Silak Media | Tabloid | Vol. XLI | No. 2 | Dec. 2019- Nov. 2020

SILAK Service, Integrity, Leadership, Advocacy, Kinship

COMMITTED TO DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM

FEATURE

Unwavering Determination

Volume XLI, No. 2 | December 2019 - November 2020 | The Official Student Publication of the College of Education, West Visayas State University, Iloilo City

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Pandemic awakens COE’s safety initiatives GHOST TOWN. Strict safety protocols are being implemented at WVSU such that individuals and vehicles going in and out of the campus are monitored. The New Academic Building of the College of Education is deserted as no one is allowed in unless with a special permit. Photo by Dr. Hazel Villa

By JANNA MARIE DEOCAMPO and SOPHIA ANGELA DOCENA

E

verything seemed to be going well until the unexpected COVID-19 threatened mankind— locking up billions of people in their homes, almost freezing the economy and transportation as well as face-to-face interactions. However, West Visayas State University’s College of Education (WVSU COE) had different plans in mind.

It made sure students were provided with gadgets from the administration and from private donations, quarantine protocols were strictly observed, and other initiatives were made to assure that “TagaWest” were properly equipped physically, mentally, and emotionally to start the new school year right.

On October 7 to 9, the WVSU administration started to distribute Learning Resource Packets and Tablets to students residing in the city and provinces so that they can adapt to the “new normal way” of learning which is basically independent and student-led learning.

The distribution was led by Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla, former dean of the COE and now the university’s Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA).

In addition, through the initiatives of Dr. Hazel Villa, COE professor and Silak Media’s adviser, help in September and October was also delivered in the form of power banks to COE students who live in mountainous areas and who struggle with connectivity and power issues wherein they need to trek several kilometers to access their online learning materials.

COE also follows strict measures and health protocols upon setting an appointment to get inside the To Page 3.

NEWS

EDITORIAL

Learning tablets given to students of WVSU main campus

LATHALAIN

PH Press will never be silenced

See Page 3.

See Page 6.

SCIENCE

PASADA See Page 13.

ESPORTS

Young leaders vs COVID-19 See Page 14.

COE Grad School, nagningning sa MLBB University Online Tournament

See Page 16.

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NEWS

SILAK

Volume XLI, No. 2 | December 2019 - November 2020 | The Official Student Publication of the College of Education, West Visayas State University, Iloilo City

EMBODYING EXCELLENCE. Representatives of Social Science Students’ Society and Education Student Council receive their certifications from UNESCO. Photo by Maries Anne Aguacito

ESC, 3S, SPEDSA maintain record as UNESCO orgs with good standing

By QUEENIE ROSE SALUDARES

For several years already, three college-based student organizations, namely: the Education Student Council (ESC), Social Studies Students’ (3S) Society, and Special Education Students Association (SPEDSA) have been consistently recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in the country’s roster of student organizations with good standing.

Furthermore, organizations awarded with the certificate of good standing are automatically considered as finalists for the annual search for the Most Outstanding Organization in specific areas and disciplines.

“We prepared well for our flagship project from the moment we knew that we are one of the finalists for Outstanding Club of the UNESCO Philippines under the Social and Human Sciences,” said 3S Chairperson Rosie Moscardon, regarding their preparations.

During the UNESCO’s latest summit known as the International Assembly of Youth held at Eurotel Hotel, Angeles City, Pampanga and the University of Assumption, San Fernando, Pampanga last December 5-7, 2019 -3S Society competed against over 150 participating clubs and was awarded as the Most Outstanding Student Organization

COE orgs join book and art drive for Passi City kids

By HAZEL VILLA

In celebration of the 28th National Children’s Month this November, two student organizations of the College of Education partnered with the City of Passi, Iloilo in conducting a book and art drive for the children of Brgy. Magdungao.

SILAK Media and the English Majors Organization (EMO), together with other co-sponsors—Kasingkasing Press, Books4Books, and Book Latte partnered with the Local Government Unit of Passi City and its Local Youth Development Office and SK Federation to deliver the books to more than a hundred school-age children this Nov. 30, 2020.

The book and art drive ran from Nov. 21 to 27 with donated

books dropped-off at Book Latte at Festive Walk Parade in Megaworld Iloilo from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. These will be delivered to the barangay on Nov. 30, 2020.

The idea for a book and art drive came from SILAK adviser Hazel P. Villa, a native of Passi City, after she visited Brgy. Magdungao and found that it has a Day Care with an outdoor reading center with flash cards, very few books, and almost non-existent art materials. And yet, children flock to the place to “read” and unwind.

This year’s theme is, “Samasamang Itaguyod ang Karapatan ng Bawat Bata sa Panahon ng Pandemya.”

NEWS

SILAK

Volume XLI, No. 2 | December 2019 - November 2020 | The Official Student Publication of the College of Education, West Visayas State University, Iloilo City

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Taga-Ed freshie bags 2nd at local poster-making contest

By SOPHIA ANGELA DOCENA

Freshman BSED English Major, John Chino Cuda, placed second in a poster-making contest of the National Statistical Information of Guimaras last Nov. 7, 2020.

He won second place by gaining 88.3 percent of overall score while the third placer got 86.4 percent and 90.4 percent for the first placer.

“Aside from the prize that can aid in my expenditures in this new learning modality, I joined the competition because of my enthusiasm for the arts,” said John.

Moreover, John was also keen on painting and craft-making, and these artistic pursuits enabled him to express his inner identity, which led to many opportunities and victories, such as this recent feat.

However, when asked about the inspiration for his artwork, he declared it to be about the prevalent problem each of us faces in these times of crisis: the digital gap. He also decoded the meaning of some significant symbols on his poster such as: the bulb for invention/intelligence/ awareness, the sun for life/will/clarity and strength, science for innovation, and man and robot for the integration of man in bridging digital gaps through technology.

“Today, the digital gap is rapidly expanding around the world, ultimately affecting the way people receive and disseminate information from trusted sources and campaign to address the common problem of the digital divide,” he stated in his poster.

Furthermore, Cuda also addressed how education is one of the leading recipients of this problem’s casualty. He expounded on how students struggle to cope with “flexible learning” in simple ways such as finding a stable connection or even the necessary digital devices.

“Many students still need strong internet connections to do supplemental research on more complex assignments at computer shops or other places [just] to be online,” he emphasized.

under the Social and Human Sciences Category. ESC and SPEDSA were also cited as finalists under the Education Category.

Moscardon and Maries Anne Aguacito, a 3S Society representative, also won the championship in the Quiz Bowl category and Marcus Llanera, ESC Chairperson, ranked third in the Essay Writing Competition.

The UNESCO Summit is an annual gathering of youth and student organizations nationwide aimed at protecting culture and linguistic diversity in the context of Global Citizenship Education.

Special Ed programs comparable to Australian Qualifications Framework

By ORLANDO GAMILLA, JR.

Two programs from the College of Education, namely: Bachelor of Special Education (BSPED) and Master of Education (M.Ed.), are equivalent to the educational level of the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), according to an alumnus who received a confirmation

from Australia’s Department of Employment, Small Business, and Training that the degrees he obtained from WVSU-COE were successfully assessed.

Wilmer Tiezo, an alumnus from the college who completed the aforementioned degrees last 2006 and 2014 respectively, explained that

in Australia, admission and employment for overseas students and workers require the alignment and comparability of their previous degrees to the AQF which is Australia’s national framework of qualifications in the school, vocational education and training, and higher education sectors.

On Jan-

uary 31, 2020, Tiezo received an assessment advice that reads: “On the basis of assessment guidelines published by the Australian Government Department of Education in the Country Education Profile for the Philippines, the Bachelor of Special Education and Master of Education issued by West Visayas State Univer-

sity are assessed as comparable to the educational level of an Australian (AQF) Bachelor and Master Degree.”

While studying at WVSUCOE, Tiezo served as a staff member of SILAK Publications, and after he graduated, he taught at the SPED - Integrated School for Exceptional Children in Iloilo City.

LOVE FOR THE ARTS. John Chino Cuda’s effective mixture of vibrant colors on his poster won 2nd place on local competition.

Photo by John Chino Cuda

Moreover, Cuda thinks of his artistic skills as an advantage to his chosen future profession and has a positive outlook on how it can be beneficial in certain ways, especially in inspiring his fellow taga-Ed, and also his future students.

Pandemic Awakens... ...University and the College itself. These includes transacting an appointment request through Ticketon, using face masks and face shields inside the campus and the use of decontamination areas to ensure the safety of the College against the virus.

Finally, spearheaded by the Education Student Council and COE undergraduate office through the idea of COE Associate Dean for the Undergraduate Level, Dr. Amabel Siason, the “Stay SaFE” or Safety Face Mask for Taga-Ed program was launched on April to produce Do-it-Yourself facemasks that aims to protect learners against the threat of COVID-19.

1,160 College of Education – Undergraduate Number of Enrollees First Semester, AY 2020-2021

904 College of Education – Graduate School Number of Enrollees First Semester, AY 2020-2021

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NEWS

SILAK

Volume XLI, No. 2 | December 2019 - November 2020 | The Official Student Publication of the College of Education, West Visayas State University, Iloilo City

Summa Cum Laude of COE Batch 2019 qualifies for national TOSP search

By ORLANDO GAMILLA, JR.

On its 58th year, the Search for the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) declared Sandro Silverio, Summa Cum Laude graduate of COE last April 2019, as one of its national finalists.

Silverio was chosen among the many regional awardees and national nominees from all over the Philippines by the esteemed National Screening Committee Members with a criteria that focused on academic excellence, leadership, and social responsibility.

TOSP is an annual award-giving body that recognizes “deluge of talented and inspiring Filipino youth who have not only excelled academically, but also manifested exemplary leadership, and dedicated to empowering communities, all founded on strong moral values of integrity, patriotism, and selfless service,” according to the congratulatory letter from TOSP. Being a finalist, Silverio was invited by Marie Concepcion-Young, president of the TOSP Foundation, Inc. in her letter dated Dec. 2, 2019, to join other co-finalists for the National Program Week expected to take place in January 2020.

Along with this victory, Silverio posted on Facebook that he received “two great news for this week” -- one being a national finalist of the TOSP and being a passer of September 2019 Licensure Examination which was released on December 1, 2019.

Silverio, a BSED Math graduate, is currently teaching at the Philippine Science High School-Western Visayas campus in Brgy. Bito-on, Jaro, Iloilo City.

COE orientation program goes live via Facebook

LEARNING AIDS. West Visayas State University distributes learning resource tablets to undergraduate students as support for distance learning. Photo by Dr. Beth Concepcion

Learning tablets given to students of WVSU main campus

By ROSEFEL IRITZ MAGHUYOP

To support students in distance learning methods for the first semester of the Academic Year 2020-2021, West Visayas State University provided tablets to its undergraduate students.

Due to the suspension of face-toface classes, WVSU President Dr. Joselito Villaruz initiated the idea to provide Learning Resource Packets for the students—a tablet for the undergraduate (UG) students of WVSU Main Campus, and flash drive and/or printed modules for the external campuses.

Moreover, the acquisition of around 4,500 tablets went through several processes such as bidding and approvals as part of the procurement method.

By JANNA MARIE DEOCAMPO

Despite the difficulties posed by the pandemic, the annual College of Education (COE) Orientation Program pushed through virtually on September 18, 2020, via the Facebook page of the Education Student Council.

Although the orientation platform was different, the program followed the pre-pandemic flow and content wherein the following were presented: faculty and staff, university core values, guidance and library services, student organizations in the college, expectations of freshmen, officers of the Parents and Faculty Association (PFA), and college uniforms.

“Flexibility and having an open mind are some of the keys to managing the storms of change. We can strengthen these as we communicate ourselves clearly to one another… With the hope that we will survive and overcome all these, and with gratitude for what we have now, we all welcome academic year 2020-2021,” said Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla, dean of the College of Education in her opening remarks.

For the new pre-service teachers to know more about their mentors, Dr. Rosemarie Felimon, college secretary

for the undergraduate level, and the respective division/department chairpersons introduced the faculty and staff of the College of Education.

Dr. Amabel Siason, associate dean for the undergraduate level, also stressed the importance of the Core Values of the University, namely: Scholarship, Harmony, Innovation, Nurturance, Excellence, and Service. She said she expects students to model these values and attitudes within and outside their virtual classrooms.

“We, your mentors bask on the thought that someday you will show the same commitment and passion in your calling as teachers, that in your hands our future generations will be well taken care of,” she said.

Furthermore, Heart Melizza, a Social Studies freshman, and the most outstanding performer during the college admission, delivered her expectations and message as a new pre-service teacher of the college.

“Your purpose is going to keep your passion alive every time you feel like giving up,” said Melizza.

Along with the usual introduction

of student organizations, a new one named Majors of Values Education Students (MOVES) was also introduced as the default association of students under the revived Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Values Education.

A question and answer portion was also facilitated by focal persons to address important concerns and queries of the students.

As for the use of the College’s prescribed uniform during virtual classes, Dr. Dequilla said that students will not be required to use their uniforms if they agree to conduct synchronous online classes; instead, she appealed that students should dress with decency during video meetings.

Lastly, on the query about the payment for the PFA, the ESC advised students to wait for further announcements on their official Facebook page.

Prof’s viral post helps challenged students with online learning

By DOROTHY JOY ESPIN

Signal.

Internet Connection. Resources.

With the cancellation of the face-toface setup of education, these are the musthaves of every student to cope with online learning, but for some, it takes mountains to climb to possess even just one of these essentials.

English professor and SILAK Adviser, Dr. Hazel P. Villa, shared her teary first day of online class on social media on Sept. 21, 2020 that went viral as she showed the difficult situation of her challenged students in coping with online learning.

“The crying emojis began when in the GC (group chat), a student said his phone just had one bar left and that he might just ‘disappear’ from the chat,” Dr. Villa wrote in her viral post.

NEWS

SILAK

Volume XLI, No. 2 | December 2019 - November 2020 | The Official Student Publication of the College of Education, West Visayas State University, Iloilo City

the tablets with modules as it will further delay the distribution.

“The University President wanted to inject the tablets with modules, but because of some circumstances and technical problems, we decided to distribute the first batch of tablets as soon as the University finalized the distribution scheme… but the Management Information System was able to install the Google Classroom app in every tablet,” added Dr. Dequilla.

First Batch of Distribution

“Because of the need to provide tablets to students, the budget was reallocated and went through a rigorous process to include approval from the Board of Regents,” said Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA).

Furthermore, the University initially planned to infuse the Lenovo M7 tablets with course syllabi and policies, instructions, e-books, and other learning materials to guarantee students’ access to the modules despite the lack of internet connectivity, but due to the delay in the delivery of tablets from Singapore, the University was not able to incorporate

With the arrival of 1,200 tablets in the first batch, the University prioritized the distribution to the 3rd year students as the number of students aligned to the number of tablets that arrived at the University.

Also, 3rd year students residing in Iloilo City and in nearby towns received their tablets last October 7 to 9, 2020, observing health protocols such as wearing face mask and shield and maintaining social distancing.

The University also set an Internet connectivity area inside the premises of the school to let students download modules and other learning materials on their tablets.

Following the residents of Iloilo City in the first batch of distribution is the 3rd year students residing in the provincial area of Iloilo, facilitated by the faculty, student regent, and local government units.

Students in the 2nd and 3rd districts received their tablets last October 21, 2020; 4th and 5th district students acquired theirs on October 22, 2020; and students in the 1st district were given the tablets last October 23, 2020.

“Wala pa nahatagan ang tagaGuimaras due to the bad weather, but we are planning to distribute their tablets as soon as the weather permits,” said VPAA Dequilla.

Likewise, the distribution of tablets to students living in other provinces is still on hold as of October 31, 2020, and will be announced soon by the University.

As of this writing, 242 tablets were given to the College of Education 3rd year students.

“Expect that all undergraduate students in the Main Campus can receive their tablets,” added Dr. Dequilla, assuring that there will be no exception from the UG students.

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Undergrad office launches LET review portal on Facebook

By MA. TRISHA NICOLE VALDEZ

As part of the effort to maintain the university’s exemplary performance in the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET), the College of Education (COE) Undergraduate Office launched an online group called, “Licensure Examination for Teachers Skills Optimization and Review” (LET’s SOAR) last March 31, 2020.

In line with the Republic Act (RA) 7836, FOR THE FUTURE. COE utilizes the Faceotherwise known book platform to prepare students for the as the Philippine licensure exam. Photo by JB Ryan Babas Teachers Professionalization Act of 1994, the project aims to prepare all of the college’s undergraduate programs in taking and passing the LET as early as their freshman year to their senior year.

“One of the next steps I am considering is to partner with other COE faculty members who will later become contributors to the page so that they can share materials and practice tests in their areas of specialization,” shared Dr. Amabel T. Siason, admin of the LET’s SOAR group and COE’s current Associate Dean.

LET’s SOAR, a private Facebook group exclusive for the college’s currently enrolled pre-service teachers also aims to enhance students’ skills through practice tests based on the reading materials regularly posted by Dr. Siason.

“I hope that the students would regularly visit the page, read the materials being shared, answer the practice tests, and make it a habit to start building on their test-taking skills as early as now,” added Dr. Siason.

As of this writing, the group has 627 members, consisting of a portion of COE faculty members and its undergraduate students.

7 pre-service teachers of COE dominate major scholarship

By ORLANDO GAMILLA, JR.

It was then revealed that the student had to walk a kilometer from his home to find a good signal up a hill and four other students from the class shared the same situation.

“It came to such a point one student said he brought along an old galvanized iron sheet to serve as his roof on the hill. Another was lucky to have the father of a friend build a makeshift bamboo shed to protect him from the sun and rain and still another sheltered in a rundown waiting shed,” Dr. Villa wrote.

After hearing about these students’ difficult situation, a former student of Dr Villa, Atty. Christine Florete and her friend, purchased power banks for the learners so that they can charge their gadgets.

At the same time, WVSU- COE Associate Dean Amabel Siason along with her husband, Dr. Nordy Siason, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent of the Division of Iloilo distributed the power banks to the students in their areas.

The Associate Dean also gave her secondhand phone to one of the students who borrows a phone just to attend classes.

LEARNING GOES ON. Students of the College of Education, like many in similar situations throughout the country, experience difficulties in coping with online classes. Photo by BSED 1C

The second year Math and Science majors of the College of Education (COE) took seven out of the 10 slots in the list of passers of the Philippine Business for EducationGokongwei Brothers Foundation (PBEd-GBF) 1000 Teachers Program (TP) scholarship.

The four Science majors are Coleen Kaye Moscaya, Jirah Mae Flores, Keen Hope Gallego, and Ma. Trisha Nicole Valdez while the three Mathematics majors are Yul Villanueva Jr., Tedric Dave Senosa, and Lovely Mae Villaflor The three remaining spots were for students of the Philippine Normal University (PNU) in Manila.

The passers will enjoy a monthly stipend of P4,000, a book allowance of P 3000, and uniform allowance of P2000 per academic year, among others.

This will be for three years until they complete their bachelor’s degree in teacher education.

This scholarship is exclusive only for Education

students of the West Visayas State University (WVSU) main campus in La Paz, Iloilo City and PNU. “PBEd-GBF is absolutely a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I feel really honored and blessed after I received the confirmation of my qualification,” said BSEd-2C student Ma. Trisha Nicole, one of the passers.

The applicants underwent a competitive screening process that included document review, Philippine Aptitude Test for Teachers, essay writing, and a live meet-up with three components: the group discussion, demo teaching, and panel interview.

Comprising the panellists for the live meet-up were GBF Representative and Senior Program Officer Khate Manalo, PBEd Scholarship Manager Zarina San Jose, and selected COE Professors, namely: Prof. Jan Iris Faye Basbas, Dr. Catherine Roces, Dr. Eleanor Jamero, and Dr. Hazel Villa.

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OPINION

SILAK

Volume XLI, No. 2 | December 2019 - November 2020 | The Official Student Publication of the College of Education, West Visayas State University, Iloilo City

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With the misuse of the power of such law, there is a curtailment of press freedom.

Editorial

PH Press will never be silenced

W

hen Rappler CEO and executive editor Maria Ressa and former Rappler researcher-writer Reynaldo Santos were convicted of a controversial libel case by complainant businessman Wilfredo Keng last June 15, 2020 relating to a story published in 2012, Philippine journalism marked an excruciating dilemma that challenged every journalist’s rights, even the constitution and Philippine laws.

In the Philippines, freedom of speech, expression, and of the press are applicable to all journalists.

These rights are provided in Section 4, Article III of the Bill of Rights of the 1987 Constitution that says, “No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression and of press or the right of the people to

petition the government for redress of grievances.” However, it seemed that the law used against Ressa and Santos was weaponized to suppress those rights.

With the misuse of the power of such law, there is a curtailment of press freedom. This administration fears not only the working journalists in the Philippines but also anyone who dares to attack those in power, thereby causing a “chilling effect” among journalists and the Filipinos in general.

Journalists have always been in the forefront of reporting and news delivery and are the ones who shed light and truth when there are anomalies happening. Maria Ressa, a journalist of more than 30 years and Time Magazine’s Person of the

Year, and found guilty of cyberlibel demonstrates how press freedom in the Philippines continues to be suppressed.

The Philippines has ranked as low as 149th (out of 180 countries) in 2014 and 134th in 2019 in the annual Reporters Without Borders press freedom index. It is part of the scheme to browbeat journalists writing critically about government policies and actions.

Ressa being convicted puts not just the media, but also anyone publishing anything critical online against the powerful people at risk of being sued within 12 years of their posting.

Moreover, law experts say that a 12-year prescription period for cyberlibel is unconstitutional. As provided in the Revised Penal Code, the cyberlibel must only prescribe in one year, but to be able

Madam Inspector

By PHYLLIS CLAIRE ZARRIZ

Flexible Learning in the ‘new normal’

“

This idea of flexible learning is good in theory, but it requires tremendous preparation and expense on the part of the University to set up effectively.

To minimize the dangers brought by the COVID-19 world pandemic, the West Visayas State University (WVSU) resorted to adapting the flexible learning method for this Academic Year 2020-2021.

Based on the definition given by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), flexible learning is a fusion of digital and non-

digital technology which doesn’t necessarily require being connected to the internet.

Since flexible learning ensures inclusion and accessible education, face-to-face learning is not feasible and thus, the shift to pure online, pure modular, and blended learning modalities.

The different modes of learning

may be ideal to resolve the current status quo, but this “hybrid learning” has inflicted doubts in the eyes of the WVSU community due to its two-sided value proposition.

For instance, the problem of unequal access to digital tools and connectivity issues aggravates the already shaky socioeconomic status of the students.

Additionally, a hidden barrier is created through digital divides between the privileged and underprivileged students in terms of accessibility.

Furthermore, teachers who are not well-versed in technology need to adapt and learn quickly in using the learning management system (LMS) to efficiently

manage their digital classrooms in a short time frame.

Many TagaWEST students may have heard about flexible learning only during this pandemic but little did we know that it has long been practiced and established in our university through the Distance Education Program in the Graduate School. This type of instruction has been part of our university’s educational system for many years now, but the difference between the adaptations of these

to charge Ressa and Santos, the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 46 Judge Rainelda Estacio Montesa found the pre-war Act 3326 which says that if special laws have penalties exceeding six years, crimes prescribe in 12 years.

Retired Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio opposed this by agreeing to Far Eastern University Law Dean Mel Sta. Maria’s opinion that ordinary libel’s one-year prescription should be the same with cyberlibel.

Hence, pointing out that because cyberlibel is not a new crime, the oneyear prescriptive period applies to it.

It was also an anxious riddle for Filipinos to guess the decision of Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa of the Manila Regional Trial Court on the case of Maria Ressa and her fellow Rappler staff. That is why when the riddle was answered and they were convicted, Inquirer Columnist John Nery called the verdict “uncomprehending, unconstitutional and unjust.”

We are living in a society where basic human rights are being challenged every day. This is a society wherein if people fight for justice, we are served with more injustices. This is a society wherein when people who stand up to speak for the truth are being silenced.

This is a society wherein there is a scourge of misinformation and abuse of power. But in the words of Henry Anatole Grunwald, a famous journalist best known for his position as managing editor of TIME magazine and editor in chief of Time, Inc.: “Journalism can never be silent: that is its greatest virtue and its greatest fault. It must speak, and speak immediately, while the echoes of wonder, the claims of triumph and the signs of horror are still in the air.”

Hence, as long as we continue to fight the long, arduous battle to shed light to the truth, we will never be silenced.

programs is their purpose.

Blended learning in the Graduate School program responds to the growing needs of the students and professionals who want to pursue a diploma course or a postgraduate degree but are unable to attend regular meetings due to work-related circumstances or distance, but the latter was adapted to address the emerging problems during national emergencies.

Being the pioneer of this “new normal” type

of education is not easy both on the part of the teachers and students since we all have to deal with fear and uncertainty. This idea of flexible learning is good in theory, but it requires tremendous preparations and expenses on the part of the University to set it up effectively.

To fully acquire the effectiveness of the teaching and learning process using this new approach, everyone is expected to help each other to adjust in this new age of digitalized education.

SILAK

Volume XLI, No. 2 | December 2019 - November 2020 | The Official Student Publication of the College of Education, West Visayas State University, Iloilo City

OPINION 7

Truth Seeker

By JESSA DE LOS REYES

PH justice: A classic tale of double standards

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If these strongmen, along with their allies and cronies, continue these transgressions against the people, then it is only right to conclude that the virus is not the only the sole enemy here

“Dura lex, sed lex” or “The law is harsh, but it is the law’’ is a common catchphrase here in the Philippines, implying that everyone has precisely the same standing – the same basic human dignity and human rights – before the law. Well, except if you’re the one imposing it or you have that much power and wealth, which means the law may be ‘bendable’ in your favor.

The existence of double standards in the context of Philippine justice is a reality that we sadly encounter on a regular basis.

Double standards emphasize the discrepancies between the rich and poor, the oppressor and the oppressed, and those who have power and connection in the government.

One classic example is when Imelda Marcos was convicted of graft in 2018 but has never spent time in jail because she is apparently “too old for it” at 89 years old. Meanwhile, Elmer Cordero, the 72-year-old jeepney driver who was detained over a protest calling for the resumption of

jeepney operations in Metro Manila, was obligated to face the charges against him despite his age.

Then there is US Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton who walked away and was granted “absolute pardon’’ despite being convicted for the death of Filipino transgender woman Jennifer Laude.

Our heart mourns for activist Reina Mae Nasino who was originally given three full days but was instead given a shortened 3-hour furlough to mourn her 3-monthold daughter River Emmanuelle a month after they were separated by the government.

Amid a global crisis wherein the government’s role in providing proper medical solutions is vital, it is considered as a slap to the Filipino people when these kinds of injustices and unfair treatments happen right in front of our eyes. If these strongmen, along with their allies and cronies, continue these transgressions against the people, then it is only right to conclude that the virus is not the only the sole enemy here.

Walking on Eggs

By SOPHIA ANGELA DOCENA

How a “half-empty girl” transcended to a “half-full woman”

Journals have always been a delight to me, more so to my mental health. May it be from jotting down “how my day went” to my occasional “depressive writings”. Looking back, it was and always will be my saving grace.

I have grown to be mum: having disorganized thoughts, low self-esteem, and spotlight scaredy-cat, afraid that my opinion will just cause an unnecessary commotion.

It seems as if every time I speak what is in my mind, it is either I get ridiculed or called absurd for thinking that way. That being said, I went into a downward spiral as overanalyzing what I say or do becomes a lethal habit.

All of that leads to me bottling up all the pent-up frustration, anguish, pain, and God-awful things that lie in-between. I am a patient person, but like everyone else, I can only take so much. Back then, it was really a struggle to keep it all in; never occurring that it would be easier to talk it out for I was too hung up on the harsh criticisms of the past. Instead, I just strived hard to conceal the raging pandemonium with passiveness, hoping in vain that it would just disappear into thin air.

I was already in too deep with my despair but then, some sort of reinforcement from above came when I reached eleventh grade: the subject Creative Writing. I’ve had tons of diaries growing up but when journal writing was introduced, I just knew that

better days are coming. Finally! I’ll be having some sort of outlet to channel all this mess that’s been running around endlessly in my head! The healing power of immortalizing what’s been bothering you through ink and paper is still magic to me ‘til these days.

Few entries later, I cannot believe the catharsis and attention I’m getting as I gradually write on. While doing so, I just feel myself slowly getting rescued from this quicksand I never thought I could ever escape. Not only does it ease a bit of discomfort but it also led to me finding the right people to talk to. For the first time, I was not ridiculed for my thoughts; I was not petty for feeling that way for those feelings are still valid.

We all have diverse coping mechanisms.

I just found mine and would deeply recommend it to anyone who is also “deep in the mud” out there. Just simply note down whatever it is you want to write, no matter how shallow or intense it might seem, whatever it is that causes your bliss or misery. For just merely recognizing the root of your pain is one step upwards in the ladder of healing.

Who knows? Maybe you have a whole lot of Shakespeare inside of you waiting to be unleashed.

And maybe, just like me, it will be your saving grace too.

So, how did your day go? Write it in a journal entry or two!

Queer Talks

By RICHARD NEIL LENCIO

The Rise of BL: A Conversation on ally-ship and representation

EDITORIAL STAFF

Academic Year 2020-2021 Editors in Chief JB Ryan Babas Orlando Gamilla Jr.

Online Editors Rosefel Iritz Maghuyop Sophia Angela Docena Richard Neil Lencio

Associate Editors Dorothy Joy Espin Phyllis Claire Zarriz

Editorial Assistants Queenie Rose Saludares Mary Grace Sanquilos Nickalaine Santiago Dianne Mae Estocado Dona Preter

Managing Editors Ma. Beatriz Niña Barranco Dionessa Grace Galimba Jessa De Los Reyes News and Special Reports Editor Gabrielle Faye Tolentino Features Editor Ma. Trisha Nicole Valdez Literary Editor Paul Aries Valera Filipino Editor Joey Camilao

Cartoonist Euthel Jhon Finlac Digital Artist Toni Gwyneth Boluso SILAK TV Director Paulo Bryan David Contributor Krizha Alaine Dela Serna

Local Languages Editor Janna Marie Deocampo

Advisers Hazel Villa, Ph.D. Neña Vanessa Cabiles, Ph.D.

Sports Editor Aimerine Montaño

University President Joselito Villaruz, M.D., Ph.D., FPPS

The popularity of a Thai series called “2gether: The Series” brought a breath of fresh air to the Philippine masses with its lighthearted story, characters with fun personalities, and mostly, the cute love story between two men in college. This series is categorized under the Boys’ Love (BL) genre.

Soon, more Filipinos consumed more from the genre, and eventually film companies started to create their own, too. This level of exposure brought joy to the Filipino Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Others (LGBTQ+) community, because their stories are finally being told. This has the potential to attract new allies for the community. However, what is concerning is assuming that consuming LGBTQ+ media automatically makes one an ally, although that’s not necessarily always the case.

One factor that catapulted BL to fame is the casting of conventionally attractive actors in it, which is understandable for marketing purposes, but it should be noted that a viewer may end up only focusing on that aspect and ignore the actual stories of the characters and real-life people like them. This is called “fetishization”. Yes, they are handsome and their kissing scene is enjoyable to watch, but does the viewer actually care about why the characters are

afraid to be seen kissing, for example?

Some viewers also don’t even want to see BL dramas get “political”. However, the fact is LGBTQ+ media is inherently a product of political struggle, from the sociopolitical contexts that these stories exist in, like the ones set during the pandemic, to the Pride movements in history that fought for gay visibility.

Sometimes, the creators of these dramas aren’t necessarily allies, either. Gay stories in the hands of people who have no lived experiences is dangerous to representation.

The characters may end up to be caricatures of stereotypes of gay people, perpetuating heteronormativity, have overall poor representation, and ultimately painting the community in a bad light. This does more harm than good.

Of course, not everything has to be drama-heavy and revolve around LGBTQ+ struggles. We deserve our own cliché, fun love stories, too. But we should all be more responsible in how we consume and create these stories, in a way that helps push the conversation forward and not setting it back hundreds of years. There is so much more to be done for the normalization of the LGBTQ+ community, and representation in media is only one aspect of it.

SILAK

COE students win in U-Day’s literary, musical contests

By AIMERINE MONTAÑO

big y,

Gut and prowess prevailed as 20 contestants and participating groups from the College of Education (COE) brought home the bacon from the Literary and Musical competitions during the University Days of West Visayas State University (WVSU) last January 20-24, 2020.

Garnering the 1st place were COE participants for Oration, Binalaybay and Pagsusulat ng Sanaysay categories.

Representatives for English and Filipino Declamation, Story Telling, News Casting, and Dagliang Talumpati also battled their way to victory and won 2nd place in the said competitions. Moreover, contestants for Poetry Interpretation and Extemporaneous Speaking placed 3rd. Also, students representing the COE for Character Interpretation, Essay Writing, Balagtasan, Pagkukuwento, and Talumpati ranked 4th.

In the musical contests, COE contenders also brought recognition to the college by placing 3rd and 4th in Vocal Solo Pop and Vocal Solo Classical categories, respectively. Furthermore, the College also had winners in the following competitions: Philippine Folk Dance (4th place), Quiz bowl (5th place), and Short and Sweet Play (5th place).

Last year’s celebration, with the theme: “Sustaining the Tradition of Excellence,” highlighted the artistic side of various students across colleges and campuses of the University.

“The University Week Celebration is one of the anticipated days that I always wait for. I can say that this year’s celebration made a big impact on me for I was one of the Litmus participants who represented my beloved College of Education in the Oration category. Being able to meet other contestants from different colleges and external campuses overwhelmed me with the humility of experience,” said Cherlyn Gamao, BSEd English II-A, the Oration champion.

“It all started with my dream to contribute and take part in bringing honor to the College. Yet, above all, I believe that I, too, have a story to tell. With the support of my teachers, classmates, my parents, and the whole College of Education, I was able to win the Oration category. These words from my Oration piece, “with courage for the right” always reminds me to take a leap of faith just like how every Taga Ed student will also have the courage to start with,” added Gamao.

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FEATURE

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Volume XLI, No. 2 | December 2019 - November 2020 | The Official Student Publication of the College of Education, West Visayas State University, Iloilo City

Photo by Edcel Jaranilla

Hinayon

Jaranilla

Staying safe, sane, and salutary The pandemic-era ‘plant-parents’:

By DIANNE MAE ESTOCADO and RICHARD NEIL LENCIO

W

ith the COVID-19 pandemic forcing everyone into home quarantine and social distancing, Filipinos found themselves looking for ways to stay sane while staying safe inside their houses. The early days of quarantine found Filipinos sharing their hobbies and even home recipes on social media, and then a new trend started to make waves: home gardening.

While growing plants at home isn’t a new hobby, we definitely saw a surge of pictures of leaves and flowers in our feeds this year. The trend has become so widespread that even celebrities like Angelica Panganiban and Kathryn Bernardo have hopped in on the trend, and, of course, some students from the College of Education have also stepped into their “plantita” shoes as well.

BEGINNINGS “Ang needed man lang to start is you have already invested an attitude nga patient ka mag-take care sa ila, hindi man gid need sang big amount sang money mag-start,” Tiffany Rose Hinayon of BEEd3B says when asked about what is needed to get into the plantita culture.

She recounts the satisfaction she felt during her elementary days when she sees plants inside the classroom.

Some plantitas like Tiffany have started collecting plants since they were young, while some, like Rey Joseph Salmorin of BSEd-3A, started more recently.

“A month after sang lockdown.

Wala obrahon so nag-collect ko kag nagsalvage sang plants nga ara na sa balay,” he narrates.

However which way they started, their current situations are the same: they currently have more time to care for their leafy babies.

FOR SANITY AND AN EXTRA PENNY Gardening has been therapeutic for Edcel Jaranilla, a second year Filipino Major. It has helped him cope with the challenges brought by the pandemic, especially the remote learning set-up.

“Planting has been a way for me to release stress. It has been my go-to thing every time I am bombarded with

activities. It is my portal to a place where I know I belong,” he shares.

He has succulents, cacti and ornamentals, but what he likes most is his collection of Gymnocalycium (A genus of cacti) because of its different forms, colors, patterns and as well as colorful flowers.

Many of his plants came from different online sellers and he also sells it through Facebook plant groups to buy new plants, pots, fertilizers, soil mix, gardening tools, and fund the construction of a greenhouse.

On the other hand, collecting plants such as varieties of caladium, syngonium, alocasia, colocasia, philodendrons and calathea has been a hobby and a business for newbie plantmom Mary Annklien Chaitte Gajete, a third year English Major.

“At first, having such plants is for collection only—a way to release stress, but I have realized that having these varieties of rare plants is a good investment if you are a business-minded person,” she says.

She usually purchases plants in Jaro market, Tagbak terminal, and Oton plaza, and goes plant hunting in backyard gardens.

She sells her plants online for P25 to P30 depending on the kind and P500 as the lowest price for semi-rare plants.

Even though plant hunting has been challenging for her, she considers it fun and good adventure to meet friends and plant collectors like her. However, she noticed there are overpriced plants that are sold online even though they are not very rare.

“Some of my rare plant collections are melanochrysum that takes time to grow a new leaf unlike common plants, and Leopard or a variety of caladium which is one of my very first collections. I also have several rare plants like caladium Infinity, Negra, and Ms. Muffet, but lately I have noticed that these plants can be found in many markets already except Leopard which only the sellers or collectors own and costs not lower than P1,000 to P1,500.”

In this difficult time when resiliency has been overly glorified, people have found ways to cope and survive in the new normal. During a worldwide lockdown, our daily lives might have taken a great turn, but most of us have discovered a different side of ourselves. A new hobby, skill or habit may have awakened the chefs and the artists within us- and in most cases, it is the plantitos and plantitas in others and we are certainly not complaining about this new wave of green.

Mary Annklien Chaitte Gajete, a third year English major student, turns her love for plants into a stress-buster from answering modules. Photo by Kriezhyl Añia Morbo

SILAK

Volume XLI, No. 2 | December 2019 - November 2020 | The Official Student Publication of the College of Education, West Visayas State University, Iloilo City

FEATURE

11

Unwavering Determination:

Christine’s story of survival in the new normal

By DIONESSA GRACE GALIMBA and PAUL ARIES VALERA

A

s the clock hit six, she rolled out of her bed to prepare for a very busy day. Her six-hour sleep was disturbed by her alarm beeping on her bedside table. As she tiptoed towards the kitchen, she figured out how to arrange her rigorous schedule for the entire day.

She hastily moved to finish cooking breakfast before attending her 7 a.m. class. After her classes in the morning, she will then proceed to cook for lunch and to finish some household chores. In the afternoon, she has little time to rest as she has to be present for her other classes and after that, prepare their supper. Despite her exhausting day, she has to study and work on her school requirements up to midnight.

“There are times that I’m about to doze off because of my overwhelming tasks in the morning but I’m convincing myself to stay awake because I have to finish my school works,” said Christine who is a working student.

EAGER BEAVER Christine Eresuelo Enano, 29, is a freshman Bachelor of Secondary Education student who majors in Filipino at the West Visayas State University College of Education. Christine or Tinay is one of those Taga-Ed students who took the leap of entering into the working student life in this time of the pandemic for she has to provide for her family and continue with her education.

YOUNG BREADWINNER At the age of 11, Tinay, who lives in Barangay 5 Poblacion, Igbaras, Iloilo, started working for other people to support her education. She endured being separated from her family to finish high school. She wanted to pursue her tertiary education, but her parents can’t afford to send her to a university. Her family’s main source of livelihood is farming and their income is just enough for their household expenses. Due to their unfortunate situation, she sought a job and worked for years to earn money for herself and her family.

CHASING UNFULFILLED DREAMS When Tinay reached the age of 26, she decided to get married but unfortunately, a year after their marriage, she and her husband separated. In this stage of her life, she realized that it’s not too late to chase her unfulfilled aspirations.

She enrolled at Ramon Avanceña National High School - Senior High School and graduated with honors. The things she has been through inspired and motivated her to pursue her dream of getting a degree in college. She has burned the candle at both ends and successfully qualified at her dream university.

COVID-19 PANDEMIC Tinay was about to start this new chapter of her life, but months before the

opening of classes, the COVID-19 pandemic hit the country. This resulted in the postponement of the face-to-face classes for the school year 2020-2021. Schools opted to conduct modular and online classes for the safety of students and teachers. Tinay never thought that this pandemic would make her college journey more complicated.

CONQUERING THE ODDS This new setup in education had brought many challenges to Tinay but as a person with an undying determination to reach her dreams, she found means on how to deal with these. While studying, she works as a house helper in exchange for free food, lodging, and Wi-Fi. As a college student, she is bombarded with loads of schoolwork but she manages to juggle it with her job. She believes that anything is possible for people who have a clear focus on their goals in life.

“As a student who grew up in a poor family, I struggle with the expenses of online classes. I remember those days when my mother has to sell vegetables just to provide me the amount needed for my education. Seeing my parents’ sacrifices pushed me to find a way to lessen their burden,” said Tinay.

SHEDDING LIGHT TO OTHERS Christine is shaped by her experiences in life and this serves as an inspiration to other students. She is like an older sister to her classmates and constantly reminds them to be courageous in facing the challenges of this new normal.

“Manang Christine, as we call her, is very dedicated to her studies. Despite the adversities she’s facing, she is the one who encourages us to stay optimistic.

She is a good friend who is always there to motivate me when I feel like giving up,” said one of her classmates, Ella Barrida.

Tinay did not let this pandemic hinder her from reaching her goals in life.

She knew that this is just the beginning of her more complex college journey. Her experiences in this new normal will serve as her inspiration to go the extra mile to become the individual she aspires to be.

“

As a student who grew up in a poor family, I struggle with the expenses of online classes. I remember those days when my mother has to sell vegetables just to provide me the amount needed for my education.

Seeing my parents’ sacrifices pushed me to find a way to lessen their burden.

-Christine Enano

Photo by Dionessa Grace Galimba

12

FILIPINO

SILAK

Volume XLI, No. 2 | December 2019 - November 2020 | The Official Student Publication of the College of Education, West Visayas State University, Iloilo City

Vox Populi

Ni JOEY CAMILAO

Nasaan ang Huling Pasya?

Nabulabog muli ang social media matapos na pormal na ilathala ng isang online dictionary platform na Dictionary.com ang desisyung pagpasok sa kanilang talaan ang dalawang terminolohiyang Pampilipino— ang Pinoy at Filipino na siya namang kinuwestiyon ng marami matapos na palitan ang anyo ng salita gamit ang titik na “x” imbis na “a” at “o” kung kaya’t naging Pinxy at Filipinx ang naging kinalabasan nito.

Ayon sa Dictionary. com, ang Pinxy at Filipinx ay sadyang ginawa upang ilihis ang ideolohiya ng marami sa pagiging gender-bias at maging genderneutral. Ang mga nasabing salita ay nagiging pormal kung sa mismong sarili ng gumagamit ay alam niyang ito’y katanggaptanggap. Ang mga salitang ito ay naasimila sa mga puti dahil sa taglay nilang liberal at progresibong pag-iisip. Kung pag-aaralang mabuti, hinango ang nasabing permyutasyon sa

Latinx—isang gender-neutral na terminolohiya na tumutukoy sa mga taong Latin American na partikular na naninirahan sa kanluraning bansa.

Nagmistulang batang namimili sa kendi at laruan ang naging kritisismo ng marami sa nasabing isyu. Hati-hati at ang iba naman ay hindi pa makagawang pumili. Isa sa mga sumang-ayon sa nasabing desisyon ng nasabing online dictionary platform ay ang direktor ng Sentro ng Wikang Filipino ng University of the Philippines-Diliman na si Mykel Andrada, aniya “magandang hakbang na nagkaroon tayo ng recognition at ng consciousnessraising hinggil sa mga genderneutral na mga words.”

Subalit, kagaya ng isang propagandista na walang ibang adhikain kundi ang reporma, nakaranas din ang ganitong isyu ng panunuligsa at kapintasan ng marami. Ilan sa mga pinupuntong rason kung bakit labag sa

kalooban ng maraming Pinoy ang ginawang pagrerebisa dahil una, sinusubok nitong mantsahan ang ating sariling wika. Tayo ay nasanay na sa katawagang Pinoy na itinutugma sa mga taong naninirahan sa Pilipinas bilang kabuuan. Pangalawa, bagaman napabilang na ang letrang “x” sa ating alpabeto na siyang pinagtibay ng 1987 Konstitusiyon ng Pilipinas, ang ganitong pagbabago ay kadalasang maihahalintulad ang isang salita sa banyagang salita, kung kaya’t bihira lamang magamit ang letrang “x” sa mga pilipinong salita, maliban na lang kung ang gagamiting salita ay hiram at hindi maaaring isulat nang paAbakada, upang maging tunog lokal. Sa ating lenggwahe wala tayong “he”, “she” o “his”, “her” na siyang nakapermi sa wikang Ingles, subalit meron tayong “siya” na kaya namang sumaklaw sa pangkalahatang katawagan.

Kung ipilit pang ipasok at sapilitang ipapatupad ang

nasabing pagrerebisa, hindi malabong magiging Ilocanx ang Ilocano at Ilonggx ang Ilonggo, ang ganitong rebisyon marahil ang mag-uungkat sa pagkalito ng marami. Bilang isang magaaral na nagpapakadalubhasa sa wikang Filipino at nananalaytay sa aking dugo ang pagiging Pilipino ay naninindigan na hindi dapat palitan ang istruktura ng salitang kabahagi na ng ating pang-araw-araw na pakikisalamuha. Matatandaan na minsan na tayong nalito sa paggamit ng salitang Filipino at Pilipino. Nilinaw na at napagkasunduan na Filipino ang magiging katawagan sa ating wika at Pilipino naman para sa mga taong naninirahan sa Pilipinas.

Kung gayon, huwag na natin pang halungkatin ang pagkalitong ating naranasan noon pa man.

Hindi nga naman maaalis ang ideya na ang ating wika ay may taglay na katangian at napabilang na rito ang pagiging dinamiko. Subalit, kailangan

MULTO

Pero hindi ibig sabihin na kung may ganitong mga pangyayari habang nasa panahon ng quarantine ay nararanasan na ito ng lahat. Mas marami lang talaga ang mga hindi mapagkakatiwalaang tao sa mundo ng social media kaysa sa sementeryo.

Nagsusuklay ka habang nasa loob ng kwarto nang maalala mo na namang hindi siya nagre-reply dalawang araw na. Iniwan mo ang suklay, humiga sa kama at tinatadtad siya ng chat! “Okay pa ba tayo?”, “Bakit hindi mo ako sinasagot?”, “May ginawa ba akong masama?” Naghintay ka. Pinigilan mo pero bigla ka na lamang humagulgol. Nakalimutan mo nang mag-ayos.

Nakalimutan mo nang kumain. Magdamag.

UNAHIN ANG SARILI.

T

ang mga gumagamit noong wala nang mapaglilibangan.

Bunga ng mga dating apps na ito, maaaring sumibol ang matagal nang tanim na pag-asa at magbunga ng kiliting dulot ng mga paruparo at kusang lalabas sa mga bibig ang gamit na gamit nang “I love you”.

Mas mabilis pa sa pag-iwas mo sa utos ng nanay mo ang pagpapalitan niyo ng mga Facebook account at magsisimula na ang walang katapusang pagpapatunog ng mga reply sa Messenger. Walang katapusan sa loob ng pitong araw.

Ngunit sa kabila ng kilig, kagaya ng bubble gum—may hangganan din ang tamis ng pangmadaliang pag-ibig. Hindi mo alam kung hanggang kailan tatagal ang panlasa niya. Bukas-makalawa, hindi mo namamalayan—parang bula, bigla siyang mawawala.

Laganap sa panahon ngayon ang pangmumulto o ghosting kahit malayo pa o tapos na ang Nobyembre. Umasa sa mga pambobola niyang “I want us to be more than friends after lockdown” pero ang ibig pa lang sabihin ay maging super-duper friends kayo. May mga pamatay linyang, “Masaya na ako sa kung anong meron tayo NGAYON” pang nalalaman. Oo, NGAYON! Dahil pagkatapos ng isang linggo, mapapakanta ka na naman ng “Thank you, next!” at “Malamig ang pasko ko, sana kayo rin” ang mga linyahan mo. Hindi mo matanggap na hindi pa man din natatapos ang quarantine, ay wala na kayo ng iyong ka-quaranfling.

Photo by Jessa De Los Reyes

Ni AIMERINE MONTAÑO

ing!

Hindi magkandaugagang iniwan ang hugasin sa lababo at tinakbo sa itaas ng ref ang selpon na nagmamay-ari ng tunog. Tunog na hudyat ng reply na kanina pa hinihintay. “Kumain ka na ba? Huwag papagutom.”—pinigilan ang ngiti at tili na parang kahapon lang ay “Thanks sa pagaacept” pa ang pinag-uusapan. “Keketepush leng. Enebe. Hihi.” Sent! ... Ting! Kaybilis ng reply! Sent! ... Ting! Patuloy ang walang habas na mga tunog. ‘Di paaawat hanggang sumapit ang dilim. Patuloy, hanggang sa nakalimutan na ang kanina pa naghihintay na mga hugasin.

Nagulantang ang buong mundo sa pagpasok ng taong 2020 dahil siya ring pagpasok ng ayaw papigil na Coronavirus disease o COVID-19. Mabilis ang paglaganap nito at marami agad ang naging positibo kaya’t ipinasailalim sa Enhanced Community Quarantine ang buong Pilipinas. Makalipas ang halos siyam na buwan ay nasanay ang mga taong mamuhay sa gitna ng pandemya—sa gitna ng bagong normal. Isa na rito ang pagsubok sa mga online dating apps.

Ayaw? Swipe left! Pwede? Swipe right! Isa sa mga hindi naatim pasukin ng karamihan ay ang online application na Tinder kung saan isang click lang ang taong pasok sa panlasa mo, mapapasaiyo na—iyon ay kung piliin ka rin. Marami pang ibang app kagaya ng Grindr, Facebook Dating, Blued, Bumble ang sinubukan. Talamak na ito noon pa man, subalit mas lalong dumami

din nating timbangin ang kapakinabangan nito at hindi rin naman tayo dapat bastabasta na lang makapag-rebisa at dapat ay natitiyak muna na walang salik ang naapektuhan.

Sa madaling sabi hindi tayo basta-bastang lumusong kung alam natin na maraming bagay na napakaimportante sa atin ang mababasa at maaaring matangay ng rumaragasang pagpapasiya.

Gayunpaman, hindi ninuman hawak ang pasiya ng bawat isa, ang desisyon ay nasa atin pa ring mga palad. Bawat isa ay may kani-kaniyang ideolohiyang pinanghahawakan. Maaaring swak sa’yo ngunit kulang sa iba, maaring ayos sa’yo pero hindi sa iba. Sa madaling sabi, kung sa palagay mo’y labag sa iyong kalooban at hindi mo kayang masikmurang gamitin ang mga bagong salita, o dili kaya’y nakikita mo ang kapanatagan ng iyong sarili sa pagsambit ng mga ito, ang desisyon ay nasa palad mo.

SILAK

Volume XLI, No. 2 | December 2019 - November 2020 | The Official Student Publication of the College of Education, West Visayas State University, Iloilo City

FILIPINO 13

PASADA Nina NICKALAINE SANTIAGO at GABRIELLE FAYE TOLENTINO

“

Bisan nga may pandemya, narisgo ko ang akon nga kaugalingon para lang may inugbakal ako bugas sa amon nga panimalay.

Photos by Cherlyn Gamao

-Mang Sergio

K

ung paano uminit ang nangangalampag na makina ay siya ring paghalik ng nanlalapdos na init na tumatagos sa kaniyang balat. Hindi alintana ang mapanganib at hindi matukoy na tadhana sa arawaraw na pakikipagsapalaran sa malapad, maingay at maalikabok na daan. Kasama ang kaniyang dyip, na mahigit sa 19 na taon na iyang kasa-kasama, ay matiyaga niyang tinatalunton ang daan sa umaga hanggang gabi baon ang pangarap at minimithi para sa kaayusan ng kaniyang pamilya.

Hindi pa man nakapagtilaok ang tandang ay gising na ang 48 taong gulang na si Sergio Gamao, siya ay isang dyipni drayber mula sa Lambunao, Iloilo. Hindi naging madali ang pamumuhay nina Mang Sergio, sapagkat kailangan niyang magbanat ng buto araw-araw kasama ang kaniyang maybahay na si Lanie upang maitaguyod ang pamilya sa hindi matakastakasang hagupit ng kahirapan. Lima sa kanyang mga anak ang nag-aaral. Gayunpaman, naging matatag si Mang Sergio sa pagharap sa mga dagok sa buhay, hindi niya ito alintana at patuloy pa rin siyang nagsikap at doble pa kung kumayod.

Ngunit, gaya ng isang puno, malakas man ang kaniyang pangungunyapit ay mabubuwal at mabubuwal din ito.

Si Mang Sergio ay talagang sinubok ng kapalaran matapos dumating ang ‘di inaasahang pagkakataon na siyang sumukat sa kanyang katatagan—ang paglitaw ng isang pandemyang gumulantang sa buong mundo. Kasama sa libo-libong nasindak sa pagdating ng pandemya ay si Mang Sergio. Hindi niya lubos maisip na sa isang kisapmata’y maglalahong parang bula ang kaniyang pinagkukunan ng ibinubuhay sa pamilya.

Sa una pa lang ay nakaramdam na agad siya ng panghahamak ng pandemya, nadagdagan pa ito ng pormal na ipasailalim sa lockdown ang lungsod. Sa loob ng limang buwan na walang mapagkakitaan ay halos manlupasay si

Mang Sergio sa napakahirap na sitwasyong kanilang nararanasan.

Sa mga sandaling yaon mismo ay kinailangan niyang huminto sa pamamasada at manatili sa tahanan upang sa gayon ay hindi malagay sa kompromiso ang kaniyang pansariling kalusugan at pati na din ang kaniyang pamilya.

Mabilis na nalagas ang tangkay ng panahon at ang oras na kaniyang pinapanalanging hindi dumating ay nangangatok na sa kanilang pintuan. Sa sandali ding ito mismo ay naglakas-loob siyang humingi ng tulong sa mga kapitbahay. Sa araw na wala na silang kahit singkong-duling na natira upang sana’y may pambili ng pagkain at may ipansapin sa kumukulong tiyan dahil sa gutom, lahat ng pagkahiyang mayroon si Mang Sergio noon ay kaniyang ibinasura.

Siya’y naglakas-loob at hinilamos lahat ng kakapalan ng mukha upang manghiram at nang may mailapat na pagkain sa nagrereklamong sikmura ng kaniyang pamilya.

Matapos ang mahabang pahinga, sa wakas ay nakabalik na si Mang Sergio sa pamamasada. Subalit, kagaya ng inaasahan, naging mas masaklap pa ang lahat. Takot at pangamba ang palaging bumubuntot sa kaniya. Hindi maiwasang maging balisa sa kadahilanang iba’t ibang pasahero ang kanyang nakakasalamuha.

Gayunpaman, tanging face-mask, guwantes at panalangin na lamang ang kanyang panangga upang malampasan ang lahat ng pagsubok sa gitna ng bagong normal.

“Bisan nga may pandemya, narisgo ko ang akon nga kaugalingon para lang may inugbakal ako bugas sa amon nga panimalay,” pahayag ni Mang Sergio.

Bakas man ang hirap na kanyang pinagdadaanan ay siya namang hindi niya pagtigil sa laban. Kung noon ang inaalala lamang niya ay ang init at lamig ng panahon, ngayon pati na ang posibilidad na mapahamak siya sa virus, maging ang kaniyang pamilya. Ang namumukod tanging itinatatak niya sa isipan ay ang pangangailangan nilang hindi matutugunan kung muli siyang mapaparalisado sa trabaho. Magmula noon ay mas pinag-igihan ni Mang Sergio ang lahat. Mas maaga na ang kanyang gawina kung siya’y gumising at nagsisimulang mamasada kung ikokompara noon at natatapos hanggang alas-10 na ng gabi.

Nakakalungkot mang isipin ngunit ang dati niyang kita na nagkakahalaga sa 500 hanggang 800 piso kada araw, ngayon mabuti nang may kita siyang 300-500. Kung dati ay 18 pasahero ang kanyang nakakarga sa bawat pasada, ngayon ay 11 na lamang.

Malaki man ang naging epekto ay sinisikap niyang maging matatag dahil sa likod ng hirap na kaniyang pinagdadaanan, ay ang patuloy na pagsilab ng pangarap na maiahon sa hirap at mabigyan ng magandang buhay ang pamilya.

Hindi pa nakatilaok ang tandang ay nakabukas na ang mga mata ni Mang Sergio, hudyat upang alisin sa kaniyang katawan ang pumupulupot na kumot at lisanin ang kamang naging sandalan niya sa iniindang pagod. Handa na ang kayang pananggang face mask at guwantes para sa isa na namang araw ng pakikipagsapalaran.

Mahigpit ang kaniyang pananampalataya at nilalakasan pa niya lalo ang kaniyang loob. Sa mausok at maalikabok na daan muli siyang makikipagsapalaran, muli niyang tatahakin ang daang bumuhay sa kanila sa mga taong nagdaan. Patuloy siyang papasada hanggang sa marating niya ang destinasyon kung saan ang buhay ng kaniyang pamilya ay maging maluwat at maginhawa.

14

SCIENCE & HEALTH

SILAK

Volume XLI, No. 2 | December 2019 - November 2020 | The Official Student Publication of the College of Education, West Visayas State University, Iloilo City

Young Leaders VS COVID-19

By JB RYAN BABAS

W Photo by John Vincent Guzman

hen the COVID-19 pandemic struck the Philippines, the national government decided to mandate quarantine measures and lockdowns beginning with Luzon, followed by the rest of the country to contain the spread of the virus.

The Department of Health (DOH) partnered with other government agencies such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to launch the informational campaign called the BIDA Solusyon sa COVID-19 that emphasizes four aspects mainly: (B)awal walang mask, (I)-sanitize ang mga kamay, (D)umistansya ng isang metro, at (A) lamin ang totoong impormasyon (face mask is a must, sanitize your hands, keep a one-meter distance, and get the real information). Posters of the said campaign were distributed to local government offices nationwide and an advertisement on national TV was made having Alden Richards, a famous celebrity, as the face of the campaign.

Alongside every local government unit, aside from the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) members that are responsible for passing the ordinances of the municipality, there are also duly elected Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) members that represent the youth. And just like their SB counterparts, they also play their roles in ensuring the health of their constituents.

SK members of Estancia, a town from northern Iloilo, braved the challenges set forth by the plight of COVID-19.

Leading through the Crisis Indeed, the pandemic has made it difficult for basically everyone to adjust given the minimum health protocols that have to be followed. This “new normal” rippled through every sector in the community, leaving young leaders no choice but to find their way around it.

“The pandemic becomes an extra challenge to us, youth leaders. We have to suit our programs and activities in the current situation that we are experiencing. There are also activities that we have to cancel because they do not incorporate the health protocols of the DOH,” said Mary Margareth Uy, the Sangguniang Kabataan Municipal Federation (SKMF) President of Estancia in an online interview.

For Uy, every leader, especially a young leader, should maintain that sense of positivity and spirit of kindness to continuously lead their community.

“We should always have the inner power and capability to help in any way that we can—big or small—and we have to think of the better and brighter horizon despite the darkness that’s hovering due to the pandemic,” she added.

The different barangays in Estancia had their respective SKs stand as the front-liners on behalf of their fellow youth, serving as role models especially in implementing mandated health protocols.

“We provided health information boards to every purok in the barangay and made a Facebook page where we give updates about the important things the people should do,” said Regen Andrade Jr., SK Kagawad of Brgy. Gogo in Estancia.

Photo by Gwyn Dyne Enderes

Stepping Up the Campaign Aside from simply disseminating information about the parameters of BIDA Solusyon sa COVID-19, the SKMF of Estancia veered the campaign through a creative exhibition.

Among their creative initiatives were Short Film Making and Mobile Photography that offered a perspective to the lives of front-liners. But perhaps one of the most celebrated was the Face-Mask and Face-Shield Making Contest that opened the opportunity of the youth from their different barangays to display their creative prowess.

Looking at the entries, one may wonder if this is how mermaids, engkantos, and cyborgs wore personal protective equipment. Every barangay had a distinct touch to how they crafted their masterpieces.

For instance, one of the models wore a golden face mask gilded with glittering pearls and improvised fins and scales that represented their seashore community. Another wore a sparkling, silver mask that may have hinted the bounty of their coconut meat (botong) from which their barangay was named after. Moreover, one of the entries may have been inspired by sci-fi and took on a futuristic vibe.

Photo by Cyril Jhay De Angel

Empowered Youth, Empowered Community As the undying lines of Dr. Jose Rizal said, “Ang kabataan ang pagasa ng bayan (The youth is the hope of the nation),” and the SK of Estancia firmly stands on this premise.

“The youth’s spirit of volunteerism, cooperation, and participation are just as essential. As an SK, no matter how cliché it may be, it is our basic duty to amplify their voices because their voices matter,” said Reyman Aristo, SK Chairperson of Brgy. Tanza.

The pandemic has taught them the importance of passion in the name of service. Experiencing this crisis will help them drive their barangay, municipality, and eventually, the nation to the brighter tomorrow they all long for.

“Let us learn from this pandemic. This has shown us that we need to be science-based in our decision-making and that the well-being of every Filipino is a must,” Aristo added.

SILAK

Volume XLI, No. 2 | December 2019 - November 2020 | The Official Student Publication of the College of Education, West Visayas State University, Iloilo City

ENTERTAINMENT 15

Cancel? Cancelled?

Cancelledt?!

By JB RYAN BABAS

NEW LOOK ni Paul Aries Valera

GIPIT ni Euthel Jhon Finlac

ispelling sang cancelled indi ikaw kabalo!

Daniela: Sa diin man abi ako mailog kundi sa akon iloy? Kag duwa lang ya tres ko! Grabe ka!

Mama Bertud: Ano ini ang cancel-cancel niyo naman nga kadramahan?

Daniela: Ma, gina-cancel namon ang tawo kay siyempre ka negative sang iya nga vibes. Like, hello?! 2020 na pero ang mindset daw nabilin sa 12th Century. Lantawa bala damo nag-agree sa akon nga ginhambal.

Mama Bertud: Ay abaw a. Ti ngaa i-“cancelledt” niyo gid ang tawo? Indi niyo pwede ma-edukar na lang imbes nga itagbong niyo sa kon diin nga lupalop sang kalibutan?

Daniela: Pero ma, ginapabalo namon sa iban nga kaangay sa iya nga paminsaron nga they don’t have a place sa world with that mindset. Like, ew!

Mama Bertud: Ihambal ta nga nakasala gid man ining artista nga imo ginadayaw, apang kinahanglan gid bala gub-on ang iya nga imahe? Tam-an man ta a. Ikaw gani, kapila ka na gin-into ni Carlos, tinagaan mo sia gihapon sang second chance! Ay indi. SECOND CHANCES gali kay kapila na maliwat.

Daniela: Pero ma! Carlos is... different.

Mama Bertud: Untati ako sang pagbuslo sang bibig mo gani dira Dani gerl. Sa liwat, islan niyo ang inyo ni nga pamaagi sang pag-cancel. I-cancel ang batasan, indi ang tawo. Ano ka? Perkpeto? Gin-cancel ta ikaw sang tion nga nag pudag-pudag ka kay wala ta ikaw ginpasugtan date sa Carlos nga ato?

Daniela: Ara naman si mama a. Bakit parang kasalanan ko?

Mama Bertud: Kay kamo daw si sin-o nga insakto dayun. Indi buot silingon gahiliusa kamo sa Cancel Culture nga na, manami na inyo ginaubra.

Dibuho ni Krizha Alaine Dela Serna

Daniela: Ti huo na gani.

Mama Bertud: Basi pa man lang magbag-o ining artista nga ini nga homopobik. Untati niyo na lang ka atake sang wala diri wala didto nga mga butang.

Daniela: (Nag-ring ang selpon) Ay dali lang.

Nagatawag si Carlos. Basi balikan niya na ako.

Mama Bertud: Daniela! You are cancelledt!

Masami naton i-cancel ang mga tawo kapin pa ang mga artista ukon celebrities kon wala nagakaangay ang aton nga pagtulok sa mga bagay-bagay. Ugaling, imbes nga buligan naton sila nga kay-uhon nila ang ila mga sala, ginapakalain pa gid naton sila. Gani, dapat maghugpunganay kita nga tadlungon ang mga kibag nila nga paminsaron kag buron nga panan-awan sa kabuhi. Tumalagsahon lang nga mangin kaupod naton ang tanan pakadto sa isa ka progresibo nga katilingban.

DOLOMITE ni Euthel Jhon Finlac

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ndi naton mapanginwala nga sa aton pagsinirayo sa kabuhi, madusmo kita sa dalanon. Pero indi buot silingon kon nabagrasan ukon nasamad kita, indi na kita makabangon kag makapadayon. Nagapakita lamang ini nga indi kita perpekto nga mga tawo sa kalibutan apang may kahigayunan nga magbag-o kag mahinulsulan ang aton kapaltahan. Kasubong lamang sang aton nga mga pagbana-bana. Kon kaisa, may masakitan kita tungod sa mga ginamitlang sang aton matalum nga dila. Tuod nga mangin malain ka man sa una, apang tubtob ka na lang dira bala ukon may ikasarang ka pa kon bugayan sang kahigayunan nga magbag-o? Pamatian naton kanday Daniela kag Mama Bertud sa ila nga pagbais nahanungod sa sini nga topiko nga sa ginatawag sang mga Millennials kag Gen Z subong nga Cancel Culture.

Mama Bertud: (Naga-scroll sa iya bag-o apang inutangan nga iPhone) Hala! Ano ini iya nga biste? Daw wala na may ginatabunan. Dios ko, mga kabataan gid bala a!

Daniela: Mother! Oh my gosh gid, oh my gosh!

Mama Bertud: Hesus, Maria, Josep! Ay abaw Dani gerl!

Ano naman ang ginaiwik mo? Nagtiskog man ang kalag ta. Daw maalang-alangan ko sini lupad sa langit sa imo ubra a.

Daniela: Ma, ka-OA sa imo! Wala ka highblood sa ulihi ta nga check-up. Hinugay drama nga wala sa lugar.

Mama Bertud: (Nagmudlo ang mga mata) Ako pa hinambalan mo ba. Dani gerl, indi ka na makibot kon mabugto na akon ginhawa sa sunod ha? Ano na ato ang imo ginatiyabaw?

Daniela: Haaaaay! Nagasunggod ako kay ang akon crush nga artista is so homophobic gali! He is so cancelled! Nag-post ako gani about sa iya. Gin-mention ta ikaw iloy. Check your notifs.

Mama Bertud: Ara ka naman ‘ya sang imo nga mga ginapangpantasyahan. Kag ano ina ang homopobik?

Damo na gid lang kamo mga ginapanghimo nga tinaga.

Indi na kita kahangop.

Daniela: Hay, lantawa na lang bala anay ang gin-post nakon. I think you’ll agree.

Mama Bertud: (Gintan-aw ang iya iPhone) Ha? “Cancelledt?” Ano ini?

Daniela: “Cancelledt” as in gin-cancel siya.

Mama Bertud: Dani gerl... Wala na ‘ko matingala ngaa ang mga tres mo nagaraya lang kay bisan tama nga

COE Grad School, nagningning sa MLBB University Online Tournament Nina JOEY CAMILAO at NICKALAINE SANTIAGO

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EGENDARY! Ito ang salitang nagpahintulot sa College of Education (COE) Graduate School-Math major na selyohan ang ikalawang puwesto sa Mobile Legends Bang Bang (MLBB) University Online Tournament Finals kontra Raging Mnemosynes ng College of Information and Technology (CICT) na inilatag sa West Visayas State University noong ika-17 ng Oktobre, 2020.

Sinunggaban ng mga manlalaro mula sa iba’t ibang departamento ng unibersidad ang nasabing torneyo upang pagagawan ang gantimpalang nagkakahalaga ng 2000 diamonds.

Ilan sa mga nakilahok ay ang College of Education, College of Information Technology at Integrated Laboratory School.

Naitawid ng koponan ng College of Education ang Best of 1 ng nasabing tournament na kinabibilangan nina Lance Amada, Lorence Tagacay, Eljon Tabulinar, Lenard Jacildo at Philip John Españo matapos nilang mapataob ang mga kalaban at upang siguruhing makakatungtong sila sa finals.

Dumanak ang dugo ng mga napiling heroes ng kalaban matapos na sumiklab ang koponan ng COE at isa-isang tinapos ang kanilang pagpapakitang-gilas. Ngunit nang makarating na mismo ng finals ay nagmistulang isang pader na ayaw papabuwal ang naging kalaban ng COE na nagmula sa CICT at pinadaan pa ang koponan ng COE sa butas ng karayom sa sobrang higpit ng ginawang paglalaro at hanggang sa pinayukod na lamang nito ang nag-aalab na koponan.

“In the last game, I think our team was a bit imbalanced in terms of choice of hero but I trust my teammates and we have no regrets. Every defeat is an opportunity to learn. Being the first runner-up just makes us more determined to win as champions in the next tournament so we’re really looking forward to joining again and to win the first place, ” pahayag ni Lance Amada, isa sa mga miyembro ng koponan ng COE matapos kunan ng panayam ukol sa posibleng kadahilanan kung bakit napadpad sila sa ikalawang pwesto.

Nakatanggap naman ng 300 diamonds ang bawat miyembro ng nagwaging koponan. Samantalang 100 diamonds naman ang nakuha ng mga humantong sa ikalawang puwesto.

Inaasahan ang susunod na laro ay gaganapin sa darating na Nobyembre 13, 2020 bilang ikatlong University Wide MLBB Online Tournament. Kabilang sa mga tagapagtaguyod ng ganitong laro ay ang WVSU Esports Organization sa tulong ng Moontoon Student Leaders na siyang nagpasimuno ng lahat.

PAMAMAYAGPAG. Namayani hanggang finals ang koponan mula sa College of Education at tiniyak na maselyohan ang ikalawang pwesto. Litrato ni Lance Amada

ESPORTS Service, Integrity, Leadership, Advocacy, Kinship

COMMITTED TO DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM

Volume XLI, No. 2 | December 2019 - November 2020 | The Official Student Publication of the College of Education, West Visayas State University, Iloilo City

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Photo By Alyssa Magallanes

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Aside from being the most accessible and convenient sport this pandemic, there’s a lot it could offer to mold an online athlete.

Esports Feature

Brewing Online Athletes

By MA. BEATRIZ NIÑA BARRANCO

an’t take a step outside, but badly want to play a sport?

Wish to escape from the draining pile of school works on your desk even just for five minutes? Or interested in getting a scholarship by simply showing off your strategies and skills while sitting at home?

Worry no more because all these are possible! As technology becomes the protagonist of the world’s current state amidst the most unwanted Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), Esports, an electronic sports or a competitive video gaming leads the way. Who would have thought that in the blink of an eye, people’s daily routine would suddenly alter? And little by little, the traditional sports are like undiscovered islands whose existence slowly vanishes in a map for an evanescent time.

Indeed, this pandemic changed the undercurrents of the sports sector— traditional sports events all over the world are being cancelled and athletes have no choice but to forcibly take a break.

And while all this is going on, here is an alternative “sport” to test your abilities and strategies.

Why not “smash” boards instead?

If you are an athlete or a sports lover, and you happen to miss spiking a ball to the other side of the court or sprinting to chase an opponent around the oval, smash your keyboards instead! And yes, you can still legitimately be labeled as an athlete since Esports is officially recognized as sports in the Philippines.

While Mobile Legends,

Valorant, Wild Rift, League of Legends, PlayerUnknown’s Battleground (PUBG), and any other Esport can’t be an alternative in an athlete’s former daily rigorous physical activities, it still possesses other characteristics or qualifications of a traditional sport.

Strategic communication, cooperation and critical-thinking skills are being practiced when playing any electronic sport. Simply put, it keeps a player’s mind from being rusty.

Claiming rewards while relishing a game Relentlessly playing to break free from the things that keep you stressed?

Mental health matters, so it’s fine to have some break. An amusement perfectly made for you and your friends from different places to bond—an alternative virtual hang-out with your barkada. Might as well join local tournaments or those hosted by university organizations to receive prize pools worth thousands.

In fact, scholarship grants for Esports varsity players also exist! Imagine, savoring the fun while getting the chance to own a scholarship—that sounds really fun and after all, worth the effort, while staying in the comforts of your home.

There’s more to Esports Industry than the things mentioned above. Its boom across the world especially during these trying times is just the start of its growing phase. Aside from being the most accessible and convenient sport this pandemic, there’s a lot it could offer to mold an online athlete.