UPHOLDER OF TRUTH. HERALD OF CHANGE. September - November 2020
Volume 5 Issue 1
Stranded. In the middle of wind, rain, and agony. Art by Evalene Vianca De Jesus.
Self-care Week draws mixed student feedback VPASSA: “time management”, key to maximize the event Krizia Isabelle Dela Serna and Giannina Ruidera
After its implementation on Sept. 28-Oct.2 and Oct. 26-30, the Self-care Week program received varied responses from DLSU-D High School (HS) students with timeliness and academic load as crucial factors during the event.
Student Activities Coordinator Alhona Narzabal stated that the Self-care Week program was intended to help students maintain their health, conducting activities that would help develop student interests and personal commitment. “The designed activities are intended to promote ways to take care of ourselves…[t]hat is why this program encourages everyone to maintain a healthy relationship so that this
good feeling can be transmitted to others,” Narzabal explained. In addition, Vice Principal for Administrative Services and Students Affairs (VPASSA) Josephine Cruz clarified that students are not required to attend the scheduled activities but are still encouraged to participate. Self-care, see page 2
Students’ Week celebration continues despite delays Franchez Cassandra Escander and Kristtina Kumabe After multiple postponements caused by frequent announcements of class suspensions, the Student Council (SC) pushed through with the FUSE: Unity Amidst Adversity general assembly, concluding the Students’ Week celebration on Nov. 27.
Inundation. The conundrum of providence and well-being. Art by Leica Gwyneth Mendoza
4 Editorial Sound check: Are we really audible?
According to SC Secretary Rhoswen Servida, the SC moved the date of the Students’ Week celebration from Nov. 17 to Nov. 27 due to recent calamities and the pending approval for the project proposals. “We decided to delay the Students’ Week celebration in light of Typhoon Ulysses. [I]t affected a lot of us students and on what was supposedly the first day of the event, our proposals were yet to be approved so we (had to cancel) some events and (reschedule) the dates,” Servida said.
SC Vice President Janina Sunga also explained the reason for the postponement of the “We Strand Together” activity on Nov. 23, which was due to schedule conflicts of the project head. “[O]ur schedule was filled up and (we) were busy preparing for the General Assembly. The project head (of We Strand Together had prior responsibilities as) a student and (they were) handling a lot during the event,” Sunga stated.
7 Features The peak of the podium
8 Green Ink
Students’ Week, see page 2
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La Estrella Verde
NEWS
DLSU-D HS cancels Entrep Bazaar for A.Y. 2020-2021 Ayeesha Kimberly Cellona and Princess Pravika Rai This academic year’s Entrepreneurship Bazaar will not push through due to the risk of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection, as confirmed by Entrepreneurship Bazaar Organizer Melanie Reyes and HUMSS/ABM/HE Academic Coordinator Robbie Ann Jesser Eullo.
According to Reyes, the Entrepreneurship Bazaar was removed from the list of the requirements for the Applied Entrepreneurship subject, rejecting the possibility of an online bazaar. “Even (with an) online Entrep Bazaar, (it’s) not possible…kasi it will be very difficult on the part of the students especially do’n sa part na actual manufacturing and selling (of) products,” she stated. Consequently, Reyes clarified that subject teachers replaced initial requirements with business proposals as suggested by the Department of Education. Moreover, the completion of discourse activities through the SAP Business One software will be required, which can be used by students as a work credential. “[E]very Wednesday and Saturday [for a] total of 30 hours for the (second term of the first semester), [students] will perform simple bookkeeping [in SAP Business One] or…record simple business transactions,” Reyes added. Furthermore, Eullo clarified that this year’s Entrepreneurship Bazaar is still “on hold” and will only be continued by next school year. “[H]indi siya safe, so we’ll only have (a) physical bazaar sa Robinsons [Place Imus] Students’ Week, see page 1
Moreover, Servida shared that the SC was dealing with pressure on holding it online, since the Students’ Week is considered as one of their muchly anticipated events. “Students’ Week is usually a big event which takes hours upon hours of planning, so remembering these past celebrations and the memories we made…definitely puts pressure on us to make this year as exciting and memorable,” she added. Students’ feedback Meanwhile, students shared their insights on the recently concluded general assembly, with Jabez Ryan Mateo (STM111) stating that the event worked to unite students as Lasallians through entertainment, despite the given circumstances. “It was nice to see different kinds of works coming from our fellow schoolmates and classmates. [F]or me, it was a good way to showcase the talents of every Lasallian, since it not only serves as entertainment but as an inspiration and motivation for the other students,” Mateo stated.
(kapag) okay na ‘yung (COVID-19) pandemic,” she added. Students’ feedback Students expressed their disappointment on the cancellation of the Entrepreneurship Bazaar, as Franco Plaza (TVL12) stated that the event could have helped students improve on their business skills. “[A]s…someone who experienced (the Entrep Bazaar)…it is a loss of opportunity for us students, because… we can improve our skills in creating products and…how to earn profit,” Plaza stated. This was supported by Nikita Muñoz (STM23), stating that students still had a different learning experience with the alternative requirements and activities. “I appreciate the alternative (projects)… provided, although it is not the same (experience) as what we were supposed to have,” Muñoz stated. However, Joaquim Cruz (ICT21) shared his dismay but still supported the decision to cancel this year’s bazaar. “I think that an online bazaar (could have been) possible, but…it would (be) difficult to implement so they decided to cancel it entirely,” he explained. Denise Mangasim (ABM23) also supported the statement, claiming it was timely for students who are struggling academically. “The (general assembly) was not only entertaining but timely as well, it addressed the (students) that are encountering (difficulties) with regards to the academe,” Mangasim added. Despite this, Maria Ericka Canites (ABM22) admitted it was different from previous celebrations as the energy of the audience was not felt, especially for the performers. “We are used to a big and loud crowd… coming up on stage and performing, we are used to being with our classmates and cheering each one of us. [N]ow, it (was) hard to do those,” Canites stressed. Moreover, Sofia Louise Buenafe (HMS11) suggested that the program could’ve been designed to be more interactive. “It was quite entertaining and the programs fit the online setting. [H]owever, I felt like they could’ve done more in terms of interactivity on the day of the event. [T]hat was the essence of (previous general assemblies), and it’s one of the things that made it so enjoyable,” Buenafe said.
September - November 2020 Self-care, see page 1
“[W]e are not demanding [students] to immerse themselves in the Self-care Week activities. What we are actually giving are just options na para lang magkaroon ng kakaiba sa ginagawa nila,” Cruz explained. Moreover, Cruz suggested that practicing time management could help students maximize the Self-care Weeks. “Siguro kailangan lang ng ating mga estudyante na talagang gusto ma-experience ang self-care… medyo ayusin ‘yung time management…ischedule natin [ang assessments], ‘yun siguro ang maganda gawin ng ating mga estudyante para hindi nag-pa-pile up ‘yung ginagawa nila,” she stated. DLSU-D HS students commended the said program, as Gerald Dizon (ABM24) mentioned that the event managed to provide students with more vacant time for school and home tasks. “I think it did its part on the difficulties (of) students since not only (did it give) more time…with no worries of synchronous class, but also it gave time to relax para sa mga students,” he said. Furthermore, Amaranth Jann Latorre (HMS13) praised the event for helping to balance her daily tasks. “[The Self-care Week] (encouraged) a healthier balance between (my) school and… personal life. I managed my time well (to) avoid burning out,” Latorre stated. However, Mariel Joeylou Bulaon (10I) noted that the second Self-care Week was mostly used for accomplishing requirements compared to the first Self-care Week. “(The first Self-care Week) was very helpful physically, mentally, and emotionally. (Meanwhile, the second Self-care Week was not) effective for me, because it served as (a) week…full of assessment[s] and (did not) give us a chance to rest,” she explained. This was supported by Abigael Salonga (STM25), suggesting that the second Self-care Week should not have been held during the end of the first term. “It would be much effective if the (second Self-care Week was not) scheduled (during) the [last week] of the (first) term, [because] students used the (second Self-care Week) in order to submit all the requirements needed for term (one),” Salonga recommended. Narzabal added that committing to the service towards the students’ welfare would ensure the success of future Self-care Weeks. “(The) feedback will be an avenue to create activities that would suit the needs of the students. We are all struggling and still looking for good practices to (learn),” Narzabal stated.
NEWS
September - November 2020
La Estrella Verde
3
Transisyon sa online setup, ininda ng student orgs Guidelines, epektibong promosyon, mungkahing solusyon ng admin Mary Pauline Castor and Mikaela Angela Reyes Upang matiyak ang pakikilahok ng estudyante sa mga online na aktibidad ng High School (HS) student organizations, ipinayo ni Vice Principal for Administrative Services and Student Affairs (VPASSA) Josephine Cruz na siguraduhing nakakaakit ang mga promosyon nito habang sumasailalim sa transisyon ng patakarang online.
“[I]f you’re doing an activity, we have to make sure that (it) has a very good (promotion) para makahikayat tayo ng members because we can’t require (student activities) kasi hindi tayo academics,” aniya. Ibinahagi naman ni Cruz na hamon sa pagsasagawa ng online activities ang student participation, bagama’t nasisigurado ang pagkukusa ng mga mag-aaral kahit mababa man ang bilang ng aktibo. “[N]atutuwa naman ako na… umaabot ‘yung mga views natin minsan ng 200-300…pero assured ka na ‘yung kanilang attendance is really their own volition,” ayon sa VPASSA. Bukod sa promosyon, idiniin ni Student Activities Coordinator Alhona Narzabal na makatutulong ang Guidelines on Holding Student Activities sa transisyon ng mga organisasyon sa pagdaraos ng online activities.
“We maximize the potential of the online activities [through the guidelines] and (look) at it as an opportunity to learn forward,” sabi ni Narzabal. Dagdag ni Cruz na natitiyak ang pagsunod sa mga guidelines sa pamamagitan ng online random monitoring kung saan sinusubaybayan ang mga aktibidad ng bawat student organization. “[W]e are always asking for the (online meeting) link so that kapag nag-random monitoring kami, me or Ms. [Narzabal] could join the activity,” paliwanag ng VPASSA. Sa kabilang dako, ibinahagi ng mga estudyanteng tagapamahala ng mga organisasyon ang kanilang karanasan sa nasabing guidelines. Ipinaliwanag ni Lasallian Peer Facilitators Vice President for External Affairs Hannah Hu na isang pagsubok ang transisyon sa sistemang online ng mga organisasyon kahit ito ay sumasailalim sa guidelines.
“[We] (had) a tough time…preparing proposals, creating ideas that (can) substitute the (original) activities, recruiting new members (and) holding events and activities,” sabi ni Hu. Dagdag ni HS Commission on Election Legal Head Bernadine Queppet na malaking tulong ang guidelines sa pagpapasa ng proposals ngunit hindi lahat ng nakasaad dito ay kinakailangan. “I don’t think all requirements stated (in) the guidelines are needed since students are not going to use equipment or venues during this time,” aniya. Ayon naman kay Lasallian Patriots Dance Company President Luis Praxedes, may mga salik paring sumasagabal sa bisa nito. “[The online guidelines] (are) relatively okay. However, communication with…administrators are also affected by the [internet connectivity] problems… causing the approval of proposals to take more than (five) weeks,” ani Praxedes.
Online CPAR Festival, idaraos sa gitna ng pandemya Ayeesha Kimberly Cellona and Princess Pravika Rai Tinatayang ngayong Disyembre itutuloy ng DLSU-D Senior High School ang Contemporary Philippine Arts from the Regions (CPAR) Festival upang bigyang pagkilala ang mga mag-aaral sa iba’t ibang larangan ng sining, ayon kina CPAR Festival Organizers Cyra Dime at Mikaela Yap.
Binigyang-diin ni Dime na ang CPAR Festival ay pansamantalang bubuksan sa mga estudyanteng may kursong CPAR, na gaganapin online at magsisilbing pagkilala na lamang ng mga nilikha sa bawat kategorya ng sining. “[I]t’s still a competition, pero more on recognition siya for the students kung (kanino ang) best submission[s],” aniya. Gayunpaman, binanggit ni Dime na ang short film ay ang magiging highlight para sa CPAR Festival, na umiikot sa temang kalusugan at pag-asang maipakita ang kakayahan dito ng mga sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa asignaturang Christian Values. “[I]sa sa mga theme na [i]pinapakita sa short film (ay) hindi lamang ‘yung (experiences) nila sa pandemic, also in-a-apply (din) nila ‘yung Lasallian Values in their everyday life,” dagdag ni Dime. Samantalang nilinaw ni Dime na ang kategoryang Regional Dance ay ipinagpaliban na sa inihandang programa dahil sa mga komplikasyon sa pagtatanghal. “[K]ung (titingnan) natin (ay) medyo matrabaho and when it comes to Regional Dance…it really involves physical interaction,” pagbibigay-linaw ni Dime.
Ayon kay Yap, malabong matuloy ang Battle of the Bands dahil sa kaunting bilang ng mga sumali kung kaya’t hindi na ito itinuturing na paligsahan. “(Mayroon) kaming criteria na [i]nilabas but then it’s more of a filtering or selection of the best entries that we will display or showcase,” paliwanag niya. Puna ng mga estudyante Ipinahayag ni Alexandra Jhane Cruz (ABM23) na ang mga kategoryang inihanda para sa taong ito ay maganda para sa mga estudyante upang mabigyan ng atensyon ang sining at kultura ng Pilipinas. “[I]t’s great for us to give more attention to an art event and to the Philippine culture at the same time. We all know…everyone has their own creativity, yet a little competition isn’t bad,” ayon kay Cruz. Dagdag pa dito, ikinatuwa ni Germary Luz Daymiel (HMS22) ang pagsasaalang-alang ng CPAR organizers sa pagdiriwang bilang isang pagkilala kaysa bilang kompetisyon. “[I] don’t mind…considering our situation right now, not everyone has the exact same resources and…could give their best output[s] which would be unfair if it was still considered (as) a competition,” aniya.
Connection Found. Against the surge of the sky’s weight, knowledge refuses to let its light get washed away. Art by Jericho Rasheed Celestino
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OPINION
La Estrella Verde
September - November 2020
La Estrella Verde The Official High School Student Publication of De La Salle University-Dasmariñas
EDITORIAL BOARD A.Y. 2020-2021 EDITOR IN CHIEF John Ethan Casela ASSOCIATE EDITOR Vince Daniel Papa MANAGING EDITOR Stephanie Nicole Rabacal COPY EDITOR Mary Abigail Manalo NEWS EDITORS John Ethan Casela, Vince Daniel Papa SPORTS EDITOR Krizia Isabelle Dela Serna FEATURES EDITOR Stephanie Nicole Rabacal LITERARY EDITOR Josephine Punzalan ART EDITOR Kristen Faith Maala PHOTO AND VIDEO EDITOR Ollie Alexandra Lanzar WEB EDITOR Jezzyrae Maglente RADIO PROGRAM MANAGER Ramil Benedict De Jesus NEWS Zoe Airabelle Aguinaldo, Mary Pauline Castor, Ayeesha Kimberly Cellona, Franchez Cassandra Escander, Kristtina Kumabe, Princess Pravika Rai, Mikaela Angela Reyes, Giannina Ruidera SPORTS Guen Marie Sapinit FEATURES Gabrielle Marie Antenor-Cruz, Jedd Rudolf Caldo, Francine Angela Dela Fuente, Erin Ruth Flores, Andrea Kristine Lazaro, Elaine Samantha Olona, Sophia Angela Silva, Ma. Ladeevie Tamonan, Zhaine Louise Toledo LITERARY Marcea Alcala, Shane Lira Laliag, Paulyn Dianne Laude, Anina Jiliana Manuel, Berenice Ann Medina, Mariah Jichelle Nokom, Ara Janine Palecpec, Phoebe Denise Santos, Sophia Angela Silva, Frances Nicole Umbao ART Nikki Alexis Antonio, Chynna Ysabelle Brugada, Jericho Rasheed Celestino, Evalene Vianca De Jesus, Maria Sophia Emelda Initorio, Leica Gwyneth Mendoza, Denise Preclaro, Rania Marie Pucan, Franz Maverick Vicedo PHOTO AND VIDEO Elisha Jezreel Ang, Shielo Mariel Camaganacan, Janet Maria Nessa De Alba, Dylan Lipardo, Angela Belle Lumilan, Jazmine Levana Sico, Tricia Faye Velasco WEB Raliyah Aivah Blancaflor, Joanna Elaine Desiderio, Anina Jiliana Manuel, Jeremy Ray Milca, Jan Anthony Murillo LAYOUT Christina Renea Canlas, Angienette Laurza, Jan Anthony Murillo RADIO Ria Bagoyo, Johann Michael Caayao, Denise Gabrielle Calingasan, Marymar Caya, Kristina Rose Eramiz, Karl Denise Gagatiga, Naumie Imura, Martha Stephanie Patricio, Kate Danielle Ronquillo, Jhannie Lynne Saulog ADVISER Din Rose Mirar La Estrella Verde has its editorial office at Room JHS241, High School Complex, De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, DBB-B, City of Dasmariñas, Cavite 4115 Telephone: +63-2-7795180, +32-46-4811900 to 1930 local 3302 Email: laestrellaverde.dlsud@gmail.com Facebook: /DLSUDLaEstrellaVerde Twitter: @LeviofLEV Contributions, comments and suggestions should be addressed to the Editor in Chief and should bear the writer’s full name. Articles may be edited for clarity and space.
EDITORIAL
Sound check: Are we really audible? As students continue to face difficulties during the COVID-19 pandemic, the One La Salle for Human Rights and Democracy organization alliance spearheaded a petition to implement an academic break amongst De La Salle schools in the Philippines. It manifests how students amplify their voices against unjust and flawed systems, however, there are instances where institutions rob them of their freedom of speech—silenced and labelled as mischiefs. The commencement of A.Y. 2020-2021 during the pandemic has always been questioned. Students nationwide have expressed their dissent in the academic year, pleading for an “academic freeze” and being vocal about the difficulties of online learning. Alas, some authorities silenced those who vocalize their opinions through manipulation and threats. Although the University claimed to be “100 percent ready”, students experience dilemmas presented by the distance-learning setup. As the Philippines has the lowest cell site density in Asia, not everyone possesses enough equipment for their synchronous and asynchronous classes. These factors compromise the educational approach given that a stable internet connection plays a major role in the new setting. Students deserve good schooling and have a right to demand for quality education. Lasallians expressed their distress as they fight against their overloaded Schoolbook to-do list— several have accumulated three-digit sums of pending tasks, even at the beginning of the term. While their desire to learn ignites amid all situations, the pressure of piled up assessments is burdensome and demotivating. Furthermore, the youth unites to address the lack of compassion towards the health and wellness of those resisting to win the battle. Students speak against faulty institutions not because of negligence nor indolence, but to demand for action to improve failing educational systems. Despite several universities hearing out students, multiple entities claimed that the cries were too loud. “You invoke your freedom too much.” Officials play the red-tagging card to instill fear on those who defy them. These instances screech ears as if these oppositions forcibly point the microphones to us (speakers), causing feedback and doing nothing but intensify the noise. It’s not the youth, who demanded for change, that caused turmoil. As institutions continue to helplessly blame, threaten, and manipulate students, their urge to continue practicing their right to speak will only grow. Let the administration get a taste of their own medicine. Remember, it will be their blunder to point their microphone on us. It will always be the mic-holder who retreats when the feedback resounds.
OPINION
September - November 2020
La Estrella Verde
5
Karera ng self-paced learning Œuvre d’art Mary Abigail Manalo
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ino dito ang may pending assessments sa Schoolbook na mula sa nakalipas na buwan? Kung mayroon ka pa, hindi ka nagiisa. Inaasahang malaking kaginhawaan sa estudyante ang pagtatapos ng unang termino, subalit parang lalo pang bumigat ang ating pasanin sa pag-aaral. Isa sa mga nagdudulot nito ang nakapangdududang self-paced learning na nakalahad sa ANIMO Strategy ng DLSU-D High School. Ngayong new normal, sumunod ang karamihan ng mga asignatura sa unang termino ayon sa self-paced na pamamaraan ng pag-aaral. Sa bawat araw, tungkulin ng bawat estudyante na magsikap upang pag-aralan ang mga leksyon at tapusin ang mga gawaing nakatakda sa Schoolbook. Ngunit tunay ba at epektibo ang sistemang self-paced sa pag-aaral natin? Nag-aaral ka man sa sarili mong tulin, ngunit kung kabilang ka sa mga taong mabagal ang pag-unawa sa mga aralin at gawain, ikaw din ang mahihirapan sa huli dahil matatambakan lang ang mga ito. Sa pagpatak pa lamang ng taunang panuruan, mahigit 60 assessments ang bumungad sa akin sa Schoolbook. Maaaring mas makauugnay dito ang
mga mag-aaral ng STEM: halos hindi nagbabago ang bilang ng gawain dahil sa bawat pagtatapos, lalo lang madaragdagan ang gawaing ibinibigay. Bagama’t responsibilidad ng mga estudyante ang mag-aral, nagdurusa ang kalidad ng ating edukasyon dahil waring “quantity over quality” ang sinasaligan ng ating paaralan.
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Upang makamit ang layong ‘humanizing online education’, hindi solusyon na self-paced lamang, kundi gawing student-friendly ang ating sistema.”
Gayundin, mayroong mga gawain na dapat gawin ng pangkatan. Tila nawala na ang pakay ng self-paced learning sa pagbibigay ng mga gawain na ito, dahil hindi naman magkahalintulad ang tulin ng bawat mag-aaral. May mga estudyante na mabilis makatapos ng gawain, kaya’t kapag nakikita na nila na may pangkatan, maaaring madaliin nila ang kanilang mga kagrupo na hindi naman sabay sa takbo nila. Bukod pa sa stress na dulot ng assessments, napawawalang-bisa rin ng Schoolbook gamification ang layunin ng self-paced learning. Maaaring magbigay ito ng pagganyak at gantimpala sa pagtatapos ng bawat gawain, ngunit nagdudulot din ng panggigipit ang bawat sulyap sa leaderboard. Sa aking mga kapwa estudyante na nakararamdam ng presyur dahil kadalasang nasa ibaba ng leaderboard, hindi tamang pagurin at madaliin ang inyong sarili sa paggawa ng assessments para lamang sa iilang puntos at badge. Hindi maikukubling nahihirapan ang lahat ngayong pandemya, lalo na sa paaralan. Ngunit sa kabila ng ating kasalukuyang sitwasyon, karapat-dapat na mabigyan ang mga mag-aaral ng magandang kalidad ng edukasyon. Upang makamit ang layong “humanizing online education”, pakinggan ang hiyaw ng mga mag-aaral, hindi solusyon na self-paced lamang, kundi gawing student-friendly ang ating sistema.
Cope with the blues Naninilakbo Josephine Punzalan
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onstant changes have been usual now as we try to brace the new normal. Some tried to use their voices for those who weren’t heard, but have you listened to the voices inside your head? I bet most of us didn’t, merely because we don’t know how. In the Academic Year 2020-2021, DLSU-D held Student Self-care Weeks wherein synchronous classes were dismissed. The said activity was held to encourage students to take a break and prioritize their health—most especially their mental health. Somehow, it is still deemed taboo but we cannot deny that a lot of students have been mentally unstable amidst the pandemic and the online learning setup.
Indeed, some students took breaks to compensate for the hardship they experienced during the first semester. On the contrary, most students used the self-care weeks to catch up on their lessons and comply with their school requirements. Either of which, both didn’t match the activity’s main objective. It takes a lot of practice for people who are experiencing breakdowns, anxiety, depression, and other mental struggles to cope easily. DLSU-D was not able to elaborately discuss what self-care is and what students should do to overcome the blues. The mission was exemplary yet it lacked efficient action plans. Aside from taking a break from Schoolbook, students should lessen the use of social media as much as possible. You can watch movies, read good books, listen to the latest music trends, rediscover your passion and hobbies. Self-care means “me” time—a time for you to cry, to laugh, to think, to eat, and to regain passion, without bearing any stress.
Learning is not limited to academic texts; in fact, experience is a better teacher. When tough times come and schoolworks are draining you, take a moment to pause.
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Self-care means “me” time—a time for you to cry, to laugh, to think, to eat, and to regain passion, without bearing any stress.” Try to see the beauty in things, not through toxic positivity, but in a different perspective. Rather than looking at the glass as half empty, try to look at it as half full.
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OPINION
La Estrella Verde
September - November 2020
Campus (op)Press(ed) Freedom From the Fossils Edcel Derick Padulla
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nyone here who had been part of their school publication? If you have, then you might know about the numerous attacks on campus press freedom—some are even happening as you read this. You might be familiar with the Campus Press Act of 1991, but with this fangless law, repressions continue within the pillars of the school. As a student-journalist and former editor of a publication, let me share what is really happening behind the freshly-printed newspapers. It’s no secret that officials will always protect their image. When critical articles about their events raise concerns, they will look for loopholes in the editorial process instead, knowing that they need to maintain a good reputation. It is a clear repression on the publication’s freedom to be autonomous with their articles. School officials meddling with its process is already an attack on the law where journalists would be powerless because the decade-old act is too vague.
It does not stop there. In some other cases, school officials would even censor articles. Even the College Editors Guild of the Philippines raised concerns on the Commission on Human Rights Philippines a couple months ago against more than a thousand violations of the spineless journalism act, including censorship. The very law which aims to protect and preserve journalism at the campus level is not doing anything, and it is scary knowing that these people who are upholding the truth are silenced, repressed for the sake of a clean reputation for the administration.
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They may silence the messengers, but they can never silence the message.”
This year, a release of a literary folio was halted after the editors resisted an attempt of pre-publication censorship wherein the
Inside Scoop Ollie Alexandra Lanzar Jezzyrae Maglente
editors were requested to submit a copy of the final output to the administration. Though I did not experience it myself, it blatantly shows how school administrations overpower a campus paper. Given that the articles are not even news or opinion articles, these people are already censoring such outputs. It was not just censorship, but a clear attack on campus press freedom and the law that should protect these people is nowhere to be found. It might be hard due to our current situation, but a house bill addressing the current loopholes in the two-decade act is already filed. Though justice is yet to be served in these freedom attacks, there is something to be hopeful about. We might be in an unfamiliar situation right now, but journalists should never stop fighting for freedom even at the campus level. If journalism is already compromised here, how much more at the professional level? Fighting for press freedom is fighting for the community. No matter what censorship officials can do, truth will always prevail. They may silence the messengers, but they can never silence the message.
Static signals
September - November 2020
FEATURES
La Estrella Verde
7
The peak of the podium Erin Ruth Flores
Art by Chynna Ysabelle Brugada
Standing in front is a formidable mountain blocking the path of all climbers. Before even reaching the peak, some hesitate and falter back. There are those who attempt to mount it, but withdraw due to the harsh environment that faced them.
According to Sean San Pedro (TVL11), “Public speaking helps us form connections, influence decisions, and motivate change.” However, it may be one of the most dreaded forms of communication, as stated in an article by the University of Pittsburgh, “Most people experience some level of speech anxiety when they have to speak in front of a group. In fact, public speaking is many people’s fear.” Uphill climb Without a stable footing, many fall down the alps. Humanities and Social Sciences faculty Geordan Carungcong shared why some climbers lack the bravery to overcome the mountainous fear of public speaking. “Maaaring hindi sila nabigyan (ng chance) o platform (para) makapagsalita,” he continued. “For instance noong bata (sila), maaaring hindi (sila) napipili sa recitation.” No matter how firm the foundation a climber has, they could still fall down the incline without proper gear and equipment. “People are afraid [to speak] because they know that (what they say) won’t be as good as (what people) expect it to be…so they just don’t try it because of (their) lack of confidence,” Jonah Agregado (HMS12) said. Because of this, individuals might find public speaking as a daunting task to do. This lack of confidence may lead to losing one’s footing, resulting in their eventual drop. Most could not recover from the said fall—however, there are a few that continue onwards. Trips and mishaps It might be a perilous journey up the slope as climbers may encounter dangerous things along the way. “I think [mistakes] can happen to anyone,” Dominic Rutor (HMS21) elaborated. “I think no matter
how much you practice, there will be [a time where we mess up].”
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Still, public speaking can be learned through hard work and perseverance— a tiring trek to reach the peak.” Confidence in oneself also plays a huge factor in avoiding these encounters. “The lack of confidence can lead to paralysis from fear,” San Pedro said. Stammering, mental blocks, and freezing up are some of the obstacles along the way. “It’s very common to have those mental blocks or stuttering moments,” Yujiro Kanisawa (STM26) mentioned. Roadblocks like these could hinder climbers from reaching the crest, but it can’t fully stop them from persevering. Grabbing the ledge Ascending the summit with a negative mindset could become troublesome to people. Carungcong mentioned, having
a good support system is essential for an individual to cope up with the mistakes they have made. “[I]sipin mo na binigay mo na (ang) lahat pero ‘yung (mga) kaibigan mo naman o (ang mga) tao sa paligid mo ayaw kang suportahan,” he said. “(That will shatter) your confidence.” A climber might also come across hindrances to their ascent towards the peak as they continue. “[People] should be humble (in a way) na (open) ka for mistakes at kaya (mong) i-accept na ‘di ka perfect,” Marco Paez (ABM21) suggested. “(The best) thing to do in such situations is to continue and don’t show them that you (messed) up,” Rutor mentioned. There are some instances that people won’t even notice a person’s error because of how quickly they pick themselves up. Accepting the mistake might help an individual to continue moving forward. Mistakes could happen to anyone, maybe even to the most prepared. ***
“[H]indi lang siya basta talent, isa rin siyang bagay na pinaghihirapan o pinapraktis, parang sports,” said Carungcong. A person may be born with vast amounts of talent in public speaking. Still, just like almost everything in life, public speaking can be learned through hard work and perseverance—a tiring trek to reach the peak. As a fearsome mountain blocks the way, those who are faint of heart faltered and never returned. However, there are some that faced the many challenges it delivered and continued on to its peak. It may be true that public speaking seems like a steep mountain to climb. Nevertheless, with a good support system, confidence, and enough practice, anyone can reach the top of the summit.
BURY MY HEART by Denise Preclaro
PENGUIN AND THE OVERWHELMED BUCKET by Nikki Alexis Antonio
TIME : CRUNCH OVERLOAD by Rania Marie Pucan
OVERWHELMING by Franz Maverick Vicedo