The Official Publication of Gusa Regional Science High School-X • Division of Cagayan de Oro • Region X
nudoveritas • Vol. 27 No. 2 • February 2022-June 2022
editorial
nudoveritas editorialboard 2021-2022 Editor-in-Chief MELIZA ROCAT Associate Editor NICOLE BONSILAO Managing Editor KYLA TIFFANY JAVIER Circulating Manager IVY JEAN SILAGAN Social Media Manager CHLOE VILLACERAN News Editor KYLA TIFFANY JAVIER* Opinion Editor MELIZA ROCAT Feature Editor NICOLE BONSILAO Science Editor DESIREE KLER POJAS Sports Editor IVY JEAN SILAGAN Graphic Design and Layout Editor JIREH MAE CASIÑO CHLOE VILLACERAN Photography Editor GRACIE TAGANILE Staff Writers LHIAN JOIE BRANZUELA KYLE ALLYSON DANLAG SHAYNE LAURENTE SHANNA SILLOTE JAN CODY MARAGUINOT MARTHA MACALTAO ALEXA ASTIBE AMARA VALLE JILLIANA YSABEL MICLAT VINZ VERBO ALILING Illustrators/Page Designers MARK LAURENZ DELA CRUZ JIREH MAE CASIÑO CHLOE VILLACERAN CKALIL CAMAMA LAWRENCE NOVO MARCO ANTONIO LABAJAN EINA GAYLE FLORES KRISTINE KAROLE FLORES ALTHEA LEI DELOS REYES NINA LEZADA LYKA BARRIENTOS School Paper Adviser JASMINE JOY TIEMPO JEANY MAE MACALAM School Journalism Coordinator JASMINE JOY TIEMPO Consultant JAMES PUNSALAN CHARLYN BAYLON *Interim
DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed by the Nudo Veritas Editorial Board do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of those in the administration of Gusa Regional Science High School-X. Any content provided by our writers are of their opinion and are not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.
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t the crux of today’s sociopolitical climate, there is no room for the youth to be demoralized—the betterment of the motherland which our forefathers fought for lies in them to take a stand.
It goes without saying that there is an increase in youth participation in the current landscape. The Commission on Elections reported that 56% of the voter demographic in 2022 are composed of young people, playing a big role in the recently concluded elections; prior to that, initiatives such as the community pantries which spread in different parts of the country were also borne of their involvement; and with today’s technology, their engagement is much more perceived on social media. Despite that, their efforts remain downplayed. Incidents such as last year’s peaceful demonstrations against the government’s dismal disaster response had former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque calling students from Ateneo de Manila University ‘loko-loko’ and ex-President Duterte threatening to withhold university funding. “[Tapos] nag-aaral kayo ang gusto ninyong binibira ang gobyerno. Masyado namang nakasuwerte kayo. Huwag talaga kayong matakot — manakot rather kasi I will oblige you,” Duterte stated. This year, students also faced a similar warning after the academic walkouts held in opposition of the Marcoses returning to the Malacanang, as well as challenging the validity of the 2022 national elections. While some institutions were in support, others—like Benguet State University—outright censured their students from participating in these initiatives and advised students to “focus on complying with
requirements” instead. Such disparaging actions instill a sense of belittlement towards students and the youth in general; further propagating the belief that their opinions, especially on politics, matter little. This is made evident by how they are asked “Makabotar na diay ka?” or even told “Bata pa ka, dili ka makasabot,” apart from being threatened and called names when vocally criticizing the shortcomings of the state.
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Injustice does not discriminate— and there is no age in fighting against it. Perhaps a reminder of the Department of Education’s vision is needed; We dream of Filipinos who passionately love their country, and whose competencies and values enable them to[…]contribute meaningfully to building the nation. This contribution means not only getting high grades, but also to critically engage and participate in calling out problems in the community and providing solutions. “I highly disagree with the notion that the youth still does not
art by JIREH MAE CASIÑO
know anything and their opinions are half-baked ideas or too idealistic for this country,” said Jingjing*, a faculty of Gusa Regional Science High School-X (GRSHS-X). The school has been known to keep a lid on its students from voicing their political opinions, despite breeding student leaders, campus journalists, and the like. “We've generated socially active and sensitive youth over the last few years and they have real concerns and real problems they wish to be resolved.” H, a student leader proactive in community programs, also revealed that they knew others like them who were censured for their beliefs. “I personally believe that we are taught to be critical and that determining what is right and wrong is a basic human act. We should be students who value moral uprightness, which includes amplifying the truth and keeping it disclosed and bare.” Injustice does not discriminate—and likewise, there is no age in fighting against it, not when the youth will inevitably grow to bear the results of the present government’s lapses. With the dictator’s son as the head of state, there is no better time to take a stand than now. The youth remain a dynamic force that have proven themselves throughout history as catalysts for social and political change, not only in the Philippines but worldwide. With truthful information in one hand and hope in the other, the youth are at the forefront for the future at stake.
