SIRMATA VOL. XXXIX NO. 2

RELEVANCE EXCELLENCE GROWTH

MMSU is topperforming law school in Region 1 from 2011-2020

by Edmar Delos Santos

STALLIONS UNLEASH CREATIVITY; TOP REGIONAL CULTURE, ARTS TILT

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Showcasing their high-caliber execution of talent and artistry in the different culture and arts events, the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) Stallions seized the overall championship title in the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) Culture and Arts Festival at the Pangasinan State University (PSU) last November 22-23.

Amassing a total of 75 points, the Stallions clinched the top spot against six other State Universities and Colleges (SUC) after flaunting the mighty tone of their voices, the gracefulness of their feet, and their innate love for culture, which made them top the overall tally.

The artists with their coaches fought head-to-head in the different categories during the two-day battle for greatness wherein they claimed four glorious first-spot finishes, including the win of Micheal Christophe Agustin of Bachelor of Secondary Education - Major in English in the Mr. PASUC-1 pageant at the PSU Convention Hall.

“It’s really great contributing something this wonderful to my institution, the MMSU,” said newly-crowned Agustin in a post-pageant interview. “It’s

MMSU Agriculture students get first-ever AGA Scholarship

Three senior agriculture students of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) have received full-scholarship from the Canadian institution partner, AGA Academy.

Christian Paul Lazaro, Meynard Saclayan, and John Lester Pungtilan from the College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development (CAFSD) are the chosen grantees for the AGA Presidential Scholarship. Started last October, the grantees were receiving a monthly living allowance of Php 5,600 for one academic year.

Saclayan, one of the grantees said that he wants to become a bridge to change people’s perspective on the agriculture sector, to stand as proof that agriculture can transform lives, and that the profession is not poor but noble.

really

Among these four top placements was Jacinth Apphia P. Perez from the Bachelor of Culture Arts Education’s triumph as she sounded the hall with her emotional performance to clinch the gold in the Violin Solo competition.

Driven by a deep passion for executing their characters, members of the Short and Sweet Play from the

Teacher Education (CTE), College of Health Sciences (CHS), and College of Engineering (COE), stood out among the rest of the contestants during the Show Choir competition as they showed a hair-raising rendition of Nosi Balasi, that swayed the judges in giving them the top spot.

“Joining the show choir competition for the first time is a mixture of pressure and pleasure. Pressured because we have to defend our title at the same time, I feel grateful that I am able to showcase my talent again in such a competition,” said choral member Francis Jose Piedad in an interview.

Furthermore, four-second place finishes were also seized by the Stallions

Lucky Charm Palting of Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management was awarded Ms. PASUC-1 First Runner-up in the pageant after gracing the stage with her wit, charm, and confidence which brought the audience to roar for her beauty.

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering student, Godwayne Pascual joined the medal spree of MMSU as he posted his exceptional color rendering to claim the second

He may be questioned by many why he has chosen the field of agriculture, Saclayan was seeing the positive side of it that someday he will become a successful Agriculturist. Through the help of the AGA scholarship, he will be a step ahead for his dreams.

According to the Chief for Alumni Relations, Ms. Krismary Sharmaine Yapo, every year, AGA will be selecting three student-scholars. As a requirement for this, student applicants should obtain a general weighted average of not lower than 1.75 for the past two semesters. Also, they must also have a combined annual gross income of parents which does not exist Php 400,000.

In line with the awarding of scholarship, the AGA Chief Executive Officer and President Abelita L. Villanueva and MMSU President Shirley C. Agrupis signed a memorandum of agreement for the scholarship.

AGA Academy is a Canada-based institution. Villanueva, the president and CEO of the said institution is a Filipino alumna of MMSU and degree holder in Agricultural Technology.

This institutional partner of MMSU aims to give students a sustainable future by offering them the advantage of great experiential learning in a supportive academic atmosphere. This partnership of the university from an international institution is a part of its seven-point agenda, external linkages and partnerships.

Contemporary dancer Genina Mae Sagadraca said in an interview that on behalf of her team, they felt delighted in representing MMSU in such a wonderful event, and to win silver is already a big thing for them because it’s another glory brought to the university.

Finally, BCAED student Jobelyn Pastor’s lovely voice made a statement and made her place third in the Pop Solo tilt, which completed the medal haul of MMSU, sealing a glorious end in the culture and arts festival.

Top finishers are hopeful of having a national face-off between different regions of the country as they will represent Region 1 in their respective categories, with more intense battles, and fiercer opponents.

According to the report released on October 30, 2022, through the LEB’s Facebook page and its official website, MMSU recorded an overall passing rate of 48.00%, contributing 48 lawyers in the region from the year 2011 to 2020.

Following MMSU are St. Louis College (19.26%), University of Northern Philippines (18.93%), Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (16.97%), and Northwestern University (13.89%).

Furthermore, the average passing rate for new takers from accredited law schools in the region is 29.42%, while for repeaters is 17.45%, and 23.51% overall. As of this writing, LEB has recorded 459 new lawyers in the region in the last decade.

LEB is a national government agency regulating legal education in the Philippines.

by Addison Pascua

accolades as they were proclaimed the third-place winner in the statistics

Representing the province of Ilocos Norte, all five students

head-to-head

other participants from the provinces of Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan in their respective categories during the competition.

Prior to that, they earlier participated in the provincial eliminations of their respective events where they all bagged the first places in each category.

Anchored with the theme, “Boosting the Country’s Recovery with Informed Decisions, Better Policies,” the event, which was spearheaded by the Philippine Statistics Authority, aims to emphasize the critical role of statistics in crafting the most appropriate decisions and policies needed to boost recovery efforts.

LABAN MMSU. Contemporary dancers of MMSU pours their souls out as they depict a story of a boy coming back to life through creative and staggering movements at PSU convention hall in Lingayen, Pangasinan.

PHOTO BY JOHN LLOYD BALANTAC

overwhelming since this is not something that I did not expect, and I’m not used to joining pageants, to begin with. But I’m really grateful for this victory because I got to represent MMSU in my senior year.”

spot in the On-the-spot Poster Making Contest. The awards kept coming as dancers in the Contemporary and Folk Dance competitions both bagged the silver medals despite displaying their performances at a PSU-dominated audience. Contemporary Dance group is composed of performers from CTE, CHS, and the College of Business, Economics, and Accountancy (CBEA), while Folk Dancers are all from CTE.

Benedict Jay Collado

by Lucky Palting & Ivy Guanzon

Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) was hailed as the best law school out of 10 institutions in Ilocos Region in terms of its overall passing percentage, according to a Legal Education Board (LEB) report on the 10-year performance of legal education institutions in Bar examinations.

The Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU)

once again produced another set of brilliant learners to add to its long list of achievers as five students relished their victory during the 33rd National Statistics Month-Regional Celebration held in San Fernando City, La Union, October 18, 2022.

Gaven Contreras, a third-year Bachelor of Secondary Education major in English student, was hailed the second-place winner in the oratorical competition while Godwayne Jann Pascual, a third-year Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering student, also took second place in the poster slogan contest.

On the other hand, first-year civil engineering students Cesar Respicio and Charlie Quetula, together with Vince Auldrich Cullanay, a second-year Bachelor of Science in Mathematics student, also brought home

quiz.

went

against

College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development(CAFSD) stu dents (from left to right) Christian Paul Lazaro, Meynard Saclayan, and John Lester Pungtilan receives their AGA Presidential scholarship sti pends on October 2022 (Photo courtesy: MMSU Stratcomm)

Surpassing the National passing rate of 36.42%, Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) obtained 60%. Six out of ten examinees passed the October 2022 Licensure Examination for Fisheries Professionals conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Board last October 6 and 7.

Seven MMSU board takers are first-timers.

The University’s new Fisheries Professionals are among the 716 board passers out of 1,966 examinees around the country.

Surpassing the national passing rate of 77.11% for the Licensure Examination for Electronics Technician, Mariano Marcos State UniversityBatac Campus recorded 80% passing rate. 16 out of the 20 examinees passed the exam conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Board last October 10.

Meanwhile, Mariano Marcos State University obtained an overall passing rate of 19.23% in the Licensure Examination for Electronics Engineers.

Five out of 26 examinees passed the exam which was also facilitated by the PRC Board last October 8 and 9.

19 MMSU examinees are first timers, wherein 18 took the ECT LE.

The University’s new Electronics Technicians are among the 1,546 board passers among the 2,005 examinees. At the same time, the new sets of Electronics Engineers are among the 785 board passers

Surpassing the national passing rate of 54.87% for the Forester Licensure Examination (FLE), Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) recorded an overall passing rate of 75%. Three out of the four takers passed the exam which was facilitated by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Board last October 26 and 27.

Three MMSU board examinees are first-time takers wherein two of them successfully passed together with the only repeater.

The University’s new Foresters are among the 1,116 board passers among the 2,034 examinees around the country.

Three freshman students from the Mari ano Marcos State University (MMSU) asserted their dominance during the 26th Philippine Statistics Quiz (PSQ) Regional Level as they took home all of the top three placements in the competition held at J&V Hotel and Resort in San Fernando City, La Union on Monday, November 14, 2022.

Lor Reine P. Vega, a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics student from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), managed to retain the unbroken winning streak of MMSU for seven consecutive times as she successfully captured the overall cham pion in the said tournament.

their brains to work in the first and second rounds of the competition and managed to score at least 10 points to qualify in the final round.

In the final round, qualified participants went up against each other and showcased their mathematical abilities for one last time in the said competition.

Cash prizes, plaques, and medals were then given to the winners, including their coaches, during the awarding ceremony.

Vega will be the region’s representative in the National Finals of the competition which will be held in Metro Manila on December 6, 2022.

With a close back-to-back win for Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU), students Michael Christophe Agustin and Lucky Charm Palting was proclaimed titleholder and first-runner up, respectively in the search for the Region 1 Mister and Miss Philippine Association for State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) last November 23, at the Pangasinan State University (PSU) convention center.

Agustin and Palting both displayed poise, wit, and confidence in all the segments of the pageants, competing against five other tandems from participating universities: PSU, Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC), North Luzon Philippines State College (NLPSC), University of Northern Philippines (UNP), and Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU)

The candidates first appeared in their casual wear for the production and introduction number.

Shortly after, the candidates graced the stage as they strut their stuff in their swimwear.

To test the candidates’ proficiency to answer questions under pressure, the 12 aspirants displayed their wit in the casual interview.

During the announcement of the first set of awards, Mr. and Ms friendship were given to the male and female candidates of ISPSC and DMMMSU.

The candidates then showed sophistication in their barong tagalogs and filipinianas, showcasing the beauty

of Philippine textile and traditional wear.

After which, the second batch of awards were given. Agustin of MMSU and Jan Rlee De Guzman of PSU bagged best in production number and best in swimwear and PSU pair Brandon Bhon Agustin and De Guzman won best in Barong and Filipiniana award.

From 6 pairs, the candidates were chopped down to three, Agustin and Palting of MMSU, Victor Jose Mangaoan and Cristine Jan Padua from DMMSU, De Guzmam from PSU and Mark James Valdez from NLPSC advanced to the finals for the question and answer portion.

When asked about a specific advocacy to pursue with a supposed 1 million following on social media, Agustin swiftly answered with conviction, earning him the title Mr. PASUC-1 2022.

“ For the information of everyone, I’ve been serving as Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman in our community for years now, and I am about to end next year. However, this advocacy of [mine which is] youth empowerment should always continue, especially that I always [and] already have this influence already. I believe that youth empowerment is multi-sectoral and I believe in the condition that youth already is [and] will always be the future of the next generation” Agustin responded to the final question.

Meanwhile, De Guzman, PSU’s female candidate, bagged the Ms. PASUC-1 2022 title.

Seven

Six (6) of the first-time takers and one (1) of the repeaters passed the examination.

The seven new accountants from MMSU are part of the 1,722 passers or 25.84 percent of the 6,665 examinees throughout the country who took the test two weeks ago.

According to the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), the exam was administered in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Koronadal, Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, Pampanga, Rosales, Tacloban, Tuguegarao, and Zamboanga.

On the other hand, Cesar A. Respicio Jr. and Charlie Quetula, both Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering students of the College of Engineering (COE), clinched the first and second runners-up, respectively.

Coached by Prof. Liwliwa Olalo and Mr. Ruween Nickey Guzman, the team of MMSU represented the province of Ilocos Norte and went head-to-head against nine other participants from Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan.

During the tournament, the three students put

Prior to this, Vega, Respicio, and Quetula ear lier represented MMSU and emerged as the overall champion in the PSQ Provincial Elimination held last November 10 at North View Hotel in Laoag City.

Spearheaded by the Philippine Statistics Au thority (PSA) and the Philippine Statistical Associ ation, PSQ is a nationwide annual competition that aims to gauge the knowledge of statistics among freshman students in various colleges and universi ties across the country.

team consisting of Kylle Jay Bigsot, Irish Joy Ulep, and Chalzea Johanna Raval under the Bachelor of Science in Biology program of the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) emerged as the back-to-back champion in the recently concluded CellPukan ng Galing at Talino 2022 held virtually through Zoom on October 12.

The said competition is a nationwide intercollegiate biology quiz organized by the University of the Philippines (UP) Cell Biological Society with this year’s theme, “Waning Warrior: Enigmas of Cellular Senescence in Physiology and Pathology.”

Participants from various colleges in the country displayed their wits and sharp knowledge in the different fields of Science, covering cell biology, ecology and systematics, microbiology and parasitology, genetics and molecular biology, animal biology, and plant biology.

Raval, one of the winners, said that they did not expect to win the contest because they did not have that much time to prepare because of their busy schedules.

“I am very much happy because we were able to defend the title of MMSU as back-to-back champion in the recently concluded CellPukan. Also, as a freshman, I am

very much grateful to represent the university and be able to compete together with my seniors,” Raval added. Completing the set of winners were the students from Cebu Normal University and the University of Southern Mindanao, bagging 2nd and 3rd place, respectively. The said contest was participated by college students from 8 different colleges and universities across

Aspiring student peer facilitators attend a peer facilitating training organized by the Office of Students Affairs and Services - Student Welfare Unit at the Student Center starting today, September 29 to September 30.

With the theme “Dinnanggayan: Ugnayang Kabata an 5.0”, the seminar aims to train the next batch of mem bers of the MMSU Peer Facilitators Club - The Empathy Guild who will serve as the support system of the student population by providing emotional support and guidance. They will be immersed in topics on peer facilita

tion, building resiliency, active listening and responding, counseling ethics, spotting students with special needs, dealing with difficult people, and anger and stress man agement.

A total of 259 students initially voluntarily signed up for the event, but 164 passed the interview stage con ducted by OSAS. Out of the 164, 152 students attended the training today.

The Empathy Guild, founded by OSAS-Student Welfare Unit, aims to provide students services and assis tance with mental health concerns.

Pinangunahan ng Tang gapan Pangrehiyon-1 ng Komisyon sa Mas Mataas na Edukasyon (CHED- R01)ang ikalawang edisyon ng Peace Education Project ngayong araw, Oktubre 19, sa Mariano Mar-cos State University (MMSU) Teatro Ilocandia.

5

The

MMSU records high passing rate

Out of 2,588 examinees, 2,204

Ang programa ay dinaluhan ng mga pinunong mag-aaral at mamamahayag pang-kampus mula sa MMSU, Northwestern University (NWU), Data Center College of the Philippines (DCCP) Laoag at Divine Word College of Laoag (DWCL).

Bilang pagobserba sa CMO 42 Series of 2005, layunin ng nasabing proyekto na isulong ang kapayapaan sa pamamagitan ng pagbisita sa mga unibersidad sa unang Rehiyon.

Nakaangkla ang programa sa temang KaPaDYAK- “Kabataan, Kapulisan at Pamantasan Nagkakaisa sa Paglaban sa Illegal na Droga, Terorismo at Krimen”

Base sa numerong inilabas ng Philippine National Police mula 2012 hanggang 2015, animnapung porsyento (60%) ng krimeng nakamit ng mga batang edad labingwalo pababa ay may kinalaman sa mga krimen sa ari-arian tulad ng pagnanakaw at estafa.

Kasama sa programa ang paghihikayat sa mga lider ng mga organisasyon na magtatag ng mga proyekto upang masiguro ang mapayapang kapaligiran sa loob ng kani-kanilang paaralan.

Sa isang panayam, binanggit ni Jezreel Caunca, Presidente ng NWU Supreme Student Council (SSC) ang kanyang mga plano sa para sa kanilang paaralan ukol sa mga proyektong pangkapayapaan.

“Isang malaking bagay na makadalo ang bawat lider-estudyante sa ganitong programa ng CHED dahil sa pamamagitan nito nabuksan ang iba’t ibang plano upang maisulong ang gawaing pangkapayapaan sa aming paaralan katulad ng pagsasagawa ng University-wide Peace Education Project at pagpapalakas ng Student Crime Prevention Council (SCPC). Sa pamamagitan nitong mga plano na ito, higit na mahihikayat ang mgs kapwa namin estudyante na makiisa sa gawaing pangkapayapaan.” pahayag ni Caunca.

Nakipagtulungan ang CHED sa iba’t-ibang ahensya na may kinalaman sa mga gawaing pangkapayapaan at pangkalusugan tulad ng Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Department of Health (DOH), Pambansang Komisyon ng Pulisya at Police Provincial Office ng Ilocos Norte.

Mariano Marcos State University obtained an overall passing rate of 5.26% in the Licensure Examination for Chemical Engineers. One out of the 19 examinees passed the exam which was facilitated by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Board last October 11-13.

examinees are first-time takers.

university’s newly produced Chemical Engineer is among the 531 passers among the 1,036 takers across the country.

examinees from Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) successfully hurdled the Certified Public Accountant Licensure Examination (CPALE) held last October 14-16, 2022, setting the institution’s passing rate at 20 percent.

EAGER TO LEARN. Aspiring students of MMSU participates actively in a peer facilitators training organized by the OSAS at Student Center in MMSU.

PHOTO BY NEIL BRYANT BALIAO

WALK OF THE ELITE. MMSU PASUC-1 2022 delegates, Michael Christope Agustin and Lucky Charm Palting,

showcase their pageant walk at the Pangasinan State University on November 24, 2022.

PHOTOS BY DANNAH ECLARIN

EMPOWERING PEACE. Student-leader from Data Center College of the Philippines (DCCP) Laoag shares her projects against illegal drugs and terrorism during the Peace Edu cation Seminar, at the MMSU Teatro Ilocandia, October 19, 2022.

PHOTO BY CRISDENIELE CLEMENTE

by Ivy Jane U. Guanzon & Quian Vencel Galut

With the theme “Empowering Student-Journalists for Responsible Campus Journalism,” around 140 student writers from different colleges in the university were trained on the approaches and principles of journalistic writing to fortify their ethical values in journalism.

In his opening remarks, SIRMATA Editor-in-Chief Neil Bryant O. Baliao urged student writers to serve as the link between individuals and the community. “As campus jour nalists, our goal is to establish a community with trust and connection. By being the eyes, ears, and voice of society,” he said.

Meanwhile, in her speech, MMSU Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Prima Fe R. Franco motivated student writers to not be scared to write what they observe in the institution.

“Make sure that it is 100% factual, there is no fake news. Your voice is still heard and it matters to us and your fellow students. The university is in full support of your endeavors. So keep up the good work and always be a role model in the Stallion community,” she added.

Experts in the field led discussions and workshops during the two-day seminar with the following topics: role of campus journalists in universities, media ethics, news writing, Filipino writing, Iluko writing, literary writing, feature writing, Science and Technology writing, sports writing, opinion and column writing, editorial cartooning, photojournalism, and layouting.

After the simultaneous breakout sessions, a press conference was held and student journalists from different colleges in the university participated in various contested

by Alliah Quitevis

In line with the celebration of the National Indigenous Peoples’ (IP) Month last Oc tober, Mariano Marcos State University Advocates for Cultural Development (MACD) organized the first-ever cultural exhibition titled “Gameng: The Exhibition of Indigenous Arti facts,” held at the University Library American Corner on November 3-4, 2022.

Sponsored by the University Student Coun cil (USC), the exhibition followed the National IP Month’s theme, “Pagtataguyod ng Pamayanang Kultural Para sa Isang Matatag na Pilipinas (up holding cultural communities for a robust Phil ippines).” It aims to preserve the Ilocano culture and educate the students by spreading knowledge on the different indigenous groups of Ilocos Norte through a display of their artifacts borrowed from the municipalities of Nueva Era and Banna and the University Museum.

“[I hope] that they [students] would appre ciate and recognize their heritage [through this exhibition], and at the same time, this would be a benchmark activity where they will preserve what has been theirs,” Prof. Henedine Aguada Agui naldo, University Registrar Director and MCAD Adviser, told SIRMATA in an interview.

In her speech, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Prima Fe Franco highlighted that Ilo cano culture could be preserved. “We can have our fabrics [as an example] and other materials that we have showcased, those are all manifestations that we have a very rich culture and we would like the next generation also to appreciate what our forefa thers and what we have right now for tomorrow’s appreciation,” she said.

The said event was under Proclamation No. 1906, Series of 2009 or declaring the National Indigenous Peoples Month in October every year and the commemoration of the 25th Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA) with the theme, “25 Years: Fulfilling the Indigenous Peoples Rights and Bridging the Gaps through ICCs/IPs Convergence

by Ryand Angelo Ugalde

With a consistent performance since the first batch, Mariano Marcos State Uni versity (MMSU) has once again exhibited a perfect passing rate in the Physician Licensure Examinations (PLE)— making it the 6th time for the University to achieve a 100% rating.

In the PLE conducted last October, twenty-one (21) first-time takers of MMSU College of Medicine (COM) successfully passed the examination admin istered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC), surpassing the 64.41 national passing rate.

These new batch of Physicians are among the 3,826 out of 5,940 examinees across the country.

MMSU-COM displayed a similar rating in March 2022, November 2021, September 2021, March 2021, and November 2020.

by Edmar Delos Santos

Bachelor of Arts in Communication students from the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) were hailed grand winners in the college category of the 2022 Nationwide Media Information and Liter acy (MIL) Video Contest conducted by Out of the Box (OOTB) on November 14.

Besting 53 overall entries from different universi ties and colleges in the country, Ryand Angelo Ugalde, a second-year BA Communication student, won second place, while the tandem of Chris Jeremiah Antonio and Jirah Dean Failano, both first-year communication students, clinched third in the said video contest.

Five other communication students from the university were also part of the top 15, namely, Janna Butay, Rodalyn Pagtama, Aibel Zyrll Binag, Elen June Arcangel, and John Russel Ordonia.

In a one-minute and 30-second video, participants answered the question about how MIL can bring back the public trust lost in the media due to disinformation and hate speech.

by Ivy Jane U. Guanzon

Attended by USC, college Student Councils (SCs), student-leaders from Laboratory High School (LHS) Batac and Laoag, and SIRMATA staff, the said training aimed to improve participants’ leadership skills and to produce goal-oriented student-organizations in the university.

Participants were immersed in the following topics: How to be excellent student leaders, Technology-based tools in student organization, Design thinking, Sustain able Development Goals (SDGs) and student activities, Personality development for student leaders, SWOT analysis in developing student activities, Writing business letters and resolutions, Process flow charts in student development, and Accomplishment report, financial state ment, and procurement processes preparation.

After the training, former USC regents, namely, Philip Joshua S. Aliga (AY 2020-2022), Katrina Narciso (AY 2016-2017), Prof. Emil James Tanagon (AY 20122013), and Ace Joshua Rumbaoa (AY2008-2010) shared to the participants their experiences and challenges during their administration.

A project proposal contest in line with SDGs was also held after, where the group of Paul Angelo Juan, Warren Raciles, Cislene Pablo, Ian Paul Villanueva, Jay vee Ruzhel Gamiao, and Roxanne Domingo’s proposed project called iSeek, an application that aims to help stu dents look for a part-time job opportunity within Ilocos Norte, won first place.

John Lloyd D. Suguitan, USC Chairperson and Student Regent, hopes that student leaders were equipped with knowledge and skills in improving their leadership skills and aware of the processes of student-organizations in the university through the training.

“We [also] hope that they are more cohesive as an organization and to really be as one in implementing their policies and their activities in this year [through Project BUKEL] because as we all know we just got back from the distance learning,” Suguitan told SIRMATA.

The said program was supposed to end on the 26th of October but was rescheduled due to the 6.7 magnitude earthquake that had hit Northern Luzon, including Ilocos Norte, last October 25.

events. Below is the full list of winners in the first-ever Kurit Press Conference: Editorial Cartooning:1st - Loreto L. Bartolome Jr.; 2nd - Aira Nadine Pascua; 3rd - Abijah Mcguiller Bar ruga; Special Award: Peter M. Nicolas Broadcast: 1st - Jonathan Dave Ayala; 2nd - Jirah Failano; 3rd - Mark Jay Calimag; 4th - Justine Asun cion; 5th - Dianica Yapo News Writing Category A (news writers): 1st - Marc Louie Pasion; 2nd - Addison Pascua; 3rd - Alliah Dim ple Quitevis; 4th - Benedict Jay R. Collado; 5th - Gaven Qhristian Contreras News Writing Category B (non-news writers): 1st - Marl John Irisch Virginia; 2nd - Graziel Mae Ramat; 3rd - Warren Raciles; 4th - Paulene Paglumotan; 5thRodge Carl Vea; 6th - Gabriel Gerona; 7th - Diana Rose Bilar; 8th - Jeaneth Manglal-lan; 9th - Karina Zherluck

As the event ended, Dr. Jan Rich A. Guira, the Director of the Office of Student Affairs and Services (OSAS), encouraged all the colleges with no college publication to create their own and register it as an organization.

Kur-it gathers aspiring and identified student writers across different colleges urging them to serve as the link between individuals and the community and to con tinue honing their skills and pursuing their passion for writing. In the past two years, Kur-it was exclusive for SIRMATA staff and advisers.

Ugalde discussed in his entry how prevention and be ing literate in media and information can be a way to redeem the trust of the mass in leading national media organizations. “[With that] they will know how to spot an authentic infor mation from fake and violent ones, giving them the ability to instantly report [it].”

Meanwhile, Antonio and Failano highlighted in their video entry how MIL is a vital tool for the public to fight disinformation and help the elders and young ones, who are vulnerable to fake news, to not easily believe the things they see online. “Dahil kung walang magsasalita laban sa maling impormasyon, tiyak na mangingibabaw sa lipunan ang kasinungalingan.”

(If no one would stand for the proliferation of disinfor mation, lies will definitely prevail in society.)

The said MIL contest was in line with the Philippine celebration of the annual UNESCO Global Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Week 2022 on October 24-31. MMSU’s Young Communicators’ Circle (Y2C) was one of its official partners for this year’s nationwide celebration.

by Ryand Angelo Ugalde

In the awarding ceremony held at the Robinson’s Mall on Friday, November 11, Michael Christopher Agustin from the College of Teacher Education (CTE) clinched the top spot in the vlog-making contest; Neil Villaruel of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) was the victor for the infographics-making contest; and Samuel Calano, Gabriel Saragosa, Mark JC Pascual, first-year students from the Bachelor of Science in Psychology program were declared champions for the mental health quiz bee— besting 15 other teams from universities across the province.

by Alliah Quitevis

FPSM

College of Industrial Technology (CIT) students dominated the pocket events of the nationwide Veggie Farms and Industry Encounters through Science and Technology Agenda (FIESTA) 2022 held at the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) Student Center, November 22-23.

Participated by students from Northern and Central Luzon, MMSU’s Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology (BSIT) major in Computer Technology student Reymark Anthony C. Calipio was hailed champion and bagged people’s choice award in the Haiku Writing competition where Mr. Jerylvin A. Rabago served as his coach.

The team of Dan Arvie Balantac, Angel S. Agcaoili, and Clester D. Camangeg, under the guidance of Mr. Rabago, also sealed the championship title in the TikTok competition participated by college students nationwide. Balantac and Agcaoili are Bachelor of Science in Food Processing and Service Management (BS FPSM) students, while Camangeg is taking BSIT major in Electronics Technology.

In the Central Luzon Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium (CLAARRDEC) Veggie Fiesta Cookfest competition, FPSM students Joemar A. Dela Cruz, Angelica A. Sipisip, and Meca T. Baytec clinched second place under the supervision of Ms. Christine B. Quiapo.

Organized by the Ilocos Agriculture, Aquatic Resources, Research and Development Consortium (ILAARRDEC), Veggie FIESTA 2022 aims to highlight the significance of innovative agriculture products with the theme “Strengthening Research and Extension Business on Indigenous and Lowland Vegetable Industry for a Better Normal.”

“Knowing that I’m one of the first-year students to participate in a quiz show dominated by seniors was nothing short of intimidating. More than that, with the visible shaking and sweating of my hands, I never felt so thrilled until now,” Saragosa told SIRMATA in an interview.

“To bring honor to the university is another thing that we all thought was unbelievable. Nevertheless, we are all the more proud to tell [everyone] that the pio neer batch of the BS in Psychology program, being the “baby” among the giants at CAS and in the whole uni versity, won another milestone for MMSU,” he added.

Other winners from MMSU in the same quiz show include Ariel Antonio, Wincy Ayunon, and Mary Valdez from CAS who made it to second place, while Maryam Balanon, Dianica Yapo, and Christine Clyde Licarte, students from the College of Business, Economics, and Accountancy (CBEA) garnered third place.

Moreover, Nathaniel Gatchalian, 3rd year Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education (BTLED) student, bagged 2nd place and was also given a special award in the vlog-making contest.

The said programs and activities conducted by PGIN and SUIH aim to further develop Ilocanos’ talents, skills, and mental health awareness through various competitions.

Speak Up, I’m Here is a mental health movement established last 2020, which was spearheaded by Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Marcos Manotoc. It strives to help address the increasing number of psychological-re lated incidents in the province.

Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) students dominated contested events participated by college students for the Mental Health Month 2022 celebration organized by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) and Speak Up, I’m Here (SUIH).

students Shaira Jane B. Fuerte and Eldrich John P. Cacayorin, under the guidance of Ms. Realyn Q. Salvador and Ms. Jherie-Mae R. Parico, also garnered first place in the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) Brown Rice Cookfest competition. John Lloyd Harry O. Lagadon and Cristine Ivy P. Asuncion placed third in the same competition coached by Mr. Karl Lorenze E. Gumsat and Prof. Judelyn R. Mandac.

Balicao; 10th - Percival Bustamante Jr. Editorial Writing: 1st - Johanna Rose Ranso; 2ndPercival Bustamante Jr.; 3rd - Joy Anne Rose Turwel Feature Writing: 1st Place - Karina Zherluck Bali cao; 2nd Place - Jerich Fernandez; 3rd Place - Paulene Paglumotan

To deliver intensive training on campus journalism, SIRMATA, the official publication of college students in the university, spearheaded Kur-it 3.0: Intensive Writing Workshop and Press Conference held on November 3 to 4, 2022 at the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) Student Center.

RECOGNIZING DIVERSTY. (From left to right) Department Chair of Sociology Prof. Weena Guiang-Franco, Director of University Library System Eliza Villarin, Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Prima Franco, University Registrar Prof. Henedine Aguinaldo, Director of Student Affairs and Services Dr. Jan Rich Guira, and President of Mariano Marcos State University Advocates for Cultural Develope ment(MCAD) Neljan Gubac opens the cultural exhibition of the MCAD at the University Librabry on Thursday, Novemer 3rd.

PHOTOS BY DANNAH ECLARIN

SPORTS KUR-IT. Mr. Mark Ian Tagami, CTE instructor, shares tips with budding sports writers from different college publications during the Kur-it 3.0 Write-shop and Press Conference at the MMSU Student Center on November 4, 2022.

PHOTO BY CRISDENIELE CLEMENTE

NUMBER ONE. Winners of National Veggie Fiesta 2022 from Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) College of Industrial Technology pose for group picture to celebrate their victory. (Photo Courtesy: Jerylvin Alvarez Rabago)

DEVISING IS THE KEY. Student leaders strategize for a game called “TeamBukel” during the 1st day of Project

Bukel Seminar, at the MMSU Student Center, on October 25, 2022.

PHOTO BY CRISDENIELE CLEMENTE

Street photography, colloquially referred to as “Pitik ‘’ in the country, has become a trend especially for the local photographers trying to boost their page engagement on social media. These so-called Pitik photogra phers would go to public events, such as the Unigames 2022, to capture random candid shots of people to be posted on their Facebook page. This marketing strategy is very effective because people would search and fol low their accounts to check if their pictures are already posted—thus, boosting their social media publicity. While the majority find it amusing, some are raising concerns about how it violates their privacy and safety.

With the rise of street photographers in the region, the issue on data privacy once again resurfaced along with the gray areas and blurred lines of the Republic Act No. 10173, otherwise known as the Data Privacy Act of the Philippines regarding the information disclosed in a photograph.

The people who are raising concerns often use the RA 10173 or the DPA as their defense to the Pitik photographers when demanding to take down a picture or a post.

Concurrently, a popular Pitik photographer in Ilocos Norte received backlash from netizens about this issue. In response, they cited the statement of the 23rd PNP Chief Archie Francisco Feranil Gamboa regarding the recording and taking of videos and photos in public.

“Let us not pertain to specific classes or members of society. So if [the video] is not a possible breach of national security and then second, taking it is not violative of private rights, then anybody is allowed to get video, whether he is with the media or not because freedom of expression still exists in the Philippines,” Gamboa said.

Said Pitik photographer also emphasized the statement of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines reminding the national police that there is no law prohibiting anyone from taking photos or videos in public places and of public events.

While there are no rules imposed to prohibit anyone from taking photos and videos in public, the issue here is not entirely revolving on data privacy or freedom of expression but on non-consensual taking of one’s photograph.

The Republic Act No. 11313 or The Safe Spaces Act (Bawal Bastos Law), initially introduced by Senator Risa Hontiveros and was officially a law after former president Rodrigo Duterte signed the bill on April 2019, prohibits physical, verbal, and sexual harassments.

In article 1 Section 11 of the said RA, titled Specific Acts and Penalties for Gender-Based Sexual Harrasment in Street and Public Spaces, it was cleared out that the internet is considered a public space. Therefore, any harassment committed online is considered a criminal activity.

Mentioned law also states that uploading or sharing someone’s photos or videos without consent is a criminal act even if the photos and videos do not contain explicit subject matter as stated in its Article 2, Section 12.

In a scenario when a nonconsensual photo is posted online, numerous possible harassment or criminal activity may happen. Criminals, sexual predators, stalkers, and bashers may take it as an avenue to victimize the individual involved. The RA also states that even persistent unwanted comments on one’s appearance is considered a criminal act making ‘Pitik photography’ quite dangerous to the community.

Not to mention the devastating post-incident effects when online harassment happens. Victims may acquire mental, emotional or psychological distress, and fear of personal safety.

Furthermore, in the same RA, Article 2, Section 14 mentioned that imprisonment of up to two years or a fine of P100,000 to P500,000, or both will be imposed to those who will commit gender-based sexual harrasment online.

Henceforth, these Pitik photographers should seek consent not only to the people in public but to the institution and organizers of the event. They should also be knowledgeable on the laws concerning their field of work. These laws shall serve as the foundation of their work ethics as they are without supervision of a higher authority or a company

In the Mariano Marcos State University, the data of students is extremely protected. Even undergraduate student-researchers must get a permit from the university when the study requires collection of sensitive information of the stakeholders.

If the institution can observe the DPA, should the university also take action regarding the involvement of unofficial photographers in their university-wide programs? Just like in any other government-organized events, photographers shall register to the management in order to obtain permission to take photos.

Thereby, photos and videos will be monitored to ensure that no information, data, law, safety, and dignity is violated and jeopardized.

Presence of street photographers is not novel and they have been known for expressing their artistic skills and inspiring their viewers for a long time but at times where data and information privacy is at risk and harassment can easily occur online, everyone should be sensitive and informed about the issues that the society is currently facing.

Crossing the Ocean

From a BA Communication Student

When I was little, I was petrified about going into the ocean and being far from the white sand. That is why I often prefer to watch other children enjoy swimming.

I remember how scared I was and traumatized by oceans when I was a kid. Some even laughed at me as I always cry when they put me in the waters at the part where it was far from the sands.

But do I still have a fear of going into the ocean? I think as I grow up, I gradually enjoyed swimming. Although even now, I do not know how to swim and whenever I go into the waters, I still often stay where I can feel the sand below my feet.

Now that I am in my early adulthood, another type of ‘ocean’ petrified me in my 20s. This ocean is per ceived to be scarier than the first one and it is one of the factors that drove me to experience a quarter-life crisis.

Later in my teenage life, I was introduced to this ocean. As we are the captain of our lives, they say that we must do something to sail and cross for us to see what is for us. If you cannot find a way to move forward, you cannot achieve whatever dreams you want in life, and you could even live miserably. That is shocking, right?

I even questioned God why we should sail the ocean in the first place. Is it because the only person we can tap into trying times is ourselves? Or maybe this is our primary mission as humans that we need to sail and cross to leave a mark in this world that we succeed?

As we experience quarter-life crises, especially if we are in college, we go through doubting our capabili ties as well as unending anxieties about what the future is ahead of us. But, we have to face it right?

I admit, I thought crossing the ocean was easy peasy. But as someone who belongs and lives on the poverty line, I was able to scrutinize that sailing is harder on my end. Compared to some, they have the means and resources to move for ward, while I still have to create my boat to cross.

While others in my batch are already sailing, I am still in the phase of figuring out and creating a blueprint for my vehicle. It just proves that life is sometimes unfair. I wish someone would also provide me with a cruise like others, but that is idealistic.

I wish I am forever a kid where my only fear is just stepping into the waters and figuring out how I will swim. I wish I did not enter the phase where I need to face another type of ocean where it gives me an over view of my life in the future if I am not determined and passionate enough to sail.

I might be scared of figuring out how to cross the ocean, but this fear made me stronger and more excited to follow my path. It gives me the adrenaline to establish a blueprint, as this will provide a strong foundation for my vehicle to sail.

But, I do not have a choice. If I will not do my best, I would never see the beauty of the place destined for me. I often wonder, what does that place resemble? Maybe it is better than where I am now.

Entering adulthood is petrifying. Although, I know I am not alone. Some people will be helping me build my blueprint and the actual vehicle I will use in moving forward. I also know that a lot of us are still at this stage.

“If I was able to overcome my fear of stepping onto the ocean when I was a kid, I know I can also voyage like others now.

Circulations Manager

In economics, roads are indications of how progressive a country is. Roads allow people to have eas ier access to different places and establishments. They were built to ensure the safety of traveling citizens, as well as to promote convenience. This is why when these roads get worn out, they are almost immediately refurbished.

In the university, roads play a great role for all members of the community. They pro vide easy paths for students, teachers, visitors, tricycle drivers, etc. to traverse when they are within the vicinity of the university. These roads connect all the different colleges and

sounds way over the top, but in vehicular inci dents, something as small as a rock can trigger a disastrous event. Thus, we should not un derestimate irregularities in roads, no matter how small they are. Fortunately, MMSU has a speed limit of 20 km/h, which helps prevent vehicle-related accidents from happening. Regardless, MMSU should really look and investigate its roads.

Specifically, the road that connects the rest of the university and the library has a very grave crack and unevenness problem. I’ve personally seen students and other people alike struggle in traveling the said road with their vehicles regardless of whether it is a mo torcycle, a tricycle, or a four-wheeled vehicle.

the holes would really pull a huge jump on you. Reports from students also suggest road irregularities in some parts of the roads that connect the College of Business, Econom ics, and Accountancy to both the College of Health Sciences and the rest of the university.

As a concerned motorist and a student, repairing the roads and repainting road signs and speed humps inside the university would prevent accidents in the future. Although no accidents have been recorded inside MMSU

“

As a vehicle user myself, I know how hard and highly dangerous it is to roll the wheels of your car or your single motor on roads filled with holes, bumps, and cracks. Just a single mistake can lead to a mobile accident which may injure or even kill the unfortunate victims. I know this sounds way over the top, but in vehicular incidents, something as small as a rock can trigger a disastrous event.

A vision that did not start in a garage

From a BS Computer Engineering Student

lmost every computer/ tech com pany ever started in a garage. Some of the most famous ones are Jeff Bezos’ Amazon, Bill Gates and Paul Allen’s Microsoft, Page’s Google, William Harley’s Harley Davidson, Will Hewlett and Dave Packard’s Hewl ett-Packard (HP), Michael Dell’ Dell Com puters, and many more. And my favourite out of all the companies that started in a garage is Apple.

Steven Paul Jobs. The co-founder, chair man, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Apple in the 1970s. Also known as “Steve Jobs,” he was an American entrepreneur, industrial designer, business magnate, media proprietor, and investor. He made iPhones so popular up to this day through his mind-blow ing keynotes. Jobs is also known for igniting the personal computer revolution. His princi ples made every Apple product successful.

Steve is a visionary. I am a visionary. I have ambitious and ambiguous goals. I have dreams that can only be achieved in my sleep. I have ideas that defy the law of physics–ideas that are as rare as Astatine.

Steve Jobs’ success started in a garage. Mine started on a Samsung Core i3 laptop from 2013 when my little sister was about to turn 1 year old. And I, being a sup portive brother, presented myself to design her birthday tarpaulin banner even with no experience in graphic design that time. It was the ancient version of Photoshop and I would go to my Aunt Sheila’s house to learn how to use the tools in Photoshop CS and other than that, I figured everything else out myself. That ambitious Neil from 2013 is so proud of what he is now. Just like Steve, his ambition and interest made his vision come to life.

AJobs’ demand. Jobs did not sleep; just like how I barely even slept during my training.

The dramatic part of the documenta ry was when he was sick and losing weight, getting skinny but still conducting keynote events. You can really tell that he knows his purpose and loves what he is doing. When I was also in the lowest part of my life, I did not stop. There are countless times that I would cry in front of my computer because of frustration, trauma, anxieties, depression.

“ THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF MMSU COLLEGE STUDENTS VOL. XX ISSUE NO. X OPINION 5

in the past years, repairing should still be pursued. I am hoping that the administration would be taking note of this issue in their future plans so the Stallion community will enjoy a conducive environment and attain road safety every time.

Safety reasons aside, the roads of a uni versity show just how progressive it is, and with the road problems we have now, I’m not sure what visitors will think. It also gives an outsider an idea of to what extent it cares for its stakeholders’ safety. With that said, will MMSU allow its reputation as an esteemed university to be tarnished just because of road cracks, holes, bumps, and unevenness? I don’t think so. MMSU is far too great a university

When I was in tenth grade, I was the layout artist of the Collaborative Desktop Publishing team when we competed in the Division Schools’ Press Conference. We lost. It was not fair. After the awarding ceremony, I told my coach that I will abort my plan to study at Saint Louis College (SLC) for Senior High School and I will return the next year and I will make history–to win the first ever Collaborative Desktop Publishing (Filipino Category) Champion Award for my school, Candon National High School (CNHS). And I did. We won. I trained so hard for that, I was so proud of myself. And in the succeeding year, I made another history again for my school. We were the first ever team to place in the Regional Schools Press Conference in Collaborative Desktop Publishing (Filipino Category) in Candon City Division. This part of my life was reminded when the documen tary film about Steve I was watching showed how dedicated Jobs is in making his vision the reality. He worked like a dog that even his employees resigned because they cannot meet

And I would wipe my tears with my exhaust ed hand and get those deadlines and revisions done.

In a speech that Steve gave at Stan ford University Graduation, he quoted a part of a book that he loves “Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish”. Also, in an essay I submitted at Cut Print Podcast Network that the network head loved and shared in her social media I said, “Ignorance is only shameful when you refuse to cure it”. That part of the documentary made me realise that we truly are very alike in mindset and attitude.

My story may not be as dramatic as Jobs’ when he got ousted in his own compa ny and starting another company on his own or being an adopted child or dropping out of college or having a deadly disease, I still like to believe that someday, even if I am old and weary, I will still be doing the things that make me powerful, things that remind me that I am successful just like Steve Jobs.

PAULANGELOJUAN

“Haaay, na naman?

Malapit na ang exam parang hindi pa nan gagalahati ang ating natututuhan.”

Naririndi na ang tainga dahil sa paulit-ulit na lintanya ng mga estudyante sa tuwing hindi sila sinisipot ng kanilang guro sa isang asignatura.

Minsan nga ay hindi na nagugulat ang mga estudyante sa hindi pagsipot ng kanilang mga guro dahil para sa kanila ay normal na lamang sa kanila ang ga noong senaryo. At ang nagiging aksyon na lamang nila ay ang umalis, umuwi o ‘di naman kaya ay madismaya nalang dahil sa paulit-ulit na lamang na senaryo. May mga ibang kailangang asika suhin maliban sa pagtuturo. Kailangan sila sa ganito, sa ganyan at kailangan nilang tapusin ang mga papeles sapag kat may mga bisitang inaantabayanan. Minsan nga kahit nasa gitna na sila ng pagtuturo kung sila’y pinapatawag ay kailangan nilang isakripisyo ang klase nila matugonan lamang ang tawag ng iba. Tama nga at nag-iiwan naman sila ng mga gawain, ngunit sasapat ba ito upa ng punan ang kaalaman na dapat sana’y ipinaparating nila sa mga mag-aaral? O sasabihing hindi na spoon-feeding ang pag-aaral kailangan ng matuto sa sariling pamamaraan, pero hindi ba nila naiisip na hindi pare-pareho ang kakayahan ng mga mag-aaral upang matuto at idagdag pa ang kanilang pamamaraan ng pag bibigay ng pagsusulit. Na sa kahit anong panahon at pagkakataon ay kailangan pa rin ng nga estudyante ang gabay at ang mga impormasyon na sila mismo ang nagpapaliwanag.

Lalo pa at may mga gurong nag bibigay ng pagsusulit na hindi naman nila naituro, at ang dahilan? Dahil sila’y maraming ibang inaasikaso. Tapos sa huli sa estudyante ang sisi, kasalanan ng mga mag-aaral na hindi sila pasado sapagkat hindi sila nag-aral ng maayos, lumiliban sa klase, o hindi naman kaya ay hindi sila nakikinig sa kanilang mga guro. Kailan nila tatanggapin na minsan ay wala sa mga mag-aaral ang prob lema, na madalas ay sila lang din ang nagkukulang sa kanilang pamamaraan ng pagbibigay ng kaalaman. Ang isang oras na nakalaan sa bawat asignatura ay tiyak maraming patutunguhan kung ginagamit ng tama, at hindi naiistorbo dahil lamang sa obligasyong maaari namang saluhin ng iba.

Hindi naman makuha ng mga magaaral ang magreklamo sapagkat ang tingin ng iba ay kawalan ito ng respeto o ‘di naman kaya ay masyado na nilang ginag amit ang salitang pribilehiyo sa tuwing si nusubukan nilang ibuka ang kanilang mga bibig upang banggitin ang kanilang mga hinaing at opinyon lalo na sa mga ganitong senaryo.

Hindi sa minamasama ang pagkaka

roon ng ibang obligasyon maliban sa pag tuturo, ngunit kung ating susuriin ay tila mas marami na silang panahon sa mga ito kaysa sa propesyon na kanilang tinatayuan. Ngunit maaari naman sanang masolusyo nan kung nais lang din naman, dahil maaari naman nilang ibigay ang ibang responsi bilidad sa mga taong may mas malawak na oras na ilalaan, sa mga taong hindi na kailangang isakripisyo ang isang mahalag ang bagay para lamang matugonan ang iba pang obligasyon na nakapatong sa kanilang mga balikat.

RYANDUGALDE Managing Editor

Why Neglect the Dialect?

From a BA Communication Student

I’m a pure Ilocano kid who grew up mostly using our Ilocano language. The first words that came out of my mouth aside from “mama” and “papa” were prob ably from the same dialect I was exposed to. Old enough to step into kindergarten, the environ ment frightened me— not because school was scary but because the teacher was talking in a medium that wasn’t anywhere near familiar to me.

I always struggled as a young learner. It even came to a point where my teacher had to include me in the afternoon session when my other classmates just had to attend the morn ing schedule. I knew for a fact that she was making an effort to make me understand the lessons I was having a hard time with. But the scared child within me just had to conform with her way of teaching even if nothing real ly ever made sense to me. And everyday since then, school felt like prison when it should be a sanctuary for knowledge. I have let myself get detained, but the children of this genera tion do not have to.

In a meeting last September 13, the House Committee on Basic Education and Culture deliberated the suspension on the implemen tation of Mother Tongue Based Multilingual Education (MTB-MLE). When effective, a total of 19 Filipino dialects including ours will be out of the curriculum from children in kindergarten to 3rd grade levels. Now tell me, what does this risky move tell us about how we are as Filipinos?

Representative Roman Romulo of Pasig City made several attempts to drop MTBMLE from Republic act 10533 otherwise known as the “Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013”— blaming the lack of learning mate rials and the low standing of the country in the Programme for International Student Assess ment (PISA) rankings.

And just recently, Romulo proposed HB 2188 but this time, another representative de cided to back him up. Representative Mark Go of Baguio City also presented HB 3925 with the same goal of suspending Mother Tongue Language Education.

Curious as to how this potential law will affect the child who I once was, I talked to an expert from my province. He said that there’s this high anxiety among students and pupils to recite because of the language used inside the class. But when MTB-MLE was applied, classes became more lively. Upon hearing his sentiments, I felt seen, and the self-doubt I experienced as a kid felt reasonable.

This wasn’t the first time that people from the government tried to wipe off our Identity through denying the learners’ opportunity to know more about our language. Last 2018, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) with the approval of the Supreme Court (SC) removed Filipino and Panitikan Subjects in the tertiary level. The SC defended that their decision on the 2018 issue is to ensure that there would be no duplication of subjects in Grades 1 to 10, Senior High School and Col lege.

As cliché as it may sound, learning is indeed a lifetime process. If not for new and more extensive knowledge about the lan guage, retaining the Filipino and Mother Tongue subjects will serve as a reminder of what we are and how we came to be as Fil ipinos. We are not just called citizens of the Philippines because of how we look, our com plexion’s hue, and our simple gestures that are distinct from other nationalities. The language that we use plays a huge role in terms of our culture and heritage.

True enough, proficiency in the world’s universal language will serve as an advantage when looking at it in a global perspective. That is why as a college student, I advocate that English should be introduced to a child as

As cliché as it may sound, learning is indeed a lifetime process. If not for new and more extensive knowledge about the language, retaining the Filipino and Mother Tongue subjects will serve as a reminder of what we are and how we came to be as Filipinos. We are not just called citizens of the Philippines because of how we look, our complexion’s hue, and our simple gestures that are distinct from other nationalities. The language that we use plays a huge role in terms of our culture and heritage.

early as possible without sacrificing the use of our regional dialects. With this perk, it would be easier to communicate with other people outside our country; but it should not be the sole reason as to why they have to quench their thirst to remove the few subjects that we proudly developed.

What’s in a name?

From a BA English Languange Student

While changing it to FEMSU will not necessarily mean the institution will go back to square one, it will definitely take some time before the new name will live up to the acclaim.

The Mariano Mar cos State University (MMSU) vision is to be “A premier Phil ippine university by 2028.” And it is on track. Forty-four years since its founding in 1978, MMSU has add ed tens of degree pro gram offerings, consistently producing grad uates who excel locally and internationally.

For 44 years, it has been building its ladder to ‘premiere ship,’ placing itself ever closer to the likes of the Philippines’ top universities. Its placement as 401st-600th in the world and second in the country in the 2022 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings is evi dence of this. But by 2028 when the universi ty shall have achieved its envisioned status, it may no longer be known as MMSU.

On August 16, the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education approved House Bill No. 2407, a measure that seeks to rename the university as Ferdinand E. Marcos State University (FEMSU).

IAN PAUL VILLANUEVA Managing Editor

According to the House bill, the reason be hind this proposed renaming is fairly simple: “In recognition of President Marcos’ unparal leled vision and undying legacy.” But what is this legacy anyway? And is it enough reason to change the 44-year-old name?

Like words that carry with them mean ing, a name carries with it a mark. Positive or negative, this mark is always brought along and is difficult—if not impossible—to separate. The name MMSU has marks of excellence and good repute. While chang ing it to FEMSU will not necessarily mean the institution will go back to square one, it will definitely take some time before the new name will live up to the acclaim. It will take a while before FEMSU will stick in people’s minds and make a mark of its own. And note that even though it took four decades before a new name was proposed, so would FEMSU be the university’s name for years. These are reasons why renaming the university is a big deal and deserves to be talked about.

Truth be told, not everyone welcomes the proposal. Most of the people I have talked with (present MMSU students and alumni) disapprove of the proposed renaming of the university, saying it is needless and ill-timed. There are those who say that the resources needed for the consequent rebranding find better use in other projects and activities that benefit MMSU students more. Some of the MMSU alumni said they do not find the mea sure necessary. They argue for retaining the MMSU name, the one they have gotten used to and written on their diplomas. Even those who deem it justifiable to rename the institu tion after its founder say its proponents can take their time. As the economy is still bounc ing back to normalcy, they say, the timing could be better. To be fair to these sentiments,

they are not without good reason.

To be fair to the bill, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. has a better claim than his father Mariano Marcos. For one, he is the founder of the university. It was by virtue of his decree in 1978 that several schools in the province were merged to form what we now know as MMSU. This alone affords the for mer president enough right for the university to be named after him. Just for this reason, I think, there is no person better suited to be given the honor, besides, of course, equally notable Ilokanos in history, whose lives have positively affected many.

As it stands, it feels more correct to say that the bill’s passage is imminent rather than probable. With supermajority blocs in both houses of Congress, the chances of the bill reaching the President’s desk are very high. This means that it is only a matter of time before MMSU becomes FEMSU. And while I do not indulge in stating a definite ‘yes’ or ‘no’ for an opinion, my concern is for MMSU students as I am an MMSU student too. I will say this much, though: If the renaming of the university does not cause benefit us students, its primary stakeholders, then no, let’s stick with MMSU.

Jona Thea Segui

ASKS

A

Chasing deadlines, exam after exam, this after that, and catching flu in be tween—a familiar series of events to most, if not all students. I know that most of us are already so tired and weary.

Today marks the second day of the

midterm exams. One more day to go, and then I wonder, what happens next? Are we ready for another series of lectures and lessons, or do we deseve to get some rest without academic responsibilities and be able to truly breathe?

As defined by the Cambridge Dic tionary, rest means to cause someone or something to stop doing a particular activity, or to stop being active for a while to relax and get-back strength.

Rest is vital for better mental health, increased concentration and memory, a healthier immune system, reduced stress, improved mood, and even metabolism.

At MMSU, we aim for academic excellence. Our institution is a beacon of achievers and talented students.But how do we get to sustain these student assets if we don’t give them ample time and chance to take a break and allow themselves to sleep more than 5 hours?

According to Smith (2021), the result of not having enough rest is a culture of high-achieving, high-producing, chronically tired, and chronically burned-out individuals. And so, it is vital for students to pause for a while before indulging themselves into anoth er battle.

Yes, we may be college students, expect ed to do more and be more, but we also have the urge to demand for a break that is free from any deadlines and submissions. What’s the sense of giving us a three-day break if we are to use these days to comply to activities demanded by our instructors? Such halfbaked rest won’t suffice for how burned out we are from the half-quarter of a demanding

first semester. And to top it off, the university games was just a week ago.

The concept of having enough rest may be difficult to define as different people also has their own preference how long ‘enough rest’ is for them. But, I believe that having enough rest is as important as submitting requirements on time, reviewing for an exam, getting high scores, and satisfying the aca demic validation.

For the three-day break, are we going to rest or are we going to face reviewers and lectures and scroll through the interface of the MMSU virtual learning environment (mVLE) for updates and submissions again? I really hope we get to rest,a genuine rest without thinking of anything other than what to watch and eat next. I think we deserve that, after all.

Personally speaking, I’m still on the adjusting phase. Kumbaga haanko paylang na-achieve tay kasla dati nga state ko idi pre-pandemic. Probably because of the activities ita nga iac-actual nga ub-ubraenen unlike idi online. Like, bwelo paylang ti college life idi first year, tas supposedly tay years nga mangrugi talagan ti rigat ket bigla nga limmag-an ti set-up. In a blink of an eye, face-to-face manen.

Arvin Lopez Garcia

medjo nakakapagod na po. buti na lang i can talk to my friends and have hugs as a form of support unlike noong pandemic na iyak sessions ay online tapos wala pang physical interaction and chismis.

Karylle Ann Acosta

The transition has helped me to become a better student nurse having better study hab its kaso miss ko na lutong bahay ni mama

Jerome Ramos

After almost two years of online learning, students are now finally back to experience what schooling is supposed to be. Online schooling has been branded as the new nor mal as one of the large impacts of the pandemic. It was a sudden shift so most students didn’t get to adjust and cope easily. There has been numerous challenges in hurdling online schooling yet we are now back to the what we are supposed to be doing. I’m glad I can now see my fellow stallions face to face. May we all have a fruitful and memorable school year!

Rose Merrylle Nagtalon Martinez

Every day stress pero worth it naman yung sacrifice dahil mas marami akong natutunan, haan kasla idi ket awan unay maadal.

Micah Jireh Fontanilla Callanga

ganito pala yung feeling pag college ka na�� hirap magadjust lalo na pag malayo ka sa pamilya mo...bigla ka latta mahomesick nukwan but I’m so thankful naman because I have my friends nga kamarites nukwa haha ha kahit papaano nawawala yung stress...sa college mo talaga malalaman na mas importante pa ang attendance kesa sa breakfast HAHAHAHAHA basta pasado mayaten Ok naman tong face-to-face kasi ngayon mas maiintindihan mo na talaga yung nga lessons unlike noon(ngem uray anya ubraem nagrigat latta awaten tsaka minor ata papatay saken eh eme.....pero still fighting lang...PADAYON para sa pangarap�� I knowI have God and with Him, nothing is impossible

DANAMERYLLGAPAS Associate Editor

“

Yes, we may be college students, expected to do more and be more, but we also have the urge to demand for a break that is free from any deadlines and submissions.

“

plea for genuine rest

From a BA Communication Student

Yes [I agree]. I mean it doesn’t matter to me. Neither of the names are appealing anyway, but it helps to easily differentiate MMSU from DMMMSU.

(CASAT)

As a student at Mariano Marcos State University. I would have thought that it is acceptable to change the name of the university neither not to change, in view of the fact that the most important thing is for the stu dents to gain knowledge and lessons to learn in order for them to use it to be successful in life. Always remember that whatever school or university you may be, the comprehension and proper knowledge is the most powerful weapon in every thing that we do.

Renaming the university is irrelevant given that Mari ano Marcos State University is still on the hike to establish its name with the aim to stand side by side with prestigious universities in the Philippines. The university produces alumni who bring glory to the institution by excellence and competence, both nationwide and worldwide. To change the name, it will only pique the people into thinking that this is nothing but a political agen da and other social issues seeking for immediate ac tions are being brushed off.

MMSU PULSONG

Iam not in favor of the renaming of MMSU to FEMSU be cause the university has already established its name, not only in the national context, but also globally. Renaming it to FEMSU will only cause confusion.

For me, other universities may think that changing the name of our university is just an empty symbolic gesture that does nothing to actually combat real problems in education, and can end up costing a lot of money. Others feel that it’s unfair to judge historical figures by modern standards. Another major ar gument is more sentimental, in which school alumni feel a special attachment to their school name. If it would be renamed, it would erase a part of their identity and history.

Julia Bonotan, BS Fisheries 4

Bell Calingao Ampania, BS HM (CBEA) 4th Year

Bell Calingao Ampania, BS HM (CBEA) 4th Year

Janssen Benemerito, BS Hospitality Management 3 (CBEA)

Bell Calingao Ampania, BS HM (CBEA) 4th Year

For more than 40 years of our Alma Mater being established and recognized in the prov ince, the name Mariano Marcos State University stood out for most of the proud Iloca nos who had succeeded and completed their academic journey here including myself. It is also widely known for being a top performing school in various licensure examina tions, with the Nursing Licensure Exam (NLE) being the latest. Some would say that it is nec essary to rename a premier University to avoid confusion with its neighbor, the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University (DMMMSU). Although it would not affect the academic standards the University has, the name change had surely raised doubts for me. I believe that an institution’s name is closely tied to its reputation in various fields such as academics, research and development, culture and arts, and sports. Also, there are many things that would change when an institution like MMSU is renamed, such as the revision of march and hymn, mission and vision, institutional logo, etc. In addition, it took many years for its name to be known not just in the country, but overseas. For me as a recent graduate and a recent board passer, renaming something that already stood out and widely known means a drastic change to reputation and perception from its future graduates and professionals, may it be on the positive side or a subject for criticism.

MMSU PULSONG

Kilala ti nagan nga MMSU or MaMaSU ti sabasabali nga lugar ken other ditoy Ilocos Region or Philip pines, so kasla nagrigat nga ikkaten or sabalyan nu aniaman ti naitatak iti nagan ti MMSU. Kas maysa nga agdama nga estudyante ditoy nga pagadalan, ket no agbaro nga nagan, meaning ado ti masabalyan like new uniforms, IDs, ken logo ti school. So, dakkel nga panagbaliw ti mapasa mak no sabalyanda iti naganna.

Is it really necessary to change the name of the university? Mariano Marcos State University has already made a reputation itself in the Philippines, therefore, renaming it to FEMSU will take some time to become well known again. Moreover, the best thing we should do next is to adapt to CHANGE for the improvement of the institution such as building larger facilities and techno classrooms for the learners to have a better learning space.

Kumbaga magbaback to zero ulit to be known for its new name. Noon pa man na MMSU ang tawag ay nahihirapan or not familiar with that university sa karamihan. The university spent years to achieve and build its legacy tapos babaguhin lang as FEMSU. MMSU made its name known not only in our country but even sa ibang bansa ngayon. Madaming magbabago sa renaming ng university gaya ng logo, march, hymn and marami pang iba.

The institution known by its initials, “MMSU,” is already recog nized as having a strong reputation both inside and outside of the country for its good performance. FEMSU is another name that seems to go back to zero again. Let it be just MMSU.

Mark Anthony Solomon, BSEd Fil 2 (CTE)

Lynmer Feyb Tagala, BSE 2 Social Studies (CTE)

Lemuel Joe Haban, BSECE 2 (COE)

John Renz Alcaraz, Alumnus, BSEE (COE) Batch 2022

Venie Buenavista Rebaula, BSE Math (CTE)

CH EQUAtI ON SUCCESS + 3mical THE to

by Graziel Mae Ramat

Entering college as a freshman, we cannot deny the fact that gradu ating is our main goal, and to achieve this, we set our objectives of passing our courses/subjects every semester. Each passing day, we prepare ourselves with dread as we look forward to what comes next after graduating: straight to employment for some programs; while for others, the nerve-wracking board exams.

On the recently administered October 2022 Chemical Technician Licensure Examination, the Mariano Marcos State University have produced 30 triumphant ex aminees, and among them are two (2) topnotchers who are Elijah Faye O. Jaramilla, third place with a 93.00% rating, and Kriezher Veehne M. Pagatpatan, fifth place with 92.00% rating.

A really sana all moment. Although it is not new that MMSU has been produc ing board exam topnotchers and is considered one of the top-performing schools in the country, this event is a manifestation that we are slowly gaining momentum after all the hurdles brought by the pandemic.

Just like in chemical engineering, raw products undergo a series of systematic chemical processes before finally being able to produce or reach the anticipated out come, and Elijah Faye and Kriezher Veehne are no different. Now, with their unique compositions, how were these topnotchers produced?

The atoms in oneself

Elijah Faye O. Jaramilla, 22, from Batac City. She has a hobby of sleeping and watching movies, anime, and K-drama. On the other hand, Kriezher Veehne M. Pagatpatan, 23, from Dingras, enjoys playing games in general.

Two different substances, two different compositions. However, they share the same characteristics: the atoms of passion and hard-work.

College is an everyday brain-draining battle that students must survive. Being surrounded by equally intelligent and competitive people, both have worked hard to keep up. As we know, hard work beats talent, if talent doesn’t work hard.

Chemical Engineering is undeniably hard, and not everyone has the courage to enroll in this program. It is a broad field that not only focuses on chemistry itself, but knowledge of biology and physics is also necessary. In mathematics, one must also have a solid background in algebra, calculus, and even in statistics. These are just some of the brain-rattling things to consider, but if you want more, you must be a critical thinker with good problem-solving skills and effective communication skills essential for this career. All of these are needed to sustain human needs starting from the food we eat, clothes we wear, and medicines we take, down to everything that can be found in our homes and the gasoline that vehicles consume.

Even top-notchers are no exception in these hardships of taking chemical

fixed and organized structures, with solid paths to follow.

The

catalysts

If there is something that comes along with the achievements and abilities that could put one on their critical points, expecta tions from other people could be something that ruins the perfect equation.

How did they deal with it?

Elijah Faye and Kriezher Veehne focused only on themselves and did not mind what other people thought. They focused on their own goals and growth. They did not even put too much expectation on themselves, why would they allow other people to do it for them? In their case, graduating with Latin honors is one thing, and the expec tations that have been put on them before the board exam is another. A double-edged sword, as Kriezher has described it.

To deal with these expectations is like putting positive pressure in your space–you keep it free from contaminants–and never letting a negative pressure contain it within you. Failure, on the other hand, is a part of the process and is inevitable. Failure is something that we should not be afraid of, instead, we should utilize it as a motivation and a lesson in making better versions of ourselves.

“Spend your time, energy, and effort on things that make you hap py and bring you fulfillment.” –Elijah Faye Jaramilla

“…Always break stereotypes about yourself, always break barriers, because you’re not just that, you’re always more than what you think; be revolutionary!” –Kriezher Veehne Pagatpatan

Above all, have faith in Him.

The product

Being a top-notcher is something that will always be remembered. Their names were there–Kriezher Veehne M. Pagatpatan and Elijah Faye O. Jaramil la–inked, not temporarily, but permanently and irrevocably. It will always be worth sharing; the experience and the glory not only for themselves but for everyone that was beside them during their journey. With their legacy, we can learn a thing or two: they did not only simply aim–they aimed high and hit the mark.

Now, they are more than ready to take on what lies ahead before the wide horizon. Being new chemical technicians, they surely know that their real journey has just begun, and many new opportunities are awaiting them.

They are not yet their final products.

The equation? It’s all up to us to figure out what best applies to us. One thing is for sure: hard work is our common ground.

“Live a dignified life. Find happiness and your purpose and with that, things will eventually fit the way they are meant to.” –K.V.M.P.

“Take one small step at a time, do not rush things, and do something every day that pushes you out of your comfort zone.” –E.F.O.J.

MMSU

y Sheryl Anne Umali

adorable fur friends are welcome at an animal-friendly institution such as the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU). Are you ready to

The College of Engineering, located in the far western part of the univer sity campus, currently houses six cats in its buildings. are composed of two adult females, one adult male, and three kittens. Sometimes, their number increases when other stray cats happen to drop by. While the females are nameless, the only male among them is called ‘Grumpy.’ He is a ginger-colored mackerel tabby. He is a wanderer who can be seen walking around the building. Unlike Grumpy, the queens and their kittens grace the hallways and rarely leave. While cats, by instinct, flee when they see strangers, this clowder is completely fine with passing students and teachers. They give the Chemical Engineering Department a regular visit where they wait patiently for the generous

these cute creatures are a source of entertainment for students who are having a break or enjoying their free time. CAS cats sometimes engage in a staring contest with students out of the blue and will pounce on little moving objects, such as a leaf blown by the gentle wind. These goofy behaviors help ease the academic-related stress of the students. No wonder these cats get along well with their Their food provider, Dr. Alma Sierra of the Department of Languages and Literature, and

These

by Kyle Nojen Andres

Available courses

generally primed for cybercul ture, so in everything we do and wherever the heck we go, we always use the power of technology for communication, entertainment, business, and recreation to fit in. What’s also so endearing to witness right now is that our educational system has upgraded to the next level. But how well do we realize how effective it is? What are the XP points gained that made our sense of literature in media a stronger level?

The Mighty Magnifying Glass. This piece of a symbol is your key to a spectacular academy triumph. An article about online selling? Good examples of health protocol? Making scientifically sure that tomato is a fruit or a vegetable? Any topic you desire, this virtual little fella can zip up thousands or even millions of related results in just milliseconds. You may wonder how that is even possible. One major reason is that at the current data that humans produce. In a Forbes report in 2018, it was revealed that 2.5 quintillion bytes of data are created daily according to countless internet results. Because of how unlimited this can be, we can’t argue that the internet literally has everything we can wish for. It’s amazingly scary!

The Backspace. Brag it all you want with the Gen Xs, this is their desired time-traveling button they never had as a college routine. Back then, their poor unfortunate souls had typos that couldn’t be erased appropriately, resulting in an acceptable but untidy article work. The number of typos has decreased since keyboards kicked the heck out of typewriters (R.I.P).

It’s On The House - Pssst! Do you want to watch full tutorials of choreography PE dances? Care to see this instructional home remedy trick for your wound? Don’t worry about it, these are all free. That’s right! No more buying from the bookstores/video rentals or going all the way to the doctor when multiple helping websites and applications are now here for you like a robot-mother. As long as you check if it’s legitimate though. Pandemic. “In order to really survive as an academic institution from the problems caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, we have to fast track the work bank ing on the power of the [MMSU] virtual {learning] environment,” said MMSU President Shirley Agrupis in times of the pandemic. Sike! Sorry CoVid, but did you really think you were going to stop this campus for our education’s sake? It may be tragic for people to stay at a distance for quite a while due to certain catastrophes happening, but holding high the green and gold and waving with pride and hope, MMSU created a virtual learning environment to help the university change to the “new normal” system, making this as MMSU’s major cybercultures. Student portals were created for online enrollment and program information along with mVLE as our common learning management system that always provides learning materials. This has become so effective that everyone still uses it for online handout lessons while face-to-face classes go on. Save papers to save trees I guess. It’s funny how we felt like cheating but we are glad we don’t need to feel like it since the educational system has changed and adapted to today’s environ ment as well, like how activities make us use online apps as providers because eLearning became essentially stable in where we live today. How much further do we intend to upgrade our education? Technologically speaking, it could be possible that Holographic Classes we see in sci-fi movies are going to be a thing. We don’t know yet, but as said, we are the pioneers of a futuristic high-tech beginning so possibilities are high. Our cyberculture instincts shall pass on to new generations. Welcome to BeepBoop-olis!

id the revolution start because Filipinos realized the cruelty they were living in or simply because the others were joining it? The real intention of others who joined the rev olution was put into the spotlight when using the novel as a reason to revolt. With a couple of hundred years apart, you’d think our modern-day situation would at least be better.

However, it is with great significance that GMA Network is now offering historical portal fantasy series “Maria Clara at Ibarra” to give everyone the chance to be more knowledgeable about the facets of past events, systems, ideologies and culture during the time of Jose Rizal in

The novel criticized the happenings in the country that was then under the Spaniards. It has a sequel titled El Filibusterismo, alternatively known as The Reign of the Greed and The Subversive or The Subversion. All in all, “Noli Me Tangere” shall forever remain as one of the most powerful tools the Philippines has ever had to spread awareness on “so Amidst all adversities, the storyline was an era of eros, a time for loving prate, a coming together of the lovers that render as living entirety Love is a quiet emotion that in time becomes a part of the air one needs to breathe, and so though one may feel not sure that it’s there, any form of The novel greatly emphasized that the truest foe is when emotional indifference takes command of logic; for only when love mends away one’s woes can good choices be made. Allow an entity to open those dreary yet loving eyes, for they are the door to one’s soul. Touch oneself with those gentle hands and whose prosy parts shall be made anew, not as clay, but as if his body were reborn in its most perfect form. And so, in this love there is deep gratitude, a sense that what is given is sacred and transient, passing in time into the eternal cycles of living. Thus, there is an emptiness in the free-

dom of being alone and a liberty in being caught in that divine spell. For someone ever so valiant is steady and forgiving, yet more tranquil than the wise other – the servant in chains. Hence, one hears and speaks with the wisdom of the heart, with a sense of the soul of his beloved. In affection, one has built his ever-gotten tragedy and it gives him the ability to live so freely, and hopefully returns when each piece of him calls for the other’s touch. It is only through one’s flawless hands which carry such passion to turn what was scarred into soft once more, because one is steady and patient, open wounds have time to seal and vanish.

Perhaps that is why they say love is such an enchantment in the likeliness of a persona, Crisostomo, whose one’s sincere addiction flows upon the woman, Maria. For with his twin soul, the only other born in the same flame as him, they are able to bathe in warmth and ignite as easily as they breathe, making themselves immune and oblivious to love’s blazing heat. Thus, when it feels hardest to feel, it is the most important moment to give without measure.

Through affection, both presumed to be the lost pieces of nature, able to expel thoughts based in bigotry and prejudice. Both can walk with open hearts, hearts immune to slander. With every firm gaze, one can take what is broken inside and make it willing to walk the untraveled road of recovery; not just to wellness, but to thriving and embracing each new day.

Yet, how dreary it is to think that the passage to human form wipes the memory. Drastically forming devastation, an emotional home leveled and torn apart from the course of reality. There is nothing for anyone to retaliate, for it is just a glimpse of an imaginary thought, a sensation that no one could ever touch. For that kind of endearment bears the mundane truth that it can only be read in a novel and never felt.

by Joyce Sheena Alyssa Pajo

Since I was young, I had always felt the pressure of fitting in. Admittedly, there was a silent clash; A clash between who I wanted to be; and what the world I thought demanded me to become.

I had no choice but to be a chameleon, Pleasing people around me While fooling myself and sacrificing my own happiness.

I tailored my own self. My individuality was sacrificed not by the deceitful charm of the people surrounding me nor the influential society but by the overwhelming pleasure of being accepted and liked. Becoming complacent about everyone’s attention, I was blinded by this spotlight. With the fear of rejection, I became a prisoner of this society. Little did I know, it was the start of losing my identity. Now here I am, enjoying my own company;

potl ght S

Disregarded innate sensitivity

RUINS

by Hyung Sun James P. Maestrado

I let them once dwell upon me Like a place in which they worship A temple not so clean

I, their chosen church dirtied up with a gleam

I reflect the light

I use to utter with delight My promises outshine the Gods As the saint was now chosen me as their own

I once sleep from nine to five

Now I no longer let slumber ruin my dreadful routine

I use to laugh truly with jokes not benign

Now preferred darker shades of humor that I was aligned

Daydream I once wore From out and within But now covered with nightmarish tar

Or maybe just coffee, disgusting sticky stains Dreams I call my worshippers once

by Warren Raciles

Now unbelievers just like me Those who are awake Sleepy, yet chosen to slip away from me Now I no longer am their temple I was now their mere ruins A place once crowded with picturesque Now filled with unwanted antiques

I am no longer on a path to paradise Only a route for possible necessities A way to make this quiet place bearable A place in which we accept hell

As I tap and as my laptop types These words are made up of contempt I pray for God to help me be contented Yet again, he just offered

What I consider to be just another Dream So again, I took it, I took him He, a Dream wandered within my ruins Then I prayed as I put myself to sleep.

For the sake of feeling none

Slapped myself to be awoken While my dreams die as I deprive myself of sleep

Ialways loved the thought of December coming; it was thrilling and full of moments I wished to stay in. Then, I loved you. I started longing to wake up when December ended.

“Happy December, love!” My boyfriend exclaimed and gave me his letter. “Happy December to my December.” He chuckled at what I said before giving me a long kiss on my forehead.

It was our routine to always welcome December together and give each other gifts. Drei would give me letters I would read every end of the month, while he would accept a box from me with gifts that he would also open at the end of December

For three years, we claimed December our month. We called it the month of memories because of a series of events happening in that month. First, Decem ber was Drei’s birthday month. It was also the month we met each other, and the month we started dating.

“Oh no, Christmas decorations again!” Drei reacted when I started looking for new Christmas decorations. “Can’t you hear the Christmas songs, love? I can already hear them. ...” I even sang the tune of the popular Christmas song. One thing to love most about December was the countdown to Christmas. Hear ing the familiar Christmas songs everywhere felt strangely gratifying. Experi encing the change of weather to having a hot cup of coffee after a tiring day was worthwhile.

It was when I was thrilled and hopeful for tomorrow to come. Today, tomorrow, and next week were always anticipated. Enjoying every moment and every day was wanted. Though, the time always seemed fast, if it was December, I always kept memories in mind. “Happy birthday to you.” I walked to Drei holding the cake I bought earlier. It was a simple cake with a happy birthday note on it. I bought his favorite banana-flavored cake as I didn’t want to disappoint him. “Happy birthday, Deecember Yandrei Lim. Make a wish, love.”

“Thank you, Rein,” he said. We then shared a long hug and enjoyed the moment of being alone in his condo. Our silent moment just ended when my phone rang. “I might have to answer this.” Drei let go of me and I went to his bedroom to have some privacy When I answered the phone, my doctor went straight to saying that she had something important to say to me. “You can tell it to me now, Dr. Reyes. It seems important,” I said when I heard the uncertainty in her voice. “I have with me the results of your tests now. Rein, you have stage two leukemia…”

I didn’t answer so she continued, “We need to take some tests again so I can tell you more, but still, the tests I have right now are clear—”

“Love, is your phone call done?” I heard Drei’s voice outside so I panicked and ended the call. Even when feeling confused, I went out and continued the day as planned.

I spent the day with the excitement I was feeling earlier. Though I sometimes tried to research my health condition, I would instantly wake up my hope for December whenever I hear Drei’s voice.

“Treatment… five to twenty years—”

“What’s five to twenty years?” Drei curiously asked. I was reading the information that went up on the internet. Everything I needed to know about the disease… even the life expectancy. “Us! Five or twenty years, I can imagine us,” I replied. “Hmm, that’s bad! I can imagine us even after twenty years.”

I laughed at his comment. “Of course, I meant that too! Do you think I am not capable of loving you until we grow older?”

I teased him. “Oh love, I can imagine you buying Christmas decorations every start of December at seventy!” I laughed louder at his jokes.

Right, five or twenty years didn’t matter. If every moment, bad or good, was with him, then everything would be better.

“I love you,” he whispered. “In two days, we are celebrating our third. How good it was to end the month with you still being the love of my life...” he softly said. “Mr. Good with his words, stop fluttering me.” He hugged me tighter before kissing my head.

For a moment, we were in our own world enjoying the time of our life. Even after hearing about my situation, I kept the hope I always had in December. I continued spending the last days of December and remembered every moment that passed.

Then, it was the end of Deecember. The date of our anniversary. The time of love.

“Hello, Drei?” I answered Drei’s phone call. “Rein, this is Drei’s Tita,” she answered. “Last night, we rushed Drei to the hospital after we saw him unconscious in his condo.”

“We didn’t call you because we hoped it wasn’t serious,” she continued.

“Yes, Tita Mads. Should I go there—”

“He died today at three am…”

I lost grasp of what Tita Mads said and only remembered the word died.

“Why would he die?” I asked, confused. “Brain tumor, Rein.” Why would he have a brain tumor? I wanted to ask that, but I needed time to comprehend everything, too. I wanted an explanation, but I wasn’t ready to hear it. I wanted him but he… where was he?

Then, I remembered his last letter to me and rushed to my room and looked for it. I took time to read it and tried to understand everything I could grasp.

“Why would you keep it to me?” I sobbed. It seemed like everything he wanted to tell me was there. He told me the time he knew he was ill, his first shutdown experience, those times he wanted to tell me his situation… everything was there.

Everything I needed was there until the last paragraph.

, December. ’ , . ’ , . December . December, .

I couldn’t stop my tears from falling and sat on the floor crying. “Why…” I whispered. , December… . ;

December Ended... When

by

Jayson Sabong

by Abijah McGuiller Barruga

by Carmela Ramiro

by Aira Nadine Pascua

AN ATHLETE’S MENTAL HEALTH IS NOT A JOKE

Ahead of the NBA 2021-2022 season, the audience expected Ben Simmons, thenpoint guard of the Philadelphia 76ers, to be traded to another team. After their previous year’s stint which ended in a disappointing loss against the Atlanta Hawks, several respected and key figures of the 76ers organization spoke of indirect attacks against Simmons.

“I don’t know the answer to that.” These are the seven words that Doc Rivers, their head coach, answered when asked if Simmons can be a point guard of a championship team.

That fateful night, his fellow all-star teammate, Joel Embiid, commented on how the game slipped out of their hands because of Simmons’ detrimental play.

“I’ll be honest, I thought the turning point was when we—I don’t know how to say it— but I thought the turning point was just we had an open shot and we made one free throw,” said Embiid, referencing the open dunk that Simmons had only to pass it to another teammate.

These comments, further fueled by the audience’s unreasonable expectations of him, sent Ben Simmons reaching for peace and happiness.

For the longest time, almost everyone in the world is talking and expressing their concern about their mental health. Locally, we students in the university also had the pleasure of having a three-day mental health break to energize ourselves after an enduring midterm week. While everyone acknowledges that most people are going through something and may probably need a day or two to relax and gain pleasure, the same can’t be said for professional athletes.

Regarded as icons and idols, the audience expects professional athletes to bring their A-game every time they step foot on the court. They expect that these players should always be available and be mentally prepared to destroy their opponents every game. Because of the millions of dollars that these athletes earn (and rightfully so), they believe that athletes should not have an excuse to not perform the way that they should be able to. These irrational expectations of athletes have led to some of them spiraling down, unable to open themselves up to others, just because of how they are treated differently.

Ben Simmons is an example of this. Several quips would always be found in the comment section when an article about his mental health is published on different social media websites. Most of these comments always reference the money he is making by playing basketball, and how they wouldn’t be “depressed” when they are earning that amount of money. However, it should be understood by now that money doesn’t always buy happiness. And that certainly is the case for Simmons.

“Mentally, it killed me. I was in a dark place… It’s not about the money for me now. Like, I want peace and happiness. I want to be in a good place. And if that costs whatever it’s going to cost, that’s what it cost. My peace is more valuable than money,” Simmons commented on his situation last year.

In fact, our unfair treatment of athletes got so bad that even sports websites were accusing Simmons of using his mental health “issues” as an excuse to get out of playing for the 76ers, with claims that he “seemed fine” once he got traded to the Brooklyn Nets. Reports of him smiling with his new teammates blew out of proportion, and a majority of the fans believed he used the mental health excuse to orchestrate a master plan to get out of Philadelphia.

Casting his athlete status aside, this is an insult to every person in the world who is currently dealing with their own issues. A lot of them have probably heard the words “I saw you smiling earlier. You were probably never depressed, to begin with,” or “That’s nothing serious. It will get better.” While the latter statement may seem empathic, a sorrowful person, for the most part, will not see it that way.

We have extended our hands for help to people who are dealing with “mental disability,” but how long before we realize that athletes should be helped too? How long should we wait before

MARCLOUIEPASION Sports Head

UAIRE

For the first time since 2004, our delegates for this year’s regional State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association meet looked vulnerable. Holding 31 medals above DMMMSU during the 4th day of the contest, MMSU saw itself trail by nine medals the following day, squandering its hopes for a debut title. While the official overall champion isn’t declared yet, should MMSU use this time to reflect on its sports program ahead of next year’s SCUAA?

Swimming has always been the Stallions’ strong suit, and the scoresheets will tell you

Rough Patches underneath a Championship-Caliber Forefront

the same story. After the 4th day, our swimming team contributed 86 of the 168 medals accumulated by our university — that is roughly more than half of the team’s totals. To give a little more perspective, our medals garnered from swimming are miles ahead of ISPSC and NLPSC medals COMBINED. Our swimming team alone could have defeated at least two universities in the meet, but unfortunately for us, SCUAA is not only composed of a single event.

Looking at the big picture, it is easy to overlook the underlying problem present in our sports program when our university claims the trophy every single year. Without a swimming team to rely on, our university would only be 3rd or 4th in the standings. Once opponents figure out this trend, it would be harder for the university to extend its championship streak should it opt not to improve its performance on other sports.

By

our coaching staff and personnel in different sports who've been training our players. It is an understatement to say that it takes a lot of commitment to be able to compete against other strong players in the region. However, if the university wants to take its sports teams to greater heights and get back into championship form, we must learn to take our losses with grace and look for weaknesses that we can fix.

any means, this is not to discredit

By Marc Louie M. Pasion

How Shaun Livingston Turned Around his NBA

Odyssey Injury to Dynasty: From

An athlete’s path to greatness does not come without its fair share of trials and tribulations. It is how they overcome these hardships that define the legacy these players are leaving behind. For Shaun Livingston, one fateful night robbed him of a potential hall-of-fame career in the realm of basketball, but his professional tenure after 15 years will bring you hope and inspiration on what can happen even when life hits you with the worst possible circumstances.

Standing at 6’7”, Livingston impressed several basketball scouts with his tremendous athleticism. Possessing a high basketball IQ, he drew several comparisons to Magic Johnson as both of them were classified as tall point guards. After a successful high school tenure at Peoria Central High School, the basketball phenom declared for an NBA draft, foregoing his college eligibility to play at Duke.

Listed as the number 1 point guard in the nation in 2004, the Los Angeles Clippers took a chance on the young prospect, drafting him at the 4th spot. In his first year of playing in a professional capacity, Living ston saw himself take a backseat behind starting guard Rick Brunson because of several injuries that plagued his body. His rookie campaign was far from impressive, as he only contributed 7.4 points and only played in 30 games. By his third year, he had already missed 73 of 164 games due to lingering injuries, and basketball critics were ready to call him a draft bust after only two years.

A small glimmer of hope entered Livingston’s career as he entered his third season. As one of the few players retained last year, SDot, a nickname given to him by his teammates, improved his points per game to 9.3 and his assists per game to 5.1, both the highest PPG and APG of his career in a season. His career projection skyrocketed throughout the season, until an ultimate obstacle put his promising tenure in shambles, leaving him uncertain of his future in the basketball world.

The Clippers hosted the Charlotte Bobcats on February 26, 2007, three days after Livingston recorded a career-high 14 assists in a single game against the Golden State Warriors. As SDot reached for the steal, he coasted past several Bobcats players before attempting a layup.

Moments after, the audience gasped loudly as a stretcher was brought out to his aid. Several fans were horrified at the sight of Livingston grabbing his left leg. The once-top 5 player of the nation was a few moments removed from being booted out of his dream to play in the NBA, an opportunity given to only 450 players every year. Livingston told ESPN's Undefeated last 2016, “The knee was all deformed, bloodied up, and leaking with puss.” He then added, “I just couldn’t move it. Stiff. It was like I had a spare leg. All of my quads were skinny. It was like a pole with a pineapple in the middle of it.”

His medical report came a day after the injury, and Livingston was diagnosed with tears on his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and meniscus. It was also reported that he broke his left kneecap and his left leg. Dr. Tony Daly, the Clippers' physician, told ESPN, “It’s probably the most serious injury you can have to the knee.” Talks also commenced about the possibility of his leg being amputated. With the worst set of circumstances presented before his eyes, Livingston was ready to leave and move on from the game of basketball.

His professional doctors, however, had a different plan. Months of rehabilitation were set in motion, as he had to re-learn how to walk. After a steady healing process for 16 months, his doctors have finally cleared him to participate in light basketball activities. SDot was ready to prove once again to an audience full of doubters that he was worth the top 4 pick.

Several teams were interested in bringing the revitalized prospect onto their roster, but not one of them was willing to commit him to their long-term

plan. After a brief stint in Miami, Charlotte, Milwaukee, Washington, Cleveland, and Brooklyn from 2008 to 2014, he finds himself struggling to fight for a spot on a roster because of one glaring flaw: his left knee.

Even with a 6’7” skinny body framework, teams were left with no choice but to look for other players as they did not want to pay 3 million dollars for a guy with a severe injury history. With this in mind, Livingston continued to work on his basketball fundamentals and skills, unaware that one team has its eyes on his serviceability.

The Golden State Warriors were just coming off a disappointing season, and one weakness they needed to address was the backup point guard position. After trying out several point guards, the team took a chance on Livingston and his potential. What was once regarded as a normal contract signing then became an avenue for Livingston to cement himself as one of the greatest serviceable backup players in the history of basketball.

Taking a backseat to Stephen Curry, SDot flourished in his dedicated role as a spark off the bench. Shockwaves were sent throughout the basketball world as Livingston showcased his deadly mid-range jumper across the league. In an offense where 3-pointers are the focal point of their system, SDot made teams scramble their game plan against the Warriors as his offense was dedicated to shooting inside the three-point line with a jump shot that cannot be blocked. A successful season saw the Warriors winning 67 out of 82 games, and he was vital in helping them win a championship that same year against a LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers.

For five years as a member of the Warriors squad, he helped them bludgeon their way to an NBAbest 73 wins in a season, in addition to grabbing two more championships, all against LeBron James. He saw himself playing at least 60 games in all five sea sons, a feat he has never accomplished before his stint with the Warriors. His role off the bench facilitated the team into becoming a dynasty, the most recent one in memory. A career with the threat of being forgotten was restored and became one of the most inspirational stories that the basketball world has seen.

After losing the championship against the Toronto Raptors in 2019, he was ready to call it a career. In an Instagram post, he shared with the community his decision to close a chapter of his life: “After 15 years in the NBA, I’m excited, sad, fortunate, and grateful all in one breath. Hard to put into caption all of the emotions it takes to try and accomplish your dreams.”

For a 21-year-old athlete to suffer an injury as severe as what he had sustained, and then come back not only as a decent role player but as an athlete with three championships and thousands of unforgettable memories, Livingston’s arc surely is one of the most successful redemption stories you will ever encounter.

Shaun Livingston is a walking embodiment of unbelievable tenacity and dedication which serves as an inspiration to many people possessing injuries of their own. He is living proof that even when faced with the worst, life finds a way to give you the ability to perse vere through your struggles and it finds a path for you to pursue and finish your redemption.

it is easy to overlook the underlying problem present in our sports program when our university claims the trophy every single year.

“

He is living proof that even when faced with the worst, life finds a way to give you the ability to persevere through your struggles and it finds a path for you to pursue and finish your redemption.

EDITORIAL

UNIGAMES CLOSES WITH GLORIOUS FEAT; AWARDS WINNING ATHLETES AFTER WEEK-LONG GAMES

By Benedict Jay R. Collado

The battlefield saw the return of the competitive athletes, and it signaled the comeback of the wild gallops that mighty Stallions have contained for two-long years. After a week full of intense matchups that unleashed the fighting spirits of the players, the University Games (Unigames) 2022 finally ended on October 5, with top notch athletes taking their podium finishes which marked the success of its comeback after the two-year halt due to the pandemic.

The Stallions, mixed with eagerness to finally unleash their prowess again, gave intensified fights— from heated-up Volleyball and Basketball matches to the exciting Mobile Legends and Non-Traditional Arnis Anyo Competitions, the university-wide sports and cultural olympics highlighted the diversity of talent that arose amidst the competitive air that wrapped the Mariano Marcos State University (MMSU) Grounds for the whole week.

Meanwhile, the dubbed College of Champions, College of Engineering (COE) Maroons continued their streak after being declared as the overall champion in this year’s games, placing their eighth straight win which they aimed for right from the get-go with 51.34 points.

COE dominated most of the sporting events including their supremacy in the Diamond as both Softball and Baseball tilts were seized by their strong athletes, coupled with their point haul in Taekwondo as lady jins brought pound-for-pound victories for the team. The Maroons also thwarted a back-to-back win in the Basketball Finals as they grabbed the gold against their enemy.

The College of Teacher Education (CTE) Rabbis leaned heavily on their top notch performances in the cultural events as they claimed the top spots in Pop Solo and Hip-hop Competitions, on top of their superb performance in the sporting events, to save their spot in the top two, and clinch the first runner-up trophy with 40.66 points.

Laoag campuses framed massive plays in the games as the College of Industrial Technologies (CIT) Red Lions joined the Rabbis in the top three as they amassed 36.25 overall points to seize the second runner-up title. Trailing behind them is the competitive College of Business, Economics, and Accountancy which dominated the Volleyball Men and gained 32.74 points to place fourth in the tally.

Meanwhile, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Wizards, who earlier dominated the foot parade as they showcased their cultural creativity on the first day, landed fifth in the overall tally with 29.91 points, while the College of Agriculture, Food and Sustainable Development (CAFSD) Tamaraws ended their quest as sixth placers with 29.52 points.

The College of Health and Sciences (CHS) Knights and the College of Aquatic Sciences and Applied Technologies (CASAT) Blue Marlins shared the bottom two as they fell short in sustaining their run in the weeklong tournament.

The sports olympics, however, was an avenue for the players to bring their spirit back into sports after being confined to the online setup for two years, and to choose the high-caliber athletes to represent the institution in clinching their 18th crown in the regional arena—the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) Region 1 Meet 2022.

Palarong Pamasko blows up Laoag City after 2-year slumber

By Federick Abad

With

Signaling the end of the constant preparation of representing players from different barangays, the annual Christmas sporting event started off with a parade containing representatives from different barangays of the City.

The sporting event featured different categories namely inter-barangay, inter-office, inter-agency basketball and volleyball competitions, and more than 700 participants are said to have joined the sporting event for

this year as well as the active participation of TODA and SK participants.

“I want to say to all of you that I will make Laoag City a sports champion in the future. With all of your support, together we will make Laoag City a sports champion,” the Laoag mayor said in his speech. After the small speech of the Mayor, he then officially declared the Palarong Pamasko 2022; wishing the participants to have a good sport and fair play.

Despite the long wait for the said sporting event, challengers from different barangays of Laoag city as well as sectors of government officials are in for the big fight.

Rumor has it that the players are waiting for this grand opportunity to happen after not being able to play for an extensive period of time.

Several participants of the sporting event have said that they have participated in various basketball games here in the region. Small basketball tournaments are conducted during the post time of the pandemic where not just adults but even the youth have taken the chance to show their skills and talents in ball games.

As the Palarong Pamasko 2022 sets in, citizens and viewers hope to watch a good play and that the spirit of sportsmanship and honesty should be seen. Corresponding players playing for the day proceeded to the court which kickstarted the official return of the Palarong Pamasko.

the 2-year disappearance of the Palarong Pamasko due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Laoag City mayor Michael Marcos Keon declared the annual celebration of the Palarong Pamasko 2022 last October 14. After years of waiting, the yearly Palarong Pamasko got back on track as stated by the Laoag mayor. The sporting event composed of basketball and volleyball is said to be held at the Amphitheatre Laoag City Sports Complex, on October 14