Antique.

The team after two weeks went back to the kid’s father to hand over another financial aid for the medication and other medical needs of the kid.

Another charity ride was handling over financial assistance last October 29th this year to the mother of baby Matthew Isaiah Prado, a month old baby who was suffering from Necrotizing Fasciitis, a flesh eating disease.

The mother in teary-eye thank the team through Sir Tommy Lapor, the AAO of the team.

The team once conducted its regular meeting in the southernmost part of the province (Aniniy) and on its way back home, it passed through one of the legit members, Jebred Laxinto who was suffering from an illness affecting his back and leg parts. The team chipped in for the medicine of Laxinto and give extra money for him to see the doctor for medical check-up on the following days.

Beep beep for Education Long before the Southkings regrouped out from mother Team Antique, many of its members have involved in the so-called “adapt-a-child” program of Col. Ruperto Abellon National School in Guisijan, Lauaan, Antique under the brigada eskwela innovation of the school. In adapt-a-child program, a legit club 150i member chooses a poor but deserving student and shoulders his or her miscellaneous fees and some even paid the lodging and uniforms of the student-beneficiary.

“Seldom could you see a certain group of motorcycle riders whose passion to help is superb. Perhaps because they understand the value of education that is why Club 150i is very genuine in its objective which is aside from a responsible riding team on the road, they extend quality effort for the welfare of the community. Thanks to Sir Jovenel Magno and Felix Noble, our teachers from this school and members of the 150i for facilitating this noble partnership. I laud this group so much,” said Marlene Cortejo, Principal II of CRANS

HOW TO BE WITH THESE ALLOY PEOPLE

YAMAHA SNIPER MX Club 150i is a non-stock, non-profit corporation exclusively composed of a group of motorcycle enthusiasts throughout the Philippines who owns such motorcycle brand. For Antique Southkings, you need to comply a number of rides and meetings to become a legit member or OM. A certificate and ceremonial turning over of the vest highlight the legitimacy of the rider to the club. Having not complied yet, one has to be considered an aspirant only.

You may visit also their facebook page Solid South Kings, or you may like the Yamaha Sniper MX Club 150i – Panay Kings Group and CLUB 150i: PHOTO PAGE to see how the club prospers and becomes instrument in making a better humanity.

Antique Southkings Club 150i is just a chapter of the gigantic YSMX Club 150i which is registered in the Securities and Exchange Commission, number CN201609458 with the following statements: Vision

To be one of the riding groups in the Philippines that has quality members where: a. Respect in the public highways among riders is a great value; b. Support to the different local and national programs of the government in relation to the riding community will be given importance c. Traffic rules are followed and understood for the safety of every rider, and d. Aside from rides and eyeballs, different charity works will be done for the needy, for the environment and for the riding community Mission

To unify and promote the brotherhood from the different island in the Philippines through Yamaha Sniper MX 150i motorcycle brand with quality, responsible and respectful members from all walks of life.

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Some of the donations and benefactors of the group, Baby Matthew after he survived his operation (left side) and Marvin suffering from Lupus (right side).

In this time of pandemic, the team has various innovations on how to extend evident services that will effectively help bridge the gap between face-to-face and modular/online teaching. Having the club members who are teachers, the team hopes to lessen the burdens of the kids in the new set up of learning.

Headlights for Brighter Road Antique Southkings 150i had taken steps on how to strengthen its own existence. “We cannot give what we don’t have and what we have that we are proud of is our health,” simply said Paparon. This implies that the team has to safeguard its growth, its resources and its members. Having members from the medical profession, Paparon assures that each member is taken cared of as to their health, that one is gently reminded, monitored and checked regularly especially in this trying times of pandemic.

“My role being in the medical field is to be available all the time in case any member will need medical help once confined in the hospital. I also have to remind them to prioritize their health above all else. I am a lady rider and I know I have my role also to be a motherly, sisterly, frenny ally to all of my teammates,” said Heaven Gutierrez.

Presently, the team came up with a plan and agreed by them to open a savings account out from their agreed monthly savings contribution of P100.00. Only the AO and Treasurer of the club can withdraw the money to be used for emergency cases only, to be used during official ride should needed, or for expenses during special gatherings like Christmas Party or Anniversary.

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“Honestly, the initial plan for our contribution is to buy first aid kit that we will be bringing every time we have official ride. Aside from the first aid kit and center box to be a container for important stuff during the rides, we will be purchasing additional communication 2-way radio to be used during the rides. But the members are so generous. Sir Reggie Nacepo donated an amount to buy communication radio augmented by Mr. Magno. For our monthly contribution, no one is allowed to borrow the money for personal use,” said Lapor.

Gear Up For Safety During the rides, the administrator takes the role of reminding each rider to gear up and observe no gear no ride policy. Aside from the gears, wearing of helmet, shoes, official shirt and club vest are expected to ornament a rider before pressing the starter button of his snipeyking.

Regular reminder as to hand signals, light signs and other safety precautions while on the road is an integral part of education in the club.

Fingers crossed. Eyes closed and a moment of silence for a prayer starts up and ends up the rides and official meetings. ”Prank and Scam versus Sana all” Funny. It has always been considered a “scam or prank” or termed as “inside job” if one would say, let us meet for bonding and have some food but no hard drinks.

Customary perhaps that bonding is not complete without sharing stories, loud laughter, epic fails from one another over bottles of beer and shot glass.

“Sometimes we dont have anything to offer, but when we gather all spared cash from our pockets the tables can be flooded with foods and drinks. It’s a legit scam tha we cannot put something on the table but it’s a whole another story when it comes to drinks. Everybody is ready to offer all out for alcohol and midnight blues,” mentioned OM Giddy Gatila.

Yet, it is overwhelming and heart touching to note that with members from almost every town from the central part of Antique going southern, a member fears non once get engine trouble or alike since a friend, a brother/sister is just call away for the rescue, not to mention, you will be accommodated as a new member of the family, indeed, sana all.

“Before i sleep and after i wake up, it’s already a part of my routine to check for updates about our group.

I consider them family. I was inspired as i realize how we can get along even if we grew up from different places and styles. There are no problems left unsolved if we are together. Sometimes with too much happiness we cry, i felt that. I found a group of individuals where i belong and be myself,” revealed OM John Balena.

“Full of laughter, joy and fun, aside from the bounty of food, you can hear a lot of insights, from education to women, to life, even spareparts of motorbike and tiktok fun but what matters the most is the love radiating among the members,” added OM Wilan Arevalo.

“As a member if you don’t have any contribution, just speak up because there are those who voluntarily help. Even if someone has no fuel, it is automatic that other members will extend help straight off from their pockets with no hesitations. No faking, no backstabbing, everything is on point and transparent, no secret group chats for personal intentions, and I must admit, I’m really

amazed by this group,” said OM Thea Panaguiton.

Meanwhile, Antique public leaders also showed their support and confidence to the programs and services of the club and even gained the respect of public figures from the Vice Governor, Board Members and Mayors by sending their messages, tarpaulins and alike during anniversaries and other activities.

Quality not Quantity The club has a motto “Quality not Quantity” as it upholds having responsible, cooperative and self-reliant members. There is an initiation process that one has to undergo and just simply to enter into the club without complying the requirements. It doesn’t intend to recruit more just to compete with other riding teams in number, but it remains steadfast in embracing beauty in diversity among those interested but possess characters of leadership, diplomacy, discipline and integrity.

Antique Southkings Club 150i continues to bloom, improve its organizational set-up and provides self-sustaining mechanisms and platforms to become effective extension arm of Panay Kings Club 150i and of the national center. All that remains now is for each and every member of the cub to stay genuine and support one another to guard against any effort to undermine or negate the reasons why Antique Southkings was established.

For once, it has dreamt to grow in its humble way, and made its dream come true. Now, it is ready to aspire bigger dreams. With the support of higher officials taking care the club, and with the strong bond among the club members, Antique Southkings 150i will surely make those dreams come into reality.

Soar high, Club 150i.

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FEATURE | DEVCOM

AAHRRO: The New Mother of Opportunities Written by Mdpn. Anthony Ken J. Bucasas

T

he tourism industry has given birth and unraveled many opportunities in our country not only to the owners of restaurants and resorts but to the locals that rely their source of income to it.

But when Covid-19 started taking lives, the tourism industry was not the same as it was before – it also gave a deadly virus the break to spread rapidly, leaving the industry barely breathing, and barely surviving the damages caused by it.

Flord, who dreams to make Antique famous through its pristine beaches and rich mountains did not expect this to happen. But this was not only his dream, it was the dream of every hotel, restaurant and resort owners of the province.

He owns the Calawag Mountain Resort in Brgy.

Tuno, Tibiao, Antique, a famous tourist destination of those who wanted to escape a stressful week, or just try to relax by being cooked in a Kawa hot bath. His dreams was on the brink of being faded away but he did not gave up. As the Inter-Agency Task Force safety health protocols narrowed his chance to meet other owners like him, he made use of social media and the internet to create a group in messenger. A group of tourism stakeholders in the whole province of Antique.

With continuous effort made by Flord in conducting zoom meetings with his fellows, the Antique Association of Hotel, Resort and Restaurant Owners (AAHRRO), Inc. was born.

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From Antique Hotel and Restaurant, Inc. (AHRI, 2002) to Antique Eco-Tourism Association (AETA 2017), Inc. to Antique Farm Tourism Owners Association (AFTOA 2019), a long journey has come to its birth as the organization is now legally registered thru Security and Exchange Commission.

It will strengthen the alliance of all resort, hotel and restaurant owners, tour and travel operators, communitybased tourism organizations, tourist transport groups and people’s organization related to tourism in Antique and encourage all tourism-related establishments to register for DOT-accreditation to provide quality service to all tourists.

The organization also wanted to have international, national or regional tourism-related events in every municipality in close partnership with DOT, DENR, academe and corporate sponsors in order to promote Antique’s natural, cultural, historical, literary and culinary tourism and to provide local employment and

DID YOU KNOW? The whole stretch of coastal areas in Antique is suited for scuba diving. Starting from the southern town of Antique tourists can drop by Sira-an Hot Spring, claimed to be a medical spring.

The next destination is the capital town San Jose de Buenavista passing by Malandog Marker, site of the first Malayan Settlement and the newly constructed Marina Bay. Tourism amenities like restaurants, two shopping malls, pasalubong centers, accommodations and beach resorts are present. Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world, can be found in Sibalom Natural Park.

In the municipalities of Patnongon and Lauaan, tourists interested in traditional methods can visit muscovado mills and watch how muscovado sugar is processed. Products made with muscovado are also available; Laua-an is noted for its long butong-butong (a candy made with muscovado sugar). Tibiao has the kawa bath, Bugtong Bato Falls and the Fish SPA. This is the most developed tourism area with a tour package. Libertad is known for its bariw mat and bag weaving. Valderrama is recently tagged as summer capital of the province with cool weather to enjoy and a strawberry farm.

Source: https://blog.padi.com/ AAHRRO’s exhibit of the different tourist destinations and local products that Antikenyos are proud of.

Photos courtesy to Antique Tourism Office

opportunities to Antikenyos.

They are also aiming to recommend or request thru the municipal or provincial tourism office all tourismfunded activities and infrastructure, to encourage local investors to invest in Antique, to closely monitor resorts, hotels and restaurants on their adherence to waste management and disposals, and to encourage all tourism stakeholders to apply for DENR foreshore lease and advocate for no-build zone in the easement zone.

Mr. Flord Nicson Calawag of Calawag Mountain Resort in Tibiao became the President. His comrades of rebuilding the tourism industry were Mrs. Gigi Bautista of Pandan Beach Resort in Pandan as hid Vice President, Mr. Rey Hector Melgar of Adelaide Inn in San Jose was elected Secretary with Atty. Hernalie Alagos of Angelo’s Beach Resort in Culasi as his assistant.

Phaidon Beach Resort owner, Mr. Bernie Offenberger of Pandan will be the treasurer followed by the Board of Trustees namely Mr. Joseph Eugene Alojipan of Enrique de Mararison, Mr. Jeff Tugon of Anyas Burobanglid and Island Choice in Sebaste, Mr. Arvin Solis of Solis Suites Hotel in Culasi, Mrs. Merlyn Pomperada of Golden Salakot Hotel in San Jose, Mr. Romuel Palacios

of Romchie’s Noodle House in Culasi, Mr. Neil TurrechaHuele and Stephen Louie Ramos Checa of Szkornik and Neil in Hamtic, Mr. Romeo Rana of Green Basket Eco-farm in Belison, Mr. Mario Ross of Rosepoint Beach Resort in Pandan, Mrs. Thelma Palacios of Anna Sophie Hostel in Culasi, and Mr. Daniele Orsini of Mammamia Italian Restaurant in Tibiao Despite the pandemic, the collaborative efforts of Antikenyos to rebuild the dying industry of tourism will prove the resiliency of every Filipino people. They will serve as the new hope, a new opportunity that we could still prosper amidst every calamity or pandemic that may challenge our country.

AAHRRO will become the new mother of opportunities in Antique not only to the owners of restaurants and resorts but to the locals that rely their source of income to it. Antique’s tourism industry will never be the same as it was before – it will Flord’s dreams to make Antique famous through its pristine beaches and rich mountains will be seen in the most perfect time. But this was not only his dream, it is the dream of every hotel, restaurant and resort owners of the province.

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BEYOND THE COVER

She Who Shines the Brightest Written by Mdpwn. Franzesca Mari B. Bautista Photos by Mdpn. Jayland E. Singuillo

T

he void consumed her moon; her world went dark. She existed no more — or so they thought.

more.

Her ropes will be untied; she shall be free.

Her truth will be unraveled; she shall be heard.

Her hope will be ignited; she shall rise once

They may have captured Luna, yet she was Sol — her light can never be extinguished.

Sol is brave.

She sees for the sightless, speaks up for the voiceless, and defends the victims of unjustness. Sol protects Gaea and those who will be victim to her wrath. She exposes a corrupt system; she fights for a better nation.

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Sol is noble.

She selflessly helps others and upholds her moral principles. Sol is not merely a human; she is humane.

Sol is strong.

She does not falter when faced with disater. She looks at an obstacle neither as a hindrance nor a cause for demise; Sol shall rise above challenges fiercer, smarter, and wiser.

Sol is our light at our darkest times, our courage at our most frightening moments, and our strength in our most difficult ordeals.

Dear reader, Sol is you.

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FEATURE | INVESTIGATIVE

Quarantine Unraveled: Unheard Narratives Written by Mdpwn. Franzesca Mari B. Bautista and Mdpn. John Rovic T. Lopez Photos by Mdpn. Mark Joseph D. Alovera and Mdpn. John Raylan P. Bañes

D

ark clouds encroached the sky—rain was about to fall. A long line of people patiently waited for financial aid. Their bodies dripping with sweat, they endured the summer heat. Famished, they hoped for food; penniless, they wished to survive.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) revealed that 7.3 million Filipinos were left unemployed last April 2020. The pandemic has brought about a record high of 17.7 percent unemployment rate.

Fortunately, the rate dropped to 10 percent by July 2020 due to the easing of lockdown protocols.

Nevertheless, Philippine Daily Inquirer writes that 4.6 million Filipinos remain jobless—indicating a higher unemployment rate than the 5.4 percent of 2019.

As of September 2020, the World Bank reports that the Philippines’ unemployment rate is expected to rise to 6.2 percent. The increase implies an additional 1 million jobless Filipinos, and 2 million Filipinos below the poverty threshold.

Labor Assistant Secretary Nikki Tutay said that 500,000 overseas Filipino workers have been displaced as of August 30. He further mentioned that this number could rise to 700,000 by December if the situation does not improve.

In particular, Marina Administrator Robert Empedrad confirmed a slowdown in deployment of

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seafarers despite the revocation of Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ). 2/O Joven Necor was one of the thousands of seafarers who had difficulty embarking; he was on vacation for 18 months.

“Mga seaman sa bakasyon, stress na. Because sa pressure ng bills, payments and to put food on their plates. Wanting to get back onboard para may sahod but indi basta basta maka sampa because of border closure of airlines. And to some, loss of jobs of course. Kasi ang dami din barko ang na lay-off, nalugi, indi na bumiyahe because of this pandemic,” said Joven.

(Seafarers on vacation are already stressed.

Because they are pressured to pay bills, payments, and to put food on their plates. Wanting to get back onboard so that they’ll be paid, but they can’t embark easily because of the border closure of airlines. And to some, loss of jobs of course. This is because a lot of vessels are laid off, bankrupted, and did not embark because of this pandemic).

He further mentioned that aside from career anxiety, both unemployed and onboard seafarers are

subjected to mental health issues.

“As a seafarer, this pandemic made the harsh life at sea even harder. With all the restrictions, indi na basta basta maka-shoreleave, stay on board na lang gid for whole contract. And apektado gid ang crew changes because of border restrictions. Kaya ang mga seamen end up being onboard for 1 year or more kasi indi mafacilitate ang disembarkation. Stranded onboard kaya affected emotionally, indi makapagtrabaho ng maayos and that leads to depression,” 2/O Joven Necor said.

(As a seafarer, this pandemic made the harsh life at sea even harder. With all the restrictions, you cannot easily go on shore leave, you have to stay onboard for the whole contract. And, the changing of crew is really affected because of border restrictions.

That’s why seamen end up being onboard for 1 year or more because their disembarkation cannot be facilitated. [They’re] stranded onboard so they’re affected emotionally, they can’t work properly and that leads to depression.)

After 18 months, 2/O Necor decided to embark again. Albeit hesitant, Joven’s love for his family surpassed the risk COVID-19 entailed. They were Filipinos—resilient enough to find strength in suffering.

Dark clouds encroached the sky—rain was about to fall. The atmosphere wasn’t even so welcoming. She was on Gate 13—the last gate she had to pass through before finally going home in Iloilo after two years. She had negative swab test result but it wasn’t a sigh of relief for Phoebe yet. She needed to put cold, wet cloth on her forehead—her strategy to get through temperature checks all the way from Malaysia to Philippines. Phoebe was burning with fever brought by fatigue caused by her abusive Malaysian employer, who overworked her prior to repatriation.

Phoebe worked as a Domestic Helper in Malaysia for two years. She started to believe that working for other people might pave the way for her to get the life she dreamed for her family back in Iloilo. Only to find out

WHAT CAN I DO TO COPE WITH THE EFFECTS OF COVID-19 QUARANTINE? The Philippine economy is forecast to contract by 7.3% in 2020 amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic before growth returns to 6.5% in 2021, according to a new report from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) released today.

The Asian Development Outlook (ADO) 2020 Update projects a deeper decline in the Philippines’ economy than ADB’s June forecast of 3.8% contraction, with subdued private consumption and investment expected for the rest of the year and uncertainties about the global economic recovery.

The economy is expected to rebound in 2021 as the outbreak is contained, the economy is further opened, and more government stimulus measures are implemented.

Downside risks next year include a slower than expected global recovery that could weigh heavily on trade, investment, and overseas Filipino worker remittances.

Source: https://www.adb.org/news/philippine-economy-declinefurther-2020-amid-covid-19-recovery

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that she was taking the wrong path.

When she got to Selangor, Malaysia in 2018, she never thought that she would be subjected to harassment and abuse. At first, she was deprived by her agency of her phone, utterly disconnecting her from her family in the Philippines for almost a month.

Her employers were a couple — the husband was always away, attending his business and the wife was responsible for her 24/7. The latter would later on worsened Phoebe’s situation. She was only allowed to use her phone every Friday (her day-off) for only ten minutes. She would starve her every day; would exhaust her by unbearable chores. Aside from spitefully badmouthing her, her employer would even throw things at Phoebe. Sometimes the woman would intentionally crush her fingers by car doors. For some time, Phoebe thought she could bear all the violence and ill treatment until she could finish her contract for two years. But then, the pandemic happened and Malaysia needed to implement lockdown protocols nationwide.

Starting March 2020, since everyone must be in quarantine, Phoebe was stuck not just with her female employer, but also with her employers’ three children.

She thought she could seek refuge from any of them but it turned out to be even worse. Her employers’ children who were aged 30-40 years old, maltreated her even more. From one person, she became to be somehow a ‘paid slave’ of five people.

It was the first quarter of September 2020 when Phoebe talked to her employer about her expiring Visa and contract. Yet, instead of booking her for a flight back to the Philippines, they even extended her stay, making the global pandemic as an alibi.

“Way takon naghuna-huna nga gamiton pagid nanda ang COVID para indi ako kauli. Okay lang man abi

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mag extend stay mo tuya biskan expired don Visa mo kag kontrata hay may COVID pa. Pay asta nga gin testingan pa nanda ako pa renew-hon ka kontrata pay indi takon,” Phoebe said.

(I never thought they would use COVID to hold me even longer. It was fine to extend your stay even though your Visa and contract were already expired because there was still a pandemic. And then they tried to make me sign for a contract renewal but I refused.)

Later on, they booked Phoebe a flight back here after she fought and insisted that she needed to go home. But her agony didn’t stop there. While waiting for her ticket, she toiled even more for nearly a month. They exhausted and starved her even more that would probably last for days. She tried to ask for at least a day of rest. But not an hour was given to her. Instead, she was just advised to take Panadol to get well. That’s why days prior to her flight, she was burning with fever because of fatigue.

“Di ko gihapon kapati nga kauli don ko. Mas sobra pa tana antos ko tu kaysa sa kaimulon di,” she was crying as she reminisced the hardships she had gone through.

(I still can’t believe it that I am now home. My suffering from abuses there is incomparable from the poor life here) After two years, Phoebe was in safe haven again. Her story of fighting back and rising from the rubbles of abuse and violence was an empowering narrative where women could learn from especially during these most challenging times.

COVID-19 remains to be what it is — a pandemic.

It serves neither as a hindrance nor a blessing. Filipinos have no choice but to be resilient; they have to be.

Dark clouds will continue to encroach the sky, yet the sun will reign supreme. What seemed to be dull in sight before, will eventually prevail and be unraveled.

FEATURE | DEVCOM

PAIS: Hope of the Farmers Written by Mdpn. Anjo D. Tuboc Photos by Mdpn. Jayland E. Singuillo and Mr. June Famur Jr.

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t was dark that morning. Huge bamboo baskets with eggplants are made ready in the truck. After that, together with a companion, they wear a piece of face mask and a face shield as protection for a long day ahead. Then they hit the road.

Mang Juan was a local farmer in their small barangay. He has an eggplant plantation, which serves as his source of livelihood. That morning, Mang Juan looks forward to earning a much higher income than his previous one. With the sun setting in the east, Mang Juan retraces the road where he came. However, you can see a frowny look drawn on Mang Juan’s face. It turned out that he hardly sold anything for today’s harvest, even to regain his profit due to the sluggish demands as a result of Covid-19.

Mang Juan is one of the numerous farmers in the Philippines that was greatly affected by the pandemic.

Ever since it started to spread, the COVID-19 posed a threat to human health. Necessary countermeasures to the virus, such as quarantines and other protocols, have remained in place for many months, and no one is certain when this will end. Various efforts to control the

virus, such as limiting human movement has inevitably caused economic shocks and social costs that affected the functioning of agricultural and food systems in the country.

To address the agricultural issues faced by the local farmers like Mang Juan, the Provincial Government of Iloilo has introduced a digital program to help revive the local economy and assist its local farmers amidst the effects of the pandemic.

Led by Iloilo Governor Arthur R. Defensor Jr., they launched the Provincial Agri-fishery Information System (PAIS) as one of their digital programs for the provincewide institutionalization of their agricultural information system.

Before that, Representative Lorenz Defensor and her other committee members, early this year, filed House Bill No. 6721, an act that aims to initiate an Agricultural

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Information System (AIS) in all cities and municipalities nationwide.

The provincial government intends to support the local farmers to market their agricultural products through the aid of this digital-based application, which was conceptualized developed by the Mina municipal government.

By doing so, the system can formulate solutions to resolve various marketing problems faced by the local farmers during the peak of the harvest season and result in greater productivity of the commodities regardless of the quarantine measures imposed by the government during the pandemic.

What is the Provincial Agri-fishery Information System (PAIS), and how it works?

The Iloilo Governor requests for the support of other municipal government and LGUs to adopt this agricultural system. Other LGUs and municipalities can gain access to the database by paying an amount of 20,000 pesos.

It was dark that morning. Huge bamboo baskets with eggplants are made ready in the truck. After that, together with a companion, they wear a piece of face mask and a face shield as protection for a long day ahead. Then they hit the road. A new day came for Mang Juan, but there is already a smile on his face knowing that the future is bright for local farmers like him as the world enters the new normal transition brought by this pandemic.

PAIS is a computer-based system that gathers agriproduction data from the local farmers at the barangay level and then consolidates the obtained data to the municipal and provincial levels, respectively. By doing so, they can identify the actual data of the degree of production of the products or commodities produced in the province.

Furthermore, through the consolidation of the existing systems present in the Department of Agriculture, the AIS can integrate agricultural data obtained from the various sources in the province into a database to identify stakeholders in the value chain and build a connection with them.

How can other LGU’s avail of this program?

COVID-19 Impacts to Food Security and Nutrition The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a serious global economic downturn. Slowdowns and downturns result in job and income losses and other disruptions that often lead to increased food insecurity for vulnerable groups such as women, migrant and informal workers, youth, children and people with disabilities (PWD). The SOFI 2020 highlighted the unaffordability of healthy diets to millions and declining incomes will exacerbate the problem making food, particularly nutritious food needed for a healthy diet, less affordable for many more, especially the poor. Disruptions to and possible breakdowns of marketing, logistics and trading systems as well as shortage of labour to support agricultural production could make food unavailable in some locations at some times. Hunger and malnutrition are likely to rise. FAO projects the number of undernourished people to rise globally to between 83 million and 132 million in 2020 depending on the economic growth scenario, and citing an estimated increase of 14.3 percent or an additional 6.7 million children suffering acute malnutrition due to the pandemic.

Source: https://www.ifad.org/en/web/latest/speech/asset/42117818

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“

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Mga kwentong nakahimlay na naging alaala, naghihintay lang na madiskubre at maipakita

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Lumang larawan ng Old Prisons of Iloilo | Larawan mula sa newmoretransportservices

FILIPINO | MAKATAONG KAWILIHAN

Mula sa Larawang Kupas Isinulat ni Mdpn. Loween John H. Seloterio Mga Larawan ni Mdpn. Jayland E. Singuillo

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anilawnilaw at hindi gaanong maaninag ang itsura, pero klaro ang kwentong gustong ipakita. Kung makapagsasalita lang ang mga lumang larawan, marami itong maibabahaging mga nakamamanghang kwento; mga kwentong ebidensya ng makulay na tagpo ng kasaysayan. Mula sa mga estruktura nitong parte ng isandaang taong nakalipas na pahanon, namumutawi parin ang kinang at ang naging kahalagahan nito sa nakalipas. Ito ang Old Prison ng Iloilo, isang kayamanan mula sa nakaraan.

Tunay na nakabibigyani ang mga lumang larawan ng Old Prison ng Iloilo. Ang dating nagsilbing kulungan sa panahon ng mga Amerikano ay isa na ngayong museo – ang Western Visayas Regional Museum. Ang bago nitong ayos ay pinaglaanan ang National Museum ng pondong 80 milyong piso, at 18 milyong piso mula sa probinsyal na pamahalaan ng Iloilo na natapos noong 2016. Ang pinaglipasang kulungan ay nagsilbing tahanan sa kasalukuyan ng mga lumang kagamitan.

Nakalagak sa naturang museo ang ilan sa mga mahahalagang bagay sa kasaysayan tulad ng “Oton Death Mask” na isang pre-Hispanic gold mask na natagpuan sa barangay ng San Antonio, Oton sa probinsya ng Iloilo. Bukod pa rito, maatatagpuan rin ang posil ng “Elephas,” isang uri ng elepante mula sa pamilya ng Elephantidae na pinaniniwalaang mula pa

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sa Middle Pleistocene age o inaasahang umaabot sa 750,000 taon ang tanda. Ito ay nadiskubre ni Dr. L. Jocano noong 1965 sa Sityo Bitoguan, Brgy. Jelicuon, Cabatuan, Iloilo.

Dagdag pa rito, ang nasabing museo ay isa sa mga limang regional extension ng National Museum kabilang ang Ilocos, Bohol, Butuan at Zamboanga.

Mapalad ang probinsya ng Iloilo dahil isa ito sa mga napili na siya ring nagbigay-laan para maging bagong atraksyon ng probinsya.

Pero sa likod ng bagong bihis ng museo mula sa ayos nitong kulungan ay nakatago ang hiwaga ng mga kwento ng nakaraan, na tanging iilan lamang ang nakasaksi at nakaaalam. Naghihintay lang na maibahagi at madiskubre ng iba ang mga kwentong humubog sa kinang ng kasaysayan.

Ang Old Prison ng Iloilo ay unang naipatayo noong 1911 dahil sa pangangailan ng probinsya ng maayos na kulungan. Ang una nitong gobernador na si Martin Delgado ay nagpakita ng interes sa mga Amerikano na bigyan ang probinsya ng maayos na kulungan dahil sa ang luma nitong pasilidad, ang Jaro Municipal Jail ay puno at hindi na maayos para sa mga preso.

Natapos ang konstruksyon ng kulungan na may sukat na 3,807.13 metrong parisukat sa ilalim ng pamumuno ni Gobernador Ruperto Montinola. Kaya nitong maglakag ng humigit kumulang 150 mga preso.

Bago maging museo ay nagsilbi rin ito bilang isang rehabilitation center na tinaguriang Iloilo Rehabilitation Center na naglingkod ng mahabang panahon sa nasabing probinsya.

Pero bukod sa mga nabanggit, ang Old Prison ng Iloilo may malaking papel sa kasaysayan ng Iloilo.

Sa panahon ng Amerikano, isang itong piitan para sa sistematikong pagpaparusa sa mga nagkasala sa batas.

Pinakalayunin ng kulungan ay maging isang instrumento para sa pagbabago ng isang preso at mailayo ang komunidad mula sa mga banta nito.

Nalulungkot pero naging saksi rin ang nasabing kulungan sa pagmamalupit ng mga Japon noong ikalawang digmaang pandaigdig. Ginamit ng Japanese Imperial Force ang Old Prison ng Iloilo bilang piitan ng mga sundalong Amerikano at ilang mga Pilipino hanggang sa ginawa nila itong garison. Maliban pa rito, saksi rin ang kulungan sa kahalayang ginawa ng mga Hapon sa mga Illonga. Lahat ng pambabastos ay naganap sa tapat lang nito, sa loob ng Villanueva Mansion.

Ang lahat na kwentong nabanggit ay nakatatak na sa pangalan at estruktura ng lumang kulungan. Sa bawat sulok ng pader at dulo ng mga pundasyon nito ay nakakabit na ang mga ala-ala ng nakaraan. Pero sa lahat ng mga istorya, namumukod-tangi ang limitadong kwentong sa taong naglikha sa disenyo ng pasilidad. Si Willian E. Parsons, isang sikat na arkitekto sa panahon ng Amerikano at siyang nagdisenyo sa Old Prison ng Iloilo.

Marapat lang siguro na bigyag atensyon ang utak sa likod ng ganda at sining ng makasaysayang kulungan ng Iloilo. Dahil sa kasikatan ng kanyang kapwa arkitekto na si Daniel Burnham, limitadong marinig at malimit ikumpara si Parsons dito. Ang talento at galing na mayroon si Parsons ang marapat lang na bigyang halaga tulad ng mga likha nitong obra maestra.

Bago dinisenyo ni Parsons ang nasabing kulungan ay nagsilbi muna siyang “Consulting Architect� ng Bureau of Public Works o ang Department of Public Works and Highways sa kasalukuyan, mula 1905 hanggang 1914.

Isang malaking kontribusyon niya sa Pilipinas ay siya ang namahala sa pagsasagawa sa planong nilikha ni Burnhan para sa Maynila at Baguio na kalaunan ay kanya ring binigyan ng sariling pamamaraan ng pagdisenyo.

Kabilang rin sa magagandang ginawa ni Parsons ay ang mga ospital tulad ng Philippine General Hospital, mga pasilidad ng gobyerno, ang disenyo ng Gabaldon building, mga hotel tulad ng Manila Hotel, ang University of the Philippines (Manila) at Normal School na ngayon ay Philippine Normal University at marami pang iba. Ang pagdidisenyo ni Parsons ay kanya ring binatay sa klima at lokal na kondisyon ng mga materyales sa Pilipinas.

Oton Death Mask | Larawan mula sa My Beautiful Iloilo

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KASAYSAYAN NG MGA PAMBANSANG PRESO SA PILIPINAS Noong 1936 itinatag ang New Bilibid Prison sa Bayan ng Muntinlupa na may disenyong tinatawag ng self-enclosed with a wall, upang naisagawa ang mga programang nakakapagpabuti sa kalagayan ng mga bilanggo sa loob ng kulungan. Taong 1941 opisyal na inilipat ang mga bilanggo mula sa Old Bilibid Prison patungo sa bagong tatag na insular na bilangguan (NBP).

Noong WWII ginamit ng mga ‘Hapones ng NBP upang pagkulungan ng mga guerilya at mga bilanggong pulitikal.

Pagkatapos ng WWII naging kulungan naman ang NBP ng mga kulaboreytor, at mga Heneral at sundalong Hapones.

Subalit karamihan sa mga kulaboreytor ay dinala sa Iwahig Prison and Penal Farm sa Palawan.

Larawan ng arkitektong si Willian E. Parsons | Larawan mula kay lougopal

Ang pagdisenyo sa Old Prison ng Iloilo ni Parsons ay isa sa mahahalagang parte ng kasaysayan. Ang naging tagpong ito ay umukit ng mga ala-ala sa anyo ng kulungan, hayag na nagpapakita ng pamamaraan noong unang panahon lalong-lalo na sa paglikha ng mga estruktura.

Maraming kwento ang nakapalibot sa mahigit isandaang taong kulungan ng Iloilo na sa ngayon ay kilala sa tawag na Western Visayas Regional Museum.

Ang kwento ni Parson sa paglikha ng sining para sa lumang piitan at ang iba pang makasaysayang istorya ang nagbibigay ng dahilan upang marapat lang na ibahagi rin ito sa iba.

Hindi man na saksihan ng lahat ang nangyari noon sa Old Prison ng Iloilo, tanaw naman sa patsada ng bagong bihis nito ang naging ambag sa kasaysayan. Ito sana’y bigyan ng atensyon ng masa, na kahit minsan man lang ay mabisita ang lugar para madama ang naging kahalagahan nito sa nakaraan. Ito sana’y pakaingatan, pagyabungin at bigyang pagpapahalaga ng lahat dahil pamana ito mula sa nakalipas; pamana na siyang yaman ng ating probinsya.

Manilawnilaw at hindi gaanong maaninag ang itsura, pero klaro ang kwentong gustong ipakita ng lumang larawan ng isandaangtaong kulungan ng Iloilo.

Kung makapagsasalita lamang ito, kulang ang artikulong ito para mailarawan ang mga nakamamanghang kwento; mga kwentong maaring hindi pa alam na naganap sa loob ng kulungan, at sa buhay ng arkitekto nitong si Parson. Maaring isang buong nobela ang kailangan para maisaysay ang mga istoryang ito, at maaring lahat ay magmumula lamang sa kupas na larawan ng Old Prison ng Iloilo.

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Sa muling pamamahala ng mga Filipino sa bansa noong 1946 itinaguyod ng pamahalaan ang makataong pagtrato sa mga bilanggo. Ang NBP bilang insular na bilangguan at punong himpilan ng Bureau of Prisons/ Corrections ang siyang nagpatupad ng unti-unting reporma sa mga pambansang bilangguan. Noong 1955 ang Pilipinas ay naging signatory sa United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, na maituturing na pagtaas ng antas sa pagbabago ng criminal justice system sa bansa.

Mula 1955 hanggang 1971 ay unti-unting nagkaroon ng reporma sa criminal justice system sa bansa. Subalit sa panahon ng Martial Law noong 1972-1981, at hanggang sa pagpapatalsik kay Pangulong Marcos dahil sa 1986 Edsa People’s Power Revolution I, maraming Filipino ang inalisan ng karapatan at ikinulong, sa mga bilangguang Militar at Pambansang Bilangguan sa buong kapuluan.

Mula sa: https://iskwiki.upd.edu.ph/index.php/ANG_KASAYSAYAN_NG_ MGA_PAMBANSANG_PRESO_SA_PILIPINAS_1946-2003

Larawan ng New Bilibid Prison. | Larawan mula sa Global Balita

Ilan sa mga naging likha ni Tata ng umusbong ang pandemya. | Mga larawan mula kay Paul Jerome Pinuela

FILIPINO | SINING

Ang Hindi Maikubli ng Maskara Isinulat ni Mdpn. John Rovic T. Lopez

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aluwag ang mga kalsada. Walang laman ang mga establisyemento. Walang tao ang mga paliparan at pier. Nasa loob ng tahanan ang bawat isa, may takot at pangambang lumabas dahil may nakaambang panganib na ni mata’y hindi mahagilap. Ito ang naging sitwasyon ng buhay ng karamihan sa simula ng krisis ng COVID-19. Tila nagbago ang mga nakagawian.

Tila huminto ang buhay.

Napakaraming naapektuhan ng pandemyang ito. Mula sa mga maliliit na kabuhayan, pati na sa mga malalaking negosyo at mga normal na tao — tumigil ang sigla ng mundo. Isa na sa mga industriyang direkta

at lubhang pinadapa ng krisis na ito ang kabuhayang pinagtatrabahuhan sa loob ng humigit kumulang 12 na taon ni Paul Jerome Pinuela, o mas kilalang Tata ‘Blas’ Pinuela.

Si Tata ay isang sikat na Artist at Fashion Designer sa Iloilo. Ang industriya ng sining at moda ay talagang ilan sa mga matinding naapektuhan ng sakit na ito. Dahil na rin nakasalalay sa mga pagdiriwang at salo-salo ang kita nilang mga Fashion designers, marami ang nawalan at lumipat ng trabaho. Ngunit para sa mga taong tulad ni Tata, hindi sila matitinag ng mga pagsubok. Bagkus, ginamit nila ito upang tumuklas ng bagong mga pamamaraan ng pagdedesenyo at paghahanap-buhay na siyang nakakatulong rin sa komunidad.

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Ang Hablon Ang probinsya ng Iloilo ay ang nagungunang sentro ng mga tela noong ika-18 na siglo. Mula sa salitang habol, ang Hablon ay nangangahulugang ‘pagtatahi’ na siyang kadalasang gawa sa bulak, jusi, at pinya. Ang distrito ng Arevalo sa Iloilo at ang bayan ng Miag-ao ay maituturing na sentro ng industriya sa probinsya. Ang mga telang katulad nito ay isa sa mga pinagmamalaking produkto ng probinsya ng Iloilo.

Mula sa: https://aqdegamon.wordpress.com/2010/01/12/ugnayan-ngmga-sinaunang-pilipino-at-mga-dayuhan/

Proseso ng paglikha ng hablon. | Larawan mula sa Randomlycandid.com Larawan ni Tata at ilan sa kanyang mga likha | Larawan mula sa Binibining Pilipinas at Miss Universe PH

“Dahil na rin kailangan ng proteksyon ng karamihan ngayon, naisipan ko na paano kaya kung gamitin ko aking kakayahan sa paggawa ng mga facemasks at PPE (Personal Protective Equipment),” paliwanag ni Tata kung bakit niya naisipang dumisenyo rin ng mga kakaibang maskara at kasuotang pangkaligtasan.

Ang mga PPE at maskarang disenyo ni Tata ay gawa sa mga materyales na microfiber at iba’t-ibang tela katulad na lamang ng Hablon. Karamihan sa mga bumibili sa kaniya ay mga prominenteng pamilya, pulitiko, dayuhan at mga designers rin na kadalasang ginagamit sa mga pormal at eksklusibong pagdiriwang o pagtitipon. Sa katunayan, maliban sa mga facemasks at PPE, si Tata rin ang dumisenyo ng National Costume ng bagong kinoronahang Miss Universe na si Rabiya Mateo na isang Ilongga rin. Sa gaganaping Binibining Pilipinas, siya rin ang gumawa ng National Costume ni Karen Laurrie Mendoza na siyang kakatawan sa Iloilo sa nasabing kompetisyon. Maliban pa rito, pinasok na rin ni Tata ang Interior Designing.

Para kay Tata, hindi dapat tingnan ang pandemyang ito bilang dahilan ng tuluyang paghinto ng buhay at ng kabuhayan. Datapwat, marapat lamang

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gamitin itong dahilan upang mas magsumikap, sumugal at sumubok ng mga panibagong bagay para sa ikauunlad ng buhay, hindi para sa sarili lamang ngunit para rin sa karamihan.

“Ang masasabi ko sa lahat ng mga designers na katulad ko ring naghihikahos dahil sa krisis na ‘to, patatagin niyo ang loob niyo at huwag timigil sa paghahanap ng makabagong pamamaraan para sa ikabubuhay. Basta sa tama at mabuting paraan lang,” dagdag pa niya.

Maligaya tayong tingnan at pahalagahan ang mga produkto ng moda at sining ngunit lingid sa ating kaalaman ang mga nakakubling kuwento ng mga taong nagtatrabaho sa likod ng mga ito. Ang paggamit sa mga pagsubok ng buhay upang makagawa ng mas matatag na komunidad at ng sarili ay isang implikasyon sa lahat ng mga Fashion Designers na naapektuhan ng pandemyang ito, na hangga’t may pagsusumikap, hindi nahihinto ang pag-asa. Marami mang kabuhayan ang naapektuhan, marami mang oportunidad ang tinakpan, marami mang mga tao ang nagsitago dahil sa pandemyang ito, nangingibabaw parin ang tatag at pagsusumikap. Ito ang mga hindi maikubli ng mga maskara.

FILIPINO | KULTURA

Sa Hindi Ordinaryong Gabi sa Syudad ng Iloilo Isinulat ni Mdpn. Loween John H. Seloterio Mga Larawan ni Mdpn. Jayland E. Singuillo Guhit ni Mdpn. Vincent Jay A. Vigo

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umating na ang gabi’t lahat ay naghahanda. Ang saliw ng musika, kasabay ang indak ng mga kumukutitap na ilaw ang nagbibigay sigla sa takip-silim ng pagsasaya. Kumpas ng katawan, awiting kay saya, at mga kaibigang kasama sa tuwa’t saya. Wala na atang tutumbas sa kasiyahang hatid tuwing biyernes ng gabi.

Handa na, naka pusturang maganda, suot ang mamahaling damit at makintab na sapatos. May makinang na alahas, halimuyak na sobrang bango at awrang minsan lang mapansin.

Alas-9 ng gabi, biyernes, isa na namang normal na pagkikita para sana magsaya kasama ang kaibigan.

Pero bukod tangi ang biyernes na ito dahil nakasentro sa pandemya. Ang dating tuwaan at kasiyahan sa umuusbong na kultura ng “night life” sa Iloilo City ay napalitan ng mga tahimik na gabi dulot ng banta ng virus.

Si Brent, hindi nya tunay na pangalan, siya ang aking ka kwentuhan tungkol sa mga masasayang ala-ala ng “night life” sa Iloilo City. Kami’y naka pwesto sa intrada ng sentro ng kasiyahan sa syudad, ang Smallville. Habang nag-uusap, ramdam ang preskong dampi ng hangin sa gabi, mga sasakyang nag sisiunahan at mga ilaw nitong nagkikinangan.

Halatang dahil sa nararanasan na pandemya, natigil ang maraming mga negosyo, at pati buhay ng mga tao ay lubhang naapektuhan. Ang mga gabing kay saya sa syudad ng Iloilo ay napalitan ng bangungot at lungkot.

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“Sang bag-o ining COVID-19, ang tawo giya sa Smallville tama gid ka damo, kapin pa kung byernes nga ari ang mga estudyante sa syudad. Damo gid ang ga party-party,” saad ni Brent.

(Bago ang COVID, marami talaga ang tao dito sa Smallville, lalo na kung byernes at nandito sa syudad ang mga estudyante. Marami ang nag-paparty.)

Pero sa kabila nito bago paman ang pandemya, hindi maikakaila na naging bagong kultura na ang “night life” sa Iloilo City. Isang normal na kaganapan para sa mga millennials sa nasabing bayan. Marahil ay naging parte narin ito ng pamumuhay na kung saan tuwing may selebrasyon na ipinagdiriwang, ito ang mabilis na takbuhan – mapa birthday hangang sa simpleng pagkikita ng magkakaibigan.

Alas-10 na ng gabi, habang kami’y nag-uusap ni Brent, tanaw ang galak sa kanyang mga mata habang sambit ang mga kwentong hindi niya malilimutan sa tuwing silang magbabarkada ay magkakayayaan para magsaya. Maraming kwento ang nabuo, mga istoryang tanging sila lamang ang nakakaalam. Binahagi ni Brent ang iilan sa mga ito.

Paliwanag niya, lumalabas lang sila kung kailan lamang nila gusto, kahit merong exam kinabukasan o kahit ano mang kadahilanan. Walang tutumbas sa mga oras kasama ang mga kaibigan; ito marahil ang hatid ng kulturang nakasanayan na ng mga bagong henerasyon.

“Kis-a biskan may exam pagkaaga ga shat kami, pero syempre ga kuha man kami gyapon exam. Pero ang pinaka indi ko malimtan kung ga gwa kami nga magbarkada ang mga memories nga na buhat namon kada byernes sang gab-i kay pagkaaga waay klase,” pahayag ni Brent.

(Kahit may exam umiinom parin kami, pero syempre kumukuha parin kami ng exam kinaumagahan.

Pero higit sa anuman, ang mga ala-ala na aming nagawa

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kapag kami ay lumalabas na magbabarkada ang hindi ko malilimutan lalo na kung byernes ng gabi.)

Pero sa likod ng mga tuwa’t saya ay may nakatago ring sekreto. Sa tuwing may mga kasiyahan, hindi maiiwasan ang inuman. Mga inuman na humahantong sa madidilim na silid ng kwarto na kung saan hubo’t hubad na sumasaliw sa indak ng mapusok na pangangatawan.

Ito ang lantad na katotohanan sa mga byernes ng gabi. Naging isang normal na pangyayari sa kabila ng sagradong pananaw ng mga kasimhanan.

Pinatunayan ni Brent sa kanyang mga kwentong nilathala sa akin. Pahayag niya normal na lamang ito sa mga kabataan ngayon. Ito ang isa sa mga karanasang pinakainingat-ingatan ng karamihan na mahilig gumala sa madilim na syudad ng Iloilo.

“Normal naman ran sa iban nga mga kabataan subong. Sa tuod-tuod, indi manami pero waay kita mahimo kay amu naran ang ila gina buhat kung sila naga nigh out sa syudad,” dagdag pa ni Brent.

(Naging normal na ito para sa ilang mga kabataan ngayon. Sa totoo lang, hindi talaga maganda pero wala na tayong magagawa dahil yan na talaga ang ginagawa ng iilan kapag sila ay may night out sa syudad.)

10:30 na ng gabi, ilang oras bago mag umaga.

Palamig ng palamig ang simoy ng hangin. Habang kami’y nag-uusap biglang sumilip sa aking isipan ang mga tila kiti-kiting mga ideya. Agad kong binahagi kay Brent na ang kulturang mayroon sa mga kabataan ngayon tuwing byernes sa syudad ng Iloilo ay nakagisnan narin pala noong unang panahon – ito ay ang “pamayle.”

Mula sa magkaibang panahon, may tutumbas na sa kasiyahang hatid ng mga makabagong gabi sa Iloilo, at ito ay ang “pamayle” ng ating mga ninuno. Nakamamangha dahil bago paman umusbong ang “night life” sa syudad ay mayroon ng kulturang “pamayle” noon.

SENTRO NG NIGHTLIFE SA ILOILO CITY Ang Smallville Complex sa Iloilo ay isang nightlife capital ng nasabing syudad. Popular ito sa mga entertainment hub na kung saan ang mga iloggo at mga bisita ay kumakain at nagsasaya. Ito ay matatagpuan sa Diversion Road, Mandurriao District ng Iloilo City. Kumokonekta ito sa Iloilo River Esplanade sa timog na bahagi ng lugar at sa kalsadang patungo sa Atria Park District ng Ayala naman sa hilagang bahagi nito.

Ang terminong smallville ay orihinal na tumutukoy sa lupon ng mga kainan, mga bars at clubs sa gilid ng Iloilo Business Hotel. Ito ang mga unang negosyo ang nagbukas sa lugar. Sa kasalukuyan, pagsinabing “Smallville” tumutukoy na ito sa malaking sakop ng negosyo hanggang sa Iloilo River Esplanade.

Galing sa mga kwento ng matatanda, ang pamayle ay karaniwang pagsasaya tuwing gabi ng pista sa mga barangay o baryo. Dinarayo pa ito ng mga taga karatig barangay para lang makisayaw. Paraan rin ito ng pakikipaghalubilo sa ibang tao. Noon, espesyal ang mga araw na ito dahil dito lang makikita ang mga kaibigang nakapustura ng todo.

Nakatutuwang isipin na kahit sa ngayong panahon ang kulturang ito na nakagisnan ng ating mga ninuno ay nagaganap parin sa mga liblib na bayan sa probinsya ng Iloilo. May mga lugar paring na may mga “pamayle” lalong lalo na kung araw ng pyesta sa mga malalayong sulok ng probinsya, malayo sa kabihasnan.

Alas-11 na ng gabi, marami pa sana kaming pag-uusapan ni Brent. Hindi sapat ang laang oras para isaysay ang limpak-limpak na kwentong nabuo mula sa mga kasiyahan tuwing takip-silim sa Iloilo.

Mga kwentong nagpakulay sa mga madidilim na gabi, napaliwanag sa kaulapan at nagpangiti sa maraming mga labi.

Sa paghihiwalay ng aming landas ni Brent, ang mga istoryang napag-usapan ay nag-iwan ng malalim na marka sa aming mga puso’t isipan. Sa aking pag-uwi mula sa pagkikitang hindi nakasentro sa ordinaryong gabi sa syudad ng Iloilo dulot ng pandemya ay marami akong napagtanto. Nawa’y sa paglabas ng lahat sa makinang na gabi sa syudad pagkatapos ng bangungot na ito ay bitbit ng lahat ang responsibilidad ng mga tuwa at parating isaalang-alang ang kaligtasan.

Tunay nga na ang Iloilo ay syudad ng pagmamahal dahil sa mga kwento ng pagsasamahan ng magkakaaibigan na nabuo mula sa bawat masasayang gabi na kanilang pinagsaluhan. Sa kinakaharap na pandemya, sana’y hindi mahinto ang mga gabing ito dahil ito’y isang representasyon ng nakaraan at kasiyahan ng kasalukuyan.

Mga maaring gawin sa Smallville: 1. Kumain sa mga restawran 2. Magsayaw sa mga club 3. Uminom 4. Kumanta sa mga KTV bars 5. Magrelax at magsaya Mga lugar sa Smallville: 1. Ayala Technohub 2. The Avenue 3. Riverside Boardwalk 4. MO2 Complex 5. Smallville21 Complex 6. Smallville Commercial Complex Mula sa: https://www.exploreiloilo.com/do/info/smallville/

Tuwing gabi sa sentro ng Iloilo nang wala pang pandemya.

Larawan mula sa flickr

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FILIPINO | SINING

Binhi ng Malikhaing Kaisipan: Saan mo Itatanim?

Isinulat at mga larawan ni Mdpn. NiĂąo B. Maldecir

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apatunayan sa mahabang panahon na ang sining ay kaakibat na ng tao sa maraming bagay. Mangyaring ito’y sa pakikibaka, pagtataguyod ng kamalayan, pagsasabuhay ng kaisipang malikhain o maisulong ang pamumuhay sa mas maayos na paraan. Naging bahagi ng ating buhay ang sining san man dako tayo mapunta, at kung minsan ay ito ang siyang nagbubukas ng pinto sa mga panibagong landas upang ating mapagtanto na maari tayong makalikha ng kakaibang mga bagay.

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Bagamat napakaraming aspeto ng ating buhay ang naapektuhan ng pandemya at hindi mabilang ang mga naudlot na pangyayaring sa ating nakasanayan, ang sining ang patuloy na humihinga at naghihintay na muling mapansin ng madla. Kailangan lamang ng bukas na isipan upang maihulma ang isang matatag na pundasyon sa isang produkto na maaring makapagpabago sa ating estado. Mangapa man sa unang mga hakbang at hindi tiyak ang kahahantungan ng pakikipagsapalaran, hindi mawawala ang posibilidad ng isang mayabong na resulta.

Isang halimbawa nito ay si Gino-ong Ranel Encanto. Dating namamasukan sa isang patubigan sa

Guimbal, Iloilo na siyang nag susuply ng tubig sa buong bayan. Ayon sa kanya, maayos at nakararaos naman sa pamumuhay ng kayang pamilya bago dumating ang pandemya. Natutugunan ng maayos ang mga panangangailangan at kahit papaano’y naitataguyod niya ang kanilang pangarap na mag-aama.

Ika’ niya lahat tayo ay hindi handa sa sakunang ito. Tila nagulantang ang karamihan sa dinadanas natin ngayon at hindi alam kung sa anong paraan matatapos ang suliranin natin sa virus na ito. Walang iksaktong petsa kung kailan ito mahahanapan ng lunas upang maipagpatuloy natin ang nakaligtaan mga buhay.

Kasabay nito ay ang naging epekto sa ating trabaho ng bawat isa sa atin. Si Ranel ay isa lamang

sa mga patunay na ang pandemiya ang mas lalong nagpabigat sa mga pansanin na kinakaharap natin..

Napag-isip-isip niya na kailangan niyang kumita ng ekstra upang matustusan ang mga pangangailangan nila sa loob ng bahay sa gitna ng pandemiya, lalonglalo na sa pagkain.

Sa tulong ng social media ay kanyang naobersabahan na nauuso ang iba’t-ibang tanim at palitan nito. Kaya’t naisip niyang lumikha ng isang produkto na tiyak tatangkilikin ng mga plantito’t plantita; yaong mga taong interesado sa pagbebenta at pangongolekta ng mga halaman at bulaklak.

Niyaya niya ang kanyang asawa at nagsimula silang maghanap ng mga lumang mga damit, tela at

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Ilan sa mga gawang paso ni Ranel Encanto.

PROSEO NG PAGGAWA NG PASO

Ibabad ang tela sa semento na may tubig

Ilagay sa hulmahan na cup at ipatong sa bote ng beer

Lagyan ng mga metal sa gilid para magkaroon ng hulma

Patuyuin lang sa araw hanggang sa tumigas

Lagyan muli ng semento na may halong tubig ang labas ng paso

Patuyuin muli sa araw

Pinturahan ng iba’t ibang kulay

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ibang pang pwede gawing hulmahan at katawan ng kanilang mga produkto — ang paso o “flower pots”.

Nang makakolekta na sila ng tamang bilang, nagumpisa silang maghulma ng ng iilan upang ipinost ito sa kanilang mga facebook accounts. Hinikayat nila ang kanilang mga kakilala na ishare ito lalo na sa mga nagbebenta online.

Ginagawa ang mga pasa na ito sa pamamgitan ng pagbababad ng lumang tela o damit sa hinalong semento at tubig. Ito ay nilulublob ng maagi at inilalagay sa lagayan ng cup noodles na nakapatong sa bote ng beer. Ito ang magsisilbi pormas sa paso na siya namang kakabitang ng metal fittings o bakal upang makuwa ang hulma sa oras na matuyo ang mga tela.

Pagkatapos ibilad ang mga flower pots ay tatanggalin ito sa kanilang mga pormas at lalagyan ng pangalawang patong ng semento upang tumibay. Saka lamang ito pipinturahan muli kapag natuyo, at pwede na itong maibenta sa murang halaga. Pinagpatuloy lang ito ni Ranel hanggang sa mapansin ito unti-unti ng mga taong mahihilig sa halaman.

Dumami ang mga umo-order kay Ranel sa nagdaang mga linggo at buwan dahil sa abot-kayang presyo nito. Iba’t-ibang disenyo rin ang maaring mapagpili-an na nagtataglay ng samu’t saring kulay.

Tugmang-tugma din ang kanilang mga gawa sa halos lahat ng klase ng tanim at halaman ayon sa laki. Sa ganitong lagay sila nakakukuwa ng maraming suki na maramihan kung kumuwa ng kanilang mga produkto Mapanghamon ang panahong ito para sa ating lahat. Ang siyang makakaisip ng mga paraang natatangi na siyang aagapay sa kanyang katayuan sa lipunan ay hindi lamang matalino kundi likas na malikhain.

Ikaw, kung bibigyan ka ng binhi ng kaisipan upang mapagtagumpayan ang buhay, saan mo ito itatanim?

FILIPINO | MAKATAONG KAWILIHAN

Daan Pabalik sa Paglalayag ng Isip at Kapalaran Isinulat ni Mdpn. Julius Caesar P. Alfaras Guhit ni Mdpn. Vincent Jay A. Vigo

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ng mga ibon mula sa silangan ay sama-samang lumilipad patungo sa kulay kahel na kalangitan. Habang matatanaw ang haring araw na unti- unti nang namamaalam, sa likod ng mga matang nakapirmi sa malawak na karagatan, kasabay nito ang pagdalaw ng mapait na nakaraan — hindi sinasadyang tumagos sa mga butil ng luha at humalo sa nagdadalamhating alon sa dalampasigan.

Araw ng Linggo, hindi pa man nagbubukangliwayway, dose-dosenang Gallon ng tubig-tabang ang naghihintay kay Mang Anacito Padillo o mas kilala bilang Mang Sitong upang masidlan ito.

Katumbas nito ang kakaunting halaga na malilikom niya sa bawat sisidlan na kanyang mapupuno mula sa bawat kabahayan. Gamit ang sariling lakas at pawis, matiyagang binabaybay ni Mang Sitong ang daanan papunta sa balon. Kung gaano kapayapa at kababaw nito ay siya ring kaibayo ang gulo at lalim ng mga ala-ala na bumabagabag sa kaisipan dulot ng mga sugat na pilit ikinukubli ng nakaraan na hindi parin naghihilom

Limampiso sa kada Gallon na kanyang mapupuno ang ibinibigay ng mga residente sa mamang patuloy na ibinabangon ang sarili mula sa paghampas ng alon sa kanyang buhay. May mga pagkakataon na hindi maiwasang mag-alala ng mga residente sa bayan ng Sofronio, Palawan, lalo na sa tuwing may bumibisitang pulis o sundalo. Tiyak magkukulong na naman si Mang Sitong sa mumunti niyang kubo na kung minsan umaabot umano ng ilang araw na tila mailap at hindi mapalagay.

Mga inanod na parte ng kahoy at baging sa baybayin ang pinagtatagpi-tagpi at pinagdudugtong-

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Kalimitang ginagawa ni Mang Sitong sa dalampasigan

dugtong ni Mang Sitong upang gawin itong bahay na para sa kanya ay higit pa sa halaga ng matatawag na tahanan. Bagaman ginugugulan man niya ito ng pagmamahal upang mabuo ang kamalig na nagsisilbing kanlungan niya sa matagal na panahon, minsan nasisira ito lalo na sa mga panahong nangangalit ang karagatan.

Hindi maiwasang makadagdag sa kadiliman ng kanyang buhay ang rumaragasang daluyong na umaabot sa silong ng kanyang munting tahanan. At sa dagliang pagdalaw ay siya namang paglamon ng karagatan hanggang sa wala ng matira kundi takot at pangamba.

Humigit-kumulang sa 35 taon na ang nakalipas nang dumating sa bayan ng Sofronio si Mang Sitong.

Ayon sa mga residenteng malapit sa kanya, mayroon naman itong mga nakasama nang namalagi siya sa kanilang lugar. Minalasakitan lamang umano nila si Mang Sitong nang makita ito sa ibang lugar sa nakahahabag nitong kalagayan. May mga bahid umano ito ng karahasan sa katawan at hindi gaanong nagsasalita na tila dumaan sa matinding pagpapahirap mula sa kamay na bakal. Kung kaya hindi naging madali para sa kanilang tukuyin kung saang lugar nga ba nagmula si Mang Sitong at kung bakit nga ba ito labis na nababalisa sa tuwing may mga pulis o sundalong nagagawi sa kanilang lugar.

Subalit kahit gaano man kailap ang katotohanang pilit na kumukubli sa madilim na parte ng nakalipas na mga panahon, makahahanap pa rin ito ng daan pabalik dala ang liwanag na magiging tanglaw patungo kung saan man nararapat itong mamalagi.

Isa si Lola Teresita B. Arroyo sa mga residenteng matiyagang nagmalasakit kay Mang Sitong. Ayon sa kanya, minsan umano ay mayroong nababanggit si

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Mang Sitong sa kanyang mga pagmumuni-muni tungkol sa kanyang nakaraan tulad ng mga detalye ukol sa kanyang pamilya. Noong una ay mailap ito at bihira lamang kung sumagot. Ngunit hindi kalaunan ay dahil sa lubos na pagmamalasakit ng mga residenteng naroon ay naibsan ang takot at pangamba na ikinikimkim ni Mang Sitong.

Nagbigay daan ito upang mapagtugma-tugma ng mga residente ang mga mahahalagang bakas na magsusuyod sa kanyang buhay na tila isinulat sa tubig.

Mga detalyeng tumutukoy sa kanyang pagkakakilanlan at kung bakit nito dinaranas ang buhay ng nag-iisa, malayo ng daan-daang milya mula sa mga mahal nito sa buhay. Malimit umano na lumalabas sa mga labi nito ang naiwang pamilya na kung minsan naiisip niya kung buhay pa ba sila o nasa maayos na kalagayan. Lalo na’t alam niya na ang paglayo sa kanyang pamilya ay hindi niya kagustuhan. Nunit sa bangkang papalapit lulan si Kamatayan ang labis na nag-udyok sa kanyang paglayo sa pampang, malayo sa matalim na tabak na hawak nito na tiyak magsusundo sa kanya at sa kanyang pamilya patungo sa kabilang-buhay.

Subalit tila pati ang katinuan at kaisipan ni Mang Sitong ay labis na nilamon ng matinding takot kaya maging siya mismo hanggang sa ngayon ay pilit na tumatakas mula sa bingit na kamatayan. Ngunit ang likas na tapang ng tao ay nanghihina din. Hanggan sa ang namamanglaw na lakas ng loob ay tila sumabog na nagmitsa upang mabigyan ng kaliwanagan ang lahat.

Sa kabila ng takot at ang kakarampot na ningas ng katapangan, naglakas-loob si Mang Sitong na humingi ng tulong upang muling bagtasin ang daan pabalik sa nakaraan. Dito hiniling ni Mang Sitong sa apo ni

Lola Teresita na si Ginang Joviann Magbanua Badenas na balikan ang yugto ng kanyang buhay. Dito na rin nabigyan ng pagkakataong mabulgar ang ilan sa mga maaaring maging daan upang siya ay muling makabalik sa kanyang naulilang pamilya.

Napag-alamang si Mang Sitong na sa tinagal-tagal na panahong ay isa palang Antiqueño. Mayroon umano siyang naiwan na mga mahal sa buhay kabilang dito ang kanyang nakababatang kapatid at ang kanyang asawa’t mga anak. Naging madali ang paghahanap sa pamilya ni Mang Sitong ng may magkompirma na pamilya na si Mang Sitong o si Anacito Padillo ang nawawalang mangingisda noong dekada ‘80.

Nitong Mayo ngayong taon, nabigyan ng pagkakataong matupad ang kahilingan ni Mang Sitong na makauwi sa kanyang pamilya sa tulong ng Local Government Unit (LGU) ng Sofronio, Palawan.

Ito ay sa pamamagitan ng ayudang ibinigay sa kanya nang mailista siya sa isa sa makakatanggap ng Social Amelioration Program (SAP). Walang mapaglagyan ng saya si Mang Sitong habang masayang binibilang ang mga salaping kinita mula sa pag-iigib ng tubig.

Subalit nangangamba ang mga residente na baka ang binubuong kasiyahan ni Mang Sitong ay biglang maglaho na parang bula sa oras na susunduin na siya ng kanyang pamilya lalo na kung may mga awtoridad na umaali-aligid. Kaya mariin nilang inabisuhan ang pamilya ni Mang Sitong na huwag sumama ng mg armadong tao.

Lingid sa kaalaman ni Mang Sitong na mayroong asumsyon ang pamilya nito sa dahilan ng kanyang pagkawala. Malakas ang kanilang hinala na ang pagtayo niya bilang saksi sa isang kaso noon ang pinag-ugatan ng lahat ng pangyayari sa kanya. Ayon sa kasamahan ni Mang Sitong na nakakita sa kanya bago siya mawala, may grupo ng mga armadong tao ang humarang at nambugbog sa kanya na halos ikamatay na niya dahil sa mga tinamong sugat at pasa sa katawan at matapos nito, basta na lamang siya itinapon sa isang basurahan na tila isa siyang walang kwentang bagay. Bagama’t malakas ang kanilang kutob batay sa takbo ng mga pangyayari, kakatwa’t walang matibay na patotoo na maaaring tumuro sa hindi makataong gawain ng may sala.

Minabuting pinatingin ng pamilya ni Mang Sitong ang kanyang kalagayan at kondisyon sa espisyalista sa pag-iisip sa bayan ng Pototan, Iloilo kung bakit tila wala itong matandaan sa kanyang nakaraan bagaman nakakausap naman ito ng matino. Mahirap pang matukoy ang totoong kundisyon ni Mang Sitong sa ngayong dahil hindi pa siya nakababalik sa espesyalista para sa mas masusing gamutan at obserbasyon dahil sa nangyaring Pandemya.

Mahirap mang tanggapin na ang bakas ng sugat ng kahapon na bumaon sa kailaliman ng puso at isip ay malabo ng mabigyan pa ng pagkakataong takpan at maialis ang marka. Sapagkat ang sugat na lumipas na ay malabo ng maghilom kung ito pa ay uungkatin. Kaya mas mabuting hayaan na lamang na kusa itong maglaho kagaya ng mga ala-alang nabura na nagdudulot ng pagluha at matinding takot.

Kalunus-lunus na larawan ni Mang Sitong.

Larawan mula kay Joviann Magbanua Badenas

ANG PUNDASYON NG KARAPATANG PANTAO Ang mga karapatang pantao ay pamantayang moral o kaugalian na naglalarawan ng mga tiyak na pamantayan ng paggawi ng tao at palaging protektado bilang ang karapatan ay likas at legal sa batas-munisipyo at batas-pandaigdigan.

Karaniwang nauunawaan bilang mga di-matututulan at pangunahing karapatan “na nararapat matanggap ng isang tao dahil lamang sa pagiging tao niya” at “na likas sa lahat ng mga tao”, anuman ang kanilang edad, etnikong pinagmulan, lokasyon, wika, relihiyon, lahi, o anumang iba pang kalagayan.

Angkop ito saan man at kailanman sa diwa ng pagiging pansansinukob, at ito’y pantay-pantay sa diwa ng pagiging kasingpantay nito sa lahat. Itinuturing ang mga ito bilang nangangailangan ng empatiya at pamamahala ng batas, at nagpapataw ng obligasyon sa mga tao na respetuhin ang mga karapatang panto ng iba. Karaniwang itinuturing na hindi dapat bawiin ang mga ito maliban kung resulta ng nararapat na proseso batay sa mga tiyak na pangyayari; halimbawa, maaaring kabilang sa karapatang pantao ang pagiging malaya sa ilegal na pag-aresto, pagpapahirap, at pagbitay.

Mula sa: https://brainly.ph/question/1279990

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FILIPINO | TEKNOLOHIYA

Ang Bukas na Naghihintay sa Masusing Pagsusuri Isinulat ni Mdpn. Julius Caesar P. Alfaras at Mdpn. Jashem A. Bardies

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aingat na tinitipon at inililipat ng isang doktor ang bawat kapsula sa bakanteng sisidlan.

Bagamat halos mangatal na ang buong katawan sa matinding pagod kakababad ng ilang oras sa pagsusuri ng laman nito at pagpipihit ng makina upang makakalap ng datos na maaaring makatulong sa pagsugpo ng pandemya ito. Pilit paring pinatitibay ang loob sa pag-asang matutuldukan na ang mabilis na paglobo ng bilang ng mga binabawian ng buhay dahil sa sakit na hanggang sa ngayon ay wala paring tiyak na kasagutan kung kailan ito tuluyang maglalaho.

Nasa kalagitnaan na ang gabi, kadalasan sa mga oras na ito ay marami na ang mahimbing na natutulog sa kanilang mga tahanan. Subalit para sa mga manggagamot at mga espesiyalista na siyang katuwang sa pagsugpo sa nakakahawang sakit dulot ng Coronavirus Disease o COVID-19. Napakalaking hamon ito para sa kanila na tuldukan ito. Kasalukuyan ang lunas sa nakahahawang sakit na ito ay mariin nilang pinagtutulungang malikha sa lalong madaling panahon. Kinakailangan ng masusing pag-aaral na kadalasan ay umaabot ng mahabang panahon para lamang matiyak na ito ay ligtas at epektibo.

Sa paggawa ng bakuna, kinakailangang

makompleto ang mga yugto sa paglikha nito. Ang mga bansang nakapaloob sa World Health Organization (WHO) ay aktibong nakikiisa para mas mapadali pa ang proseso.

Sa unang yugto, isinasaalang-alang dito ang kaligtasan at ang wastong dosis na ibibigay sa mga nagbulontaryong sumailalim sa masusing pag-aaral.

Dito nakapaloob ang paguturok ng bakuna sa mga kwalipikadong indibidwal ukol sa masusing obserbasyon na kadalasan ay aabot sa 20 hanggang 80 katao upang suriin ang kaligtasan at tukuyin ang epekto nito sa immune system ng tao. Habang sa ikalawang yugto naman, dito inaalam ang pinakaepektibong dosis na

Mga larawan sa paglikha ng bakuna. | Mga larawan mula sa World Health Organization (WHO)

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SAGOT LABAN SA COVID-19

ginamit sa mga naunang indibidwal na binigyan ng gamot.

Nito lamang Hulyo, ang Janssen Pharmaceutical Company ng Johnson & Johnson ay nagsubok ng pagbabakuna sa halos 1,000 na malulusog na indibidwal na nasa 18 hanggang 65 taong gulang. Samantalang ipinagpaunang ipinahayag ng isa sa mga siyentista ng Janssen ukol sa unang yugto sa pagsubok ng bakuna ay inaasahan umano nilang magkakaroon ng sintomas lagnat, pananakit ng katawan, pamumula ng balat, at iba pa. Ito ay sapagkat ayon sa mga ekperto, hindi pa nila alam ang wastong dosis na ibibigay sa pasyente sa loob ng pitong araw o kung hanggang ilang araw ang saklaw ng epekto ng gamot sa katawan ng tao. Dagdag pa nila, uulitin umano ang proseso makalipas ang isang bwan sapagkat tiyak na umano silang may wastong dosis na muling ibibigay para sa mga indibidwal na sasailalim sa ikalawang yugto ng pagsusuri.

Tumatagal umano ng buwan o taon ang pag-aaral sa una at ikalawang yugto bago makarating sa ikatlong yugto ng pagsusuri. Dahil dito mas dumarami pa ang bilang ng mga taong hinihikayat na sumailalim sa pagaaral lalo na’t lumulobo parin ang bilang ng hawaan ng sakit lalo na sa mga bansang walang kakayahan na kontrolin ang patuloy na pagtaas ng kaso ng COVID 19.

Samantala, sa ikatlong yugto naman ay umaabot ng ilang taon bago tuluyang matapos. Kaya inaasahan ng Janssen Company na makakalap ng resulta sa pagsusuri sa loob ng isang taon o kaya ay buwan kung magkakaroon ng humigit kumulang sa 60,000 katao ang isasalang sa pagsusuri.

Sa ika-apat na yugto naman kung saan nasasaklaw pamantayan sa pag-aaproba at pagbibigay ng lisensya kung mapagtatagumpayan na malampasan ang ikatlong yugto. Dito nakapaloob ang mga organisasyong pandaigdigan na nagsasabatas sa pag-aaproba tulad ng European Commission o ang U.S Food and Drug Association (FDA). Ang lahat ng datos mula sa mga pagsusuring klinikal ay masusing pinag-aaralan kung ito ba ay tiyak na ligtas at epektibo. Ngunit hindi pa dito nagtatapos ang pinal na hakbang sa paggawa ng bakuna.

Marapat umanong tiyakin ng mga ahensiyang ito na panatilihing sa maayos na kalidad mula sa produksyon hanggang sa pamamahagi nito. Kaya wala pa ring

Sa kasalukuyan, mayroong higit 200 iba’t ibang bakuna ng COVID-19 na isinasagawa sa buong mundo. Ilan sa mga ito ay nasa kategorya na ng clinical trial sa tao. Mayroong anim na kailangan tandaan sa kung paano isinasagawa ang paggawa ng bakuna kontra covid 19. Una, sapat na kaalaman sa virus at pinagmulan nito. Pangalawa, dapat i-isolate ang live virus bago ito pahinain para tiyakin na itong modified virus o vaccine candidate ay makalikha ng immunity sa tao. Pangatlo, pre clinical testing sa mga hayop.

Pang apat, Clinical testing sa mga tao. Sa kategoryang ito, nasa isang dosenang participants lang muna ang itetest sa Phase 1, mahigit isang daan sa Phase 2 at mahigit isang libo sa Phase 3. Panglima, Kailangan ito ay aprubado ng mga tagapamahala lalong lalo na ng World Health Organization (WHO). Pang anim, nakapaloob dito ang produksyon ng naturang vaccine kapag ito ay pasado sa mga safety tests na ginawa. Nangangailangan din ng Quality control sa pag produce ng naturang vaccine.

Mula sa: https://viruscorona.org/the-race-for-a-covid-19-vaccine

naririnig sa ngayon mula sa mga kompanya tungkol sa tiyak na kasagutan kung kailan maipamamahagi ang mga bakuna. Pero inaasahan na mayroon nang bakuna sa susunod na taon, kasabay ito ng pag-anunsyo ng ilang kompanya sa positibong resulta ng kanikanilang phase three clinical trials, ito ay ang Pfizer at Moderna.

Samantala, patuloy pa ring minomonitor ang kalidad ng mga gamot nang sa ganon ay mapangalagaan ang kaligtasan ng indibidwal na maaaring gumamit nito.

Para sa nakararami, ang bakuna ang siyang tanging inaasahan na makakapagbigay ng tuldok sa mas lumalalang kahirapan ngayon sa daigdig na dulot ng COVID-19. Nakapanlulumo, sa ngayon ay wala pang tiyak na kasagutan kung anong petsa ng buwan o oras maipamamahagi ang lunas sa pandemyang ito, higit na makabubuti kung mas paigtingin natin ang ating pagiingat at paunlarin ang ating kaalaman.

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FILIPINO | SEA EXPERIENCE

Aking Unang Sampa Isinulat at mga larawan ni D/C Ivan Guzman

S

a kabila ng pandemya, ang taon na ito ay isa sa mga pinakamahalaga at hindi malilimutang taon ng aking buhay, ang isang estudyanteng tulad ko na piniling kumuha ng kursong “maritime” sa wakas ay makasasampa na sa kanyang pinakaunang barko.

Kung iisipin, sobrang bilis ng mga pangyayari, sobrang laki ng agwat at pinagka-iba, mula sa pagiging presidente ng Student Council, na mas sanay sa pamumuno, kumpara ngayon bilang isang kadete na dapat marunong kang sumunod at ikaw mismo ang gagawa ng mga gawaing dati ikaw ang nag-aatas, pero sa kabila ng lahat, hindi ko maipag kakaila na may malaking ambag ang natutunan kong leadership skills, dahil bilang isang lider, dapat marunong ka ding makinig at sumunod, at ito ang pinakamahalagang katangian na dapat meron ang isang marino sa barko.

Ika-28 ng Nobyembre, marka ng simula ng buhay ko bilang isang kadete sa barko. Nariyan ang pakiramdam ng galak, pangamba at pag-aalinlangan kung kakayanin ko ba ang namuo sa aking isip habang isa-isa ko hinahakbang ang aking mga paa

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sa accommodation ladder paakyat ng barko. Tinungo ang aking kabina na magsisilbing kwarto ko sa loob ng sampung buwan, nag bihis ng coverall at inikot ang buong barko, isa isang inaral at kinabisado ang mga magiging trabaho.

Sa pwerto, ramdam ko ang kakulangan sa tulog at puyat, habang hinihintay ang pagdaan ng oras, siguraduhing nakalista ang lahat ng nangyayari sa operasyon, kung nakakabit ba ang mga tali, at minuminutong pagbantay ng pag-angat o pagsadsad ng accomodation ladder ay ilan lamang sa mga kailangan kong gawin sa loob ng apat na oras kong gwardya mula alas dose hanggang alas kwatro.

Sa “anchorage” ang mga bagay na hindi mo nagagawa sa iyong bahay ay magagawa mo sa loob ng barko. Nasubok ang aking katawan sa mga mabibigat

Mga larawan mula sa IMO at D/C Guzman

na trabaho, tulad ng pagbubuhat, pangangalawang, paglalagay ng grasa sa mga lubid ng cranes, ang tipong walang katapusang pag akyat baba sa mga hagdan, pag babaldeho, pag papala ng mga kargada, pamimintura at dagdagan mo pa ng nagbabagang sikat ng araw. Sa unang tatlong araw, ramdam ko ang pananakit ng aking katawan, pero habang tumatagal nasasanay naman ang aking sarili. Tila masasabi kong expectations vs reality ang nangyari. Marahil ay iilan pa lamang ito pero alam kong marami pa akong dapat pag handaan sa pagdaan ng panahon. Mahirap pero patuloy na lumalaban para sa pamilya at sa minimithing mga pangarap.

Sa pagtatapos ng aming operasyon, at sa pagsisimula ng paglalayag ng aming barko, matitinding

alon na naman ang susuungin ko, alam ko sa sarili ko na kaya ko ang pisikal na gawain, pero isang bagay na bumabagabag sa akin ay kung kaya ko bang tiisin ang katotohananang matagal ako mawawalay sa mga taong nagmamahal sa akin. Gayunpaman alam kong wala akong matatapos kung hindi ako magsisimula, sa loob ng halos isang buwan ko dito sa barko, madami pa akong dapat maranasan at matutunan. Isa lang ang palagi kong itinatatak sa aking utak ngayon ako’y isa nang ganap na kadete na, “mahirap kapag nagsisimula ka pa lang, pero wag kang tumigil mangarap, dahil lahat ng tagumpay nagsisimula sa mga maliliit na hakbang. Patuloy sa paglalayag at lakas loob na suungin ang alon ng buhay.

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