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HORSEMEN OF LEADERSHIP

Project

Quality Education. Climate Action. Sustainable Cities and Communities. These were the chosen Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by four Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) students as they spearheaded this 2022 Youth SDG Action Project by CITYNET Yokohama Project Office for May to December.

Midshipwoman Kezia Camille L. Tenefrancia, Midshipman Marc Gerald L. Camba, Mdpn. Angelo Mari A. Gonzales, and Mdpn. John Michael D. Peñolbo represented the country with their project entitled AMLIG (Action Moving Towards Livable Environments Through Integrated Guidance) under the supervision of 2/M Karl Danielle H. Sira and Mrs. Rohena Z. Miranda.

”Mostly, we feel challenged because of the magnitude of this project. But, we feel honored as well that the university deemed us capable enough to spearhead such a project,” said Tenefrancia, when asked how they feel about being the only chosen delegates from the Philippines.

The SDGs are “shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and

into the future”. Created by the United Nations General Assembly, it started in 2015 with a 2030 deadline.

“The main objectives of the project are to encourage youths to approach the SDGs as part of their daily lives, and to inspire them to become leaders to suggest solutions to urban stakeholders,” she added.

The students joined other participants from South Asia, South-East Asia, Central Asia, and East Asia, each working on their particular projects in their respective regions.

For the past months, the mentioned Lacsonians had already kicked off a series of programs such as first aid training, earthquake drill, and coastal clean-up drive in accordance with Disaster Risk Readiness and they expect to conduct more.

insidepages

Iloilo City LPTRP implementation is inevitableCabaluna

“Though many might criticize this radical change for our city, the implementation of Iloilo City Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) is inevitable; we will implement changes that correspond to the complaints of the Ilonggos.”

Thus, said Iloilo City Councilor, Sedfrey Cabaluna as the Public Safety and Transportation Management conducted its sectoral meeting at John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime

University (Arevalo), Inc. last August 15.

Lacsonians represent PH in Youth SDG Action

Mdpn. John Francis Babiera

Enduring transport torture at what cost?

Mdpn. Jan Christian L. Catilo

UNIVERSITY NEWS

COMMUNITY NEWS

ALONG THE WAY. Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna led the sectoral meeting of the Public Safety and Transportation Management held at JBLFMU-A last August 15. Photo by Daniel Justine Belonio.

SERVICE PROMPTED BY THE HEART. Possessing the values of altruism and humanity, students of JBFLMU-Arevalo were selected to represent the Philippines on Youth Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Action Project by the CITYNET Yokohama Project Office. Photo by Renz Ivan Gomez.

University’s drinking fountain closed amid gastro, cholera scare

Free drinking water no more?

Due to an outbreak of Gastroenteritis and Cholera across Iloilo City, the Students Affairs and Services (SAS) and Guidance Office prohibited students from drinking water in the university’s drinking fountains until found safe for intake last August 31.

The prohibition is part of the preventive measures of the institution to combat the dangers of food and waterborne

diseases specifically Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE) and Cholera.

According to the City Health Office (CHO), 1,030 cases with 25 active cases and 14 deaths were already recorded as of November 10 because of the AGE and Cholera outbreak with 2 active cases in Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo.

Iloilo City is still under the State of Calamity due to the ‘unforeseen’ rise of the food and waterborne diseases, as these had not been recorded

in the city in the last three to five years, according to Dr. Annabel Tang, CHO Chief.

Meanwhile, students are advised to bring their own water or buy mineral water from registered water stations and stores only.

Gastroenteritis is a stomach and intestine inflammation of the mucous membranes. While, cholera is any of various acute infectious disorders of people and domestic animals caused by contaminated water or food.

by the numbers

Capt. Evidente presents new JBLF Training Center

Director of the soon-to-be training center and Executive Assistant to the CEO, Captain Luis G. Evidente, introduced the nearly finished Maritime Training Center of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc. to the Lacsonian stakeholders during the Pang-abi-abi event last August 15, 2021.

The said facility will cater trainings and short courses required before embarking onboard a ship, particularly basic training courses, security and safety awareness, and many others that are part of the maritime curriculum.

The initial date of the building’s inauguration will be by January 2023 in

line with the institution’s 75th Diamond Anniversary, glorifying its founder, Capt. Juan Bautista Lacson and President Emeritus, Dr. Mary Lou Lacson Arcelo.

The training Center is located just in front of the Arevalo campus which was an open lot before the school bought the land.

of people catch gastroesteritis every year.

Mdpn. Jan Christian L. Catilo

Mdpn. John Francis Babiera

Gastro & Cholera

INFRA UPDATES

INVISIBLE FOE. In response to the gastroenteritis and cholera outbreak in Iloilo City, JBLFMUArevalo put up signs indicating the prohibition from drinking on the university’s fountain. Photo by Renz Ivan Gomez

Photo by Jan Christian Catilo

Despite Paeng’s unquestionable capability to displace people and houses alike, it didn’t stop a seven-year-old from commemorating his special day.

The walls of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc. (JBLFMU-A) became the safe haven of roughly 135 locals when Tropical Storm Paeng ravaged the whole stretch of Villa Baybay with its torrential rains, roaring winds, and crashing waves in late October.

Among the displaced was Wences Benedick Galve, a young boy who happened to be celebrating his birthday a day after Paeng’s wrath.

Determined to make his birthday still

special despite being away from home, Wences’ friends scribbled a big “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” with drawings of cakes and balloons in the blackboard of the classroom they were in.

This caught the attention of the authorities, publication staff, and the administrator who were all roaming around while checking the status of all the evacuees within the school.

Touched by the act of Wences’ friends, the JBLFMU community took money from their own pockets and arranged a little party for Wences, making his day even more special and seemingly undeterred by the adversity he was just in.

“These kinds of celebrations are needed now more than ever to lift the kids’ spirits, to give them hope for a brighter tomorrow and to let them enjoy the simple pleasures of life in the face of a disaster brought by Typhoon Paeng,” said JBLFMU-A Administrator, Capt. Alfred G. Espinosa.

Stories of emotional resiliency like Wences may be cliché, but, it’s never cliché to see children happy the way Wences and his friends looked despite being razed by Tropical Storm Paeng.

LPTRP implementation is inevitable - Cabaluna

FROM 01

The main points of the meeting discussed the implementation of the LPTRP to progress the public utility vehicle modernization program across the metro. The LPTRP public orientation was graced and paneled by Colonel Ulderico Garbanzos, Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO) Head JV Mabilog, Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna, and Mr. Jeck Conlu.

Moreover, the meeting emphasized the reduction of routes from the initial plan of 35 routes implemented beforehand to 24 routes due to the overlapping of jeep routing.

The City Council assured that the insufficient number of jeepneys is on top of their list as they requested more units to be bought by the Public Safety and Transportation Management.

Meanwhile, inclusive information dissemination aiming to achieve a well-informed public on the rationalization and modernization of public land transportation is the primary goal of this event.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas hopes that the amended LPTRP that had been passed at the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will be ratified so that LPTRP will be executed at the metro as soon as possible.

Recently, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) through LTFRB approved the request of the City Government of Iloilo to suspend the implementation of LPTRP until December 21, 2022.

NEWS FEATURE

‘Paeng’ strong enough to topple houses, but not children

Mdpn. John

Euclid P. Parreño

WENCES’ WISH Despite the onslaught of Tropical Storm Paeng, Kye Batallones drew a picture on the blackboard to celebrate what was supposed to be her best friend’s, Wences Benedick Galves, greatest wish on his birthday: a cake. Photo by Jannah Mae Pidoy.

CALCULATED RISK. (L-F) Col. Ulderico Garbanzos, PSTMO JV Mabilog, Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna, and Mr. Jeck Conlu were discussing the main points of LPTRP on JA students, highlighting that the risks of the plan were calculated well to correspond to the commuters’ needs. Photo by Renz Ivan Gomez

COMPASSION. Capt. Alfred Espinosa, JA’s Administrator (left), was all smiles as he poses with the birthday boy, Wences Benedick Galve (right). Photo by Jannah Mae Pidoy.

PARAGON OF EXCELLENCE. C/M Virmari

S. Tan Ph.D, Dean of BSMT Department, together with his wife received the award as one of the Ten Outstanding Maritime Employees of (TOME) 2022.

Photo courtesy of C/M Virmari S. Tan.

JA SHS to offer HUMSS strand

Following the approval of the Department of Education, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc.Senior High School (SHS) Department opened its door for Academic Track: Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand effective for the School Year 2022-2023.

BSMT Dean among Ten Outstanding Maritime Employees ‘22

A true example of a Lacsonian who never rests on his laurels!

Chief Mate (C/M) Virmari S. Tan, Ph.D., Dean of Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation from John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc., was recognized as one of The Outstanding Maritime Employees (TOME) of 2022 last September 23.

“It is with great honor and pride to be one of the awardees of this year’s TOME 2022. This is not only my personal achievement but also a big pride for the university as I also

carry the banner of JBLFMUArevalo”, said C/M Tan.

The BSMT Dean was recognized for his active involvement, exemplary performance and achievements in the field of public service, particularly in the maritime sector where 30% from the criteria covered community and civic works.

“I would like to thank my wife, daughters, and son. Also, to Dr. Brian Gil Sarinas, Dr. Geneva Eler, and Capt. Alfred Espinosa for their trust and confidence.” added C/M Tan, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity.

Among his fellow TOME awardees were employees from the AMOSUP, Bureau of Customs, CHO (Culasi Port, Roxas City), Iloilo State College of Fisheries, Jumbo Fishing Corp., OWWA, Philippine Coast Guard Station Iloilo, St. Therese MTC Colleges (Magdalo and Tigbauan Sites), and Visayan Vets Port Services Inc..

The said recognition was in line with the National Maritime Week (NMW) slated for September 19-25, 2022 anchored on this year’s theme, “New Technologies for Greener Shipping.”

MANA MO 2022 highlights Project Amlig, Short Film Making Contest

MANA MO waters hit the ground.

True to its advocacy, the university’s Maritime Archipelagic Nation Awareness Month (MANA MO) celebration focused on expanding its community services reach through Project Amlig and Short Film Making activities.

Project Amlig is a gift giving activity for fisherfolk which was started last year by the Senior High School (SHS) Department and the SHS Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) Office. This year, 20 fisherfolk who are considered front liners of the sea from Sto.

Niño Sur, Arevalo received packed goods. In addition, a short film making contest was opened to students in the province to promote maritime consciousness among non-maritime students.

Meanwhile, the Polaris Class Organization, in partnership with JBLFMU-A Community Extension Services (CES), the school’s department heads, and newly hired staff took part in a coastal clean-up, butterfly habitat gardening, and mangrove planting at JBLFMU Ecopark last September 24.

During pre-registration, JBLFMU-Arevalo SHS will provide a form to secure a slot for incoming Grade 11 students. Part of its marketing initiative is the lower down payment of PHP 1,000, with no need for medical requirements.

Discounts can be availed depending on the amount paid for enrollment.

The strand will prepare the SHS HUMSS students for the university’s BS Criminology offering who will no longer require them to take an entrance examination.

With the new strand offering, the university hopes to equip students with a wide range of discipline in inquiring and investigating human situations through the study of behavior and social changes using empirical, analytical, and critical method techniques.

Mdpn. Alexis Carl Tabasin

Mdpn. Alexis Carl B. Tabasin

Mdpn. Hans Ibert R. David

Photo from JBLFMU-A Facebook page

Peer mentees number soars; ‘effective info drive’ seen as cause

The number of Peer Mentoring Program (PMP) mentees soared to 72, even only at the first semester’s preliminary period for Academic Year (AY) 2022-2023 from 110 in all two combined semesters of A.Y. 2021-2022.

“There is a sudden shift in numbers. Last year’s 110 count was already the accumulation of the two semesters. Whereas, this year, we are only at the preliminary period of first semester yet we recorded a number close to last year’s total,” said PMP’s Program Head Mrs. Cecilia Salinas.

She disclosed that an effective information drive was the key to this leap in numbers.

“Social media has been a powerful tool nowadays. We utilized it to spread information regarding the mentoring program and its objectives effectively,” Mrs. Salinas clarified.

She added that it could be one of the causes since Lacsonians rampantly use social media and are adjusting to the new normal set-up.

Moreover, it is expected that the number will continue

to increase this year as PMP attempts to intensify its information campaign.

“The links of the forms are posted on our official Facebook page and the forms are in the Mentoring Office. Now that we are on the blended learning mode, the instructors may refer their students to us and teach them face-to-face or online,” Mrs. Salinas shared.

The PMP is an advocacy of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc. which envisions supporting students with difficulties in academics.

After hours of discussion, the region’s academics praised the Unit Research Colloquium and Utilization Workshop 2022 for featuring responsive and adaptive studies last September 23 via Zoom.

“Bracing the new normal means difficult transitions and birth pains. Hence, it is nice that this event presented studies that are relevant and responsive to the situation

today,” said Dr. Fe C. Bautista, a retired professor at the University of the PhilippinesVisayas (UPV).

Doctor Nenita V. Quinon, a retired professor at the University of San Agustin (USA), also affirmed that “the studies signpost adaptiveness in terms of reaching the global standards in research.”

The event highlighted topics on the use,

effectiveness, and feedback of ‘Jel’, an online learning platform of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc. Also, the application of core values, health-related problems of seafarers in a shipping company, and the protocols regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) were presented.

“It was a worthwhile and challenging experience for

me when I presented my study. This is my fair share to my Lacsonian community, especially to the students in improving their academic performance,” said 2/M Nicolas Tuares.

The outcome of the paper presentation and critiquing showcasing faculty studies last school year 20212022 will be published in the Institutional Research Journal of JBLFMU-A.

by the numbers

There was a sudden leap of Peer Mentoring Program mentees number.

Mdpn. Francis C. Baldemor

Mdpn. Francis C. Baldemor

Peer Mentoring Program

FOR THE BETTER.Mdpn. John Walter Chua, a peer mentor, tutored his mentees, Rodolfo Gatilao IV (left) and Jay Christian Abetria (middle), about the academic subject that they found difficult. Photo by Renz Ivan Gomez.

NEWS ANALYSIS

Sugar - who’s cutting it short?

Mdpn. John Euclid P. Parreño

Data from the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) revealed a decrease in the Philippine raw sugar production from a 2.13 million metric tons in the crop year (CY) 2020-2021 to a 1.82 million metric tons in CY 2021-2022.

This briefly explains the sugar shortage that affected Filipinos down from small bakeries hiking pandesal prices to bigtime corporations such as Cocacola, Pepsi, and other sodamaking conglomerates that have been producing - if not forced - “less sugar” beverages.

Although it is clear and established that everyone

is affected by this sugar crisis, some tried to take advantage of the situation by attempting to hoard massive volumes of sugar in warehouses and sell them when sugar prices peak.

Various warehouses in Luzon were recently inspected by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) together with the SRA and the Department of Agriculture (DA) and discovered tons of sugar standing by.

This led Malacañang to conclude that the sugar shortage in the country is “artificial” and these hoardings were merely the cause of it.

However, others argue that

the hoarders are not the only ones to be blamed but also the typhoons that ravaged the agricultural sector last year that took almost Php 16 billion (Sarao, 2022).

This implies a domino effect that puts the Philippine economy on thin ice as it is understandable that the shortage in sugar and its price hike means everything in the market is affected.

Fortunately, Monzon et al. (2022) affirmed that the government is closely working with major sugar players to mitigate the adverse effects of the sugar crisis by capping sugar prices at P70/kg.

‘ALL IN TWO WHEELS’ Iloilo City is PH Bike Capital

Mdpn. Nicanor Cinco III

Home of the awardwinning bike lane, Iloilo City finally earned its newest branding as the “Bike Capital of the Philippines” after successfully launching the Iloilo Bike Festival on July 31.

At least 2000 cyclists pedaled to celebrate the city’s biggest gathering of bikers at Festive Walk, Iloilo which the Local City Government organized along with the Meetings Incentives Conventions Events (MICE) Center, Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI) and in partnership with Megaworld Iloilo.

The Iloilo Bike Festival 2022 campaigned its theme: “#BikeKaNaman sa Iloilo City – A Safe, Scenic, and Sustainable Biking in Iloilo City” by elevating the Iloilo City Network, an 11- kilometer bike lane, to boost tourism through its bike pathways and promote pedal-friendly practices.

“Our shared endeavor to push for bike tourism directly responds to the very core of our tourist sentiments, longing for more outdoor activities,” said Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas.

Moreover, Treñas said that PHP10 million had been granted to the city by the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) to help promote the Iloilo City Network.

The annual celebration of the Iloilo Bike festival started in 2014 to encourage locals to commute via biking, and to raise awareness of the benefits of biking on health, safety, and environmental concerns.

Illustration by Arcyne John N. Sermeno

Enduring transport torture at what cost?

Clamor and commotion from queues of frustrated passengers filled the Ceres Ter minal’s atmosphere with noise during the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LP TRP) implementation on June 12. The supposed-to-be beneficial LPTRP backfired as soon as unforeseen deficiencies within the plan arose and lingered to torture com muters for a few days.

The growing public rage about the hassle brought upon by confusing routes, slow public transport, and multiple rides eventually forced Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas to issue an executive order suspending the said implementation.

The LPTRP is a key component of the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program (PUVMP). With Iloilo City being one of the highly urbanized cities in the country, the certainty of both LPTRP and PUVMP should alert the Ilonggos of the problems they may encounter and the benefits they will surely reap.

Before we tackle the setbacks that come with the implementation, let us see how will LPTRP and PUVMP benefit Iloilo City.

Part of Iloilo City’s advocacy is to become a greener city. With PUVMP, this could be achieved easily. The replacement of traditional jeepneys with modernized ones will help bring Iloilo fresher air for the years to come. Traditional jeepneys are not equipped with the necessary filtration systems which modernized jeepneys have that help curb air pollution.

On top of that, PUVMP offers easier fleet management and helps control the number of jeepney units circulating in the city. Vehicle operators were merged into one entity when the implementation of the LPTRP started. Instead of having individual franchises, operators of respective areas formed a cooperative with a single of dispatch, information dissemination and management also become smooth since units can be kept in a single garage, and the cooperative can instruct drivers on the mandates and orders before they go out and drive.

Enough about the benefits; how will the people cope with the problems tied to the implementation of PUVMP and LPTRP?

First, the government

has a scraping program that aims to buy traditional jeepneys from the operators, which will be treated as scrap afterward. Operators and drivers can then seek to employ themselves in the cooperatives that were formed.

In the case that these operators and drivers become unemployed, the government will train them in other skills through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). Furthermore, displaced families can attain livelihood programs wherein scholarships and entrepreneurial capital will be given to kickstart their way back to life.

Lastly, provincial jeepneys can also ease their minds as the Iloilo Province and Iloilo City already had a joint meeting

D/C. Franzesca Mari B. Bautista

Mdpn. Nicanor S. Cinco III

Editors-in-Chief Associate

Mdpn. Francis C. Baldemor

Mdpn. Jan Christian L. Catilo

Mdpn. John Francis M. Babiera

Mdpn. Daniel Justine Belonio

Mdpn. Christian James A. Segovia

Mdpn. Hans Ibert R. David Mdpn. Alexis Carl B. Tabasin Mdpwn. Jannah Mae S. Pidoy

Mdpn. Arron John S. Mortega

Mdpn. Arcyne John N. Sermeno

Photojournalist

Mdpn. John Euclid P. Parreño Mdpn. Cean David D. Barrion

Mr. Norman Daliva

Capt. Alfred G. Espinosa, Ph. D.

Editorial Policy

The Dolphin is published once or twice every semester by the Publication Office of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc., Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo, Iloilo City. Publications are carried online at http://www. arevalo.jblfmu.edu. ph. Articles contained herein are personal views of the writers and do not necessarily reflect official thought or endorsement. These are published to stimulate ideas and provide an open forum for discussion. 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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WORDSMITH

There will be no radical change if the ones authoring laws and providing actions are not knowledgeable. We need trained and experienced people working in the maritime industry

The plight of the modern-day heroes

By the end of October, the whole Philippine Shipping Industry was dumbfounded after news broke out stating that around 50,000 Filipino seafarers working in European vessels were at risk of losing their jobs. It is due to the country’s repeated failure to pass the European Maritime Safety Agency’s (EMSA) evaluation over the last 16 years. From which the government stated that the final deadline for the country to address the concerns raised by EMSA was set for November 2022.

EMSA has been visiting the Philippines for the past 16 years in an effort to bring the nation up to par with European Safety Standards. We, Filipinos, have this destructive trait of panicking for ‘the last two minutes’ since auditors first came last 2006 and none of the preceding audits has complied for the following years. If we fail to satisfy EMSA’s findings, the European Union (EU) will decertify our certificates, which means that Filipino seafarers might lose their qualification to man European vessels.

Seafarers and sectoral groups have expressed concern over the Philippines’ inability to comply with the EMSA’s standards for over a decade. Even though the former Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Administration

has updated EMSA on their accomplishments concerning their indicated corrective measures, this is merely in the hope that the EU Safety Committee will eventually acknowledge the sincerity of our country’s desire to comply with their conditions.

According to Secretary of the Department of Migrant Workers, Susan Ople, President Marcos had already stripped off the authority of MARINA as the head for sorting out this issue, as he tasked to come up with an “implementation plan” the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

When the weak gets weaker

While the government asserted confidence over this matter, thousands of seafarers lined up in training centers in hopes of completing their papers and certifications for them to work onboard. Officials might say that the EMSA will be lenient this time with the idea that the world’s shipping cannot function without the human resource of Filipinos who are committed to doing their jobs while raking in remittances for our country; there will be no radical change if the ones authoring laws and providing actions are not knowledgeable about this industry. We need trai ned and experienced people working in the maritime industry to sit in government offices that command this billion-peso trade.

The peso is not weak because the peso is weak. The peso is weak because the dollar is strong.” A statement from Sandro Marcos, the President’s son, garnered a lot of memes and speculations when asked about the ‘slow yet sure’ weakening value of the country’s currency, the Philippine peso.

On October 10, 2022, the pesodollar exchange rate reached an all-time high. Data from the Bankers Association of the Philippines (BAP) showed that the local currency opened trading at P58.90, with a high of P59.00, and a low of P58.85.

On a certain point, he is not wrong because the dollar is indeed the strongest it has been in two decades. However, Sandro is like explaining exchange rates to a ten-year-old child. What he missed in his oversimplification is that the dollar’s strength against the peso is more pronounced now because the peso has always been weak.

According to Forbes, a currency isn’t strong or weak on its own; it can only be so compared to something else. But, why do we feel that our currency only gets weaker and weaker? The devaluing of the peso affected not

only the economy but everything else as well. A strong dollar compared to the peso affects the parts of the consumer price index. This is especially true for imported goods like oil, which are bought with dollars and could change the prices at the pump and, in turn, cause inflation.

Inflation is experienced by all nations that depend mostly on dollar currency. Professor of Political Science at De La Salle University (DLSU) in Manila, Anthony Lawrence Borja, stated that inflation appeared to be ‘an increasing threat’ to the current government. He suggested that the government can only combat its negative impact with (1) the ability of Filipinos to excuse the government by blaming other stakeholders such as economic managers and foreign governments; (2)

high approval in relation to other pertinent economic issues; and (3) the “maghigpit ng sinturon” mentality or an endemic sense of resilience and survival without the government.”

I have always been dreaming about earning American money one day and all the luxuries I could get away with. In line with my course, seafarers working abroad sniff fortune when the dollar gets stronger as they can convert huge amounts of currency.

But, come to think of it. When the peso gets weaker, the price of all our commodities goes insanely higher. How long can we enjoy the luxury of earning dollars when all of us, Filipinos, suffer from inflation brought on by the unequal power of currencies? Until then, we will experience the strong getting stronger while the weak gets weaker.

CROSS WAVES

How long can we enjoy the luxury of earning dollars when all of us Filipinos suffer from inflation brought on by the unequal power of currencies?

Mdpn. Jan Christian L. Catilo

Mdpn. John Francis Babiera

BARE FACTS

A press that fears for its safety is a compromised press deprived of essence and liberty. Without freedom, the press loses its inherent truthpropagating function in our society.

Guns speak louder than words

The propagation of impunity and the prevalence of extra-judicial killings intensified under the Duterte administration have facilitated the continuous assassination of politically critical and meticulously upright journalists in the country.

One of which is the recent fall of truth-teller Percy Lapid, a busybody—an easy target that has no grip on powerful politicians.

The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) condemned the killing. Thus, the country remains one of the most dangerous places for journalists. Additionally, 197 journalists have been killed since democracy was restored in 1986. Whereas, in Duterte’s regime, 22 counted journalists killed between 2016 and 2022, rights group said. The press is the watchdog of the society - a crucial actor in upholding the truth and sustaining our democracy. Silencing through killing journalists suppresses the press transforming our watchdogs into mere political

lapdogs.

Indeed, they have nothing but compelling voices.

It’s funny how they provided an alleged middleman just to cover up the death of Lapid. The NBI’s autopsy report said that the alleged middleman, identified as Jun Villamor, had a hemorrhage in the heart. However, loopholes began when the second autopsy report headed by forensic expert Dr. Raquel Fortun revealed that Villamor died from plastic bag suffocation. They fear that Villamor will open up the propaganda and segue it to its natural death. The mastermind with tons of connections can really do anything, can he?

As a journalist, what scares me more than red-tagging is their power to distort the truth.

A press that fears for its

safety is a compromised press deprived of essence and liberty. Without freedom, the press loses its inherent truthpropagating function in our society. Threatening and killing broadcasters and journalists, forcibly transform them from established gatekeepers to mere enablers.

We are the voices of those who are unheard. We put our lives and limbs on the line to make statements and testify. The moment you pursue being a journalist is the moment where a gun starts pointing at your skull somewhere. Indeed, journalism is hard. Indeed, the truth is restricted in a democratic country.

Now that you are reading this, are you ready to defend press freedom?

ROTC: The fine line between discipline and abuse

Military Science 1 cadets of John b. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc. (JBLFMU-A) re-enacts the mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) after the promulgation of the 12th Congress of the Philippines on January 23, 2002, as Former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte urged the Congress to enact a law for ROTC revival or he would then issue an executive to do so.

On August 27, the face-toface NROTC instruction of the university had been evident, as shouts and growls emanated from the JBLFMU-A field. Snappy in their stance, the students in their type C uniform are under direct attention with the heat hitting stronger than their mentors’ obligatory words.

However, in 2001, Former Senator Ramon Magsaysay Jr. said that the program made sense in the Philippines before World War II. Yet, situations have changed. Pres. Duterte seemed to overlook the road to ROTC Reform, on why it was obliged to be an option.

The Republic Act 9163 also known as the “National Service Training Program (NSTP) Act of 2001”, was the clamor for

change by the Congress from the incident of one University of Santo Tomas (UST) cadet, Mark Chua.

Found floating in the Pasig River, wrapped in a carpet, with his face covered with masking tape and his hands tied, ROTC cadet Arnufo Aparri Jr., was found guilty of killing the UST student as per Manila court.

The causes were due to the student’s knowledge of the corruption in the university’s ROTC program in a February 21, 2001 issue. This led to massive propaganda of student activist groups intending to abolish the ROTC Program. Furthermore, Former Sen. Magsaysay said that there is no longer a necessity to focus on military training for there is an absence of external threats

to national defense and security. Today, with the prevalence of international disputes over power and territory, World War III may be possible in the blink of an eye so there should be some form of readiness. With the implementation and revival of the mandatory ROTC, it is one step to keep Filipino students prepared, ready, and knowledgeable of a simulated war field conversation with its citizens. However, Filipinos should never forget why it was abolished in the first place.

Maybe, the option for the Former Pres. Duterte is that he would rather risk public complaints than risk being in the dictatorship of another country. From the Lacsonians’ point of view, is it worth the risk?

ROTC is one of the steps to keep Filipino students prepared, ready, and knowledgeable of a simulated war field conversation with its citizens.

Mdpn. Alexis Carl B. Tabasin

Mdpn. Hans Ibert R. David

ZOOMER THOUGHTS

Mariknows: Learning seafaring while scrolling

Going further than the latest trends and pa-bebe moves, many users have transformed TikTok into a creative, educational, and healthy environment.

TikTok has taken over the internet. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of people have been stuck in their homes where they have probably spent a lot of time scrolling through their FYP (for you page), learning the most recent dances, spotting trends, and even making their own content.

While many students have spent their spare time lying in bed all day surfing the internet, Deck Cadet Christian ThanIvan Guzman started to look into how he could use his knowledge and expertise as a mariner to educate audiences about life and experiences, not only as a seafarer but as an individual.

TikTok is a social media platform for sharing videos that is quickly gaining in popularity. In 2020, it was the second-most downloaded app worldwide. The network is well-known for people posting videos of themselves dancing, lip-syncing, or showcasing other talents. But, because of

campaigns like #learnontiktok, there are now more videos of users sharing specialized knowledge. With the spike in content creators, D/C Guzman who is behind the famous name “Morenong Marino”, uses Tiktok as a platform for maritime content production. He has over 1.9 million followers. The maritime world is not yet fully exposed to the public—the realities of life as a seafarer, the facts and knowledge about this profession, and even the sacrifices every seafarer makes for their craft—so he took the opportunity to use Tiktok as an educational platform.

He created the “Marine knows” tiktok playlist with the intention of promoting marine education. “I believe that the world deserves to see the reality and the beauty of this profession, recognizing what it takes to become a resilient seafarer,” he said.

He graduated Cum Laude from the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc. He does not only perform exceptionally well in academics but he is also a student leader in a variety of extracurricular activities, on and off campus.

New challenges, particularly in terms of his time, came along with this new environment. He has to make many sacrifices to work as a seafarer and a content creator simultaneously. There is limited internet access onboard. He gives up a portion of his rest time to make and edit videos. However, he lessens the pressure of time limits by conceptualizing the ideas he will discuss in advance and by prepping all the clips that he plans to edit while they are still underway.

Mdpn. Jannah Mae Pidoy

Photo courtesy of D/C Christian Than-Ivan Guzman

He was still able to focus on his work because of this trick.

His one and only goal is to invest more time in educating and encouraging future seafarers. That the maritime industry will gain more exposure on social media so that people can learn and get a taste of what Filipino seafarers go through and experience in the vast oceans of the world.

He learns things efficiently since he doubles his efforts because there are many things that the audience wants to know from him. Although this may sound like a lot of pressure, he doesn’t see it that way because it helps him develop his character and versatility as a seafarer. As a content creator, specifically in the field of education, learning for him should be continuous.

“I am hoping that future seafarers will also share what they will learn and the stories of their lives that could potentially inspire the generation next to them,” D/C Guzman said.

Living on the sea can be pretty thrilling, and for Ivan, documenting such experiences is just as vital as experiencing them. Interestingly, his second task onboard is to use his well-known tiktok platform to impart his experience and knowledge. Indeed, a Lacsonian is maritime and more.

I am hoping that future seafarers will also share what they will learn and the stories of their lives that could potentially inspire the generation next to them

Dahil sa pabago-bagong baryant ng COVID-19, tugon ng Department of Health (DOH) ang mabilis na pagbabakuna ng booster shots sa pamamagitan ng pagsulong ng Pinas Lakas Boosters sa buong bahagi ng Pilipinas noong Setyembre 26-30.

Pinangunahan ito ni Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PBBM) na nagmarka sa kanyang unang 100 na araw sa panunungkulan.

Layunin ng kampanyang mabakunahan ang 90% ng mga senior citizens at 50% ng tinatayang populasyon o 23 milyong Pilipino upang maprotektahan ang bawat isa

sa dumaraming variants ng sakit.

Iginigiit naman ni PBBM kung gaano ka epektibo ang pagkakaroon ng bakuna laban sa mga bagong emerged na COVID-19 variants.

“Sa mga magpapabakuna ng booster shot, himukin ninyo magpabooster ang inyong mga kasamahan, kapamilya… lahat. Upang hindi na natin kailangan mag-alala sa COVID at masasabi na nating tapos na tayo sa PIlipinas,” dagdag pa niya.

Patuloy namang bumaba ang bilang ng naitatalang kaso arawaraw, mula sa 2,340 noong Sept. 26 hanggang 947 nitong Nobyembre 4.

“Tinanggap ni Pangulong Marcos ang report ng DOH kung saan nakasaad ang pagbaba ng mga kaso. Tinitiyak ng DOH ang 12 porsyento ng positivity rate ay dulot ng pinaigting na national vaccine rollout ng pamahalaan,” ayon sa kanyang opisina.

Samantala, nauuri pa rin ang Pilipinas bilang low-risk na may average attack rate na 2.43 kaso sa bawat 100,000 populasyon dulot ng COVID.

Lacsonians panalo sa dalawang nasyonal na kompetisyon

Angat sa lahat!

Muling ibinandera ng mga magaaral ng Unibersidad ng John B. Lacson Foundation (Arevalo), Inc. ang tatak “Lacsonian legacy” matapos silang manalo sa dalawang magkahiwalay na nasyonal na kompetisyon.

Nangibabaw ang dedikasyon at kasipagan kay Mdpn. Arron John S. Mortega ng BSMT III-Ship matapos niyang masungkit ang ikatlong gantimpala sa ika-13 National On-the-Spot Art Contest ng Associated Marine Officers and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) noong ika-29 ng Setyembre.

“Ang karangalang ito ay nagpapahiwatig na kahit ikaw ay isang mag-aaral na marino, maari kang mangibabaw sa mga patimpalak na hindi nakaayon sa iyong kurso. Kami ay maritime and more,“ ani Mdpn. Mortega.

Samantala, sa AMOSUP Contemporary Media Contest, naging matagumpay sina Mdpn. Edrian Mikel del Rosario ng BSMT I-Bowline na pumapangalawa sa pagsulat ng sanaysay kasama si Mdpn. Alexis Carl B. Tabasin ng BSMT II-Polaris 2A na nakakuha naman ng ika-limang pwesto. Natamo rin ni Mdpn. Jose Angelo U. Esquerra ng BSMT III-Barque ang ika-limang pwesto sa kategorya ng Infographic Designing.

“Hindi ko talaga natantya na mananalo ako bilang isang baguhan sa pagsusulat. Baka, ito’y nakatadhana sa akin. Nagpapasalamat ako sa mga umabot ng tulong para mas mapabuti ko pa ang aking gawa,” ani Tabasin.

Ang 13th National On-the-Spot Art Contest at AMOSUP Contemporary Media Contest ay kasabay ng selebrasyon ng National Seafarers Day upang kilalanin ang mahalagang papel ng mga Pilipinong mandaragat sa pagpapaunlad ng bansa.

‘Pinas Lakas’: Kampanya ng booster laban COVID-19, ikinasa ng DOH

Mdpn. John Francis Babiera

Mdpn. Cean David D. Barrion

TUROK. Bilang hakbang sa pag-abot ng “herd immunity,” sinimulan ng DOH ang kampanya ng Pinas Lakas Boosters na naglalayong mapababa pa ang kaso ng COVID-19 sa bansa. Larawan mula sa DOH.

(L-R) Mdpn. Arron John Mortega, Mdpn. Edrial Mikel del Rosario, Mdpn. Alexis Carl B. Tabasin, at Mdpn. Jose Angelo Esquerra.

Lawarawan mula sa DOH

Binigyang karangalan ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) at ng Environmental Management Bureau, Western Visayas ang dalawang institusyon ng JBLFMU sa Arevalo at Molo dahil sa kanilang huwarang kontribusyon sa Adopt-an-Estero Water Body Program.

Ginanap ang pagkilala noong Setyembre 26, 2022, sa Diversion 21 Hotel bilang pagdiriwang ng World Environment Health Day na

may temang “Prioritizing Environmental Health for Healthier Communities in Global Recovery.”

Tumanggap ng Certificate of Recognition para sa JBLFMU-Arevalo si Capt. Alfred G. Espinosa, Unit Administrator, at Dr. Shirley G. Hampac, Community Extension Service Head. Samantala, si G. Robert O. Parcia, Unit Administrator kasama sina Miss Krizna Joy Belencion, Community Extension Service Head, at G. Raymund Benedick Brillantes

ang kumuha para sa JBLFMUMolo.

Ang dalawang kampus ay ginawaran ni Atty. Ramar Niel Pascua, Regional Director ng Environmental Management Bureau Region 6.

Ikinakaloob ng DENR ang parangal sa mga LGU at mga pribadong organisasyon para sa kanilang walang tigil na pagsusumikap at pagsisikap sa komunidad at para sa kanilang mga inisyatiba sa programa na may kaugnayan sa Adopt-anEstero.

Nagbigay karangalan ang apat na mag-aaral ng Unibersidad ng John B. Lacson Maritime Foundation, Inc. matapos magningning sa internasyonal at nasyonal na entablado sa pelikula.

Isa ang dokyumentaryong pelikulang “Hágnop” ni Mdpwn. Kezia Camille L. Tenefrancia ang napabilang sa Top 10 Finalist sa 2022 National DokyuBata Video Documentary Contest Young Adults’ Division, noong Nobyembre 11.

Ayon sa Facebook Page ng Maritime Lenses, ang opisyal na Media Production ng JBLFMU-Arevalo, ang ‘hágnop’ ay patungkol sa ‘ghosting’, na laganap na nagaganap sa

kasalukuyang pakikipagligawan. Nakapokus ang dokyumentaryo sa isang babaeng nakaranas ng ganitong pangyayari at kung paano niya ito nalampasan.

Napabilang naman sina D/C Cypher John T. Gayorgor at D/C Niño Maldecir sa Top 12 Finalist laban ang 199 na kalahok ng Cinemalaya 18 Independent Film Festival sa Cultural Center of the Philippines(CCP), noong Agosto 5 hanggang Oktubre 31.

“Sa bumubuo ng Cinemalaya 18 Independent Film Festival, maraming salamat sa pagtanggap at sa pagkakataon para maipalabas ang aming pelikula,” pasasalamat ni Gayorgor sa kanyang

Facebook post.

Noong nakaraan, naitampok ang dokyumentaryong, “Sugilanon Sang Alas Singko” ni D/C John Rovic Lopez sa isang HIV Awareness Talk ng United Nations General Assembly, nitong buwan ng Setyembre.

“Labis akong natutuwa sapagkat mas marami na ang naabot ng aming istorya. Maraming salamat po sa pagpapahalaga sa aming mga hangarin,” bukal sa pusong pahayag ni D/C Lopez.

Tinatalakay ng pelikula ang mga sensitibong isyu tulad ng mental health issues, PTSD, rape at sexual harassment ang kaniyang kwento.

de numero

nagsimula ang Adopt-an-Estero Water Body Program

noong

Mdpn. John Francis Babiera

Mdpn. Arcyne John N. Sermeno

Pinasinayaan

JBLFMU nagwagi ng ‘DENR Gawad Kalusugang Pangkapaligiran award’

Sanggunian: DENR

KAPALIGIRAN. Pinangunahan ni Capt. Alfred G. Espinosa, JBLFMU-Arevalo Administrator, ang pagtanggap ng parangal ng DENR bilang pagkilala sa mga institusyon ng JBLFMU sa kanilang kontribusyon sa Adopt-anEstero Water Body Program. Larawan mula sa Maritime Lenses.

BOT DIFFERENCE!

Panergar, playing as a bottom laner, (LFS Aezzy) locked in the Yordle Gunner, Tristana, for both games one and two in a best of three series of the tournament.

LFS denied WPE a chance to get to game three after destroying WPE’s nexus consecutively through tactical strategies and teamwork while banking on Aezzy’s damage output.

The champions eventually claimed a cash prize worth ₱75,000.00 and other

gifts from Micro-Star International, a world-leading gaming brand.

“I am so glad to share this victory with my teammates. I could have not done this alone without their help,” Panergar said in an interview.

Panergar is currently a Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) 3 Car Carrier student of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (Arevalo), Inc.

Exporting PH products: Filipino basketball players

SO TO SAY

The growing number of PBA and college basketball stars who have committed to play in professional leagues abroad is making our national basketball officials wring their hands in despair. Some may have seen it as a huge place for improvement for the players of Filipino Basketball, but it has made our local leagues suffer.

Philippines has been known where basketball is beyond popular as it was also the first to have a professional basketball league in Asia therefore a producer of outstanding basketball talents. But players nowadays are thinking, Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) or Japanese B. League? The PBA has  always been  the dream destination of young basketball

school-sponsored LOL championships including the most recent tournament during Ugyon Marino 2022.

“I hope the next time I bag a trophy; I’ll be carrying the name of my school with me together with the team or the family I made here through playing LOL,” he added.

Panergar is also a member of JBL Hydra, one of JBLFMU-A’s varsity League of Legends esports team.

talents in the country but the rise of the foreign leagues emerged as an elevated place for player improvement and the bigger salary truly attracted Filipino Players.

In 2020, Kiefer Ravena debuted in the Japanese B. League, followed by his brother Thirdy. Since then, 12 Filipino basketball stars are already  competing in the league and the list is still growing.

Sonny Barrios, the executive director of Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), stated that the federation has started to take “moving ahead steps” to stop the exodus of young basketball talent. The senate once made a statement of making a law that will stop the Filipino athletes from playing abroad.

Player’s progress shouldn’t be stopped. If the development the

players seek is not in the country, they will look for it abroad. So we, as fellow Filipino, should support them for representing the country.  It’s the best proof that Filipinos can hold their own against other standouts from different countries and even excel above them.

As for the local league, it can always improve in many ways. There are still hidden potentials that are waiting to be discovered and honed. Perhaps, it’s about time for the league to explore beyond our shores and try to link with nearby countries  for special pro league conferences. It will be a brilliant idea to unite with them and help each other develop each other’s league as well as the players for the brighter future of basketball talents in the country.

and has won a number of

Lacsonian Archie H. Panergar and the rest of team Looking For Sponsor (LFS) dethroned defending champions West Point Esports (WPE) in the Electronic Sports Gaming Summit (ESGS) 2022 League of Legends (LOL) tournament at SMX Convention Center, Pasay City, October 29.

Mdpn. John Euclid Parreno

Mdpn. Christian James A. Segovia

SPORTS COLUMN

Lacsonian botlaner, team dethrones WPE in ESGS LOL tourney ‘22

Photo