Silak Media | E-Newsletter | Vol. XLI | No. 4 | Jan. - Nov. 2020

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, WVSU, ILOILO CITY COMMITTED TO DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM

VOL. XLI NO . 4

JANUARY - NOVEMBER 2020

By Gabrielle Faye Tolentino

HALFWAY to its implementation, Project FORTH (Formation of Teachers in Challenged Areas in the Philippines) which aims to supplement the needs of basic education teachers in challenged areas, held its second transnational training at West Visayas State University (WVSU), with the College of Education (COE) as the host department.

Co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union, WVSU-COE accommodated 73 local and international delegates last February 1721, 2020 to work on modules of the six major courses for a program offered in the master’s level.

“The purpose of the project is to prepare special teachers – people who are well-equipped to work anywhere else particularly in difficult areas,” said

GO FORTH FOR EDUCATION. Trainers from West Visayas State State University pose for a group photo with the European counterparts during the closing program of the fiveday transnational training. Photo by Dr. Fina Felisa Alcudia

program designer, Dr. Julia Gonzales.

This internationally-funded project was launched a year ago involving universities representing major regions in

the country namely: Polytechnic University of the Philippines- Manila; Centro Escolar University, Manila; p. 2 University of the Southeastern

By Paulo Bryan David

Digital Art by Lopez and Dejando

AMID the ongoing pandemic, several alumni of the College of Education (COE) took the initiative to help spread COVID-19 information by creating the ‘AlcoHero: COVID-19 Uncovered’, a Facebook page with contents pertaining to the virus written in Hiligaynon and Kinaray-a.

The page was created on March 31, 2020 by one of the former Editors-inChief of Silak Media, Michael Angelo Dejando, and was composed of Silak alumni, namely: Feaches Pearl Cabrobias,

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For breaking news and real-time updates, visit:

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@SILAKinc

Jake Lopez, Roden Pedrajas, Arnie Grace Table, Mariel Terre, and Michael Ceasar Tubal.

“We created the AlcoHero page as an initiative to make our quarantine period more productive and to help in the battle against COVID-19.

As former publication staffers, we focused our efforts on information dissemination through translating text as well as creating and uploading publication materials on social media,” said p. 2

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@silakmedia

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SILAK COE

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VOL. XLI NO. 4 –––– THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, WEST VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY, ILOILO CITY –––– JAN.-NOV. 2020

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By Beatriz Nina Barranco

MATH GEEKS. Tedric Dave Senosa (right), Lovely Mae Villaflor (center), and Yancy Aubrey Panugon (left) secure the 10th spot in UP Diliman’s National Statistics Quiz. Photo Courtesy of Tedric Dave Senosa

By Orlando M. Gamilla Jr.

FOLLOWING the retirement of Dr. Luis Abioda, University President Joselito Villaruz appointed College of Education (COE) Dean Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla as the officer-in-charge of the Office of Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPPA) through Special Order No. 20-179 issued on August 26, 2020.

Having been designated as the VPPA OIC, Dr. Dequilla is set to execute the following duties and responsibilities: proper turn-over of documents from the outgoing VPAA, perform the functions of a VPAA, and perform other functions directed by the University President.

“Thank you for your well wishes. May I always seek what is good, pure and holy as I serve,” wrote Dr. Dequilla on Facebook responding to the congratulatory notes on her appointment.

DEQUILLA

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . …Philippines, Davao; University of St. La Salle- Bacolod; and, West Visayas State University.

The project also gathered delegates from several higher education institutions and organizations from different parts of Europe, namely: University of Groningen, Netherlands; Universidad de Deusto in Bilbao, Spain; University of Bologna in Bologna, Italy; Education for an Interdependent World in Brussels, Belgium; and, the Fundacion InteRed in Madrid, Spain.

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Several organizations within the Philippines also took part in this initiative, such as the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Philippine Association for Teachers and Educators (PAFTE), Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEMEO) Regional Centre for Educational Innovation and Technology, and Teresian Association International, Inc., along with the partnership of different divisions of the Department of Education (DepEd) from Manila, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Iloilo, and Davao.

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Continued from p.1 WVSU hosts…

THREE pre-service Mathematics teachers from the College of Education (COE) represented the university and ranked 10th out of the 26 competing tertiary schools in the national “Stat-IsEeks” competition held on March 7, 2020 at the University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.

Comprising the team were second year students Tedric Dave Senosa, Lovely Mae Villaflor, and first year student Yancy Aubrey Panugon. They were accompanied by Dr. Antoniette Cortez and Dr. Roberto Sagge Jr. “We needed to manage our time well in order to handle both academics and the nearing competition. Since we had personal requirements to pass and other school works to comply, we made a deal to divide the study load among ourselves. We split it into three parts and had our fair share of topics to learn,” said Panugon , the youngest member of the WVSU team.

Furthermore, the trio was the only delegates from a university outside Luzon who qualified in the top 10 finalists.

“The moment I set foot at UP Diliman, wearing our college department's uniform together with my team mates, bearing the name of WVSU, I could never be any more proud. It was overwhelming and nerve-racking at the same time, knowing that you would be facing students from top-tier universities all over the Philippines,” added Panugon.

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Continued from p.1 COE alumni launch…

…Dejando when asked about the purpose of publishing their online information page.

Through the localized contexts and interactive graphic presentations, the creators of the page hope that their followers who were mainly Western Visayans may better understand the nature of the novel pathogen.

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VOL. XLI NO. 4 –––– THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, WEST VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY, ILOILO CITY –––– JAN.-NOV. 2020

Service. Integrity. Leadership. Advocacy. Kinship.

COMMITTED TO DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM

3

By Janna Marie Deocampo

Silak Media triumphs, reclaims major title in COPRE ‘19

SMILES OF VICTORY. Staffers of Silak Media with their advisers, Dr. Hazel Villa and Prof. Michael Caesar Tubal, are all smiles after a resounding victory in the 2019 College Press Conference and Awards at the Iloilo Grand Hotel last Nov. 29, 2020. Photo by Jake Lopez

ON ITS 40th year, Silak Media was hailed as the Best Departmental Paper during the College Press Conference (COPRE) and Awards 2019 spearheaded by the Philippine Information Agency -6 (PIA-6) last Nov. 29, 2019 at Iloilo Grand Hotel, Iloilo City.

The “Best Departmental Paper” award is a major recognition given to college or departmental publications with outstanding performance in print and online productions.

Aside from that, Silak also earned

minor awards such as 3rd Place in Best News Page and College Newsletter, 4th Best Online Newsletter, 5th Best Filipino Page, Wall Newspaper, and Literary Folio respectively. A total of 61 publications from tertiary and secondary levels joined this year’s regional gathering of campus journalists.

In the on-the-spot writing contests, Janna Marie Deocampo won first place in Editorial Writing Filipino, Dianne Mae Estocado emerged third in Editorial Writing English, Mary Grace Sanquilos ranked fifth in Feature writing Filipino

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Continued from p.8 Dr. Pedroso…

…Featured in his paper, Casa Mariquit, is a two-storey Spanish colonial ancestral house owned by Javellanas and Lopezes, built in the year 1803, located in Sta. Isabel Street, Jaro District, Iloilo City.

Moreover, one of the notable outputs from his research is the development of instructional materials like video documentaries which will be used in the teaching profession.

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and Rosefel Iritz Maghuyop secured the 5th Spot on the Whole-of-Nation Approach Essay Writing Contest.

Morever, Silak Editor-In-Chief JB Ryan Babas and Junior Editorial Assistant, Gabrielle Faye Tolentino, were pronounced 1st Runner-Up among 11 publication pairs in the Search Mr. and Ms. COPRE 2019.

“As the years go by, nagadamo ang member and it shows the dynamism of campus journalism in Western Visayas,” said Jaime S. Cabag Jr., PIA-6 Regional Head.

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Pedroso, a teacher of Social Studies for almost six years, has been using the material for his lectures in course subjects such as Trends and Issues, Landscape and the Changing World and Research for Social Studies Teachers for almost three years.

“It helps me sharpen my saw as I share my experiences to my students in Social Studies research class. I tell them my topics of interest, which

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allow them to as well get inspirations from it. Though constant follow-up and critiquing of my students’ research outputs is very time-demanding, yet, I am happy seeing them grow as a person cultivating critical thinking skills and become culturally-rooted as most of my current student researches tackle about Pagpasaka sang Balas, Komposo, Sadok, Banig, Alima Community and a lot more,” added Dr. Pedroso.

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VOL. XLI NO. 4–––– THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, WEST VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY, ILOILO CITY –––– JAN.-NOV. 2020

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o sordid it is that while the country continues to suffer the countless tolls brought by the pandemic, leaders at the helm of saving it from further drowning are, sadly but not surprisingly, afflicted with something worse than the existing virus: toxic illusions. As a result, an end in sight, or recovery at the very least, remains a far-fetched and blurry vision.

Their version of reality, or hallucination –a more apt term, appears to be so incongruent from what is happening on the ground. And to keep them undistracted and unfazed by harsh realities, they resort to propagating false and misplaced optimism.

Sec. Leonor Briones of the Department of Education, for one, claimed that “students are excited to go back to school.”

It sounded as if it applies to all learners.

But if that is the case, she is utterly disconnected from the real scenario. The fact that the fear of contagion is still persistent for those situated in high-risk areas is more than enough to disprove her claim. Moreover, the stress level among the Filipino populace due to this deadly pathogen reached a record-high of 86 percent based on a July 2020 survey by the Social Weather Stations. Does this spell excitement for her? Her statement is a wanton disregard of other socio-emotional problems that students, who in their age,

vulnerably grapple with. For instance, some students may have lost a loved one due to the virus; others may have been enduring involuntary hunger because their parents are having a hard time making ends meet, and other instances that one would hate to think of. The good Secretary, instead, should have detailed specific plans undertaken by her department to provide guidance and counseling, or psycho-social services to students who probably, by now, are still in a state of shock.

Then here comes the Department of Health’s Sec. Francisco Duque III callously saying that the health crisis is a “blessing in disguise.” The pandemic, he said, actually brought helpful realizations for reforms in the health sector. Does this mean that the COVID-19 is all it takes to actualize restructurings in the country’s healthcare system? A big no. We do not need a pandemic to fix the fractures of the system. What this crisis did was to exacerbate, rather than solve, pre-existing problems. If curing the ills of the health department comes at the expense of thousands of people dying, innumerable individuals dwelling on streets for assistance, the economy falling by the wayside, then Duque should think twice if it is still a blessing in disguise.

Of course, Malacañang, the official residence of the President is not spared from these made-up truths because the President himself and his mouthpiece love to play with such absurdities. In a latenight address to the nation, Duterte, clinging to the belief that the vaccine is just around the corner, said: “By December, we will be back to normal.

By December tapos ito lahat.” The President, it seems, is placing all our eggs in just one basket – the uncertain and arduous discovery of a safe and effective vaccine.

Given the intricacy of clinical trials involved in vaccine development, it is unlikely that we would have the old times back by the end of the year. In the absence of a vaccine, what he could do is to advise his COVID response team to intensify contract-tracing efforts, build more isolation sites, and increase mass testing efficiency.

Since the country needs a cure for the virus and other pandemic remedies, perhaps, it is fair to say as well that we are in dire need of an antidote for idiocy – a perpetual plague we ought to overcome.

VOL. XLI NO. 4 –––– THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, WEST VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY, ILOILO CITY –––– JAN.-NOV. 2020

Service. Integrity. Leadership. Advocacy. Kinship.

COMMITTED TO DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM

EDITORIAL BOARD A.Y. 2020-2021 JB Ryan Babas Orlando M. Gamilla, Jr. Editors-in-Chief Dorothy Joy Espin Phyllis Claire Zarriz Associate Editors Jessa De Los Reyes Dionessa Grace Galima Ma. Beatriz Nina Barranco Managing Editors Sophia Angela Docena Richard Neil Lencio Rosefel Iritz Maghuyop Online Editors Gabrielle Faye Tolentiono News Editor Ma. Trisha Nicole Valdez Features Editor Paul Aries Valera Literary Editor Aimerine Montano Sports Editor Janna Marie Deocampo Joey Camilao Filipino and Local Languages Editors Dianne Mae Estocado Quennie Rose Saludares Mary Grace Sanquillos Nickalaine Santiado Dona Preter Editorial Assistants Euthel Jhon Finlac Cartoonist

Toni Gwyneth Boluso Digital Artists Paulo Bryan David SILAK TV Director Hazel Villa, Ph.D. Neña Vanessa Cabiles, Ph.D. Advisers Joselito Villaruz, M.D., Ph.D., FPPS University President

5

t has been several months since we have witnessed one of the most appalling decisions lawmakers had ever legislated: The killing of ABS-CBN’s franchise. The passing of time after that legislative murder might have downgraded our rage and condemnation but I believe that, more than ever, we have the responsibility to make this issue as relevant as it was before. Letting this fade means tolerating politicians’ apathetic practice of burying their casualties in the depths of nowhere.

Here’s my take: “A franchise is merely a privilege and not a right.” This was the most used argument thrown to justify the nonrenewal of the network’s franchise. It means, according to the purported defenders of the constitution from congress, that when the franchise expires there is no guarantee that it will

“

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be reinstated. That is precisely correct.

But just because it is classified as a “privilege” doesn’t mean that we cannot assert the rights and aspects that depend on it and will be jeopardized if the franchise is not granted. Why? Because that “privilege” encompasses the issue of press freedom, the livelihood of thousands of employees, economic repercussions, access to timely information, entertainment that eases people’s sanity during this pandemic, and many other ripples of effect.

Did the congressmen who voted to support the motion to deny ABS-CBN of its life thought of the multitude of direct and indirect consequences of their absurd decision? They did not, because if they did otherwise, then ABS-CBN

By Orlando M. Gamilla, Jr. should have been freely airing its broadcast by now.

What we saw from the congressmen was an outright display of the grave abuse of discretion and power. We all know that the granting of a legislative franchise is Congress’ prerogative. Unfortunately, the majority of the members of the committee, who took charge of the renewal, were allies of the mad man who first sparked the hate against the beleaguered network. And I know that you know who I am talking about. The congressmen (three from Iloilo), who are supposed to be the representatives of the people from their respective districts and sectors, chose to represent only one individual – a vindictive and vengeful leader.

From the very start, the president desired to close down the network because it did not air one of his political ads during the 2016 presidential elections and it showed an anti-Duterte campaign advertisement paid by then-Senator Antonio Trillanes. And these hurt him. But later on, we learned from the series of marathon hearings at the House of Representatives that even the opposition candidates had unaired campaign ads and this is because of the limitations on the airtime slots. We also learned that airing a paid negative propaganda is allowed during election periods – a provision regulated under the omnibus election code.

Fact is, not a single case was filed against ABS-CBN on election violations. p. 7

VOL. XLI NO. 4 –––– THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, WEST VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY, ILOILO CITY –––– JAN.-NOV. 2020

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By Jessa De Los Reyes

RHYTHM OF STICKS. Male members of the Manunudlo Dance Troup dance to the rhythm of “Sakuting” during the International Conference of Association of Campus Student Advisers (PACSA) last November 25-27, 2019 in Baguio City. Photo Courtesy PACSA FB page

By Euthel Jhon Finlac

AMONG eight participants nationwide, Dr. John Erwin P. Pedroso’s research study won three major recognitions in an international research convention held last November 27, 2019 in Baguio City.

Dr. Pedroso received the following citations: Best Research Paper, Best Paper Presenter, and Best Paper Defender during the 3rd International Research Conference of Philippine Association of Campus Student Advisers (PACSA).

“I really believe that success is where preparation and opportunity meet. I wrote my script, organized my slide presentation which is very brief and concise, added necessary photographs, and find time to rehearse my oral delivery with the time limit that is stipulated in the contest guidelines. I as well involve my students to assist me that they may get ideas on how to present before the crowd. With all these things in mind, winning follows,” underlined Dr. Pedroso about his preparations.

During the third day of the convention, researchers who passed the online screening (call for papers)

conducted by the PACSA research committee presented their papers to the panel focusing on the areas of student and campus adviser services, community development, leadership and governance.

Dr. Pedroso, who presented first, delivered the findings of his research entitled: “Casa Mariquit as an Ilonggo Cultural Heritage Site: Towards the Development of a Video Documentary as Instructional Material”. p. 3

PEDROSO

MANUNUDLO Dance Troupe, a newly formed dance group from the College of Education (COE), has reached the national stage as they performed various Philippine Folk Dances during the International Conference of Association of Campus Student Advisers (PACSA) last Nov. 25-27, 2019 at Teacher’s Camp, Baguio City The said dance troupe entertained the delegates coming from universities and colleges all over the country as they performed Paseo de Iloilo, Sakuting and Pindulas.

The formation of the college’s dance company was made through the initiative of Dr. John Erwin Pedroso, a seasoned performer and winning dance coach.

Moreover, Dr. Pedroso said, Manunudlo Dance Troupe was formed to open new opportunities to the COE learners who wish to showcase their talents in folkdance.

“I am planning to launch the Manunudlo Cultural Group in the school year 2020-2021 with a cultural show entitled ‘I am a Filipino’. I am looking forward to the participation of the incoming freshmen, sophomores and juniors who have the heart to start this interest group and it will all be for the love in the name of dance,” said Dr. Pedroso when asked about his future plans for the said troupe.

He also pointed out that it is not only for amusement for it also aims to develop the students holistically by allowing them to learn the discipline of dance, the value of time, and the responsibility of taking care of their own costumes and other equipment.

VOL. XLI NO. 4 –––– THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, WEST VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY, ILOILO CITY –––– JAN.-NOV. 2020

Service. Integrity. Leadership. Advocacy. Kinship.

COMMITTED TO DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM Continued from p.5 Grave Abuse…

…The election-related issues were just some of the numerous allegations competently and persuasively defended

by ABS-CBN. Confirmations from government agencies that regulate the legal, technical, and financial affairs of the network affirmed, countless times, that ABS-CBN did not commit any misdeed.

Thus, one wonders why ABS-CBN was deliberately denied its liberty albeit being able to comply with all the requisites of franchise application.

Is there a dire need to close down their broadcast operations on free TV in a time where access to free-flowing and reliable information is tantamount to a life saved from the perils of disinformation? Shall we opt to shut down a broadcasting business when the focus now should be to save more businesses to keep an already ailing economy afloat? In the case of thousands of retrenched employees, is it righteous to rub more salt to the severe wounds of the unemployment rate in the country? Is it right that we punish a company for unproven and fabricated allegations? Do you find any sense to halt all their transmission networks when, in fact, it could have been instrumental in the efficient delivery of TV and Radio-based education? (Not to mention they have the widest reach.)

For as long as grave abuse of power and discretion perpetuate among the lawmakers and executives of this land, these questions, and a lot more questions, will remain hanging. But on the other side –not so bright– we can hope and pray that politicians stop pursuing their self-serving interests, and start working for the greater good of this nation. As to when this time will come, I don’t know. I am not sure.

Maybe it will, but probably not. /END Continued from p. 16 UAAP…

…only up to him, he wouldn’t leave the team but he was left with no choice.

Cansino soon then found a new home in Diliman when the UP Fighting Maroons welcomed him as their new

addition to the team. He will serve a one-year residency before playing for the Fighting Maroons in Season 84. The turmoil continued to ensue when several players followed suit.

Notable players like Rhenz Abando, Brent Paraiso, and Ira Bataller transferred to the reigning NCAA champions Letran Knights, while Jun Asuncion is headed to Mapua Cardinals. Whereas, Mark Nonoy and Deo Cuajao bade farewell to UST too as they move to La Salle.

The mayhem continued to erupt as photos and videos of the Tiger’s bubble training in Capuy, Sorsogon appeared on social media. The said training conducted amidst the pandemic brought safety concerns owing to the fact that it violated the community quarantine rules.

According to the article published by Rappler, “The IATF launched a probe on the Sorsogon bubble with the concerted effort of the UAAP, Department of Health, Philippine Sports Commission, and Games and Amusements Board. UST also started its investigation on the bubble. Eventually, the Department of Justice and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) became involved in the probe.”

With the Sorsogon issue surfacing, USTMBT Head Coach Aldin Ayo formally resigned as Tigers coach. UST accepted his resignation along with his assistants, McJour Luib and Jinino Manansala.

But the UST Saga didn’t end there because UAAP struck an indefinite ban on Ayo from coaching other member schools for ‘’endangering the health and well-being’’ of his players.

Now that the fire has gone out, we are left with the question, “What’s next for UST? Will they be able to rise above ashes?’’. A question we will soon find out the answer to when the UAAP Season 83 is planned to start in the early part of 2021 given if the pandemic situation in the country improves./END

7 Continued from p. 16 Of Kills…

…Last year, Sison was one of the university's rookies. Her first time in the RSCUAA Sportsfest and Conference didn't intimidate her to help her team win third place. At the age of 20, she has already come a long way since she engaged herself in badminton.

Thus, being a part of WVSU badminton team to represent and give pride to the university is her greatest achievement and with the support and guide from the people around her, she always gives her best for all her hard work to pay off.

"Being a student-athlete is not easy," she admitted. "Estudyante sa umaga, manlalaro sa gabi" is her mantra for years that she has been playing her sport. Time management is something that the junior Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd) student slash student-athlete learned from her experience which made her balance both education and passion./END Continued from p. 11 Urit Ron…

…agud magpadulong sa ila nga talamnan.

Ginausoy ang banas samtang bitbit ang arado sa isa ka kamot kadungan sang pagguyod sang karbaw nga gamiton sa pagarado. Nagaulan man ukon nagatagi-ti ang init, padayon sila nga nagapanikasog agud may anihon sa ulihi. Kasisidmon na kon makapauli sila sa ila mga puluy-an kon kaisa.

Apang kaluluoy lang sining mga mangunguma bangud wala nahatagan sang nagakaigo nga pagtalupangod. Nagaantos sila sa manubo nga bili sang patubas nga halos daw pangayuon na lang sang manugbakal. Para sa ila, tuman ka nubo ang dose pesos kada kilo nga presyo sang palay.

Indi ini makabayad sa kantidad nga ila gingasto sa pagpananom. Masubo man man panumdumon apang amo ini ang kamatuoran.

Kabaylo sang ila pagpangabudlay kag pagbakabaka agud kita may pagkaon, sila iya ang nagakagutman.

Sa pihak sang kabudlay nga ila ginapangatubang, makita sa gihapon ang ila nga paglaum. Paglaum nga magaabot ang adlaw nga matalupangdan ang ila nga pinangabudlayan. Kaugyon sa ila, ginahulat ko man ang nagakaigo nga tion nga mabatian ang tingog sining mga bulahan nga mangunguma.

Urit ron sa pagpabungol- bungol! Urit ron sa pagbalewala sining mga baganihan sang aton panahon!

Story by Rosefel Iritz Maghuyop & Paul Aries Valera Photos By Rosefel Iritz Maghuyop

hile skies are dark and a cold morning breeze blows, the matutinal mist continues to fall into muddy grass fields. Teams of children, teens, and young adults, from Barotac Nuevo in Ilolo are lined up beside the field, lacing up their spiked shoes before falling into formation for their warm-up.

The Barotacnons' extreme love for football does not end there. Their players are devoted to the game— almost making it their religion. Their journey usually starts at a very young age. We could say that before they could utter their first decent sentences, children were already experts in the business of juggling balls.

When they reach their teenage years, the friendly competition between schools and clubs become extremely fierce — the

same intensity present in national events. At this point, many of them will be seen by skillful eyes, and they will be recruited to prominent universities; their port key for a great college career.

This cycle helps Barotac Nuevo to constantly produce world-class players.

This recurrent process, granted famous echoes to the names of Chiefy Caligdong, retired team captain of the national football team— Azkals, his former teammate Ian Araneta, and Jovin Bedic who currently plays for various football clubs including the Azkals.

Not only have the athletes showed extreme dedication.

Even the townsfolk celebrate football

START ‘EM YOUNG. Children in Barotac Nuevo start their football skills the moment they learn to walk, and by the time they reach elementary school age, they already play well. Photo by Rosefel Iritz Maghuyop

along with their patronal fiesta. Some schools made football a required subject for senior high school P.E. It has become a tradition that every afternoon, the verdant fields of Barotac Nuevo are teeming with players from all walks of life.

Football is an integral part of Barotacnons’ lives. It has been integrated into the town's symbol.

Their marker is their legendary horse, Tamasak holding a football on its foot, showing the town's pride in being the football capital of the Philippines. Tamasak is the horse that stands as the symbol of Barotac Nuevo – a perfect metaphor for athletes whose kicks are powered by passion and radiation.

Petals of Local Beauty If you want to see the bed of flowers in Dubai Miracle Garden, witness the blooming sunflowers in Tuscany, Italy, or take tons of Instagram-worthy pictures in the Carlsbad Flower Field of California, but your pocket cries only a 50 peso bill, the humble town of Barotac Nuevo has something special for you.

Few kilometers away from the heart of the town, Kalan-an sa Garden, located at Tinori-an, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo are welcoming visitors since 2018. Premiering with a solitary display of sunflowers, the garden has expanded to tending and showcasing different varieties of blossoms in nothing more than a year.

“May kalan-an kami kung gusto

nila magkaon pagkatapos papicture sa sunflower and other flowers. May mga designs kami nga tractor, big sunflower nga puwede mapungkuan, castle, bikes, and instruments like piano and violin,” shared Elvis John Lonzaga, owner of Kalan-an sa Garden. (“We have a diner for those who want to eat, and then they could take some photos with the sunflowers and other floras. We also have designs such as tractors, big sunflowers where people can sit, castles, bikes, and instruments like piano and violin,”)

PICTURE WORTHY. For only P50, you can already capture all the scenic angles in this emerging tourism site called Kalan-an sa Garden, located in Tinori-an, Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo. Photos by Rosefel Iritz Maghuyop

The lusciously colorful field of flowers has been inviting local bloggers and vloggers; even pre-nuptial and debut photo shoots have been taken at the sunflower farm. Visitors cannot only take scenic images with the flowers, bikes, and gigantic instruments—they can also pick their desired sunflower at only P50 per stem.

They also built a souvenir shop beside their eatery and cafe, for the visitors to have physical receipts of the beauty of the farm.

It will only take two rides from someone from the city to reach this humble paradise. Take a jeepney ride until Tagbak Terminal, then take a bus ride en route to the Northern part of Iloilo. Tell the konduktor to drop you off at Kalan-an sa Garden at Tinori-an, Barotac Nuevo, and in less than an hour, stand in awe as the vast land area of floral plethora greets you.

Prepare your camera and OOTDs, bring with you your friends and family. For a modest price of P50 per person, it will seem like you have been to an international flower garden without breaking the bank, and going through the lavish out-of-the-country exodus.

VOL. XLI NO. 4 –––– THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, WEST VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY, ILOILO CITY –––– JAN.-NOV. 2020

10 TRANSMISSION

Infected people expel droplets when they talk, cough or sneeze. These may enter your eyes / nose / mouth.

Touching contaminated objects puts infected droplets onto your hands which can enter your nose / eyes / mouth.

SYMPTOMS Fever Cough Sore Throat Fatigue Shortness of breath Headache Rash Loss of taste Diarrhoea Note: Some people may not have any symptoms yet can spread the infection.

PREVENTION Wear a face mask when in Wash your hands frequently Maintain a distance of 1-2 public and in closed areas and use alcohol-based metres (3-6 feet) from others hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available

2m COPING WITH THE QUARANTINE STRESS Take a break from listening to, watching or reading about COVID-19 frequently especially on Facebook.

Keep yourself in the best possible health. Sleep well, eat healthy, and be physically active.

Source: https://pandemic.internationalsos.com

Plan your day, prioritize tasks and engage in activities you enjoy - keep yourself stimulated and entertained.

VOL. XLI NO. 4 –––– THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, WEST VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY, ILOILO CITY –––– JAN.-NOV. 2020

Service. Integrity. Leadership. Advocacy. Kinship.

COMMITTED TO DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM

Ni Mary Grace Sanquillos apal-ong ang kinaandan nga mga pagginawi sa sulod kang amon balay. Ginasagap-sagap kang akon talinga ang kulas kang pagpanghimos ni tatay sa kasanagon agud magpreparar kang sarang ibaligya sa tinda. Nagbalhin dya umpisa nga nag-istrikto ron ang patakaran hay may pandemya nga ginalikawan.

“

Hay wara ginpasugtan ang angkas sa habalhabal, napiritan gid kami nga magpanaw kang mga anom ka kilometro kon may kinahanglanon sa banwa.

Ginaagwanta ang doble nga pamasahe sa traysikol. Ginhawa pa kang kinot ka bugas nga laon nga makalab-ot sa tiggararab hay wara ti kwarta nga inugdarawat.

Dugang pa dyan kara ang pagmahal kang mga baraklon sa tyangge. Ano pa, tuman man ang pagkini-kini sa pangadlaw-adlaw nga karan-on. Sa binukid gid abi ang amon lugar kag tuman ka hina ang koneksyon. Indi takun makadali-dali bista kang mga impormasyon nga naghalin sa eskwelahan.

Ginatinguhaan ko magbugtaw sa kasanagon nga una pa sa panukturuok kang manok agud mabukad ang mga mensahe sa cellphone.

Masunsun nga nagalibog ang akon ulo sa pagpanumdum kon paano gid lang bay nga mag-umpisa dun gid ang klase kag amo gihapon dya ang plastada. Luwas pa dyan kara, nawad-an dun man ka ubra ang akun mga magurang hay naglockdown. Wara’t sweldo nga inugpadara nga raad yadi pa makapiyanpiyan sa kinahanglanon sa sulod balay.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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rit ron! Ini ang mga tinaga nga masami ko mabatian sa mga pumuluyo diri sa amon isla. Panambiton ini ilabi na gid sang mga may palangabuhian na kasubong sang mga mangingisda kag mga mangunguma.

Isa ini ka pamaagi sang pagbugno sa ila isigkapareho nga ang buot silingon mag-untat na sa pag-obra sang mga hilikuton kay malapit na ang kasisidmon. Ginapalab-ot sini nga kon mahimo padayunon na lang ini sa masunod nga adlaw.

. . . .

“

”

Kinahanglan gid nga mangin wais sa kadya nga panahon agud makakwarta.

Bintaha lang man hay may tanom si nanay nga laswa sa likod balay nga sarang ikonsumo kag pwede man ibaligya agud nga may benta.

Rako nga pagbag-o ang nagkaratabo sugod kang nag-abot ang dyang coronavirus. Duru ya naapektuhan ya parangabuhian kag sara dun dyan ako kag ang akun pamilya. Sa tunga kang ginaatubang natun nga problema, gintudluan kami kang amon ginikanan nga indi magsarig sa bulig kang gobyerno.

Sa baylo, mangin masinurundon sa mga patakaran nanda.

Una sa tanan, sa amo dya nga tion, kami ginhugpong kang pinanggas nga kapisan agud mamunga kang aranyon nga pagasa.

. . . . . . . .

Urit ron! Ang mga tinaga nga nagapahanumdom sa akon sang isa ka hitabo nga tubtob subong nagapabilin sa akon hunahuna.

Isa sadto ka maulanon nga hapon sang nag-upod ako kay nanay agud mangita sang ulutanon para sa amon panyapon, naagyan namon si Tiyoy Atong nga nagaarado sang iya nga talamnan.

Ginbugno sia ni nanay nga nagasiling, “Urit ron! Buwas naman.”

Nagtungkaaw si Tiyoy Atong kag nagsabat, “Tapuson ko na lang ini. Gusto ko naman magpahunay- hunay sa balay galing wala ako sang may mahimo. Kon indi ako magbaka-baka diri sa talamnan, wala ako sang ipakaon sa akon pamilya.”

Sugod sadtong adlaw, mas nahangpan ko ang kabudlay nga ginaantos sang mga mangunguma nga kaangay ni Tiyoy Atong agud may ibutang kita sa aton mga latok. Mas nakita ko ang ila pagsakripisyo agud masigurado nga may kalan-on ang

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.

. . .

Ni Dionessa Grace Galima kalabanan sa aton.

Bilang bata sang isa ka mangunguma, nasaksihan ko ang pagpangabudlay sa uma. Pamanagbanag pa lang, nagahalin na ang mga mangunguma sa ila mga puluy-an p. 7

.

VOL. XLI NO. 4 –––– THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, WEST VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY, ILOILO CITY –––– JAN.-NOV. 2020

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MASSIVE NUMBERS Screen shot from the pages “NEGROS VS PANAY SINUYAAY” and ‘PANAY VS. NEGROS UNIVERSITIES BARDAGULAN PT 2” show how much user participation on Facebook these groups have gained since its creation on March 25, 2020. ith the suspension of online alternatives for education at the basic and tertiary levels, thousands of students in Negros Occidental and Panay Island resorted to creating or joining social media groups to cope with boredom.

Several thousands have joined Facebook groups such as “Iloilo Universities Bardagulan”, “Negros Universities Bardagulan” and “Negros Vs Panay Sinuyaay” -- pages joined by mostly college students who engage in one-upmanship using sarcasm, belittling, and dark humor to annoy each other.

A search of the words “Bardagulan” and “Sinuyaay” showed more than 80 variants of related pages on Facebook because members create backup pages whenever the pages they use are reported or archived. These pages are either public groups or private groups.

“Bardagulan” is a portmanteau of the Hiligaynon slang term “bordagul” which means “hard-headed” and the word “sinuyaay” from the root word “suya” which means “to belittle”.

The members of these groups vary in number but the “Negros Vs Panay Sinuyaay”, a public page, holds the record for the most number of members

By Orlando M. Gamilla, Jr. reaching over 200,000 that feed the page with more than 10,000 posts a day.

“Negros Vs Panay Sinuyaay” was created on March 25, 2020 -- just around the period when most provinces in the region implemented quarantine measures and with the

“

Commission on Higher Education (CHED) sending out a statement to Higher Education Institutions on March 24, 2020 “urging” that they “review their online classes and adopt other alternative delivery systems in view of the ECQ.” The statement from CHED Chairman J. Prospero De Vera III said many universities have earlier suspended or calibrated their online classes after receiving complaints of inaccessibility and lack of resources from student groups.

Iloilo Province and City proceeded to an Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) on March 20 yet while Negros Occidental and its capital Bacolod declared a “General Community Quarantine” last March 15 but turned this into an ECQ on March 30.

Ground rules thrown aside “I created the group because of the rush of excitement. I was a member of an already existing “bardagulan” page, and I thought it would be fun to make one that includes both islands. It was just for the sake of friendly banter, nothing else,” said a creator of the “Negros Schools Bardugalan” that has more than 3,200 members.

VOL. XLI NO. 4 –––– THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, WEST VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY, ILOILO CITY –––– JAN.-NOV. 2020

Service. Integrity. Leadership. Advocacy. Kinship.

COMMITTED TO DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM

“

13

Students in Western is an alternativeVisayas platform for sharing create divisive

There are group admins that impose some ground rules such as no screenshots of comments and statuses, nothing should be taken personally or seriously, no boorish behavior, and no homophobic, sexist and misogynic posts -- but these were disregarded, so the page admins ended up writing disclaimers that whatever are posted are meant as jokes and for fun only and not to be taken personally.

This is in the face of users posting about harmless comparisons of their schools, cities and towns – all the way to nasty and crude comments about provincial cultural differences that have resulted to online brawls and far nastier threads of comments.

updates happening in the society.

His post has been shared more than 2,200 times as of April 1, 2020.

Psychological, Sociological Notes In light of this “bardagulan” Facebook phenomenon, a psychology and sociology professor of the Iloilo Science and Technology University told the Inquirer that this bardagulanay among Ilonggo students has become a “new normal” as a consequence of being quarantined for a long period.

Justine Christiamarie S. Obando explained that “a lack of social contact may oblige us to figure out ways to make us feel we are socializing despite

and Hazel P. Villa This is in the face of users posting about harmless comparisons of their schools, cities and towns – all the way to nasty and crude comments about provincial cultural differences that have resulted to online brawls and far nastier threads of comments.

“I tried to moderate the group the day I created it, I even set up rules. But people were not reading it, so I eventually gave up moderating and let other admins do it,” said the creator of the “Negros Schools Bardugalan” ‘A kind of tribalism’ However, what these page members considered harmless were considered divisive by others.

“This kind of tribalism is an evidence of how kids today have turned into simpletons due to their boredom. This, in turn, normalizes online wars and insults in exchange for clout,” wrote a professor from the Carlos Hilado Memorial State College in Talisay City, Negros Occidental who goes by the Facebook name Karlo Antonio Gramsci-Marxismo.

In a Facebook post, he said that Facebook was not a place for flexing ‘regionalist attitude’ or a bragging place for “a den of elitist scumbags’ instead, it

MOVIE TIME. Memes about the “Bardagulan” and “Sinuyaay” also played with the trend as some members would admit that they prefer just to view through whatever post in the page than to comment and join the online riot.

Screen Shot from Facebook User Ky Le

physical isolation. And to cope, we find ways to temporally replace and adjust our usual behavior to the “new normal.”

“In the case of these Facebook groups, we find students at home with time on their hands trying to adapt in a stressful environment with very limited options to cope. Let’s say a typical student has a fixed class schedule, frequent interactions with classmates and school-

”

related activities such as projects and homework to do.

During this quarantine period, all of these are eliminated. For the majority, the only constant social environment is through social media. Some are bored, some are scared, some are anxious, majority are just looking for constant social interaction. Joining groups help them feel like they are not isolated and interact socially with others,” she added.

According to Obando, who holds a Master of Arts degree in Education, Major in Social Studies from the West Visayas State University -- if these groups aggravate stress and aggression among students, then they must start to find other ways of coping because she argues that if one steps on the emotional boundaries of other people, it can also force a feeling of negativity, discrimination and develop more stress.

“However, the main issue if joining these groups are a harmless way of coping or if it promotes aggression. It can be one or the other, both or neither.

In the long term, it is an interesting direction for recent group dynamics. In my personal opinion though, if it fosters too much negative emotions, it’s better to stop and find other means to cope,” she said.

Obando encouraged students to find online activities that would make them happy without stepping on the boundaries of other people, adding that students should communicate with their social groups by promoting healthy topics to keep them socially and mentally active./END

VOL. XLI NO. 4 –––– THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, WEST VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY, ILOILO CITY –––– JAN.-NOV. 2020

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By Orlando M. Gamilla, Jr.

chools in Negros Occidental have been in the forefront of the bayanihan effort in the time of the coronavirus pandemic, providing meals and spearheading donation drives since the province was placed under an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) on March 30.

Among those helping the frontliners and vulnerable groups are Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) such as the Technological University of the Philippines (TUP) Visayas in Talisay City, West Visayas State University (WVSU) Himamaylan City Campus, University of St. La Salle (USLS) in Bacolod City, and Carlos Hilado Memorial State College (CHMSC) in Talisay City.

Before the imposition of the ECQ through an executive order signed by Governor Eugenio Jose "Bong" Lacson, the whole province was placed under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) on March 15 that advised HEIs to suspend classes and operate through a skeleton force.

3D printed face shields In the northern part of the province, TUP Visayas together with its partner organization, Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation (NWTF), initiated the mass production of protective faceshields using 3D printers. The project was launched on March 24.

INNOVATIVE GEARS. Campus Director Dr. Eric Malo-oy (center) of the Technological University of the Philippines-Visayas in Talisay City assembles the face shield frame with the Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) cover.

Photo courtesy of Technological University of the Philippines-Visayas in Talisay City and Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation

DAILY DELIVERY. A volunteer from a partnership of the Technological University of the Philippines-Visayas in Talisay City and Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation hands over 3D printed face shields to the medical staff of Bago City Hospital. Photo courtesy of Technological University of the Philippines-Visayas in Talisay City and Negros Women for Tomorrow Foundation

According to the online working staff, the project was their response to address the scarcity of personal protective equipment (PPEs) for medical and border control frontliners in various parts of the province.

"The Technological University of the Philippines-Visayas led by its Campus Director, Eric Malo-oy stays true to its commitment to continuously contribute to the government's effort towards improving the efficiency in the delivery of public service by gathering its team to establish a 3D printing farm to produce protective face shields using the University's 3D Printers," they said.

Working on this initiative meant no weekends for the volunteers to reach their monthly quota of 4,000 face shields at theDOST-TUP V Hive – a mechanical

production site which they refer to as the "printing farm" located in Bata Village, Bacolod City.

It usually takes an hour and a half for one 3D printing device to produce one face shield frame. With this capacity, all the 31 units can approximately operationalize 300 pieces of shield frames a day.

When the face shield frame made of Polylactic Acid is done, it is being assembled with a cover made of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC).

Much of the production cost was funded by the NWTF through its Director for Special Project, Raymond Serios, who provided 20 units of 3D printers. The university's Mechatronics Department led the operation of 3D printers for the manufacturing of face shields.

VOL. XLI NO. 4 –––– THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, WEST VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY, ILOILO CITY –––– JAN.-NOV. 2020

Service. Integrity. Leadership. Advocacy. Kinship.

COMMITTED TO DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM

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and Hazel P. Villa

"The main budget was channeled by and was able to generate P50,000 the NWTF, a micro-financing institution. mostly from faculty, students, and The university focused on the technical staff. grounds particularly in productions, As of April 2, they have delivery management, and operational distributed 1,200 food packs shared management," the team said. by 1,600 familiesin the towns of

By Day 16 of the operation, the team Murcia, E.B. Magalona, component has produced a total of 2,865 pieces of 3D city of Talisay, and Bacolod City printed face shields distributed to hospital through a Food Aid Caravan units and border control points as far as sponsored by the Jollibee Group FOOD SERVICE. Volunteer cooks of the Hinobaan town to San Carlos City in the Himamaylan City satellite campus of IloiloFoundation . south and north Negros, respectively. based West Visayas State University help On March 29, members of De They have also started fabricating pack meals for distribution to the city’s La Salle Brothers of USLS-Bacolod misting booths, a disinfecting equipment front liners. Photo by Genesis Camarista started providing 100 hygiene kits designed for buildings like hospitals to Camarista said that the 1,200 packed to the health workers of the Doctors minimize the pathogen's probability of meals distributed daily benefits 14 Hospital and Corazon Locsin entering the medical vicinity. sectorsthat includes a feeding program Montelibano Memorial Regional Packed meals In southern Negros, the Himamaylan for approximately 80 to100 children in Hospital who are housed in the two safe shelters of De La Salle City satellite campus of Iloilo-based West Himamaylan City.

Donation initiatives Philippines in USLS-Bacolod.

Visayas State University (WVSU) has Call for donations in cash and in These shelters are USLSbeen assisting the Local Government Unit kind were circulated online by Facebook Bacolod’s Balay Kalinungan and the (LGU) in cooking and packing meals for pages of CHMSC-Talisay and USLS- Nursing and Medicine campuses that the first responders of the city.

"When the lockdown or ECQ issue Bacolod as their way of generating help opened on March 29.

The De La Salle Brothers of arose, the city mayor of Himamaylan City for medical and marginalized sectors.

CHMSC-Talisay called their Bacolod were also able to solicit approached me if the campus is willing to take charge of preparing the food for donation drive as the "CHMSCyanihan P45,200 in donations as of April 1. frontliners of the city. After securing the Kontra COVID-19" nod of our campus nurse, Honeylen Makilanto, to head the whole activity, I right away informed the mayor of our willingness to accept the task," said Dr. Genesis Camarista, campus administrator.

Roughly 36 volunteers comprised the workforce of students from the campus' medic and first-aid organization, faculty, alumni, parents, and LGU representatives who tirelessly prepare 6 meals a day – this means cooking and packing meals from breakfast to midnight snacks since March 26.

"Sometimes we end up at midnight preparing for the next day, cleaning and disinfecting the kitchen, and washing the utensils," said Camarista who also lends his car for the delivery of food packs.

The LGU provided them with agricultural products purchased from the LOCAL PRODUCE. The personnel from the Himamaylan City satellite campus of Iloiloproduce of local farmers in Himamaylan based West Visayas State University prepare well-balanced meals from local agricultural City. products purchased by the LGU. Photo by Genesis Camarista

By Rosefel Iritz Maghuyop and Dorothy joy Espin

hoelace securely tied up, knee pad safely centered on the kneecap, and did a little stretching to ease the tension. The handle was gripped harder as her name resounded within the four-walled court. The whistle called for the start of the game, and there she went— heated up the crowd as the cork pointed on her side.

Angelica Marie Sison, a twotime representative of West Visayas State University (WVSU) Badminton Team in the Regional State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (RSCUAA) Sportsfest and Conference, never fails to hold the banner high as she brought honor and glory to her family, college, and university, last February 1-6, 2020 at Talisay City, Negros Occidental, snatching 4th place with her team in the Women’s Category.

At the age of 10, she tried out for their school’s badminton team

when her Physical Education (PE) teacher, Mr. Stephen Immanuel Blanca, saw her potential. She never thought that the sport she just fondly played with her friends along the streets of Igbaras, Iloilo, will bring her to her first First Congressional District Sports Association (FCDSA) meet when she was in her 4th grade. And with her first win, she knew then that it was the start of her badminton journey.

When asked about how she developed her skills in this sport, “Through trainings, friendship and actual games, motivation from parents, coaches, and friends to pursue my career, and watching gameplay in YouTube para maapply or practice to improve tactics and strategies in playing,” she said.

Since she was in grade 4 up until now, she proves to everyone that constant correct practice makes p. 7 perfect. .

ATHLETIC LIFE. Sison (rightmost) and her fellow athletes represent West Visayas State University in the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (RSCUAA) Sportsfest and Conference last Feb.1-6 in Talisay City Negros Occidental. Photo by Angelica Marie Sison

By Jessa De Los Reyes

year has already gone by when the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) basketball tournament for Season 82 commenced. It seems like it was just yesterday when the crowd coming from different universities would fill up the arena and chant their respective school’s cheers.

University of Santo Tomas’ catchy ‘Go USTe’ chant would always roar loud and clear every time a growling tiger would shoot a 3-point shot during crucial gameplays.

USTMBT made headlines last season during the second round when they made it apparent that they are a strong contender vying for a spot in the finals. But what was once a fiery ignited team turned into smoke and shambles as controversies erupted leading to the departure of several key players and personnel.

The chaos went off when former Tigers’ team captain, CJ Cansino, announced that he got kicked off from the team. His departure left several eyebrows raised when he said some cryptic p. 7 remarks saying that if it was