Silak Media | Tabloid | Vol. XLIII | No. 2 | Dec. 2021 - Nov. 2022

PASSING ON THE TORCH

SILAK’s Roving Writers Workshop returns after a 3-year hiatus

By Sheila Mae Geronco

Around 50 students joined the five writing sessions throughout the threeday event, namely: News Writing with Ma. Beatriz Niña Barranco, former news editor, and Sports News Writing with Janna Marie Deocampo, a multi-awarded sports writer, on the first day; Feature Writing with Rosefel Iritz Maghuyop, former editor in chief, and Editorial Writing with Marie Panerio, one of the current associate

editors, on the second day; and Creative Writing with Paul Aries Valera, three-time literary editor, on the third day.

“Silak Media’s Roving Writers actually has two main goals: to help young people develop a love for journalism and the written word through innovative learning activities and to train Silak staff to properly teach journalism and creative writing and, in

the process, become better writers themselves,” said Hazel P. Villa, Silak Media adviser.

After each lecture, students were given time to write articles on assigned topics, with Silak staffers assisting the speakers during their lectures and the students during their writing activities.

“Any effort toward improving literacy and writing skills always has

ESC hosts first-ever international youth summit

By Nickalaine Santiago

IN ITS 33rd Leadership Seminar, the Education Student Council (ESC) went international on April 22, 2022, via Zoom and Facebook live.

The ESC’s three-day International Youth Summit and 33rd Leadership Seminar is in cooperation with the Kamphaeng Phet Rajabhat University (KPRU) of Thailand and Bicol University UNESCO Club with the first day divided into two sessions with the theme, “Student leaders as champions of culture: Recalibrate, Reconnect, Inspire!”

“Because the future demands the learners to become agile in an everchanging and challenging world, important skills are necessary for the 21stcentury learners including communication, critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration skills. These skillsets must be developed and enhanced for learners to become globally competitive and productive,” said Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, WVSU president in his keynote speech.

The morning session of the program kicked off with registration, gathering,

an impact now and in the future. This is how good thinkers and leaders are made,” added Villa, referring to the impact of conducting the Roving Writers Clinic.

On the last day, the participants were given time to complete and improve their articles.

“I want my students to be well-equipped for their future, not just in their academics but also

in their careers. Learning the process of composing and writing articles is a necessary skill that has to be developed,” said John Paul Justiniani, CISAT director for operations.

Toward the end of the workshop, students with exemplary outputs in the different categories were recognized. This was followed by the awarding of certificates and the distribution of Silak’s complimentary issues.

presentation of the keynote speakers, and setting of the participants’ expectations of the seminar.

“From the first time I heard of this activity from my professor, I am really interested in this because I am going to gain something from this activity. My

expectations for this activity is to have fun, to make friends, to exchange culture, and to get motivated,” shared Chaleomsak Flamel, one of the participants from KPRU. The second day of the Int’l

TO EQUIP students with journalistic skills, teach them how to combat the spread of fake news and develop a love for journalism, SILAK Media’s Roving Writers Workshop made a comeback after three years of being inactive due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Youth Summit was held on April 23, 2022 and the last day was on April 29, 2022.

LEADERSHIP TOWARDS EXCELLENCE. Twenty-two schools convene for the first International Youth Summit led by the Education Student Council (ESC) on April 22, 2022 via Zoom and Facebook Live. Photo by Sheila Mae Geronco.

VANGUARDS OF DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM. For the first time after the lockdown, SILAK Media staffers conduct news, sports, editorial, feature, and creative writing workshops at the Children’s Integrated School of Alta Tierra (CISAT), Inc. on Sept. 12-15, 2022.

Photo by Sophia Angela Docena.

COE English majors volunteer for int’l teaching program

By Marron Aerielle Bonotano

THE SPIRIT of volunteerism prevailed as 40 English majors of the College of Education (COE) joined as volunteer teachers for an international learning program with the European Union.

In partnership with West Visayas State UniversityCOE, Education for an Interdependent World (EDIW) spearheaded the Intercultural Digital Learning Program as part of their e-Bridge Project, which is a tutoring program provided to more than 250 learners in challenged areas specifically in Pune, India, and Davao, Philippines.

“Come with enthusiasm, come with great desire to be with the children [and] to push them further with their learning, to make them sure of themselves, and to inspire them. This is what we will need from you,” said EDIW President Julia María González Ferreras during the orientation for the volunteers of the English group.

Participated by both the first and fourth-year students, the goal of the project was to develop the reading, listening comprehension, written comprehension, and communication of the learners.

“The e-Bridge project is growing fast. We are very much at the beginning, so it needs strong people, with conviction, [who are] ready to pioneer the process. We are looking forward to finding these people among the student teachers from the School of Education from West Visayas State University, well known in higher education in the world,” said Ana Aparicio, one of the coordinators for the volunteer program, when asked about why they chose WVSU as one of its partner institutions for this project.

The e-Bridge project officially began its first session last Oct. 1, 2022 via Zoom platform where

it was attended by the coordinators, volunteers, and students from India and the Philippines. The program, comprising eight sessions, will run from October to November where each volunteer will render one hour of service per week during the weekends.

“As a pre-service teacher, I am always delighted to see the genuine smiles and hear the exchange of ideas of my students through this project. Additionally, since my students are from India, I have to speak slowly and clearly during class and I have to make them engaged in the discussion,” shared

Gea Brillantes, a fourth-year English major and a volunteer, on her experience with the beneficiaries of the project.

Additionally, the student volunteers hoped to gain a considerable amount of effective teaching techniques and strategies from the experience that can be applied when they soon venture to

CTE Research lab and AVR facility to rise

By Angel Grace Palec

A ₱5 MILLION grant was donated to West Visayas State University – Center of Teaching Excellence for the construction of an Action Research Training Laboratory and Audio and Visual Recording (AVR) Facility.

With an extensive support towards quality education, the Office of

Senator

donated ₱5 million to institutions under the National Network of Normal Schools (NNNS).

As a former Iloilo Normal School, West Visayas State University – Center of Teaching Excellence will benefit from the grant that will be allocated for the construction of an action research laboratory and AVR facility.

“ The Center of Teaching Excellence proposed a project and the university through its procurement unit will process the procurements of equipment — hoping to be procured in 2022,” said Dr. Lorey Tanaleon, director of the CTE.

As the university’s training hub, WVSU – CTE is in charge of conducting professional

development training for both pre-service and inservice teachers at the local to international levels.

With this, the office proposed two sub-projects: the “State of the Art Pre-Service Teacher’s Action Research Training Laboratory as a Vehicle of Quality Teacher Education” and “Creation of an Audio and Visual Recording Facility to Address Flexible Learning.”

“The project will eventually empower, encourage, and motivate teachers in the College of Education to be prolific in research and publication,” said Marievic Violeta, a COE professor.

The proposed projects are a vindication of the government’s sole initiative and support towards the sustainable vision of the COE.

and Math Talks that got the participants participating enthusiastically throughout the two-day camp.

medium, still fostered meaningful interaction among participants of both countries.

COE’s

By Bryan L. Camino

IN PARTNERSHIP with Chonradsadornumrung School in Chon Buri, Thailand, the Circle of Mathematicians (COM) of the College of Education (COE) spearheaded the

2022 Virtual Math Camp on March 12 to 13 via Zoom.

The two-day camp was initiated to engage student participants from Thailand and the COM of COE in an active learning environment

for mastery of mathematics concepts.

Moreover, the virtual camp highlighted a number of engaging Mathematics activities such as Ice Breakers, Math Olympics,

“Learning must be interactive and fun. For the past two years, teaching and learning have been difficult for both our teachers and students. We have battles to fight in order to rise and ensure that education continues,” said Dueanpen Tan-ngoen, deputy director of Academic Affairs of Chonradsadornumrong School, as she officially opened the event and reminded participants to stay connected in this groundbreaking collaborative math event.

To ensure the safety and protection of both participants and facilitators, the event was conducted online which, despite the

“I hope that this activity will lead to more partnerships in the future. Aside from this activity, we can also consider internships for our pre-service teachers as well as researchers’ collaboration. This activity is already a good start, and I commend the Circle of Mathematicians for their hard work and dedication,” said Dr. Rosemarie Felimon, adviser of COM, in her opening message on the second day of the activity.

The virtual event ended with a sharing of feedback and rewarding the participants for their active participation, completion and certificate of recognition to the winners.

Richard Gordon

Mathematicians team up with Thais for 2022 Virtual Math Camp

ENTHUSIASTIC VOLUNTEERISM. First and fourth year English majors of the College of Education pose together left, first row) for their volunteer teaching at Intercultural Digital Learning Program event of the Education for Oct. 1, 2022. Photo by Shenette Lape.

INNOVATING MATHEMATICS. College of Education’s Mathematics Majors team up with Thais to hone their mathematical skills and bridge gaps in Mathematics education. Photo by Shenette Lape.

their real workplace.

The Intercultural Digital Learning Program has three projects that cater to other challenged areas around the world such as the Sahrawi Refugee camps in Algeria, and other refugee camps in Ukraine, Bolivia, Peru, Dominican Republic, and Congo.

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

By Hazel P. Villa

According to Violeta, manpower is the strength of the college and having a research laboratory and AVR facility will make learning, information, and resources accessible not only to teachers and students of West Visayas State University but to everyone in the community.

The said projects will bring the college towards the center of research progress, sustainability, and excellence.

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.”

The event which ran from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. with about 90 teacher-participants 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 preservice 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.

COE landmark as the Center of Excellence made public

By Joey Camilao and Janna Marie Deocampo

ON THE first day of the University Week celebration, the College of Education (COE) revealed its landmark as Center of Excellence — the first in the institution —

on Feb. 8, 2022 noon.

University President Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ma. Asuncion Christine V. Dequilla, college

deans, and alumni attended the occasion.

“I challenge every college to have this landmark since the College of Medicine and the College of Education

already have one,” said Dr. Villaruz.

The landmark was erected with the help of the Alumni Association under the leadership of COE Dean Dr. Ricky M. Magno.

“I was thinking of something tangible that will immortalize WVSU’s contribution to the field of teacher education —

something visible that will constantly remind our faculty, students, staff, and other stakeholders of our culture of excellence which every member of this academic institution shall live by,” said Dr. Magno.

The ceremony ended

with a reception prepared by the College.

together with Prof. Marievic Violeta (upper an Interdependent World (EDIW) on

REKINDLING TEACHERS’ PASSION. The Center for Teaching Excellence in Western Visayas launched a virtual training series on Nov. 20, 2021, with the topic “MOTIVATION: A Driving Force of an Extraordinary Teacher” to keep teachers’ enthusiasm and passion for teaching. Photo by Hazel P. Villa.

HALLMARK OF EXCELLENCE. The College of Education unveiled its landmark as the Center of Excellence in Teacher Education during the 2022 University Week on Feb. 8, 2022. Photo by Wilfredo Jr. C. Nieves.

Alum-funded NAB flagpole, mini-stage soon to rise

By Gizelle Amour Tagabi

EXPECT no less than a flagpole and mini stage to be erected at the New Academic Building (NAB) Quadrangle coming from College of Education (COE) alumni donations.

With a budget of P260,000, the flagpole-mini stage combo aims to promote patriotism and harmony among the building’s COE and Integrated Laboratory School occupants through flag-raising ceremonies and other activities, said Gaverza, president of the West Visayas State University Federated Alumni Association, Inc. (WVSU FAAI).

“It’s for the kids,” said Gaverza, picturing a clean and safe learning and recreational space at the quadrangle.

Other developments will include the construction of learning spaces at the quadrangle’s four corners and a movable stage that will be used for school activities, the funding for which will be sourced from a Dinnerfor-a-Cause fundraiser in December.

“The alumni, really, is the wind beneath the wings of every educational institution. Without them, we will never be able to carry out some of the important functions and projects the institution has been trying to accomplish,” said COE Dean Dr. Ricky Magno.

This flagpole-mini stage project is the second COE alumni-funded project following the COE marker in front of the Gabaldon building.

ESC relaunches ‘Hugpong Manunudlo’ for victims of typhoons Paeng, Queenie

By May Joy Olmido

DAYS AFTER Typhoons Paeng and Queenie devastated the country, the Education Student Council (ESC) relaunched its Hugpong Manunudlo Donation Drive to help those severely affected by the typhoons during their onslaught on Oct. 31 to Nov. 5, 2022.

Living up to the college’s motto, “One COE,” the College of Education (COE) raised a total of Php 30,958.65, of which Php 12,866.41 was given to its partner council, the College of Information and Communications TechnologyStudent Council (CICT-SC), for relief efforts held in Capiz on Nov. 2, 2022. The remaining amount benefitted survivors from Antique.

“Conducting donation drives is one of the projects that the council has been doing even before. Whenever there are such circumstances, our immediate response to the situation is to plan how we can provide help,” said Maue Villavicencio, ESC public information officer and chairperson for the donation drive.

Additionally, the ESC reached out to COE’s student organizations to plan their collection drives and gather any funds that any Taga-Ed or their relatives and friends could share, which the latter responded to immediately.

“This donation drive somehow made me feel blessed because I had the opportunity to be of help and blessing. I know even in our small in-kind donations, the victims are hopeful that there are still people who are with them

and remind them that they are not alone,” said Johncen Marie Melanio, chairperson of the Association of Early Childhood Education Students (AECES) who facilitated the donations in their organization.

Furthermore, due to impassable bridges leading to the province of Antique, the ESC sought assistance from the governor’s office of the said province and delivered the relief packs to Miag-ao for pick-up on Nov. 11, 2022.

International research institute partners with WVSU-COE for USAID’s ABC+ Project

By Sophia Angela Docena and Christine Joy Badinas

TO STRENGTHEN the preparation of elementary and early childhood preservice teachers in the development and delivery of early-grade reading instruction, Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International launched its collaboration with West Visayas State University-

College of Education (WVSUCOE) and Integrated Laboratory School on July 3, 2020.

Through the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) ABC+ Project: Advance Basic Education in the Philippines, literacy, mathematics, and

social and emotional learning for Kindergarten to Grade 3 are expected to improve within five years.

Moreover, selected WVSUCOE faculty members will work with international experts on preservice education on the early literacy development

of Florida State University by designing or redefining course syllabi and modules, training instructors on the delivery of courses, monitoring the delivery of semestral courses, and further refining the course modules based on monitoring data.

INSTILLING PATRIOTISM. Set to be finished by December 2022, the flagpole and mini-stage will be situated at the northeastern side of the New Academic Building Quadrangle. Photo courtesy of Mr. Bonifacio Gaverza.

BY ALL MEANS. Education Student Council officers and the Office of the Governor of Antique meet halfway for the turning over of donations at one end of the Typhoon Paeng-damaged bridge on Nov. 11, 2022 in Miag-ao, Iloilo

Photo by Danielle Lyka Suriaga

SILAK bags awards during COPRE 2021

By Amirah Joy M. Faiwas

INTENSE preparation served as the driving force for Silak Media’s triumph as it obtained the most coveted Graciano Lopez Jaena Award for Best in Departmental Paper during the College Press Conference (COPRE) and Awards 2021.

Silak Media clinched the title after winning the major award for three consecutive years, which was granted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-6 to a college publication that showcased excellence in print and online productions.

“We took on a lot of challenges because we were in the middle of a pandemic. Instead of having face-to-face presswork in Makinaugalingon, we spent sleepless nights on Google Meet calls to finish our dummies and layouts. We worked harder than we ever did,” former Editor in Chief Gabrielle Faye Tolentino said on the struggles during pre-production.

Furthermore, the publication also reaped the following awards: first place in Best Online Newsletter, Best Wall News; second place in Best Tabloid/Newspaper,

Best Sports Page; third place in Best Magazine, Best FB Page, Best News Page, Best Editorial Page, Best Feature Page, Best Filipino Page, Best Magazine Layout, and Best Magazine Cover Design; fourth place in Best Literary Folio; and, fifth place in Best Newspaper Layout.

2 COE teachers share milestones in WVSU Research Journal

By Rodel Pacit

CONTRIBUTING to West Visayas State University’s (WVSU) research innovation, two teachers from the College of Education (COE) shared their milestones as editorial members of the WVSU Research Journal.

SILAK Media and EdPoints adviser Dr. Hazel Villa, who kept her research interests growing through reading and inquiry, felt privileged to be part of the team where she can work with experts in their respective fields.

“It feels good that I am in the company of people I can learn from and enjoy exchanging insights with on recent research trends,” said Dr. Villa.

Furthermore, Education Student Council adviser Dr. John Erwin Pedroso, who considered himself a budding researcher inclined to work and learn, felt honored to serve as member of the editorial board.

“I am with the right people who are training me in this particular field. It is through humility that I am holding on to learn the art and science of research writing,” said Dr. Pedroso.

PEDROSO

A scientific publication of the University Research and Development Center, the WVSU Research Journal accepts research papers and reports that focus on education, nursing, arts and sciences, among others.

“I was ecstatic because all that we worked hard for was finally worth it. Every COPRE is always an avenue for Silak staffers to prove that we embody excellence, especially in campus journalism,” said Rosefel, the former Editor in Chief, when asked about her sentiments regarding Silak

Media’s winnings.

Aside from the publication’s awards, SILAK staffers also clinched numerous awards both in on-the-spot writing contests and in the annual Mr. & Ms. COPRE, as follows: the emerging first place are Orlando Gamilla Jr. in News Writing (English) who also

place second in Editorial Writing (English), and Janna Marie Deocampo in Sports Writing (Filipino); Trisha Nicole Valdez as 4th Place in Sports Writing (English); and fifth placers Gabrielle Faye Tolentino in Editorial Writing (English) and Jessa Delos Reyes in Copyreading (Filipino).

Taga-Ed Ayala Leader targets for impact in COE and communities

By Gizelle Amour Tagabi

With the vision of empowering and equipping student leaders in the College of Education (COE), the latest COE alumnus of the Ayala Young Leaders Congress (AYLC) plans to extend leadership opportunities to the college.

John Paul Supapo, the current Social Science Students’ Society (3S’ Society) chairperson, shared that what helped him visualize a concrete plan for the future of his organization and its community were his experiences during the month-long half-online, half-face-to-face congress in July 2022.

“ Indi pwede nga ang amu ni nga mga opportunity ma- contain lang sa mga student leaders nga ara na nga daan subong (Opportunities like these should not be contained

to current student leaders only),” said Supapo, a former vice chairperson of the Education Student Council (ESC).

“As student leaders, it is our responsibility to multiply more student leaders who could best represent the college in this kind of awards, programs, and trainings,” added Supapo.

Since his participation in the AYLC, Supapo, now in his senior year taking Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Social Studies, has led two free leadership workshops for elementary and high school learners with the 3S’ Society.

“My plan is to integrate the knowledge, the skills, and my vision that I have shared in the congress to the 3S’ Society which, I believe, will help the organization become better and be involved

in the programs not just here in the school but even outside the vicinity of the university,” said Supapo, who also plans on holding leadership trainings for the COE.

Supapo, who is also the president of Red Cross Youth Iloilo and one of West Visayas State University’s three delegates to the congress, saw networking as an important opportunity that the congress provided, where collaboration with the country’s best young leaders helped him improve his leadership skills and created impactful and inspiring projects for his fellow students and the people in the community.

“If your programs, projects, and activities have a vision for yourself [and] for your community, dako ang impact (there is a big impact),” he added.

STARTING EARLY. Ayala Young Leader John Paul Supapo teaches young leaders of Rizal Elementary School, Tanza, Iloilo City the basics of leadership during the first of a series of leadership seminars on August 20, 2022. Photo by Khelly Mae Herbuela.

THE BEST AND THE BRIGHTEST. SILAK Media staffers bag numerous awards, including the prestigious Graciano Lopez Jaena Award for Best in Departmental Paper in the College Press Conference and Awards (COPRE) 2021. Layout by Wilfredo Jr. C. Nieves.

3S’ society conducts leadership training for Anilao youth, focuses on team-building

By Roger Sibag Jr.

AS PART of the organization’s advocacy of community service, the Social Science Students’ Society (3S’ Society) collaborated with the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) of Brgy. Dangula-an, Anilao, Iloilo in conducting the “Dangula-an Youth Leadership Training and Team Building Activities.”

This was part of the community’s Linggo ng Kabataan celebration on Aug. 28, 2022.

With the theme, “Hanas Kinaadman: Fostering Youth Empowerment for Nation Building,” the daylong event aimed to help 54 young participants in developing their leadership capabilities and other essential skills like teamwork through capacity-building activities.

Moreover, the leadership training featured two 3S’ alumni and summa cum laude graduates, Marcus Llanera

and Euthel Jhon Finlac, who spearheaded the leadership training and team-building activities.

“As a youth of today, we must train ourselves to develop leadership skills and capabilities because leadership is part of our life even in the simplest thing that we do,” said John Paul Supapo, event chairperson. “There is a long-term effect if as early as now, we give importance to the potentials and participation of the youth in leading the community.”

Furthermore, Supapo emphasized that 3S’ Society is committed to delivering service not only to students within the university but also to other people in different communities, and the said collaboration is an effort of the UNESCO re-accredited organization to expand its network of partnerships to further fulfill their civic responsibility.

“It has been the practice of 3S’ Society to forge partnerships with different organizations, may it be

On Foundation Day, prexy touts brighter prospects for WVSU

By Riza Joyce Dela Cruz

WEST VISAYAS State University (WVSU) is aiming to position itself as a regional and national leader in higher education by 2023, said University President Dr. Joselito Villaruz during the celebration of the university’s 120th Founding Anniversary on June 16, 2022.

Villaruz, with high hopes, highlighted in his message that sooner the university’s name will be more heard in the global ranking of higher education institutions (HEIs).

“I am optimistic that WVSU’s name will soon resound as it joins the globally ranked HEIs,” said Villaruz whose leadership pushed for the improvement of WVSU’s standing in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University Rankings.

Moreover, as part of the program, students, staff, deans, and campus administrators gathered at the Cultural Center to celebrate the university’s founding day.

Guests lovingly looked back at WVSU’s journey from its humble beginnings as a Normal School in 1902 to finally transitiowning into a state university in 1986 through a series of presentations that included a digital story, a testimony of valor from Dr. Elnora V. Loriega, former vice president for Academic Affairs and College of Education dean, binalaybay tribute from Regent Bonifacio Gaverza, Alumni president, and a dance presentation from the College of Physical Education Sports Culture Arts and Recreation.

the unknown,” said Dr. Loriega.

The morning program concluded with a processional from the Cultural Center to

governmental, NGO, schoolbased, or any other sector of the society as long as it promotes goodwill and will benefit the members of this organization, the students, and the community,” Supapo added.

The youth leadership training marked the second major partnered event organized by the 3S’ Society this year, following the successful leadership workshop with Rizal Elementary School at Tanza, Iloilo City, last Aug. 20, 2022.

the University’s

urn

“Let us turn our eyes to the future. Imagine the endless possibilities of what we can achieve working together, facing

popular

symbol located in front of Quezon Hall and with the laying of a wreath led by key university officials.

ADVOCATING KINSHIP AND SERVICE. Social Sciences Students’ Society (3S’ Society) conducted leadership training and team-building activities in Anilao, Iloilo in celebration of Linggo ng Kabataan 2022. Photo by Mille Shin Dagohoy.

120 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE. West Visayas State University (WVSU) President Dr. Joselito Villaruz commemorates the Foundation Day Anniversary with a wreath-laying ceremony at the WVSU urn marker on June 16, 2022. Photo by Gizelle Amour Tagabi.

American literacy specialist holds workshop for COE professors

By Bryan Camino & Sheila Mae Geronco

INTENDING to help the College of Education’s (COE) professors effectively teach pre-service teachers the foundations of literacy for the early grades, an American literacy specialist trained teachers of the COE on vocabulary and reading comprehension.

Dr. Ana H. Marty, a professor from Florida State University, trained nine COE professors, five Integrated Laboratory School (ILS) faculty, and all module writers during a workshop on Aug. 8, 2022, at the Center for Teaching Education (CTE).

“I would say to continue pursuing learning researchbased strategies to teach

vocabulary and reading comprehension. If our goal is for our Filipino children to continue their schooling and be successful academically and professionally, they need to have a strong foundation in literacy,” said Dr. Marty.

The training is part of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) initiative and partnership with Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International, Teaching Reading for Elementary Grades.

The COE college faculty as well as teachers from the ILS attended the event that focused on teaching reading,

literacy, and monotonebased multilingual education.

Upholding its reputation as a Center of Excellence for Teacher Education, WVSU is one of the chosen higher education institutions (HEIs) along with Bicol University as a target area for advancing the basic education project activity that USAID funds.

Dr. Marty also added that their work is to collaborate with the two universities to strengthen the capacity of the faculty to prepare the pre-service teachers to teach at an early grade level in the classroom.

Taga-Ed freshies build leadership skills in SDP Phase 1

By Fides Anna Notes

CULTIVATING leadership skills and teamwork, the Education Student Council (ESC) hosted the first phase of the Student Development Program (SDP) face-to-face last Sept. 30, 2022.

Held at the College of Medicine multi-purpose gym and the university grandstand, the day-long activity consisted of leadership discussions and collaborative work among College of Education freshpersons in their assigned teams.

“The main objective is to foster camaraderie, to improve their leadership skills, [and] to foster a

good relationship among each other. This will also be beneficial, not only during their time as pre-service student teachers but also in their fields after they graduate,” stated Edcelle Jhon Mamon, event chairperson and ESC secretary, about how the participants could apply the leadership skills honed during this program.

The student leadership training also included a competition for cheersand-yells and teambuilding activities that helped the students further bond and build their teamwork skills.

“You have to see the beauty in every person you encounter. Each one of you has the potential to share and impart in our school, in your community, and the peers where you belong,” said John Paul Supapo, one of the speakers during the event who happens to be an Ayala Young Leaders Congress alum and Social Science Students’ Society chairperson.

The first-year participants were also given a tour around campus during the “Frosh Walk” to acquaint them with various locations in the university.

COE math majors talk in outreach, convention

By Shenette Lape

AIMING to share knowledge on how to use different technologyintegrated educational websites, the third-year Mathematics majors of the College of Education (COE) took part in the third day of the 2022 Pagpa-ambit kag Pag-ulikid: An MTAP–IC Outreach and Convention Program last March 19, 2022, via Zoom.

The said event was a four-day program scheduled on March 5, 12, 19, and 26, led by the Mathematics Teachers Association of the Philippines–Iloilo Chapter (MTAP–IC), Inc. with the theme, “Becoming and Growing into a Global Mathematics Teacher through Research, Innovation, and Technology Integration amidst the Pandemic.”

“In the online set-up, there is a communication gap that needs to be bridged, and the convention proves that we can overcome this through a right and effective technological application,” said Yancy Aubrey Panugon, one of the Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) - Math 3B student speakers of the said event.

Moreover, the selected students were the lecturers in breakout room 3 who

tackled the practical applications of technology in secondary math subjects using Desmos, Quizlet, Bamboozle, and Kahoot!

“I am very thankful that our pre-service teachers from WVSU took the challenge to be our speakers in the MTAPIC Convention and Outreach program. The time and effort that they gave in preparing for the mathematics applications that they presented will be a

OBITUARY

great help for our pre-service and mathematics teachers in Iloilo,” stated Dr. Stephen Raymund Jinon, MTAP-IC Inc. president and Technology for Teaching and Learning 2 course facilitator of BSED 3B.

The third-day morning session of the virtual event ended with a question and answer portion, trial quizzes, and the awarding of certificates of recognition to the speakers.

for

Professor

“Many would describe music with magical words, but I would only describe it as sounds that elevate the soul.”

— Prof. Romulo Pangan

OUR University sadly lost a pillar with the passing of Prof. Romulo J. Pangan on May 23, 2022. Known for his legacy of great music and culture and arts at West Visayas State University (WVSU), Professor Pangan — who completed his Bachelor of Music Education and Conducting and Bachelor of Science in Education in Filipino at the University of

the Philippines — composed the WVSU Hymn and March with the late Adelina Zerrudo. Starting his career in 1965 when he became a college professor of music and Filipino at West Visayas State College (WVSC), he then shared his knowledge in music, organizing and training college choirs and established orchestras in our University

and other schools — Central Philippine University, Colegio del Sagrado Corazon de Jesus, St. Vincent Ferrer Seminary, Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion — uplifting the University’s musical output to more than 236 musical compositions. Through his dedication, the WVSC Choir won the grand prize at the National Music Competition

Young Artists. He retired at the age of 65 after a 40-year teaching career.

Pangan has embedded in us not only his contributions to the institution’s music and culture and arts; he will always remind us that music is the sound that elevates our souls.

PROF. ROMULO PANGAN

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION. With Dr. Ana H. Marty from Florida State University (left), College of Education professors workshop vocabulary and reading comprehension modules. Photo by Dr. Rosemarie G. Felimon.

PROMOTING LEADERSHIP AND HARMONY. College of Education’s student-leaders and freshpersons develop camaraderie and leadership skills in the Student Development Program (SDP) Phase 1 on Sept. 30, 2022. Photo by Shenette Lape.

Challenging the Mis-Dis-19 infodemic

A

long with the COVID-19 pandemic came much bizarre news online. From conspiracy theories to questionable “hacks” on how to avoid the virus, fake news was all over. The internet is the perfect breeding ground for unreliable sources. Because of the sheer amount of information being thrown at us at a fast pace, it is confusing to distinguish what can or cannot be trusted, which is why education must focus more on comprehension to develop students’ judgment skills against fake news.

Today, there is a so-called “infodemic” of two types of fake news: misinformation and disinformation. Misinformation is when false information is shared regardless of the intent while disinformation is when it is spread to purposely mislead. Siar (2021) states that people believe in fake news because of the lack of reflective reasoning and the delusion effect, which implies a lack of analytic reasoning and open-minded thinking skills.

Coupled with information overload, when students are ceaselessly bombarded with new information from their different subjects, they no longer have the time to stop and think about what they’re learning. Instead, they focus on mindlessly cramming information. When this happens, students get overwhelmed, draining their ability to think critically and evaluate information before forming an opinion.

This also affects their reading comprehension since they read to merely memorize. The Manila Times reported in 2019 that the Philippines ranked lowest in reading comprehension among 79 countries, which implying a lack of the basic ability to read texts and process their meaning. When students can’t do that, they become more susceptible to misinformation and disinformation.

Ironically, the Philippine Statistics Authority also reported in 2019 that the Philippines had recorded a functional literacy rate of 91.6%. While our current education provides the basic tools to be able to read and write, it needs to focus more on the real-life applications of these tools. Being knowledgeable may help one succeed in the classroom but practical application is what helps a student succeed in real life.

Therefore, education must develop students’ critical thinking and should focus on exercising students’ brains, not just dumping facts unto them. Being able to remember every single detail from their textbooks isn’t as important or even half as practical as being able to understand what they have read. What they need the most are critical thinking skills to help them navigate life, and not be misled by false information.

Gapang > bangon Pilipinas

There are many things best served cold— Chinese take-outs, pizza, pasta, even revenge, but leaving the Department of Health (DOH) undersecretary’s seat cold amidst the pandemic for far too long is the ultimate recipe for disaster, and appointing an exmilitary for said position puts the rotten cherry on top of a dangerous debacle.

Following the onslaught of COVID-19, one would think that the main priority of the new administration is to immediately establish a comprehensive health approach to combating diseases by appointing someone qualified to run the affairs of the DOH, but apparently, party after party piles too much on one’s plate.

It has also been said (by the president himself) that the DOH undersecretary will only look at the functions of the DOH and not the health issues. If we were simply

looking for management skills, could we not have looked for qualified experts from the medical field that would have had the capability of doing both?

In a country where recovery seems like a wisp out of grasp, people would have to bear witness to how the new DOH undersecretary uses his skills in law enforcement to combat healthcare issues without training and experience in matters of public health policy. How long should we munch on the bland and sometimes spoiled choices that they make out of incompetence and turn a blind eye to the fact that some heads of various departments have no actual background in their respective sectors? Must we really? I think not.

DUH SECRETARY

Gabrielle Faye Tolentino

... education must develop students’ critical thinking and should focus on exercising students’ brains, not just dumping facts.

No pressure to respect opinions

LURKING MARITES

Gizelle Amour Tagabi

In the heat of an argumentative battle, when no other words can be said, you have these three words to fall back to: “Respect my opinion.”

Never have these three words been tossed around as frequently as in the past year, so much so that it has become a meme. For that same amount of time, for such a simple trio of common English words, it has baffled me. How does a sentence feel the exact opposite of what its individual words mean? How can words with generally positive or at least innocuous connotations be so menacing all of the sudden?

It doesn’t make sense to demand such coveted esteem and expect to obtain them readily without question just by dropping this three-word combo. Perspectives and points of view differ, but this kind of demand forces the other person to abide unprotestingly. If anything, it is an assertion of an opinion as the ultimatum, not as an alternative as it should be.

Furthermore, it is a deflection of opposition—another point of sensitivity in this century. Censorship of opposition gets in the way of improvement, especially when disapproval has damning consequences. How can one know what to improve if one refuses to know what is wrong? How can we

IN DEPTH

progress? Having somebody invalidate your opinion hurts, but there is a much worse danger to silencing dissent than a stroked ego: stagnation.

“Censorship of opposition gets in the way of improvement, especially when disapproval has damning consequences.

We must remember that not all opinions are valid, much less worthy of respect. Think about it: Would you respect the opinion of violent extremists who believe that those who do not share their beliefs deserve to die? Would you respect the belief if you are the one facing the barrel?

The bottom line is: Respect is earned not by demand, but by respecting people and their fundamental rights because it ultimately reflects back on us. We are entitled to our opinions to the extent that it is just, reasonable, and considerate of the greater good. We should not be pressured to take opinions like they are an ultimatum. Opinions are just alternatives—a different perspective, not the final say.

But then, that’s just my opinion.

The disgrace of being apolitical

Since the May 9th election, the phrase “I am apolitical” is often heard. Some people believe it is possible to remain on the sidelines at all times, attempting to ignore the current political crises. While everyone else is actively fighting to support and advocate for their favored leaders, I imagine what it’s like to not participate, assuming that staying out of political debates will keep you free from all the toxic commotion.

However, political neutrality is a luxury many of us cannot afford. If you ask a father who has unexpectedly lost his job, a mother who is constantly concerned about her family’s next meal, or the children who were compelled to drop out of school because of financial difficulties, then you will realize that not everybody has the privilege of dismissing politics. It is why so many people find it hard to be politically neutral. Not only will our decisions be significant, but they will also be critical in shaping the future of these people.

Being apolitical is a phrase that properly encapsulates antipathy to political matters. Also, there is a word that properly encapsulates the expression of its effects: oppression. When someone dismisses the necessity of freedom of expression or the patriarchy’s evident power dynamics,

TRUTH SEEKER

Jessa Delos Reyes

oppression emerges. When rape culture is disregarded, or a member of the LGBTQ+ community is prejudiced against, it sinks its hooks deeper into the judicial system we have taken years establishing and rips it to shreds. With every privileged person who turns a blind eye to these difficulties and continues in their small bubble of apolitical luxury, oppression quickly swells into a vast, festering mass of disdain.

“When someone dismisses the necessity of freedom of expression or the patriarchy’s evident power dynamics, oppression emerges.

When it comes to the crucial parts of life, there is no neutral ground. We cannot fall into a fulfilling profession, a long relationship, or a significant sense of self by accident. It is our obligation to educate ourselves about politics, study as much as we can about both sides of current problems, and, in the end, create our own views and take appropriate action. At the end of the day, we need to have a political stance to recognize the problem and develop a collective response to it.

Janna Marie Deocampo

Suliraning nakababahala

ABA KA DA E GA-ano ba katagal pipikit ang nasa taas sa sitwasyong kayhirap malutas? Mananatili bang magbibingi-bingihan sa hinaing at siphayo ng guro’t mag-aaral na naiipit lamang sa magulong sistemang nagpapalabo ng kanilang bukas? Kung nasa kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan, paano ka na PIlipinas?

Marahil ay naipalabas na sa telebisyon o hindi kaya ay ilang beses na naiulat sa mga himpilan ng radyo ang krisis pang-edukasyon sa bansa. Katunayan ay hindi na ito bagong balita. Dahil sa hagupit dulot ng pandemya na nagdahilang saraduhan ang pampubliko at pribadong mga paaralan, tila mas lumala ang krisis na kinahaharap ng Pilipinas. Paulit-ulit na kagaya ng sirang plaka ngunit wala pa ring konkretong lunas. Ano nga ba ang dapat pagtuunan ng pansin upang maibsan ang paghihirap sa edukasyon?

Una, lutasin ang suliranin ng malnutrisyon. Ayon sa ulat ng Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2018, ang porsyento ng pinakababang pagganap ng mag-aaral sa lahat ng asignatura sa PISA ay isa sa pinakamataas—ibig sabihin, karamihan sa mga estudyante ay hindi maganda ang pinapakitang performance”. Ngayon, kapag kumakalam ang sikmura ng isang estudyante pagpasok ng eskwelahan, sa tingin ba ninyo ay papasok sa kaniyang isipan ang kanilang pinag-aaralan? Maswerte na lamang ang mga kabataang may magulang na hindi nagsasawang tumustos ng matrikula at baon ngunit ang hindi pinagpala naman ay may dalawang pagpipilian: ituloy ang pag-aaral na walang laman ang tiyan, o tumigil at tumulong na lamang sa magulang maghanap ng pagkaing ihahain sa mesa.

Kapag may nakitang mali sa sistema, kasalanan ang pumikit at magbingibingihan. Kung kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan, nararapat lamang na sila ay pagtuunan at ang gobyerno ay sa kanila mamumuhunan.

Pangalawa, kailangang ayusin ang learning gap ng mga mag-aaral dulot ng pandemya. Disyembre ng susunod na taon ilalabas ang resulta ng PISA 2022 at ditto magkakaalaman kung ano na ang sitwasyon ng mag-aaral sa dalawang taong walang pisikal na interaksyon ng guro at mga mag-aaral. Ayon sa dating Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Briones, sumasagawa na ng recovery plan ang nasabing departamento na magpopokus sa learning remediation, professional development, kalusugan, at kaligtasan. Sapat nga ba ito at tuluyan na bang naipapatupad sa mga institusyon sa buong panig ng bansa?

Pangatlo, pagsasaayos ng sistemang pangedukasyon ng mga paaralan. Kabi-kabila ang mga problema katulad ng kakulangan badyet, mababang sweldo ng mga guro, pasilidad, at iba pang krisis na kailangan ng agarang solusyon ang dapat pagtuunan ng pansin. Kailangan itong pag-aralan, pagplanuhan at mga interbensyon na makakabuti hindi lamang sa mga bata, pati na rin sa mga guro at sa mga paaralan.

HA LA MA-kukuntento na lamang ba ang mga Pilipino sa kalagayan ng bansa? Kapag may nakitang mali sa sistema, kasalanan ang pumikit at magbingibingihan. Kung kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan, nararapat lamang na sila ay pagtuunan at ang gobyerno ay sa kanila mamumuhunan.

An ordeal turned into dreams

By Nickalaine Santiago

SENOSA

Tthe narrative, it does not change the fact that the 2012 incident has impacted his life, the path he had chosen to follow, and most likely the future.

That Unforgettable Sunrise

The sun has come up and Tedric Dave E. Senosa, also called Teddy by his friends and family, was peacefully sleeping beside a smoky window at their home in Brgy. Bolilao, Mandurriao, Iloilo City. It was a typical sunrise until an unusual and extremely loud sound echoed throughout the entire corner of the house. His mother, Marivic Espora, rushed to their room, panicking. Just 12 years old at that time, Teddy could only watch as they rushed his father to the hospital in the early rays of sunlight. Unable to process the events, he remained obedient to his mother’s hurried instructions to go to school. It was only there when it hit Teddy that his father, Teddy Senosa Jr., could be gone. His fears were confirmed when he was told that his beloved father succumbed to cardiac arrest that day. His only sibling, Tedric Paul, was only 11 years old then.

The Aftermath

The first two years after his father’s passing was a painful cycle of anxiety and depression. Teddy wandered aimlessly in high school, mourning the loss of his greatest motivation.

He finally found light in this dark chapter when his potential in mathematics was swept of cobwebs. Seeing untapped brilliance in the sullen boy, his Grade 9 trigonometry teacher, Michelle Bales, invited him to participate in a math competition. This set the ball in motion. After a lull in academic accolades for three years, Tedric was awarded honors in Grades 10 and 11, and graduated with high honors from Iloilo National High School in 2018.

He continued to follow the light by taking up a degree in Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Mathematics at West Visayas State University. He then promised himself to wholeheartedly commit to rigorous studies and holistic development, and graduate summa cum laude. His father’s words were his primary motivation. “My father said that education is the only thing that he could pass on to me, since

both he and my mother did not finish schooling. He believes that one day, I will be the one to raise our family from poverty,” Tedric recounted.

A Path Forward

For three successive years in college, Tedric’s sleepless nights and sacrifices paid off with perfect GPAs and graduating summa cum laude with a final GPA of 1.11. His anxieties about his personal expenses and that of their home were warded off with scholarships from the following: DOST-SEI Scholarship and 1000TeachSTEM Scholarship.

However, the most challenging part was the pressure of maintaining both his grades and the scholarships during his final year at the university. Nevertheless, despite the exhaustion and emotional breakdowns, he fought for his dreams of getting the coveted distinction and breaking his family free from the chains of poverty. Graduating as the valedictorian of his class was only a bonus.

“Life will never change until you step out of your comfort zone; change begins when you recognize how to take risks and transcend toward your growth zone,” Tedric said, emphasizing that no one grows with ease. “Try to explore things and expand your horizons. It is the only way for you to become the better version of yourself.”

Even now, as he takes up Master of Arts in Education at the same university after graduation, Tedric has never forgotten his father. Every day without fail, he takes a moment to remember the man who had taught him everything that matters.

“I will always remember that he said I am my family’s hope. So if I stop, who, then, will continue to save our family from poverty?” he said.

That memory from 10 years ago is emotionally crippling. Regardless, it has shaped Teddy into someone he is proud of today, a version of himself that is ready to move forward from what Shakespeare calls “the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.”

Life will never change until you step out of your comfort zone...

llanera

Putting the G's in go-getter

By Jessa Delos Reyes

When the clock strikes 9 p.m., most people call it a day and rest. But for some, rest is just an option for the privileged – privileged enough to eat three meals a day, to have less time to worry about money, and to not care about how they fulfill their roles in society. However, for Marcus Llanera, 9 p.m. simply reminds him of work and getting one step closer to reaching his goals.

At an early age, Marcus became aware of his life’s circumstances. Being the eldest of the three sons of Ma. Jores and Mark Louie Llanera from Brgy. Sto. Rosario-Duran, Iloilo City, he knew that he has the pressure to do well and felt a sense of obligation toward his family.

“I grew up in a financially struggling family setup. Not being able to muster a sense of contentment and with the hunger in me: I had to make amends with my growling stomach and be thankful for the inasal on the table, but I also would remind myself that experiencing better days was still up to me,” shared Llanera, a two-time chairman of the Education Student Council (ESC).

With his drive and goal in mind, it was a no-brainer for Marcus to pursue Education as his course. With encouragement from his Senior High School teachers at Iloilo National High School, he chose Social Studies as his major and decided to study at the university where most of his relatives graduated. From then on, Marcus trailblazed his way through college.

The Grit

Despite the hardship he had to face early on, it did not hold him back from striving for greatness. At 9 p.m. when he was in his sophomore year, he took on work as a call center agent all the while being the chairperson of the ESC.

“All the cliché ‘poor-studentstruggles’, I had them ticked off: selfsupporting part-time student – part-time worker, lack of technological provisions, and poor self-esteem,” shared Llanera when asked about the difficulties he had to face, adding that his studies were financed by his aunt and his student assistantship at the college’s Parent Faculty Association where his father was president. “Above all of these, I can safely say I did persevere,” he added.

It is truly hard to dim a light that has so much fire within. Coupled with hard work and answering the opportunities knocking on your door, Marcus proved that when something is really meant for you, it will come your way.

“It was a long shot of unsure probabilities, countless misses, and anticlimactic setbacks. But throughout the failures, I was able to count on faith and a gut feeling that I am more than the gaps and slips of life and a masterpiece undone,” he said.

The Gratefulness

It seems that the only way to go for Marcus is up. Being blessed with the opportunity to be called for employment even before graduation at the Hua Siong College of Iloilo shows that there is no stopping him when it comes to achieving his goal of becoming a school principal and giving back the kindness he has received throughout his life by opening doors for more people like him. He gives credit to his family—especially his mother, Ma. Jores, who never doubted that he was destined to be great, hence the nickname “Marcus the Great.” He also credits his friends and teachers who became his support system throughout his college journey.

“Forge your own path and make a difference only you can create,” he said when asked about how someone can achieve the same level of excellence at such a young age. “You can conjure inspiration from us, but we are merely what we are because of the uniqueness we continue to live out. Be your own standard.”

Now, when the clock strikes 9 p.m., Marcus breathes a sigh of relief for another productive and fulfilling day in his chosen profession. He knows he still has a long way to go, but he also knows that he is one step closer to his goals tomorrow.

Forge your own path and make a difference only you can create.

#ONE COE HISTORY

HISTORY

Producing four summa cum laude, 124 magna cum laude, and 107 cum laude honorees for the Academic Year 2021 - 2022, the West Visayas State University-College of Education (WVSU-COE) has carved itself a new milestone in its numbers. Furthermore, four graduates with the highest academic distinction set a new record in the history of the college and the university. Together, they represent the only Center of Excellence in Teacher Education in Region 6, raising the fiercely guarded legacy of excellence to new heights.

SAYNO

How to raise genius

By Gizelle Amour Tagabi

“G

enius is not born; genius is raised,” said educational psychologist

result of cultivation rather than pure talent. But, when

endeavor, as exemplified by Hans Luigi Sayno, one of three

the College of Education.

Start with Passion

A third grader at the SPED-Integrated School for Exceptional Children (SPED-ISEC) was scanning the aisles at the bookstore when his eyes landed on a picture of Charlemagne on a book cover. Bringing “The Big Book of Famous People” home at Brgy. GuzmanJesena, Mandurriao, Iloilo City and immersing himself in it, young Hans’ fascination for the Humanities came to life. His passion was so palpable that he became the go-to source for everything about humanities and social studies in their classroom, like a walking encyclopedia.

“Ever since I was in elementary and in high school, I would be asked by my classmates to teach them HeKaSi (Heograpiya, Kasaysayan, at Sibika), Araling Panlipunan, or Social Science subjects,” said Hans, the eldest of three children of Honorato Jr. and Calen Grace Sayno.

Seeing his “students” succeed and express their gratefulness for sharing his knowledge, Hans took it as a sign to pursue a career in education and chose West Visayas State University’s (WVSU) renowned program in teacher education as his training ground. Zeroing in on his passion and forte, he enrolled in Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Social Studies.

Put in the Work

Hans had an intellectual head start but refuses to credit his growing college academic success to his inherent abilities. Instead, he cites conscientious perseverance as the key to his consistent achievement.

“I think that being exceptional in a certain thing is not innate; it is developed,” said Hans, who was top five at the SPED-ISEC and graduated with honors from WVSU under the Accounting, Business, and Management strand in senior high school.

The combination of a tested-andproven study habit he has developed since junior high school at the SPEDISEC and an unwavering focus earned him consistent honors until he achieved

his summa cum laude distinction. However, though he prioritizes work before play, he still makes it a point to work hard and party harder. When he is not reading or watching documentaries, he plays basketball and keeps up with the NBA, and makes time to show up at local bars and clubs with close friends to unwind after a week of studying and academics.

“There is more to life than just academics. With the right balance and time management, you can have the best of both worlds,” he said, emphasizing that serious academic study can coexist with a laidback and party lifestyle.

Cultivate Your Surroundings

A supportive family, a devoted girlfriend with whom he has had a relationship of five years, and close college friends buttressed Hans’ will to continue his journey, especially under pressure while on practice teaching at his alma mater, SPED-ISEC, during his senior year at the College of Education. He likens the experience to being thrown to the lions, the demands of being a teacher taking its toll on both his work and personal life. However, like a competent gladiator determined to survive the pit, he conquered his beasts, gaining fulfillment and new connections.

“Never give up” despite the roadblocks that you may encounter. Give it your best, and your dreams will come to life,” said Hans.

It doesn’t stop there. At the core of his raison d’être is the passion for helping people in ways he can. He is now taking up law at the University of the Philippines Diliman and is determined to become a lawyer like his father so that he could help those who need legal services, especially the disadvantaged.

Genius is raised, not born, and in the case of Hans, it was the combination of passion, support, and balance of hard work and leisure that made the unfathomable possible. Innate exceptionality may carry one only for so long but by carefully curating his environment to match his passion and interests and then putting in the work, Hans achieved even more.

I think that being exceptional in a certain thing is not innate; it is developed.

Laszlo Polgar, who proved the theory that genius is a

innate intelligence is developed, excellence shines through in any

social studies summa cum laude awardees of Batch 2022 in

Of Stellas and Tonitos

STonitrus

the

First Stella: Dreams and Self Discipline

Pursuing education was never on his list; it never once visited his long nights of peaceful sleep. It was a matter of practicality that roused inside the beating core a freshman from Capiz who initially planned on taking a different road on his university journey. Turning back from the space, line, and forms field, he mustered up his courage to face chalks, boards, and lesson plans.

The life waiting for him gave him a rocky start. Like other students adjusting during the first year far from home, he started standing on his own feet.

“I have to be independent and take care of myself. I have to do all things on my own while studying. I was able to overcome these challenges by making it my motivation to move forward and to do better so that they could be proud of me,” he recounted.

Moreover, he was not alone during his journey. He had people sent by the Lord God Almighty to help him overcome the challenges along his way; thus, he earned his first Stella: Overcoming hurdles in life.

Second Stella: Academics

Before earning more Stellas, he had to receive Tonitrus bolts in the form of failures when he scored lower than the passing score on some of his tests. There also came a time when he lost in some of the contests he joined. Of course, it never hindered him from excelling and shining among the sea of stars. Being the brightest one, however, was never his plan.

“It was never in my wildest dream to graduate summa cum laude. My goal was to finish college on time, be a cum laude, enjoy college life, make memories, and find friends for life.”

People around him are there for two reasons: pressure and motivation. Diamonds are formed under pressure, but that same pressure can make the diamond break. But what kept him going was the relentless love and support he received from friends, family, and acquaintances.

Moreover, he believes in Thorndike’s Law of Readiness, which emphasizes that learning occurs when a person is physically and psychologically prepared for it. He also rewards himself for overcoming the tasks, so he would be ready to face another.

Being prepared during his academic and life battles earned him his second star.

Third Stella: Life Lessons and Motivation

“When you feel like giving up, consider all the people who doubted and believed in you, consider why you began, and why you are doing it.”

Without the backbone of support from his teachers, friends, family, God, and himself, he would not have been so sturdy to attain the milestone. Things get tough and rough, but Euthel looks back at the reasons that would keep him going so he would go on his journey no matter how far or harrowing it may be.

Stella stars are awarded for exceptional grades and contributions to society in different fields of academics and co-curricular activities. Tonitrus Bolts, on the other hand, is a demerit for poor grades and misconduct. There are instances when people shine like the stars; however, a clear, starry night is not free of clouds all the time. Time will come that stormy evenings with lightning bolts rage the sky, but stars remain, waiting for an opportunity to shine again when they are ready.

When you feel like giving up, consider all the people who both doubted and believed in you; consider why you began, and why you are doing it.

Bolts, on

other hand, is a demerit for poor grades and misconduct. As Euthel John Finlac sails through the rough seas of university life, he could attain these Stella stars to covet the highest distinction. However, of course, Tonitrus Bolts were still on his way.

finlac

filipino

‘Di mayayanig

May mga laptop at gadget halos ang lahat ng mag-aaral na nakikinig sa kanilang guro. Lahat maliban kay Eleazar C. Danila na umaasa pa rin sa kanyang kwaderno at panulat maitaguyod lamang ang pag-aaral. Ngunit may iba pa siyang suliranin: siya ay may sakit na epilepsy

Mga Hamon

Dahil sa kanyang mga guro, napukaw ang pangarap ni Danila na magturo. Nag-aral siya ng kolehiyo sa Pamantasang Estado ng Kanlurang Bisayas, Batsilyer sa Edukasyong Pansekundarya Medyor sa Ingles. Bago pa man magsimula ang kaniyang buhay kolehiyo, alam na niya ang tungkol sa kaniyang sakit na dagdag suliranin sa kaniyang paglalakbay.

“Ang pinakamalaking hamon na hinarap ko bilang undergraduate student ay ang kakulangan sa mga technology-mediated devices… Malaking ginhawa ang laptop sa pagkuha ng notes at paghahanda ng mga PowerPointpresentation.

“Ang epilepsy ay ang pinakamatinding paghihirap na hinarap ko… Nasuri na ang sakit kong ito noong ako ay nasa ikaapat na baitang.”

Kung mahirap na para sa karamihang mag-aaral ang mga gawain at mga pagsusulit, mas nakakatakot pa ang mga ito para kay Danila. Maaari siyang magkaseizuretuwing nakakaranas ng matinding stress.

“Nakaranas ako ng attack noong ako ay nasa ikatlong taon… Hindi maiiwasan sa buhay kolehiyo ang ma-stress.”

Paghabol

Mahirap na para sa kanya ang makisabay nang walang sariling laptop, kailangan pa niyang mag-doble kayod para makahabol tuwing lumiliban siya sa klase para magpasuri sa doktor.

“Kailangan mo pang pumunta sa mga computeran [computer station] o manghiram sa mga kaklase mo para makapaghanda ng PowerPoint presentation.”

Naunawaan ni Danila ang kahalagahan ng pagkakaibigan sa buhay-kolehiyo. May mga kaklase siyang tumutulong sa kanya sa klase. Minsan, kailangan niyang lumiban para sa mga pagsusuri, mga gawain sa Education Student Council (ESC), o kapag nakakaranas ng epilepsy attack. Sa mga pangyayaring ito, sinisigurado ng mga kaklase niya na makakahabol siya sa mga itinuro at mga takdang-aralin.

“Para sa akin, hindi mo malalampasan ang kolehiyo kung walang matalik na mga kaibigan, mga kaklase at kapwa mag-aaral na tumutulong sa iyo.”

Pag-aani

Sa kabila ng lahat, naging aktibong mag-aaral pa rin si Danila. Naging student leader siya habang gumagawa nang thesis noong siya ay nasa ikaapat na taon. Sa kaniyang pagtatapos, nakatanggap siya ng

Matapos ang Kolehiyo

Natapos man ang kolehiyo, patuloy pa rin si Danila sa pagharap sa mga hamon ng pagtuturo. Sa unang taon ng kaniyang trabaho, kinailangan niyang magturo sa junior high school at mga kolehiyo. Tulad ng ibang mga pagsubok, nalampasan niya ang mga ito. Ngayon, kaya na niyang ibalanse ang personal na buhay at trabaho.

“Basta tapos ka na sa mga gawain sa seminary at naka-uwi ka na, ‘me’ time mo na iyan… Kailangan mo magpahinga, manood ng Netflix, at makipag-usap sa iyong pamilya.”

Ngayon, nagtuturo si Danila sa Saint Vincent Ferrer Seminary. Hinasa siya ng mga pinagdaanan niya sa kolehiyo para maging isang guro. Kung dati ay mga guro niya ang pumukaw sa kaniyang pangarap, ngayon siya naman ang nagsisilbing inspirasyon sa kaniyang mga estudyante na mag-aral nang mabuti at magpatuloy sa buhay anumang pagsubok ang harapin.

“Ang ipinagmamalaki ko sa lahat ng nakamit ko ay kung mayroon akong estudyante na sumunod sa aking yapak upang maging guro din… Nakakatuwa silang makita na maraming nakakamit, lalo na kapag tinularan niya ang major mo… Dahil sa seminaryo ako nagtuturo, ipinagmamalaki ko rin tuwing may magaaral ako na tumuloy sa pagpapari.”

Sa kasalukuyan, patuloy na nagtuturo si Danila sa seminaryo at hinuhubog ang mga kaisipan ng mga estudyanteng may balak na maging pari sa hinaharap. Sa ngayon, siya ay kumukuha ng Master’s Degree in Language Teaching English sa WVSU. Kahit maraming hamon na ang kaniyang nalampasan, patuloy pa rin niyang hinahanda ang sarili sa mas mahihirap pang mga pagsubok.

Kayod ng isang hikahos

Sa gitna ng maiingay na mamimiling estudyante at tagapagtinda ng mga pagkain ay masipag na naghuhugas ng mga prutas ang isang ale. Hawak ang kutsilyong ginagamit ay sinapo niya ang noo gamit ang likod ng kanyang palad. Tagaktak ang pawis ay ipinapatuloy niya ang kaniyang gawain sapagkat sandamakmak pang mamimili ang naghihintay sa kaniya. Habang abala ay napatingin siya sa kamay niyang kay tagal na ring hindi naisabak sa pagtitinda. Ilang taon na nga ba siyang nagtiis? Para sa isang nagtitinda ng prutas sa isa sa mga kiosk sa Coop ng West Visayas State University na si Jhona A. Carloto, ang dalawang taon ay parang isang habambuhay.

DAGOK NG UNOS

Kung gaano kabilis pinasara ng pandemiya ang mga negosyo sa kasagsagan nito, ganoon din katagal na pilit binubuhay at binabangon ni Aling Jhona ang kaniyang negosyong pagtitinda ng prutas sa mga estudyante ng WVSU.

“Napakahirap ng lahat – maging pagtitinda ay hindi mo pa magawa nang mabilis at napakarami pang papel ang kailangan mong ipasa,” sabi ng 33-taong ginang na naninirahan sa Brgy. Sambag, Jaro, Iloilo City. Aniya, unti-unting binago ng pandemiya ang lahat, maging ang pagpunta sa kabilang bayan ay isang pagsubok dahil sa

mga kinakailangang papeles na maipapasa sa institusyon. Hindi mawari ang pangamba ng lahat dahil animo’y ikukulong kapag hindi nasunod ang batas ng kinauukulan. Tulad ni Aling Jhona, marami na rin ang nawalan ng pagkakakitaan na talagang ipinagkait ng pandemyang bigla na lamang lumutang. Isang malaking dagok nga ang mamuhay sa panahon ng unos. Nakakalungkot ma’y walang magagawa si Aling Jhona kundi ang sumunod sa utos ng gobyerno para sa kaligtasan ng lahat.

TAPANG SA GITNA NG PAG-AALINLANGAN

Sa kabila ng lahat, hindi niya nakaligtaan ang kabutihan. Maging sa mga panahong wala nang matakbuhan ay hindi kailanman naisip ng ginang ang sumuko at maghintay na lang. Pinatatag niya ang kanyang

Nina Paul Aries Valera at Lads Fernando Lamier

Nina Kathleen Rose Calapardo at Shannen Casquio

maraming parangal kabilang sa mga ito ang Rotary Award for Outstanding Graduate of WVSU. Isa rin siyang Leadership Awardee at Outstanding Student in the Philippines.

DANILA

loob at ang hangarin na mayroon siya. Dagdag pa niya, “Nalampasan ko ang mga hamon sa pamamagitan ng pagtitiwala sa Panginoon at pagsusumikap sa mabuting pamamaraan.” Laking pasasalamat niya nang naibabalik na ng bansa ang kaniyang kalayaan laban sa sakunang nararamdaman ngunit hindi natin mahawakan.

Napakarami ang kagaya ni Aling Jhona - nawalan ng trabaho, naghirap ngunit muling bumangon. Ang pagaalinlangan na mayroon siya ay humupa na sapagkat binalot na ng busina ng pampasaherong dyip ang dati ay payapang paligid, sumasabay din ang sigaw ng naglalako ng mga bagay at ingay na nanggagaling sa mga tindahan. Muling pinukaw ang pag-asa na kailanman ay hindi naisantabi ni Aling Jhona. Nalugmok man nang hindi inaasahan ay matapang ding nakaahon sa nakakalunod

Multilingualmediumofinstruction: Dapat bang ipatupad?

Sa tuwing sasapit ang buwan ng Agosto, ang ahensya ng Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF) ay abala na para sa paghahanda para sa iba’t ibang aktibidad na gaganapin para sa isang buwang pagdiriwang ng wikang nagbubuklod sa ating mga Pilipino- ang Filipino.

Ang tema para sa pagdiriwang ngayong taon ay “Filipino at mga Katutubong Wika: Kasangkapan sa Pagtuklas at Paglikha.” Ayon sa ahensya, ito ay paraan nila ng pagpapakita ng suporta sa selebrasyon ng 2022-2032 International Decade on Indeginous Languages ng United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) na may pangunahing layunin na itaguyod ang Karapatan ng mga Mamamayang Katutubo sa malayang pamamahayag, pagkakaroon ng akses sa edukasyon at partisipasyon sa mga gawaing pampamayanan gamit ang katutubong wikang upang hindi maglaho ang mga wikang pamana ng kanilang mga ninuno.

Kamakailan lamang ay nagkaroon ng diskusyon tungkol sa mungkahing gamitin ang wikang Filipino at Ingles bilang mga pangunahing wika sa midyum ng pagtuturo sa mga paaralan. Ang pangulo ng KWf na si Ginoong Arthur Casanova ay sang-ayon sa panukalang ito. Ani niya, walang problema ang KWF rito sapagkat hindi sila naniniwalang magiging sabagabal ito sa pag-unlad ng ating wikang pambansa, at sa pag-unlad ng kaalaman at kasanayan ng mga estudyante. Dagdag pa niya, hindi siya naniniwalang nasa midyum na ginagamit sa pagtuturo ang problema, kundi ito naka-ayon sa kapasidad ng mga gurong nagpakadalubhasa sa wikang Filipino.

Bilang isang estudyanteng nagpapakadalubhasa sa Filipino, noong una ako’y nagulat sa desisyon ng KWF na suportahan ang panukalang ito. Hindi ko lubos na maisip na sila’y sasang-ayon rito dahil ang akala ko’y maninindigan sila sa kanilang adhikain na ipalaganap at palakasin ang paggamit ng ating sariling wika. Ngunit sa aking ilang gabing pagninilay-nilay, may mga bagay akong napagtanto na siyang nagtulak sa akin na suportahan ang kanilang nais na ipatupad.

Una, ang paggamit ng wikang Ingles at Filipino ay hindi nangangahulugang ibabalewala ang ating wikang pambansa. Hindi ibig sabihin na parehong wika ang gagamitin ay hindi na mabibigyang-pansin ang mga wikang katutubo. Tiyak kong sisiguraduhin naman ng may mga katungkulan na parehong mabibigyang halaga ang bawat

lINGUAPRANGKA

Christine Joy G. Badinas

isa at magagamit ng mabuti at nararapat.

Pangalawa, mayroong ibang mga salita sa wikang Ingles na mahirap isalin sa Filipino, gayundin ang mga salitang Filipino. Mayroong mga salita na maiharap intindihin kung kaya’t kailangan nating gumamit ng ibang wika upang mas kalrong maintindihan.

Pangatlo, hindi ibig sabihin na kung Ingles o Filipino ang gagamiting wika ay magiging maalam na ang mga estudyante. Hindi porke’t wikang Filipino ang ating wikang pambansa o Ingles ang universal language at ang mga Pilipino ay sobrang partikular na sa paggamit nito ay magiging maganda na ang kalidad ng edukasyon. Sa pinakabagong pag-aaral na inilabas, mababa ang porsyento ng pag-unawa sa pagbasa ng mga estudyante, kahit sa asignaturang Science at Matematika na kung saan Ingles ang ginagamit na wika sa pagtuturo sa mga ito. Dito natin mapagtanto na kailangan nating gumamit ng dalawang lengwahe sa pagtuturo dahil ang kasanayan at kaalaman ng mga estudyante ay hindi nakabase sa wikang ginagamit, bagkus ito rin ay nakabatay sa kapasidad ng mga guro na magturo, ayon pa kay Casanova.

Sa mga rason na aking nabanggit, ang lahat ng iyon ay aking naging batayan sa pagsasaad ng aking pananaw sa isyung ito. Hindi nakabatay sa kung anong wika ang ginagamit sa pagtuturo kung gusto ay kalidad na edukasyon. Kung kalidad na edukasyon ang hanap, ang sagot rito’y sapat na pondo para at pag-aralang muli ang tuntunin at patakaran sa pagtuturo. Kung kailangan na may baguhin at rebisahin ay dapat na agad bigyang aksyon. Bigyan ng sapat na mga kagamitan ang mga guro’t mag-aaral upang sa mas magandang daloy ng edukasyon at paglinang ng mga talento’t kakayahan ng bawat estudyante.

Sa kabuuan, ang paggamit ng wikang Ingles at Filipino ay hindi magiging hadlang sa pagpapalaganap at pagpapalakas ng ating wikang pambansa. Bagkus, ito ay magiging isa sa mga daan upang makamit ang kalidad na edukasyon na ating hinahangad basta’t may malakas na suporta galing sa gobyerno. Siguraduhin lamang na hindi mababalewala ang mabibigyang halaga ng sa ganun ay hindi ito maitsapwera.

“Ate,

Napangiti

na kahirapan.

Napaiglap si Aling Jhona nang marinig niyang tinawag siya ng isang estudyante.

isang supot nga po nito.”

na lamang siya at ibinaba ang hawak. “Ito ba?” masiglang tugon niya.

PAG-ASA SA BAWAT BENTA. Abot-kamay ni Jhona A. Carloto ang kinabukasan sa bawat kakarampot na baryang bayad ng estudyante para sa binebenta nitong prutas sa kaniyang kiosk sa WVSUCoop. Mga larawang kuha ni Shannen Casquio.

Pangayaw—pagpadayon ag paglalakbay

Ni Erika Noreen Dela Rosa

Pangayaw, isa ka temporaryo nga residente, migrante, ag turista. Mga tawo nga nakikita naton sa sueod it campus, sa kilid, ag sa magulo nga siyudad. Sanda hay ro mga tawo nga gakinahangean pa it panahon para makahueag ag makaigo sa ginatindugan nanda. Para sa aton nga mga naghandum nga makaagto sa isa ka prestihiyoso nga unibersidad para makatuon ag maabot ro aton nga mga pangarap sa pangabuhi, mabahoe nga sakripisyo ro pagbueag ag pag-istar sa maeayo nga lugar para mag-eskwela ag mag-ubra.

“Bilang isaea ka college student, ro pag-eskwela iya sa siyudad, bisan mahinay pero sigurado, iya gihapon ako sa adjustment era sa akon nga kabuhi.

Kung amat gani indi ko mapatihan nga iya ako gatuon sa prestihiyoso nga unibersidad nga West Visayas State University,” ani Nissa Cahilig it BEED 1-B, nga taga Kalibo, Aklan.

“Sa kabilugan, ro siyudad it Iloilo hay manami nga pamasyaran ag istaran para sa mga kaparehas ko nga taga probinsya,” ani man ni Timothy Bonyog it BSED 1-F, nga taga Banga, Aklan.

Bukon it hinagpae ron, bukon it madali, kaya dapat mas lalo kita nga maging mabuot ag maintindihun sa mga tawo nga gaboard or nakiki-istar malang sa siyudad, kasi uwa kita kasayod sa andang naagyan. Bisan sa sangkiri nga pagyuhom o pakikipagkamay, mapabatyag manlang naton kanda nga bukon sanda it isahanon sa yugto ngara it andang kabuhi.

MGA DUMULUONG SA

local language PANGAYAW

Kamatuoran sa panulukan

Ni Jaya Elizarde

Huyop sang hangin ang sarang mabatyagan sa sulod sang mga kwarto. Hinali lang naghipos ang mga pader nga nangin saksi sang nanari-sari nga mga hitabu. Duha ka tuig na ang nagligad apang bug-os gihapon sa hunahuna sang kadam-an ang hinali nga pagsirado sang mga eskwelahan.

Madamo nga mga pagtilaw nga naghangkat sa kapasidad sang mga manunudlo kag mga estudyante. Tungod ini sa pandemya kun ngaa nagluntad ang tuman nga kalinong sa buluthuan kag sa bilog nga palibot.

Subong naga amat-amat na bukas ang mga eskwelahan agud maghiwat sang face-toface nga klase. Taga-syudad man ukon pangayaw, malipayon ang mga estudyante sa ila pagbalik. Natabunan man ang mga bibig, apang makita ang makalalaton nga kasadya sa ila mga mata.

Si Charish Elamparo sang BSED 2A nga isa ka pangayaw halin sa Igbaras, Iloilo ang nagpabutyag sang iya nabatyagan. Ginhinambit sang iya mga dila ang makapalaso nga init kag makabugto-ginhawa nga kagutukon sa syudad sang Iloilo.

“Nabudlayan man ako kaadjust. First time ko man ni nga ako lang isa kag ako ang gaubra ka

tanan,” siling niya.

Dugang pa diri, ang pangayaw halin sa Alimodian, Iloilo nga si Earl Jhon Aquidado sang BSED Social Studies 3-F nagpahayag sang iya personal nga mga inagyan. Nahidlaw siya magkadto sa syudad halin sang pandemya.

“Siguro ang isa sa nagtatak sa akon amo ang inisyatibo sang

Paghigugma halin sa taga-uma

Ya paghambal nga kung kita makaadto sa isa ka hanggud nga siyudad, makaharadlok, indi gid makatupong sa kung ano ya matuod-tuod natun nga nabatyagan kung kita mga pangayaw. Magabulag kita sa atun pamilya sa atun pagsulod sa bag-o nga lugar nga may lain nga pang-ginawi.

Atun gid mabatyagan nga ya siyudad, lain gid sa uma - kung sa diin atun dun nga nagamnan.

“Ang Iloilo kalayo sa akun lugar nga ginhalinan kag ang pangabuhi diri tama ka layo sa pagpangabuhi sa uma,” amo dya ya hambal ni Louren Mae Loja Lacorte, tumandok ka Brgy. Fe Jamindan, Capiz.

Sa angay man nga ekperyensiya, naghambal man si Arrianne May Llamelo, tumandok ka Brgy, Esperanza Jamindan, Capiz nga, “Pila pa ka mga inadlaw kag naging kumportable ako diri sa Iloilo kay amo

palang ako naka eksperyensiya nga mapalayo sa akon nga mga ginikanan it pilang semana.”

Ginlakip pagid niya nga isa sa pinaka-nakulbaan na nga madangtan sa syudad ka Iloilo amo nga basi mabudlayan siya nga makihalubilo sa ana nga mga “classmates” hay waay gid sa it pangilala kag abyan. Apang ang siyudad ka Iloilo nagpabatyag gid ka na sang pagpalangga kag pagamuma rasun nga nangin mamagan ya ang ana nga pagtinir diya.

Sa siyudad ka Iloilo tanda nga duha nagtinir para sa ipadayun anda nga pag-eskwela kag sa pag-abot ka anda nga mga handum. Bulahan sanda tungod nga ya siyudad waay gid nagdalok sa pagpabatyag ka nanda kang pagpalangga kag pag abi-abi sa mga pangayaw nga pareho kananda.

Ni Aileen Joy Feolog

PANGAYAW

Pinasahi sa panan-awan

JARO

Raku nga pinanid kang istorya ang nahuman kang sangka pangayaw sa syudad. Buta kang mga mariit ukon managmi nga eksperyensya ang sarang mapautwas. Sanglit lain ang lumbayag kang mga kahig sa lauhon nga aragyan kung ikumpara sa tapan kag sementado nga karsada, indi mabaribadan nga magabutwa man ang pagpanimag-o. Ang pagparapamangkot ang mangin kaimaw mo sa pagpanaw. Dya tanan ipaambit kanimo kang syudad nga may pagpalangga. Iloilo ria.

“Nami ang mga tawo sa city, tama ka welcoming kag nami istoryahon. Worth it imo oras kag hindi ka gid mabored,” amo dya ang paathag ni Edgar Allen Paul D. Gumawa sang BSED Math 2B Banga nga taga San Jose, Antique.

Pag eskwela ang sangka rason kun andut raku ang nagapangayaw sa Iloilo. Kalabanan nga mabatian mo nga istorya ana kang mga estudyante. Ang pagsakay sa jip nga daw kabudlay gid.

Kun magtabok sa karasada, ang mata dapat abtik maglingas-lingas. Bisan gani ang garagumo nga kinaray-a daw budlay man mitlangon sa karak-an. Pero dya nga mga paraligban sarang mapanas kang manami nga pang abiabi kang mga Ilonggo.

“Bahul ang syudad kang Iloilo, raku ang imo madiskubre. Daw indi takon mag untat lantaw kang mga manami nga buildings sa palibot,” dugang pa ni Jhon Mico Odango sang BSED Social Studies 2-F nga tumandok man sang Antique.

Ang harambalanon nga mas riit kunu ang syudad kumpara sa bukid tuod gid man. Dya amo ang mga pagbag-o sa palibot nga dapat mo pakigbagayan. Sa mga pangayaw kapin pa ang mga estudyante, isog kag taas andang dungan. Ginrara ang dyang pinanid kang istorya nga naghalin sa Iloilo. Sa pag-uli kang pangayaw nga karay-a, nagaapid dya.

Mamag-o, pero padayon

Ni Kathleen Rose Calapardo

“Lain gid man ya sa lugar nga gindakuan mo,” siling nila ni Shane kag Ralph, pareho nga estudyante sang West Visayas State University. Dako gid ang ginkatingala sang duwa sang nakalapak sila diri sa syudad kun sa diin madamo gid sila sang naagyan. Ikumpara sa probinsya sang Guimaras nga malinong kag matawhay, ang syudad malayo gid kaayo. Gahod diri, gahod didto, daw kagutok kag kagamo. Lain gid man ya sa balay nga katulog kag kabugtaw ka mayo, pero diri daw indi mo mahimo kay damo nga butang ang gadalagan sa imo ulo. Ano malang bala kuno ang ginkadto nila di kay ang mag eskwela apang madamo sang huol sa ila ginaplano. Tama ka magasto kag malayo sa pamilya. Diri nila natun an nga magtipid kay wala sang madamo nga kwarta nga

ipabalon sa ila ang ila mga ginikanan, kag magtinir nga mabakod kay layo sila sa ila ginkaandan.

Apang sa pihak sini, “Tinguha lang kita ah siling ni Mama kag Papa”, kung si Shane pa, “Kay wala sang manggad nga ipanubli ang atun ginikanan kundi ang pag-eskwela”, dugang ni Ralph.

Masadya ang duha sa piyak sang tanan kay upod ang pag ulikid sa ila pamilya, may-ara man sang mga bag-o nga abyan kag oportunidad ang ila nakita. Wala lamang nagtudlo sa ila sang mga leksyon sa kabuhi kundi nagbulig para sila mangin maayo nga mga estudyante. Mabudlayan, masubuan, pero kaya lang. Lain gid ya ang syudad pero ang atun ginapili yara sa aton palad. Mangalipay, magtuon kag magpadayon, kay tagaWest, da best!

Ni Mary Grace Sanquilos

WEST VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY

APPSolute Ideals

By May Joy Olmido and Kathleen Rose Calapardo

When the busy world came to a pause in 2020, the educational system passed a point of no return. With the return to face-to-face learning, some remnants of the online modality still lingered within the classroom setup. A few talks with the Taga-Ed revealed that they have “go-to” apps — those they cannot live without for school and their personal needs.

Learning Companion

The shift to online and remote learning boosted the popularity of learning platforms like Google Classroom and Brightspace, as well as supplement learning. Athena S. Labrador, a sophomore student of Bachelor in Secondary Education - Science, used Google and Youtube to improve her understanding of their lessons.

“There are instances where I find the topics given by our teachers difficult, so I always resort to Google and YouTube for further explanations of those topics,” said Labrador, who hails from Brgy. Tambunac, San Enrique, Iloilo,

Drawbacks

Online and remote learning also had their drawbacks. Fluctuations in internet connectivity prevented students like Charlotte Jule Gallego, a thirdyear Bachelor of Elementary Education student from Jordan Guimaras, from using her favorite apps that it even causes her to be behind in her classes.

“It made me feel less motivated… I had difficulty dealing with technical issues, that even caused me backlogs,” she recalled.

Faith Pulmones, a second-year student of Bachelor in Elementary Education from Poblacion Ilaya, San Enrique, Iloilo, also expressed having trouble with her connectivity.

“I somehow find it difficult to gather information, attend my classes, and communicate with the teachers,” the 20-year-old said.

Apps Wishlist

Most people would eagerly await the fulfillment of our wishes as if a genie were about to pop out of a bottle. Third-year student Shimary Khim Barrameda of Bachelor of Special Needs Education - Teaching Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Learners 3-A, wishes to create a ‘Tap Me, You will be Okay’ Application if provided with the opportunity.

“It can be the easiest way to make our health better,” shared Barrameda, who wished for an app that will make the pain go away gradually with the press of a button.

It is necessary to use something that has been created, ideally for a better cause. This highlights how these apps were used for the benefit of students because, in the face of difficulties in learning brought by abrupt shifts in learning modality, the Taga-Eds remain inert. We learn to teach, and we will eventually help others to understand — all done for the sake of our responsibilities as future teachers.

Beyond bar codes: Is the RFID a security leap or an invasion of privacy?

As with any other educational institution focused on learning, West Visayas State

response to the increasing importance of supporting student

technologies to achieve its goals such as the RFID.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security defined Radio-Frequency Identification or RFID as a technology that uses radio waves to identify people or objects. Radio-frequency electromagnetic fields automatically identify and track tags attached to objects to transfer data or store information.

When powered by a nearby source, RFID chips emit a signal containing information stored on the chip. RFID physical security systems function identically to locks and keys, with the RFID chip performing as the key. RFID chips lock a unique pattern and contain an identification code read by the lock.

RFID insecurities

It is amusing how unpredictable the development of technology can be. Although there are numerous advantages to using RFID chips in student ID cards, I argue that students should not use them entirely. RFID chips provide a method of tracking students, constituting an invasion of their privacy.

The issue at hand is whether or not RFID technology is too risky for use in student identification cards. While there are significant benefits, there are also risks that must be addressed. Furthermore, it is not difficult to imagine that this would create all sorts of incentives for

secretly and remotely reading location tags to collect information. The university’s Management Information System (MIS) should provide students and all concerned parties with the RFID system’s algorithmic operation.

University security

When incorporating RFID technology, universities must invest in security and research to ensure the safety of their students. They must also invest in secure and appropriate technologies for the university to avoid initial inconsistencies that could result in a highly insecure system.

Beginning October, some students can now begin wearing RFID tags on campus. The system will then begin collecting real-time data on students’ locations. It will be challenging for the system or technology provider to generate data that can be viewed, analyzed, applied, and presented to end users.

Could the system detect violence or harm to the student and generate an alert to various authorities, the student’s guardian, or the MIS, if the university’s primary reason for acquiring this technology is to monitor who enters and leaves campus? I will assume that the RFID technology’s security features are comprehensive, although this will depend on the system’s configuration.

Mark Lawrence G. Articuna

University faces technological and IT system challenges. In

mental health and ensuring school safety, the university turned to monitoring

Madam Bertud: (Nagabantay sang masakyan pakadto sa merkado kaupod si Claire) Baw maan man. Ngaa punuan gid ni ya ang mga traysikol man? Kagina pa kita diri nagabantay bala!

Claire: Baw, si Mama iya ka reklamador. May ara gid ina Ma, ah. Forda waits lang bala. Joseph: (Nalabyan sa higad sang dalan si Madam Bertud kag Claire kag iya ini nga gin padulugan) Kumare, diin kamo makadto? Madam Bertud: Sa merkado, kumpare ah. Mamakal sang lulutuon sa panyapon. Joseph: Ah, ti sakay na lang kamo diri sa akon kay sugaton ko man ang imo ihada sa iya eskwelahan.

Madam Bertud: (Nagsakay sa traysikol) Baw, salamat gid kumpare. Kagina pa kami di gab antay pero punuan gid ang mga traysikol. Joseph: Huo kumare, indi man sila abi magha lin sa ila mga ginaparkingan kun indi mabuta ang ila traysikol. Maski anum lang ka pasahero ang pwede masakay, ginapasubrahan pa gid ina nila para makaginansya dako kay bal-an mo naman, tama na ka mahal sang gasolina.

Madam Bertud: Huo gani, kumpare. Hama kon mo na, sang una, ang plete kinse pesos lang, pero sang naglockdown, baynte na. Su bong, 25 pesos na, gutok pa! Hay na lamang gid sang pangabuhi.

Claire: (Nagsaligbat) Tito, kamusta na gali si suon? Nahidlaw na ako sa iya.

Joseph: Maayo man ah. Ikaw ya, kamusta imo pag-eskwela? Daw nagniwang ka didto sa syudad haw?

Madam Bertud: Baw, inang bata nga ina, wala gakaon didto.

Claire: Grabi ka man sa wala gakaon, ma. Ga kaon man eh pero ti kasum-ud man bala nga adlaw-adlaw itlog kag noodles.

Madam Bertud: Amo gid ina ya kun gaesk wela ka. Tama ka pamigado bala subong. Kumpare, ginahambalan ko gid ina siya nga

importante nga makakaon siya kay para may ara siya sang resistensya para sa bilog niya nga adlaw nga klase.

Joseph: Tsakto na, kumare. Antos lang anay subong, ihada, ah.

Madam Bertud: Sa tuod lang kumpare, ang 600 pesos ya nga allowance sa isa ka se mana, ayawan pa ako na panigap kun diin ko kwaon. Ang akon ginansya sa pagputo, indi gid makasustenar. Pila na daan ang kilo sang kalamay subong. Hay ang pigado, mas nagapigado pa gid sa nagakatabo nga pagta laas sang mga presyo subong.

Joseph: Ay insakto gid, kumare.

Madam Bertud: Pati gani kumpare ang pre syo sang kuryente, nagtaas naman. Sang nagabot ang amon bill, ay abaw! Nakibot gid ako!

Wala ina gasubra sa lima ka gatos ang amon balayran pero nakibot na lang gid ako iya nga nakalab-ot kami P700. Amo na subong, tama na gid nga pagtipid ang amon naubra. Halu son pagpa-andar sang electric fan, daw indi kami magpaandar.

Claire: Gapamaypay na lang kami gane, Tito. Libre man hangin, ah!

Madam Bertud: Wala gid ako bala ya kumpare maghuna-huna nga maka lab-ot kita sa sini nga sitwasyon. Ano man abi kay kalabanan gid man sa mga Pilipino subong, bulag. Gina hungit na sang insakto, mangita pa gid sang iban, kundi lain ang gint up-an. Ambot, san-o pa kita liwat sini makakita sang kasanag kag mag-amat-amat masulusyonan ang aton mga problema ah. Ti, lantawa bala, tanan kita apek tado bangud sa sala nga desisyon. Sa subong, mantinir lang ta anay kag magtipid. Baklon lang kun ano ang kina hanglan kag indi na magpasobra.

Mayo naman ini kun makatibawas na kita sa kapigaduhon nga ginatawag ah.

Joseph: Hay, insakto ka gid, kumare.

Claire: Ay bongga ang pa-speech ni mudra. Big check gid, mader!

Madam Bertud: Oh siya, diri lang kami kumpare ah. Madamo gid nga salamat sa libre sakay. Yawat pa ini ang natipid namon subong sa pamasahe.

Sa subong nga panahon, sa pagtaas sang presyo sang mga balaklon, tagsa-tagsa sa aton kinahangalan nga may ara ubrahon nga mga tikang para kita makatipid. Kun kaisa gani, bisan may badyet, kulang pa ang aton mga sweldo para mabakal ang aton mga kinahanglanon. Sa subong, kinahan glan nga bal-anon naton ang aton mga prayoridad para kita makatipid.

Kanday Christine Joy Badinas kag Evelan Miranda Manejo

Dibuho ni Jaya Elizarde

sports

Back-to-back championship for COE in E-nampang Online Chess

By May Joy Olmido

THE COLLEGE of Education (COE) once again painted the Online Chess tournament with blue and yellow during the WVSU E-nampang last December 20, 2021.

As the reigning champion of last academic year’s competition, Neziah Andres of BSED 2C was able to secure her king throughout the tournament, safeguarded a winrate of 77 percent, and once again garnered gold when she pummeled her opponents in

the Women’s Division of Online Chess competition.

“I was delighted and glad to have won the E-nampang chess tournament for the second time. It was fun and challenging at the same time. Playing chess has been my passion ever since I was little. I always wanted to execute my best moves in every game. Also, winning is one of my inspirations. I do not set my mind on losing. It should always be a win in every game. With God’s wisdom upon me,

the victory that I glorify Him who gave me this talent,” Andres stated on what motivated her to win.

Furthermore, Andres showcased the heart of excellence and raised COE’s banner high as she topped the leaderboard with a total of 1,637 performance score.

“To all the chess players out there, always remember that we have 64 squares to freely move our pieces in any strategy

that we want. It is not by practicing the same moves, but discovering new positions to claim victory. Enhancing one’s skills is just a matter of right practice, discipline, enough rest, and a joyful heart while playing chess,” said Andres.

The online chess tournament was streamed via linchess.org and was facilitated by the University Student Council.

“Watching other people play video games is a double waste of time,” said American late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel in a series of videos ridiculing people who watch other people play video games as a means of entertainment. When met with backlash, he quipped that he was arguing with a bunch of “mainly 12-yearold boys.” But underneath the skeptics’ noses, the scene of competitive video gaming known as eSports has become a massive industry on its own.

Short for electronic sports, eSports is a form of competition that primarily uses digital software to compete between players using video games. These competitions aim to spread eSports around the world, ranging from your local grassroots communities to the organized massive events organized by corporations.

Although almost similar in terms of rules and presentation to traditional sports, eSports have traditions and feats that only occur in its own realm of competition. We get to see people from around the globe challenge the world’s best, all on their own regardless of age, nationality, gender, or even disability for as long as they understand the mechanics and rules of the competition — a practice that is unheard of in mainstream sports.

TUM-OK LANG BULIG

Another unique feature of eSports is its dynamic changes in strategies. Game developers actively adjust stats and systems to their titles for game balance and fair play resulting in different outcomes to matches. Balance patches and the studying of the Most Effective Tactic Available, also known as META, encourage the creation of strategies that were never thought possible. Because of this, video games will only continue to grow and develop. Unlike most traditional sports, video games undergo frequent updates, or, rarely in competitive titles, release sequels. The improvements in technology spell the rise of accessibility such as mobile gaming and upgraded hardware. This implies that the older we become, the more awesome it is to be a video gamer.

Despite the stigma of those who choose not to fully understand the industry, the main point is not whether traditional sports are better than eSports, but rather the fact that competition and sporting events continue to evolve in more ways than we can imagine. The idea of a shut-in gamer is outdated in a time when we work from home. Perhaps the so-called “12-year-olds” that argued with Kimmel have it going for themselves, and it will just grow to be better in the future.

Lads Fernando Lamier