Heraldo Filipino Vol. 34 Double Issue

JANUARY - JULY 2020 | PAGE 1

VOLUME 34 DOUBLE ISSUE

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF DE LA SALLE UNIVERSITY-DASMARIÑAS JANUARY - JULY 2020

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NEWS COVID-19 remodels academic setting anew page 4

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VOLUME 34 DOUBLE ISSUE

SPECIAL REPORT

FEATURES

LITERARY

SPORTS

The true color of red-tagging page 6

The COVID-19 Effect page 14-15

Alab ng puso page 22-23

Ran Abadilla: SEA Games silver medalist page 26

NEWS

JANUARY - JULY 2020 | PAGE 2

NEWS BRIEFS

No more interview, qualifying exams for new enrollees - Admissions

by Lean Pantorilla Under the enhanced admission measures, DLSU-D no longer requires college freshman pre-interviews and DLSU-D Qualifying Examination (DQuEx) for student applicants previously scheduled to take said exam from March to May, and all applicants who are yet to take it.

In an online interview, Director Romano Ebron speaks for the formerly known Center for Student Admissions (CSA), now Center of Admission and Scholarships (CAS), stated that the changes are due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis, and that “most of the universities did the same.”

The enhanced admission measures only require student applicants of Grade 11 and first year college to log in the DLSU-D admissions portal, and fill out the pre-admission questionnaire. After payment, they will receive a note of slot confirmation, allowing them to proceed with enrollment.

As of press time, CAS currently operates under a work-from-home arrangement, accepting online applications while gradually addressing enrollment and admission problems.

More information about initiatives, adjustments, and webinars conducted by CAS regarding enrollment can be found on their official Facebook page.

Roof collapse furthers renovation talks of GMH bldg

by Patricia Recana Earlier this July, the Gregoria Montoya Hall (GMH) roof collapsed, furthering the need for renovation talks, which was headed by the University Student Government (USG) Congress and the Performing Arts Groups (PAG) on February 21 before the incident.

According to a report from the Office of Student Services (OSS) Dean Arch. Antonio Gutierrez Jr., the roof collapsing caused major damage leading to flooding and destruction of property.

Along with the damages, initial reasons for the renovation according to USG and PAG are insufficient space for the student government, chaotic work environment, hazardous storage spaces, and small spaces for programs of student organizations.

GMH renovation plans The USG Congress and PAG discussed the renovation of the GMH building for the “betterment of student engagement activities (of student organizations) and their respective work environments.”

As discussed in their meeting, a chapel, a students lounge, a 40-person capacity session hall for the USG will be included in the GMH area. Selected PAG organizations will also have respective studios such as a multi-purpose dance studio, a photo studio for the Vissistude, a recording studio for Lasallian Pop Band,.

Other than new additions for the space, the renovation showcased adjustments for the current building such as increasing the ceiling height for the second floor, hallway-widening, sound-proofing rooms with acoustic treatments, and overall, increase of storage and office space.

As requested by University President Brother Augustine (Gus) Boquer FSC, the open area known as the quadrangle will have a grand staircase and its own stage with fake grass for the flooring.

To give context, student organizations situated in the GMH building underwent reshuffling following the transfer of administrative offices to the Ayuntamiento de Gonzales building during the academic year (AY) 2019-2020, completed on June 22.

During the February 21 meeting, USG also proposed adding P200 on the tuition fee development fund as the source for the renovation fees, which is justified due to the new student center.

As of press time, students and staff are not able to enter the GMH building area due to safety hazards.

In terms of the renovation, the overall plan still depends on the budget and discretion of the USG.

Rescheduled recollections and retreats continue online

by Patricia Recana On a June 28 statement, Retreat and Recollection Ministry (RMM) Coordinator Alvin Podiotan issued an online alternative for rescheduled recollections and retreats of the 2nd semester, academic year (AY) 2019-2020.

Even during the time of quarantine, the coordinator mentioned that having an online alternative shows “commitment to continuously accompany our students in their spiritual journey.”

Podiotan also highlighted asking for assistance in informing students of their recollection and retreat online schedule, which can be found on their Schoolbook news feed. The schedule already began on July 6 and is expected to be accomplished on July 24.

Moving to serve. Some local businesses returned to normal operation as the province of Cavite placed under general community quarantine (GCQ). Employees and customers are required to wear face masks and observe physical distancing.

Photo by Rona Santarin

VOLUME 34 DOUBLE ISSUE

Student orgs raise over P1M worth of relief efforts

by Kayla Nicole De Quiroz

Amidst the global pandemic, DLSU-D organizations aimed to raise funds for the frontliners and assist communities in need. Students and alumni from the organizations have raised over one million pesos worth of cash and donations through their various projects.

The Visual and Performing Arts Production Unit (VPAPU), in partnership with MarvTech innovations, distributed face shields, 10,000 DIY masks, personal protective equipment and other medical supplies around Cavite and NCR as of June 11.

VPAPU has also gathered a total of P83,915 cash donations from the benefit concert KABARATO (Kaibigan at Barkadang Totoo) and ARTLINERS activity.

“Our main goal is to help and support the community during this pandemic. Kabarato Online is part of the VCares project to support us financially,” said the VPAPU President James Basco in an online interview.

Along with VPAPU, the DLSU-D Chorale held KanTahanan, a live online concert series and raised P354,880 for health workers in hospitals and medical facilities.

While, the Lasallian Pointes N’ Flexes Dance Company (LPNFDC) collected P52,295 from their Be the Juan drive, which aimed to support

residents of Tondo experiencing scarcity of resources due to the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Manila.

The DLSU-D Symphonic Band also partnered with VPAPU and held a fundraising drive called “Abot-Tunog 4th Movement: Bringing People Closer Virtually, One Instrument at a Time,” which raised P11,900 for the procurement of face shields and masks.

“We designed the activity to entertain people through music noong quarantine, something that they could watch with their families.

We also promoted and featured different musicians sa activity namin, which is yung primary mission talaga ng organization namin,” DLSU-D Symphonic Band President Matthew Paual explained on an online interview.

Furthermore, the Filipiniana Dance Company (FDC) organized Project Hasik: Hatid, Sining at Kultura, which is a series of online performances and workshops that raised funds for frontliners from

May 18 to 21.

As of June 3, FDC raised P40,800, contributing in the preservation of Filipino cultural traditions and strengthening the “bayanihan” spirit while giving back to the community.

Additionally, the Electronics Engineering Program Council (EEPC) organized Hilom, a virtual concert series that raised P17,366 for medical frontliners.

Different College of Business Administration and Accountancy (CBAA) organizations like the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA) also mentioned that they eagerly lent a helping hand to aid the frontliners and communities affected by the quarantine. In line with this, JPIA held a fundraising campaign from April 19 to May 3 entitled “(DO)Nation: Together We Fight”, gathering P27,642.

Lastly, the Junior Marketing Association (JMA) was able to raise P5,450 from their Para Sa Bayan fund drive.

8 out of 10 students not ready for distance learning according to DLSU-D survey

by Maria Victoria Busine and Sophia Ruth Romasanta In the research brief of end-of-class evaluation survey, data showed that 8 out of 10 (81 percent) of student participants were not ready for distance learning.

Vice Chancellor for Academic and Research (VCAR) Marco Saez stated in the write-up that the “Endof-class evaluation: survey of student capability for distance learning, COVID-19 awareness during quarantine period, and plans for the coming school year” was done through Google Forms and that “heads of colleges and department, student councils, and the Heraldo Filipino posted links of the survey online.”

Commencing from May 17 until May 30, the survey gathered 3,000 responses or 33.81 percent out of the total 8,872 college and high school population of the academic year (AY) 2019-2020.

Unreadiness in well-being Exactly 95.7 percent of the students had difficulties in concentrating on their studies during the pandemic, which was supported by the 91.8 percent who agreed that there were “more important matters that everyone should care for aside from having online classes” such as providing basic needs and protecting oneself from the virus. Furthermore, 93.7 percent worry that someone in their family may get infected with COVID-19.

Other concerns of the students include their family situation (85.8 percent), inability to stay positive (68.7 percent), difficulty sleeping (57.4 percent), and losing appetite (45.6 percent).

The result also showed that 58.7 percent were undecided if they will enroll next AY for a semester of distance learning mode, should resumption of the normal classroom setting be disallowed.

Online classes experience When asked about internet connection, 7 out of 10 (68.6 percent) answered that they have a personal broadband or WIFI but 40.4 percent considered their connection unreliable

and unstable. As for the primary gadget they use to comply with online classes, the majority (48.6 percent) use their mobile phones.

In terms of quality of assessments, 4 out of 10 (40.2 percent) thought the instructions for their classes were unclear and insubstantial.

When asked if their classes offered simplified and well-organized lessons, 39.6 percent stayed neutral and 38.7 percent disagreed.

Most participants (32 percent tried much, 35 percent tried very much) tried their best to comply with the requirements. However, on the matters of classes and thesis learning, only 0.8 percent responded that they were satisfied, the majority learning very little (33.5 percent dissatisfied, 37.7 percent very dissatisfied).

In terms of Schoolbook experience, only 8.3 percent of the responses agreed that the Schoolbook was “easy to navigate especially in the area of submission of outputs”, while most (31.9 percent) remained neutral.

There are also classes that utilized more than one platform like the 42.9 percent who used both Schoolbook and Messenger.

While in the topic of technical support which is “available, prompt, and easily reached via phone calls, chats or emails,” most participants were neutral (47.3 percent). When asked if collaboration among students was carried using online platforms, the majority were also neutral (35.8 percent).

Feedback on faculty Meanwhile 4 out of 10 (41.4 percent) responses were unsatisfied with how the teachers handled their academic matters. Similarly, 40.3 percent found their teachers late in prowling feedback and 36.8 percent found the resourcefulness of the faculty’s usage of other platforms such as Facebook Live, Google Chrome,

SAP Litmos, Microsoft Teams App, and others to be lacking.

Despite this, the majority (41 percent) found the deadlines for submission of outputs “realistic and flexible”.

Additionally, responses were divided on the statement “majority of the faculty are really available and willing to respond to questions and concerns”, with 31.6 percent agreeing, 36.3 percent neutral and 32.1 percent disagreeing.

Unaddressed student concerns Through open-ended questions, the participants identified some of the unaddressed concerns by the DLSU-D administration: failure to hold students’ pleas, tuition fee rebate, suspension of online classes, assessments and lessons incompatible with their connectivity capability, unclear guidelines and line of communication from admin to student regarding payments, graduation, thesis matters, and how teaching has just been uploading of lessons.

On the statement about the University handling student concerns well during the quarantine period, the majority disagreed (26.3 percent disagreed, 38.8 percent strongly disagreed).

In addition, when asked about how their own college or department handled their concerns, the majority also found it unsatisfactory (27.8 percent dissatisfied, 26.8 percent very dissatisfied).

While, 42.6 percent were neutral on the topic of faculty and administration effort in carrying on with online classes.

As per the OVCAR email, the initial results for the end-ofclass evaluation survey are yet to be validated but Saez encouraged surfacing the data, stating “I think it is important that we have to understand, embrace, and respond to what the document tells us.”

NEWS

JANUARY - JULY 2020 | PAGE 3

VOLUME 34 DOUBLE ISSUE

Classes transition from distancing learning mode to care-centered model

by Patricia Recana During the suspension of classes from March 10 to April 14, Vice Chancellor of Academics and Research (VCAR) Marco Saez implemented Distance Learning Mode which transitions to a care-centered model for the upcoming academic year (AY) 2020-2021.

#JUNKTERRORBILL. In the midst of the threat of the COVID-19 and with face masks on, Cavite mass organizations boldly protested against the passage of the Anti-Terrorism Bill, along the streetside of Lupang Ramos in Dasmariñas City, June 6.

Photo by Kelsey Telo

USG to appoint house speaker as president

by Kayla Nicole De Quiroz Due to the failure to hold a general and primary election for the academic year (AY) 2020-2021, the incumbent speaker of the House of Representatives (HOR) will be appointed the next University Student Government (USG), in accordance with the USG Constitution.

“Student elections were canceled due to USEC’s declaration of failure of presidential primary election in the first semester [...] and in the second semester the general election [was canceled] due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” USG said in an online interview.

Following Article XII, Section 2 of the constitution, the newly appointed president will nominate a student to be the vice president, who

will take office upon having a majority of votes from members of HOR and Senate.

Despite the qualifications for the vice president in the constitution, USG mentioned that the “student the president will nominate for vice president does not need to be a member of the House or Senate.”

Moreover, the USG emphasized that Article V, Section 5 and 11

empowers the Program Council (PC) chiefs and College Student Governments (CSG) to appoint representatives and senators to serve in the USG congress.

As of press time, The HERALDO FILIPINO has tried to reach out to the University Student Elections Commission (USEC) for a statement but they have not responded yet.

In response to the endof-the-class survey conducted

by OVCAR, a care-centered model for online learning will be implemented for the academic year (AY) 2020-2021 as mentioned in their June 1 statement.

Along with provisions for home-based module alternatives for students without online connection, the new framework is “a combination of online and scheduled onsite campus meetings for student consultation and laboratory work.”

Additionally, the carecentered model also features home-based modular learning, as an alternative for students who do not have any means of online connection.

As of press time, information on online classes are only from the June 1 memorandum issued by the OVCAR.

DLSUD’S new framework In accordance to the model, time management policy will be applied in the course pacing, which follows the normal scheduling system of 54 hours, divided into 27 hours for the two terms.

Additionally, assessments will be categorized into two. Formative assessments calculate student engagements and participation through student engagement in discussion forums, exercises, and tests. While, summative assessments calculate the student’s application of knowledge and skills through case studies, proposals, and creative outputs.

As for the final grade, the model has a fixed computation system wherein the two terms will be based on both summative assessments and class standing.

The class standing, as said in the directive, “covers asynchronous and synchronous activities.”

It was also clarified that the grading system for the two terms’ summative assessments should range from 40% to 60% while class standing is preferred from 60% to 40%.

Guidelines on online learning Within the framework, the students are expected to display proper netiquette and knowledge of the Learning Management System (LMS). They are also expected to meet the minimum standard set of 4 to 6 days of active participation.

Furthermore, guidelines stated that instructors will also play an active role, requiring them in both online and onsite schedules. They are expected to exhibit flexibility, and be equipped for laboratory work, consultations, and onsite meetings.

The activities’ duration will follow this table:

First batch of BS Biology students with specialized tracks starts next AY BS in Chemistry program under plan

by Patricia Recana The first batch of Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology students with specialized tracks will officially undergo their preferred specializations next academic year (AY) 2020-2021, as stated by College of Science and Computer Studies (CSCS) Dean Cristina Salibay.

“The first batch of students [under the new specialized tracks curriculum] are already [in their] second year [of the Biology program] now, so the tracking of the courses will happen when they are in third year,” Salibay explained.

Prior to the start of the next AY, the college will be conducting a survey to know the number of BS Biology students who are interested in a given specialized courses which consists of medical biology, microbiology, cell and molecular biology, plant biology, animal biology, and environmental science.

“We will be doing a survey to the students on what track they would like so we will be able to know, like how many [students] will be going to this track and so on,” Salibay explained.

In cases when there are only less than 20 students on a specialized course, students will be advised to reconsider other tracks, as per Salibay. “If they would insist to stay, then they have to pay the entire [unoccupied] 20 student slot, ... [and] we also have to consider ... the financial impact on the school.”

Previously, the college only offered BS in Medical Biology (a three-year program in coordination

with the De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute), BS in Human Biology, and BS in Environmental Biology programs.

CMO compliance Due to the requirement of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in offering specialized tracks, the college provided different specialized tracks within the BS Biology course, Salibay said.

“It is part of the compliance with CHED memorandum order [no. 49 series of 2017] as far as the biology program is concerned.”

CHED Memorandum Order (CMO) no. 49 series of 2017, Article I Section 1, explains that the recent policies, standards, and guidelines (PSGs) implements the “shift to learning competencybased standards or outcomesbased education,” specifying the expected graduates of the BS Biology program along with branches of biology available for students to undertake.

The CMO also stipulates the qualifications of a higher educational institution to offer the program, which includes a PhD-holder dean, Master of Science degree-holder department head, and having at least 50% of

full-time faculty with a Master of Science in the discipline, among others.

BS Chemistry program Furthermore, Salibay mentioned the possibility of a new program under CSCS, which is the BS Chemistry program that focuses on the “utilization of natural products through extracting natural resources.”

“We (CSCS) see to it that when we open [the BS in Chemistry program], it is viable and there really are students that are interested,” Salibay explained.

Salibay added that the department is undergoing feasibility studies such as an interest survey for high school students and preparation of documents to be sent to CHED, where the targeted implementation of the new program will be in AY 2021-2022.

As of press time, the department is still assessing faculty capability, facilities, and the interest of students in the program, Salibay said. Once the plan is polished, the curriculum will go through collegiate department checking then validation by the institutional curriculum council, before sending for confirmation to CHED.

Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) is reported to be released by the OVCAR. Initial date of release, according to the memorandum, is on or before July 10.

Infographic by Rachelle Ann Calaustro

Virtual graduation tentative for last week of August - MCO

by Patricia Recana and Lean Pantorilla Marketing and Communications Office (MCO) initiated the virtual graduation project, tentatively scheduled for the last week of August, after the deliberation of grades and the release of the final list of candidates.

MCO plans on having one virtual graduation a day per college but it is yet to be finalized as they wait for various offices’ data.

“This (virtual graduation) is going to be shown on the official Facebook page of the University through live streaming,” MCO Director Lourdes Rudio emphasized in an email interview., “It (virtual graduation) will still be available for viewing after it airs.”

Rudio also clarified that the usual flow of a graduation ceremony will not be observed, except for the message of the University officials, commencement speakers, the speeches of the candidates with Latin Honors, along with the reading of the students’ names while their photos are presented.

Moreover, the MCO director highlighted that the virtual graduation does not intend to replace the actual

graduation and is open only to those who want to join. “Take note that students were also asked to submit their consent form to allow our office (MCO) to publish their names and photos for the purpose of the virtual graduation,” Rudio added.

As of press time, MCO is coordinating with the associate deans of the seven colleges for the collection of photos from the students, along with the tentative list of candidates for graduation.

NEWS

JANUARY - JULY 2020 | PAGE 4

VOLUME 34 DOUBLE ISSUE

COVID-19 remodels academic setting anew Movements and calls help shape new learning policies

by Shekynah Angelene Samadan Various academic institutions have taken it upon themselves to deal with the remaining days of their academic years (AY) before ending the final term, as encouraged by the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd).

On the other hand, The Department of Education (DepEd) proposed the use of television (TV) or radio broadcasting mode next incoming AY for those without internet as their statistics confirmed that most Filipino families have TVs and radios at home. For those who have no such devices, printed modules will be delivered to them.

MAPAGPALAYANG ARAW NG PILIPINAS. On Independence day, June 12, 2020, various groups of Southern Tagalog mass organizations gathered at Pala-Pala, Dasmariñas City to call out President Rodrigo Duterte and to junk AntiTerrorism Bill.

Photo by Jean Quinto

Br. Gus announces tuition fee refund for second sem AY 2019-2020

by Kayla Nicole De Quiroz In a June 1 statement addressing the current situation of the DLSU-D community during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, Br. Augustine Boquer, FSC announced tuition fee refund for the second semester of the academic year (AY) 2019-2020.

“You also have the option to credit it for SY 2020-2021 or donate it to COVID-related extension projects that DLSU-D currently supports,” Br. Boquer said.

He also addressed the student concerns during

enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) for the updates on tuition fee refunds and online classes, mentioning that further information about the refund will be released on respective DLSU-D Portal accounts.

As of press time, The HERALDO FILIPINO has tried to reach out to the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administrative Services (VCFAS) and the Finance Office about the tuition fee refund but they have not responded yet.

Student demands and administration response Universities such as Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) implemented the promotion en masse and automatic passing marks earlier in April, while some universities like the University of the Philippines (UP) opted for an alternative mode of grading to end the semester. However, DepEd disagreed with the proposition of mass promotion for there is no existing policy for it, said Education Secretary Leonor Briones.

In response to DepEd’s decision to continue the AY, mass organization National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) expressed their concerns and released the “5 Student Demands” on the issue of online learning last March. Some student leaders also took it to social media to organize online protests, asking for compassion and empathy for the students and teachers alike. #SuspendOnlineClasses,#WalangIwanan, #NoStudentLeftBehind, and other related hashtags were made trending by students from different schools and universities to elevate their voices.

Calls for online class suspension On March 18, Coalition of Concerned Lasallians (CCL) released a statement to suspend online classes due to problems students have such as unstable internet connection, unreliable mobile data, and lack of devices.

The statement also called to “ask the institution to be considerate to students who do not have the means to be able to complete their

assessments, some students do not even have proper devices that can help them to join video conferences and online classes.”

Additionally, College of Liberal Arts and Communications Student Government (CLACSG) appealed against the resumption of online classes through stating different student concerns as posted on their statement addressed to Vice Chancellor for Academics and Research (VCAR) on March 25.

Instead of continuing the online classes, CLACSG called for makeup classes “that are appropriate to the tuition and miscellaneous fees the that students paid for.”

Furthermore, La Salle college student publications made a joint statement on the conduct of academic directives about online classes, which was posted on April 19.

Lavoxa Group of Publications, Heraldo Filipino, Ang Pahayagang Plaridel, Malate Literary Folio, Benildean Press Corps, Benildean Yearbook Office, and The Spectrum writes that, “the dedication in building educational communities that demonstrate commitment to young people, especially those who are poor, for inclusivity will only be realized once we ensure that no student is left behind.”

On April 21, different La Salle student governments and organizations echoed the call for online class suspension along with ending the term and mass promotion.

As mobilized by One La Salle for Human Rights and Democracy

(OLSFHRD), student bodies from University of Saint La Salle (USLS), De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), De La Salle Lipa (DLSL), De La Salle Araneta University (DLSUA), DLSU-D, and De La Salle – Manila (DLSU-M) appealed to the entire Lasallian community in listening to the pleas of fellow citizens affected by the pandemic outbreak.

On May 5, the University Student Government (USG) High Court also issued a statement on the suspension of online classes and mass promotion, which addressed the review of academic directives issued by the Office of Vice Chancellor for Academics and Research (OVCAR).

Despite the calls for suspending online classes, the OVCAR pushed through using updated academic directives thought to address student concerns such as the inclusion of non-credit (NC) grade, as mentioned on the April 7 and April 30 memorandum.

However, for the incoming AY, OVCAR is introducing a new academic framework following a care-centered model as stated in their June 1 memo.

It will include self-care along with the other official activities, as a gesture of prioritizing wellbeing.

The pacing will also cater more inclusive time allotment, with modalities ranging from online to module-based learning, depending on the student’s available resources. Meanwhile, onsite classes will be coordinated and optional.

R E AC T

With the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, the University implemented precautionary measures on February 12, weeks after the virus came to light. Before the classes were suspended during the lockdown, we asked Lasallians if they agree, or disagree, on the effectiveness of the University’s initial precautionary measures against the virus.

In my own opinion, the precautionary measures [that] the University is implementing only works in various ways. Thus, I could say that it could be effective but not on the extent [that is] satisfying.

If the University have (sic) come to set their own standards of implementation, it could be effective.

But on the extent of it’s (COVID-19) requirements, I don’t think it’s met properly.

Nenita Rose Barte Second year Communication Arts

I think that the precautionary measures are effective such as the thermal scanners and face masks since the person will not be allowed inside the campus immediately if the temperature exceeds the normal. But I also think that there should be other measures since there are cases that (sic) the symptoms are not detected easily.

Dapat nung nabalitaan nila na meron [nang] virus na lumalaganap pina-implement agad nila hindi ‘yung kung kelan na dumating na sa Pinas ngayon lang sila gumawa ng action kase mostly [mga] Pinoy ngayon lang nila naisip gumawa ng action ‘pag too late na.

Fritz Gerard Ramos Fourth year Hotel and Restaurant Management

The precautionary measures were implemented late. Although they released a letter for the Chinese students’ quarantine earlier, the measures for the whole campus per se was implemented late. Some even say the thermal scanners aren’t even accurate.

Juliane Marion Andujar Fifth year Architecture

Freya Mae Hernandez First year Communication Arts

I believe it is effective despite how late they have implemented these precautionary measures.

In addition, I think they should also distribute free surgical face masks and [designate] hand sanitizers.”

I agree for [a] good purpose and for the safety of all students in the campus. Also they will [be] aware if the coronavirus [disease 2019] is already here in this place (University). As my experience in this place is very effective and the guards are very responsible to check first the student before entering the school.

Tristan Xavier General Second year Hotel and Restaurant Management

Gerald Chico First year Information Technology

I disagree that the current precautionary measures that the University is implementing is effective. I think that the only thing that they try to do is the thermal scanner which is not the only way to prevent the outbreak. It is good if there are alcohols or sanitizers in some areas in school like [what] other institutions follow.

However, I do appreciate the use of thermal scanner as assurance.

Lourdes Marian Andujar First year AB Psychology

I personally disagree. I don’t think that the thermal scanner is accurate in the first place but it’s nice that they’re trying to at least apply precautionary measures but I just wish they did more. For example, designate areas wherein you can properly disinfect with sufficient alcohol and soap. Giving away [face] masks would also be one way of adding precautionary measures.

Samantha Iris Garcia First year Communication Arts

I agree to these precautionary measures in the University because they just bring it for the sake of the University. They make sure that De La Salle University - Dasmarinas is a safe place. It also helped people to be more confident and to feel safe inside the campus.

I think it’s effective because it helps students to be more aware of what we are facing these days. I think it’s a right choice to do for each and everyone’s safety.

Carlos Emmanuel Anilou First year Information Technology

JANUARY - JULY 2020 | PAGE 5

N E W S F E AT U R E

VOLUME 34 DOUBLE ISSUE

Magsasaka sa gitna ng pakikibaka

by Jacinth Banite Photos by Rona Santarin Nanganganib na tuluyang maubos ang natitirang agricultural land sa Cavite kung magpapatuloy ang walang humpay na industriyalisasyon.

Ang mga magsasaka ng Lupang Ramos ay malaking bahagi ng laban para sa pagsulong ng agrikultura sa lalawigan.

Balik-tanaw sa unang yugto ng pakikibaka Nagsimula ang pakikibaka ng mga magsasaka sa Lupang Ramos sa Barangay Langkaan I, Dasmariñas, Cavite matapos balewalain ng mga nagmamay-ari ng naturang lupain ang kanilang karapatan bilang takapagkalinga ng nasabing lupain, sa kagustuhang gamitin ito sa komersyalisasyon.

Noong taong 2011, nagsumite ng mga dokumento ang Emerito M. Ramos & Sons Property (EMARSON) o ang real estate company ng may-ari ng lupa sa Supreme Court na nagmumungkahing converted umano ang nasabing lupa, taliwas sa tunay na kalagayan nito. Pinaburan naman ng korte ang mungkahi ng mga Ramos at naglabas ng finality order na nagsasabing sumailalim na nga sa land conversion ang lupain. Sa pamamagitan ng pag-buo ng isang organisasyon, Katipunan ng mga Lehitimong Masasaka at Mamamayan sa Lupang Ramos (KASAMA-LR), naglabas ng petisyon ang mga magsasaka sa kadahilanang wala umanong total development na isinagawa sa property ng Lupang Ramos at hindi rin dumaan sa ligal na paraan ang naturang mga dokumento na isinumete sa Korte Suprema. Wala umanong nakarating na pagbibigay alam o notice of acquisition sa hanay nila kaugnay ng naging desisyon ng korte.

Bilang tugon, umapila ang samahan sa pamamagitan ng pagsumite ng isang opposition paper sa Department of Agrarian Report (DAR) noong 2017 na nagmumungkahi na ipawalang bisa o iurong ang finality order na inilabas ng korte. Ngunit ayon kay Rosalinda Atienza, isa sa mga nangunguna sa samahan, dahil pinal at opisyal ang ano mang desisyon mula sa Korte Suprema at may bisa ito ng sampung taon, hindi naging madali ang proseso ng pagpapaurong sa nasabing desisyon.

“Ang sinabi ng abogado namin, hindi daw revocation ang gagawin, kundi ibabalik dapat sa DAR ang desisyon.”

Kaugnay nito, bumuo umano ng special task force unit ang DAR upang imbestigahan ang tunay na kalagayan ng Lupang Ramos. Sa kasalukuyan, sumasailalim na sa deliberasyon ang kaso ngunit hindi umano alam ng samahan kung hanggang kailan ipapaalam sa kanila ang desisyon. “Ang pinanghahawakan nalang namin sa ngayon … alin ang mauuna, ‘yung deliberation [ng kaso] o yung tapos ng desisyon ng supreme court … sa September 2021.”

Pagtuloy sa nasimulan Hindi pa man natatapos ang unos na matagal nang kinakaharap ng mga magsasaka ng Lupang Ramos, isang pagsubok muli mula sa local government ang kinailangan harapin ng mga kasapi ng KASAMA-LR. Nais umanong makuha ng lokal na pamahalaan ang malaking bahagi ng lupa upang ibigay sa kompanyang Ayala Land. Layunin umano nitong magsagawa ng industrial development sa naturang lupain. “Kasi may kini-claim ang local government na almost 100.4 hectares daw … pero talaga yung lupa na iyon … sa titulo, nakapangalan yan kay Emerito Ramos.”

Tinatayang nasa 372 hektarya ang kabuuang sukat ng Lupang Ramos at pangunahing bumubuhay sa tinatayang 500 pamilya. Samantala, duda naman ang mga miyembro ng KASAMA-LR sa tunay na Layunin ng local government at ng Ayala Land. Ayon sa kanila, nagkaroon umano ng hindi matagumpay na joint venture project sa pagitan ng Ayala Land at ng mga Ramos na maaring umanong magtulak sa nasabing kompanya na lapitan ang lokal na pamahalaan para mabawi ang binayaran na porsiyon ng lupa.

Samantala, sa huling pakikipag-usap ng KASAMA-LR kay Mayor Jennifer Barzaga, sinabi umano nito na hindi naman babalewalain ng lokal na pamahalaan ang desisyon at kagustuhan ng mga mamayan ng Lupang Ramos. Umaasa naman ang samahan na mapanghahawakan ang naturang salita mula sa alkalde.

Kasabay naman ng patuloy na pakikibaglaban sa karapatan, kabi-kabila umano ang ibinabato sa kanilang batikos patungkol sa layunin ng samahan. “Nagkakaroon ng red-tagging sa amin … ibig sabihin ipinapalabas na ang aming samahan ay grupo ng NPA (New People’s Army).” Kaugnay nito, dumaan na sa survey at imbestigasyon ang pamayanan sa loob ng Lupang Ramos sa ilalim ng Commission on Human Rights (CHR), ngunit wala umanong nakita na ano mang armas o kontrabando na magpapatunay nasabing alegasyon tungkol sa kanila.

Ang pagnanasa sa lupa ay nagdulot rin ng pagkabuklod sa samahan ng KASAMA-LR. Kaugnay ng pagdating ng samu’t saring alok at pag-angkin sa lupain, kalahati sa dating mga miyembro ng organisasyon ay sumang-ayon na ibigay na lamang ang hinihinging parte ng lupain. “Ang sinasabi nila sa amin … maghati nalang tayo [noong dumating ang Ayala] para may perang tayong paghatian”. Hindi naman ito sinang-ayunan ng karamihan sa mga kasapi ng samahan, sanhi upang magkaroon na ng dibisyon sa lupang kanilang sinasakahan.

Ang paggamit ng dahas ay likas na umanong estratehiya ng mga nais kumamkam ng lupa mula sa samahan.

Ang pagkakaroon ng banta sa kanilang buhay ay hindi naging dahilan upang sumuko ang mga magsasaka sa pagkikipaglaban. Tinutukan ng baril, nilagyan ng galos ang mukha at katawan, sinubukang takutin upang tumiwalag sa samahan, ngunit kahit isa sa mga paraang ito ay hindi naging matagumpay laban sa bisa ng kanilang pinaglalaban.

“Kasi ang amin lang naman…yung lupa, mapaunlad na sakahan, kaya kung pagtanim man sila, okay lang ‘yun … huwag lang building ang ilagay nila.”

Ipagpatuloy ang laban, yan ang ibinigay na sagot ng KASAMA-LR matapos tanungin kung ano ba ang susunod nilang hakbang kaugnay ng pakikibaka nila para sa karapatan. Sa kabila ng patuloy na opresiyon sa mga magsasaka, hindi matitinag ang mga samahan na ipaglaban at iparinig ang sarili nilang boses. “Kung yung noong

araw kaya [nilang] lokohin ang mga magsasaka … puro putik ang makikita ninyo sa katawan, ngayon hindi na, edukado na ang mga magsasaka ngayon, hindi niyo na kayang lokohin,” huling tugon ni Rosalinda Atienza. *** Ang storyang ito ay ayon sa panayam namin noong nakaraang Marso. Sa huling pakikipag-usap namin sa mga magsasaka ng Lupang Ramos, ang komunidad na namamalagi roon ay naging ligtas naman sa panahon ng pandemya dahil sa kanilang ani at sa tulong ng mga taga-suporta.

SPECIAL REPORT

JANUARY - JULY 2020 | PAGE 6

VOLUME 34 DOUBLE ISSUE

The true color of red-tagging What the war on critics has to do with misinformed Lasallians Red-tagging brought about a deadly chain of events, from name-callings to death threats. As Filipinos face closer danger from red-tagging that perpetuates violence, not even students, apathetics, and the youth are spared—which led The HERALDO FILIPINO to look into how red-tagging excuses state-induced violence and how it misinforms DLSU-D students in particular, through a red-tagging incident reported to us in November 2019.

It is defined as the harassment or persecution of an individual associated with the ideals of communists and known or suspected communist sympathies. Although, in the Philippine context, it is now used to describe activists and human rights defenders to treat them as “rebels”.

Mass organizations, humanitarian groups, and known overnment critics are being lumped with communists, seen as leftists who manipulate the youth. And recently, due to the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, they are now dubbed as terrorists or at least conspiring to commit terrorism.

Red-tagging as excuse to silence opposition The increasing influence of red-tagging led to alarming consequences in our democracy. An early example of dangerous red-tagging in President Duterte’s regimen was the raid of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group 6 (CIDG-6) at Bacolod City on October 31 last year.

As a result, 62 activists were nabbed from the offices of Bayan Muna party-list, Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU), Gabriela, and Negros Federation of Sugar Workers (NFSW). All of them were openly accused of being a front for communist operations.

On November 23 of the same year, another progressive group faced arrests for vandalism and for allegedly interfering in police duties. Four Panday Sining members, one of them a minor, were nabbed during the aftermath of the Bonifacio Day rally by the Manila Police District (MPD) Intelligence Division, who were reportedly not in uniform while manhandling the activists.

The arbitrary abduction and arrest of these people who are from red-tagged organizations have sparked the anger of fellow human rights defenders who then took it to the streets to fight for their release. The imprisonment of ‘Tacloban 5’ also incited the same clamor from the masses.

Since then, the continuous red-tagging in our country evolved into “terror-tagging,” effectively utilized by the Anti-terrorism Law (ATL), making arbitrary abduction and arrest legal.

Red-tagging in DLSU-D? With red-tagging happening nationwide, there is no exception within our grassroots. So far as reported, incidents of red-tagging within campus only came from external forces who visited the school grounds to warn the student population about said “terrorists and communists.”

Last year on November 23, the 267th Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Unit (NROTCU) conducted a seminar titled “Counter Strike”, which tackled countering terrorism in the Philippines. It was

described as “a five hour seminar that focuses on counter terrorism, counter measures, and strategies for such cases.”

The guest speakers were from Cavite Provincial Mobile Force Company (CPMFC), coming in accordance with their program “Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo”. In the seminar, they briefly discussed the consequences of being involved with drugs and then talked about various aspects of terrorism.

The speakers made comparisons between terrorists, mass organizations, and universities, eventually mentioning Cavite State University, “May kilala kayo doon? Nakapasok na doon, may nagra-rally na do’n.”

While discussing schools with “terrorists”, CPMFC talked about The HERALDO FILIPINO saying, “Mayroong part sa Heraldo na mga negatives ang binabalita. Kaunti lang ‘yung competent. Ganyan sila, paunti-unti. ‘Di natin masasabi. Mayroon sa inyo (DLSU-D). Di ba?

Nakakatakot ba? Syempre aware na kayo ngayon.”

Red-tagging Liberal Lasallians During the Counter Strike seminar, the College of Liberal Arts and Communication (CLAC) was also mentioned. The speakers described the college as “malalawak [ang isip]” and was generalized as “media”.

Rocina shared his own observation, “Parang kino-connote mo na pag malalaya, kasi malalayang sining, media kaagad,” saying that exchange of ideas often happen in liberal colleges for their programs revolve around philosophy, communication, and the likes.

CLAC Student Government President Charliemagne Asuncion responded that “sa pagkakabanggit nila, tila nagmumukang threat ‘yung mga estudyante namin sa CLAC sa mga bagay na siguro hindi nila nais namin malaman.”

She also explained that CLAC students have always been knowledgeable and vocal on social issues which is why they often leave a strong impression in the society, “Our students fight for what we think is right, what we think is just,” Asuncion added.

Campus security The alarming statements from CPMFC were falsified as confirmed

by General Services Office (GSO) Director Nathaniel Golla during an interview, “There is no verified terrorist in the campus.”

He also elaborated the measures in place to prevent all lawless elements from entering the University unless invited in, saying that there are protocols for security like disallowed entry in the campus without a valid ID. Golla stated that their office “record(s) everyone who goes in and goes out,” and has “a curfew policy in place”. There are also “special security personnel trained in close-quarter battle in case of a(n) active shooter incident and security personnel are trained in bomb detection.”

GSO reassured that the school are partners with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Furthermore, they are closely monitoring people who pose a threat outside the University in order to keep them out.

Terrors of Anti-terrorism law On July 3 this year, as a repeal for the Human Security Act of 2007, the Anti-terrorism Law was signed after its railroading within the legislative branch. Even before its third and final reading, Filipinos and international organizations voiced out concerns on the vague definition of terrorism in this law, which leads back to the danger of red-tagging.

Under this unconstitutional law, anyone who will propose, incite, conspire, and participate in the planning, training, preparation, and facilitation of a terrorist act, or supports and recruits for the terrorists is punishable by 12 years to a life sentence of imprisonment without parole and bail.

Sections of this law also justified warrantless arrests, 14 to 24 days of detention despite baseless cases, and unannounced 60 to 90 days surveillance on “suspected” terrorists. Additionally, the provision from the 2007 version, which awards a sum of P500,000 per day of wrongful detention was removed.

Signing of ATL threatens to weaponize red-tagging, making it easier and more legal to criminalize acts of progressive Filipinos.

Insights from professors Social Sciences Department (SSD) Professor Jose Rocina distinguished an activist from a communist, “Kasi pag activist ka kasi sumasali ka sa mga rally, eh minsan ‘yang pagra-rally na yan ina-identify nila as ano [action] ng communist. Minsan ‘yung mga activist antipresident or anti-politician lang sila. ‘Di ba ayaw mo kay Duterte? Punta ka sa lansangan, mag-mobilize ka ng mga tao mo.”

Moreover, SSD Professor Mark Aspra shared, “I think the sad fact is if you are a student and you are inquisitive and you have an inquiring mind, you are branded as communist, terrorist and radical.”

Message for DLSU-D Students During his interview, Aspra concluded that every student should question all aspects of society, requesting the government to thank activists, for it is them who study our society. He also said that students of DLSU-D should read and analyze, keeping themselves updated on current global and local issues.

He insisted that the “University is not only a repository of human knowledge” and that “it should produce leaders.”

JANUARY - JULY 2020 | PAGE 7

VOLUME 34 DOUBLE ISSUE

JANUARY - JULY 2020 | PAGE 8

OPINION

VOLUME 34 DOUBLE ISSUE

EDITORIAL

Stronger police power doesn’t mean better justice system

The delicate matters of the state hang on the decisions of elected officials and yet the essence of

the republic lies in the people governed. The railroading of Anti-Terrorism Bill, which threatens the state’s

democracy, invoked the rage of Filipinos who saw its blatant disregard for their human rights and the Constitution.

It is safe to say that the Filipino people have identified the flaws of our previous normal lives within

monthslong of quarantine. After a series of alarming attacks on our democracy—such as the ABS-CBN

shutdown, the mass arrests of starving innocents, and the increasing death toll of known government critics—here comes the push for Senate Bill 1083, otherwise known as “Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020.”

As a repeal to Human Security Act of 2007, ATB aims to provide a “stronger legal backbone” that will

support the country’s actions against terrorism. With its vague definition of what qualifies as terrorism and

who qualifies as a terrorist, no one is safe from abuse of power. To further complete its draconian imagery, some described this new bill as “more teeth” for HSA.

The Anti-Terrorism Bill’s definition of terrorism implies that anyone and everyone can be a terrorist.

It does not only encourage terror-tagging but it also easily endangers normal citizens unnecessarily.

According to the bill itself, anyone who will propose, incite, conspire, and participate in the planning, training,

preparation, and facilitation of a terrorist act, or supports and recruits for the terrorists is punishable by 12 years to a life sentence of imprisonment without parole and bail.

If this bill becomes law, it will justify warrantless arrests, 14 days of detention (extendable by 10

more days) even without concrete cases, 60 to 90 days of surveillance unbeknownst to the “suspected”

terrorist (wiretapping, monitoring of social media accounts and electronic devices, etc.), and the bestowment

of absolute power to the AFP-PNP (under the Anti-Terrorrism Council and the Executive branch) in what constitutes as the enemy.

Here is where the vagueness becomes dangerous for the populace. ATB’s unconstitutionality

infringes on the right to due process, right to privacy of communication and correspondence, right of the

The ideal woman

people to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances, the right of the people to be

secure in their persons, houses, papers and effects against warrantless and unreasonable arrests, and the due delegation of powers.

This terror bill is a facade for counterterrorism and its purpose is not to serve the Filipino people—but to silence them. Its ambition is to kill dissent because state terrorists fear the voices that expose the truth of injustice.

In 2019, human rights group KARAPATAN confirmed that there are estimatedly a thousand cases

of petty crimes filed on activists, which resulted in 604 of them jailed. Also, some journalists from Cagayan

de Oro who supported ABS-CBN’s franchise renewal were branded as “communist-terrorists.” It is no secret that critics are especially susceptible to be accused of “conspiring to commit terrorism” with this

bill. The lightening of penalties for law enforcers along with the removal of the P500,000 reparation per

detention day for anyone wrongfully accused of terrorism, gives way to stronger police power but weaker safeguarding rights.

History taught us to be vigilant. We know better than letting this terror bill mirror the horrors of the

Marcos dictatorship.

This terror bill is a facade for counterterrorism and its purpose is not to serve the Filipino people—but

to silence them. Its ambition is to kill dissent because state terrorists fear the voices that expose the truth of injustice.

The effectiveness of this bill will create a life of its own, which will further erode our democracy when

abused by authorities. It might just be the harbinger of countless human rights violations, the likes that the EDSA People Power Revolution fought against and maybe even worse.

As a notable takeaway from Ynot vs IAP goes, “the strength of democracy lies not in the rights it

guarantees but in the courage of the people to invoke them whenever they are ignored or violated.”

Therefore, we, as Filipinos, shall defend ourselves from its oppressors, wielding our rights as

protection against weaponized bills that may rain hell on dissenters. In the name of democracy, we shall demand that the terror bill be declared unconstitutional and rendered void.

Resist as one.

The Official Student Publication of De La Salle University-Dasmariñas Founded: June 1985 Member, College Editors Guild of the Philippines

It’s easy to think we’ve already shattered the mold women are forced to fit into, but if asked, we all still share the same idea of what an ideal woman should feel, sound, and look like. Her hair is elegant and shiny; her smile is perfect, white, and gleaming. She is productive but not visibly overworked, determined but carefree. Her body is conventionally perfect, or if not yet, her dimension revolves around the goal and the process of getting there.

We fundamentally assume that there is only one proper way for a woman to live and this has made an environment that both magnifies and diminishes women. This is why the pressure to achieve certain goals to become more ladylike exists under the guise of “self-care”. Although it is not wrong to prioritize ourselves, this idea is actually just a rebrand of the same old things we are told in women and health magazines (“Get in shape” is now “Be your healthiest”) to sound more progressive. This situation is a lot worse in the digital era, now that there are plethoras of actual “influencers” with an open narrative and perfect persona telling you how to live your life. They make us feel like we devote to detox and skincare for ourselves, when in reality, the market, the consumers, and the people around us know we are all doing this to stay radiant for whoever society thinks we do it for, like the husband waiting for us at home or in the future.

Whether or not we’re doing all of these for ourselves burrows a deep question, and a lot deeper, on why we keep doing it. If you think about it, only a small percentage of women are meant to be optimal to this “become your best” system, because many people

even struggle to be good in the first place. This pursuit is therefore impossible—and it is meant to be that way.

In The Beauty Myth, Naomi Wolfe wrote about how women are held to a higher level of standards over which we have no control of. There are three things a woman needs to believe to enlive this myth, she furthered. First, we think that beauty is a “legitimate and necessary qualification for a woman’s rise in power.” Second, we convince ourselves that we have overcome the beauty standard’s reliance on chance and discrimation, but of progress and hard work. Third,

If old tales found the heart of women at the palm of subservience, now is a good time to find strength of women in defiance

we think that beauty is gained along with power.

Achievements, in reality, do not liberate women from the haunting expectations, in fact, they tie them down inseparably.

This births an unbreakable cycle of women wanting to be their “ideal” selves motivated by the cliche “be yourself”, which actually underlies the truth we whispher ourselves: I want to be myself, yes, but that certain self that society wants is not me quite yet— so I have to work hard to be that self. The cycle, then, is now larger than a beauty myth, as it becomes an irrational lifestyle myth.

Then again, this is still a prologue to the singular story society wrote for women. The longer

EDITORIAL BOARD AY 2019-2020 Kelsey V. Telo, Editor in Chief Rose Kristine A. Amarillo, Managing Director Gerardine Fatima M. Alcala, Office Supervisor Stephanie Ann N. Arreza, In charge, Graphics and Layout Marco R. Belarmino, Art Director Jean S. Quinto, Photo Coordinator Dean Jeffer Xyre M. Rivera, In charge, Video SENIOR STAFF Casvel Teresa Lopez, Sheka Ignaco, Patrik Aboy, Justin Andrei Dabuet, and Jacinth Banite JUNIOR STAFF Ralf Dugan, William Constante, Aprilean Octavo, Beatriz Cordero, Emmanuel Esmilla, Patricia Recaña, Ahmad Mahusay, Lean Jane Pantorilla, Ma. Victoria Busine, Pia Romasanta, Kayla Nicole De Quiroz, Shekynah Angelene Samadan, Rachelle Ann Calaustro, and Patrick Jayson Basco.

Dr. Lakandupil C. Garcia, Adviser The HERALDO FILIPINO has its editorial office at Room 120, Gregoria Montoya Hall (Administration Building)w De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, Cavite, Philippines 4115.

Telephone: +63 2 8447832, +63 46 416 4531 local 3063 Email: heraldofilipino@dlsud.edu.ph Website: www.heraldofilipino.com Contributions, comments, suggestions, and signed letters should be addressed to the Editor in Chief.

Entrance exam fee for priority programs becomes free for incoming freshmen.

chapters belong to the husband that’s waiting for us, who actually, is painted as the husband we are dying to meet. I’ve always wondered why the institution of marriage, especially in films, is deemed much more personal to women than it is to men (in a husband-and-wife setting), and why a woman’s narrative has three main components: children, husband, and home. These terms are usually expressed and rooted to the kind of happiness attainable through pathways built for us.

But as these conventions keep a woman closer to society, these are the same conventions that keep a woman distant from her true self.

Women, however, are not complete victims to this system with the generation of women working to fight and break free from the shackles of these standards and myths. Rebellion from the “ideal” is the first step to turn the table around and confront the impossible standards imposed upon us. We need to remember that the narrative handed to us is not necessarily the narrative we should partake in. If old tales found the heart of women at the palm of subservience, now is a good time to find strength of women in defiance, and break free from the binds that define us as wonder, pretty, and little women only.

The ideal woman doesn’t exist because “there is no good way to being a woman,” Rebecca Solnit wrote in the essay The Mother of All Questions. “The art may instead lie in how we refuse the question.”

The ideal woman doesn’t exist not because there is no way to become one. The ideal woman doesn’t exist because we refuse to adhere to what is expected of us, and we defy the idea that we improve ourselves for the others, from the assumption that every woman’s action is motivated by a larger mechanism other than herself.

YOLO

“Sayang! Bakit hindi ko pa ginawa ‘yon?”

Nabanggit mo na ba itong linyang ito sa buong buhay mo? Nakaramdam ka na ba kailanman ng kahit kakarampot na panghihinayang? May mga pagkakataon ka na bang pinalipas dahil sa ayaw mo lang, o dahil alam mong makaksama sa iyo ito, o dahil may iba pang personal na rason? Sigurado ako, oo.

Nakakapang-hinayang nga naman kapag may mga bagay na hindi ka nagawa o kapag may oportunidad kang hindi kinuha. Katulad na lang kapag may isa kang sapatos na nakita sa isang store at nagda-dalawang isip ka kung bibilhin mo na o hindi. Gustong-gusto mo ‘yong sapatos at may pera ka naman panggastos, pero iniisip mo na baka impulsive buying lang iyon. Sinabi mo sa sarili mo na babalikan mo na lang iyon pero pagbalik mo, nabili na pala iyon ng iba. Sayang di ba? “Sana hindi na ako nag-dalawang isip at binili ko na lang iyong gustonggusto kong sapatos” at kung anu-ano pang maraming naiisip mula sa pagsisi.

Isa pang halimbawa ay niyaya ka ng iyong mga kaibigan na magkaroon ng selebrasyon dahil nakapasa kayo sa eksaminasyon ngunit hindi ka sumama dahil naiisip mo, hindi ka papayagan ng iyong magulang kahit

hindi mo pa naman sinusubukang magpaalam dahil may mga pagkakataong ganito na ang mga nangyayari.

Umuwi ka ng bahay at pinaalam sa magulang mo tungkol sa imbitasyon ng kaibigan mo at sinabi nilang papayagan ka naman nila basta magpaalam ka lang.

Sayang di ba? “Sana nagpaalam na lang agad ako para nakasama pa sana ako.”

Sana ganito, sana ganiyan. Sana. Maraming sana ang dapat ay natupad ngunit nauwi ang mga ito sa sayang.

Ayon sa isang pag-aaral ng World Health

Araw-araw ay may bago tayong oportunidad na mabuhay, kumilos, makaramdam.

Organization noong 2018, ang haba ng buhay ng isang Pilipino ay 66 taong gulang para sa mga lalaki at 73 taong gulang para sa mga babae, mas mahaba kumpara sa mga alagang nating aso (13 taon) o pusa (15 taon). At hindi katulad ng sinasabi nila tungkol sa mga pusa na siyam na buhay, tayong mga tao ay may iisa lang.

SEP requirements despite quarantine.

Kung aabot man tayo sa nasabing edad, sapat na kaya iyon para magawa natin ang lahat ng gusto nating gawin sa buhay? Sa bilis ng panahong ngayon, mapapasabi ka na lang ng YOLO—you only live once. At dahil dito, maiisip mong isa lang ang buhay mo kaya gagawin o na lahat ng gusto mong gawin sa mundo habang humihinga ka pa. Sa kabilang banda ay iniisip ng ibang tao na ang katagang iyon ay negatibo sapagkat pag ginawa mo lahat, iisipin nila na magiging reckless at wild ka na. Sa ibang aspeto, sa tingin ko ang ibig sabihin nito ay gawin mo lahat ng gusto mong gawin ngunit hindi dapat mawala sa isip mo ang responsibilidad mo bilang isang disiplinadong tao at mamamayan ng bansa. Nang sa gayon, magagawa mo ang mga gusto mong gawin at magiging masaya ka nang walang maaapektuhang ibang tao. “Many people are going to watch you so make it worth while.”

Kung ako naman ang tatanungin ay hindi ako sang-ayon sa YOLO. Bakit? Kasi we live every single day and we only die once. Araw-araw ay may bago tayong oportunidad na mabuhay, kumilos, makaramdam.

Araw-araw ay may bago tayong oportunidad na makaranas ng bagong karanasan, makakilala ng mga tao at makagawa ng bagong kaibigan. Araw-araw ay may bago tayong oportunidad na matupad natin ang layunin natin sa buhay.

Ngayon, ito ang tanong ko, ano ang mas pagsisisihan mo, ang mga bagay na ginawa mo o ang mga bagay na hindi mo ginawa?

COVID-19 health and security measures were implemented in the campus before and during the lockdown.

OPINION

JANUARY - JULY 2020 | PAGE 9

VOLUME 34 DOUBLE ISSUE

The reality of neutrality who’s in favor of a particular perspective and who’s not.

a sign of resistance against the Spaniards who were

more aware of what is happening around us, not just

a student publication after all. These are a few thoughts

At the same time, there are people who does not give

trying to invade our country. Our fascination was just

in our country but also around world. By the time

that came to my mind, and I believe it’s not just me

any sh*t about anything. Those people are either scared

borne out of pure admiration, thinking how bravely

we finish college, our perspective becomes wider, we

who has questioned this idea. But there is learning in

of expressing their opinions online due to cyberbullying

they were fighting those conquerors. And as we take

are able to distinguish real truths from real lies, or in

the streets—from people I meet in the protest. And it

and other forms of online harassment, or they are just

steps each year, it’s likely for us to move forward as we

other words, we become educated. Well, at least that

struck me, after listening to their story, I did my own

is the case for you and I. As you read this newspaper

analysis weighing all the given information around and

you are privileged enough to be able to acquire such

came into a conclusion.

Looking away is equal to being siding with

those people who are okay with everything—otherwise

the oppressor–a reality that many of us are denying

known as the neutrals, or those who would rather stay

ourselves. A lot has happened in these past few months,

in the gray area. In a time when resistance is obligated,

it’s as if the universe is punishing us from the destruction

it’s easy to be mad with people like them. But why is

we brought and created on the planet, such as climate

there such a kind of thinking in the first place?

issues and the war that has been going on ever since the

Back in elementary school, our teacher taught us

year 2020 has started. Such as the almost World War

about how Lapu-Lapu bravely fought and protected

III and the war within each and every country.

the Island of Mactan from the Spaniards. And up until

People are restless. We want something new, something to do, we want change. But only a few put action into it.

and demanding change. And change happens because some people took risks and spoke truth to power.

It matters that there are people who call out

We want something new, something to do, we want

accountable. If not, oppression would be a lot easier

change. But only a few put action into it. And that I

for tyrants than it already is. Anna Baltzer, an activist

think is a great reason for why being involved matters.

and author for Palestinian rights, said that neutrality

In my life of being a student journalist, I did

is a convenient illusion. Especially now, being neutral

But as we grow and start finishing the secondary

come to a point where I questioned myself, Why the hell

shouldn’t be a choice for people who have the access

and undergraduate studies, we become more critical

do we even bother covering these rallies? Why do we care so

and platform. Sometimes, what we just need is a good

land against those conquerors. As young children just

the fences—but for those who don’t have the privilege,

learning about this part of history, many of us dreamt

take on another lesson in history and forgot the roots

fighting is the only way through.

or at least imagined to be part of that historical Battle

of our freedom.

huge in history.

Even when it’s easier to do nothing, these

injustices, watch rights abuses, and hold authorities

now, we are still truly grateful for him in defending our

setting, I look at the social media accounts of many

People we know historically, the ones we read in the newspaper and see on the television are the people

people marched in the streets because they’re expecting

for whatever their personal reason is. People are restless.

For many of us who aren’t directly affected by

of Mactan, just for the idea of being part of something

do not possess or do not have any means for.

who stand for their own belief, who commit to a cause

all the crises happening around us, it’s easy to sit on

Here in our country, in a far more familiar

information, facts, and data that some people your age

Filipinos, you can almost easily distinguish which side

But of course, in the mind of a grade school kid,

to what is happening around us. We start to question

much about these people? Why can’t we just cover the things

pair of ears that will listen, and a sense of humanity to

they are on. The divide is very evident that you can tell

you would not actually think that those actions were

every action as to why people do so. We become

that are happening inside the university? I mean we’re just

fight for those who cannot.

WITBREAD

EDUKALIDAD O ‘LANAKALIDAD ni Lakandupil C. Garcia Sa Agosto 24, 2020 itinakda ng Kagawaran ng Edukasyon (DepEd) ang pagbubukas

ng klase para sa taong pampaaralang 2020-2021, alinsunod sa itinatadhana ng batas. Ngayon

lamang, mula nang makaugaliang Hunyo ang pasukan, mangyayari ito dahil sa pandemyang

bunga ng COVID-19. Maganda at dakila ang layuning huwag matigil ang patuloy na pag-aaral ng

kabataang Pilipino. Gayunman, hindi sapat ang layunin upang maging ganap na tagumpay ang

isang hakbangin. Marapat lamang na kung ang edukasyon ay para sa lahat, ang edukasyon kung gano’n, ay dapat na maaabot at pantay-pantay na makakamit ng lahat. Ang motto ng DepEd

ay “edukalidad” (edukasyong may kalidad), ngunit kung magiging padalos-dalos, malamang na mauwi ito sa “’lanakalidad” (wala nang kalidad).

Hahatiin ko ang artikulong ito ayon sa mga learning modes na mungkahi ng DepEd: radio-

based learning, television-based learning, online learning at ang module-based learning.

Ang RADYO sa PAGTUTURO?

NARIRINIG kong handa na raw ang mga guro upang turuan ang mga batang maralita

poorest of the poor sa darating na Agosto 24 sa pamamagitan ng RADYO!!!

Ngayon naman ay ang tinaguriang “idiot box” (Bakit? Itanong n’yo na lamang sa mga

taga-DepEd).

Hindi ko tinututulan ang paggamit ng radyo at TV bilang gamit pampagtuturo (teaching

aid), ang TINUTUTULAN KO ay ang PAGPALIT NG TV sa FACE-TO-FACE TEACHING.

Ayon sa DepEd, dahil ayaw ng Pangulo sa siksikang klase, hindi na raw kailangang

magkita-kita ang guro at ang kanyang klase pagkat may TV naman. Kung ang radyo ay salat dahil

walang aspektong biswal, sa TV mayroon! Lalo pa’t Smart TV ang nasa sala n’yo, aba’y lalong mainam! (kayâ?)

Uulitin ko, kung teaching aid ang TV, pasado! Pero kung ipapalit sa guro, bagsak! Magalit

man ang NTC, noon pa man ay may mga programa nang tulad ng Sineskwela ang ABS-CBN. Mabisa, makulay at magandang panoorin! Sabihin man nating nagtuturo ito, pero HINDI PA RIN

ng klasrum dahil sa physical distancing.

Dahil DepEd ang promoter nito, mauunawaan nilang tiyak ang pagkakaiba ng PAGTUTURO

at PAGKAKLASE. Alin po ba ang layunin natin sa dalawa?

Kung PAGTUTURO, mabuti ngunit SALAT ang pagtuturo sa pamamagitan ng radyo. Sa

limang (5) makrong kasanayan: pakikinig, pagsasalita, pagsulat, pagbasa, at panonood—tanging pakikinig at pagsulat (marahil) lamang ang magagawa sa ganitong sitwasyon! Malinaw na WALANG BISWAL na kasanayang magaganap! Paano kaya ituturo ng guro ang simpleng pormula sa Math? Paano mauunawan ng bata ang ganda ng banyuhay (metamorphosis) sa Agham? At paano niya uunawain ang kilos ng mga mananayaw sa tugtuging Maglalatik sa araling Filipino?

Kung PAGKAKLASE naman, HIGIT NA SALAT at KAKATWA! Sa tunay na senaryong

pangklase, nariyan ang pagtatanong at pagsagot. Paano kung sa pagsasalita ng guro sa radyo

ay may NAIS ITANONG ANG BATANG NAKIKINIG, POSIBLE BA IYON? Paano kung sa gitna ng

lektyur (dahil iyon lang naman ang magagawa ng guro sa radyo), ay maiiihi o madudumi ang bata, pwede ba siyang mag-”May I go out”? At kung hindi na niya mapigil, at umalis nga siya, paano ang HINDI NIYA NARINIG na bahagi ng lektyur?

MALINAW NA HINDI PAGKAKLASE ang nagaganap kundi simpleng pagsasalin ng

karunungan (transfer of learning) lamang! Bakit? Dahil sa KAWALAN NG FEEDBACK mula sa mga batang tinuturuan.

Ang TV... bow!!!

magbasa.

At noon pa rin, kapag sa oras ng exam ay nagtanong ka sa katabi mo, SUSPENSION ang

katapat mo! Eh ngayon, magtanong ka man sa syota mo, sa buong lahi mo, at kahit pa sa mga kainuman mo at iyon ang isagot mo, COLLABORATION ‘yun bata!

Totoong mabisang gamit panturo ang internet. Ngunit hanggang dito lamang sana. Hindi

pa rin ito pwedeng ipalit sa aktuwal na klase.

Hindi ko na idaragdag pa ang paulit-ulit nang problema (na wala pang solusyon tiyak

hanggang Agosto 24): mabagal na koneksyon, limitadong access sa buong bansa, mahal na installation, magastos na computer (dahil dapat latest version) at marami pang iba.

Para sa akin, ang pinakamasamang ibubunga nito ay ang PAGLAKI NG AGWAT NG

NAGKAKLASE. Naroon lahat ang mga makrong kasanayan, ngunit ARTIPISYAL at ARBITRARYO

KAALAMAN ng mayayamang may laptop, smart phones at internet laban sa mga maralitang TV

para matiyak na natuto nga ang batang nanonood. Muli, transfer of learning lang ang nagaganap.

mangyayaring pag-aaral online, samantalang usad-pagong ang sa pamamagitan lang ng mga

ang pagkatuto. Wala pa rin ang interaksyon, eksaminasyon at balidasyon na lubhang kailangan Ang masakit pa, tulad ng radyo, hindi ko maisip sa araw-araw kung PAANO ANG

ISKEDYUL ng mga klaseng panonoorin ayon sa baitang ng mga bata. Halimbawa, sa normal na

klase, ilang oras sa isang araw ang pagpasok ng Kinder? ng Elem? ng JHS? ng SHS? Mahalaga ito dahil halimbawa, ilang oras at anong oras sa TV ipalalabas ang pang-Kinder, ang pang-Elem at iba

Hindi sapat ang layunin upang maging ganap na tagumpay ang isang hakbangin.

Ito raw ang sagot ng DepEd upang patuloy na matuto ang mga batang walang internet

access, hindi kayang bumili ng gadget at nasa mga liblib na lugar upang hindi na dumalo sa loob

inisip nating mabuti, ang ganitong sistema ang waring pumatay sa sigasig ng mga bata para

pa? Sa umaga ba ang Kinder at sa hapon ang Elem? Eh araw-araw ito! Kaya, mga anong oras pa maipapasok ang JHS at SHS (sa gabi at madaling-araw)? Masakit yata sa ulo yan!

Isabay pa rin ang katotohanang HINDI LAHAT NG PANIG NG PILIPINAS ay naaabot ng TV

signal! Lalo pa ngayon na wala (pansamantala) ang tanging channel na nasasagap ng kanilang mga TV sa maraming tagong lugar sa kapuluan, paano na?

Sa ayaw at sa gusto ng DepEd, magkakaroon ng malaking kabawasan sa pagkatuto ang

mga batang TV at RADYO LANG ang gamit dahil iniiwasan ang FACE-TO-FACE teaching.

ONLINE CLASS ... para sa “new normal” o baka naman ABNORMAL!!!

Kapwa hindi sapat para sa akin ang dalawang naunang mode of learning para ipalit sa

tunay na senaryong pangklase. Siguro naman, pasado na sa akin ang online class. Simulan muna natin sa kuwento...

Noong nag-aaral pa ako sa publikong paaralan (sa Tundo po ako lumaki), malinaw sa

aking kapag bumagsak ako sa quiz, bagsak na. Bumawi na lang sa susunod. Ngayon, dahil sa

lang o radyo (baka nga minsan, parehong wala) ang meron. TINITIYAK KO, lubhang mabilis ang modyul, TV at/o radyo.

Nasaan ang pagkakapantay-pantay? Nasaan ang hustisya?

ANG MGA (minamadaling) MODYUL

Ayon pa rin kay Sec. Briones, sa mga hindi makakabili ng gadget at/o laptop, walang internet

sa bahay o kung meron man, pero mahina ang signal... huwag malungkot! Dahil? Mamumudmod

daw po ng LIBRENG MODYUL SA BAWAT BATA upang makapag-aral nang sarili sa tulong ng kanilang mga magulang! Yehey!!!

Matanong ko lang... bago ang pangarap na ito, nagawa bang bigyan ng DepEd ng libreng

teksbuk ang bawat mag-aaral noong nakaraang school year? Kasi, NGAYON PA LANG GINAGAWA

(mabilisan pa nga) ang mga modyul na ito. Dadaan pa dapat ang mga ito sa balidasyon ng mga eksperto at editing bago pa ipalimbag. Kung umabot man, MAY SAPAT BANG PONDO PARA

BIGYAN NG KOPYA ANG LAHAT NG GURO AT MAG-AARAL hanggang sa kasuluk-sulukan ng Pilipinas bago o sa araw mismo ng Agosto 24? Eh bakit ngayon pa lang ay humihingi na ng mga

donasyon ang maraming guro at paaralan para sa bond paper at tinta? Akala ko ba libre? Iyon pala ay mula rin sa bulsa ng mga kawawang guro magmumula ang pagpapalimbag!

Bakit ko po nasabi ang mga ito? Ang master’s thesis at doctoral dissertation ko ay kapwa

nasa mga anyo ng modyul. Alam ko po ang dapat na proseso ng mga ito. Bilang doktorado sa

Edukasyon, delikado para sa akin ang mabilisan at kanya-kanyang paggawa. Magiging sanhi ito ng HINDI KONSISTENT NA PAGKATUTO ng mga mag-aaral. Ang ginagawa halimbawa ng Science

1 titser sa Cavite, bagamat pareho ang paksa, ay natitiyak kong iba sa ginagawang modyul ng mga taga-Bulacan, Cebu at Davao.

Dahil sa mandato ng nakatataas at para umabot sa Agosto 24, pinamamadali ang

options ng ilang computer-based exam app, pwedeng hanggang tatlong (3) beses mong baguhin

paggawa ng mga modyul. Sabi nga noon ni Br. Armin Luistro (dating DepEd Secretary) nang

at/o BAR kapag nakatapos na sila?

man ang sarsa, ngunit hilaw naman ang pasta, hindi magiging masarap ang lasa.” Ang payo

ang sagot para tumama (teka, tama ba yun?). Uubra ba ang ganitong sistema sa pagkuha ng LET Noon din, kapag kumopya ako ng ‘di akin, PLAGIARISM iyon. Kapag nagbukas ako ng

libro at notebook habang may exam, CHEATING iyon. Ngayon, kapag nag-Google ako, nag-copy

kami’y magpalitang-kuro noon sa isang komperensya sa PNU, “... para iyang spaghetti. Masarap naman ng Tatay ko, “Ang ginupit nang palso ay hindi matatahi nang wasto.”

Ingat po tayo, hindi man natin mapapatay ang mga bata dahil sa virus, kaalaman naman

and paste ako at isinumite ko para sa take home exam, ang tawag doon ay RESEARCH! Kapag

ang sinisira natin.

cultural spots or bury dirty diapers in the white sands of Boracay. These social media slurs have

Chinese person is a carrier of the disease. We could all share the same sentiments about our

such as “uncivilized” and “dirty eaters” have been widely used. Them being called such is due to

virus from spreading but instead, it will only cause negative social impact.

WITBREAD

COVID-19: Beyond cultural barriers

by Kayla Nicole De Quiroz (IDS21) Unspoken of, Filipinos have always been racist. It wasn’t actually a big deal back then

because it has become a norm for Filipinos to call each other “maitim” or “pango”. It wasn’t simply

called out as it has been considered to be a little joke between friends and anyone too sensitive about it may be called killjoy.

In fact, I have heard my friends laughing because our Chinese teacher could not speak in

English properly, and spat racist remarks about her, considering that she doesn’t understand a

thing they were saying. On the same note, I have heard Filipinos joking about Africans, calling their

skin “uling”, and the stereotyping that Indians have bad body odor. I grew up not knowing that these “jokes” are hurtful and racist.

Recently, the Chinese has now been a subject to this racist profiling as the coronavirus

disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak reached the Philippines. This is evident especially in social

media sites, which is now brimming with xenophobic and racist remarks against the Chinese.

Filipinos took advantage of the opportunity to commit racial slurs and derogatory words like

“ching chong”, or “chekwa” can be heard jokingly among peers, intensified along with ongoing talks over our sovereignty with China.

Some Filipinos even go to the extent of being disgusted with the Chinese culture. Although

it is spoken of, their behavior has received criticism lately as Chinese mainlanders defecate on

Late responses to student concerns especially tuition fee and graduation issues.

now been about how the Chinese prepare their food and what they eat, where racist ideologies the fact that the Chinese eat exotic animals as videos of a Wuhan (the epicenter of the COVID-19

paranoia, but it doesn’t excuse anyone towards being racist or xenophobic. Fear will not stop the The Philippines is a hospitable country, but some of us have yet to learn other cultures

outbreak) market selling uncommon animal meat made rounds on social media. There was a

which lead Filipinos to become unwelcoming towards things that they don’t know. Just because

carriers of viruses, easily passing the disease when humans pass by them. This has brought

virus itself cannot justify racism, after all, our ethnicity may be different, but we are all still human.

theory that it was caused by the bat soup that is apparently famous in Wuhan. Bats are known comments such as “ang baboy” (such pigs) “bakit pati paniki kakainin, parang mga walang

makain” (why would they eat bats? Do they not have anything to eat?), in which Filipinos have

Racism and xenophobia will only widen the cultural divide existing between our cultures. automatically resorted to assuming that Chinese people have an appalling culture. But before anyone condemns the Chinese for their eating practices, let us also remember that some Filipinos

they cannot understand us, it’s okay. Racism will never be okay. Threats to our sovereignty nor the We should learn more about the disease to stop spreading panic and instead focus on protecting ourselves from it rather than spreading hate on social media.

Racism and xenophobia will only widen the cultural divide existing between our cultures.

Common sense dictates that a good understanding between two cultures can mean good diplomatic, economic, and geopolitical relationships. Some Filipino-Chinese nationalities have also been affected by this, causing them to be displaced from their own Filipino communities. I believe

that we can worry about the nation’s well-being without having a misplaced belief that when someone is Chinese they already carry the disease. We have to remember that even though there are some Chinese who do not respect our culture and customs, there will always be a thousand more that would not equate their deeds.

As much as we all loathe the fact that they are slowly taking over some of our islands and

eat field rats, woodworms and an animal’s phallus.

we hate the idea that the Chinese are conducting illegal businesses here in our country, it does not

administration, questioning our sovereignty on the island over China. Furthermore, under the

more avenues for hate. Our fight does not lie with each other but with the nefarious leaders that

The xenophobic remarks started with the Spratly Islands issue during the Aquino

Duterte administration, there has been an obvious increase of Chinese workers. No one knows where they came from and no one actually understands why they are here except for one thing, that we are unofficially a province of China. All of these prompted Filipinos to assume that every

OVCAR implemented a flexible time schedule for assessment submission.

justify being xenophobic. It only deepens the misunderstanding between our cultures, and creates

don’t care for their own citizens. If we have to express our frustrations on the matter of COVID-19 arriving in the Philippines, let us remember that our Chinese neighbors are suffering just like we are, both from the disease and the leaders of our countries.

Non-compliance of some professors to academic directives during the early period of Distance Learning Mode.

JANUARY - JULY 2020 | PAGE 10

VOLUME 34 DOUBLE ISSUE

JANUARY - JULY 2020 | PAGE 11

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F E AT U R E S

JANUARY - JULY 2020 | PAGE 12

Breaking the ‘isolated artist’: Alee Garibay on bringing people together

by Lean Pantorilla Photo by Aprilean Octavo

It can be said that Alee was practically born into art. More than the daughter of the legendary artist Emmanuel Garibay, Alee was exposed to art activism even at a young age, until she eventually grew to take part in the movement. Her journey as an artist is also no joke: just the name Alee Garibay will conjure up a list of high distinctions, international acclaim, and praise over her works.

But when she isn’t painting, Alee practices another form of art—the art of bringing people together.

She had been one of the senior artists that helped organize this year’s Paghilom, a gathering of artists around Cavite to showcase their works, facilitate workshops, and promote local art.

“Hindi lang siya arts festival in general. Mas nagkaroon na siya ng flavor of having a more defined locality featuring local artists and also ‘yung mga artists around, ‘yung mga, from the nearby provinces, kahit from Manila … so parang ang emphasis talaga is to strengthen and unite ‘yung mga artists and cultural workers dito.”

Remarkably, Garibay has been doing this for years, going back all the way from the first Paghilom in 2017, “It’s really about building a community,” Garibay explained. “Nurturing that community— nurturing a community of creators, artists with a goal, a vision. Nagkakaisa kami na kailangan natin ng healing, na magagawa natin ‘yon through art at kailangan natin i-share ‘yung art natin, i-educate natin ‘yung mga kasama natin sa community … kasi naniniwala kami na ‘yung art … kailangan siyang mag-reach out sa iba.”

This year’s Paghilom was hosted by the Alitaptap Artist Community located in Amadeo, Cavite. What started off as a lot for sale for fellow artists eventually grew into a tightly-knit community, welcoming everyone with a heart for art and eye for artistry.

When asked about her thoughts on the changes within the local art scene, Garibay shed light on the notion of “high art”, and how events like Paghilom is an alternative to that.

“It’s the other way around na, eh, kasi parang mayroong kasing other screen, other mindset, other culture ng art na mas high art.”

Art doesn’t have to be intimidating, Garibay explains, nor does it have to be exclusive, expensive, and hard to understand. The kind of art she and the Alitaptap Artist Community want to cultivate is “something that reaches out and relates to the lives of people themselves”, which explains the emphasis on local art and local artists.

But then again, it takes people to actually make a community, which is why the artist must first break the “individualistic and isolationist culture,” Garibay says.

“Art is really connecting with each other muna, and also, with the community nila, na

VOLUME 34 DOUBLE ISSUE

parang gusto rin natin ibalik yung pagtingin no’ng artist, ‘ano ba ‘yung nasa paligid ko?’”

This teaches artists to look outward as well as inward, and while art is something that could be drawn upon themselves, they are also part of something bigger—something that goes beyond the frame. This is especially true, now that we live in the age of social media, where we tend to disconnect from the real world the more we connect online.

“Kasi nga, kaya namin ginagawa ‘to, kasi art should be experienced. Experiential siya. Hindi mo siya ma-explain. Parang, iba-iba kasi ‘yung encounter natin. Even sa mga tao.”

Following this, Garibay discussed how events like Paghilom encourage “authentic interactions”, and how important it is to have an actual, real-life platform.

“It’s a festival. It’s a fiesta na ini-invite mo, ‘hello, magsalo-salo tayo. May art kami,’ Alam mo ‘yun, parang in that way, hindi hiwalay ‘yung artist do’n sa community nila. ‘Di ba parang, ‘yung artist, binabalik mo siya na part talaga tayo ng community.”

Paghilom is only one of the many art festivals and communities that Garibay hosts, and while her preferred medium is oil on canvas, she has admitted that organizing events like this, in a way, is an art of its own. *** Festivals, especially about art, are always sure to gather different people with varying perspectives, each more intriguing and thought-provoking than the last. This form of diversity is exactly what brings each art its own unique flavor that is sure to cater to different tastes.

But none of these exciting takes would be possible without people bringing each other together, of different artists supporting each other. “We try to make, kumbaga, the menu as nourishing as possible.” Garibay remarks, on the lineup of activities set for this year’s Paghilom.

Garibay is also a member of the Artletics, an art initiative that aims to start conversations on issues in the community, and had been an active participant of other art festivals such as Project Bakawan, a collaborative art event sought to increase awareness of environmental issues.

Local artists on growth and reinvention

by Elaine Aznar and Ahmad Mahusay Jael Mendoza

Elizabeth Santiago

Illustrator and muralist

Acrylic portraiture artist

Growing up, Jael used to have different art

She is a 22-year-old visual artist who originally

styles. She started with drawing anime characters

came from Olongapo but is now residing in Manila.

and eventually learned the foundation of her artistic

Despite finishing a degree in marketing at Columban

identity after graduating with a fine arts degree at the

College, she still pursued the arts. Ellie used to spend

University of Santo Tomas. From there, she learned

her time drawing anime in her elementary days, which

the foundations of her artistic identity until her

evolved into creating posters in contests in high

artworks evolved into something across more medium

school. In college, she started collecting art materials

of visual arts, and later on, she became interested in

just for fun until she wanted to be featured in their

creating murals too.

school publication, so she painted “The Flood,” and

Jael believes that art is progressive, as it improves through seasons and eras.

“Halimbawa

got acknowledged by many. From there, she started to thrive doing solo exhibits in malls.

Photo by Aprilean Octavo

Bayani Cambronero

Origami artist Origami is one of the most unique forms of art that we know in terms of using any type of foldable paper as material.

As a former social worker at St. Benedictine Parish in Manila, he recalled a feeding program they organized where he saw children sad while eating.

then been known to be a form of healing.

As he started to interact with these kids, he thought that there was something missing. In that way,.

siya ka-progressive kasi kumbaga as the time goes by,

how that would happen, kasi ang course ko, marketing.

flying in the sky one time, realizing that he could make

talagang ‘yong creativity ng tao, nagu-upgrade din,”

It’s so far from fine arts,” she shared. “So if you keep

Jael explains.

on thinking about it, ‘yong universe na ‘yong gagawa

perks such as its convenience to artists and designers,

that is happening in the art industry. She believes that

but clarified that nothing would beat the traditional

change is something that is normal to human nature, that’s

way. While some people criticize digital art for

why it will never stop.

allegedly diminishing traditional ways of creating art,

“We don’t have any contentment. Nature natin

in Jael’s perspective, it’s just part of the industry’s

‘yon, wala tayong contentment sa mga bagay. Kapag na-

growth and can co-exist with all art forms that arrive.

bore na ‘yong artist naglelevel-up nang naglelevel-up,

Jael also shared that art for her is equal parts a

kasi they want something new to show, something

hobby and a living, comparing it to eating and breathing.

The boy was advised by his teacher to make a

would enjoy.

enjoy, which he drew inspiration from seeing birds

portraiture. Ellie expressed her views regarding the change

Hiroshima attack last 1945.

the simple joy of creating origami, the art has since

he used origami as an instrument that the kids could

time to time. She explained that digital art has its own

shared the story of a traumatic survivor of the Nagasaki-

of a way to get students to listen to him in a manner they

“Ang plan ko kasi before I turn 20 [years old],

Her style is expressionism and is more inclined in

“Ang alam ko kasi nanggaling talaga ang papel sa China, pero naging tanyag siya sa Japan,” he said when he

They also need to play,” he said. After that, he tried to think

makakapag-exhibit na ako ng solo. But I didn’t know

ng way para mapunta sa‘yo ‘yong gusto mo talaga.”

Every origami, after all, symbolizes a deeper meaning.

thousand peace cranes to feel at peace. From this and

ngayon, hinahaluan ng contemporary, kaya ganoon

Being an artist in the modern world, we asked

overcome various personal battles, even in the simplest ways.

“Ang mga bata kasi hindi lang naman nila need kumain.

‘yong mga expressionism, kumbaga ina-apply siya

about her views regarding the transition of art from

to quickly forget. Along the way, he had helped people to

different animals with the use of paper.

Delving into his artwork, he also thought about how paper is the primary material to do origami, while there are places where there is no paper. This dilemma pushed him to squeeze his creative juices to think of innovative ways like the use of coconut leaves.

Doing origami for almost 26 years, he has taught many people who may do to past time or as a coping method

Elizabeth Santiago

more of themselves.”

Aside from seeking their purpose, Jael gave

She also gave advice to artists who are currently

a piece of advice to young artists like her: “Keep

starting in the field of art. “If you want to start talaga,

on creating, stick to your purpose and since nasa

you have to learn the basics, you have to discover your

Philippines tayo, tip ko rin na also find an outlet.

own style. Kasi ngayon sobrang dami na ng creative

Kumbaga, part-time or kung ano mang work niyo. You

people, ng artists. You have to find what medium you

can do your day job pero ihiwalay niyo siya sa art niyo.

really want to use to express your creativity. Find what

It shouldn’t be painted kung ano ‘yong idini-dictate

you love and what kind of art to like, mapa-visual or

ng industry.”

singing.”

Jael Mendoza

Bayani Cambronero

F E AT U R E S

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The story of Paghilom and the local art scene of Cavite

by Maria Victoria Busine

Photo by Aprilean Octavo

In the local scene, art festivals celebrate and feature art in different forms, emphasizing something close to home. Cavite has its own art festival, Paghilom Cavite Arts Camp and Festival, which was held last February 7 to 8 at Alitaptap Artists Community in Amadeo, Cavite, coinciding with the celebration of the National Arts Month during February. Through two of the organizers of the event, Alee Garibay and Lexter Victorio, the story of Paghilom unfolds before us.

The beginning of Paghilom Paghilom is an art camp and festival with roots established in Cavite. It features different kinds of art such as performances, paintings, sculptures, live mural painting, art installations, along with on-the-spot art competitions and art talks. The celebration ends with a unity concert with various local performers, singers, and bands.

Paghilom finds its beginning in 2017 through veteran artists hailing from Cavite such as Manny Garibay, Winston Hernandez, and Bobby Balingit. The idea of an art festival where people gather and celebrate art in all forms came to life and became the first artist-initiated arts festival in the province of Cavite, initially held at the Union Theological Seminary in Dasmariñas City.

In 2018, however, Paghilom was held in a different location, at the Alitaptap Artist Community in Amadeo, Cavite. Amadeo, which is known for its vast farms, became the home for not only the festival, but also for the artists who made Paghilom possible. It became a

community where artists in different forms of art built a home for those who believe in its transformative power.

This year’s festival bears the theme 20/20 Linaw Tanaw, which means a clear vision or foresight. The theme revolving around 20/20 vision also calls to see what society needs in order to solve the problems that we are facing today.

Healing through art Paghilom, a Tagalog word for healing and renewal, is at the heart of the art festival. Its significance is rooted from how it proves that art can change and save lives. Event organizer Lexter Victorio describes Paghilom as “a medical mission disguised as an art festival because it is not only the body that needs healing, it’s also the spirit. So may mga taong pumupunta dito para lang talaga mag-relax, para makaalis sa stressful world nila, like sa trabaho or minsan sa bahay.”

Lexter, who was once a camper hailing from Antipolo, fell in love with the place and had his life

turn around to where he finds himself today—an artist residing in the Alitaptap Artist Community.

Paghilom also alludes to another meaning of the word that focuses on physical well-being.

The highlight of the festival, Sining Gamutan, is a medical mission where everyone can avail different medical services, such as check-ups and tests, for free, integrating art and health in reaching out to communities and catering to the holistic healing an individual needs. This way, Paghilom hints at how art becomes a process of becoming and transformation not only within ourselves but also our environment.

The art and the community Paghilom features the local art of Cavite, but it does not only put the spotlight on its local artists as it also welcomes artists from nearby provinces, with its aim to continuously foster the spirit of togetherness among artists.

Nonetheless, it is not only artists who are welcome to the celebration because according to Lexter, “the ordinary human is an artist waiting to be discovered or an artist waiting to come to life.” Reminiscent of a butterfly that goes through metamorphosis, it is in the anticipation of transformation where art strives.

“Art will constantly look for change. Art will constantly point out the necessity for transformation and to do something good, to make a difference in life,” Victorio furthered.

Art is instrumental to becoming a catalyst for

change not only within oneself but also for the society. Art becomes a medium to point out the wrong in what’s happening, and to reach out to other people as well.

There is this mindset with art being limited to what we see in galleries and museums. It tends to paint a picture that art is exclusive and intimidating. Paghilom turns this idea around, with the belief that art should reach out to others and not the other way around.

“Paghilom cultivates the idea of art that reaches out and relates to the lives of the people themselves,” Alee Garibay, who is also one of the event organizers, shared. The festival invites everyone to come, appreciate, and even create in order to connect the people with their environment through art. Paghilom counters the tendency of art to be individualistic and isolating by giving an opportunity for artists to connect with one another and the community through celebrating art in all its forms.

*** Paghilom, a relatively new festival, is only beginning its story that aims to shed light to the local art in Cavite. As it writes a new page in their story in its third year, celebrating different manifestations of artistry rooted from the heart of healing and renewal makes for an experience that is worth being a part of.

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COVID-19: Exposing gaps in the current Philippine system What does the COVID-19 teach us about the current gaps in the Philippine system?

V.A: Bottom line is socio-economic gap – magnifying the privileges of those who have the means while for the marginalized, magnifying their state, down to the most basic – food. May nagutom at patuloy na nagugutom.

M.P: The COVID-19 exposes more the already ever widening gaps in our healthcare system from the area of access, diagnostic to treatment up to prevention. There is still much to be done on priorities given by the government for our healthcare including equipment and personnel.

A.A.: In the country, the pandemic impacted almost all facets of society: public health and safety, education, industry, economy, transportation, communications, and food systems, to name a few. However, aside from being mainly a public health crisis, the pandemic has been deemed by the government as a food security issue. With food being a basic need, the pandemic exposed flaws in the country’s food systems, particularly the food supply chain. Our assessments have shown that there was enough food produced – the challenge was moving them where they were most needed especially in the context of the quarantine measures implemented by the government to control the spread of the disease among the populace.

Although the community lockdowns and curfews did limit the movement of people – and essentially the spread of the virus – they also curtailed the movement of food and disrupted the food supply chain, resulting in food wastage, loss of income (primarily of producers, traders and processors), increase in prices of commodities, and erratic food supply to consumers who were confined in their homes.

E.C.: The COVID-19 pandemic has definitely magnified the prevailing ills of our society, which is quite apparent in our current context and situation.

If anything, this pandemic has certainly taught us that the systems, agencies, and structures that are supposed to govern and cater to us are ill-prepared and ill-equipped to respond to a disaster of this magnitude, particularly in the aspects of public health, disaster risk reduction and management, disaster risk governance, and social protection.

As a result, the most vulnerable sectors (children and youth, women, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples, older persons, urban poor, farmers, fisherfolk, healthcare service workers, and other frontline workers) are disproportionately affected and are largely left to fend for themselves, given that the mechanisms and programs that are supposed to respond to their needs are not risk-informed and are poorly implemented.

F E AT U R E S

The importance of research How does the pandemic highlight the importance of research?

V.A.: All moves must be informed by research, soliciting it from those who ultimately will bear the brunt. This means, people should be asked regarding what they need. The residents, the poor, the students, the teachers. We can’t have policies that only the officials formulated without consultation.

M.P.: Government’s (whether local or national) responses (how and to what extent, including resources and personnel) to the pandemic would depend on policies created.

All moves must be informed by research, soliciting it from those who ultimately will bear the brunt. This means, people should be asked regarding what they need. The residents, the poor, the students, the teachers. We can’t have policies that only the officials formulated without consultation.

Research is important to create reliable data analysis that will guide policies. Having a research-based approach in policy implementation would not only be effective in combating the pandemic but also efficient in the use of resources.

Effective and efficient policies save lives and research will significantly reduce economic and social impacts. Research is also important in understanding the virus itself. From its origin, characteristics, method of transmission, mechanism of action, etc. And how it is related or connected to our social, environmental and cultural factors. Understanding

these will help us in the diagnosis, treatment and long-term prevention of the disease.

A.A.: As a technical agency, FAO puts impetus on research as the foundation in developing appropriate and informed policies and interventions. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, research takes an even more vital function in efforts by the government and partner entities to improve on existing systems or even develop new ones that are responsive to the radically changed needs of society under the ‘new normal’.

For example, in the context of food supply chains (along the value chain), research is needed to determine the most effective and efficient ways for food to reach consumers from various production points while observing minimum health standards (i.e., social distancing, disinfection, sanitation, etc). These could include developing and testing out new ways to transport food, or exploring innovative e-commerce platforms to market food products as well as in building related capacities and skills for actors along the food value chain. Research is also needed to inform the formulation of supportive national policies, helping ensure that they are responsive to the needs and aspirations of Filipinos during and post-pandemic. Basically, this pandemic has put the country in uncharted territory, and research could help us find our way to safer (and better) shores.

E.C.: As with most other fields or industries, research is vital in informing policies, plans, and programs, and that definitely includes the response and management of biological hazards such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is important to note, however, that the effective and efficient management of disasters entails an integrated, comprehensive, and inclusive approach; meaning that it should take into account all aspects of knowledge and wisdom available.

This signifies that in addressing a far-reaching disaster such as this pandemic, stakeholders and duty-bearers across all levels of governance should not simply rely and base their decisions on scientific data – which should already be prompt and accurate in the first place – but should certainly consider the context and situation of the communities and sectors on the ground.

On the government’s overall response with the pandemic What are your thoughts on the government’s overall response to the pandemic so far?

V.A.: Local government and governors have a good partnership. The national government’s moves are hardly felt, except for main cities. One good example sana ay, ibigay na agad ang ayuda for the whole 2 months to make people feel safe, to assure them there is help. What can 2 kilos do?

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That was also the best opportunity to help farmers – sana walang nagtapon ng mga harvest nila.

M.P.: Early preventive measures would have helped greatly in the reduction of its impact. The community quarantine should have been treated as a “delaying tactic” measure only to minimize the spread and not a permanent solution. While on quarantine, mobility and social interaction are prevented and would have been an opportune time to do testing, trace contacts to those positive cases, isolate the positive cases and then provide treatment. While significant actions were made in making people isolated at home, government imposed targets on testing was not reached (30,000/day by the end of May but only less than 11,000/ day as of June 8, 2020). Testing is important to determine the scope of the disease. The quarantine will be useless unless meticulous testing and tracing has been conducted. Much improvement can be done in the area of communication and information dissemination (putting culture as a context) and social assistance.

A.A.: One of the most timely and important decisions that the government has made in light of this crisis is the establishment of the Food Security Task Group within the Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-EID), or simply the IATF. The task group’s mandate is to oversee and coordinate efforts related to ensuring that food is available and accessible to Filipinos during this pandemic. This is a clear indication of the government’s awareness on the full extent of the impact of the pandemic not only on public health and safety but also of the people’s food security concerns. Through this task group, which is being led by the Department of Agriculture (DA), food security-related efforts/initiatives are being properly coordinated and implemented to benefit Filipinos across the country.

E.C.:. Given that the government was granted emergency powers, with trillions at its disposal taken from the government’s war chest and borrowed from international funding entities and reservoirs, and the imposition of one of the most stringent lockdowns that lasted for almost three months, they have nothing to show for it. Affected sectors of the population were (and are still) left to fend for themselves amid the pandemic, as 23.7M face unemployment/ underemployment in what is seen by economists as the “worst de facto mass unemployment/underemployment in Philippine History.”

Dealing with the rise of “infodemic” The pandemic also highlighted the rise of what’s known as “infodemic”, or the spread of misinformation and disinformation.

How should we deal with this?

V.A.: Question source. We are better off reading from established sources. Separate facts from opinion. Expertise

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here matters. We have to trust the doctors, nurses and medicine in general, no politicizing.

M.P: Short term, vigilance and peer checking (providing heads-up) to misinformation and disinformation.

Long-term, we need to educate our younger generation to be critical in the information they receive and this where our schools can contribute through information literacy.

A.A.: Given the “always online” nature of people nowadays – especially of young tech-savvy millennials – it is just too easy and tempting to share/forward sensational but otherwise unverified information. We need to inculcate and develop the habit of checking (and double checking) information from trustworthy and authoritative sources before sharing/forwarding. This will go a long way in stemming the spread of misinformation or “false news”, not only in relation to COVID-19 but also in other issues as well.

E.C.: To help address this culture of disinformation/ information disorder/information pollution, there must be a concerted effort between and among concerned stakeholders and duty-bearers, particularly the government. However, given that in the Philippines the national government appears to espouse this sort of culture, the brunt of the responsibility rests on our shoulders.

Toward this end, we as engaged citizens and communication/journalism scholars can work collaboratively with companies and organizations that undertake initiatives aimed at providing legitimate and verified data and information, improving fact-checking and verification mechanisms, and bettering public discourse through efficient and participatory development communication strategies.

On different perspectives regarding COVID-19 Over the past few weeks, social media has borne the brunt of people’s pulse and worries over the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of them had presented their own take in light of the virus: some of them claiming that the virus was needed to bring about necessary changes, some claiming that it was not. What are your thoughts on this?

V.A.: Manifest effects are intended effects, latent are unintended, according to Robert Merton, an American sociologist. COVID-19 has not been proven to be laboratory made, so we didn’t exactly create this to effect changes. The changes we see are latent. Sure, there are lessons to be learned.

M.P.: The virus is not something that came out from nowhere. It is an example of a zoonosis or a disease that can be transmitted to humans from animals. And zoonoses are not new, 60% of the infectious diseases known are zoonoses. These include dengue fever, malaria, foot and mouth disease, ebola and leptospirosis among others. 75% of the emerging infectious diseases will be zoonotic diseases.

The SARS-COV2 (COVID-19) was an outcome of how humans have interacted and treated his environment and other living things. The virus did not bring changes but rather highlighted a lot of our economic, social, cultural gaps already existing in all aspects of the spectrum. It only exposed the significant systemic changes that needed to be done immediately. Unless those changes are made there can be no “necessary changes”.

A.A.: People will always have varying views and opinions about a topic – it’s the essence of free-thought.

The problem with this COVID-19 pandemic was that no one was prepared for it and that there is still a lot of unknown about the virus and the disease, which give rise to these mostly unfounded worries and grievances that are largely based on the fear of the unknown. People voice out their worries and grievances as a coping mechanism, with social media providing a convenient outlet. However, such worries and grievances could be addressed by education, factual awareness, and planning. People need to learn as much as they can about the disease and its impacts from authoritative sources to inform our thinking and help assuage any fear or worry.

Additionally, planning is key especially in light of the changes brought about by the pandemic. People need to anticipate how life will look like under the ‘new normal’.

Being proactive and anticipatory are better than being inactive and reactive.

E.C.: I, for one, deem the former take a seemingly tone-deaf perspective on a sweeping and unfortunate disaster that has (and continues to) shock/ed and affect/ed the most vulnerable sectors of the populace. Often, the most at-risk and vulnerable bear the brunt of disasters, further exposing them to risks and vulnerabilities that hinder them from recovering and attaining resilience.

To say that this pandemic has heralded ‘necessary changes’ amid the toll it has taken on the physical, emotional, psychosocial, and financial wellbeing of many Filipinos at the barangay level alludes to the immensity of privilege and dearth of empathy of others who simply don’t understand the impacts of disasters on those who have been denied the privileges they enjoy.

Our country’s disaster preparedness What can you say about our country’s disaster preparedness?

V.A.: It’s a disaster despite the well-meaning efforts.

Look at Vietnam. Its socio-economic condition is like the Philippines, but it was able to mitigate the effects by good planning and very early preparation.

M.P.: Although improvements have been made to responses, much work needs to be done on prevention and mitigation. This includes urban planning, proper land use and implementation of laws especially in light of climate change.

A.A.: Learning from such disasters, the Philippine

F E AT U R E S government, over the years, has put increasing emphasis and importance on disaster preparedness. Specifically, FAO advocates and implements “Early Warning Early Action” approach, a system which translates warnings into anticipatory actions to reduce the impact of specific disaster events. It focuses on consolidating available forecasting information and putting plans in place to make sure FAO and partners act when a warning is at hand. Acting early before a disaster has actually happened or reached its peak is critical: it can save lives and protect livelihoods from the immediate shocks as well as protecting longer term development gains by increasing the resilience of local communities over time.

With all its advances in disaster preparedness, the country, unfortunately, does not have a national preparedness and contingency plan for pandemics when COVID-19 hit. Perhaps with the (continuing) experience and lessons being learned from this current pandemic, the country will be able to build a robust national pandemic preparedness and response system that could be integrated into the current DDR bill.

E.C.: Just to provide you a better overview, Disaster Preparedness is only one aspect of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, as it is comprised of four thematic pillars: Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Disaster Preparedness, Disaster Response, and Disaster Recovery and Rehabilitation. Preparedness primarily deals with/ involves public awareness and capacity development efforts which are aimed at increasing the capacities of stakeholders and duty-bearers across all levels of governance in planning, budgeting, and implementing DRRM programs in their respective localities. This signifies that we must actually look at the overall capacity of government to undertake DRRM, not just disaster preparedness.

In that regard, I think that the gains achieved by the unwavering commitment and campaign of civil society to foster and facilitate community-based, participatory, and inclusive DRRM in the past decade portends to a promising outlook in terms of reducing risks and responding to and managing disasters. The passage and enactment of RA 10121 in 2010, which highlights a top-down and bottomup or bibingka approach to DRRM, serves as one of the most concrete examples of this. However, given the shrinking space for and the apparent vilification of CSOs (civil society organizations) under this administration, it may be challenging to conduct DRRM activities and undertakings; not to mention there are bills in both legislative houses that may eliminate or erase the gains that have been achieved by the civil society in pushing for participatory and communitybased DRRM. In essence, the country has quite a long way to go in terms of disaster preparedness and DRRM, given that the culture of ‘working in silos’ and the apparent lack of coherence are both still prevalent across all levels of governance in the country, which basically impedes us from employing an integrated (or more holistic) approach to addressing vulnerabilities and risks. To address this, the government needs to invest more in strengthening and empowering DRRM Councils at the subnational and local levels as well as fostering an enabling environment for meaningful (not tokenistic) participation of the basic sectors, particularly the most at-risk and vulnerable.

Main challenges towards recovery Recovering from the impacts of the pandemic may take a long time. In that span of time, people are expected to “bounce back” to business, all while sustaining themselves.

What main challenges do you think Filipinos would face on our path to recovery?

V.A.: For students to self-regulate. With online classes, so many things can be made scapegoat, like the usual walang internet o mabagal. The internet should not determine our

We need major systemic changes to be able to adapt or to say that our country has learned from the effects and impacts of the pandemic. Unless these changes are brought, I think we’ll still come back to our old ways once a vaccine is available. lives. We navigate around it. Teaching and learning moment dapat lahat. But of course, it isn’t dependent on the person solely. There are macro structures. For example, opening of classes, that’s a regulation, individually, we can’t change that, but preparing for it, that’s something we can do.

M.P.: The livelihood of the common Filipino whose survival depends on a day by day income. They are the hardest hit. This can be shown in the increased incidence

of involuntary hunger in the last 3 months. 99% of the businesses in the Philippines are MSMEs or the micro, small and medium enterprises proven by the increase in unemployment rate to 17% and the OFWs. These are the most economically vulnerable which will have an impact on the dependent population like children and senior citizens (most socially vulnerable) and to the environment–expect an

We really cannot go back to the‘old normal’ or the situation before and also actually during the pandemic where approaches to disaster response and management are mainly reactionary and inattentive to the needs and the plight of the basic sectors. increase in human activities against the environment.

A.A.: Recovering from an unprecedented crisis such as this COVID-19 pandemic will be difficult, to say the least. The main challenge will be adjusting to and supporting the requirements economic activities under the ‘new normal’ while maintaining or improving efficiency and productivity.

For example, the agricultural sector is still the country’s economic and food security backbone. However, the sector is still predominantly smallholder (farms of 1 hectare or less). The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected the incomes and productive capacities of these smallholder farmers because of the disruptions brought about by COVID-19 control measures (i.e., quarantines, lockdowns, and curfews) that restricted not only the selling of their produce but also of farm inputs such as seeds and fertilizers.

The productive capacities of these smallholder farmers need to be restored under the context of the ‘new normal’ if the country’s food security is to be ensured. However, this will entail training and equipping them in new areas such as the use of digital or ICT-based solutions in production and marketing. This could prove difficult in rural areas where internet connectivity (or even electricity) are, at best, spotty especially in the island provinces and geographically isolated areas.

E.C.: As we enter the ‘new normal’, the goal of our path toward recovery should not be to simply “bounce back” or return to the status quo. The government must do better in helping communities recuperate and enabling them toward resilience and sustainable development. Much like the insights and analyses put forth by experts in myriad related fields, there must be a concerted effort across all sectors to help facilitate long-term recovery. Much like the challenges I’ve already mentioned, the primary challenges to achieving the latter revolve around the lack of urgency on strategic approaches to addressing this disaster which include yet may not be limited to mass testing, contact tracing, streamlining and optimizing testing capacities, timely reporting and better systematization of data, and enabling civil society and community-based actors.

Before and After the pandemic - is the old normal as good as dead?

Given the extent of its impact, the old normal may be as good as dead. More than bringing certain problems to light—from the day-to-day battle that comes with a pandemic with no known vaccine—it also exposed flawed systems that added to the burden of COVID-19. What are your thoughts on this? How do you visualize the before and after of the pandemic?

V.A.: I agree. No going back to pre-COVID. Empower oneself. There are battles ahead, so we prepare.

M.P.: We need major systemic changes to be able to adapt or to say that our country has learned from the effects and impacts of the pandemic. Unless these changes are brought, I think we’ll still come back to our old ways once a vaccine is available. In the meantime, practical actions that we do are work from home (if possible), online/ home/modular schooling, wearing of personal protective equipment or PPE, regular hand hygiene, protecting the vulnerable and demanding good governance.

A.A.: Based on what we have learned (and continuing to learn) from this crisis, a post-COVID-19 pandemic Philippine society might be characterized by: (1) less physical interaction between people (continued practice of social/ physical distancing); (2) work, education, and transportation protocols and infrastructure adjusted to accommodate social/physical distancing; (3) increased adoption of remote work and web-based/online education; (4) greater use of digital communications and collaboration platforms (to bridge the gap resulting from physical distancing); (5) increased consciousness on practices to safeguard public health and safety; (6) more robust and pandemic-resilient food systems and supply chain; (7) proliferation of urban

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agriculture and community-based ‘survival’ gardens; and (8) improved national policies and contingency/business continuity planning for epidemics or public health crises.

E.C.: We really cannot go back to the ‘old normal’ or the situation before (and also actually during) the pandemic where approaches to disaster response and management are mainly reactionary and inattentive to the needs and the plight of the basic sectors. However, what is ideal may not necessarily be what transpires after the pandemic, especially given the current political climate. As long as the current administration renders greater primacy to aggressive militaristic strategies instead of catering to the needs of its constituencies, our government will fall short of its aim to help the nation “heal as one.”

The kind of leaders we need for the postpandemic world What kind of leaders do you think we need in the postpandemic world?

V.A.: Leaders who make us feel they are doing their best. Leaders who are creative. Leaders who listen. Leaders who actually go to people. Many leaders now are after media mileage. Nograles, for example, I thought he was a voice of reason, but he wasn’t politically nice, he was dismissed.

Roque is parroting everything.

M.P.: We need leaders who will have the courage to break down the sources of inequalities and therefore attain peace by working for justice.

A.A.: We need leaders who are forward-thinking, anticipatory, and adaptable – leaders who can foresee impending crises and navigate and respond effectively to a dynamic and fluid environment. We also need leaders with a strong sense of empathy for the people, always bearing in mind the best interest of the public and thinking in the long-term.

E.C.: We need leaders who truly have the spirit and resolve to serve the people, most especially the most vulnerable sectors. Moreover, we need leaders who are equipped with the political will and intelligence to recognize and understand that sustainable development can only be realized if a government gives the utmost priority to its people, and that by capacitating and empowering them, they can serve as partners and stakeholders toward attaining resilience and development.

One major lesson from COVID-19 If there is one major lesson the pandemic taught you, what is it?

V.A.: First, that science is the way to go, basis of our decisions. Second, always think that it is our duty to share.

M.P.: We need to take care of each other by working for a sustainable future for all generations and creatures of the planet.

A.A.: The pandemic offers far too many lessons that will benefit different stakeholders and sectors. But what we want to highlight is that while health is a major issue, the importance of food security and nutrition through agriculture, is equally important. This pandemic made us realize how dependent and vulnerable we are when it

While health is a major issue, the importance of food security and nutrition through agriculture, is equally important.

comes to food. In essence, the pandemic exposed the limitations of the country’s food supply and shortcomings in its distribution system, highlighting the need to develop our local agriculture/food system and aim for food selfsufficiency to reduce risks and disruptions on our food systems when shock or crisis hits.

E.C.: I had already been aware of this prior to this crisis but, certainly, the pandemic has reminded me that Disaster Risk Reduction and Management is a developmental agenda that requires an all-of-society approach, a multi-stakeholder effort that entails the cooperation and collaboration of the government, civil society, academe, private sector, faith-based institutions, and most importantly, the most vulnerable sectors in the communities.

Given that the national government seemingly revolves its response to this crisis around knee-jerk responses and methods that have increasingly alienated and distanced all other concerned stakeholders – albeit a handful of agencies and offices that have helped civil society and humanitarian actors to some extent – it is safe to say that the government has not been able to employ the allof-society approach, effectively hindering aforesaid actors and stakeholders to not only undertake their vital role as mediators between the basic sectors and the government but also as watchdogs and overseers who monitor and hold accountable stakeholders and duty-bearers across all levels of governance.

OPINION

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There is no going back to “normal”

by Lean Pantorilla If you think that the problems brought about by COVID-19 will end at the tip of a needle, think again. Poor healthcare systems, lack of safety nets for workers, incompetent governance, and lack of accountability—these problems were evident long before COVID-19 struck, and we’re only seeing them now because the situation demands we look at them. The harsh reality is that there’s simply no going back to normal, especially if normal was the problem.

The past few months revealed not just the glaring flaws of our system, but rather, tested the mettle of those we call leaders and experts in their fields. In our own country, they struggle to put words into action, and point fingers because of the obvious dissonance between theory and practice. COVID-19 is a long battle overshadowed by all the other battles we had to deal with. We aim to charge ahead without properly addressing what comes in the present, and sweep difficult problems under the rug like they never existed. In short, what we see today is not just COVID-19 in its full force. This is decades’ worth of problems compounded as the years pass by, showing its true nature in the face of a pandemic.

Before the pandemic, ignoring problems such as poverty, corruption, climate change and injustice was the norm. Privilege allows us to close our eyes, and deny their existence because of more “pressing matters” to deal with, including our daily hustle.

But a global halt, followed by the stretch of weeks with no clear

outcome, brought these issues right in our faces like a monster baring its teeth for the kill. All of a sudden, we cannot close our eyes anymore.

Contrary to the ecofascist belief that humans are the problem, COVID-19 reveals that the real problem is systemic. Our idea of normal, which mostly consists of providing the bare minimum and catering only to the privileged few, shows how selective recovery proves to be counterproductive in the long-run. To put it deeply in context, one vaccine won’t be any use, if the masses are unable to use it. Now, we see that the numbers on the table are more than statistics. They are lives on the line, with some being closer to us than we think.

COVID-19 is neither a curse or a blessing. Remove its politics, and we see the virus for what it is: an elusive, highlycontagious virus with no known cure. But the normal is a curse for many and a blessing for some. The normal persisted for years, and the normal discriminates against its own people. The normal takes too long to respond. The normal is splashed with political colours, packaged in red tape.

The normal comes with projected numbers, assets and losses compiled in a stack of paper. The normal is a mess of band-aid solutions over life threatening wounds, made to rot and fester in time. Our normal doesn’t work. It hasn’t been working for quite some time now.

As the new normal remains as a million-dollar question, we have to accept that we have been forced to the point of no return— where the old normal is no longer possible. If the normal dictates that we must be able to endure, the normal must be able to make every second count, contributing every moment of endurance to a solution that doesn’t reek of mere compromise. If the normal dictates that we stay strong, then it must give us means that allow us to do so.

The challenge for a better normal is daunting, especially for a mere citizen who barely gets through the day. Breaking the old normal may take years, decades, and perhaps even more than a lifetime. Given the amount of time that made the old normal the way it was, taking form and spreading its roots throughout the years. Some might ask themselves, if we couldn’t change back then, what’s the point of trying to change now?

However, COVID-19 has proven that even “normal” is a social construct, and can change at any given time. Whereas the changes between the past few months were driven out of need, now we have the chance to make the changes intentional. To take the first step in creating a better normal, asking ourselves: what shouldn’t be normal?

If your normal revolves around letting things stay as it is, then we’d hate to break it to you, but you are part of the problem.

May they never be called “low-skilled” workers again

by Sophia Ruth Romasanta Some workers are often seen on the sidelines but now that crisis has struck, we recognize that we need their presence more than ever. They were actually never less than who they are, and it is not as if they only mattered just recently.

They have always been everywhere, a perpetual aspect in our everyday lives until today, doing things that not everybody can, and they do this even when described in a way that makes them seem not worth much as other workers in our society. While we are discovering the cracks in the foundation of what we built our “normal” on, it is high time to change our perspective on the laborious endeavors of those people we used to call “low-skilled” workers.

Low-skilled workers—when these words are mentioned, what did society normalize to come into our minds? Janitors. Farmers. Fisherfolk. Garbage collectors and other sanitation workers. Street sweepers. Supermarket cashiers. Housekeeping personnel. Construction workers. Social workers. Fast food staff. All public transportation vehicle drivers. Delivery folks and plenty more.

These people’s romanticized sacrifices as frontliners made it into viral stories and netizens gobbled it up, thinking that there is something so noble

for such a job to suddenly have the spotlight for once. And yet, the essence of the stories is lost on many because it is still not realized that how we describe them as “low-skilled” is the problem.

Low-skilled or low-value? An article based on Katie Ferguson’s argument titled “There is no such thing as low-skilled labor” said that the word low-skilled is a complicated, vague, and insulting description for the essential work that drastically drains its workers physically and emotionally. It even suggests that this type of work is dispensable and as Ferguson explained, it is no doubt a euphemism for “low-valued” work.

Although it is the type of work that deals with harsh environments, conditions, and pay, it is also the work no one envies. This may be true, but Ferguson wrote that it is also the “Work that takes care of your sick parents so you don’t have to. Work that looks after your children so you don’t have to. Work that serves you coffee when you desperately need a moment of human interaction. Work that puts food on your table. Work that cleans up the street outside your house. Work that builds cities. Work without which economies would collapse.”

Never understimate the power of student voice

by Sophia Ruth Romasanta

In the crisis we are facing now, a student’s role becomes increasingly important. Educational institutions are supposed to mold them into critical thinkers for the betterment of our country and yet, whenever they criticize the government, a barrage of illogical counterarguments follows from the privileged and ignorant. The current situation is calling upon the participation of the youth more than ever—and no intervention could ever stop that.

The internet has taken the brunt of all imaginable chaos within the past few weeks of community quarantine and if you are guilty of lurking in any social media platform religiously then you might have seen these kinds of rebuttal in certain posts: “Wala na ba kayong magawa kung ‘di manita ng pagkakamali ng gobyerno?”, “Dami mong sinasabi wala ka namang ambag”, or the infamous line of “Eh di ikaw na lang maging presidente, dami mong alam!”

Familiar, are they not? You might have been one of the lucky ones to be on the receiving end. The insults mentioned above are the usual retorts to citizens who openly call out the incompetence of our government officials, which are necessary comments. But then, if it is necessary, why do people react violently? The answer lies in the conditioning Filipinos undergo through—the cultivation of ignorance. We have been told to obey authorities, which is why criticizing the government is perceived as deviating from the norm. Hence, the fallacious attacks on progressive students that authorities use to discourage others from joining the dissent.

Our schools are facilities of learning but not all knowledge can be found in its confines. As it goes, there is more to learn outside of it. The world turns even as we conform to formal education, making us miss out on the real world where peasants die in their own lands, activists live on the run, and politicians spend the taxes we paid. The fantasy of living in our own bubbles is over. A student needs to recognize the unjust actions of our government like a teacher who marks a mistake in their student’s essay, a random citizen who leads firefighters where the fire is, and a human who grows to mature through the insights of others.

If we all agreed with each other, no one will be able to tell if we are doing anything wrong at all. Complete obedience will let the cycle of ignorance persist. We must remember that the government exists because of the governed, not the other way around in a democracy.

As students rightfully speak for the people, what they fight for stems from the roots of social justice. The definition of social justice was written by Jose P. Laurel in the Maximo Calalang versus A.D. Williams case in 1940. “Social justice means the promotion of the welfare of all the people, the adoption by the Government of measures calculated to insure economic stability of all the competent elements of society, through the maintenance of a proper economic and social equilibrium in the interrelations of the members of the community.” Here, he mentions that the fundamental and paramount objective of the state is the promotion of the health, comfort, and quiet of all persons, and of bringing about “the greatest good for the greatest number.”

Time and time again, we witness the synthesis of social justice through mass mobilizations facing crises throughout history. Recently, the 34th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution was greeted by progressive groups protesting on the streets of Manila. Their collective conviction to oust a dictator and to never let another martial law happen comes from their desire to resist human rights violations like before.

The National Union of the Students of the Philippines (NUSP), League of Filipino Students (LFS), formerly the Alyansa ng Mag-aaral Laban sa Pagtaas ng Matrikula, and College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) were some formed student organizations that criticized the government during the Marcos regime. They braved the terrorized streets, although complete obedience and silence were the issued commands. Students were at the forefront of several protests and were the most

To give context, our economy follows a kind of ladder on an individual’s labor. Skilled work is where the individual has the formal qualifications and the right specialties, often associated with good education or certified training while “low-skilled” work is where anyone can qualify.

However, following this logic puts the criteria for government officials on the same low level we devalue our workers with. Just by this comparison it’s already clear where equity in our society is lacking.

These essential workers are what holds this economy together, what stays functioning despite the dangers we face. We often forget them in our busy lives, failing to notice just how integrated they are in the fabrics of society. But now that we have shed light on them, we must persevere to keep it that way, so the efforts of their labor will never be set aside in the shadows like the “normal” did before.

May the world become a place where such work will never be a cause of shame or discrimination. May the country be able to unlearn devaluing people who keep our economy going. May these workers someday be proudly employed and properly compensated for their labor. Lastly, may we never call these people “low-skilled” ever again.

active participants. This proves that the original bloodless revolution itself was a manifestation of how students become beacons of hope whenever needed the most.

Dissent exists because there is something noteworthy happening. If there is nothing wrong, why call out government officials with arguments? Why make petitions on the demands of the citizens? Why march and chant under the scorching weather?

The power of dissent generates action, its aim is not to cause the nation any harm but instead to augment its prosperity.

A philosopher, politician, and lawyer named Cicero once said, salus populi est suprema lex or “the welfare of the people shall be the supreme law.”

We, as students, must overcome the fear stuck in our throats for us to be able to voice out what our welfare needs. We must uphold our voices even when fear rules the land, even when we are being silenced, and especially when crises strike.

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OPINION

VOLUME 34 DOUBLE ISSUE

Dear Class of 2020 We are in chaos, and it is happening around you. Within you. In all of us.

It seems hard to reach our own epilogues at this very moment, and even when we do, it is not enough to conclude all the arches, twists, and climaxes we have weaved in the past four years or more.

To think that we have endured a lot only to end things this way, there is an injustice that is ubiquitously manifesting in our own voids which triggers our own existential dread; with actual injustices—death, racism, and fascism— adding up on top of our personal struggles, there is really nothing left to celebrate for.

And when the world barely breathes from this chaotic apocalyptic state, that’s exactly when we are thrown in a huge boiling pot of uncertainty, health crisis, adulthood, and unemployment. The universe must have really admired this batch so much.

It is in these precarious times that vigor and endurance must imperatively arise. Isn’t the reason why we all made it this far is because we endured and braved? That the sheer reason why we exist is not to succeed but to collectively struggle and survive? That when everyone crumbles to their weakest form, the only thing we all have is the camaraderie and communal solidarity?

For years, the university attempted to teach us that humanity is needed the most in crucial times. But more importantly, it is the recognition of responsibility, privilege, and guilt that have been and must have been implicitly indicated in our education. Humanity thrives in the event that people demand justice and peace.

Our education system is far from being perfect.

The neoliberal policies, conservative culture, and profit-oriented system root from centuries of colonization, western puppetry, and capitalistic viewpoint. We have to address this, that we are a byproduct of an imperfect system that contributed mainly to the oppression of those below the social hierarchy.

Four years or more are not enough in perfectly molding a graduate who will be introduced to the real world. Yet it is important to have a glimpse, as the graduating class, of

what the world looks like outside, and what we can contribute as we march forward.

Despite uncertainties about ceremonies, we will march and this is what the world awaits for us, the graduating class; To engineers and architects, erect buildings and structures accessible to the vast majority of Filipino people. Your designs and efforts will be in vain if you materialize your vision in blood-soaked lands of indigenous tribes, farmers, and working class. We are expecting you to create urbanized and industrialized cities while taking into account the quality of life, environment, poverty, and opportunities;

in it, but you will also fight for the abolishment of its existence that warps the perception of the youth. You have the duty of leading the children towards critical thinking through examining our history, speaking the truth, and liberating your own minds. Root and fight for a nationalistic, scientific, and mass-oriented education for the Filipino students. Mold people who will dauntlessly criticize the injustices of the world—only by then that you will reap whatever you will sow; To multidisciplinary artists, continue to liberate people through your work. Do not let anyone tell you that the arts exist only for the beautification of this world when in the first place,

“ Isn’t the reason why we all made it this far is because we endured and braved? That the sheer reason why we exist is not to succeed but to collectively struggle and survive? ” To scientists and medical practitioners, your scientific approach and value have undeniably pushed the world to its fullest capacity, and your profession saved the lives of many from this detrimental pandemic. As you brave the world in dealing with several public health crises, we hope that you anchor your intellect and servitude in tending to those who do not have access to your service. In pursuit of saving lives, stick with your science and never with someone’s politics; To accountants, businessmen, and economists, we have seen too much greed from capitalism which immiserated the vast population of Filipinos. It is time to delve towards the socioeconomic development and advancement of the country and its people, instead of prioritizing profit maximization in order to retain the elites and capitalists from their seats. It will be a shame if, after years of academic excellence, you will just end up being enablers and puppets; To educators, this country has witnessed cynical faces of historical revisionism that we solemnly hope that not only will you never engage

it is the opportunists and elites who disheveled social order for their own interests. Art is, and will always be, meant for radical change. The purpose of your talent will emancipate the minds of those who see it. Integrate into different social realities, and use your medium to tell the stories of those who are covertly oppressed and manipulated by their oppressors. The world needs more artists who uphold radical principles; To tourism and hospitality practitioners, this country expects your service that is inclined with actual development beneficial to Filipinos.

You are the eyes of this nation in seeing our exceptional and world-class biodiversity. The servitude towards beauty comes with the rigid process of protection, conservation, innovation.

You are essential in the preservation of our environment and its natural resources, and this leads you to your responsibility in protecting it from imperialists and capitalists who deem to destroy our country; To philosophers and political and social scientists, the narratives and learnings of this world will always be rooted in your critical and challenging theories—so long as you bridge

them to practice. Our upheaval stemming from liberating teachings that brought us to where we are now in the conversations of race, gender and equality, rape culture, patriarchy and toxic masculinity, poverty—are progressive attempts to challenge the status quo. It is our sole responsibility to step down from our ivory towers, and educate and coax the masses and the marginalized in elevating their rights and toppling the abusive systems we live with; To writers, journalists, and media practitioners, our generation sits at the darkest era of press freedom and the death of democracy.

Pledge to uphold the truth and to be its guardians.

With the arrests and conviction of Maria Ressa and the politically-motivated shutdown of ABSCBN, remain unfettered in facing the strongmen who criminalize standing up for the truth. That despite the attacks, the history has invariably been on our side, and fascism will never win. We will unfold the untold; To criminologists, cadets, and police, the country awaits for your service without systemic machismo, violence, and impunity. In understanding your own policing, it is imperative to address that the very punitive system you were about to serve is the same system that killed innocent lives, impeded the democratic nature of this country, and suppressed the freedom of the Filipino people. That the history of your profession is rooted in serving the protection of the elite and the politics of the oppressors.

Remember: there is nothing braver than being accountable and defying your own corruption, and truly serving the people.

Throughout our college years, we were labeled as idealistic, that we envision a world far from reality. That our submissions are what truly matter in order to spark a change in this world.

That our rights are meant to be profitable and commodified. But the truth is, they only fear that our ideals will liberate ourselves and the changes we will impart will never work according to their interests. Our ideas matter. Our ideas are the future.

Dear Class of 2020, there is so much work to do, lives to save, principles to uphold, rights to protect, fascists to oust, and systems to challenge.

Congratulations! March forward.

OPINION

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In this war on accountability, silence is sin

by Kelsey Telo Illustration by Nadine Dumali The war on COVID-19, like the war on drugs, on press freedom, and others the Philippine government has waged, are all wars on accountability.

That free expression and dissent can be criminalized with particular hostility is not only an irony for the imbalance of power within the rungs of authorities. It is a threat that puts us in a very dangerous position as a democractic country. Especially in a time of crisis, and in a time when the government is given special powers and billions of taxpayer and borrowed money, the erosion of checks and balances should not escape us—even if we are preoccupied by the pandemic. Us, the citizens, have that power.

The only thing that’s stopping many of us is the wrong idea of loyalty and obedience.

We should realize that loyalty is not what drives our democracy. Because blind loyalty to a person is a chain, and democracy means freedom.

If you think about it, gone are the days where the top knows the best. Inside our homes, as commoners, us on the ground are key players in asserting the needs of communities from the grass roots. This is why dissent matters and this is why we should change the way we think about it.

Plain as day, we witnessed how the pandemic magnified existing gaps in our society. But more than this, we also saw people’s despair for change—and on the other hand, people’s illusion of order and progress. For some, stagnance is the

rule of peace, and as far as opinion is concerned, scrutinizing the government does more harm than good. This issue, specifically, the “ano bang ambag mo?” conversation is already fought long and hard: we as citizens, as taxpayers, and as people, have both the right and capacity for free exercise of sound conscience. Yet, every now and then, we still see people antagonize others who push for change.

Among Filipinos, aside from class struggle, stance

However, somehow, it can be hard to disabuse Filipinos of this notion. Dissent can entail images of disagreement, and we don’t want that in any scenario, especially now that the crisis we face is already bad enough. Influencing policies, in other simpler forms like posting on social media, criticizing President Rodrigo Duterte, his agencies, or his decisions, all look like betrayal to the Philippines. What they do not realize is that any act of resistance is not

“Any act of resistance is not an undoing of progress, but ultimately, a means for realizing potential and promoting honesty ” on politics is the heaviest wedge driven between us.

At this point, the roadblock to safeguarding our civil liberties is no longer our contribution as entitlement. But altogether, fanaticism and the notion that we can’t hold our leaders accountable, because they’re our leaders. But that’s the point, they are our leaders, and they should be accountable for everything that they do. It’s true, no government is perfect, and no one asks for that. But the question of whether they did enough for us not to reach this point, the question of whether they are doing enough to not go any farther down this road, and all the little questions of wheres and whys in between, are what keep us moving forward.

an undoing of progress, but ultimately, a means for realizing potential and promoting honesty.

One way to overturn this is by not backing off discourse and waiting for others to wake up through enlightenment and education. Perhaps, save for the trolls, don’t unfriend that relative or old schoolmate, and try a purposeful approach to achieving progress, knowing that there is no linear path to clarity. We should value our networks.

After all, we can’t achieve change on our own.

If there are issues that have continually divided us, among the biggest are war on drugs, COVID-19 response, and ABS-CBN shutdown. They are all complex discourse on public welfare, law, and justice but they are all about accountability.

Just the size of the discourse about these issues already proves many people care about what’s happening. We just need to work on our path to clarity, and although total agreement is not our ultimate goal, we should develop a culture where we welcome calls for solutions, transparency, and accountability. We need to be a meaningful part of the search to become the change we want to see.

It’s not hard to connect the dots among all the abuses of power that’s happening now, and it’s true that for some people, this might be a little harder to accept. But as the world burns, the worst we can do is just watch.

This belief will save us the dark satire of police gathering in a huge birthday party while other people die from the virus, while other people starve in lockdown. This will save us from the injustices that appall us on the daily, that while other people are battered literally and figuratively by the law, others run free without question.

What we allow now defines the kind of leader we want in the future. In the face of a public health disaster, dispute is a bitter pill to swallow. But as people die and as our pillars collapse, we can’t afford to look away, ignore what’s missing, and tolerate what’s not right. If more people suffer from the controllable ripples of bad decisions, miscalculations, and negligence, it is only right to hold power to account. We deserve what we allow and we don’t deserve any of this. In this war on accountability, silence is sin.

EDITORIAL

Imagining a world without fearless journalism In a world where censorship and intervention allow for more oppression than moderation, journalists fight to deliver the truth and speak for the people, braving both natural and orchestrated threats that entail their job.

More than they could admit, journalists find themselves in difficult situations, holding on to their sacred oath that without fear of favor, the truth should be pursued where it leads.

“A world without fearless jouralism is a world without check in power”

Today, it’s hard to imagine a world without fearless journalism.

A world without fearless journalism, is a world without check in power, without avenue for different shades of opinion—a world of darkness where discrepancies and injustices exist to be ignored.

The purpose of journalism is to report information that people rightfully deserve, to be the clarity among the polarized noise, to be the guiding light for a nation in the face of crises.

However, there is a long history of threats to journalists all over the world for reporting the inconvenient truth. According to a report published by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the Philippines is named as the most dangerous country for journalists in Southeast Asia, followed by Myanmar. Due to threats to the press and the number of unresolved media killings in the country, the Philippines scored 7.7 out of 10 in the report’s impunity scale.

In total, 13 journalists have reportedly been killed ever since President Duterte has sworn in office. Eleven of them were killed within the first two years of his term, recording the highest number of journalist murders within the first two years of any Philippine president. Aside from media killings, there are also indirect systematic attacks, most blatant of them the attempt to shut down critical news organizations

such as Rappler and ABS-CBN. The most common threats among media workers, on the other hand, concern poor wages and working conditions along with censorship, legal issues, cyber and targeted attacks, as well as physical safety.

Nonetheless, journalism continues to thrive through the barriers that hold them from shedding light to the truth, a reason to continue protecting and celebrating press freedom. *** Fearless journalism is not only about exclusive exposès, investigative documentaries, and critical editorials.

Fearless journalism does not always mean going on the offense, but rather, on the defense and welfare of the people it serves, through reports that save lives and write history as it happens.

Fearless in seeking the truth and courageous in echoing the people’s cries: this is what it truly means to unfold the untold. In a sense, there is a reason why freedom of speech and the press are among the essential rights. Being able to

speak and hold power to account is the core of successful democracy. After all, the foundation of journalism lies upon

public interest, attempting to revive the fading assurance in society that justice is inescapable.

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Keep your eyes open now that they’ve turned the lights out.

We, as youth and fellow Filipinos, pledge that we will brave through this terrorizing time. We will continue to contribute and defend our freedom through our writings, coverages, and artworks especially amidst the many crises we face. Upholding the democracy of the Philippines, we armor ourselves with freedom of the press, freedom of speech, and freedom of expression.

Currently, Filipinos also face mass arrest of activists, critics, and the impoverished.

The consecutive attacks on press freedom such as ABS-CBN’s shutdown and Rappler’s cyber libel case and the daily threats to our democracy persisted. This is while jeepney drivers beg for money on the streets, indigenous people lose their homes, thousands of innocent people die from the pandemic. Suffering from the government’s incompetence, Filipinos begin holding authorities accountable, who then begin to strike terror and silence people.

Since its establishment and through this infesting darkness, The HERALDO FILIPINO never lost the conviction to continue service as campus journalists.

Forever the voices, the virtue, and the vigilance for the people—following the truth where it leads.

We fight for the day our rights are fully guaranteed and not embattled. We will not be silenced.

Keep your fires ablaze.

#DeclareAntiTerrorLawUnconstitutional #JunkTerrorLaw #DefendPressFreedom

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F E AT U R E S

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F E AT U R E S

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LITERARY

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Keepsake

By Shekynah Angelene Samadan The wafting smoke from my cup of freshly-pressed Americano embraced my nostrils gently as I took in the warmth of this place, truly artisan from its polished mahogany floor up to its warm and minimal light. Finely-furnished armchairs with pictures on the wall of various shots of coffee beans plastered as if to remind you that yes, this is a coffee shop.

The night I went to sleep I already felt it. Three minutes until Friday.

Three minutes until my most awaited day. My very own Christmas, but without the annoying carols and sparkling lights. Something about that day keeps me living. Yes. Living. Beating. I began to hear it approaching in steady thumps. With the clock beside me ticking, all hands, short and long, pointed at twelve. Yes, finally. Like clockwork, a breath is released and my straining eyes welcomed rest. “Happy Valentine’s Day”, I whispered as the night pulled me into the arriving morning.

It always surprises me with the many shapes it comes from. The common symmetry, the one that kind of looks like a fist, or the one that is shaped like a mango. Nevertheless, it was a sight to see every time.

Inside the coffee shop, I see them. They are everywhere! Jampacked in this almost shoebox-sized space. Oh, it really boosts my spirits! I sip as I quietly survey them. Different shapes and sizes, I predict. Might have different conditions as well. I learned through my years of being a surgeon, whatever condition they might be in, they are still highly valuable especially for those who are in dire need of it. They will do anything, even search the darkest of alleyways just to get a hold of it. And by now, I am used to it.

The desperation people feel to just, have it.

That certain desperation led me to where I am now.

As I sat near the glass window, I could perfectly view my office on the 10th-floor building, standing proudly. St. Michael’s Hospital knew

things. It is, dare I say, my home? It knew things not just the man under the scrubs, white coat, and face mask. Not just the man who didn’t sleep for 48 hours to revive a patient suffering from a complex disease, no.

St. Michael’s Hospital also knows a man from floor 10. The man who is strangely enamored to this very special day. The man who drinks his coffee every morning before his shift, and observes lovingly at the elegant, vibrant, healthy… Wait. *thump* Left and right. I see them. Glaring red. *thump* Oh, I hear them so well. Riveting. *thump* My palms produced sweat that I know is not from the now lukewarm coffee. Oh, just thinking about it makes me giddy. Provoking me to down the bitter concoction hurriedly so I might get some things done before my shift starts. To get things organized.

As the minute passed, I kept my cool. I still have 30 more minutes to kill before I put on those rubber gloves. I kept acting seamless and calm, not letting the thumping bother me. Wiping the sweat from my palms.

Wanting to close my eyes to not let myself be indulged by the decorations around me.

“Keep the rhythm calm,” I whispered to myself.

I have to admit, I sometimes dream I am not this foolish. That I can survive and live my life not being devoured by something I cannot control. As far back as I can remember, it has always been that way. I recall it was also in St. Michael’s, glancing back again to the tall building, the very first time I saw light, the ceiling of a hospital bed, I laid quiet and welcomed the world as it merely acknowledged my presence. The first time I encountered sound was the steady beeping of the monitor that

was attached to my tired mother, while my father stood nowhere near the vicinity. I grew up with the only embrace I felt was the world weighing me heavily to a road unpaved by any sort of warmth.

I made my way to med school with hopes of becoming someone, though I always felt that way, small. The world deemed me as a mere speck in the grand scheme of things. I knew being here was not enough to fill the void. Though, I did not expect that void to be filled by something physical. Tangible. Something cold and heavy. Heavier than the cadaver lying undisturbed, odorless. The cadaver was unaware of the precise dissection that is happening to his once-living body. I dug the sharp tool through the tough skin, one sure slice and I felt that I have stricken gold. My first encounter with it was strangely...electrifying. One of the tasks is to put it on the silver tray so I readied my hands. The first time that I touched it, it weighed heavily on my palms. Such a strange mechanism, I thought, this was once a thriving, beating machine that kept a whole man afloat. Now, I see it and it felt like a brick, though I strangely found comfort in it. While I was holding it, there was a sudden shock that crept in me, like two wires that finally connected with each other, ran the motors inside of me, energized me. It made me realize that as I held this muscle, I felt like God. Surely, I cannot just let the momentum pass. Over the years I have collected plenty of them to keep the rush going. Every sleepless night and manic morning that I worked with my unfortunate patients, I always try to remember them. Keep them in jars inside of that office on the 10th floor, on the 10th floor, in St. Michael’s. I call it my “Chamber”, quite smart, no? Let’s just say this is my very own trophy room, to congratulate myself for my outstanding work.

Unsent letters

By Kayla Nicole De Quiroz November 25 I wrote another letter for you today, after I stopped myself again from attempting to place your hand in mine as I see you twirling around in your blue dress.

You laugh with your friends, while soaking in the sun, only making it harder for me to look at you. I desire to be as close as I could be—it’s impossible to be close and not get burnt.

January 15 As much as I want to tell you that there’s nothing in this world that looks more beautiful than you are, I can’t seem to shout to the world how in love I am with you. Unacceptable. Unconventional. It’s not as if I want it to be that way, there are things beyond our grasp.

I noticed changes as you seemingly hide behind a shadow. You’ve begun to look a lot more like a woman now, trying to be a trophy girl for someone who promises you the world.

July 20 Months passed and I see you grew tired. I drown myself in alcohol, in the puddle of my own misery. And sometimes, I regret falling in love in this uncertainty, unsure if you’re ever going to feel the same about me.

I could stare at the wall for hours and still cannot find the answers.

December 19 The world you built started to crumble as that same person who promised you the world broke your heart. All that’s left is nothing. With open arms, I was there trying to pick up the broken pieces. Yet, you keep on just passing by me. All those years, watching and waiting, seeing you smile and your eyes gleaming as months go by, paints an empty canvas.

March 20 I was ready to say goodbye to this never-ending chase as I decided to let go of this idea of you noticing me. I’m just someone who kept catching you on your worst days, filling them up with hopes for a better tomorrow, but in the end, I am just a girl—a girl who you’ll never see.

Straight lines

By Jacinth Banite Scream stuns the calmness of the evening The tranquility of the night damaged by pain Running shoes echo in the white corridor Chasing pavements for your restless soul I watched as hands mend your agony Forcing pills and liquids as they do the magic— A lullaby to your lifetime misery It sleeps between spaces of your bones Until the minute hand claps and wakes them all I watched as your body turns into a lump Engraved in that bed, distorting your shapes Your skin, crumpled like papers thrown in a bin No more smile in your eyes, just pathways of tears Tired of the view of a tormented soul I’ll give you a gift I’ve been wrapping since you plead Spare you the pain is what you beg Nothing else convinced me, but the nights themselves I watched my hands removed the needle from your pulse While those green beating lines turn straight, I held your hand and said my goodbyes “Pa, say hello to Mama for me” Hoping you hear my whispers as they fade

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Consumirse

By Sophia Ruth Romasanta

Sa malaki ngunit payapang bayan ng San Felipe, mayroong isang batang sastre na tanyag sa angking galing sa paggawa ng mga damit. Tila musika na sa kanyang puso ang mga papuri’t pagbati sa kanyang mga likha.

Hindi nagtagal, nabebenta na sa mga karatig bayan ang dekalidad niyang mga tahi, dahilan upang mas nakilala ang munting sastre. Sa bilang ng mga bago niyang tagahanga, ang dalubhasang mananahi ay nagmistulang manikang pinagagalaw ng mga hiling nila. Hindi maipaliwanag ng puso niya ang tindi ng alab na nadarama.

Dala ng biglang pagdami ng sa kanya’y nagpapatahi, nagsisimula nang mamahay sa pagitan ng kanyang mga daliri ang manipis niyang karayom, habang umuukit naman ng kalyo ang mabigat na gunting sa kanyang kabilang kamay.

Ang kanyang mga kagamitan na sinulid at aspile ay hindi na lumisan sa kanyang tabi.

Marahil ay may mga parokyano siyang lumuluwas sa ibang bayan at naipagyabang ang kanyang talento sapagkat makalipas ang ilang buwan, dumoble ang mga taong dumdadagsa sa kanyang bahay at hindi tumagal ay nagmistula itong aparador ng bulto-bultong tela. Kahalo na nito ang mga nakasabit na yaring kasuotan ng mga dayuhang dumadalaw kung hindi para

Alab ng puso

By Louise Nicole Escario Para sa aking iniirog, Walang araw na dumaraan na ika’y hindi sumasagi sa nagugulumihanan kong isip. Alam ng mga tala at buwan kung paano kita pagmasdan sa tuwing hihiling na sana’y walang ibang magmay-ari ng pusong iyan. Kung ito na ang huling liham na isusulat nitong mga daliri ay hayaang gamitin ang natitirang tinta upang ihayag ang silakbo’t tunay na laman nitong damdamin.

Sa tuwing naghahanap inspirasyon at pagganyak ang makatang diwa, iisa lamang ang pinupuntahan nitong mga paa. Agad na dudungaw sa bintana upang masilayan ang ‘yong ganda—buhok na umaalon, maamong mukha, kayumangging balat na animo’y kumikinang sa pagtama ng liwanag gaya ng araw at bituin, kailanman ‘di magdidilim. At sa panahong pilit na bumabangon sa kabila ng unos at hamon, Sinta, doon ka pinakamaganda.

Isang reyna ngunit pawang isa ring alila. Huwag makinig sa pamantayan nila, hubarin ang kolorete’t alisin ang paha. Noong minsa’y tinanong kita kung ano ang nais sa susunod na buhay, ang sabi mo ay maging isang ibon nang sa gayo’y makalipad ka. Kung iyan ang ibig, tatalikuran ko ang lahat, bitbit ang natitirang tapang, kahit pa lakas ng loob na lamang ang katuwang sa hinaharap.

Papalitan ng dalisay ang iyong nangangarap na ngiti.

Hindi mo na kailangang tumawid sa kabila upang maging malaya.

Sa dami ng patuloy na sinusubok sungkitin ang iyong puso, pangako na ika’y akin lamang anumang mangyari’y hindi isusuko. Bawat pag-tibok ng puso ay iyong-iyo.

Pangako. At kung sakaling malimutan mo, walang tigil na isisigaw ang laman nitong damdamin tulad ng pagawit ng mga along pilit na humahalik sa dalampasigan.

Walang humpay na uulit-ulitin, mapatid man ang aking tinig. Walang sawang babanggitin at ibubulong ang iyong pangalan sa bawat pag-ihip ng hangin. Kung kinakailangang tumayo sa gitna ng init, indahin ang hapdi at buhos ng pawis ay malabong sumagi sa isip.

Banggain man ang mga higanteng pader at gumapang sa putik ay gagawin. Dahil sa paglubog ng araw ay ikaw pa rin ang pipiliin. Ako man ay tawagin nilang isang hibang na martir, walang magbabago sa aking pagtingin.

Tatanggapin ang kapalarang tila sa aki’y nakaabang—ang mamatay para sa’yo... ...Perlas ng Silangan.

Nagmamahal, Gerero

magsukat ay para kuhanin na ang mga tapos na pinagawa.

Halos wala nang tigil sa pagkilos ang mga kamay ng sastre, ni gutom o antok ay hindi nagwagi laban sa kanyang pinaiiral na matinding konsentrasyon.

Sinulid. Karayom. Gunting. Tela. Pilit isinantabi ang pagod para sa sining na iniibig.

Kailangan lahat ay nasa ayos, kailangan pantay ang kwelyo, kailangan walang ligaw na himulmol, kailangan may kalidad ang materyales, kailangan magkasinghaba ang manggas, kailangan walang tastas ang palda, kailangan kakulay ng sinulid ang pantalon, kailangan detalyado ang mga maliit na disenyo, kailangan sakto ang laki sa kliyente, kailang— Naputol ang tumatakbo sa isipan niya at sa isang singap, siya ay bumagsak.

Hindi na naalintana ng mga kapitbahay ang ngayo’y walang buhay na bata dahil nasanay na sa maingay na ugong ng kanyang abalang makinilya, Umaga na nang dumating ang isang parokyano na naiinip na kumatok sa pintuan ng bata. Sa pagkainis niya ay hindi na siya nag-intay pa na pagbuksan ng may tahanan. ‘Di tumagal ay kumalat na ang balita na ang sastre ay natagpuang wala nang buhay sa loob ng bahay nito. Sinasabing ang mga bihasa

niyang kamay ay nakakamao sa isang pasadyang barong habang ang kanyang gamit na karayom at sinulid ay nasa tabi ng kanyang mga nakadilat na mga mata. Inatake raw sa puso sabi nila. Marahil sa labis na pagbatak ng kanyang mga makakapal na palad at sa nagningas na apoy sa kanyang puso, hindi na kinaya pa ang panunuot ng mga paso sa kanyang laman at pati kaluluwa niya ay nasunog na.

Bilang pag-alala sa kanya ng San Felipe, binansagan siya na “Consumirse”—isang kandilang masyadong nag-lagablab kaya’t mabilis na naupos. Nalimot na ang kanyang pangalan at hanggang ngayon walang makapagsabi kung siya ba ay taong marubdob o taong alipin ng karubdoban.

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JANUARY - JULY 2020 | PAGE 24

#24

by John Zedrick Simeon

This January, the world mourned.

News about Kobe Bryant shocked not just the basketball world, but the whole world.

The loss was one of the most devastating in sports history that the world stopped, looked, and mourned for the death of the Laker Legend.

Kobe—a cultural icon, the cocky rookie, the bakaw, the Mamba, the five-time champion, a basketball God—gone in a glimpse. A few seconds.

Without any goodbyes. Without any NBA hall of fame speeches. He was just—gone.

Despite all these, he left a lot of wisdom, basketball moves, and a legacy.

The Mamba Mentality The Mamba is a venomous snake of the genus Dendroaspis in the family Elapidae. Like the Mamba, Kobe is venomous with that deadly fadeaway, that Olajuwon fake, and the stare—don’t forget the stare—that has victimized a lot of players when he gets into the zone. The Mamba Calls his mentality “The Mamba Mentality”. According to Kobe himself, the mentality means “it’s a constant quest to try to be better than you were yesterday…it means to be able to constantly try to be the best version of yourself.”

During practice, when all his teammates were fast asleep thinking about the next day, thinking about the next game—Kobe, according to his previous coaches, was practicing a thousand shots to stay ahead of his peers. Constantly trying to be the best in every aspect of his game.

Art by Sheka Ignaco

VOLUME 34 DOUBLE ISSUE

It is a work ethic that has inspired people around the world, including many Filipinos. Even our Patriots changed their Instagram profile pictures the day after the Legend died. Bandrich Amponin, a veteran center for the DLSU-D Patriots took it to Instagram to express his love for the Mamba. A lot of the Patriot basketball players look up to Bryant for inspiration, and this in turn helped them in their day-to-day training and games.

The generational impact of Kobe Bryant Kobe was the heir to the GOAT, Michael Jordan. Besides, he had always been more than a basketball player.

He was a filmmaker, a writer, and a philanthropist after his career. Bryant is the son of “Jelly Bean” Bryant, a former NBA player and Pam Bryant.

He was the first, after Kevin Garnett, to jump from High School basketball

to the NBA. Soon after, modern-day basketball stalwarts Lebron James and others started to do the same because they saw the success of Bryant.

Kobe is a generation of basketball players. And this is not to overstate. Kobe is the generation before Lebron. The defining generation of the 00’s basketball.

Many people in the Philippines worship the guy like he was a basketball god. This is evident when a group of old and young men painted a basketball court in honor of the late Bryant. There is also a Kobe Bryant gymnasium named “The house of Kobe Bryant” in Barangay Karuhatan, Valenzuela. Kobe bears the spirit of the court that even when shooting crumpled papers in trash, people utter his name. “Kobe!” people would shout as they dunk. Then comes the fake, the spin-around, or the mimicking of his ever-famous fadeaway.

Even players from outside the four sides of the basketball court have been reached by the impact of Kobe Bryant. Novak Djokovic, an Australian open champion, treated Kobe as his mentor and lead a community of tennis players into mourning for his death. *** More so, Kobe is a mindset, a killer instinct. A cultural icon that changed the world. Kobe’s loss was like losing a friend, a mentor, a tito.

He was a killer inside the court.

He didn’t flinch. He moved so quickly.

He went by so quickly.

Mastering the values of Taekwondo

by Joanne Cabasag We often see taekwondo as a form of head-to-head combat and sparring, but it is not just a mere sport and a discipline for protecting oneself, as Guessteen Merile Andia Aznar unleashes its true form.

For her, it’s an art of telling a story of her life.

Derived from the Korean word “Tae” meaning foot, “Kwon” meaning fist, and “Do” which means way of, Taekwondo, which literally means “the way of the foot and fist”, taught Aznar that it means more than just wearing the black belt, but embracing fierceness and bravery to conquer unexpected turning points in life.

The jin’s sweet revenge Turning the pain of dealing with a personal bearning after she and her partner decided to go separate ways was the one of the things she needed to overcome to gear her way up for the recent competition she set out last 2019. She shared with bravery that she used the anguish feeling as her drive to bring home the gold from the championships.

“Nag-start ako ng [training noong] September 2019, and

by October, naghiwalay kami ng boyfriend ko. So, nag-stop akong mag-training, tapos hindi ako nakapagfocus kasi nasa iisang gym kami. Siya ‘yong [coach na] kasama ko dapat.”

She had a short break from the training but came back right after a few weeks with persistence and eyes focused on the gold medal by placing the Philippines in the first line in the 2019 Daedo Taekwondo Championship and donned the country’s colors in Singapore last December.

“Parang sampal sa’kin na nagpunta ako doon, [all by myself] na wala akong kaalam-alam, na parang nangapa lang ako gano’n. Parang siya [ex-boyfriend], hindi niya binigyan ng importance yung pagpunta ko sa Singapore,’’ she added.

Stepping onto the mat Facing her contingent from

the host country, Singapore, for the final game, Aznar shared that upon her entrance for the Philippines, she had a series of scenes quickly flashing through her mind: she knew that she was one step away from her dream of representing her country, and more to come. From the very beginning she never saw herself wearing those belts that a jin must have, she was satisfied holding and playing a badminton racket, not until she became amazed by how girls her age effortlessly deliver their most artistic yet powerful kicks.

“Nakaka-flatter na sa division na sinalihan ko, ‘yong weight division (Finweight division) na ‘yon is matangkad talaga ako sa ibang players, ‘yon ang naging advantage. Naalala ko lang na nag-doubt ako na hindi ako makasipa nang mataas o malakas, pero nagulat ako nung first game ko, na-feel ko na sobrang tapang ko, [kasi] nauluhan (head kick) ko siya, tapos tuwang-tuwa ‘yong parents ko.”

Kicking since eight years old, possessing a yellow belt, “Teen” never expected that her first gold would open up doors for more opportunity to win 32 gold and 15 silver medals out of more than 50 tournaments, as well setting a scene for an international competition.

“Sobrang nakakakaba. Pagstep-in mo pa lang [sa mat] iniisip mo na agad kung anong strategy, anong technique. ‘Yong mindset mo puro head kick.”

Her Taekwondo Tales “Nakita na nila ako maglaro, so [may part sa’kin na] chin up ka lang, ipakita mo na hindi ka takot.”

Because of her edge through her height of 5’6”, countering attacks from her opponents was way easier, especially during her regional and

national competitions when she was still in Baguio City. A former BS Psychology student in Saint Louis University, Baguio City, the eldest daughter among the Aznar family struggled to lay the foundations to become the athlete she became today as the contender defending the gold medal for three consecutive years. “Noong una, cool lang, hanggang sa naging passion ko na siya [taekwondo]. Nagsimula ako sa isang gym (UFC Baguio), nung lumipat ako sa Baguio year 2012.”

The 23-year old then reminisced the times she had to save money from her ‘baon’ just to continuously attend her training because her parents in the first place did express their unfavorable opinion about her chosen passion.

“Hindi alam ng parents ko na iniipon ko siya [baon], na minsan hindi ako kumakain ng recess. ‘Yong baon ko na ‘yon for one week, binabayad ko siya doon sa gym para makapag-training ako kasi against talaga sila [parents] sa taekwondo dati. Hanggang sa first competition ko, tapos after that competition, doon na sila nag-start na suportahan ako.”

Indeed, taekwondo had been more than just a sport and passion for her, as it became her means of earning—constantly providing her studies and her family. She shared that being a working student also shoulders much more responsibilities and commitment just as a student athlete does.

Emphasizing time management and dedication as her grounds for her everyday routine, she is now suited for a new challenge— becoming an instructor to train a taekwondo team in Singapore; a moment after clinching her gold medal from the competition.

Photo by Beatriz Cordero Living the values of Taekwondo As a second year student taking up Bachelor of Physical Education, taekwondo opened up another milestone in her life, so it won’t be surprising if it had become her way of telling her story—an avenue for building her character and personality. From being a shy-type student who was always bullied in school because of her physical appearance, to becoming a person whose achievements were recognized and appreciated. Her chosen

sport helped her discover her full potential not only as an athlete, but also as an individual with selfconfidence. It had been more than just a mere sport—but a gateway to having a fighting spirit not only within the borders of the mat, but also in life.

“Dati, hindi ako matapang, ngayon, kapag nakita ko ‘yong isang bagay, sasabihin kong, kaya ko ’yan.

Hindi ‘yan mapapantayan ng kahit anong sport.” ***

It’s not easy to just kick in, especially for the life that we aren’t certain of. But for “Teen”, there is nothing she would be afraid to conquer, a value that her found passion taught her.

Who would have thought that a move by turning all her downfalls to her edge like a spinning kick would work round to place as one of the promising athletes of the next generation? Undeniably, Guessteen Aznar is more than ready to be invincible for more battles ahead of her.

LSI P TO E RR A TR SY

JANUARY - JULY 2020 | PAGE 25

VOLUME 34 DOUBLE ISSUE

Student-athletes raise budget issues SDO blames “late” payments and population decline

by Joanne Cabasag DLSU-D athletes, together with their coaching staff, raised concerns regarding alleged budget delays and inconsistencies with their benefits as student-athletes, despite being on the top of various leagues and competitions including the National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) and Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA).

While aiming to create possibilities that will utilize sports as one of the catalysts in physical, social, mental, and academic development, as well as nurture communion and foster compassion among members of the Lasallian community, the Sports Development Office is responsible for the development and formation of the Patriots as they continue to bring pride to the green-and-white team.

Not the first time Raised concerns regarding alleged budget delays and inconsistencies were never the first time, addressed by the athletes themselves, as limitations were being set along with other benefits being slashed as another academic year began. SDO Director John Casidsid, however, stated that they tend to make few adjustments to be able to make up for the delays including tightening their budget to cover and shoulder all the operating expenses for the academic year every “delayed” provision of funds.

“We (SDO) sacrifice. ‘Yong mga coaches natin, they wait … [and] even ‘yong athletes. Ang sinasabi nga namin dito sa office, mauna na muna [‘yong budget para sa] athletes natin,” he furthered.

Casidsid added that all needs of the athletes, particularly for their training, conditioning, and wellness, always depend on the availability of the source.

“The school is trying its best na maibigay din naman ‘yong pangangailangan [ng athletes and coaching staff]. Siguro compared sa other schools na malalaki na, may budget constraint talaga [ang DLSU-D],” Casidsid said.

Behind the scholarship benefit Following the decline of the student population because of the K-12 program implementation, Casidsid explains that the number of athletes who acquire scholarship benefits under his office is continuously growing, yet the allocated fund for the scholarship continues to decrease.

“May nakalaan naman bawat team, may percentage para sa kanila (athletes). The coaches will be the one who will divide that, pag-uusapan din ‘yan dito [sa office]. For example, they (athletes of a team) have 1200 percent, the coach will be the one to divide kung sinong bibigyan niya [ng certain percentage] based on the skills and performance and then they would recommend it to SDO,” the SDO director explained.

He furthered that as the number of enrollees continues to drop, the supporting foundation of their office will also continue to suffer from the deficiency until everything isnormalized.

Talking about the SDO budget, “nakasalalay from the students, [budget is] coming from the athletic fee [paid by] the students. Now, because of the [K-12] program of the Department of Education, nagkaroon tayo ng problema kasi nga we only have first year and second year (enrollees), nabawasan nang nabawasan, so ‘yong budget na naibibigay sa sports ay lumiliit din.”

“Late” payment one of the reasons As SDO unceasingly relies on the budget from the athletic fee coming from the undergraduate students’ other fees, SDO Director claims that the alleged budget delays can be traced back from students who tend to not pay their fees “on time.”

“Magkakaroon talaga ng budget [constraint] doon sa Accounting [Office]. Syempre, nagpapasweldo sila (Accounting Office) ng mga

employees. Saan kukuhanin ang sweldo ng mga employees? ‘Di ba sa payment being made by the students. Syempre ‘di rin naman natin masisi ang mga estudyante [at] mga magulang nila. Kalimitan nagbabayad sila bago mag-enrollment na, papaano naman ‘yong days and months [na hindi sila nakapagbayad], saan kukuha ‘yong admin [ng ipapasuweldo sa employees]?,” Casidsid claimed.

Sponsors as “marketing partners” Being responsible for the promotion of the University through the athletes, he also shared that as the SDO Director, asking support and involvement of the alumni and other organizations inside the University is also a part of his duty. Challenging them to support the Patriots in any manner is one of his initiatives, mentioning that other La Salle schools alumni take part in supporting their respective teams.

“My vision is to also involve alumni in helping because this is for the marketing of the school. Lalapit din tayo sa mga nandito [sa loob ng campus] like POLCA (Parents Organization La Salle Cavite),” SDO Director explained.

Revision for working relations Ensuring to meet the respective benefits and welfare of the Patriots, Casidsid mentioned that a revised contract between the SDO and the athletes is set to be released. The revised contract will include the terms and conditions agreed upon between SDO and student-athletes regarding the new process of evaluation of the scholarship grant based on their academic standing and performance during games.

As of press time, the SDO and the athletes are in the process of discussing the issues concerned.

Alkhaizar Que: The student-athlete-turned-coach

by Christine Marie Romero One of the most difficult points in the journey of every student-athlete is hanging up their jerseys, marking the end of their playing days for their alma mater. They are left on their own devices, figuring out the next destination—which can be an unnerving reality for those who have dedicated themselves in playing their sport for years.

Alkhaizar Que, former member of DLSU-D men’s volleyball team, also went through this challenge. But being welcomed as part of the volleyball coaching staff, for him, it was a difficult yet a favorable transition.

Setting foot on the volleyball world During his third year high school in his hometown Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, the former middle blocker learned how to play volleyball when he was enticed by his cousins, Ismael, Eddiemar, and Ibrahim Kasim, former Patriot spikers as well. They trained under Mohammad Tadus, a popular volleyball coach in their hometown who also once taught DLSU-D alumnus, now highcaliber open hitter in the Philippines, Alnakran Abdilla.

Que, who could not play the basics of volleyball at 17, would attend three-hour training sessions early in the morning and short practices in the afternoon on his two-month vacation, and would even stay in his coach’s house until he eventually got the hang of the sport and became a player himself.

Peaks and troughs Before he shifted to his current career, Coach Que was a part of numerous wins and losses within his journey as a student-athlete.

First of the many battles was when he had to set aside entering college and playing volleyball in 2014 due to a financial problem.

But the sport kept him going. Eddiemar Kasim, who was already part of the DLSU-D Men’s Volleyball Team in the first semester of academic year 2014-2015, introduced Que to the University that made way for his recruitment in the varsity team during the second semester of the same year. Through this, a scholarship offering from DLSU-D paved the way for him to finally enter college.

The Tawi-Tawi pride did not disappoint the team as he greatly contributed to the various recognitions of the Patriot spikers. He also led the squad as a team captain during his final year and was recognized as the Athlete of the Year for the men’s volleyball category in Luntiang Parangal 2019.

Having been able to face majority of the typical studentathlete struggles, Coach Que enumerated these hardships as they were still clear in his mind, “una, malayo [ako] sa pamilya [ko].

Pangalawa, nahihirapan [akong] mag-adjust sa culture dito. Pangatlo, nahihirapan [akong] i-balance ang academics at ang paglalaro.”

He even shared that he still encountered financial insufficiency amid the educational and financial assistance of being a varsity player, “may time [na] hindi [ako] nakakapag-dinner kasi ubos na ang budget para sa pagkain.” But being focused on his goals to finish his studies and to continue being passionate in his sport enabled him to push through and survive. Not only was he able to get all those attainments in the collegiate level but also he was able to play twice for the Philippine Coast Guard in the Spikers’ Turf, a popular commercial league for men’s volleyball in the national level.

Transition from student-athlete to coach Aside from playing the sport, the former Athlete of the Year awardee participated in some open volleyball clinics hosted by DLSU-D where he taught children how to play volleyball.

During intercollegiate sports fests in the University, Que was also tapped by certain teams to coach for their respective colleges, and just recently, he mentored the College of Liberal Arts and Communication girls volleyball team to a final-four finish.

These instances unfolded the journey of the former Patriot spiker as to formally enter the world of coaching.

Other than having been encouraged by other coaches to apply for a coaching position in the University, it was his willingness to teach and play volleyball that pushed him to pursue the career.

“Hilig ko kasi ang mag-volleyball at magturo ng volleyball, kaya nag-apply ako,” Que said.

With his potential, it did not take too long for him to be accepted in the coaching staff of the green-and-white men’s volleyball team in August 2019.

Emphasizing his current experiences in transitioning from being a student-athlete to a coach, he said “mahirap ‘yong naging transition ko … dati, ako ‘yong sumusunod sa mga gawain sa training [pero] ngayon, [isa na ako sa mga] nagpapa-sunod at nag-uutos ng mga gawain [sa athletes].”

Despite this difficulty in adjustment, Que wants to continue facing these challenges as he believes in the importance of imparting knowledge to the younger athletes, “kahit wala na ako, ang nashare ko na knowledge ay patuloy na mabubuhay kaya mahalaga na maibahagi ko ang aking mga kaalaman.” ***

Staying focused on one’s own goals while setting in motion the process of achieving them is what Alkhaizar Que’s story teaches. Highlighting one thing he would like to share: “may mga pagsubok na darating sa buhay natin pero palagi natin isipin ang goals natin para malagpasan natin mga pagsubok na ‘yon.”

Photo by Aprilean Octavo

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JANUARY - JULY 2020 | PAGE 26

VOLUME 34 DOUBLE ISSUE

Ran Abdilla: A SEA Games silver medalist Donning the Philippine flag with Patriot spirit

by Christine Marie Romero Photo by Rona Santarin

Alnakran Abdilla had a plethora of awards and recognitions attached to his name, and has continued to do so ever since his departure from DLSU-D in 2013. The spiker had visited big local leagues such as the Spikers’ Turf, Premiere Volleyball League, and the highly-awaited Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games).

Getting to his Spikers’ Turf career peak as a top hitter for the Philippine Air Force, he has continued to turn heads in the international picture with a historic silver medal finish in the recently concluded SEA Games Men’s Volleyball tournament.

As smooth as it may sound though, his journey towards these exceptional milestones isn’t as easy as how he makes his tenacious spikes look easy on court.

Stepping into the volleyball court Abdilla first entered the world of sports as a basketball player.

Though being a little short for the game, Abdilla had a good support system in his grandfather figure who encouraged him to play the game, a person he considers a grandfather figure encouraged him to try volleyball. The transition proved easy with the Abdilla, as he came from a volleyball-inclined family.

Abdilla got his first taste of competitive volleyball during his third year in high school. Though a late bloomer, Abdilla lead his high school team in a victorious Palarong Pambansa where he became a Tawi-Tawi pride. This feat lead to a certain number of universities eyeing Abdilla.

Numerous attainments in the field during his stay in the university, including three consecutive Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) - Nationals, two National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA), and three Universities and Colleges Athletic Association (UCAA) championships, did not stop Abdilla from continuing to pursue volleyball after college and soar for bigger achievements. It sure reflected in the number of trophies and plaques he displayed in his home which he shared and even joked, “wala pa ‘yan, ‘di pa ‘yan lahat.”

In 2015, however, the wing spiker suffered an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury in his right knee which took him almost two years to recover from, as his team, Philippine Air Force, could not finance his operation immediately. Keeping an optimistic mindset, he took it as a challenge: “kasi ‘pag iniisip mo, wala ka nang ia-angat. Hanggang doon [ka] na lang. Hindi ka na magle-level up.”

Proving his power and perseverance, Abdilla returned back in action at the 2017 Spikers’ Turf Reinforced Conference with a most valuable player (MVP) award over other renowned volleyball players in the country, including those from University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) schools. It was even followed by another top individual award in 2019 in the mentioned first-ever league that is dedicated to men’s volleyball.

But the 6-foot-1 Mindanao pride also aimed more than that.

He has been securing a spot in the national team since he was in second year college in an attempt to bring home a history for the country’s men’s volleyball, but he was not successful in the past years. “Dito sa Pinas, wala na akong kailangang patunayan pa. Kaya tumatak sa isip ko na dapat sa international leagues naman.”

Road to SEA Games historical medal The go-to hitter of the national men’s volleyball team during the 2014 Asian Men’s Club Volleyball Championship in Manila and 2017 SEA Games shared that just before the most recent SEA Games, he was about to retire from the indoor volleyball scene to focus more on beach volleyball. But the squad’s head coach, Dante Alinsunurin, encouraged him to still play to complete its powerful

lineup together with Ateneo De Manila University’s Marck Espejo, National University’s Bryan Bagunas, and other younger UAAP star players.

The team only had six months for preparation but their eagerness to win helped them shock and cruise past the fourtime defending champion, Thailand, in the 30th SEA Games semifinals and entered the championship round after 42 long years.

Reminiscing how surreal that moment was, Abdilla even described the win as a miracle. He added, “no’ng nanalo kami do’n, feeling namin champion na kami. Iba ‘yong feeling na natalo mo ang isang powerhouse team.”

What’s more mind-blowing in that game, according to the La Salle pride, was the crowd consisted of thousands of Filipinos cheering for them, which was unusual for men’s volleyball in the country. “Sa tingin ko ‘yong nagpalakas ng morale namin ay ‘yong

“Ngayon, hindi pa rin ako dapat makuntento. Dapat palaging maging gutom na mag-level up.” crowd. Iba ‘yong feeling na nakikita mong pati ‘yong crowd lumalaban … palagi kasi kaming napag-iiwanan ng women’s [volleyball],” he shared, considering that one of their main goals in the tournament was to also lift the market of men’s volleyball in the Philippines.

Unfortunately, their team fell short against Indonesia in the final round, ending with a historic silver medal finish. “More exposure and trainings pa sana sa ibang bansa. Isipin mo, ang Thailand, ilang beses lumalabas ng bansa sa isang taon, pero natalo natin sila,” Abdilla said regarding his hopes for the sport. In line with this, their recent success immediately bore fruit as there are already upcoming international trainings for the team.

Pushing past the limits Realizing the life changes he has gotten through his volleyball success, the stellar spiker described the sport as the other half of his life. He emphasized the fact that other than being able to play his passion, he also earns to afford his family’s necessities such as a decent home and other stuff.

But Abdilla never settles for anything that he has in the present and, as usual, aims for more. The always-driven athlete has already succeeded in playing volleyball, entered coaching, been invited as guest speaker in local leagues, and now, he eyes for more opportunities to play internationally. “Ngayon, hindi pa rin ako dapat makuntento. Dapat palaging maging gutom na mag-level up,” he said.

Ran Abdilla has always been motivated to push through his goals, with the help of his tough support system. Having his wife, Charm Abdilla, and two children who always have his back, made it much easier for the volleyball star to attain all that he has now and continue to improve on his career. “Minsan sinasabi ko, ‘wag na kaya ako maglaro? Pero siya (Charm) ‘yong nagpu-push sa ‘kin. Nakikita niya kasi [kung] paano ako mag-ensayo. Pag nag-eextra training ako, sinasamahan niya pa ako. Hanggang ngayon, gano’n pa rin siya,” he shared regarding his all-support wife, who was also once a part of the DLSU-D volleyball team. *** Throughout Abdilla’s ups and downs in the volleyball scene, one thing he would like to impart to the current DLSU-D and other non-UAAP school athletes is to always work hard and push past their limits. “Hindi hadlang ang hindi pagiging UAAP player kung desidido ka na makamit ‘yong goal mo,” he imparted.

Emphasizing how his perseverance pushed him to be the volleyball sensation in the country as he is now, Abdilla advised, “Pagpatuloy lang nila (aspiring athletes) ‘yong pangarap nila.

Hangga’t ‘di mo pa nakukuha ‘yong gusto mo, ‘wag kang titigil.”

NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2019 JANUARY - JULY 2020 | PAGE 27| PAGE 27

LITERARY

VOLUME 34 ISSUE 2 VOLUME 34 DOUBLE ISSUE

Illustration by Rachelle Ann Calaustro Art direction by Marco Belarmino and Kelsey Telo

About the double issue

Our society came to a great standstill in the face of the

long overdue for us to face forward, in a direction where we reach

pandemic. While the world might still keep spinning for some,

for systemic changes that’ll stop us from going back to where we

life for others as they know it has come to a stuttering halt. But

came running from.

these challenging times didn’t just forge a different reality. It simply stripped off the veil that covered the cracks of a long-running ill

We can’t look away from what critical times are trying to tell us.

system, forcing all of us in the same boat in such a short notice.

For the first time, The HERALDO FILIPINO releases

The reality is that some of us have safety nets. Some of us have

special double issue. The 28-page broadsheet is history pieced

lifeguards. Most of us don’t.

together, covering stories from Taal Volcano eruption, death of

Privilege has allowed many to look away for so long. But as we wait for things to get better while inside our homes, things are suddenly put into perspective—exposing ever widening gaps and long existing divides.

Kobe Bryant, effects of the pandemic, shift of academic setting, to movements on Anti-Terrorism Law. We followed stories about local artists, farmers in Cavite, and a Patriot pride at the SEA Games; talked to experts in disaster

The truth is, a world filled with problems lay on the other

management, food and agriculture, sociology, and biology; reported

side of our screens. And a world riddled with a virus lay on the

on dangers of red-tagging in Cavite and on campus; spoke about

other side of our doors. The threat that the pandemic holds is still

the power of student voice, and the importance of press freedom—

a reality we live today and things might be far from over. But it’s

along with others that are news today and history tomorrow.

JANUARY - JULY 2020 | PAGE 28

VOLUME 34 DOUBLE ISSUE

Welcome to the new normal

JANUARY - JULY 2020

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heraldofilipino.com

VOLUME 34 DOUBLE ISSUE

These challenging times didn’t just forge a different reality. It simply stripped off the veil that covered the cracks of a long-running ill system, forcing all of us in the same boat in such a short notice. The reality is that some of us have safety nets. Some of us have lifeguards. Most of us don’t. Privilege has allowed many to look away for so long. But as we wait for things to get better while inside our homes, things are suddenly put into perspective—exposing ever widening gaps and long existing divides.