Silak Media | Tabloid | Vol. XLII | No. 2 | Dec. 2020 - Nov. 2021

The Official Student Publication of the West Visayas State University College of Education

VOL. XLII No. 2

Dec 2020 to Nov 2021

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ON REPEAT. Top guns of West Visayas State University receive various awards at the Gawad Parangal for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the region. From left to right are: Dr. Porferio Barlas, vice president for Administration and Finance; Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla, vice president for Academic Affairs; Dr. Joselito Villaruz, president of WVSU; and Dr. J. Prospero de Vera III, commissioner of the Commission on Higher Education. Inset is a photo of Karen Mallorca Gardose, LET 9th placer for Secondary Level. Photos by Radyo Bandera Iloilo and Karen Mallorca Gardose.

STILL A CENTER OF EXCELLENCE COE ranks 1st in 2021 licensure exam; has 9th placer

By Riza Joyce Dela Cruz

A SERIES of accomplishments, recognitions, and exemplary performance through the years were the key factors that have allowed the West Visayas State University College of Education (WVSU-COE) maintain its title as the Center of Excellence in Teacher Education — the only one in Western Visayas.

The citation was given last Nov. 25, 2021 during the Gawad Parangal for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the region held at Zuri Hotel, Mandurriao, Iloilo. This recent citation is a repeat of the same title awarded to WVSU COE through the years since 1995.

ANATOMY INSIDE

Do you know why the caged bird sings?

FEATURE P. 10

COVID-19 Variant: Tuklasin at unawain SCIENCE P. 16

The recognition was made more remarkable because four days after, the WVSU-COE ranked first in the September 2021 Licensure Exam for Teachers at the Secondary Level with a ninth placer in the person of Karen Mallorca Gardose who took her Diploma in Teaching at WVSU

COE in April 2019 to March 2020. She graduated Summa Cum Laude in BS in Applied Mathematics in 2018 from the WVSU College of Arts and Sciences.

The above performance was a vindication of another citation which was Outstanding Board Performance (OBP) for the Licensure Exam for Teachers

PH wins gold in int’l gabfest

By Jessa De Los Reyes and Dorothy Joy Espin

OUT OF eight countries, the Philippines emerged victorious as West Visayas State University-College of Education’s (WVSU-COE) Batch 2019 summa cum laude won during the 2021 Junior Chamber International (JCI) AsiaPacific Conference.

Earning his first international win, Sandro Silverio bagged the championship in the JCI Public Speaking Competition held on Aug. 20 to 21.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the two-day event — participated in by Bangladesh, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia, Hongkong, Japan, Mongolia, and Malaysia — was done virtually instead of being held at Taichung, Taiwan.

“I have never imagined myself competing in an international public speaking competition. I actually settled with the title National Champion back in college because I thought the international stage is not meant for me,” said Silverio.

The virtual competition, which was divided into the preliminary and final rounds, revolved around topics such as the relevance of JCI’s tagline, “Developing

for the Elementary level — further strengthening its title as the Center of Excellence in Teacher Education.

“CHED is in the process of crafting a new set of guidelines in identifying Centers of Excellence and Centers of Development,” added Dr. Ricky M. Magno, dean of the WVSU-COE.

sILverio

Leaders for a Changing World,” to its vision of becoming the foremost global network of enterprising young leaders and the need for mental health support in the workplace despite the gradual return to normalcy of every industry across all sectors.

“I had to juggle training for the competition, being a full-time teacher, and being a part-time graduate school student.

I had fever hours prior to the ...competition

to the point that I almost lost my voice,” said Silverio on his struggles amid preparations for the competition.

Before stepping on the international stage, Silverio won in the Visayas Virtual Public Speaking Competition on Nov. 20, 2020 and in the JCI Philippines National Public Speaking on Dec. 12, 2020.

“I want to share my story to a much wider platform to be a language of hope, a beacon of resiliency, and an epitome of gratitude,” said Silverio on his motivation behind joining the competition.

Silverio is set to conquer the world stage again on November 2021 in Johannesburg, South Africa for the JCI World Public Speaking Championship.

Photo courtesy of Sandro Silverio

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TREADING INT’L WATERS. Dr. Villa during the presentation of her dissertation to local and foreign folklore enthusiasts. Photo by University of Hawai’i Centre for Philippine Studies

WVSU-COE’s Villa presents pioneering waterlore study at int’l folklore conference

By Orlando Gamilla, Jr. and Phyllis Claire Zarriz REPRESENTING West Visayas State University-College of Education (WVSU-COE), Dr. Hazel Villa was one of the presenters in Ub-Ufok: Explorations on Philippine Folklore Conference 2021 organized by the University of Hawai’i’s Center for Philippine Studies at Mānoa, Honolulu.

Villa, an academic and journalist, spoke about the findings of her pioneering research on the waterlore of

Guimaras titled, “Ang Mariit kag Palhi nga Lawud (The Uncanny and Accursed Sea): A Collection and Analysis of the Waterlore of Guimaras” on Sept. 17, 2021 via Zoom.

“Mariit is a term used to refer to locations and natural objects at sea or inland that are uncanny due to their connections to supernatural beings, while palhi is a term used for anything accursed or doomed,” explained Villa.

Her talk, which was based on a dissertation she completed in 2019 at Silliman University, was about the narrative and non-narrative waterlore collected from four coastal communities with marine protected areas (MPAs) in the province of Guimaras. This led to the development of the theory of waterlore worldviews informing on MPA conservation using the critical folklore approach.

ABC+ Project names WVSU-COE as partner in teacher training, professional dev’t

By Aimerine Montaño and Shannen Casquio DUE TO its contribution to teacher training and professional development, the ABC+ Project named West Visayas State University-College of Education (WVSU-COE) as one of its partner institutions in a virtual ceremony on Aug. 13, 2021.

Along with Teach for the Philippines and Bicol University, WVSU-COE significantly helped in the conduct of ABC+ Project’s training and development initiatives for the continuity of kindergarten to Grade 3 students’ learning beginning last year.

After a year of implementation, a post-evaluation indicated that majority of the students in targeted regions of Bicol, Western Visayas, and Maguindanao who were previously behind in reading are now reading-ready for high-quality early-grade learning.

“ABC+ project contributes by providing research-based professional development programs to further build

K-3 teachers’ knowledge, skills, and attitude as we all adapt to these changing times,” said Armida Elaine Trinos, ABC+ Project instructional delivery and materials advisor.

Sean Callhan, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Philippines mission director; Hon. Leonor Briones, Department of Education (DepEd) secretary; and Dr. Ramir Uytico, DepEd Region VI director were also present and spoke at the event, which drew about 400 individuals from the three focus regions.

The ABC+ or Advancing Basic Education in the Philippines is a joint project by the USAID and DepEd that supplies materials for kindergarten to Grade 3 learners and produces TVand radio-based teaching materials to improve students’ reading, numeracy, and social and emotional skills amid the pandemic.

“As a self-regulating factor entrenched in folkloric traditions, the theory of waterlore worldviews Informing on MPA conservation is seen as an effective tool for the protection and conservation of the environment,” said Villa.

Joining Villa in the two-day event were 15 presenters and folklore enthusiasts from Ateneo de Manila University, Kapitolyo High School,

Beginning Reading’ gets big boost with module writing workshop with Florida State U

By Nickalaine Santiago

LITERACY champions from West Visayas State University-College of Education (WVSU-COE) took part in a workshop on the development of modules for teaching beginning reading organized by the ABC+ Project.

The workshop, which ran several sessions from July 5 to 23, 2021 was led by the Florida State University working with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Module writers from COE who joined the workshop are the following: Prof. Mae Bagsit, Ms. Lalaine Barabona, Ms. Laden Jane Caalem,

By Nickalaine Santiago

IN PARTNERSHIP with the Department of Education (DepEd) Region VI and West Visayas State University-College of Education (WVSU-COE), Project STAR or Science Teacher Academy for the Regions conducted an online training for science and mathematics teachers on June 9 to 11, 2021.

The Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute’s (DOST-SEI) Project STAR initiated the three-day Design Thinking in K-3 Science and Mathematics Teaching to provide teacher-participants with the opportunity to experience the design

thinking process in scheming products or solving problems and to apply this process to a variety of situations and adopt it as a way of thinking.

“As front-line educators, continue to be an inspiration to others. Always take that opportunity to touch the hearts and open the minds of your students,” said Dr. Joselito Villaruz, WVSU president, in his welcome remarks.

Among the Project STAR trainers were Dr. Rovel Salcedo, DepEd Region VI Education Program Supervisor for Science; Dr. Ricky Magno, WVSU-COE dean; Dr. Rosemarie Felimon, WVSUCOE Undergraduate School secretary;

Dr. Sybel Joy Labis, WVSUCOE Mathematics Education Division chair; Dr. Jonathan Glorial, WVSU Alumni Afairs director; and Dr. Shirley Jusayan, WVSU-COE faculty member.

About 60 Key Stage 1 science and mathematics teachers from 20 divisions across Region VI composed of Aklan, Antique, Bacolod City, Bago City, Cadiz City, Capiz, Escalante City, Passi City, Roxas City, Sagay City, San Carlos City, Silay City, and Sipalay City participated in the event.

The virtual training ended with a sharing of insights and the awarding of certificates to the trainers and teacherparticipants.

By Arleen Joy Subong

University of the Philippines (UP)Diliman, University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, UP-Los Baños, University of Santo Tomas, and University of WisconsinMadison.

Ub-Ufok, a Finallig word for the orature of the Ifiallig people in the Mountain Province of Barlig, became the name of the conference as it featured scholarly and critical papers on Philippine folklore, genealogy, and cultural traditions.

Prof. Genevieve Conjusta, Ms. Jeanar Cordenillo, Dr. Jade Janay, Prof. Ditas Ligue, Prof. Marissa Ong, Prof. Kay Silla, and Prof. Marievic Violeta.

“I have mixed emotions when I volunteered to write the module again.

I was in a dilemma. On one side, I feel responsible. Because I also did this last year, I know that I know how to write modules, and I am a reading major. And if I do not pay forward this skill, passion, and drive, I may not be able to empower the younger teachers to carry on the torch of spreading excellence and recognizing one’s talent,” said Prof. Violeta on what she felt while participating in the workshop.

According to the ABC+ Learning Connects, the workshop intends to increase the capacities of the faculty members of WVSU-COE in designing materials that will support prospective teachers in teaching beginning reading

HAILED as the regional winner of the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) online video competition was West Visayas State University-College of Education’s (WVSU-COE) multiawarded alumna Jeena Amoto.

Winning first place in the 2021 Student Financial Assistance Program (StuFAP): My Success Story, Amoto received the distinction in a virtual awarding ceremony on Aug. 2.

In her success story, the summa cum laude graduate mentioned that the CHED half merit scholarship she enjoyed in college inspired her to be an active part of nation-building so she can pay the kindness forward.

“It’s our social responsibility to teach not only the best and the brightest, but most importantly, the least, the last, and the lost,” said Amoto in her winning video.

Having graduated from WVSU-COE with the degree Bachelor of Secondary Education-major in Mathematics in 2015 and having finished her Master of Arts in Education-major in Mathematics in the same institution in 2018, Amoto said her experience in selling vegetables in the market had developed her passion and love for arithmetic.

She is also an advocate for quality mathematics education, social justice in mathematics education, women empowerment, research, and learning amid the pandemic.

Moreover, her accolades include the 2021 Huluaran nga CHED Iskolar in Region VI award, Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) Academic Excellence award, Best Presenter award in the 2020 National Research Conference and Training Workshop, DOST In Touch with Excellence 2019 award, and being one of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines in Western Visayas and Top Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards Circle of Five in 2015.

Currently, Amoto is a faculty member at Iloilo National High School pursuing her degree Doctor of Philosophy in Science Education-major in Mathematics at WVSU-COE.

of the world having a different time zone is rather challenging for you have to ‘get your share of the work done’ before you will confer via Zoom the following day.

The wisdom and strategies we shared for effective and efficient delivery of reading instruction for pre-service teachers which will eventually be transmitted to the young learners serve well in the enhancement of the module. It was indeed a brilliant exchange of ideas and practice that results in a well-developed learning resource material for use by the pre-service teachers.”

Moreover, this workshop also focused on the attainment of reading competencies stipulated in the Department of Education’s curriculum through the right classroom procedures that must be exhibited by teacher-education students during apprenticeship until they are fully endorsed in the service.

Dr. Lorey Tanaleon, director of the Center for Teaching Excellence, was the coordinator of the project, and Dr. Daisy Rosano was one of the key facilitators.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between key

partners for this module writing project happened on February 3, 2021.

The minds behind this workshop hope that it will succeed in preparing and guiding early childhood and elementary pre-service teachers in terms of how the actual teaching of reading is done in the field.

Furthermore, the USAID ABC+ initiative also supports primary education teachers in championing early grade learning and making a difference by implementing new teaching practices that encourage every child to become a reader.

to children.

Prof. Bagsit on the other hand, said, “Being a member of the team of module writers for Teaching Beginning Reading (TBR) in partnership with Florida State University is a worthwhile, enriching, and challenging experience for me. Working with great professors from the other part

DESIGNING EXCELLENCE. From the left (back) stands Dr. Jade Janay, Prof. Marissa Ong, Prof. Mae Bagsit, Ms. Lalaine Barabona, and Ms. Jeanar Cordenillo; (front) Prof. Kay Silla, Prof. Ditas Ligue, Ms. Laden Jane Caalem, and Prof. Marievic Violeta. Photo by TBR Module Writers

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Multi-awarded WVSU-COE alumna wins 1st place in CHED regional competition

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Project STAR partners with DepEd VI, WVSU-COE for virtual training of science, mathematics teachers

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Junior English major wins in DENR PENRO Iloilo’s poem writing contest

By Loraine Camagan and Jessa Delos Reyes PROVING the writing flexibility of English majors, Justine Fairie Laine Titular, a junior BSEd English pre-service teacher from West Visayas State University-College of Education (WVSU-COE), won 3rd place in a Filipino poem writing contest organized by the Iloilo provincial office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and released virtually on July 11, 2021.

The natured-themed contest, “Tula Para kay Inang Kalikasan” (Poem for Mother Nature), was specifically initiated by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Iloilo Ambassadors/ Information Officers/Partners in celebration of the Philippine Environment Month every June.

“The experience was amazing since I was able to express my thoughts about our environment and how we destroyed

PUSHING FORTH EXCELLENCE. A screenshot of core speakers sharing their experiences teaching in challenged areas. Photo by Hazel Villa

Online teacher motivation training series kicks off at WVSU with powerhouse speakers

By Hazel Villa THE PANDEMIC has impacted not only students and their families but also teachers who struggle to keep their enthusiasm and passion for teaching alive and understanding this, the only

Center for Teaching Excellence in Western Visayas launched on Nov. 20, 2021 a Virtual Training Series with the topic “MOTIVATION: A Driving Force of an Extraordinary Teacher.”

her beauty. This poem writing served as an eye-opener for us that we should start changing our inhumane deeds so we may not to suffer and regret in the future,’’ said Titular when asked about her experience.

Furthermore, the virtual contest was intended for elementary, secondary, and college students in the Province and City of Iloilo. Entries tackling environmental themes,

problems we face, and the possible solutions people could do to help the environment were gathered from June 21 to 27, 2021. Subsequently, the entries were screened, judged, and certified by members of PENRO Iloilo.

Among other things, the organization behind the contest encourages members of the community to be mindful of actions that negatively impact the environment before it is all too late.

The event which ran from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. with about 90 teacherparticipants from the Department of Education and other colleges and universities was launched by the West Visayas State University (WVSU) and Project FORTH (Formation of Teachers in Challenged Areas), a project co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

A powerhouse set of speakers kicked off the training series which are also scheduled from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Nov. 27, Dec. 4, Dec. 11, Dec. 18, 2021 and ends on Jan. 8, 2022 -- all on topics that seek to assist professional and pre-service teachers with the wherewithal to improve both their personal, social, and professional lives through do-able and fun activities atypical of most online seminars.

The speakers were Randy Halasan, commissioner of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor; Dr. Jesus Insilada, Principal II of Malitbog NHS and focal person for Indigenous People’s Education (IPED); and Mrs. Concepcion Tababa, an advocate of indigenous people and the Alternative Learning System.

Chosen for their inspiring stories as teachers in challenged areas, the first speaker, Commissioner Halasan is a Ramon Magsaysay 2014 awardee recognized for his efforts in educating and nurturing his students belonging to the indigenous Matigsalug tribe living in the hinterlands of Davao City, a very remote area.

Principal Insilada, the second speaker, is a member of the Panay

Bukidnon indigenous people and an awardee of the Palanca Foundation and the National Commission on Culture and the Arts for his exemplary literary works and is also the 2014 Metrobank Foundation Outstanding Teacher and Princess Maha Chakri 2017 Outstanding Educator in Southeast Asia. In 2018, he was declared as one of the Ten Finalists for the Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize.

The third speaker, Mrs. Tababa is the Most Outstanding District ALS Coordinator of the country in 2008, an honoree of the Bato Balani Foundation “The Many Faces of the Teacher 2011”, and recipient of the 2014 Civil Service Commission Pag-Asa Award for her innovations such as the mobile library called BAOL or Barangay Aid on Literacy Program.

Giving their messages were Atty.

Lily Freida Milla, director of the Office of International Affair of the Commission on Higher Education; Dr. Julia Gonzales, project designer of Project FORTH, and Dr. Emma Melgarejo, academic coordinator of Project FORTH. Project FORTH seeks to empower teachers who are working in locations and contexts that are out of the ordinary.

A major achievement of the project is the approval of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) for the offering of the degree Master of Teaching in Challenged Areas (MAEd TCA) in selected universities - WVSU College of Education Graduate School being one of them.

O B I T U A R Y

Dr. Emellie G. Palomo October 6, 1956 - September 12, 2021

We bid farewell to the queen of Mathematical Investigation at West Visayas State University, the former Integrated Laboratory School (ILS) Director, Dr. Emellie G. Palomo. Like a star, she gave light to the people that revolved around her. She will be remembered as a passionate teacher that made her students’ lives meaningful.

The wisdom she imparted─we will bear and forever treasure. Dr. Palomo served in the University for over 27 years and stood as the ILS Director for 11 years.

Dr. Fina Felisa L. Alcudia March 12, 1968 - September 3, 2021

Our College lost one of its best teachers last September 3, 2021, when Dr. Fina Felisa L. Alcudia, known to many as Ma’am Fina, passed away after a courageous battle with sickness at the age of 53. Ma’am Fina is remembered by many as a teacher with boundless kindness and a nurturing presence. She was also a former editor and adviser of SILAK Media, and continues to influence a generation of creatives in the College of Education.

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Senosa

Photo courtesy of Christina Marie Senosa

By Euthel Jhon Finlac AN ALUMNA of West Visayas State University-College of Education (WVSU-COE) was lauded as U.S. Virgin Islands State Teacher of the Year (STOY).

Christina Marie Senosa, a teacher at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School, became the first international teacher to receive such distinction by the Virgin Islands Department of Education on May 10, 2021.

“The STOY is the highest award given in every state to an educator in the United States. It was a surreal feeling, and I thank God for the divine guidance and wisdom and for giving the award in my favor,” said Senosa, a Social Studies major who graduated from WVSU-COE in 2001.

“Each school in the St. Thomas–St. John District, comprised of 17 schools in the elementary, middle, and high school levels, submitted their respective Teacher of the

4 WVSU-COE professors publish GMRC textbook

By Phyllis Claire Zarriz

WITH THE Republic Act No. 11476 institutionalizing Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) in the K to 12 curriculum, four professors from West Visayas State University-College of Education (WVSU- COE) published a textbook on the subject.

Dr. Catherine Roces, Dr. Hilda Montaño, Dr. Baby Rose Robles, and Dr. Rejie Palmos authored the 216-page guide, which covered the role of wouldbe GMRC teachers in holistic youth formation focusing on their physical, moral, spiritual, and social well-being.

Furthermore, the book also tackled the role of educators in shaping students’ personal values as the latter become agents of nation-building and world unity, progress toward realizing their spirituality, and examine their personal values more closely, leading to a holistic character education and formation.

Signed into law on June 25, 2020, R.A. No. 11476 stipulates that GMRC should be taught as a separate subject from Grades 1 to 6 with the same time allocation as the other core subjects and integrated in the daily learning activities of kindergarteners.

Year nominees. I received the memorandum on May 23, 2020 from the office of our acting principal, Alicia Leerdam. The office of the insular superintendent, Dr. Stefan V. Jürgen, sent congratulatory remarks to the five finalists who made it to the top,” added Senosa.

The COE alumna was nominated to the state level on Jan. 21, 2021, in which candidates from the St. Thomas–St. John and St. Croix school districts were judged based on their packets/portfolios, lesson demonstration, advocacy/platform presentation, and interview.

In 2022, Senosa will be vying for the National Teacher of the Year Award with teachers from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and four other U.S. territories.

Student council starts online study hub

By Shannen Casquio

TO HELP students cope with blended distance learning, the Education Student Council (ESC) launched its first virtual study hub on June 4 to 26, 2021.

Students of West Visayas State University-College of Education (WVSU-COE) from all levels were able to access the Just Get Started! study hub via Google Meet, Discord, and Facebook Live.

The online hub was programmed for live study sessions following the Pomodoro technique and for 24/7 study rooms for those who chose to study at their own pace with the opportunity of getting to know other COE students in the process.

“When [you have] to do something, the hardest part is to start.

Some form of resistance gets in the way of getting things done.

[You may] rely on motivation, but motivation is volatile; it’s not always available,” said Zharine Jumawid, in charge of the project.

“I realized I had to create that motivation by getting started. It’s going to be hard at first, but you’ll get into the momentum. Getting started doesn’t mean you have to go big. You can start small in 5, 10, or 25 minutes — whatever works best for you,” added Jumawid.

With the main purpose of encouraging COE students to provide mutual support for their fellow TagaEd, this project sought to promote collaboration among learners with similar academic goals, especially during times of adversity.

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WVSU-COE alumna named ‘Teacher of the Year’ in US Virgin Islands

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Gender-fair language emphasized in research webinar

By Erika Noreen Dela Rosa and Sophia Angela Docena

TO IMPROVE student and faculty research, West Visayas State University’s (WVSU) Gender and Development (GAD) Office hosted a webinar on the use of gender-fair language in research writing on Aug. 27, 2021.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Jeanette J. Simpas, GAD Office director, mentioned government issuances that encouraged government officials and employees to use gender-sensitive

language in all official documents.

“Now that the University’s gender policy is in place and as we work toward becoming a research university, we hope that gender-fair language will become the language of research, extension, and instruction in our University as well as our language in the community and at home,” said Simpas.

Dr. Hazel P. Villa, resource speaker for the event, emphasized the need to be politically correct through the use of

appropriate pronouns and alternatives to gender-specific terms. Furthermore, Edel Carmela S. Subong-Csoka, Center for International Linkages and Public Information (CILPI) director, said in her closing remarks that the use of gender-fair language “promotes inclusion.”

“By using gender-fair language in writing research, we prevent discrimination. It’s time to emphasize its importance today as it has an impact

on society in general. May all that we have learned today be brought into fruition and [let’s] not forget that we are not here to change the citizens into something they are not. Instead, we are here to champion unity and diversity,” said Subong- Csoka.

The webinar was conducted in partnership with WVSU-College of Education’s GAD Office, CILPI, University Research and Development Center, and Silak Media.

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Photo courtesy of Rejie Palmos

palmos

WVSU’s Peace Ed director qualifies for PRC Awards

By Dianne Mae Estocado

RECOGNIZED for his exemplary contribution to guidance and counseling, West Visayas State University’s (WVSU) Center for Peace Education director was one of three finalists in the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Awards 2021.

On May 20, 2021, Dr. Rejie F. Palmos was declared a runnerup in the Search for Outstanding Professional of the Year during the Philippine Guidance and Counseling Association’s (PGCA) 56th Annual National Conference held via Zoom.

With this year’s theme, “The Filipino Counselor Amidst the Challenges of the Times”, the Search for Outstanding Professional in

Guidance and Counseling is a yearly activity of the PRC with the Accredited Integrated Professional Organization and PGCA whose judges for the virtual one-on- one interview came from the PRC, other government agencies, former awardees, commissioners, and private individuals.

“It was with mixed emotions. [I was] joyful, excited, and nervous. I was the youngest and my companions were really experienced and [were] handling high administrative posts both in the Department of Education (DepEd) and in a university. It was a learning experience to behold. The important thing is you are on the right track and happily loving yourself

and contributing [something] for the common good,” said Palmos.

At present, Palmos serves as community extension worker of WVSU-College of Education’s (COE) Mentoring of Mentors Program (MMP), which conducts programs focusing on peace, wellness, guidance, and values in different schools within the community, as he leads the said College’s Department of Psychology and Guidance.

“I am certain that in the loving hands of the Creator, we were made for service to all. In this life, whatever our profession — or, may I say, vocation — is, we need to nurture well: a kind of nurturance that is gentle,

compassionate, and forgiving to ourselves so that we can serve others with commitment and dedication. By these, our professions and vocations will be a symbol of peace and justice in the world,” added Palmos.

His recent paper, “Dreamers of Peace: Laboratory School Mentors Notions of Peace and their Aspirations”, placed second in the University Research and Development Center’s 38th AgencyResearch InHouse Review in August. He was also a 2015 Metrobank Foundation, Inc. Outstanding Teacher awardee and 1995 national winner of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines.

By Ma. Beatriz Niña Barranco

BESTING various schools from all over the country, student journalists of Silak Media garnered awards in the first National Campus Press Olympiad (NCPO).

A series of journalism competitions, this year’s NCPO was divided into side and main events virtually held on March 21 to May 2 and May 12 to 20, 2021, respectively.

The Silak Media team, composed of Orlando Gamilla Jr., JB Ryan Babas, Gabrielle Faye Tolentino, Ma. Trisha Nicole Valdez, Richard Neil Lencio, Janna Marie Deocampo, Euthel Jhon Finlac, and Rosefel Iritz Maghuyop, emerged fifth in Interactive Multimedia Publishing, one of the main events, after

it placed third in Digital Publishing and fifth in Web Publishing.

“Aside from reviewing tips and techniques from journalism workshop booklets, we made sure we fully charged all the gadgets we would be using lest there be an unexpected power interruption that might hinder us from submitting before the deadline,” said Maghuyop, Silak Media editor in chief.

Moreover, clinching awards in the individual events were Janna Marie Deocampo (3rd, Real-Time Reporting; 6th, Pagsulat ng Isports; 10th, Sports Writing), Marie Panerio (3rd, Editorial Writing), Jessa De Los Reyes (4th, Pagsulat ng Balita), Marron Aerielle Bonotano (4th, News Writing), Ma. Trisha Nicole Valdez (5th, Feature Writing), Joey Camilao (6th, Pagsulat ng Lathalain), JB Ryan Babas (7th, Science andTechnology Writing), Dionessa Grace Galimba (9th, Pagsulat ng Lathalain), and Nickalaine Santiago (9th, Pagsulat ng Balita).

Launched by the award-giving body Best-Designed Campus Papers of the Philippines, the NCPO was anchored on this year’s theme “Promoting Community Development through Multi- platform Campus Journalism.”

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SocSci students place first in EU online competition

By Gizelle Amour Tagabi and Rodel Pacit COMPETING against 176 teams nationwide, the College of Education’s first-year Social Studies students emerged as first runner-up in the recently concluded EU Whiz Online Trivia Competition on Zoom and the Kahoot App, July 26.

Despite competing as a group while based in different locations, the team composed of Gizelle Amour Tagabi, Rodel Pacit and John Patrick Magbato pushed past three rounds and rose to the top 2, following Philippine Normal University’s team.

Through their enthusiasm and determination, the team was able to thwart the difficulties of training and competing through online means and ultimately brought home the bacon.

“We are grateful to the West Visayas State University and to the College of Education for the support and motivation throughout the competition,” said Pacit on behalf of the trio.

The said trivia competition is one of the three competitions in the EU Whiz: Filipino Youth of the fEUture Competition, which is sponsored by the European Union in the Philippines.

Online forum is new platform for grad school

By Nickalaine Santiago and Shenette Lape

Society (STS)” by Aldrex A. Barrientos – PhD in Science Education (Physical Science) The winner of the Best Dissertation Award received a cash prize worth P 7,000 and a certificate of recognition. The researcher who bagged the Best Master’s Thesis Award got an amount of P 5,000 and a certificate of recognition. The 2nd and 3rd placers and their advisers received a certificate of recognition.

“Today’s activity demonstrates the College of Education’s resolve to sustain its effort, to ensure continuity of learning, conduct of research and extension engagements regardless of the delivery platform,” stated Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, SUC President IV, in his inspirational message.

Among the judges of the said forum were Dr. Aurora Fe C. Bautista, faculty of UP Open University; Dr. Purita P. Bilbao, Chair of the Technical Panel for Teacher Education-Commission on Higher Education; Prof. Dominique J. Maquiran, faculty of UP Visayas; Dr. Clement C. Camposano, chancellor of UP-Visayas; Dr. Greta G. Gabinete, vice president for Research, Extension and Training (VPRET); and Dr. Aris C. Larroder, executive vice president-NOSTE and research unit head of PSHSWestern Visayas.

“Being the first virtual research forum of the graduate school, organizing the event has never been easy. But the working committee has been so dedicated and such effort is offered towards the advancement of research works especially in graduate programs, all for the benefit of the students,” said Associate Dean Dr. Antoniette D. Cortez.

The forum ended with the closing remarks of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla. She thanked and congratulated all the presenters, stating that although next year’s Research Forum platform is undecided, only one thing is definite—the avenue of showcasing students’ research work is bound to take place as an institutional practice.

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DEFENSE-READY. Dr. Aurora Fe C. Bautista (left) of the University of the Philippines-Visayas, one of the panelists during the Graduate School research forum, interrogates G.L. John Haro (right), a graduating candidate for the degree program, Master of Arts in Education (MAEd) major in Language Teaching in English. Photo by WVSU-COE Graduate School Facebook page.

AMID THE ongoing pandemic restrictions, eight graduate students from the master’s level and four from the doctoral level presented their research outputs on July 12, 2021 in an online forum organized by the Graduate School (GS) unit of the West Visayas State University- College of Education (WVSU-COE).

The forum, participated by nominees of respective research advisers, aimed to showcase different research works, disseminate significant research findings, and recognize the winners of the best master’s thesis and best doctoral dissertation.

“The conduct of Research Forum is anchored on the belief that our graduate students and faculty members are major contributors in realizing the university’s vision of becoming a research university,” said Dean Ricky Magno during his welcome remarks.

The following are the winners for the master’s level: 1st Place: “Science Teachers’ Laboratory Activity Preference, Local Resources and Cultural Knowledge: Bases for the Development of a Place-Based Laboratory Activity” by Aura Carmela FerrarizSendico – MAEd Biological Science; 2nd Place: “Caring Pedagogy: An Exploration on Distance Learning in English” by G.L. John Clavel Haro – MAEd Language Teaching in English; 3rd Place: “Development of Instructional Materials Anchored on Universal Design for Learning” by Diospyros C. Fuentes – MEd Special Education Meanwhile, the winning doctoral dissertations are as follows: 1st Place: “Pedagogical Content Knowledge of Non-Biology Specialists: Basis for the Development of a Teaching Guide” by Ferolyn J. Balajadia – PhD in Science Education (Biology).

2nd Place: “Development of a Peace Education Package for Higher Education” by Aphrile L. De Angel – PhD in Education (Curriculum Development) 3rd Place: “Course Facilitators’ Teaching Approaches and Challenges: Inputs to the Development of an Issue-Based Instructional Model and Course Syllabus in Science Technology and

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Silak reaps awards in 1st nat’l campus press Olympiad

Future educators need support, not more “ Pushing this bill during standards the pandemic is a

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opinion

EDITORIAL

misplaced priority...

Propelled by the Philippines’ dismal rankings in the Programme for

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International Student Assessments (PISA) back in 2018, Sen. Sonny Angara pushed for reform in the country’s public school system by aiming to produce the best teachers through Senate Bill No. 2312 that aims to establish the Teacher Education for Achievers Program or TEACH.

Although the root of this bill may have been in good faith, it has mechanisms that include a selection process framed with high standards and qualifications for both third-year pre-service teachers and graduates of different courses aside from Education. Many of our pre-service teachers are struggling during the pandemic, and the quality of training given to them may not have been the same as it used to be. Those who do not fit that certain frame will certainly have difficulty.

The motive of the bill to produce “quality public school teachers” is necessary in these times, but pitting teachers against each other by ranking them to identify who is good enough to be qualified and who is not raises several questions.

Pre-service teachers need more support, not standards. Pushing this bill during the pandemic is a misplaced priority when countless learners and preservice teachers are struggling with the current online learning setup. Instead of raising the bar and providing more standards, actual solutions should be developed to support teachers and learners.

Moreover, providing opportunities for all of the pre-service teachers to learn skills necessary for online instruction is one of the necessary steps that should be considered in the current setup. Sadly, this bill focuses only on the cream of the crop, leaving the rest behind to fend for themselves as they compete with qualifiers. This would create a divide among our teachers because only a select few will be given access to opportunities due to the system of privilege this bill would entail. Instead of rearing our teachers to perform better, this bill could very well be a source of discouragement and more teachers leaving the service because of unequal opportunities when by all means, things could be made more equitable.

The PISA results are eye-openers. Producing good educators calls for the development of a more aggressive incentive system for both academic institutions and teachers. Various factors affect teacher performance, and several are the workload, equipment and materials, and the learning environment. Instead of putting these educators against each other by creating standards and segregating them, support should be given to teachers, because this bill will not address the needs of the learners directly.

There is so much pressure and standards set for the teachers to qualify.

The Senate is seeking means to produce “quality public school teachers” when in fact, they should be looking for means to produce quality public servants for these problems to be properly addressed. Teachers are not simply mouthpieces.

Teachers are bringers of knowledge and change, and they should be treated as such.

QUEER TALKS JB RYAN BABAS

WVSU’s “SOGIE Bill”: What’s in it for COE?

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o all the girls, the gays, the theys, and everyone in between, our shining beacon of hope is finally here.

The queer community of the West Visayas State University should pop a bottle of champagne as the “Gender Policy of the West Visayas State University System” or simply “WVSU Gender Policy” was approved last April 2021.

This policy is grounded on gender equality, empowerment of women, and eliminating gender-based discrimination—prevailing issues within our school system but have always been treated less of a priority.

Now my dear Taga-Ed, let us put this in perspective. The College of Education (COE) has long been leaning on heteronormative policies.

With the WVSU Gender Policy at hand, we should expect amendments and changes in the way the College will treat its constituents. But how?

For one, we should expect the them) that neither reveal nor imply College to be more open to other gender the gender or sex of a person. identities like trans and non-binaries We should also expect immediate since, from what I have seen, we have orientation about sexual orientation, only been categorized in the gender gender identity, sex, and other binary—men and women. One way is related terms as these have been used to allow students interchangeably. to have a choice for For instance, the a gender-neutral answer to “Gender” school uniform or not “Male” nor with this is“Female” choose what aligns Hopefully, as these with their gender policy, everyone will are proper terms for identity. begin to unlearn their “Sex”.

Denying such a Since we may right already means internalized heterosexist not avoid genderd i s c r i m i n a t i o n , upbringing... based harassment, according to the the College must policy. In short, we have an officermust be allowed more choices. in-charge to facilitate gender-based Pronouns will be emphasized harassment complaints and tend since the policy stipulates the use of to them as soon as possible. The gender-neutral language, referring said officer-in-charge should be to gender-inclusive pronouns (they/ knowledgeable about gender, gender

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violence, counseling, and other relevant skills in handling such cases.

Hopefully, with this policy, everyone will begin to unlearn their internalized heterosexist upbringing and gender-based microaggressions and just respect the way of life of their fellow students or staff.

Simply put, the WVSU Gender Policy acts like the SOGIE (sexual orientation, gender identity, and (gender) expression) Bill. The policy aims to empower the human potential among staff and students alike by eradicating the barriers that hinder attaining this goal.

By recognizing (not tolerating) the diversity among the community, it is a huge step, not only for the College but for the University as well in their pursuit to keep their tradition of excellence burning with glory.

9 SILAK MEDIA

ORLANDO GAMILLA JR.

Editorial Board 2021 to 2022

Abolish clownery in gov’t, not licensure exams

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EDITORS IN CHIEF

Jessa Delos Reyes Janna Marie Deocampo ASSOCIATE EDITORS

Sophia Angela Docena Nickalaine Santiago MANAGING EDITORS

Marron Aerielle Bonotano

NEWS & SPECIAL REPORTS EDITOR

Loraine Camagan FEATURES EDITOR

Rodel Pacit

LOCAL LANGUAGES EDITOR

Queenie Rose Saludares FILIPINO EDITOR

Gizelle Amour Tagabi SPORTS EDITOR

Paul Aries Valera LITERARY EDITOR

Toni Gwyneth Boluso Richard Neil Lencio Marie Panerio MAGAZINE EDITORS

Mary Fer Baylen Riza Joyce Dela Cruz Shenette Lape ONLINE EDITORS

Marielle Esportuno Deryl Sazon Rain Julien Tuvilleja LAYOUT ARTISTS

Rommelen Dema-Ala Deborah Faith Monsalud ILLUSTRATORS

Shannen Casquio Erika Noreen Dela Rosa Arleen Joy Subong Mark Lawrence Articuna Christine Joy Badinas May Joy Olmido Angel Grace Palec

THE BOTTOM LINE

JUNIOR EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS

GIZELLE AMOUR TAGABI

We need to doubt our politics better

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hough it is a stretch to compare ourselves to this, I have next leaders that would change the trajectory of our country’s affairs, it is concerning that there is plenty of agitation but not morbidly followed American politics in the past few years a lot of balanced doubt in our political interactions, especially because the resemblance to our local affairs is astonishing: between different political views. intense polarization on information and political bets, the “us Doubt is healthy and perfectly human in times of great vs them” mentality, even down to the details of troll farms. Yet, uncertainty such as these expectedly turbulent months before the most astonishing realization is how recognizable these red, the election.

Yet, it should not be the cynical kind. Rather, angry faces and agitated social media comments are. What was it should be the kind that is balanced on both sides of the once amusing to me while following another country’s politics is narrative. When “facts” and news sources now a living nightmare when it starts to sink don’t agree with each other, it should be in that we might be going down the same absurd to be sure of anything, especially in twisted path. politics. However, doubt doesn’t seem to be It’s not just in the Philippines or We need to doubt betwelcome around here. It is no secret that our in the United States of America. World Politics Review reported in 2020 that ter and to welcome that country has issues with press freedom and authoritarianism and populism have been doubt from every point dissent. Not even the common Facebook or Twitter user is safe. Civilized discussions are on the rise as a global trend over the past rare and it is always expected that political of view. decade. Dominant and charismatic leaders posts will be shot down complete with replies seize power by appealing to the “common in all capitals and profanities. people” who feel “cheated by the elites” while We need to doubt better and welcome that doubt from dismantling the institutions that check their power. Our country every point of view.

When we do, there would be no room to is seen as one of the shining examples of this phenomenon. fanaticize politicians or electoral candidates, only room to Of course, we are divided on how we view the current state make the decisions that need to be made.

In the threat of power of the country. A part of the population believes that this state monopoly, it is well-placed doubt as earnest questioning that is ideal, while another believes that this is a dark age. The rest can help us put our country on the right and moral track. doesn’t know, doesn’t care, or can’t decide. With regards to the

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Phyllis Claire Zarriz Dorothy Joy Espin Ma. Beatriz Niña Barranco Dionessa Grace Galimba Ma. Trisha Nicole Valdez Aimerine Montaño Joey Camilao Dianne Mae Estocado Paulo Bryan David Euthel Jhon Finlac

SENIOR EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS

JB Ryan Babas Orlando Gamilla, Jr.

SENIOR EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS

Hazel P. Villa, Ph.D. Neña Vanessa Cabiles, Ph.D. ADVISERS

Ricky M. Magno, Ph.D.

DEAN, COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Joselito F. Villaruz, M.D., Ph.D.,FPPS

UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT

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resident Rodrigo Duterte’s appointed officials are just plain PRC. Without a license, such graduates are not eligible to work controversial—not only because of their qualifications (or in their chosen regulated profession in the Philippines although lack of it) but for their record of issuing hilarious proposals. their baccalaureate degree may qualify them for employment in This paper would surely run out of space if we enumerate them. related professions or in the same profession in countries that So allow me to devote my limited space to just one: The July do not require a professional license.”

2020 proposal by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III to scrap Second, have we forgotten the nature of and rationale licensure examinations. behind professional board exams? They are designed to be After his idea drew opposition from professional aligned with the Policies, Standards and Guidelines (PSGs) organizations and high-ranking officials, Sec. Bello clarified that of the disciplines/programs approved by the Commission on he did not propose the abolishment of board exams. Instead, Higher Education. In other words, exams assess the outcomes, he wants the Philippine Professional Regulation Commission competencies, and skills expected from graduates of specific (PRC) to study the possibility of such measure. What is the degree programs. How can we determine that our graduates are difference? “able to demonstrate broad and coherent knowledge and skills He then said in a later statement that his in their field of study for professional work” suggestion to study the possibility of getting when a regulatory exam designed to assess rid of licensure exams applies to all regulated these aspects is nowhere to be found? degrees. All—so the teaching profession will Lastly, how can we regulate the not be spared. As a would-be teacher, I would Are Adobo standards massive and annual influx of graduates in like to raise the following points: more important than degree programs like teacher education?

First, are we not serious in upholding professional standards?

There are over 2,000 Teacher Education professional standards? Those supporting Institutions in the country and in Sept 2019 the proposition should remind themselves alone (the last LET before the pandemic) that the Philippines is a state party of regional and international nearly 230,000 examinees took the LET both in the elementary qualifications framework. The foremost example we can and secondary levels. cite is the ASEAN Qualifications Framework (AQRF). It is a If you need another example of this repugnant clownery, regional common reference framework that functions as a simply recall when an official from the Department of Tourism device to enable comparisons of qualifications across ASEAN pushed for the standardization of adobo, a national dish with Member States (AMS). As a member state, the Philippines thousands of versions that vary from household to household. is duty bound to undertake efforts like aligning the nation’s It is funny that government officials are pushing for adobo to qualification standards with neighboring counterparts. In fact, be standardized while at the same time suggesting the removal as part of our involvement in this standardization process, our of a basic standard for certain professional jobs. Are adobo own Philippine Qualifications Framework (PQF) patterned standards more important than professional standards? after the AQRF was established. Among other things, the I hope Filipinos by now know who and what to abolish.

PQF states that “apart from acquiring undergraduate degrees, Clearly, this should not include licensure exams. Vote passing the licensure examination is an additional PQF Level intelligently in 2022 so we can rid ourselves of this clownery.

VI requirement for graduates of disciplines regulated by the

Rosefel Iritz Maghuyop Gabrielle Faye Tolentino

opinion

TRUTH SEEKER

feature

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Do you know why the caged bird sings?

COMMITTED TO DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM

By Ma. Trisha Nicole Valdez

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ll you ever wished for was to spread your wings and fly, yet they imprisoned you as if you’re all rotten and vile. It bothered them, so they forced you to cut your own wings—your only source of joy and pride. Alone and ashamed, you just want to remain locked up, and hide.

Tell me, why does it always seem that there was never a place for you under this big blue sky?

For most members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender+ (LGBTQ+) community, everyday can feel as if they’re a caged bird—walking on eggshells most of their lives, suppressed, and constantly anxious. Nineteen year old, non-binary pre-service teacher, Nicole Audrey “Audie” Geaga-Sison, wasn’t safe from this predicament either.

“I was conscious and not so confident of who I was,” recalled the West Visayas State University (WVSU) Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) Major in English sophomore.

Growing up, you may have never endured the agony of locking up a huge part of yourself in an invisible cage built by society. Sadly, this isn’t the case for everyone.

“I WAS GOING TO LOOK LIKE ONE OF THE SWEET LITTLE WHITE GIRLS WHO WERE EVERYONE’S DREAM OF WHAT WAS RIGHT WITH THE WORLD.” Just as Pulitzer Prize-nominated author Maya Angelou had every intention of living as a white girl in her early years, as mentioned in her 1969 autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, Audie had every intention of living as the girly girl Audrey.

Audrey enjoyed playing dress up and doing her hair. She was a sweet darling who joined pageants, and confidently marched on the school runway.

Dresses of different textures and hues filled her little closet, and heels were a staple shoe.

“I enjoyed being a ‘girl’ and doing things that ‘girls’ usually do,” said Geaga-Sison, a 2020 Research and Innovation awardee at Guimbal National High School (GNHS).

During those times, it seemed that it was the right thing to do, and it remained that way until Audrey’s heart started beating for someone that a girly girl wasn’t supposed to be attracted to.

“I had a crush on an out and proud gay when I was 16,” The 2014 Regional Schools Press Conference (RSPC) qualifier in Collaborative Desktop Publishing, recalled.

The moment she saw herself in front of a mirror that day, Audrey knew that the person she’s seeing isn’t a ‘she’, nor a ‘he’ but someone completely different.

“I wasn’t so content with who I see in the mirror. I know something isn’t sitting right with me.

That’s not quite ‘me’,” explained the Guimbal, Iloilo resident.

So Audrey searched and searched, making sure that no alley was left unexplored, and no pages were left unturned. There, she encountered the vast world of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE). One of the gender identities she discovered is being non-binary. A non-binary is basically someone whose gender identity isn’t exclusively male or female. Non-binaries use the gender-neutral pronouns ‘them’ and ‘they’ to refer to themselves, but not exclusively.

In her journey of self-discovery, Audrey had reaffirmed that indeed, the person she saw on the mirror that day wasn’t a ‘she’, nor a ‘he’ but a ‘they’.

She was the girly girl Audrey. Now they are Audie, a proud non-binary.

That was absolutely nerve-wracking but it was totally worth it,” Geaga-Sison, a former cadet of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines recalled.

Initially surprised by their mother’s unfazed reaction to their revelation, Audie cannot help but smile, knowing that their family accepts them for who they truly are. Audie took this as a step to slowly open up to their other relatives and friends, and be more vocal about their gender identity, ultimately gaining their full understanding and respect.

“I felt that it’s already safe for me to be out there,” exclaimed Audie, an experienced news presenter and script writer.

After being locked up, Audie is finally out and proud.

“THERE IS NO GREATER AGONY THAN BEARING AN UNTOLD STORY INSIDE YOU.”

While Audie was lucky enough to spread their wings and finally gain the ability to fly, sadly, not all LGBTQ+ members get to enjoy this freedom. Most of them are still imprisoned in their invisible cells.

“The generalized homophobia is still there, when in truth, we’re just trying to have our equal space in the society,” Audie mentioned.

Indeed, over the last two decades, the growth of social beliefs and attitudes about a person’s SOGIE has changed. Despite this, members of the LGBTQ+ community continue to face pervasive and blatant gender bias in all aspects of public and private life, including housing, employment, academic opportunities, and meaningful participation in our society’s decision-making processes.

As a pre-service teacher, Audie believes that educating those who remain ignorant, and providing proper representation of young queers is the hidden key to free the oppressed, and those who remain suppressed.

Indeed, all they ever wanted was to spread their wings and fly. Who are we to cut their wings, their source of joy and pride, when they should be freely hovering over the limitless sky?

The caged bird sings of freedom—do not be their captor, be their liberator.

Audrey is still a huge part of Audie. They’re one and the same, yet they’re also completely different from each other. While Audrey was tailor fit to society’s gender norms, Audie was an anomaly. In fact, they were too much of an anomaly that they themselves felt the need to hide this crucial part of them from the rest of the world.

But have you ever wondered what it’s like for someone, who, at a certain point, became a willing prisoner of this cage set up by society, to finally free themselves from these shackles, and fully embrace who they truly are?

“It felt like living behind a curtain. I felt like I am constantly hiding, afraid to get caught off guard. And I don’t like the feeling of keeping it to myself, unable to fully express who I really am,” said Audie, a Division Schools Press Conference (DSPC) winning radio broadcaster.

So on the second day of June last year, after a full disclosure to two of their fellow LGBTQ+ friends, Audie finally took the courage to sat down with their mom, 41 year old Emely, and decided to let everything out.

“After probably a year or two of questioning and composing myself, I came out to my mother.

“THE CAGED BIRD SINGS WITH A FEARFUL TRILL, OF THINGS UNKNOWN BUT LONGED FOR STILL, AND HIS TUNE IS HEARD ON THE DISTANT HILL, FOR THE CAGED BIRD SINGS OF FREEDOM.”

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It felt like living behind a curtain.

I felt like I am constantly hiding, afraid to get caught off guard.

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One Sunday Morning

Tabang! Tabang!” these words reverberated throughout the streets of Dueñas, Iloilo, one Sunday morning.

Amidst the chaos and confusion, there sat a woman cradling a familiar frame. But what lies on her lap isn’t a newborn child, but a lifeless man—a bloodied, bullet-laden lifeless man. And with the damp air still oozing with the stench of fresh blood and gunpowder, Mark Reyen Ferrer, 21, nervously, and forcibly dragged his feet towards the front doors of their church. His worst fears became his reality.

“I was in denial. I just cannot fathom the fact that the lifeless man in front of me is my tatay,” recalls Mark, now a senior student taking up Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) Major in Science at the West Visayas State University-College of Education (WVSU-COE).

Mark’s father, Rey, 47, was murdered at Brgy.

Jagdong, on his way to attend a worship service at Jagdong Baptist Church in Dueñas, Iloilo right in front of the very eyes of his wife Ennie, 45, and his then 10-year-old daughter, Hannah, on August 9, 2020.

That day, Mark didn’t just lose a father. He also lost a mentor, a guide, and most of all, a best friend.

A LIFE WELL LIVED

From his early years spent playing in the alleys of Jaro, Iloilo, up until his early adulthood, Mark has witnessed how his late father strived to live a life of service, faith, and diligence.

Rey used to own a small poultry, and has raised chickens, ducks, goats and cows, among others. He made good use of his degree in Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Major in Animal Husbandry at Central Philippine University (CPU). He and his wife Ennie would sell their produce in their fruit, vegetable, and meat stand in Jaro Public Market in Jaro, Iloilo.

The Ferrers had a relatively stable livelihood. But as fate would have it, in a single snap, everything they worked hard for seemingly turned into ashes as soon as their small poultry was engulfed in a sea of flames. As if that wasn’t enough, thieves also stole the majority of their supplies for their small market stand, ultimately forcing Mark and his family to take refuge in his father’s hometown in Dueñas, Iloilo.

“It was literally a fresh start. We were back to zero,” recalls Mark, the eldest of three siblings and an alumnus of Dueñas General Comprehensive High School (DGCHS).

The Ferrers spent several years under the care of Rey’s sister, Nen, and her husband Janny Espino.

But Rey and his wife who juggled her duties as a mother, wife, and pre-service teacher, persevered until they had enough resources to build a house they could call their own.

“He might not have been a rich man, but I’m certain enough that there surely is a place prepared before him by the Lord where he will spend eternity,”

By Ma. Trisha Nicole Valdez

Ferrer says as he continued to reminisce about the memories he had with his father.

For Mark, life’s challenges may have brought them back to Dueñas, but it was where new opportunities were opened, and it was where Rey solidified his legacy as a father, a servant of God, and a leader.

In May 2012, Rey became president of the nongovernment organization, Central Panay Green Revolution Association, Inc. (CPGRAI). As an agriculturist himself, he used this as a platform to help farmers and agriculturists by spearheading programs that could provide them with proper farming and planting tools and equipment. According to Mark, one of Rey’s projects as president of CPGRAI was the completion of Dueñas’ farm-tomarket road. His late father sought the aid of the World Bank to push the project in order to hasten the transport of local produce and farming equipment from the farmlands to the town proper and vice versa.

Rey also served as a volunteer Sunday school teacher in their local church, Jagdong Baptist Church. But despite all of his volunteer work, Rey never neglected his duties as a father and as a husband. In fact, Mark has credited him for his success in the academe and as a campus journalist.

“Who I am right now is partly because of him, acknowledging the fact there’s someone up above who is more sovereign. He was my coach, my trainer, my critique, my speech writer, and the best life mentor that I could ever have in this lifetime,” says Ferrer, a qualifier for Science Writing-English in the 2016 National Schools Press Conference (NSPC).

It may have been unexpectedly cut short, but for Mark, Rey’s life was well lived.

THAT SUNDAY MORNING With their house bursting with praise and worship songs even before the break of dawn, it was supposed to be another typical Sunday for Mark and his family.

As a volunteer Sunday school teacher, Rey and Ennie, together with their youngest, Hannah, were getting ready to go to church early. Exhausted after spending the whole night finishing his school tasks, Mark opted to stay behind a little longer just in time for the mass, completely unsuspecting of the tragedy that was about to unfold.

“Had I known it was the last time I’ll ever see my father, I would not have stayed behind. I should’ve been there. It should’ve been me,” says Mark, an orator.

At that time, Mark may have been prepared to go to church, but he wasn’t ready for the news that his uncle Arven was about to bring him.

“Noy? Noy, sa Jagdong na gid man si tatay mo?

Hingagaw ka danay didto sa simbahan!” his uncle, urgently exclaimed.

(Noy? Noy, has your tatay already headed to Church? Just hurry for Church!)

After hearing these words, Mark hurriedly went straight to their church, only to find his beloved tatay lying out cold on the eroded asphalt— riddled with bullets, soaked in his own blood, already lifeless.

“I was in shock. I don’t know what to do. I

don’t know who to call. My head was surging with a lot of questions. My heart was about to burst. I can’t seem to process my thoughts and emotions,” says Mark, recalling how he just froze in horror.

According to authorities, the bullet was fired within an earshot, just a few steps away from Rey’s daughter and wife. The shot had penetrated his heart where it went straight through his lungs. He was 47.

TO ERR IS HUMAN, TO FORGIVE IS DIVINE The pain of losing someone dear to you is unfathomable. But to whom do you turn to when they have already taken away your pillar, compass, shield, and light?

“In God we trust,” says Mark.

Despite what happened that day, God wiped their tears and heard their prayers. He believes that He was, and will always be there for them. And up to this very day, Mark and his family continues to draw their strength from Him. “Tatay has been found faithful until his death— and God has rewarded his faith even after he died,” says Mark, a consistent honor student.

Indeed, Rey was rewarded. One of his murderers was caught on the spot.

Rey’s wife caught a glimpse of one of the suspects’ faces, enabling the authorities to identify and eventually convict the one who pulled the trigger.

Since the case is ongoing, Mark and his family cannot comment further on the case.

Police say that it’s rather exceptional to identify and catch the suspects, given how swift these people did the act. They call it rare, but Mark and his family call it God’s leading.

For Mark, the pain will always be there because the memories he spent with his tatay will always be deeply engraved in his heart—it’s only a matter of learning how to bear, and live with that pain.

Mark would tell you that the first step towards this is forgiveness.

“Forgiveness requires time for healing, but healing is certain at the end. If God, Himself can forgive, who am I to not forgive or to deny forgiveness? Acknowledging the fact that I, myself, too is a sinner, strips me of my self-established walls towards reconciliation. But God is also just. Every sin that we commit is coupled with consequences,” says Ferrer, a valedictorian during his elementary days at Purog Elementary School.

“Life is too short to harbor hate. We might not know, but it’s the little things in life that matters most—those smiles we carved on people’s faces, and the memorable meals we’ve spent with our loved ones. These, I’ve only realized while seeing my father in his dying moments,” says Mark.

To err is human—humans will always be weak and fallible; but to forgive, no matter how hard, is divine.

Since that fateful day, a lot of things remain clouded in mystery for Mark and his family. But they continue to hope and pray that one day, these things could see the light of day—no matter how far that day is from now.

“Tabang! Tabang!” these words hung in the air for a while. The stench of fresh blood and gunpowder have already vanished along with the bloodied, bulletladen corpse in front of the church. What remains are the memories, knowledge, and wisdom imparted by a man that was slain that Sunday morning.

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Forgiveness requires time for healing, but healing is certain at the end.

Photo courtesy of Mark Reyen Ferrer

SIKAP AT SEREMONYAS

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filipino

Nina Aimerine Montaño at Phyllis Claire Zarriz Mga larawan nina Mark Lawrence Articuna at Shannen Casquio

sang malalim na buntong hininga ang pinakawalan sa naaaninagna butil ng mga nagkakarirahang pawis dahil nagninilay ang kaisipang susundin ba ang mga paniniwala o ang sariling kakahayan.

Makatamo ng lisensya ang itinuturing na huling hakbang ng mga naghahangad na maging guro, kaya umiinog ang kanilang mundo sa pakikibakang makapasa sa Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET). Kalakip ng pakikibakang ito ang pagpapasiil ng diwa sa mga nakasanayang ritwal ng mga nakatatanda.

Ang Licensure Examination for Teacher (LET) na ngayon ay kilala bilang Board Licensure Examination for Professional Teacher (BLEPT), ay isinasagawa ng PRC dalawang beses sa isang taon upang matugunan ang lumalaking bilang ng mga naghahangad ng mga propesyonal na aplikante ng guro para sa parehong antas ng elementarya at sekondarya.

Hindi biro ang pakikipagtunggali ng isip at puso sa usapang LET sapagkat nangangahulugan ito ng halos ilang buwang pagsusunog ng kilay. Bukambibig ng karamihan ang lubaklubak na daan patungo sa pagiging guro kaya’t maraming mga aplikante ang kumakapit maging sa mga ritwal upang makamit ang inaasam na lisensya, na siyang magpupuno sa espasyo ng ating pagiging estudyante at ganap na guro.

SA PAGSIBOL NG KAHANDAAN

PAG-ASA Sa pagtatapos ng eksaminasyon ay kasama ang pagsulyap sa posibilidad na makalampas nang matagumpay sa yugtong ito ng pagiging guro. Kaya kahit sa pagwawakas ng labanan, kailangan pa ring isaisip ang mga dalang paniniwala. Nariyan ang paghalik sa sagutang papel bago ito isumite. Ang pamamaalam sa sagutang papel ay isang palagay ng tagumpay na hindi ka na babalik muli upang kumuha ng parehong pagsusulit. Bago umalis ng silid, alalahaning sipain ang iyong upuan paharap sapagkat ang paggawa nito ay sumisimbolo ng pagsulong. Sa karagdagang pagtitibay ng paniniwala, huwag din kalimutang hindi na lumingon sa sandaling umalis ka sa silid ng pagsusulit at i-donate na lamang ang lahat ng mga item na ginamit kabilang ang calculator, lapis, pantasa, atbp. para sa kawanggawa at pagasang hindi na muli bumalik sa silid na iyon.

Kung ating mamarapatin, ang isang matagumpay na indibidwal ay hindi nakakamit ang tuktok sa pamamagitan lamang ng pagsunod sa isang hanay ng mga pamamaraan o ritwal. Ngunit wala ring mawawala kung atin itong isalang-alang.

Dapat palagi itong sinasamahan ng tiyaga at sipag. Ang matatag na pagsisikap, isang positibong saloobin, pananampalataya sa Diyos, at tiwala sa sarili ay ang kinakailangang sangkap para sa pagkamit ng kahusayan sa pagsusulit sa paglilisensya.

Magdudulot ito sa iyo ng magandang kapalaran, dahil ang lahat ng iyong mga pagsisikap ay makikilala at gagantimpalaan. Upang mapasakamay ang inaasam na lisensya, dapat mong panatilihin ang isang positibong disposisyon. Ang iyong dedikasyon at katapatan sa parehong aspeto ng sariling sikap at mga paniniwala ay tiyak magbubunga ng kaaya-ayang resulta sa LET. Kasabay ng paghalik sa sagutang papel, ay siya ring pagtayo akay-akay ang umaapaw na pag-asang makapasa. Dama pa rin ang kaunting butil ng mga pawis sa noo, ngunit nagsumite at walang pasubaling lumabas sa silid, kasama ang mga ngiting nagapapahayag: “Magtatagumpay ako”.

COMMITTED TO DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM

Kaakibat ng sariling sikap sa pag-aaral para sa board exam ang siya ring paglingap sa mga ritwal o pamahiin. Bago ang labanan kasama ang lapis at papel, isinasaalang alang ng mga naghahangad maging guro ang pagpapatalas ng lapis sa nakaraang topnotcher sa paniniwalang maililipat nito ang angking kaalaman. Marapat din lamang daw na bisitahin ang simbahan upang mapagpala ang iyong calculator at lapis, ganoon din ang hindi paggupit ng buhok isang linggo o isang buwan bago ang araw ng pagsusulit para mapanatili ang kaalaman. Malakas din ang paniniwalang bago pumasok sa silid ng pagsusulit ay humakbang gamit ang kanang paa kung nais mong makasagot nang tama at pumaroon sa whiteboard at tapikin ito upang ika’y mapabilang sa listahan ng mga topnotchers.

Larawan ng samu’t saring kwento ang matutunghayan sa silid kung saan nangyayari ang eksaminasyon at masasasaksihan din ang dedikasyong makapasa kasama na ang ang pagpapaalala sa sariling kailangang maglagay ng barya na nakaharap pataas ang hari sa loob ng iyong sapatos upang magbigay ang pagsusulit ng resultang nasa itaas ka.

Mahalaga rin para sa mga naniniwala ang pangangailangang magsuot ng isang pulang damit na panloob o magdala ng isang bagay na pula sapagkat ang ganitong kulay ay sinasabing sumisimbolo sa swerte, at malakas na pagkakataong makapasa.

Nararapat namang baguhin ang lapis kung sakaling mahulog ito sa sahig. Ang isang nahulog na lapis ay sinasabing tanda ng masamang kapalaran sa panahon ng board exam, kaya mas mabuting palitan na lamang ito ng isa pa.

COMMITTED TO DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM

filipino

14

Dito, Doon “H

i”, “Good eve master” “Master ka jan hahahaha anyways, ano course mo?”

“Sikrit” “Ay wawi” “Curious?”

“Hahahaha oks lang” At ito ang naging hudyat ng kanilang mala-teleseryeng internet love.

Ngayo’y isang taon at isang buwan; hindi inasahan, hindi hinintay, at hindi rin tuluyan pang nagkikita.

Marso 23, 2020 noon, tamang pindot pataas at pababa lang si Shenette sa mga hindi matapos-tapos na mga kaganapan sa buhay ng FB friends niya.

Minsan ay hahalakhak siya sa memes, maiintriga sa mga tsimis o hindi kaya ay makakakaramdam ng lungkot sa mga balita.

Walang ano-ano’y biglang nakatanggap siya ng mensahe mula sa isang kaibigan. Laking gulat niya na lang nang inalok siya nitong sumali sa isang group chat kung saan kabilang ang ilan sa mga bigating estudyanteng kumukuha ng kursong Civil Engineering.

Napaisip siya bigla at isang malaking ideya ang nabuo sa kanyang utak.

Siguro’y ito na ang dumating na pagkakataon upang makakalap siya ng mga sikreto na kanyang magagamit sa kinuhang kurso.

“Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Mathematics, ikaw ba?”

Mabagal na tugon ni Shenette sa lalaking may pangalang “Daniel” ngunit wala namang mukha sa profile picture.

“Gradweyt na ako, Civil Engineering sa Saint Louis College at nag riribyu para sa paparating na Civil Engineering board exam,” napataas ng kilay si Shenette sa nabasang tugon ng kausap. Talaga namang bigatin kaya’t hindi na siya nagugulat kung bakit sa dinami dami ng mga taong sumusubok na kumausap sa kanya, ito lang ang nagawa niyang pagtuunan ng pansin.

Nang sumunod na araw, habang hirap pa ang dalaga sa pag-alis ng mga kolorete sa kanyang mukha at ng bahagyang antok na pinipilit siyang ibaon sa higaan ay muli na naman siyang napailing sa mensaheng bumungad sa kanya.

“This is my number. You can contact me if you want,” ito ang nakasaad sa teks. Napakunot na lamang siya ng noo at napangiwi. Naisip niya na bakit naman siya mag-aaksaya ng oras kung hindi rin naman siya interesado? Hindi niya ito pinansin.

Nagdaan pa ang mga araw na kaparis ng ihip ng hangin sa sobrang bilis. Sa kabila ng pansamantalang paghinto ng kanilang nasimulang paguusap, muli itong nabuhay nang muling magparamdam ang binata dala ang samu’t saring storyang ikinagagalak niyang ipagbigay-alam kay Shenette.

Sa dinami-dami ng taong maaari niyang piliin upang makinig sa mga bagay na nito, hindi siya nagdalawang isip na sa kanya ibahagi.

Sa pamamagitan lamang ng chat, hindi niya na namalayang unti-unting naging bukas na ang kanyang dalawang tenga upang makinig sa mga hinaing ito. Sa pagkakataong yaon, mukhang ang

Ni Nickalaine Santiago

dalaway ay nakatagpo na ng bagong kaibigan sa pinakahindi inaasahang panahon.

“I can explain that to you po if you want,” madalas na pagpresenta ni Daniel sa kanyang sarili sa tuwing nahihirapan si Shenette sa kanyang mga aralin sa matematika. Kung tatanungin, isa ito sa mga nagustuhan ng dalaga sa kanya. Bukod sa mabait, laging bukas ang isip at lalaking may mataas na pangarap at plano para sa kanyang kinabukasan, sobrang talino pa sa matematika. Dahil hindi siya ganoon kabilis matuto rito, ikinatutuwa niyang palaging handa at mahaba ang pasensya nito sa pagpapaliwanag ng lahat.

Sa loob ng anim na mahabang buwan na pagpupursigi ni Daniel na tuluyang maangkin ang dalaga, hindi niya alintana ang pagod at oras na iginugugol sa pagriribyu para sa board exam basta maisingit si Shenette sa kanyang oras. Sa araw-araw na pagtayo ni Daniel bilang sandalan na siyang laging bukas upang pakinggan ang mga hinaing na naguunahan sa isipan ni Shenette ay hindi na niya namalayang unti-unti na siyang nasanay sa presensya ng tao na malaking dahilan upang hanap-hanapin niya ito sa bawat paggising sa umaga at maging sa huling segundo sa gabi.

Dahil dito, dahan-dahan nang umiiba ang naging takbo ng kanyang puso sa tuwing sumasabay ito sa malalambing na salita ni Daniel at ipinapakitang mga senyales na tila pinagdugtong na nga ang mga puso nilang hindi pa kainlanman dumaan sa ganitong pangyayari sa malamig na musika ng pag-ibig.

BARDAGULAN

15

RODEL PACIT

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“Nabobother akong all of these will turn into nothing ‘pag na realize mong anlayo ko pala, parang impossibleng magkikita pa tayo,” ito ang mga panahong pag-aalinlangan pa ang bumabalot sa kanilang mga isipan na tuluyang tahakin ang mundo ng pagmamahalan kahit pa ilang beses na hindi pinayagan ng tadhana na magkita dulot sa distansyang pagitan ng La Union at Iloilo.

“Magkikita tayo mahal, in time.

Basta kayanin natin. Kumapit lang tayo,“ tanging tugon ni Daniel ngunit sapat na upang lubusan niyang ibasura ang mga namumuong negatibong kaisipan.

Lumipas man ang isang taon at isang buwan na pinipilit subukin ang kanilang pagsasama na nag-uudyok kay Shenette na kuwestiyonin ang kanilang pag-iibigan, pinapatibay naman ang kanilang relasyon ng walang sawang pag-unawa sa isa’t-isa at paglalagay ng komunikasyon bilang pangunahing sandata sa kahit anumang problema.

“If you have to choose between your dreams and me, choose your dreams always,” ani Shenette.

“Mahal, hindi po magandang pinagpipilian ang career at ikaw. Lahat ‘yan importante po at hindi pwedeng isa lang ang pipiliin, okay?” Pagsisigurado ng binata.

Mabilis mang lumipas ang panahong hanggang chat at text lang sila sa tuwing mag-uusap at nagtatiyagang magdiwang ng anibersaryo sa ganitong paraan, alam ni Shenette na balang araw, magpapasya rin ang tadhana na tuluyang pahintulutan ang kanilang mga landas upang sa wakas ay magtagpo at masilayan ang ngiti ng bawat isa.

Pag-aawdit, hindi nila mapapalampas ang kanilang natuklasan sa taunang ulat ng Kagawaran ng Kalusugan.

Nalaman nilang hindi naisama ng Kagawaran ng Kalusugan sa isinumiteng ulat ang humigitkumulang 1.036 milyong piso.

Tinawag ng komisyon ang kagawaran na hindi obligado sa gawain. Agad dinepensahan ni Pangulong Duterte ang Kagawaran ng Kalusugan sa isyung kinasasangkutan nito. Wika

“

Tuluyan nang napabayaan ang bayang sinilangan sa kasagsagan ng pandemya. niya, ang nakitang kakulangan ay hindi ibig sabihin na pabaya o sangkot sa anumang anomaliyang aktibidad ang kagawaran.

Sa ganitong pahayag ng Pangulo ay pinapalala niya ang problema dahil kitang-kita na mayroon siyang kinikilingan at pinoprotektahan. Ginawa lamang ng Komisyon sa Pag-aawdit ang kanyang tungkulin bilang malayang ahensya ng gobyerno.

Sa kabilang banda, wala pa ring saysay ang mga high end laptop kung mabagal magtrabaho ang mga kawani ng kagawaran. Ayon sa National Academy of Sciences, ang pagkakaroon ng makabagong teknolohiya ay hindi sapat upang mapahusay ang pagiging produktibo ng mga kawani. Ang mabisang paggamit nito ay nangangailangan ng kakayahan at kasanayan pagdating sa proseso o trabahong panginstitusyonal.

Tuluyan nang napabayaan ang bayang sinilangan sa kasagsagan ng pandemya.

Mahalaga ang kalusugan at kaligtasan ng mga Pilipino at nararapat na unahing tugunan ang kakulangan sa mga hospital beds at pagpapatayo ng mga modular hospitals para sa mga pasyenteng may COVID-19. Kaya lubhang napakahalaga ng papel na ginagampanan ng pamahalaan upang maging maluwag ang espasyo at lugar para sa mga nagpopositibo sa virus.

Sa kabuuan, magsilbi sana itong kaliwanagan sa ating pamahalaan na unahin at bigyan ng kaukulang prayoridad ang sambayanang Pilipino na nagdurusa dahil sa virus at mga hikahos sa buhay. Kapit kamay nating harapin ang naghihintay na kinabukasang puno ng pananalig at pag-asa.

MATANONG LANG DOROTHY JOY ESPIN

Mga palaisipan ng isang magtatapos

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omplikadong pamamaraan ng edukasyon ang nararanasan sa lahat ng lebel dahil sa banta ng COVID- 19. Ang tradisyunal na faceto-face na kaayusan ay kinailangang baguhin sa distance education. Wala pang katiyakan kung hanggang kailan magigin ganito ang ating kalagayan.

Sa mga hindi inaasahang pagbabagong dulot ng panahon, palaisipan sa akin bilang magtatapos sa kursong Edukasyon ang kakaharaping bukas sa mundo ng pagtuturo.

Hindi hamak na mas mabisa ang harapang pagkatuto sa loob ng silid- aralan kaysa sa kasalukuyang paraan para sa karamihan. Dahil limitado ang interaksyon at komunikasyon ng mga guro at mga mag- aaral, may mga araling mahirap ipaliwanag sa mga kabataan at sa paaralan lamang mas mabisang natututunan o natuturo. Kahit tayo na nasa mataas na edukasyon ay hindi pa rin hiyang sa ganitong kaayusan.

Sa kursong ito, kritikal na malaman ang bawat nilalaman at estratehiya sa pagtuturo dahil nakasalalay sa mga karunungang ito ang edukasyon ng mga kabataan, kaya naman mahalagang mahasa tayo nang

husto upang maabot ang pamantayang itinakda sa mga guro at maging tagapagsulong ng mataas na kalidad ng edukasyon sa bansa.

Bilang magtatapos sa taong ito, masasabi kong tagilid pa ang aking kahandaan sa tatahaking mundo dahil sa limitasyon at kaguluhang dulot ng kasalukuyang sitwasyon. Dahil sa

“

Sa kabila ng walang kasiguraduhang hinaharap, kahandaan ng puso at isip ang ating kailangan... distansya at pahirapang interaksyon sa mga mag- aaral, dehado pa ang aking kahandaan sa pakikisalamuha lalo na sa mga nasa elementarya na aking tuturuan. Madaling sabihin kung ano ang mga dapat gawin ngunit kung paano ito isasabuhay ay hindi ko pa naranasan.

May kalituhan rin ang mga ginagawang paghahanda. Papaano ay may itinuturo na pang distance education at mayroon ding pang face-to-face. Ang

gabay na kurikulum ay nakabase sa aktwal na klase kung kaya naman ang paggawa ng banghay aralin at pagpili ng kagamitan sa pagtuturo ay naaayon dito. Ni demo teaching ay pinapalagay pang sa harap ng mga kabataan. Samantala, ang inoobserbahang mga klase ay nasa online. Hindi natin nakikita kung paano nila ginagawa ang kanilang mga gawaing pampaaralan kung kaya posibleng hindi umakma ang ating pagtatasa sa kanilang mga natututunan.

Alin ba talaga sa dalawa ang dapat na paghandaan naming mga magiging guro? Alin sa mga ito ang aming kakaharapin?

Walang katiyakan kung ilang taon pang magiging ganito ang uri ng edukasyon sa bansa dahil sa patuloy na lumolobong pandemya.

Hindi malayong maabutan ko ito sa aking pagpasok sa mundo ng pagtuturo at maaari ring hindi kung ito ay maaagapan ng solusyon. Sa kabila ng walang kasiguraduhang hinaharap, kahandaan ng puso at isip ang ating kailangan upang maisakatuparan nang maayos ang layunin ng mga guro.

COMMITTED TO DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM

araming problema at tanong ang nagsusulputan at naghahanap ng kasagutan sa kasalukuyan. Sa kabila nito, isang anunsiyo ang nakakuha ng atensyon ng publiko sa gitna ng pakikipaglaban kontra pandemya. Ito ay tungkol sa binalangkas na badyet ng Kagawaran ng Kalusugan upang makabili ng dekalidad na laptop na nagkakahalaga ng 700,000 piso. Ayon kay Leopoldo Vega, Undersecretary ng nasabing kagawaran, ang layunin ng bibilhing mga high-end 2 in 1 laptops at mga accessories nito ay para sa pagpapabilis ng pagsumite ng mga mahahalagang dokumento at malawakang pagpapalaganap ng impormasyon online.

Binigyang halimbawa niya ang “vaccine registry” na kailangan ng mabilis na pagmamanipula sapagkat ginagamitan ito ng masusing analitiko. Dagdag pa niya, magiging mahirap at mabagal ang proseso sa pag-analisa ng impormasyon kung ordinaryong laptop lamang ang gagamitin ng kanilang mga kamay. Dahil dito, binalot ng samu’t saring kritisismo at negatibong reaksyon mula sa sambayanang Pilipino ang naturang isyu.

Kung susuriing mabuti, nagmamalabis ang Kagawaran ng Kalusugan sa paghingi ng badyet para sa mga tablet. Sa katunayan, ang isang set nito ay nagkakahalaga ng 175,000 piso. Ayon sa pahayag ng Komisyon sa

filipino

Gaano kahalaga ang mahalaga?

Mind your posture!

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science

By Mark Lawrence Articuna

After almost two years of online classes, I still couldn't withstand hours of sitting in front of my laptop and having body pains. Many people use their gadgets where the cervical spine is bent forward, also known as forward head posture (FHP).

Over the years, this may cause significant deterioration of the cervical spine alongside other musculoskeletal ailments.

Whatever your setup, let's consider how proper ergonomics can help you be more comfortable, avoid injury, and increase productivity.

Straighten your posture Sit up straight with your feet flat on the floor and your shoulders relaxed.

COVID-19 Variant:

Tuklasin at unawain

Support your back Keep it against the chair or backrest. A simple cushion or towel rolled up around your lumbar, or lower back can also be beneficial.

Ni Angel Grace Palec

COMMITTED TO DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM

Matatandaang noong 1918 hanggang 1920 ang mundo ay nilupig ng kadiliman dahil sa mapinsalang karamdamang tinawag na “Spanish Flu”.

Kumitil ito ng mahigit 50 milyong buhay na nagdulot ng pagbaba ng populasyon sa Estados Unidos, Asya at Europa. Sa kasalukuyan, ang mundo ay muling sinusubok ng COVID-19 na siyang banta sa kalusugan ng lahat.

Ayon sa World Health Organization (WHO), ang COVID-19 ay isang nakahahawang sakit na dala ng SARS-Cov-2 virus. Ito ay nagsasanhi ng mga karamdaman sa respiratory system ng isang indibidwal. Ayon sa datos ng John Hopkins University - COVID-19 Data Repository by the Center of Systems Science and Engineering (JHU CSSE), mahigit 229 milyon na ang naitalang positibo at malapit limang milyon na ang bilang ng mga namatay.

Nadiskubrehan na ang COVID-19 ay may mga variant katulad ng Delta na mabilis kumalat at maaaring magdala ng matinding sakit, ang Alpha na nagdudulot ng mataas na peligro ng pagkaospital at pagkamatay, at ang

Gamma at Beta na parehong hindi masyadong tinatablan ng antibodies.

Ngunit paano nga ba nagkakaroon ng variants ang isang virus?

Mekanismo ng COVID-19 Variant Mutation Ang virus ay sumasailalaim sa proseso ng mutation kung saan ito ay gumagawa ng sariling replika at nagkakaroon ng mga pagbabago sa genetic code nito.

Bilang pagpapaliwanang, ang virus ay pumapasok sa repiratory track at airways na nagdadala ng inpeksiyon sa immune system. Pinupuntirya nito ang mga body cells ng tao upang maipasok ang sariling genetic materials o RNA. Pagkatapos ay binabasa ng human body cells ang genetic code ng virus at gumagawa ng replika ngunit may pagbabago na sa code dahil sa mutation na siyang nagreresulta sa panibagong variant.

Ang prosesong ito ay tuloytuloy kaya’t nagiging malakas, mas nakahahawa, at nagiging peligroso ang

mga variant sa paglipas ng panahon.

Kapag patuloy na dadami ang variant ng COVID-19, mas titindi ang pinsala ng pandemya, tataas ang bilang ng kompirmadong kaso at bilang ng masasawi. Gayundin ang pagkalugmok ng ekonomiya at sektor ng kalusugan.

Screens positioned at eye level Adjust your screens so that they are at eye level. It will keep your back straight and prevent neck muscle strains.

Paano Maprotektahan ang Sarili?

Ang pagpoprotekta sa sarili ay kaakibat ng pagpoprotekta sa ibang tao. Nirekomenda ng WHO na upang maiwasan ang COVID-19 ay magsuot ng face mask, sumunod sa mga batas pangkalusugan ng gobyerno, maghugas ng kamay palagi, at panatilihin ang isang metrong distansiya sa ibang tao.

Para sa mga taong may aksis sa bakuna, huwag mag-atubiling magpabakuna pero ugaliing magpakonsulta muna sa doktor kung may mga karamdaman. Sa lahat ng panahon, dapat nating isipin ang ating seguridad laban sa mga banta ng sakit. Walang ibang makatutulong sa atin kundi ang ating mga sarili, kaya pagkakaisa ang kailangan upang maligtas hindi lamang ang ating bayan kundi ang buong mundo.

Exercising and stretching Bear in mind that your muscles are what keep you going. Stretch to alleviate tightness-related pains and schedule time for exercise.

Allow your body to rest During beaks, get out of your chair and lie on your bed.

Workplace ergonomics focuses on maximizing productivity, functionality, and efficiency. Working from home or taking classes online is here to stay, and it is possible to do so while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

RED ALERT! MARK LAWRENCE ARTICUNA

Climate crisis in the Philippines: Who cares?

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vante August Arrhenius, a Swedish scientist and a 1903 Nobel Prize for Chemistry winner, posited in 1896 that human-caused CO2 emissions from fossil fuel combustion would increase global temperature. He implied that things could worsen further, yet the world paid scant attention to this possibility. We now face the dire consequences of this blatant ignorance—the climate crisis.

As defined by the Climate Reality Project, the “climate crisis” is a profound transformation—the process of climate change and its innumerable repercussions to our planet. The climate crisis exacerbates the Philippines’ vulnerability to increasingly frequent and intense weather events, yet despite the apparent warning signs, politics in the Philippines care little about the current situation.

In the last five years, from 2016unequivocal and undeniable and could 2020, the country was hit by an average result to produces declining. of 20 tropical cyclones. In comparison, To guarantee that climate crisis from 2011-2015, the average number priorities are translated into concrete that entered the Philippine Area of actions, governments should integrate Responsibility amounted to only 11.2. climate action plans into the country’s development process, With this, the especially on the local country should scheme. An excellent way expect more and more storms in Policies must change, to start is to implement their way in the the United Nation’s 17 succeeding years. priorities realigned, and Sustainable Goals.

On the other ignorance be quelled.

Our government hand, various must adhere to The Paris parts of the Agreement to reflect the country continue to set records yearly for global urgency needed to increase the heat index, or the temperature as felt by global average temperature to 1.5ºC the human body. In 2018, Dagupan City, above pre-industrial levels. To foster Pangasinan experienced 48.2°C; in 2019, a sustainable planet, the government Virac, Catanduanes, experienced 52.2°C; must recognize its moral obligation and and it even reached approximately 55°C find common ground despite differences in San Jose City, Occidental Mindoro last among themselves. Death rates year. These effects of global warming are associated with floods and droughts

“

are expected to rise in some regions; significant changes in water availability for human consumption and even low energy generation will arise if this crisis persists.

These negative consequences to our socio-economic and environmental assets will continue to grow in severity and breadth if the government fails to address the climate crisis and build resilience to its unavoidable consequences.

The Philippines is among the numerous countries disproportionately affected by the brunt of the climate crisis. Policies must change, priorities realigned, and ignorance be quelled. If our ruling body fails to provide adaptive measures against this crisis, we might as well bid farewell to the bright future we long for.

Dibuho ni Krizha Alaine Dela Serna

#ConsentSupremacy Kanday Christine Joy Badinas kag May Joy Olmido

S

Daniella: (Naka-tube top, short shorts, kag gladiator sandals with matching shining, shimmering, splendid red lipstick) Finally, makatilaw naman ako sang himaya with friends ba. Gusto ko man ma- experience nga magduyog-duyog pagpuli sa balay, ara nga gakamang nalang sang kahulugbon kay man, 8 bars in one night! Tawgon naman ini namon ang uwak. OMG! Titaaa! Abtan na kita ka siyam-siyam, indi ka pa imo ready. Indi na lang ko bala pag-idul-ong. Ang frennies ko ‘to daw mapatay na sang hulat sa pagkadugay sa‘kon mag-abot. Hambalan naman ako nila karon nga pa-VIP naman ako.

Mama Bertud: Paghulat ka da gani Daniella ha! Nagahimos pa gani ako. Dapat fresh!

Kag ano hambal mo? Indi pagdul-ong? Hoy Daniella, ginbilin gid bala sang imo iloy nga idul-ong ta gid ka para masigurado nga mga

amiga mo gid man ang upod mo.

Daniella: Ay huo na lang gani Tita ah! Ti ano, ready ka na? Kebs na ina, gora na ta. 22nd century na ho!

Arturo: (Nagatambay sa higad sa tiangge) Baw, Daniella! Ano ina imo nga pamiste nga?!

Nagbayo ka pa sa sitwasyon nga ina. Diin destinasyon ta?

Daniella: Mapaduding! Char. Labot mo man imo ya, Arturo?

Arturo: Baw, ari man ya hu. Nagmuno lang gani ko pro.

Daniella: Mapa-bar ‘ko kag mabonding-bonding upod mga amega ko ah. Nalumutan na ako sa balay nga daw pila na ka tuig waay kakita tawo. Shala man ko tulukon sa akon pinkalou nga tube top!

Arturo: Tan-awa bala pamayo mo ho! Makursunadahan ka abi dira? Sagi nyo ka basol mga

C O M I C S

Sa nagligad nga mga tinuig, masami na nga stereotype sa aton nga salaon ang nabiktima sang sexual harassment tungod sa ila pamayo, sa ila paghulag, ukon kaisa, sa ila lifestyle. Apang samtang nagatigulang kita kaupod ang kalibutan, mas damo nga konsepto ang aton matun-an nga nagapabukas sa aton nga paminsaron sa sini nga topiko. Gani, indi kita magduha-duha nga ipahibalo sa iban ang mga ensakto nga butang nga aton nahibalan bangud indi tanan nakabalo kon ano gid man bala ang nagakaangay. Tungod sini, aton mas mapinsaran ang aton pagahimuon ukon hambalon nga indi makasakit sa iban kag mangin sensitibo sa mga nangin biktima sang amo nga isyu. Indi pa ulihi ang tanan agud aton nga i-edukar ang aton mga kaugalingon sa nanari-sari nga mga topiko ilabi na gid sa “consent”. Consent is the key! Indi ka sapat!

Keri?

By Deborah Faith Monsalud

1. An emerging educational framework that use digital tools and strategies to support teaching and learning.

3. The role of teachers, parents, or guardians in the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) under Vygotsky’s Sociocultural theory.

6. Popularized by his progressive philosophy “learning by doing.”

8. Refers to a child’s ability to fit new information into existing schemes verbs: construct, produce.

10. He proposed the Theory of Multiple Intelligence.

11. A model consists of six important elements in making instructional process.

12. Refers to the learning environment in the 8Ms of teaching.

Down

2. A theorist that proposed the stages of cognitive development 4. Noam Chomsky advocated this approach, arguing that children are born with an inherent capacity for language and therefore programmed from birth to develop language.

5. The theorist who proposed the stages of psychosexual development.

7. Proponent of the Psychosocial development.

9. In Higher Order Thinking Skill (HOTS), this is a level achieved when objectives start with verbs: construct, produce.

13. Believed that effective social learning needs attention, retention, reproduction and motivation.

14. The interactions among the elements of microsystem in the Bronfenbrenner’s Bio-Ecological Theory.

15. A parenting style with high warmth and low control.

1.TPACK 2.PIAGET 3.SCAFFOLD 4.NATIVIST 5.FREUD 6.DEWEY 7.ERIKSON 8.ASSIMILATION 9.CREATING 10.GARDNER 11.ASSURE 12.MILIEU 13.BANDURA 14.MESOSYSTEM 15.PERMISSIVE

Across

Answer Key

QUARANTHINGS

GOLD

By Rommelen Dema-ala

Prof Ed ka Diyan!

17

COMMITTED TO DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM

a subong nga panahon, mas nangin sensitibo kita sa mga nanari-sari nga mga isyu. Kon sadto daw wala lang kita labot sa mga nagakalatabo—tamang pa-tweetumz lang sa gedli— subong kaangay nga namuklat ang aton mga mata sa kamatuoran. Siyempre, sa bulig man sang makabag-o nga teknolohiya kag social media ditey, social media doonek, mas nangin maathag sa kalabanan sa aton ang konsepto sang “consent” ukon “pagpahanugot” pag-abot sa sekswal nga mga aktibidades. Apang may ara pa gid iya nga nabilin sa tabtaban kag wala sa gihapon maklaruhan sa ila paminsaron kon ano ang husto kag kon ano ang indi. Lost in the woods ang dramatey! Daw wala na sang paglaum nga mangin open-minded. Damo nga pagbinaisbais ang aton pirme mabasahan ukon mabatian kon sin-o gid man bala ang may sala? Aton tukibon ang madugay na nga ginabaisan sang mga Marites kag mga Karen nga tubtob subong mainit-init gihapon nga topiko, kag ini amo ang kaso sang sexual harassment. Sa sini nga bahin, aton pamatian ang pagbayluhanay sang mga tinaga kanday Arturo, Daniella, kag Mama Bertud nahanungod sa nagapabilin nga hottest tea nga “Pagpahanugot Gid Man Bala Ukon Indi?”

ang babaye mismo mauna turutandog-tandog sa kamot. Kapin pa kung mahubog sila.

Buot hambalon sina, gapasugot sila eh, ‘no?

Kay te sila nag-una-una gid mo.

Mama Bertud: Baw, Ginoo ko! Arturo, hubog!

Naglain pa gid na gani! Nami kusion imo hita ah. Mas indi ka sina ka lisensya kay hubog!

Daniella: May ubo utok mo, dzai? Daw nagsaka na hangin sa imo paminsaron haw?

Tig-a gid?

Arturo: Basi mag-huo man lang sila ya. Te tsamba!

Mama Bertud: Indi gid dapat sila pag pangunahan kapin pa kon hubog sila. Kon maumpawan to sila karon kag wala nila gingusto ang natabo, kundi sala mo. Kag isa pa, basi hinali karon idemanda ya ka to kundi nangita ka pa gamo. Nami ka na gid kusion!

Daniella: Korek gid, Tita! Dapat ya atipanon mo sila, dzai. Indi nga grab the opportunity.

Mama Bertud: Nakuha mo ang punto namon Arturo?

Arturo: Oo na gani, Tita. Malisensya na gani.

Dapat bilang isa ka tawo nga yara sa ensakto nga paminsaron, himuon mo gid ang nagakaangay. Indi naton pag-padag-an ang kalampay nga nagakisay-kisay.

Mama Bertud: Nan, padag-i gid pirme sang kalampay kay ipaipit ko na lang ina tuod sa lab-as nga kalampay! Tandaan mo gid pirme ang tinaga nga “pagpahanugot” Arturo, ha?!

Pagpahanugot!

Daniella: Hashtag: consent! Hashtag: 2021 na!

Arturo: Huo gani, Tita. Baw, salamat gid kay ginpaathag mo sa akon ang nahanungod sa pagpahanugot. Hambalan ko mga amigo ko ah, para bal-an man nila. 2021 na gid man ah.

Naga-improve na gid man dapat mindset ta.

Yelay!

Mama Bertud: Dapat lang! Kay pang isa-isahon ko gid kamo baknot sa batiis kon may mabatian ako nga indi amo halin sa inyo!

Daniella: Te, Tita kag Arturo, keri na? Malakat na ta! Ubos na nila ang isa ka tower! May utang ka gid sa akon Arturo! Losyang na ko igo makaabat sa akon frennies. Maagnas na ni karon akon make-up!

Mama Bertud: Mauna kami, Arturo. Daw nasindutan na gid ang buli sang isa ho.

Tandaan mo, indi ka sapat nga animal instinct ang ginapasulabi. Sigeha na nga batasan kay pakan-on ta ka damog!

entertainment

Sapat kamo haw?

lalaki pero kamo man ya mismo nagahimo paagi para lagson-lagson kamo!

Daniella: Ay abaw, Arturo! Tiyempo Hapon ka ya gin bun-ag diri sa kalibutan haw? Didn’t you get the memo? Hello?! 2021 na, amo man na gihapon mindset mo? Tutal bar, ano gusto mo bayuon ko? Saya? Hambalan pa ako na karon nga manang.

Arturo: Ti ano man Dani-girl haw? Amo na pamiste mo, tapos tingala ka pa? Kita mo na gid nga amo gid na ya ang mga lalaki, dali magbatyag.

Mama Bertud: (Nagsaligbat sa istoryahanay ni Arturo kag Daniella) Arturo? Sapat kamo haw? Abi sabta ako. Sapat ka ukon tawo?

Magpamati ka sa akon ha? Daniella, tawgi anay imo mga amiga abi kag inform nga malate ka kay naton nabakli takong sang heels mo. Mahapit ka bakal bag-o.

Daniella: Wow, bonggacious ta ba. May utang ka pa gid lang kay Tiyay Chenelyn da hu. Hays, gusto ko na gid mag-bar hopping with friends pro!

(Nagatawag sa iya cellphone) Henlo, dzai?

Ma-late ko guro mga 30 minutes kay na-flat amon Terra nga bag-o… Hulata nyo lang akes dira sa gwa ha? Sige, bye! Mwapsss!

Mama Bertud: (Kay Daniella) Indi man matungkad pagka-ambisyosa mo ba. (Nagtulok kay Arturo) Magpamati ka sang maayo Arturo, ha?

Arturo: Ano gid na tita haw? Daw sineryoso mo gid imo ya.

Mama Bertud: Pamati! Untaton niyo na ina sa inyo paminsaron nga sarang niyo tandugon ang babaye kay tungod sa iya pamiste ha? Kasami niyo maghambal nga, “Tan-awa na bala kay maragiti iya shorts kag naka-spaghetti nga bayo. Kundi natuipan gid ka mga sunoy dira sa kilid-kilid.” Pero indi ina ya insakto, Arturo, kuha mo?

Arturo: Ti ‘di ba amo gid man na, ta? Daw kaangay lang na nga may nakita ka nga kwarta sa higad dalan. Grasya na gid na, kundi kwaon, puluton, kag angkunon mo na lang eh.

Mama Bertud: Arturo, daw ido ka nga wala katilaw sang himaya pila ka tuig. Natural lang ina pero indi buot silingon nga pasugtan mo lang ina siya pirme. Ulo man ina tuod pero ang ulo mo nga may utok ang paganaha. Indi ka kabalo mag-lisensya? Biskan mag oblation run girl version pa na siya sa imo atubang kon waay ka niya ginhatagan sang lisensya ukon pagpahanugot, indi gid na ya pwede.

Daniella: Hashtag: consent! Major red flag ka, dzai! Emz! Consent is sexy, indi bala?

Arturo: Daw kahuluya man na ya man.

Malisensya pa gid gali ya. Kadlawan ako sina karon.

Mama Bertud: Husto, Arturo! Kon maghambal gani consent, nagapangayo ikaw pahanugot kon may himuon ikaw nga isa ka bagay. Lisensya ka ya anay! Kag isa pa, wala sing kaladlawan sina dira.

Arturo: Pwede man na nga tulok-tulok lang pro. Inano na ya man! Bonjing sa imo tita ah.

Mama Bertud: Pag-inano mo man ya Arturo ah! Ti hikapon na bi imo nga wala lisensya, namian ka?

Arturo: Indi eh!

Mama Bertud: Te man!

Arturo: Te ‘Ta, may ara man bala kis-a nga

KUGMAT

local

18

Ang pagbalikid sa mga mariit nga inumpisahan sa mga lugar sa nakatungdan

Nangin bahin sang kultura sang mga Pilipino ang pagpati sa mga makahaladlok nga istorya. Mga istorya nga pat-ud magapukaw sang nagakatulog nga huna-huna kag magapakuba-kuba sang dughan. Sa sulod sang malawig nga tinion, ang ini nga mga istorya nagpasa pasa sa mga dila sang mga kamal-aman kag nakalab-ot sa mga ulihing tubo. Ang paghalungkat amu ang sabat sa atun mga palamangkutanon kag magapatin-aw sang mga misteryo nga nagapalibot sa mga duog.

Ro gatinangis nga baeay Ni Erika Noreen Dela Rosa

COMMITTED TO DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM

Photo by Davao Paranormal Society

Sa binit it karsada sa may Jaime Cardinal Sin Avenue sa Caano, Kalibo, Aklan, may una nga isaea ka mansyon nga madali mo gid mapan-ohan. Ginatawag raya it mga pumueoyo nga “Bahay na Bato”, nga panag-iya ni Teodorico Icamina ag ana nga pamilya. Si Teodorico Icamina ro lolo it dati nga mayor it Kalibo nga si Peter Icamina. Ro raya nga “Bahay na Bato” ngara ay sambilog malang sa mga ‘resthouse’ it pamilya Icamina, nga gin-ubra para mabantayan ro hamensyunar nga katangkehan.

Base sa mga istorya it mga katigueangan, naabandona ro mansyon ngara sa pag-umpisa it panahon it mga Hapon. Gingamit raya ngara nga taguan o kuta it mga Pilipino ag mga Hapon. May una nga mga balita nga may ‘haunting’ nga natabo iya ag abo nga mga sundalo nga nagkaeamatay sa sueod it mansyon.

Makaron, ginaeawaan, mahigko, ag puno eon haeos it eumot ro ana kara nga sueod, halata gid nga daan eon hay abo eon nga giltak ra dingding. Kon sudlon nimo, mahambae mo gid nga uwa eon it ga-alaga ag gapreserba. Kahaeadlok tan-awon sa agahon, kapin eon gid sa

gabii. Ginatawag raya nga ‘haunted’ sa sobrang abo nga aksidente nga natabo sa prente it mansyon ngara. Base sa ginahambae it mga tawo nga ga-istar malapit igto hay kada may mag-agi nga traysikol sa baeay ngara hay nagabusina gid sanda para palayason ag itaboy ro mga maeain nga espiritu nga nagaistar sa sueod. Ag naga-eaong gid nga mag-agi para makasiguro nga uwa gid it matabo nga maeain sa mga gabiyahe.

Ro iba pa nga kahaeadlok nga istorya parte sa mansiyon ngara hay may una kuno nga saeaming sa sueod, sa may ubos dapit, nga kon

siin may una nga gapakita nga multo sa repleksyon, pati pa gid nga may makita kuno nga handong sa sueod it mansyon kon gabii nga galabay-labay.

Abo man nagasugid nga may una kuno nga baye nga halin sa mansyon nga nakikisakay sa mga traysikul kada gabii.

May una pa gid nga gahambae nga may una kuno nga kapre nga ga-istar sa puno nga makita sa gilid it baeay. Kaya uwa it haeos nga gabisita ukon gaagi igto pwera eang sa mga ga-shortcut paagto sa baybay it Mabilo ag ro mga gapahuway igto nga mga manogisda sa mga katangkehan.

Lanton sa kadulman Ni Euthel Jhon Finlac

Tag-as nga mga haligi, ubra sa Capiz shell nga mga ventanilla, kag mabakod nga mga kahoy ang ginpanggamit sa pagpatindog sang Gabaldon sa Kapisay. Suno sa caretaker sang eskwelahan, ginpatindog ang Gabaldon sang tuig 1914 matapos umabot ang mga Amerikano. Kabahin sang mga una nga grupo nga nagalabot ang Thomasites (American Educators) kag ang tatlo diri gilayon nga nagtudlo sa eskwelahan.

Apang sa pihak sang dalayawon nga talan-awon sa nawong

Photo by FourSquare Society

sining estruktura, may nagapalipod nga mga istorya nga masami nagalapta kon may matabo nga indi amo.

“Naglabay ako da sadto kay bag-o lang ko katapos sang akon hilikuton, apang hinalin lang naglantun ang isa ka piyano para bulabugon ang kalinong sang gab-e biskan wala naman tawo sa sulod,” siling sa akon sang caretaker nga nagapuyo sa mismo nga eskwelahan.

Ini nga panugiron indi na bag-o sa akon pamatin-an kag sa iban nga tawo nga nakatapos sa

nasambit nga eskwelahan. Kaangay nga nahamtang ini sa ibabaw sang bukid bangud masobra isa ka gatos ka halintang ang sakaon agud makaabot ikaw sa Gabaldon. Magluwas diri, madamo pa nga mga paniid kag istorya ang nagatuluhaw halin sadto asta subong nga makahambal kon ano ka mariit, balaan, kag makakulugmat ang mga porsyon sang eskwelahan.

Mahinambitan pa ang abandonado nga mga kasilyas nga kon sa diin mabatian ang mga hibi kag makita ang repleksyon sang isa ka babaye sa

ispiyo, laboratoryo nga may masami nagadalagan nga bata, gapanimaho kandila kag bulak nga hallway sang mga kwarto kag iban pa. Tungod sa kadakuon kag kadugayon na sang buluthuan, halos tatlo asta apat ka libo na nga estudyante ang naga-eskwela diri.

Isa lamang ang Gabaldon sa pinakadugay na nga estruktura nga makita sa sulod sang eskwelahan.

Naangut diri ang tinuig na nga mga istorya nga padayon man ang pagkabuhi kaupod sa tigulang na gid nga building.

19

local

Santuwaryong dayon, puluy-an kang nagdayon Ni Krizha Alaine Dela Serna

sa diin nag-umpisa ang mga istorya kag mga hitabo nga makapakurog kang kasudlan.

Ang mga minatay rugya nagapakalinong run daad garing wara gid ginapapahuway kang katawhan ang anda mga kalag tungod sa mga istorya nga wara mapamatud-an.

Suno sa mga pumuluyo kang lugar, marapit sa simbahan nga dya sanda makabati kang bata nga nagahibi kada tunga ti gabii. Amo dya hay ang

atubang nga dingding kang estruktura ginhimo nga rulubngan kang mga bata nga minatay. Kuon pa sa mga istorya kang kamal-aman, makita sa sulod ka dya nga simbahan ang sara ka puti nga babahi nga kuno nagabantay sa mga minatay sa palibot. Kon ikaw kuno wara ti respeto nga mag-agi rugyan, sundan ikaw kang babahi asta sa imo paraagtunan.

Ginakahadlukan ang simbahan gid mismo. Nabantog man dya tungod

sa ana daan nga disenyo. Bisan ginkilala nga isara sa pinakadaan nga mga simbahan sa Pilipinas, nagatindog kag nagaserbisyo mangud diya sa mga Hamticanon sa kada Semana Santa kag ilabi run gid sa adlaw kang mga santo kag patay.

Matuod man ukon indi ang mga istorya, indi malikawan kang katawhan nga manumdom kang posible nga matabo. Amo ria ang rason nga nagaparayo sanda kag nagalikaw sa dya nga patyo kag simbahan.

Makagsuyop nga panulok Ni Rodel Pacit

Photo by TripAdvisor

Sa pihak sang kalinong kag maaliwanay nga palibot sang Trappist Monastery sa Bgy. San Miguel, Jordan, Guimaras, indi malikawan nga istoryahan sang katawhan ang makapalanindog balahibo ngamga hitabu nga may kaangtanan sa nahinambitan nga monasteryo.

Madamo ang nakahibalo kag nakasaksi sang mga misteryo nga nagakatabu diri. Suno sa isa ka lalaki nga drayber sang motorsiklo, sang malapit na siya sa monasteryo, hinali lang niya nakita nga may nag-angkas sa iya nga madre kag

sa sobra niya nga kakulba, nabunggo niya ang iya motor. Dugang pa diri, siling sang mga tawo malapit sa duog, kon tungang gab-i, may nagalabay nga mag-iloy sa karsada nga ginatunaan sang madamo nga disgrasya sa mga nagabiyahe. Indi madula sa bug-os nga huna-huna sang katawhan ang ini nga makahaladlok nga mga hitabu tubtob sa karon.

Makahaladlok man sa istorya apang ang katahum sang Trappist Monastery ang isa sa mga rason kon ngaa pirmi ini ginakadtuan sang mga

turista kag sang mga tumandok agud magpangamuyo kag maglagaw. Sa pagkamatuod, nangin kabahin ini sang pagpasangkad kag pagpabaskog sang turismo sa probinsya sang Guimaras.

Ginadumala ini nga monasteryo sang mga monghe kag madre sa malawig na nga panahon.

Sila nagakabuhi paagi sa pagbaligya sang mga souvenir item kag mga pagkaon nga mga jellies, jams, dolsi, piyaya kag madamo pa nga iban nga yara nahamtang sa ila diyutay nga balaligyaan. Ang manami sini

diri kay ang mga ingridyente sang mga pagkaon naghalin man sa palibot sang monasteryo. Nangin paaliwansan man sang mga turista nga luyag magpahunayhunay ang guest houses sa Trappist Monastery.

Ugaling estrikto nga ginapatuman sa sulod sang monasteryo ang kalinong nga nagapakita sang disiplinado nga paminatasan.

Matuod man ukon indi, ang mga nakit-an kag nabal-an sang katawhan nagapahibalo lamang nga may ara kita nanari-sari nga ginapatihan nga mahimo mapaambit sa iban.

Pagpanimalos sang taglugar Ni Janna Marie Deocampo

Photo by Janna Marie Deocampo

Ano nga mga sugilanon ukon pagpati ang imo nadawat gikan sa dila sang imo katigulangan? Naagyan mo bala ini sa bilog nimo nga kinabuhi?

Ukon nagapati ka bala diri?

Indi na lipud sa aton ang istorya bahin sa ginakuno-kuno nga mariit ang mga eskwelahan diri sa Iloilo ukon sa bisan diin man nga bahin sang pungsod. Suno sa panaysayon sang katigulangan sang una, halos tanan kuno nga buluthuan nangin anay patyo sang tiyempo Katsila.

Indi naman lab-as sa ihibalo sang iban ang nagkalatabo nahanungod sa kuno gingamhan sang yawa ukon nag-run amok kag nakatublag sang madamo nga tawo. Sa pagkamatuod, halos 20 ka estudyante

ang gingamhan sang taglugar sa Banate National High School sadtong 2017.

Suno sa mga estudyante, gulpi na lang sila nga nalipong kag nagsinggitan sing mabaskog.

Kinahanglan sadto sang eskwelahan nga magpatindog sang bag-o nga estruktura, rason kon ngaa ginpangguba ang daan nga mga hulotklasehan kag ginpangtapas ang mga kahoy nga nagaharang. Likum sa ila ihibalo, nadala sa mga ginpangguba ang balay sang indi makita nga mga tinuga bangud ang mga estudyante nga gingamhan, alalangay ang ginsambit: “Ibalik ang balay ko.”

Indi lang ini ang nahauna nga beses nga may natabo nga possession sa eskwelahan. Suno sa isa sa mga

alumni, ang iya classmate ginsudlan man sang malain nga espiritu sang una kag iya nakita ang kapre.

Para sa iban pa gid nga bation nga mga istorya sadto, may nagsiling man nga sa tion sang kagab-ihon didto sa Special Science Building, makita kag mabatian ang white lady kag bata nga nagahibi. Nahibaluan nga may fetus kuno nga natago sadto sa isa sa mga laboratoryo sa Science Building.

Tanan nga butang may ginaangkon nga nanari-sari nga mga istorya. Ang pagpati kag istorya sang katanhagaan sang katigulangan nga ginapasa-pasa sa mga henerasyon isa ka bilidhon nga palanublion, wala man sing madula kon patihan naton ini.

COMMITTED TO DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM

“Indi kamo magparapit rugyan kada gabii kon wara kamo imaw. Basi sundan kamo kang white lady.”

“Hipos kamo kon mag-agi rapit rugyan hay mahibi karon ang bata.”

Ang mga istorya nga dya kang kamal-aman ang rason andut ginakahadlukan kang mga pumuluyo kang Hamtic, Antique ang Old Stone Cemetery Church. Dya nahamtang sa tunga kang Hamtic Public Cemetery kon

Photo by IMT News

“

Hidilyn, kay tana lang naka-gold bisan baye tana.

-Rafael, 8 years old

Photo by Riza Joyce Dela Cruz

Children's olympic idols

By Gizelle Amour Tagabi Sports can inspire. When Hidilyn Diaz lifted that weight for the Philippines’ first gold, she also lifted an entire nation’s hope and proved that anything is possible. When the country brought home four medals—our biggest haul yet—in the same year, it proved that success can happen to anyone who works hard to deserve it.

This inspiration rippled its way from Olympians to aspiring athletes, fellow Filipinos, and—yes—to kids.

Children had the window of opportunity to view this historic event from the perspective of a young mind. Hence, we at Silak looked around for sporty kids and asked them this question: Who is your Olympic idol, and why?

“

Pandemic gives birth to E-nampang; COE thrives

My Olympic idol is Nesthy Petecio, because she works hard, she’s confident and she aims for gold.

- Aria, 8 years old Photo by Erika Noreen Dela Rosa

By Ma. Beatriz Niña Barranco

“

Si Hidilyn Diaz, kay babayi sya dayun kaya niya to hakwaton.

-Jhie-R, 10 years old

Photo by Marron Aerielle Bonotano

sports

WHAT USED to be the pre-pandemic Hinampang or sportsfest at WVSU has turned into the E-nampang, the first-ever online sports competition and the College of Education has its share of winners last May 21 to 23, 2021.

Neziah Andres of BSED 2C won gold when she clobbered her opponents with 71 percent win rate in the Online Chess competition (Women’s Division), while a six-player team won a silver medal in Esports- Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB).

Unlike the previous years’ University Hinampang, this new mode of competition added a bit of spice to the game, and Andress was able to safeguard her king throughout the whole Chess tournament, while the MLBB team of COE composed of Jamaica E. Illustrisimo (BSEd 2-F), Arjan C. Fernandez (BSEd 3-B), Jared J. Sumagpao (BSEd 2-F), John Rhey A. Montero (BSNEd GEN 2-B), Mark John Paul M. Baisa (BSEd 2-F), and Khent Jhon V. Herminanda (BSEd 2-F), secured their way from the elimination round to the Grand Finals.

“Playing chess online is more difficult compared to the traditional way which is in physical mode. Blunders are inevitable in an online game and I experienced those during the competition. I just practiced every day

Andres Photo courtesy of Neziah Andres

using the platform and experimented with some new moves and strategies that I could make use of during the game,” pointed out Andres, the Online Chess champion.

Furthermore, the COE competitors showcased their wit, teamwork, and strategies as Andres topped the leaderboard with a total of 1,816 in performance score, and after the COE MLBB team defeated the Pototan campus in a Best of Three during the Semi-finals.

“We had encountered various difficulties because the competition was held online, posing the problem of having our members divided by distance, but we had planned scrims against other teams we were in contact with as part of our preparation to ensure that our game mechanics were as sharp as they could be,” said Baisa, MLBB team captain.

Both competitions were streamed online: Online Chess via linchess.org while the MLBB tournament was via the University Student Council official Facebook page.

RAISE THE BANNER MAY JOY OLMIDO

Not just a woman

T

hey say that if you want something, you have Diaz’s sport’s journey is just one of the many inspirational stories of a Filipina athlete. Bringing the to work hard for it. So, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz Philippines its first-ever Olympics gold medal ended went the extra mile and gave her country its first Olympics decades-long drought of an Olympic stage for the country. gold medal after she succeeded lifting a combined weight The Philippine flag was raised for the first time in the history of 224 kilograms, making her the of the Olympics and that was because of a champion in the women’s 55-kg Filipina woman who triumphed not only in class in the Tokyo Olympics. reaping the gold medal, but also in breaking Many cannot believe that Let us put a red light to gender stereotypes in the field of sports and the Filipina weightlifter would these sexist ideas and putting a major setback in gender inequality. pull it off knowing that the lifting embrace equality.

Such achievements of a fellow Filipina weight is beyond her full capacity, couldn’t make me any prouder. Aside but with the odds in our favor, from the medals and pride these Filipina athletes bring Diaz succeeded. She fought tooth and nail and exceeded to our country, their feats also encourage me to trust my everyone’s expectations of a Filipina woman. capabilities; that I can do more than what the world says

“

only men can do. Filipina blood runs in my veins and I think it’s long overdue that the world must see what Filipinas are capable of.

Along with our success in the field that we are in, is the feeling of pride and equality for every woman. I know, many would still hesitate upon hearing, “You’re a woman and you should only do this and that.” With that, I say, “I am a woman and I am more than capable of moving mountains.”

Let us put a red light to these sexist ideas and embrace equality. Open your eyes and broaden your horizons. More Filipina women are becoming trailblazers and modern-day heroines not only in sports. Let women do what their heart wants them to. In the first place, we were not born into this world only to conceive a child or do household chores.