The Pillar Volume 53 Issue 02

The Pillar

The Official Student Publication of the University of Eastern Philippines | Member of CEGP

02 EDITORIAL

OUR CALL : SCHOOL FOR ALL 03 NEWS

08 FEATURE

12 CULTURE

14 OPINION

15 LAMPOON

PHP7.6M Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) ang Naipamahagi sa mga Grantees

Struggles of UEP Students - A Chorus of Pleas

Nasaan ang aruga?

Avatar Yarn?

Fucculty & Employee Edition

OCTOBER 2021 VOLUME 54 | ISSUE 02

2 | Editorial

VOLUME 54 | ISSUE NO. 02 October 2021

EDITORIAL BOARD AND STAFF A.Y 2021-2022

Editor-in-Chief GEORGE JOSEPH BANDA

Associate Editor WINDEL JOY CLERIGO

Managing Editor DAVE JUBASAN

News Editor ANDREW MONTEJO

Feature Editor ANGELICA PAJARES

OUR CALL : SCHOOL FOR ALL

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t is almost two years but most schools in the country are yet to open. It has been almost two years since students last entered their classrooms. Does it have to be this long?

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) estimated that one year of nonfaceto-face schooling induced by the pandemic could cause productivity loss over the next four decades amounting to around 11 trillion pesos. This figure reflects how online and module-based learning are remarkably less effective than face-toface classes.

In July 2020, CHED Chairman Popoy De Vera made his proposal to the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the conduct of restricted face-toface classes for some HEIs that offer

medicine and allied health sciences in the midst of the ongoing health crisis, which was approved by the President in January of this year. On September 21, CHED also announced the expansion of restricted face-toface classes to Engineering and Technology programs, Hospitality/ Hotel and Restaurant Management, Tourism/Travel Management, Marine Engineering, and Marine Transportation.

These go signals may have been a relief to some but not all. Students in other degree programs were left with questions of why not us, too, when in fact, the negative effects of prolonged closure of schools do not hit specific curriculums. In online and modulebased learning, students miss out on opportunities for teacher-student interaction which has a negative impact on learning quality. Students

are not gaining the knowledge and skills they need for their future careers. Students’ mental health is at risk as well, they feel so stressed and frustrated due to the incredibly demanding learning environment in which they find themselves. Due to deadlines, they are constrained to submit loads of requirements with little to no learning. Worst is that about four in ten Filipino students do not have any devices to use for their distance learning, according to a survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS).

On the other hand, one may have the gadget but what remains to be the problem is the country’s poor or slow internet connectivity. This is why the Philippines is indisputably struggling with the new norm of education.

What prepares us for our forthcoming endeavors in life is our college education— it may or may not be

limited to this but it will surely influence us. So, why choose just a few when every student in his or her own degree program has to be in a classroom where they can genuinely learn? Our country’s next generation educators, scientists, IT experts, accountants and other professionals are in urgent need to be in school, too.

The limited face-to-face classes currently implemented so far appear to be working. According to Chairman Popoy De Vera, less than one percent among students and less than 1.41 percent among faculty members attending these classes were infected.

Hence, The Pillar calls for a more inclusive effort to gradually reopen colleges and universities ensuring that no student is left behind. P

Staff Writers IAN KERVI BALASE CHARELLE CATUNHAY TRISHA MAE DOCIL MARY JANE MAUNIO NIÑO ANTHONY PETALBO MARWIN TACO

Layout Artists AYESSA MAE ESQUILLO VAL JOHN GRAJO TYRONE GUINANAO MARL ANTHONY LUCBAN

Photojournalists JOSHUA GARCIA PAUL MELBERT GALLANO BEVELENE MARIE MELENDRES JUSTINE MONTAÑEZ ALLEN JAMES TANCINCO

Cartoonists ALJAN BAUTISTA JIMBERT DULAY MITZ VINCENT GORGONIA WENDY LYNNE SORIO CYRIL ROBIATO

Finance Manager SOPHIA SANDRA GALLANO Assistant Finance Manager DANICA MIRANDA

Technical Adviser MICHAEL PECAYO

TUNGKOL SA PABALAT KUHA NI JUSTINE MONTAÑEZ

Ang noo’y matao’t maingay na Pamantasan ng Silanganing Pilipinas ay napalitan ng bakanteng mga silid-aralan.

Tumahimik din ang dating masisigla at abalang mga kalsada kung saan makikita ang daan-daang mga mag-aaral, guro at faculty ng UEP na naglalakad, tumatambay, naguusap-usap at marami pang ibang pinagkakaabalahan.

Hindi maipagkakailang sa halos dalawang taong ganito ang larawan ng pamantasan ay marami-rami na ring mga istorya ng mga UEPians ang di naisabuhay. Ang sana’y memorable na pamamalagi sa unibersidad ay na-drawing at di lubusang nakulayan. Kung kaya’t madiin ang panawagan ng The Pillar sa isang ligtas na pagbabalik-iskwela. Sapagkat bukod sa kahirapang dinaranas ng mga mag-aaral pati na rin ng mga guro dulot ng distant learning, ay nais din ng mga UEPians na maranasan ang totoong college life.

Finance Adviser LLYOD ADAM BAYLON

Contributor ERIC ACIBAR

NEWS | 3

VOLUME 54 | ISSUE NO. 02 October 2021

PHP7.6M Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) ang naipamahagi sa mga grantees ARTIKULO NI MARY JANE MAUNIO

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utom. Pagod. Balisa. Ganito kung ilarawan ang pagtiyaga ng mga benepesyaryo sa mahabang pila bago maipasakamay ang kapalit na tulong pinansyal na hatid ng TES. Ika-4 ng Oktubre ng pormal na simulan ang pamamahagi ng assistance para sa mga TES Grantees mula University of Eastern Philippines na magtatapos sa ika-10 ng Nobyembre. Kabilang na dito ang mga dati ng TES grantees at mga baguhan. Isinagawa ito bawat ala-una ng hapon sa nakatalagang iskedyul ng bawat batch.

Kinabibilangan ito ng siyam na Batch sa mga Ongoing TES Grantees samantalang dalawang batch para sa sa mga New TES Grantees.

Dahil dito, naging bahagyang mayos ang daloy ng pamamahagi bunsod na rin ng pagsunod sa pila ng mga benepesyaryo.

Ang TES ay ipinagkakaloob sa mga nangaling sa mahihirap na pamilya at karapat-dapat sa tulong na hatid ng gobyerno. Katulad ng dati, maagang nagtiyagang pumila ang mga benepesyaryo sa sapagkat ang buong hapon ay kinapalooban ng dalawang

KUHA NI JUSTINE MONTAÑEZ

daan at limampung estudyante na pumila na nangaling pa sa malalayong lugar. Bagaman naging mahaba ang pila, wala paring katumbas ang mga ngiti sa labi ng bawat estudyanteng nakakatatangap nito. Para sa kanila, napakalaking tulong ng dalawampung libo para sa mag-aaral na naglalayong maibsan ang suliraning pinansyal sa pag-aaral.

Bago nasimulan ang pamamahagi ay minaiging nasa pila na ang mga estudyante. Kasabay nito, kinailangan rin ang mga requirements na kailangang maipasa na siyang

kasabay sa pagtanggap ng assistance para sa renewal nito.

Kabilang dito ang personal na ID at grado sa nakaraang semester. Ang mga nasabing requirements ang siyang kinakailangan para muling asahan ang assistance sa susunod na pamamahagi.

Paalala ni sir Arjay Traquena, coordinator/focal person, para sa mga estudyante ng unibersidad na nais maging TES grantee, walang dapat gawin para sa pag-apply. Walang kailangang isumite sa UEP Registra at MIS Office sapagkat sila na ang

bahala kung ikaw ay enrolled sa unibersidad. Dagdag pa nito, antayin nalang ang listahan ng makakasali sa bagong grantees.

Sa gitna ng pandemic, lahat tayo lumulusong sa hamon ng buhay.

Bawat araw, pahirap ng pahirap ang sitwasyong ating tinatamasa sa kasulukuyan. Sa tulong ng TES, maraming napapagaan ang buhay, pamilyang nasusuportahan at mga pangarap ng kabataan ay paniguradong may kahahantungan. P

4 | NEWS

VOLUME 54 | ISSUE NO. 02 October 2021

President Ultra, pinagbabawal ang face-to-face transactions sa loob ng Unibersidad ARTICLE BY TRISHA MAE DOCIL

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aghain ng agarang aksyon ang presidente ng Pamantasan ng Silangang Pilipinas, Dr. Cherry I. Ultra, at ipinagbawal muna ang pagtanggap ng face-to-face transactions sa loob ng unibersidad magmula noong ika-3 ng Agosto 2021 dahil sa patuloy na pagtaas ng kaso ng Covid-19 sa munisipalidad ng Catarman, Northern Samar.

Upang masunod ang Flexible Learning Management System bilang bagong paraan ng paghahatid ng edukasyon, hinikayat ang lahat ng mga guro sa unibersidad na limitahin ang mga estudyante sa pagsasagawa ng anumang face-to-face na mga gawain, ito ay upang masiguro ang kaligtasan ng mga estudyante pati na rin ng mga guro sa panahon ng pandemya.

Sa nilabas na datos ng Catarman Northern Samar Provincial Hospital, nakapagtala ng 44 na mga bagong kaso ng Covid-19 noong ikatlong linggo ng Agosto, mas mataas sa 30 kamang kapasidad ng ospital. Ngunit pagsapit ng Sityembre 28, bumaba ang mga kaso ng 11 mula sa 17 naospital noong Sityembre 27.

Mula noong Marso 2020 hanggang Sityembre 29, 2021, nakapatala ang Northern Samar ng 3,739 na mga kaso ng Covid-19, 3,407 rito ang mga gumaling at 90 naman ang namatay.

Nagpatupad naman ng panuntunan ang unibersidad sa tamang paraan ng pagsusumite ng modyuls upang masunod pa rin ang health protocols. Bawat munisipalidad ay may itinalagang university link kung saan maaaring ipasa ng mga estudyante ang kanilang mga pang-akademikong dokumento nang hindi kinakailangang pumunta sa unibersidad mismo at ito rin ay naglalayong maiwasan ang patitipon-tipon at matulungan ang mga estudyante na maibsan ang gastos at hirap sa pagbyahe papunta sa unibersidad.

Nagkaroon naman ng halu-halong reaksyon at opinyon ang mga freshmen ukol sa isyung ito sa isinagawang sarbey. Mayroong mga hindi pabor dito dahil ayon sa kanila ay natatagalan bago maidala sa unibersidad ang mga dokumento ngunit marami rin naman ang naintidihan ang sitwasyon at mas piniling sumunod sa mga patakaran.

“Sumang-ayon ako sa ginawang paglimita ng unibersidad sa mga walk-in transactions. Ito ay isang paraan para maiwasang maging sanhi ng pagkalat ng virus at pagkukumpulan ng mga estudyante sa pila. Mas magiging madali at makakatipid din ang mga estudyante kung sa kanilang munisipyo lamang ang pagpasa ng kanilang mga dokumento. Sa kabilang banda, may mga pagaalala na nabuo sa aking isipan dahil may mga pagkakataon na hindi nakakarating ang mga dokumento sa opisina sa tamang araw,” pahayag ni Dave Lorenza A. Pinca, isang freshman ng College of Agriculture, Fisheries and Natural Resources.

Mayroon ding mga estudyanteng patuloy na nababahala sapagkat ang ibang mga dokumentong kanilang sinumite sa university link ay hindi pa rin naipapasa hanggang ngayon at hinahanapan na sila ng kanilang mga guro. Ilan sa mga dokumentong ito ay ang mga requirements for enrollment na kung saan ang mga freshmen ang lubhang apektado.

Source: UEP CVM - Student Council Office Facebook Page “Due to the increase of number of Covid-19 cases, we can’t blame UEP for implementing new memo for not allowing walk-in applicants for safety purposes and let the university link handle all the requirements. At first, it made me feel the inconveniences, because given the fact that the slots of every course are limited, and there are thousands of aspiring freshman applicants. Sending your requirements thru the municipal link takes a lot of time before transferring it to the main university links. So, I have reached to the point of being hopeless to be accepted on my first course preference,” pagpapaliwanag ni Joshua Germo Donor, freshman ng College of Business Administration.

Umaasa ang mga estudyante na kasabay ng pagpoprotekta ng unibersidad sa kaligtasan ng lahat ay magsagawa rin ng maayos na sistema ng pagpapatupad ng mga batas.

“Sana kapag nagpapasa ang mga estudyante sa municipal link ay agad nila itong hinahanay batay sa kurso at sa araw ng pagsumite upang matukoy kung sino ang mga estudyanteng unang nagpasa nang sa gayon ay una ring maidala sa main campus. At kung sakali mang may mga requirements na kinakailangang maipasa kaagad ay sana maaaring ipasa sa e-mail or messenger upang maiwasan ang pagkaantala ng mga dokumento,” suhestiyon ni Ma. Krista B. Amada freshman ng College of Engineering.

Ginagawa rin ng mga guro ang kanilang tungkuling maghatid ng edukasyon gamit ang iba’t ibang online platforms at gaya ng mga estudyante ay hangad din nila ang maayos na sistema upang maibsan ang kahirapang kinakaharap ng mga estudyante at mga guro sa gitna ng pandemya.

Patuloy namang gumagawa ng aksyon ang iba’t ibang departamento ng unibersidad sa pamamagitan ng paghahatid ng lehitimong balita sa mga estudyante sa paraan ng pagpopost sa iba’t ibang Facebook pages ng unibersidad.

Sa ngayon, sa 24 na munisipalidad ng Northern Samar ay mayroon na lamang natitirang 240 na mga aktibong kaso ng Covid-19.

“The people of Northern Samar may once again visit the hospital for check-ups and consultations on any pain, sickness, or symptoms they have. Nevertheless, we enjoin everyone to observe the minimum health protocols when they go to the hospital,” pagpapaalala ng Chief ng hospital na si Nimfa Kam sa isang panayam.

Umaasa ang mga estudyante na ngayong bumaba na ang mga kaso ng Covid-19 sa munisipalidad ay maaari na silang pumasok sa loob ng unibersidad upang masigurong naipapasa ang mga modyuls habang sumusunod pa rin sa mga health protocols. P

NEWS | 5

VOLUME 54 | ISSUE NO. 02 October 2021

UEP-OVPRDE in cooperation with CS and CNAHS hold webinar on COVID-19 vaccine ARTICLE BY MARWIN TACO

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he University of Eastern Philippines - Office of the Vice President for Research, Development, and Extension, in cooperation with the College of Science and College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences held a webinar about COVID-19 vaccine awareness, with the theme, “COVID-19 Vaccination 101: Types, Efficacy, and Hesitancy”, on September 17, 2021 at 2 o’clock in the afternoon and was live via Zoom and Facebook.

The webinar started with a video of reminders and simple rules, saying firstly, to turn off the microphone and camera, secondly, to ask questions and clarifications after the talk, thru use of mic or the chat box, thirdly, to treat everyone how one would like to be treated, and lastly to have fun and of keep an open mind about the discussion.

“Vaccines are an effective way to protect us from diseases like COVID-19, preventing death and serious illness”, said Ms. Karah Cleo Ero, the master of ceremony to formally start the webinar.

On that note, a welcome message was delivered by Dr. Rona Alcera, a core faculty of College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, saying that, “This webinar provides a valuable opportunity to highlight the positive steps that can be taken to promote health and well-being.” Another message was delivered by UEP President Cherry I. Ultra, noting that, “…we believe that unity matters, and we should not leave others behind.”

After the messages, Dr. Abel Alejandro Flores introduced the guest speaker of the event. He said that the guest speaker is the Chairman of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Vaccine Expert Panel for COVID-19, a member of World Health Organization Scientific Steering Committee for COVID19 Solidarity Vaccines Trials, and a former Dean of College of Public Health in University of the Philippines, Manila.

Dr. Nina G. Gloriani, the guest speaker of the webinar, formally took the

spotlight after her name was called.

She then shared her screen for her discussion of vaccine types, efficacy and variants. She changed the “hesitancy” in the title into “variants”, noting that, “…maybe variants can change the minds of those who are still hesitant about taking the vaccine.”

This, Dr. Gloriani outlined her presentation into COVID19 situation and waves of infection, SARSCoV-2 characteristics, multi-system involvement and vulnerable groups, SARS-CoV-2 genome and choosing vaccine candidates, understanding the host immune responses to natural infection and to vaccines, COVID19 vaccine types/platforms, vaccine development stages, evaluation and approval processes, FDA COVID19 vaccine EUA approvals, the vaccination process, measures of safety, immunogenicity, efficacy vs effectiveness, summary of statements of vaccine efficacy, implications of virus mutations and virus variants, and some take home messages.

“It’s true that vaccine cannot give you a hundred percent protection, at least it will prevent you from having severe illness, or it could prevent death.”

In consonance, she concluded her talk by saying, “These vaccines went through stringent processes of evaluation, and found to be safe, efficacious, and elicited robust immune responses. If qualified, let us take the available vaccine the soonest possible time.” And Dr. Ninfa C. Kam, a Provincial Health Officer and the second resource person of the webinar agreed, noting that, “Siguro naman nakita nyo na ang effect ng mga hindi pa nabakunahan.

It’s true that vaccine cannot give you a hundred percent protection, at least it will prevent you from having severe illness, or it could prevent death.”

After the talk of the second resource person, a closing remarks was delivered by Dr. Celeste J. Chan, the Dean of the College of Science.

The webinar ended with Ms. Ero saying, “I guess there is no silver bullet that will bring the COVID-19 pandemic to a rapid close. But an effective vaccine is the next best thing.” P Source: College of Science Student Services and Student Council - Main Campus Facebook Page

6 | FEATURE

A “Short” Visit to UEP Main Link ARTICLE BY CHARELLE CATUNHAY

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he morning greetings of the rooster’s crow were the cue of the students from far-flung municipalities to rise from bed and prepare early for their “short” visit to the UEP main link. As they settled inside the transportation, they started anticipating the long hours of their trip.

Once they crossed the ocean or the terrain, they will ride another vehicle heading to the main link. And as they neared their destination, they needed to brace their selves for another hour of waiting under the constraint of the changing weather.

The sun shone brightly. A throng of students flocked in front of the UEP main link. As a minute passed by, the number of students were increasing, some came by group and others simply came alone. The crowded and cramped line was soon stretched at the end of the main link’s corridor. They started wiping the sweat forming in their temples, craned their neck back and forth to see through the crowd ahead of them, then glanced multiple times at their wristwatch convincing themselves that they can still manage to wait for another hour as they were barely trying to contain their growing irritation. When the personnel stepped out from the office, holding with both hands the newly printed documents, a wave of the crowd rushed to get closer to the grill which served as a barricade between them.

“Tatawagon ko an ngaran sa nag request san grades ngan COR sito naglista kanina na aga.” The roll-call began but the voice was drowned in the loud chattering in the background.

Soon, the thick printed documents were distributed to the owners. Barely able to get through the overwhelming crowd, a hopeful soul made her way just enough to talk to the personnel.

“Good afternoon po. Nagrequest po ak grades tas COR. Naglista po ak kanina na aga.”

“Nanu an apelyido?” Without minding how hot and crowded it was, the student told her complete name, hoping to get away from this packed

PHOTO BY PAUL MELBERT GALLANO

place as soon as possible. The personnel scanned through the pile of documents and after a while, he lifted up his head and break the bad news every student dreaded to hear.

“Waray didi imo documents. Paglista na la utro. An grades makarelease kami dayun, hulat la. An sa COR man, balik buwas nala na aga kay alas dos an cut-off time sa pag print sa MIS.” A verdict no one can contend. With a heavy heart, she wrote again her name while silently praying for the list not to magically disappear. These were the usual scenarios that unfold throughout the busy weekdays.

The main link has continued to provide services for the students after the resumption of the classes under this new normal set-up. Collecting requirements such as projects and modules are the major tasks of the main link personnel. But ever since the Management Information System (MIS) announced that they will no longer directly entertain student’s requests for their documents, the long lines shifted into the premises of the main link for this was where the students can obtain their documents.

“Para ma-minimize an number sa students na napakadi sa registrar, ngan deri ma violate an health safety protocols, bawal na mag request didi sa MIS.” One of the security guards answered when asked why they strictly prohibit students from heading to the MIS office.

“Gin fo-follow la namun an sugo sa igbaw.” He continued.

The loud chattering of the students went on and on, uttering countless complaints about this kind of system. Yet, despite voicing out their thoughts and unjust experiences, the unfortunate fact still remains that no one is even listening or taking necessary actions to put an end to this poor management once and for all.

When the students were interviewed about their experiences in the main

link, they eagerly shared their moments hoping to unleash their voiceless plea and to demand improvement in the main link’s system.

“Ak kahuhulat gudman di harumamay.

Kalamay pa in na pila di na ursa.”

Regardless of how they have been waiting, for them, it is either now or never. A silent female student, sitting at the corner of the stairs in front of the main link has been waiting during lunch break to request for her documents which she failed to get yesterday. She seemed to be impatient, but the determination in her eyes were telling that this time, she must procure her documents.

But there are still some who chose to retreat from the crowded lines, fearing for their safety.

“Tikang pa ak sa Laoang, 230 an pasahe balikan na in kay matabok paak dagat. Adaw na ak nakaabut sadto sa main link. Waray nala ak pagpadayun na pumila kay gipasu-i sadto ngan kahalaba tas suruksu

pa lat a pila tas magutom na lat.”

The student recalled painfully as she narrated her bitter experience in her pursuit of getting her documents needed for the pay-out in the Iskolar ng Probinsiya.

“Nagkakadto ak sa UEP Main Link para magpasa requirements, magkuha COR ngan grades. Nagtikang pa ak sa Victoria Municipality, ngan naayo pa ak pamasahe sa ak parents ngan an pamasahe pakadto UEP Main Link tikang sa amon is 254 pesos.” replied another student.

“Duwa pa la ak nakakadto sa UEP main link sito pagpasa ko saak activities/module ngan nagkuwa ak grades. Madali la pagpasa modules, maiya uga paghinulat sa pagkuwa grades.” She further added.

Aside from an hour of waiting, another dilemma that the students are still facing is the missing modules that they worked hard on just to submit on time.

They opted to submit them directly to the main link to ensure that their

modules will reach their professors, but for some reasons, their outputs were nowhere to be found.

The same student from Victoria narrated how her modules did not reach her professor which was the reason why she was not given yet a grade for that particular subject. Out of desperation, she pleaded for her professor to give an update about her missing module. Upon checking, they discovered that the module was mixed with another section.

“Grabe an akon pangulba [sadto] ngan nabaraka gud ak kay an pag inanser ko la [sadto.] Naghubag na la ak kamot tapos an ak gasto [sadto] pamasahe para la makapasa on time.”

In another case of a missing module, this student was dismayed as she was compelled once more to submit her works via her professor’s email who did not consider her situation.

continued in page 7

FEATURE | 7

VOLUME 54 | ISSUE NO. 02 October 2021

A Heroism Retold

continued from page 6

“I did feel sad and frustrated when I found out that one of my modules that I worked on until midnight just got wasted” She uttered.

Now that you heard the concerns of the students, may you also take time to listen to the side of the UEP main link personnel.

Confined in the office filled with tons of brown envelopes from every department, the personnel were also struggling in meeting the massive requests of the students. One solution that they implemented was scheduling when to visit the main link by each college.

However, the same issues are still manifesting because of the delay of the printing of the said documents.

“Waray probema sa man-power. Kaya gad namon an hirimuon. Bisan di mapuno a lista, gin priprint namun dayun an grades para maka release. An sa amon la, kunta tagan kami access sa MIS system sa COR para na rerelease atab. An nahihitabu lugod, dire nakukuha tanan or ginbabalikan san mga estudyante an pinanrequests nira kay waray na kaabuti sa cut-off time.”

Answered by one of the personnel who was devastated about the thick printed COR and grades stocked in their office.

Then what about the reason behind the missing modules? Without further explanation, they hinted that you will find out the truth once you visit the CAC Annex B where the modules are carefully transported.

Meanwhile, students have their own varied opinions about the scheduling when to visit the main link.

“Agree ak nga may schedule pero diri effective kanra system.”

“Deri ak agree. Aside sa reason na dire man itun nasusugod na schedule na ira inhahatag, may students la gihap na nakadto miskan di schedule. [Ano lat] what if need mo im files, makuha ka grades, mapasa ka like Monday deadline mo Tuesday, tos sched mo Wednesday ma process pa mag iiha. Mas maupay wara schedule, wara manta pinagkaiba sa may sched kay suruso la gihap tawo.”

Not everyone can sail on the same boat. While others are privileged to visit multiple times the main link, some only depend on their savings by doing extra works or from the allowance they receive from their guardians.

Other municipalities have the fare ranging from 6001,000 pesos. A huge amount of money could be saved including the time they spend waiting, only if the higherups will devise a systematic system.

Going back to the female student who has been waiting since lunch break, her hopes were revived as she carefully held the grades and COR in her hands. With a weary stride, she headed to the registrar to have her documents authenticated. She politely greeted the guard at the gate, waited for a couple of minutes before she wrote in the logbook her contact information and her temperature, then approached the designated window for the department she belongs to. In less than five minutes, her name was called and the authenticated documents were handed to her. She then smiled bitterly upon recalling how she waited for almost two to three hours during the two days that she visited the main link.

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ARTICLE BY NIÑO ANTHONY PETALBO

... the teachers play the role of a modern-day hero, one who takes

bold sacrifices for the sake of others. And despite the changes the

new normal poses, they are dynamic enough to deliver effective education.

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he celebration of the World Teacher’s Day has never been as sentimental and relevant as that on October 5, 2021 in the Philippines where the COVID-19 pandemic has posed tremendous challenge to the educators.

School events such as Teacher’s Day were celebrated for the first time online in 2020 when the Coronavirus disease spiked local transmission. Since then, occasions were held through virtual greetings delivered on Facebook and videos sent through messaging applications. This has not changed up to the present but what is new is the different atmosphere that the day induced.

It is not just punctuated with happiness but also fortified with the epiphany that such is the time for teachers to revitalize their mission of inspiring and developing learners regardless of the challenges and changes that the educational system faces. And, despite the challenges brought by the pandemic as solidified by the difficulties in the distance and modular learning, they ought to stay strong, composed, and adaptive in order to maintain quality instruction.

In consonance, the University of Eastern Philippines-Official FB page formally pronounced its participation in the occasion with a note from Guy Kawasaki saying, “If you have to put someone in a pedestal, put teachers. They are the society’s heroes.” Indeed, if there is a person to whom society owes the knowledge of its

people, pandemic or not, that would be the teachers because they are the ones who lead the people to the fulfillment of their individual dreams. As such, the UEP President herself, Dr. Cherry I. Ultra, shared the post on her personal account putting forth the heroism of teachers. She emphasized that teachers have a crucial role of “molding character imbued with academic excellence among students.” She even expressed her gratitude stating that the teachers are significant in creating real life winners. This very idea is reflected amidst the current modes of teaching. Further, the sectors of the university through the colleges have expressed their participation by honoring their teaching force. As for the students, they have flooded their online platforms with the stories of the greatness their teachers manifested. Some of them even recalled how their teachers have changed them and in the times that they felt no hope, they had teachers who were willing to push them to keep moving forward. This implies nothing less than gratitude toward teachers.

At the bottom line, the teachers play the role of a modern-day hero, one who takes bold sacrifices for the sake of others. And despite the changes the new normal poses, they are dynamic enough to deliver effective education. The 2021 Teachers Day celebration successfully delivered this message of commendation, rendering it as a meaningful event in the present society. P

8 | FEATURE

VOLUME 54 | ISSUE NO. 02 October 2021

STRUGGLES OF UEP STUDENTS:

A CHORUS OF PLEAS

ARTICLE BY ANGELICA PAJARES

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he harmonious blending of sounds in a chorale make it a pleasure-giving, almost therapeutic listening experience. With a swing of hand from the conductor, different voices accompanied by equally distinct musical instruments merge into something aurally aesthetic. Baritone or tenor, alto or soprano, guitar or piano: all contribute to the feeling of being transported to a heavenly realm with their angelic melody and songs of praises. This is what entices people to listen. When even in diversity, there is still harmony.

When everything is in order with just a single snap. When one is provided with an illusion of calm and perfection.

But what if you come across an unconventional chorus? Instead of songs of worship, you hear the cries of hardship? Are you willing to listen to the narratives that were ignored and fell into deaf ears?

WARM UP: At the Onset of Pandemic It can be recalled that on March 6, 2020, the Philippines reported the country’s first local COVID-19 infection. A day after that, two (2) cases of local coronavirus transmission were announced. In a knee-jerk reaction, class suspensions and work-fromhome schemes were sought amidst the growing tension. The UEP administration acted promptly by setting precautionary measures to secure the welfare of the students and the University’s workforce.

On March 11, 2020, the University of Eastern Philippines convened its administrative council to discuss

ILLUSTRATION BY ALJAN BAUTISTA

emergency action plan for COVID-19.

A special order mandating the creation and activation of the UEP COVID-19 crisis management team and task force in the pursuit of instituting appropriate precautionary measures against the contamination of the virus, consistent with proclamation order no.

922 and other pertinent issuances of the CHED and DOH was issued by the council. On the same day, the UEP administration issued a memorandum declaring suspension of co-curricular/ extra-curricular events and activities.

“I thought that the suspension of faceto-face classes will be just temporary.”, said Hannah*, a Criminology student.

To alleviate the negative impact of the pandemic on education, several interventions were implemented that compelled educational institutions to switch to distance learning, thus marking the new normal in education.

This unprecedented health crisis resulted to curriculum revisions, changes in the academic calendar, and development of new policies on instructional delivery and assessment.

Face-to-face instruction was not allowed, and online learning modality was pushed through. “At first, I was so happy that we will be having a new set-up for classes because I thought that dealing with online classes will be easy. But right now, I’m having such a hard time.”, Hannah added.

VERSE I: Technical Issues The Philippines is one of the countries with slowest internet speed, thus it is not surprising to hear students ranting and lamenting over weak internet connection, especially here

in Northern Samar. Carl*, a junior BSEd student, shared how he is still struggling to adjust to this set-up even after almost two years since its adoption. “I am situated in an area where there is weak signal reception.

I miss a lot of activities in my subjects as well as some important school events. I could still remember the times when I had to put my cellphone on our window just for me to be able to take quizzes and activities. Actually, I’m still doing it up to now, but another problem added. My cellphone is not working anymore so I have to borrow one whenever I have online classes.”

Attending online classes poses more challenge to students in UEP living in far-flung municipalities. “Here in Capul, we always experience brownouts. I am lucky that we have a power generator at home, but I feel sad for those students who do not have one. Sometimes, they could not attend their classes or submit their outputs on time because their gadgets shut down. Their performance in class is affected due to these power interruptions in our place.”

Aside from battling constant brownouts, Lea* has to literally climb a mountain just to attend her classes.

“It’s scary, climbing up here. When there is heavy rain, I get soaked because I only have an umbrella.

When it is not raining, I have to deal with the scorching heat of the sun. I always feel exhausted, but this is the only way for me to have a signal.”

The availability of gadgets, or lack thereof, is also a major problem faced

by students. Jillian*, an engineering student, cannot help but feel frustrated. She does not have a laptop, and cannot even afford prepaid mobile load at times. “I have classmates who chose to drop some subjects because they do not have laptops, which is badly needed for AutoCAD.” Other students also get stressed over other technical problems like gadgets automatically shutting down while in the middle of a class discussion, spotty WiFi connection, and other dilemmas brought by the unstable internet connectivity in the province.

CRESCENDO: Distractions and Time Management Like a tune gradually rising, the clamor of students on inconducive learning environment surfaced and intensified. The physical noise in their houses distracts and impedes the students from learning effectively.

“I’ve always been the type of student who cannot focus if my surrounding is noisy. Back then, I just go to the library where I could study without any distractions, but now, it’s

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VOLUME 54 | ISSUE NO. 02 October 2021

Everyone is struggling. Each one is fighting their own battles.

Others may be silent about it, but those who are voicing

their struggles deserve to be heard. Now is not the time for sugarcoating.

impossible to find a quiet place in our house. This pandemic has forced people to stay at home, and so all my family members are here, and you could just imagine how rowdy things can get.”, Mary* quipped.

Using gadgets and being online proved to be a double-edged sword in this learning modality. The availability of information in the internet aids students to learn by their own and explore various lessons. However, gadgets are not only used for school purposes. “Honestly, I tend to check my social media accounts and other apps in my cellphone whenever I am online. Now, I get the reason why using cellphones during class hours was not allowed in normal classes. They are really distracting.”, a BS marketing student said.

DIMINUENDO: Understanding Course Expectations Due to inconsistencies and limitations in instruction, students are becoming less acquainted with the learning outcomes that they must be able to meet. The restrictions in conducting activities create

confusion among students.

Gail, a first year Nursing student, told the challenges that she is experiencing at the moment. “I cannot cope up with the lessons in major subjects like Biochemistry, and even on some minor ones. There are topics which you will not be able to grasp the content just by reading them on the modules provided by professors. I have to learn independently and come up with strategies to maximize learning. Sometimes, I have to search them on YouTube for me to comprehend the lessons. But still, there are subjects that really require face-to-face interaction.”

Education students are also worried with this kind of setup. “We are supposed to have off-campus activities and demo teaching, but I think it will not happen considering that schools are closed and there are no students.

We have tried virtual demo teaching, but there were just so many problems that occurred, mostly technical.

We have various interactive activities that we wanted to apply however, we had to discard them and opt for activities that can be used in virtual classes.”

The same goes to other courses. Jillian jokingly said,

“Imagine, we are hoping to become engineers but we do not have any experience in the field. Will our projects turn out to be like those memes we see on Facebook?”

for two straight weeks, and thankfully, I was still able to survive. I could not count as to how many breakdowns I did have since the beginning of online classes.”

This lack of physical interaction also brings communication gaps between learners and teachers. “Sometimes, I feel uncomfortable or hesitant in reaching out to my professors. I refrain from asking questions. Interacting with your teachers in a faceto-face manner is not just about learning the lessons.

It’s also about establishing rapport that is very difficult to achieve in this learning mode.”

In these trying times, everyone is juggling their worries over their safety, food, survival, and the blurry future ahead. A lot of factors affect the performance of students, but their mental and emotional state is one of the most significant. Not everyone has the same coping mechanisms. Heartwrenching stories of how the pandemic robbed them of their dreams have flooded the news and the internet, and almost, if not all students expressed how they feel the same. “I feel like I’m no longer learning. I just comply with the requirements, and even mere compliance is difficult right now. I have a toxic environment at home, and it aggravated my anxiety.”, says Dianne.

MORENDO: The Dying Away of Motivation Fatigue seeps through the core of many students amidst online classes. The exhaustion brought by academic requirements and personal problems drag down the motivation level of students. Carl opened up about his health. “I really have a weak immune system.

That’s why every other day, I’ll have either common colds or tonsillitis. Due to all academic stuffs that sometimes become stressors, I’d just find myself experiencing fatigue and anxiety. There are instances wherein I will have insomnia

Many students are dropping out due to such problems.

Due to major stress, they opt to prioritize their health in this pandemic. The fire burning in them fizzled out and what’s left are few speckles of ember. A lot is uncertain of their future. Mae*, a BS Hospitality Management

junior, is feeling discouraged.

“We don’t know as to when will this pandemic end.

Right now, we cannot do our practicums. How about in the future? Hotels, restaurants and such are operating in limited capacities. Will we get jobs after we graduate?”

CODA: Same Storm, Different Boats Everyone is struggling.

Each one is fighting their own battles. Others may be silent about it, but those who are voicing their struggles deserve to be heard. Now is not the time for sugarcoating.

“You know, I could say that every individual has different emotional capacities, ways of coping, and status in the society. With that, we must be understanding, considerate, and patient towards one another. We are in the same storm, but we’re not on the same boat. Kindness won’t hurt, right?”, Carl concluded. *not his/her real name P

10 | FEATURE

The Art of Distortion:

M a rcos E dit ion ARTICLE BY WINDEL JOY CLERIGO ILLUSTRATION BY WENDY LYNNE SORIO

VOLUME 54 | ISSUE NO. 02 October 2021

D

id you know that the Philippines was considered the rising tiger of and the richest country in Asia during the Marcos era?

User1111 (2021). Facts They Did Not Teach You in School. TikTok. Another Marcos is aspiring for the nation’s top executive seat in the upcoming 2022 elections. In connection to this, as early as 2019, several false claims cloaking the atrocities of the Martial Law started to resurface on various social media platforms. The quote “the sins of the father is not the sins of the son” dominated the cyberspace commonly shared by millennials who also ironically claim that their parents’ lives were better during the Martial Law.

Martial Law provides a temporary substitution of military rule for civilian rule. This gives the military commander of an area or country the authority to enforce laws. The Philippine constitution allows the declaration of Martial Law for the reasons of invasion or rebellion, and in times when public safety is at cost, suspending the writ of habeas corpus or the right of persons charged of rebellion and invasion to appear before the court, subjecting them to immediate incarceration.

The declaration of Martial Law in 1972 imposed immediate censorship on the media, corporate management, mass incarceration, and provincial administration, beginning the darkest years of the Marcos regime.

The Marcos Legacy Despite the widespread claims of a better and safer life during what was considered as the Philippines’ dark times, the statistics never lie:

3,257 extra-judicially killed, 35, 000 tortured, and 70, 000 incarcerated; 737 desaparecidos. 77 per cent of which were “’salvaged’—that is, tortured, mutilated, and dumped on a roadside for public display” as per Alfred Mccoy’s Dark legacy: Human Rights under the Marcos Regime.

Moreover, the Philippines being one of the richest countries in the world during the Martial Law era is fictitious. On the contrary, the country experienced a massive economic recession. The ratio of export prices to import prices “declined from 100 in 1972 to 55.6 in 1982. This meant that in 1982, the country had to export roughly twice t he volume of products it did in 1972 to obtain the same volume of imports” (De Dios, et. al., 1984) and the country incurred a total of $24.6 B foreign debt in 1983.

Further, the glorification of all the infrastructures built in the Marcos administration dismisses the fact that these projects and programs are nothing but a chunk compared to the

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VOLUME 54 | ISSUE NO. 02 October 2021

hundreds of billions the Marcoses have pocketed. Although Marcos supporters dismiss this as mere accusations to tarnish the image of the Marcoses, court decisions provide an incontrovertible evidence: in 1993, the Sandiganbayan found Imelda Marcos guilty of two counts of graft but was acquitted by the Supreme Court, and in 2018, the Sandiganbayan found her guilty of 7 counts of graft for illegally creating private organizations in Switzerland while she held various positions as a government official under her husband’s rule. Also, as of yearend 2020, the PCGG has already recovered Php 174 B from the Marcoses’ ill-gotten wealth.

The question now lies on ability of the Marcoses in convincing the people of their innocence despite the availability of credible sources backing up these so-called “accusations.”

The Victim Card One of the commonly used tactics of offenders is redirecting the blame to another entity. Playing the victim effectively earns sympathy particularly from those who were not present during the action of the crime. The offender never admits the offense, but rather draw excuses to justify the action.

The talk with Toni Gonzaga of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. could be viewed in the abovementioned manipulative light. The late dictator as a compassionate father and a man of integrity, the narrative of

his quiet submission during the EDSA revolution despite his military advantage, the sleepless nights he spent as a toll of the event, and the dramatic sketch of the dictator’s final moments subtly appeals to the audiences’ sympathy.

In addition, hearsays spreading as regards the betrayal by the Aquinos of the Marcoses, claiming that the Aquinos were behind the machinations of tarnishing the family’s integrity, which remain unverified until today, were never debunked by the Marcoses.

“I believe that [criminal and administrative offenses during Martial Law] was not the doings of the Marcoses; rather, it was due to the opposition’s efforts to paint Marcos in a negative light…” one Marcos supporter The Pillar interviewed answered when asked as regards the reliability of documents supporting the crimes committed by the Marcoses.

“The ‘biased’ sources simply serve to refute Marcoses… It was all part of their plan to ruin Marcos’s image,” she added.

“I don’t believe that, because president Marcos declared Martial Law because of the threat of the CPP-NPA and Aquino… The president did not want to kill his fellow Filipinos, the Aquinos just changed the story and blinded the minds of the Filipino people. If there is an abuser, that is not an order of the president…” answered another.

Another also asserted that Cory Aquino was the one who manipulated the media in the past, hence the antiMarcos contents of our history books today. These responses prove the victim card effective.

This tactic itself, however, cannot sway the majority into believing the distorted facts the Marcoses spread.

This is coupled with an undercurrent of political power.

Extent of Political Power Political power bestows the ability to configure the mindset of the masses. It offers a web of connections to private persons and institutions. A seat in the public office denotes credibility, which is an essential element in the art of distortion. Such power is utilized by the Marcoses to tamper with history.

One of the perks of gaining political power is its ability to manipulate the media. As early as 2019, as per an investigation conducted by Rappler, “[m]assive amounts of propaganda and targeted disinformation produced and amplified by an extensive network of websites, Facebook pages and groups, Youtube channels, and social media influences appear to be part of a systematic campaign to burnish the image of the Marcoses and pave the way for their further rise in Philippine politics.”

The impact and reach of this networked propaganda bludgeoned as people spent more time online due to pandemic restrictions. The spread

of disinformation is even heightened with the popularity of TikTok—a social media application that allows people to upload and view videos as long as 3 minutes—which provides free “history lessons” and that targets the youth with short attention spans.

Further, since the Marcoses cannot tamper with published articles, they exert their effort in manipulating online data. Hence Marcos Jr.’s request for Cambridge Analytica to rebrand their family’s image. Such request was debated but was considered by the company’s CEO as a financial opportunity. These are only with the limited power the Marcoses currently have.

Marcos Jr.’s aim to take the executive seat would grant him the extensive authority to further distort history.

The Ultimate Denial An offender never admits the offense.

The Marcoses never admitted any of their crimes. Along with their propaganda is their tireless denial of the late dictator’s crimes against the Filipino people.

In Marcos Jr.’s interview with celebrity Tony Gonzaga, he claimed that “he (late dictator Marcos) had all the qualities of a good leader would have.

Should have.” This is an affirmation to the notion that the late dictator was the best president the Philippines has ever had. He claimed that he handled criticism professionally, denying the torture and death of thousands of

lives of activists and critics during the Martial Law. “I’m the son of the longest lasting president who brought the Philippines to the modern world… and who brought to the Philippines a sense of nationhood,” was his brazen response when asked how he would introduce the name Marcos to the new generation.

“I have been tired of hearing lies that are already been disproven,” he answered when asked what he hates most, denying both locally and internationally published journals and articles proving their family’s crimes.

“The truth is not what you’re saying.

It’s entirely something else,” he further asserted.

The efficiency of the Marcos tactics in distorting history lies on the interplay of power. As per Foucauldian Concept of Power, power derived from hegemony could manipulate, or create new, truths. What they aim to achieve is a mass configuration of the people’s, particularly the new generation’s, perception of their family’s name.

It is worth noting, however, that the continuous attempt of Marcos Jr. to tamper with history and to configure the people’s perception towards the Marcoses is a blatant insult to the victims of Martial Law. P

12 | KULTURA

VOLUME 54 | ISSUE NO. 02 October 2021

Nasaan ang aruga?

H

abang gumagawa ng mga aralin hindi ko namamalayan ang pagtakbo ng oras nasa bandang ika-3 na ng hapon. Kasabay nito ay unti-unti kong naririnig ang sigaw ng aking kalamnan kaya napagpasyahan kong bumili ng makakain sa labas. Iniwan ko muna ang aking selpon at laptop na palagi kong kapiling simula nang maging online ang klase dahil sa pandemya.

Naisipan kong bumili ng tinapay halos magkadikit-dikit lang din naman ang mga panaderya dito sa UEP, hindi na ako lumayo pa. Sa harap ng Cuevas ako bumili ng tinapay at habang papalapit ay napansin ko ang isang babae na nakaupo sa harap ng panaderyang ito.

Marumi ang damit at ang kanyang korto halatang hindi pa siya nagpapalit ng damit. Wala sa ayos ang kanyang buhok dala na rin siguro nang hindi niya pagligo, mahaba na rin at maiitim ang kanyang mga kuko sa mga daliri sa kamay at paa. Wala rin siyang tsinelas at ang medyo maitim na rin ang kanyang balat hindi na nakapagtataka dahil siguro sa pagiging palaboy niya at laging nagbibilad sa araw.

Bumili na ako ng tinapay, tumayo siya at bigla niyang sapitin ang tinapay

ARTIKULO NI ANDREW MONTEJO

at may mga salita siyang hindi ko maintindihan. Pero sa kanyang galaw ay naintindihan kong gusto niyang kumain ng tinapay. Naisip kong bigyan siya ng tinapay dahil alam kong sa oras na iyon ay katulad ko ring siya ay nagugutom.

Sa katunayan, siya si Brenda, iyan ang pangalan na palaging kong naririnig sa mga tao o estudyante dito sa UEP. Palagi ko siyang nakikita sa tapat ng mga tindahan, misan sa Saturniño, sa may Jann’s Burger o sa mga panaderya. Unang taon ko palang sa Unibersidad ay nakikita ko na siya palagi sa mga lugar na ito hanggang sa ngayon na matatapos ko na ang aking kurso. Si Brenda ay wala sa pag-iisip at nabubuhay sa lansangan ng UEP. Pagkauwi ko sa Boarding House marami ang naisip ko tungkol sa kanya at hindi lang din kay Brenda dahil marami ang mga katulad niya dito sa UEP. Maliban kay Brenda mayroon din iba pang mga dukha, isang lalaki na medyo matangkad, may isa pang lalaki na medyo mataba, mayroon din isang lola na minsan nakikita kong natutulog sa gilid ng kalsada. Marami sila at nakakalungkot isipin kung bakit hanggang sa ngayon ay lahat sila nabubuhay sa kalsada.

Ang mga katulad ni Brenda ay palaging nagtatambay sa mga tindahan, isa sa mga dahilan nito ay umaasa sila na sila’y mabibigyan ng makakain ng tindahan mismo o ng mga bumibili. At dahil sa mayroong nagbibigay sa kanila paulit-ulit na nila itong ginagawa upang mabuhay, upang mairaos ang bawat araw sa mundo na hindi nila alam.

Kung tayo ay nahihirapan sa mga hamon sa buhay, nahihirapan din sila. Ang kalye ang kanilang naging tambayan at ito na rin ang kanilang palipasan ng gabi sa makatuwid, lansangan ang kanilang tahanan.

Kung tayo’y naiinitan sa galit ng araw kahit nasa loob ng ating mga tahanan, kumusta silang umaasa sa silong ng mga tindihan? Kung tayo’y nilalamig sa gabi kahit balot ng kumot, kumusta sila sa lansangan na tanging kayakap ang sarili sa tuwing nilalaro ng lamig?

At higit sa lahat ay ano pa ang mas malaking hamon sa buhay kung hindi nasa tamang pag-iisip ang kanilang sarili? Walang tahanan, walang nagaaruga.

Kaya minsan kung makita natin silang humihingi ng pagkain at mayroon tayong kaunting sobra ay ibigay natin ito sa kanila. Malaking tulong ito upang makaraos sa bawat araw kahit pa man ay hindi nila alam kung

ano ang nangyayari sa kanilang kapaligiran. Kahit pa man wala sila sa kanilang katinuan ay mahalaga pa rin ang mga katulad nila dahil sila ay may buhay at higit sa lahat hindi sila aasa sa mundo kung sila ay nasa tamang pag-iisip.

Gayunpaman, marami pa ring katanungan hanggang sa ngayon ang nabubuo sa aking isipan. Nasaan ang kanilang pamilya? Sila dapat ang unang mga tao na aagapay sa katulad ni Brenda na wala sa pagiisip. Sila dapat ang magbibigay ng mga pangangailangan niya. Ngunit sa kasamaang palad ay masasabi kong tuluyan na ngang inabanduna ang mga katulad ni Brenda ng kanikanilang mga pamilya dahil magaapat na taon na ako sa kolehiyo at ni minsan hindi ko nakita na may nagaruga o may naghanap kay Brenda at sa mga katulad niya. Palagi silang nasa kalsada.

Mahirap mag-alaga ng mga katulad nila dahil kailangan ng atensiyon at pasensya ngunit hindi makatarungan ang pagabandona sa isang tao na katulad nila at hayaan na lamang na ang kalsada ang umaruga at magbigay ng pangangailangan na dapat ay ibinibigay ng kanilang mga pamilya.

Apat na taon na akong nanunuluyan dito sa UEP bilang isang estudyante pero hindi ko manlang narinig o nakita na mayroong gobyernong tumulong sa mga katulad ni Brenda. Nagtataka ako kung bakit wala manlang aksyon ang lokal na pamahlaan ng UEP tungkol sa kanila lalo na sa panahon ng pandemya. Ang lokal na pamahalaan ng Catarman Northern Samar wala rin bang programa para sa mga katulad ni Brenda? Ang Department of Social Welfare Development ng UEP at Catarman, wala rin bang programa para sa ikabubuti at proteksiyon sa mga katulad niya?

Ang mga katulad ni Brenda ay nangangailangn ng aruga at proteksiyon at bilang kasapi ng isang komunidad tayo ay may obligasyon na tulungan ang mga katulad nila. Siguro kung lahat lamang na katulad ni Brenda ay magaling kumanta at may talento marahil sila rin ay mabibigyan ng pantay-pantay na atensiyon ng mga tao at ng gobyerno.

Kakainin ko na ang tinapay na binili ko kanina. P

KULTURA | 13

VOLUME 54 | ISSUE NO. 02 October 2021

Blackout ARTIKULO NI GEORGE JOSEPH BANDA

A

ssignment sa Calculus, Chemistry at Physics. Long quiz sa Literature at Filipino.

Chapter 1 ng kaniyang research.

‘Yan lang laman ang mga gagawin ni Thomas ngayong gabi.

Kararating pa lamang ni Thomas sa kanilang bahay ay agad-agad siyang nagbihis ng damit at pagkatapos nito’y binuklat lahat ng kaniyang mga gagawin. Desidido siyang matapos agad lahat ng ito. “5:15 pm” ang oras nang icheck niya ito sa mismong pagkakaupo niya para magsimula nang umarangkada sa pagbabasa at pagsusulat. Di pa man niya naisasambit ang pang-apat na salita sa unang talata ng pangungusap ay

DIBUHO NI ERIC ACIBAR biglang dumilim. “Brownout!” Sigaw ng mama ni Thomas. “Aaah...” Naudlot ang sigaw niya sapagkat muling nagkakuryente. “Hays sala....” At muling dumilim ang paligid. Kasabay nito ang nagdidilim ding isipan ni Thomas dahil sa galit. Mala-christmas lights kung magpatay-sindi ang ilaw na mas dumagdag pa sa pagkakainis niya. Matapos ang ilang ulit na pataysindi ay tuluyan nang nawalan ng suplay ng kuryente. Di makakilos si Thomas sa kinauupan niya at parang pinatungan siya ng napakalaking bato-- napakabigat sa pakiramdam.

“Pano na ‘tong lahat?” inboluntaryong sambit ng kaniyang bibig na may lungkot at galit. “Oh heto kandila.”

Ang sabi ng mama niya sabay abot sa

kanya ng isang kandila. “Maitatawid ko pa ba itong lahat?” Ani ni Thomas. “’Bat ngayon pa?” dagdag nito.

“Unscheduled power interruption ...” Nakalagay sa post ng Facebook page ng NORSAMELOCO este NORSAMELCO. “....from NGCP” daw at di daw kasalanan ng NORSAMELCO. ‘Yun, napaka ingay ng comment section ng nasabing post. Bash doon, bash dito. Tapos may nang-ungkat pa na may napakalaking utang daw ang NORSAMELCO na siyang dahilan ng mga unscheduled power interruption. Pero higit sa lahat ay ang perwisyong dala nito lalunglalo na sa mga estudyante.

Bumalik tayo kay Thomas. Dahil determinado siyang trabahuin lahat ng requirements niya, di niya ininda ang kakarampot na liwanag na dala ng kandila. Sumasakit na ang kanyang mga mata pero laban pa rin. Eh noong unang panahon nga raw wala namang ilaw pero kaya namang mag-aral ng gabi. Noon ‘yun! Joke. Lumipas ang higit isang oras at nang matatapos na ni Thomas ang assignment niya sa Chemistry ay biglang nagmilagro-nagkakuryente! Galak na galak si Thomas at mas ginanahan siya sa kaniyang mga gawain. Akala ni Thomas panghabambuhay na yung ilaw pero nagkakamali siya. Matapos ang higit-kumulang tatlumpong minutong panandaliang liwanag

ay muling nag-brownout. At tulad ng iba, umaasa siyang babalik pa ito. Ngunit dalawang oras na ang nakalilipas ay wala pa ring ilaw.

Natapos na ni Thomas ang kaniyang mga assignments at matatapos na rin siyang magbasa para sa long quiz nila bukas. Pero hindi na niya kayang magpatuloy pa sapagkat masakit na talaga ang kanyang mga mata gayundin ang ulo niya. Kaya’t napagpasyahan na niyang matulog at bukas nalang ng madaling-araw magbasa sa pag-asang magkakailaw na-- sana. P

14 | CULTURE

VOLUME 54 | ISSUE NO. 02 October 2021

HUMANS OF UEP Engr. Shan Ryck L. Largo

ARTICLE BY IAN KERVI BALASE “My Messenger app was flooded with congratulatory greetings from my friends on that day when the result was already out. My heart was filled with joy and gratitude upon finding out the result of the Electrical Engineering Board Examination. Someone even told me that the number 5 is my best number in life since I also passed the RME examination as 5TH placer.

Despite varied experiences I encountered prior to the said examination, my optimism remained strong as I never failed to keep clinging on my faith to God. I exerted much effort to focus on my review which did not occur with ease. Time management was my main challenge that I really had to stay outside my comfort zone to get closer to my goals. There were times when I would miss my family since I took my review in Cebu City. I even doubted myself multiple times if I could really make it or not especially when I faced difficulty in making both ends meet for my needs.

After graduating, I was hesitant to review due to financial concerns thinking that I might not be able to afford all the expenses needed but my parents consistently empowered me to pursue it even if I was able to anticipate the challenge that may possibly arise. I have been aiming to be part of the top of the class in order for me to avail the discount in the review center. In God’s grace, I graduated Cum Laude and CERTC offered me a full discount while some kind-hearted members of my family extended their support I needed at that time. However, I had to be thrifty because of a limited budget for my needs. There were instances when I would easily get hungry during review sessions but it did not hinder me from striving harder. Sometimes, drinking water was already a satisfaction when I was not able to afford some meals. I still trusted God and one of my prayers has been granted through the initiative of our EE Department Chairman who selflessly exerted effort for solicitation from our departmental

faculty members to monthly expenses.

sustain

my

A month before our board examination that was set for April 2020, the examination was cancelled due to the pandemic so I continued my review and went home for safety purposes.

Sadly, it was also cancelled last September 2021 and April 2021. It was heartbreaking and frustrating. I thought I could no longer make it to the top due to hopeless thoughts and unforeseeable circumstances that occurred.

I am the breadwinner of the family and it’s very hard to see my parents doing hard labor while I was just home waiting for the examination to be held.

It was a discomfort for me because I really wanted to pursue my next goals already so I decided to apply for jobs.

There were times that I was already preoccupied by the desire of looking for different available jobs including those which are not related to my educational background.

I realized that I had to do something to get away from my frustrations so I engaged myself with online games.

I played almost every day even until midnight and still felt frustrated during game time as my patience was being tested so I lost my momentum in review. The star I saw started to get dimmer and far, but God really never stopped guiding me and blessing me amid the arduous situation I have gone through. I got hired in TESDARTC CEBU as a Job Order employee.

I went back to review after almost a year. Now, finally, I am already an engineer.

To those who are hurdling through the course of their dreams while enduring challenges in reaching them, I would love to share my guiding principles I have applied just to get the license I have been dreaming to attain.

Always strive to get better than you were yesterday. I would always say this to anyone who would ask questions like “What is your secret?” or “How to become smart?”. Believe

me or not, I see myself as an average student like the majority. I am not a genius. Just like any average student, in some examinations, there were times that I would ace the tests but there were failures as well. No matter what score I would get, I would always choose to move forward and strive to better myself every single day.

Always ask and listen. Whenever I couldn’t understand the teacher’s discussion, I would never hesitate to ask if I have clarifications and confusion with the topic being discussed. I really cling to the fact that teachers are provided to teach us while students exist to learn. I will be forever grateful to my previous educators who tirelessly addressed my concerns and questions. Apologies to my dear classmates for every extended class due to my further questions.

Of all formulas and theories, the best lesson I’ve learned was to always trust in God’s plan and never rely on your own strength.“

AVATAR YARN? gEOrgEmAryUsEp!

“

But when the world needed him most, he vanished.” Isa itong parte sa intro ng animated film na Avatar: Legend of Aang. Dito ay tila relate na relate ang kasalukuyang sitwasyon ng University Student Council ng ating kampus.

Matatandaang sa semester ng school

ikalawang year 2019-

2020 nagsimulang ipatupad ang distance learning sanhi nang hindi pagkakaroon ng physical classes dahil sa pandemya. Ang kakaibang pamamaraan ng pag-aaral na ito ay nagdulot ng samu’t saring problema sa sector ng edukasyon lalung-lalo na sa mga estudyante. Napakalaking dagok ang pinasan at dala-dala pa rin magpahanggang ngayon ng mga UEPians, at ang University Student Council (USC) bilang kinatawan nating mga estudyante ang siyang nararapat na magtaguyod sa ating kapakanan at karapatan. Sila ang

nararapat na magkalap at magdala ng ating mga hinaing at sentimyento sa pamahalaan ng pamantasan.

Ngunit sa kabila ng mahahabang pila na ating masinop na pinupuntahan para makakuha ng COR at copy of grades, na kung minsa’y nasasayang lamang ang ating salapi at panahon dahil di naman pala agad maibibigay, nasaan sila? Alam ba nila ang mga pinagdadaanan ng napakaraming UEPians para maitawid ang distance learning, na may mga pagkakataong napagagalitan ng mga propesor sa kadahilanang minsa’y hindi naman

talaga natin kontrolado? Tulad na lamang ng mahinang internet connectivity.

“Philippine fixed broadband speed now ranks 65th out of 180 countries, while ranking 77th out of 137 countries in mobile,” ayon sa ulat na inilathala ng Manila Bulletin.

Sa kabila nito ay ipinagdidiinan pa rin ng iilang guro na pawang ‘alibi’ lamang ang ‘Mam, Ser maluya po akon internet’ at hindi tayo gumagawa ng paraan upang makasagap ng disenteng connection. Alam ba nila ito? Naiintidihan nating ang USC ay binubuo rin ng mga UEPians na

humaharap sa parehong kahirapan ng mga pangkaraniwang estudyante ngunit may tungkulin silang dapat gampanan. Samakatuwid, sinumpaang tungkulin nilang maging boses at mag-alay ng serbisyo sa atin. Nasaan sila? Gaya ni Aang, nagtitiwala pa rin tayong hindi man maging aktibo ang University Student Council sa panandaliang panahon ay babalik at babalik pa rin sila at muling mamamayagpag. P

LAMPOON | 15

VOLUME 54 | ISSUE NO. 02 October 2021

ARTIKULO AT DIBUHO NI CYRIL ROBIATO

S

a Unibersidad ng Estudyanteng Poor, madami ang nagsisilabasan na mga kampon nina Daniela at Marga.

Nakaka-stress man sila ay dapat easy lang tayo Cassie at Romina kasi baka mawala sa vocabulary natin ang “diploma”. At dahil nagbabalik na ang traydor na seksyon ng The Failar ay hayaan niyong ipaalam ko sa inyo ang iba’t ibang uri ng Facculty at Emplowyee na meron ang Unibersidad ng Estudyanteng Pooor (UEP).

PS: Trabaho lang walang personalan.

Bato bato sa langit ang matamaan ay ‘wag masungit. Wahahaha.

Kampon #1: The “Maalaala Mo Kaya” Ito ang pinaka-common sa lahat ng stupidyante. Sila yung totoong host ng Maalaala Mo Kaya na papalit kay Charo Santos. Sa buong oras ng klase ay 30% discussion patungkol sa lesson at 70% kuwento sa buhay nila.

Sabi pa nga ng isang lodi ko diyan, “we need patalastas para hindi boring ang class”. Like, WTF? So kapag examination din ba dapat ay ang lalabas sa test paper ay patungkol sa laypstyle niyo? Yung tipong sasabihin nila, “Okay class, Part I is Identification, identify niyo ang mga taong pumunta sa birthday ng anak ko. Part II is Enumeration, enumerate niyo ang mga ganap sa buhay ko at Part III is Essay, isalaysay niyo ang achievements ko, it’s 25 points.”

Ganern ba? My ghad Cassie! You do note the feeling of my brain when you give an exam na hindi naman pinag-aralan. Pero echos slang! Hindi naman masama sa part namin ang magsalaysay kayo ng mga ganap sa buhay pero make it balance naman Marga. Haha.

Kampon #2: “The Voice”

Sila yung mga “brain turner” na sobrang sarap sa ears pakinggan ng mga boses nila. Yung tipong kapag nagsasalita ay malalasing ka at dadalawin ng antok dahil sa “sweet voice” nila. Sa sobrang sweet ng boses nila ay parang sheeeet of paper na hindi mo maintindihan mga pinagsasabi. Pumasok sa right then lalabas sa left. Tapos minsan papasukin ka pa ng esperito ni Marga at sasabihin ang nasyonal na katagang, “ambooooring”. Tapos in the end ay magtatanong sila, “class, did you get me?” Like, helloooo! We need further explanitaion sa ibang terms na

sinasabi mo. Pangmalakasan din kasi ang “words of wisdom” na ginagamit niyo. Charot. Hahaha.

Kampon #3: The “Ang Probinsyano” Ito ang nakaka-pressure sa lahat dahil sila ang tunay na kamag-anak ni Ricardo Dalisay, matatapang.

Matataas lagi ang mga dugo nila kaya off limits ang mga biro mo beks. Sila yung mga “proper uniform policy”, “3-5 absences ay automatic goodbye universe sa listahan nila” at higit sa lahat “OPLAN Tookgang”. Yung tipong nakasanib pwersa ang Task-force Agila sa kanila at magaling manghuli ng mga stupidyanteng paksheeyt.

Magaling kumilatis ang mga mata at kilay nila mga beks at 100% followers ng rules and regulation ng Unibersidad ng Estudyanteng Poor.

Pero don’t get it wrong mga kasangga kasi nasa stage nila ang mapabuti ang pag-aaral natin lalo na at “temptation island” ang pinapasukan natin. Basta follow, learn and listen lang mga beks para chill lang ang blood pressure nila. Mwaah!

Kampon #4: The “Magandang Buhay” Well well well, hindi na sila bago sa Unibersidad na ito. Sila yung mga pumapasok saglit para sa “pulot of the day” (attendance) at pahapyaw na kadramahan (discussion) na hindi aabot sa 30 minutes. Suking suki sila sa katagang “class dismiss”. Kabog diba? Mga “go-with-the-flow” lang kasi sila sa mga stupidyante. Relate na relate kasi sila sa buhay stupidyante kasi 100% Gawain din nila noon.

Chos! Hahaha. Wag lang sasagarin o aabusuhin kasi pinsan din sila ni

Ricardo Dalisay na kapag napuno na ang balde ng pasensya ay siguradong mag-iiba sila sa pakikisama sa kakampi nina Carla, Melay at Jolina.

Goodbye hayahaaay for sure!

Kampon #5: The “Ipalagban Mo” Sila yung matataas ang standard at paninindigan kasi mga peeling lotion.

Echos! Feeling Major! Yung tipong maaarte, demanding at sensitive masyado. Masyadong madami ang mga gusto nilang kadramahan, to the point na nakakairita na. “Ganitoganyan” mga salita nila at dahil stupidyante lang tayo mga beks, lavaan lang. Actually, sila yung mga classmate nina Atty. Jopet Sison na madaming explanations at no choice ka kundi “yes” nalang lagi. Like, “Clarification? Questions? Violent Reactions?” mga usual na kataga nila. Alam kong relate kayo mga beks na sila yung kadalasang nagbibigay stress sa peaceful mind natin. Take note, #EFFORT ang policy ng mga ito, Hahaha. Kdot.

Kampon #6: The G “Go Diaries” Sila yung may motto na “YOLO – You only live once” at “Magandang buhay version 2.0”. Sobrang chill lang sa life ang mga kadramahan nila. Tuwangtuwa ang mga stupidyante dahil “once in a blue moon” lang ang mga ito.

Favorite sila ng mga estudyanteng poor dahil sa mga pasulpot-sulpot na class sa kanila. Pero ang masaklap dahil suking-suki sila sa make-up classes. Wth? Tayo pa ang mga magaadjust sa mga kawalan nila. Pero echos lang! Kasi naman mga raketera/ raketero tapos daming excuses o

pinupuntahan kaya affected ang learnings ng mga beks. Kapag triny mo naman na magsumbong sa kataastaasang hukuman ay shoktay ang aabutin ng mga estudyanteng poor.

Nakakaloka. Let’s make this short na nga, sila kasi yung magbibigay lamang ng mga Gawain then iiwan na kayo sa ere (kagaya ng pag-iwan niya sayo. Saaaaad. Hahaha). Tapos makikita mo nalang sila ulit kapag deadline/submission na. Amazing diba? #SarilingSikap dapat labanan dito mga beks. Hahaha.

Kampon #7: The “Nang Ngumiti ang Langit” Sila yung mga totoong FUCCulty ng Unibersidad ng Estudyanteng Poor.

Make sure na wala kang problema sa kanila mga beks kasi baka kumapit ka sa “SPG patibong” nila. Sila kasi yung mga heaven feels. “kapag may bagsak nandyan ang balak” at di nag-aatubiling ipagpilit ang grado sa ninanais nilang serbisyo. Nakakaloka diba? Di ginagamit ang napag-aralan at narating nila sa buhay at nag-ti-take advantage pa. So, kapag kahawig ka sa kagandahan na type nila ay no choice ka beks kasi yan ang offer nila.

Ngingiti ka sa mga langit. Juskopo!

Pwera Usog.

Kampon #8: The “Los Bastardos” Sila yung matatas ang kilay na ‘di mo ma-reach. Mga echosherang frog na di marunong making sa panig ni Romina (stupidyante). Kapag pumasok ka sa opisina nila para magtanong ay titingnan at tataasan ka lang ng kilay. Like wtf? Mapapaatras ka nalang sa mga mukha nilang puno ng kaplastikan. Ang masaklap pa kasi

pahahabolin ka lang ng mga itos.

Bago mo makuha ang purpose mo sa kanila ay tagaktak pawis ka muna beks. Like helllloooo? Suki na kami sa stress kaya please maging hospitable naman kayo! Mwaaaaah!

Kampon #9: The “Pamilya ko” Bagama’y madami ang nagsilabasan na kakampi ni Daniela ay di naman mawawala ang sandalan ng kampon ni Romina, hahahaha. Sila yung mga sumbungan at hingian ng tulong ng mga stupidyante. Suki man sa academic stress tayo mga beks ay hulog sila ng langit na gumagabay at napapagkwentohan natin ng mga saloobin. Ready to listen sa mga kadramahan at kaechosan ng mga stupidyante. Sila yung mga “studentfriendly” na puro good words lang ang naisasabi ng mga stupidyante.

Sila ang dapat na binubuhay sa Unibersidad ng ito. Charot! Hahaha.

Love ya’ all!

Ngayon may ideya na kayo mga beks (lalo na sa mga freshy) sa kung anong klase ng FUCCulty at EmpLOWyee ang meron sa Unibersidad ng Estudyanteng Poor. Kaya yung mga freshy diyan na excited noon sa Yueps ay may itatanong ako. Stress na ba kayo? Hahaha! Kala niyo masarap buhay dito noh? Pwes! Lasapin niyo ang tamis ng unang halik ng mga bayarin. Charoooot!

Basta ‘wag mong salohin ang problemang naibibigay sayo. Lumapit ka lang kay The Failar at sabay sabay nating pupuksain ang lahat ng nangaapi sa panig ni Romina. Charooot!

Hahahaha. Spread love! Bye. Mwa! Hahaha. P

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