The Crusader Super Magazine 2022

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Publishers Subscribing Students of Xavier University

Cover Story

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Editorial Board Melvin P. Villacote Editor in Chief Reina Margaret Gwynette T. Villamor Associate Editor Jean Mika M. Aporillo Design Editor Rafhael L. Jabongga Managing Editor Danica Ela P. Armendarez News Editor Claire Ivy T. Vanguardia Campus Features Editor Alyssa Chantal P. Moreno Local Features Editor Levina Eunice O. Palarca National Features Editor Kenneth Wallace G. Melendez Broadcast News Director James Patrick B. Pabonita Photography Editor Sheil Ann Ashley P. Bruas Graphic Design & Layout Editor Jayson Elvie G. Ty Freehand Editor Karl Mykell M. Tabbay Video Productions Director Managers Edshera Mae R. Abella Human Resource Manager Kevin Matthew N. Pacana Office Manager Aira May L. Plaga Circulations Manager Jivi Roy D. Rizaldo Online Accounts Manager Paula Elaine D. Francisco Senior Research Manager Catherine C. Naldoza Senior Computer Systems Manager Reyjean Marie S. Bacud Senior Finance Manager Sumayyah G. Caris Internal Auditor Staff Writers Racquel Vaneza Kate B. Agustin (Trainee) Regina Noelle C. Arquiza (Trainee) Fritz F. Bustamante Andre’ Socorro F. Doria (Trainee) Rustom Louiegie P. Duran, Jr. (Trainee) Abdel Rafi M. Lim Hyacinth L. Premacio (Trainee) Nia Enrille R. Rabanes Staff Artists Derrick Kean A. Auxtero John Ian G. Bradshaw Zenju P. Espinosa Kiarra Dlahmane P. Lingating Chloe Alexandra T. Orteza (Trainee) Shaun Arthur O. Pao Kenneth Jhon D. Sanchez Staff Broadcasters Angelyne I. Bonani Christian A. La Victoria (Trainee) Aliyah Francine G. Salan (Trainee) Andrea Marie L. Tan (Trainee) Kyla Gabrielle P. Tuto (Trainee) Moderator Mr. Raymond A. Ybañez For contributions, please address your articles and/or comments to TheCrusader Publication Office, Rm. 302, Student Training Center (STC) Bldg, Xavier University 9000, Cagayan de Oro City Circulation 1,500 copies

Table of Contents 1 2 4 8 12 14 16 18 19 20 23 24 26 28 30 32

Editorial Columns From Pandemic to Endemic: The Beginning of the End? A Return Home: XU’s Limited Face-to-face Classes In Photos Out of Depth: XU Responds to Typhoon Odette Vox Populi: The First Batch of K to 12 Graduates MS Teams: Facing the New Interface The Unprecedented Journey Coming to a Close Of Jesters and Kings: Breaking Down The Kingmaker Read to Digest: The Separation of the Church and the State Sex Ed: Let’s Talk About Sex, Shall We? Zoom Out: How Schools Reopened Across the Globe Cora Contrabida: Red (Cora’s Version) Comics Hohongihong

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he pandemic has robbed us of the lives we could’ve lived. Now that we’re beginning to see that bit of normalcy we’ve been pining for, we’re made to believe that maybe it’s finally the end of this all-too-long misery. With how things are going, can we finally say hello to a future that brings back the past we’ve missed so much?C Words by Fritz F. Bustamante Photo by Jivi Roy D. Rizaldo Design by Melvin P. Villacote

www.thecrusader.ph /thecrusaderpublication /TheCrusaderTV @thecrusaderpub

The official student publication of Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan Vol. 48 No. 4 April 2022 Email your comments & suggestions to thecrusaderpub@gmail.com

Read the full online version of this issue at bit.ly/SuperMag2022 or at www.thecrusader.ph

EDITORIAL

We need to talk about your values Every choice that we make is a manifestation of how we think.

Our decisions become our moral choices.

he 2022 Philippine Presidential Elections has been unfolding with unease and worry. We have our candidates, adorned with their gallantry, ready to surge forward into the battleground where chaos awaits. For the candidates, the arena is nowhere near perfection, it is littered with mockeries and thoughtless insults. Behind the stands, there are the spectators who place their votes on the candidates deserving of the trophy. And here, opinions and stances are divided.

Election season has never been smooth sailing, it is slippery and unpredictable. Although, for Filipinos, it is an important period wherein they cast their ballots in great hopes of determining the country’s future path. Arguably, the election period also tends to unearth and reveal the worst of others.

Some voters opt to support a candidate based on idolization and misinformation—they are too consumed in their false narratives to acknowledge the faults and demerits of their chosen candidate. Some even go as far as pulling the “respect my choice and I’ll respect yours” card. However, it becomes a moral issue if your “choice” continuously promotes cruelty. If you are consciously supporting a candidate who’s known for being corrupt, a misogynist, a liar, and an oppressor, what does that say about your character? As citizens under a democracy, we have the freedom to choose our candidates. And yet, the choices we make are based on judgment that is attributed to our integrity, morals,

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and values. Our morals consist of the actions that we believe are acceptable, and as voters, we are making a decision that should empower human rights rather than put lives at stake. Saying that a sensible person can still openly support a candidate who constantly lies and breeds injustice is outright puzzling. Every choice that we make is a manifestation of how we think. Our decisions become our moral choices.

Why elect a candidate who prefers to act on corrupt political agendas? If you are openly supporting an oppressor, you are willingly tolerating political misconducts and abuses. These are not just our political views—they are our morals in action.

This is not some circus-like event wherein we choose the best candidate based on their troll behavior or vague promises of discipline, but rather on their takes on real issues. This is about electing a leader whose convictions align with ours. A leader with a strong foothold who will devote themselves to serving their constituents to the best of their capabilities and will govern the country with good interest.

It is about time we put down our rose-colored glasses and truly reflect on our choices. In the battleground that is politics, we elect a candidate that echoes the same values and morals that we believe in. We must go for unyielding leaders with proficient track records—one who would not put people’s welfare in jeopardy. Our votes are not just mere choices, because after all, the decisions we make will affect our country’s fate.C

Illustration by Kiarra Dlahmane P. Lingating 1

OPINION

Consent to listen

By Edshera Mae R. Abella imingaw ka sa imo papa? Ako gyud wa nay papa,”—perhaps an extreme example but something that happens regardless, usually followed by an unsolicited unloading of their struggles and problems without any initial prompt from the receiver.

More often than not, it is easy to shrug it off as mere venting, or attention seeking behavior to ignore, but what of the mental wellness of the recipient? When has it become a competition of who’s had it worse? Since when did it become a norm to drop a pile of our problems on complete strangers online?

As the use of online platforms and social media becomes more prominent, so too has it become so intertwined with our everyday routine. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook not only enable, but also encourage, their users with the constant exchange of information—oversharing or otherwise.

Moreover, this has also given people the ability to readily unload their thoughts online without any regard for boundaries and consent. Coupled with distance and anonymity, individuals behind their

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screens might find it easier to share without filters.

Is it not normal to vent? Are we not allowed to anymore? Of course we are, but it should be done with certain limitations and caveats.

Though we are encouraged to express when we are troubled, we have to remember that friends, family, and strangers are not therapists as they are not well-equipped to mentally deal with our problems. They have their own limits as well, and piling our baggage on top of theirs without any regard for their own well-being and mental capacity might only bring negative repercussions.

So where do we draw the line? Are we always supposed to be on our toes when we are in need of someone to talk to? As commonly advised as it may be, all we have to do is communicate—ask how the other person is. Are they in the right headspace to listen to what we’re about to say? If not, then there is always a next time and perhaps a different friend to ask. If yes, then a safe space wherein both parties are consenting and mentally prepared is established. Proper communication and consent go a long way. Ask for one before you make them listen.C

Only the young

By Kenneth Wallace G. Melendez hey aren’t gonna change this. We gotta do it ourselves. They think that it’s over, but it’s just begun.

Only one thing can save us, only the young.” —Taylor Swift. In the age of information where awareness is easily accessible, the youth is exposed to the many social issues that the country faces.

Though with that in mind, it is evident how most of society tells them to stay silent on these issues—just because they are still young. This mindset is very harmful as it prevents the youth from fulfilling their role as catalysts for change.

The number of young people that are socially active is evidently increasing, yet the idea that they should not be involved and invested in politics, social issues, and such, remains. This should not be the case. In fact, we should actively remind the youth that they should be participative in all these things, because after all, it is for all citizens, including them. Not to mention, these issues and topics will affect their future.

People still pull the “botante ka ba?” card whenever an unregistered youth speaks out against

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any wrongdoings they see in the government. This kind of thinking should not be promoted because it is never wrong to be actually engaged in matters that affect not only the many but all citizens of the country.

Young people bear the responsibility of shaping and molding the realization of a better world for the current and future generations to come. And, as they say, with great power comes great responsibility. This great power should be used in inciting a positive change for the country.

And again, with this great power, a great message to the youth is given: be engaged, be involved, and be socially responsible and active.

Indeed, Dr. Jose Rizal was right, “Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan.” This bold statement is relevant, especially with the role that the youth plays in this upcoming national and local elections. So, to all the youth, whatever may happen, be encouraged to speak up, voice out, and actively support positive change for your community, and most importantly for the country, because after all, only one thing could save us— you, the young.C

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OPINION

For my skin only

By Catherine Marie C. Naldoza indica te tibi,” or “be your own master”. This is one of the many Latin phrases often offered by tattoo parlors to their clientele when recommending words that would forever be etched on their skin.

It is empowering for people to have the ability to choose the type of tattoo that they prefer because it will be used as a means to express themselves more colorfully in this monotonic world. But even with art being celebrated as something beautiful regardless of its representation, tattoos never really got to a point where the majority of people agree that it is aesthetically pleasing. With this, it can be said that tattoos are prejudiced in a way that is frowned upon by the social norm.

We have tattoos slowly transitioning from being social stigmas to becoming trends that young people take part in.

However, despite the popularity, ‘inked’ people are still criticized by society for being dirty and unprofessional. Moreso, women tend to carry the heavy toll of judgment because they are expected to be clean and pure. But why do

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people despise women’s tattoos more than men’s?

Society has always placed a great emphasis upon the importance of a woman’s appearance, thus pushing all women into aiming for one aesthetic— free of flaws. In the eyes of many, women having tattoos do not cut to their standard of a ‘perfect woman’. They are perceived as masculine, and linked with negative personality traits such as being promiscuous, drinkers, unattractive, uncaring, and dishonest.

Regardless of the hateful comments of the masses, we have no right to judge a person’s appearance, especially when they have gathered all their courage to make a commitment that they will carry throughout their lifetime.

We have to break the cycle of misunderstanding and judgment towards people with tattoos, especially since we base said judgment solely on rampaging stereotypes that are created with society’s own preferences. We regard art on canvas as beautiful, why not do the same for the art on our bodies? After all, the tattoos that you see on an individual’s skin might mean far more than what you could think of.C

For the fe(male) gaze

By Paula Elaine D. Francisco s a woman, to cut your hair short, to be “astig”, or to be involved with anything that falls into the interest or likeness of men are what society thinks of as “cool”. Forget listening to Taylor Swift, burn books, and even liking the color pink, because apparently, that’s too girly for anyone’s liking, or should I say for the unjustified standards caused by misogyny.

For generations, women were carved to please the male gaze, either to be like them or to exist for them. Never of their own. In a society where men establish dominance, women are forced to cling to the mediocre validations of the male gaze and fall for internalized misogyny to protect themselves from the inconvenience of being a woman—an inconvenience made popular by a patriarchal society. It’s as if your femininity will hinder you from fighting back, will require you to be with a man just to survive, and worse, will mean your sole purpose in life is to submit.

And yes, our women can like cars and videogames just like everyone else. Do they have to be praised for this? No. If your appreciation is

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from the unbelief that women could take interest in such activities, then a false appreciation influenced by gender biases won’t be welcomed.

Men were never praised for doing and liking these things—are cars and videogames only for a specific gender? How different are they from our women? When women engage in masculine activities, people would assume that they’re trying to be “pa-cool”, but when men maneuver to feminine hobbies, they’re praised and appreciated for their ability to expound their taste.

Everyone can like girly or boyish things and not be judged for what they love doing. Our men and women can like whatever they want.

Separately boxing them into different labels creates unnecessary divisions.

So much for being cool if one is the standard and one is measured for their ability to fit to these standards when in actuality, the latter are more than capable. People should be seen beyond their gender—recognized for our ability to contribute to society rather than our mere labels. After all, prosperity is flourished by productivity and not by stroked egos.C

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COVER STORY

Pandemic to Endemic: The Beginning of the End?

By Regina Noelle C. Arquiza, Fritz F. Bustamante & Rustom Louiegie P. Duran Jr.

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wo years after the news of a virus breaking out in Wuhan, China—the world has since then settled on what we now call the “new normal”. With the constant increase in vaccination rates, the slow decrease of cases all around the globe, and the world now slowly opening up, what does this entail for the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus?

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Throwback: Pandemics of the past Pandemics are not new to mankind, there have been several throughout existence: the Athenian plague (430-26 B.C.), the Antonine plague, the Justinian plague, Black Death (1347-1351), The Seven Cholera Pandemics, the Spanish Flu (19181919), the Asian Flu (1957-1958), the Hong Kong Flu (1968), HIV-AIDS, the Swine Flu (2009-2010), and Ebola (2014-2016).

All these pandemics in one way or another have ended or have been reduced to an epidemic or endemic, and from these pandemics we learned four things: Don’t blame the sick. Some pandemics were associated with certain groups of people just because they had been the source or the first to be hit with the illness, but this should not be the case.

Adding stigma to these illnesses can hinder faster recovery and immunity.

Physical distancing works. These pandemics all have something in common with COVID-19— they are all contagious. With contagious diseases, it is proven effective that isolating people from one another can help prevent the spread.

Research & vaccination work. These pandemics have shown that when research is prioritized, it will be easier to look for and create a cure.

This can end. Like all the other pandemics, there will come a time that COVID-19 will be reduced to an epidemic or endemic, or even eliminated completely. People focused on creating the cure and reaching herd immunity will be able to reduce these illnesses from a wide-scale virus to occasional surges.

The pandemics of the past have been dealt with a lot of research and time, and soon COVID-19 might follow suit. In comparison to the past pandemics, the world already had a headstart in tackling this particular virus with the kind of public health system, medical supplies, and scientific tools it has now, not to mention, the knowledge health experts now have on the pathogen.

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A hell of a rollercoaster ride As far as struggles go, the Philippines is not an exception to the harsh and unforgiving all-out attack that COVID-19 orchestrated. The overall access to healthcare, in general, is abysmal. With resources stretched as thin as possible, hospitals have been overwhelmed resulting in the lack of beds and medical health workers.

These medical health professionals all across the board are all overworked and underpaid.

Additionally, during the pandemic, efforts were exhausted for trivial matters. The beautification and implementation of Manila Bay’s Dolomite Beach, for example, seemed quite unnecessary

Like all the other pandemics, there will come a time that COVID-19 will be reduced to an epidemic or endemic, or even eliminated completely.

TIMELINE OF

Lockdowns and Pandemic Highlights in the Philippines MARCH 16, 2020

President Rodrigo Duterte placed the whole island of Luzon under the most stringent Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

MAY 15, 2020

Several areas in the country were downgraded to General Community Qurantine (GCQ) after the first COVID-19 surge.

AUGUST 2020

The Philippines recorded its second surge of COVID-19 cases, placing several areas in the country under a Modified ECQ status.

MARCH 2021

The National Capital Region (NCR) Plus Bubble was created to control the third spike of COVID-19 cases.

AUGUST 2021

given the current health emergency.

The country has yet to fully reopen schools all over the country, as if adding fire to the flame.

It is worth noting that on Sept 20, 2021, the government tried to reopen schools by conducting a pilot run of limited in-person schooling in low risk areas. However, they were forced to close again in December of the same year with the surge in Omicron cases. According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Philippines were forced to temporarily close 70.6 percent of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) because of the pandemic. Business owners have lamented that the work-from-home setup is not a compatible

Several areas in the country were placed under ECQ and MECQ following the quick surge of cases brought about by the Delta variant.

SEPTEMBER 2021

The IATF introduced the Alert Level System, phasing out the old quarantine classification system.

JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2022

Several areas in the country were placed under heightened alert levels following the record-high surge of Omicron variant cases.

Photo by Jivi Roy D. Rizaldo

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INFOGRAPHIC

Summary of COVID-19 Cases, Deaths, and Recoveries in the Philippines

DATA FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (DOH) PHILIPPINES

solution for MSMEs. In a nutshell, the country went through several hoops throughout the pandemic and still is, seeing as COVID-19 isn’t quite finished with us yet.

Where we are now The Philippines is far from being COVID-19free. According to the Head of Infectious Diseases Cluster and Regional Research Coordinator of Center for Health Development in Northern Mindanao (CHDNM) Dr. Ian Christian Gonzales, the graduated implementation of community quarantine is a good policy which the government established. With the current alert level system, we objectively determine how strict or lax our community quarantine measures will be based on epidemiologic data.

This is in contrast to other countries where decisions to “lockdown” or “lift” restrictions are not based on objective measures but based only on public opinion and the whims of politicians.

According to Gonzales, isolation and quarantine are also some things that the government did right because Returning Overseas Filipino Workers (ROFs) are housed in hotels for the duration of their quarantine. He said this in relation to other countries that promote self-quarantine or isolation of their citizens. There will always be room for improvement, especially when dealing with a national health emergency. Gonzales names a few things he sees that may just help us fight COVID-19 a little better and among these are the further expansion of testing capacity by the creation of 6

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multiple public health laboratories in all regions.

The government’s capacity in epidemiology and disease surveillance in which the national, regional, and local levels are developed, focusing mainly on human resources and moreover, addressing the

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We cannot begin to underestimate this virus now. We need more research to understand the long-term impact of COVID-19. Until then, prudence is the best approach.”

Dr. Ian Christian Gonzales Head of Infectious Diseases, NMMC

both battered and bruised health care system.

“Although the Department of Health (DOH) provides evidence-based guidelines, ultimately, it is up to the governors and mayors to implement, thus we see that sometimes guidelines are not implemented uniformly,” he explains.

Light at the end of the tunnel At the start of January of this year, there was a concerning spike of COVID-19 case reports recorded. Driven by the highly contagious Omicron variant as well as the ease of restrictions throughout the country, daily cases rose to upwards of 20,000.

As of writing, cases have begun to dwindle back to a daily hundreds and some, and the Philippines is back to the “low risk” classification.

With the increasing supply and availability of vaccines nationwide, light seems to now make an appearance of decline and a plateauing of case reports of COVID-19 become more frequent. Having fully vaccinated almost 63M Filipinos, comprising 57.2 percent of the Philippine population, we are made to hope, even believe, that the end of what seems to be an eternity of a pandemic is finally just around the corner.

Despite this optimism, there is still no definitive time that dictates the end of COVID-19, and the beginning of its emergence as a meager endemic.

That said, the light that becomes visible at the end of the dark tunnel that is this pandemic is the achievement of herd immunity. The DOH clarifies this and states that COVID-19 can be considered endemic when “cases are stable, predictable, the constant presence of the virus is there, and there is equilibrium between immunity of the population and transmission of the disease.”

Maybe this endemic we desire COVID-19 to be reduced to isn’t all for just hopes and dreams, especially as vaccination drives continue and more people become more compliant to get vaccinated.

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Someday, the pandemic we have experienced since 2020 will finally be reduced to an endemic, its less severe cousin, spanning only to certain restricted areas in a population. With more and more restrictions slowly being lifted as time passes and as the severity of the disease begins to lax in our population brought forth by a plateauing of cases, we march towards the return of the long-forgotten and missed “normal.”

A slap of harsh reality It is also worth noting that, while this pandemic has chances of being reduced to an endemic, that also suggests that the COVID-19 virus may never be eliminated entirely and will indefinitely stay with us for the years to come. That, and the fact that the likelihood of an endemic is still up in the air.

Gonzales says there is no guarantee, despite how we have progressed with our battles against the said virus.

He points out the complexity of public health, enumerating certain factors: varying implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions; varying efficacies of the different COVID-19 vaccines being administered; varying vaccine coverage in different sub-populations such as cities or provinces; potentially new variants among many, many others.

He also highlights the importance of staying on the cautious side. “Far too many lives have been lost because this virus was underestimated. After many variants and more deaths and now signs of chronic disease from those ‘recovered’, we cannot begin to underestimate this virus now. We need more research to understand the long-term impact of COVID-19. Until then, prudence is the best approach,” he explains.

Infectious Disease Researcher at Scripps Research Kristian Andersen points out the term “endemic delusion” wherein people and the government start rolling back on restrictions and preventative measures despite the fact that cases, deaths, and strains on health systems are still at risk of going into critical levels. This directly follows what Gonzales explained, making us think twice about the likelihood of the pandemic becoming endemic as more and more restrictions and health mandates are lifted as a result of a plateau of COVID-19 cases.

While the coveted normalcy we’ve left in 2019 and early 2020 is slowly starting to come back, maybe some things will never change. Masking, social distancing, proper handwashing among other health protocols may have to live with us for who knows how long. As the old adage goes, prevention is better than cure. *** Everyone longs for the day when the pandemic becomes no more than an interesting story to look back on. With our hopes now gradually becoming a reality, and as more and more people become more resistant to the infection, that day doesn’t seem like a fantasy anymore. We’ve got the vaccines and the necessary health protocols to thank for. That said, the battle is still long and it is our present. For now, following the health protocols and keeping up to date with COVID-19 boosters are all our responsibilities. We’ll keep this up so the future holds promise for a change back to the days of normalcy missed so dearly.C Crusader

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Photo by James Patrick B. Pabonita

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CAMPUS

ince January 2022, XU finally welcomed some of its nursing and engineering students for the recently implemented Limited Face-to-Face (LFF) classes. After almost two years of full-on online classes, students have long pined for the old days of the traditional mode of learning.

With students’ college experience robbed by the pandemic, the long-forgotten and missed ‘normal’ now becomes a reality.

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By Fritz F. Bustamante & Hyacinth L. Premacio

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Page Design by Derrick Kean A. Auxtero

Preparations and all the hard work In accordance with the CHED-DOH Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2021-004, only students with medical insurance and who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are allowed to join the LFF classes. Programs related to health, sciences, and those with laboratory classes were prioritized especially those who are in their final year of schooling. On the University’s screening process on which students are allowed to join Vol. 48 No. 4 April 2022

programs of theirs will soon hold LFF classes. With this in mind, Dalagan believes that there would be an increase in the number of students participating in LFF classes. Students would also be informed ahead of time if their programs will hold LFF classes.

While there have been concerns voiced that the University started conducting face-to-face classes late, that is not actually the case as Dalagan explained that the College of Medicine held their first LFF during the AY 2020-2021, which the Colleges of Nursing and Engineering emulated

by AY 2021-2022. It is but a matter of timing, as the cases started to decrease, and since then the University can now have several programs conducting LFF classes.

The return of the Pythons College of Nursing Dean Dr. Mary Grace Paayas expressed how glad she was to finally see nursing students return to the campus after almost two years of online classes. “I feel hopeful, and with recent developments in COVID management, I am very hopeful that eventually we would be able to go back to the traditional nursing education,” she expresses.

To ensure that they would be on track to graduating on time, the College of Nursing prioritized the LFF classes for its fourth year students and let them attend to their required hospital duties first. There are also added requirements for nursing students who wish to go on hospital duty which include immunizations against flu, hepatitis B, tetanus and pneumococcal diseases. Such vaccines are needed to ensure students will have another layer of protection against some diseases they might encounter in the hospital setting. In addition to these measures, a daily monitoring of COVID-19 symptoms was also strictly implemented.

Despite the stringent measures, Paayas was happy to share that the college has “achieved almost 100 percent” attendance in both LFF classes and hospital duties. The college also already started LFF classes for all of its year levels this year, especially for subjects with laboratory classes. LFF classes were supposed to begin as early as June 2021 but were pushed back to October 2021 as COVID-19 cases spiked within the city.

the LFF, Vice President for Higher Education Dr. Juliet Dalagan shares, “We screened the students who will qualify for [LFF]—first, fully vaccinated (against COVID-19), [...] and then we had to ensure that they are registered in PhilHealth or that they are dependents sa ilang parents.”

Dalagan also notes that LFF classes are not mandatory, and those who wish to not attend or are unable to attend are given choices. “For Med students and College of Nursing students who cannot attend, they have to apply for a leave of absence,” Dalagan iterates. To follow the guidelines of only a 50-percent venue capacity, Dalagan clarifies, “Not everyone will come [to the campus] at the same time.” There is a cyclical rotation of who gets to join LFF classes on campus for each day to comply with the physical distancing guidelines.

Meanwhile, lecture classes are still being held online. Other colleges aside from the Colleges of Nursing and Engineering and the School of Medicine have also started to evaluate which Crusader

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The return of the Warriors College of Engineering Dean Dr. Hercules Cascon also expressed how happy he was when the engineering students started coming back to campus. “I am really happy it finally happened because we have been preparing for this ever since the joint directive from CHED and DOH have been released regarding the possibility of holding special classes during the pandemic,” he shares.

He also mentioned that it took a lot of effort and preparation to make the LFF classes happen, from the tedious selection and deliberation of offered laboratory courses and blending them with the online courses to the physical retrofitting of the College of Engineering building. “It is really a significant effort, nahitabo na gyud siya, human sa tanan mga kahago,” he adds.

Cascon also explained that the priority for the LFF classes was mainly from the CHED-DOH JMC regarding the guidelines on the gradual reopening of campuses of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) for limited face-to-face classes during the COVID-19

pandemic. The selection of laboratory courses for students to take F2F were not necessarily driven by the year level of the students but rather the idea of whether or not the courses were among the priority lab courses listed.

A positive start for a positive end Since March 1, CDO is officially placed under Alert Level 1, the lowest classification labeled by the DOH as the “new normal.” Following the change of

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With the pandemic beginning to ease up, there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

We expect students [to] be encouraged.

Dr. Hercules Cascon XU College of Engineering Dean

alert level classification in the city, the capacity for HEIs to conduct the LFF classes now maxes to full indoor and outdoor venue capacity, as mentioned in the CHED-DOH joint memorandum order.

Although the University has yet to release a memorandum following the changes in the allowable capacity for LFF classes on campus, the future seems brighter than before for things to potentially go back to the long-forgotten and missed “normal.” Cascon expressed his hopes, saying that he sees that the number of students participating in F2F classes will increase by the next school year.

“With the pandemic beginning to ease up, there’s light at the end of the tunnel. We expect students [to] be encouraged.” *** It has been a long journey with various roadblocks to get the LFF classes up and running.

The pandemic has taken a lot from our student body and to many, the recent LFF classes can be described as similar to a bolt of lightning recharging the students anew. It has made many feel connected, once again, to the courses they chose. With this, the passion to do well burns brighter than ever.

The fires within have now been relighted and both students and faculty now hope it will be smooth sailing from here onwards.C 9

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Vol. 48 No. 4 April 2022

IN PHOTOS XU’s Limited Face to Face Classes

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Since January, XU finally welcomed its students back on campus for the recently implemented Limited Face-to-Face (LFF) classes.

After almost two years of full-on online classes, students now get to experience the traditional mode of learning. With students’ college experience robbed by the pandemic, the long-forgotten and missed ‘normal’ now becomes a reality. Since then, the University have opened its doors to its students in the nursing, engineering, and natural sciences programs, prioritizing those who have laboratory classes and required practical duties.C

Photos by Jivi Roy D. Rizaldo & Aira May L. Plaga

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he year 2021 did not come to a memorable close for the Philippines—at least for several families who were impacted by the country’s strongest storm of the year.

Typhoon (TY) Odette left a trail of devastation in her wake—leaving houses and roads damaged, power lines down, trees and crops ruined, and fishing boats wrecked. It is a sight seen often, yet no less gut-wrenching. People scrambled for food, water and shelter; many disaster-hit communities cried for help.

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The phenomenon On the afternoon of Dec 16, 2021, Tropical Storm “Rai,” locally known as Odette, entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) with a wind velocity of 160 mph during the first atmospheric quality assessment by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in the southwestern area. Accompanied by storm surges, extreme floods, and monsoons, the typhoon struck Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte at 1:30 PM and made a second landfall in Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands at 3:10 PM. The air had moved through from high to slightly elevated pressure that resulted in a prolonged wind speed of 195 mph and increased at 30 km/h moving northwest as reported by PAGASA. Within the days of Dec 17–19, the typhoon had advanced from Category 2 to 5 according to the US Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC).

The US weather bureau then identified Odette as a super typhoon, elucidating as the strongest catastrophe encountered by the Filipinos in 2021.

Following the impact that had been brought by the super typhoon, approximately 1.7M people were affected, particularly in terms of food, shelter, infrastructure, livelihood, and agricultural lands.

The province of Dinagat Islands, mainland Surigao and Siargao Island were among those badly hit by TY Odette. These areas were thought to need the most help, and Xavier Ateneo sought to answer their call.

Mission response Dealing with the phenomenon, the XU Social Development (SOCDEV) Office and its Social Student Involvement and Advocacy Program (SSIAP), together with other service units in the University, have taken part in disaster rehabilitation efforts and recovery programs for the affected communities.

Along with this is the thorough planning of the University which was broken down into three clusters—before, during, and after the typhoon.

During the University’s response preparations, part of the initial period was the assessment of the strength and the destruction that TY Odette made as per the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office’s (CDRRMO) and other agencies’ news updates. XU Social Development Head Roel Ravanera had received reports of several areas being badly hit, particularly the Dinagat Islands. SSIAP Director Nestor Banuag Jr. affirmed, “Atoang gina-collate and ginaconsolidate (the updates), hoping nga ma-inform pud ang community, at least within (the) XU community.”

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By Racquel Vaneza Kate B. Agustin & Hyacinth L. Premacio

screening process to ensure that they are in a good condition before they are repacked. “Naa’y sorting nga gahimuon within sa campus,” Banuag shares, “ug ga-schedule mi ug repackings.” The screening included medicines being checked by health professionals, clothes being segregated properly, and rice being sourced from wholesalers at the most affordable price. With the pandemic still happening, volunteers for the sorting and repacking of goods have also been scarce. Banuag also shared that some teacher volunteers were even conducting online classes while repacking goods.

As part of the second phase of the University’s response measures (during the typhoon), the XU

Main Campus also opened its doors on Dec 18 to provide comfort and shelter to the typhoon’s victims in CDO. “There were 25 families with 100 individuals from three barangays in the city,” Banuag shares. On the edge of that, Central Student Government (CSG) President Andre Daba cooperated in distributing food packs and bottled water with the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) and the support of Rotary Club West CDO. Following the University community’s positive response to the call for donations, the XU team traveled to the Dinagat Islands on Dec 26–29 for the first coordination meetings with Vol. 48 No. 4 April 2022

journey to the farthest barangays that were hit by the typhoon. On Dec 27, relief goods from XU arrived in Surigao City and were transported to Dinagat Islands for distribution to the survivors.

In collaboration with the Archdiocese of Cagayan de Oro and Balaod Mindanaw, the first wave of relief goods, which included 25 sacks of rice, 100 ten-liter bottles of drinking water, and 600 cans of sardines, were transported to Dinagat. The team also conducted a feeding program alongside the distribution of relief goods in coordination with the LGUs in the area. The team left the Dinagat Islands on Dec 28 to meet with Ilogon to discuss how XU can further assist in the relief and recovery operations in Surigao del Norte and other nearby affected areas.

Additionally, in partnership with the XU Dr Jose P Rizal School of Medicine, University Health Services Unit, Council of Nursing Students (CONUS), National Service Training Program (NSTP), Psychology Department, XU Senior High School (XUSHS) Department, XU-CSG, Physical Plant Office (PPO), Communications Office, Security Office, and the Office of the Vice President for Administration, the third phase, which includes the repacking of relief items (100 sacks of rice, and 300 bottles of ten-liter drinking water) took place. Cash donations were also gathered during the first until the third deployment, and successfully arrived at Surigao last Jan 16.

The distribution of the in-kind donations and relief goods was facilitated by the CDO LGU, the provincial LGU of the Dinagat Islands, and the Barangay LGU of Boa in Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands. “We’re serving around 300 families in Brgy. Boa, Cagdianao,” shares Banuag.

On Jan 27, XU sent another team of volunteer doctors, nurses, faculty and staff, and students for another round of feeding, medical, psychosocial and relief operations at Barangay Boa, Cagdianao.

University President and Chief of Mission of #XUTabangOdette Fr. Mars P Tan SJ, blessed the team before sending them off.

the provincial local government unit (LGU) of the Dinagat Islands, along with the Diocese of Surigao Director Fr Denish Ilogon. The team consisted of Banuag, Daba, SOCDEV Vice President Gail de la Rita, Janet Ibale of the Psychology Department, Gemma Panal from the College of Nursing, and XU Drivers Joel Eroisa and Joseph Acebedo.

Facing the wreck The journey to Surigao and the Dinagat Islands was not without difficulty. It had been raining for days prior to the team leaving for the affected area.

Miraculously, on the day the team left for Surigao, the sun shone brightly upon them. It was a long Crusader

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The University’s mantra of being men and women for others is tested time and time again.

These words are not mere essay fodder but a value Xavier Ateneo lives and breathes by.

*** XU has been significantly active in attending to the needs of others with concrete plans of actions, especially during calamities, upholding the Ignatian values of cura personalis. Few of the disasters that the University has actively responded to were during the Typhoon Sendong in 2011, Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, the Marawi siege in 2017, the 2019 Cotabato earthquakes, and the Taal Volcano eruption in 2020.

In these trying times, it is often the words we add on in our essays for flare that come into mind.

The University’s mantra of being men and women for others is tested time and time again. These words are not mere essay fodder but a value Xavier Ateneo lives and breathes by.C The #XUTabangOdette operations continue to solicit in-kind and monetary donations to aid relief and recovery efforts in the Dinagat Islands.

You may send money through the University’s BPI Account No. 9331-0133-63, or expressly donate money for the typhoon victims at the University Church. Donations in kind are also still accepted, preferably rice, water and canned goods, and can be dropped off at XU’s main gate.

Photos from the XU Social Development Office

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ith the pioneers of the K-12 Education Program preparing to finish off their academic careers later this year as tertiary graduates, there is no better time to review how these last few years fared for the country’s first-ever subjects of such a historic education reform. From Grade 7 and unto the newly added Grades 11 and 12, was the shift to a more internationally standardized framework as effective as it was promised to be? Are there things that need to be changed or addressed, or is everything going as planned?

Not only that, the coming of a life-altering pandemic has also taken a few on-campus years from our graduating batch, shepherding them unto an academic life limited to the online world and behind smart screens. With this sudden change in the academe, with classes and training held almost entirely online, how ready can these soon-to-be fresh grads be? Let’s ask the XU Class of 2022 how they feel.

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By Abdel Rafi M. Lim

It was good up until to [sic] the point when we entered college with the promise of a reformed tertiary educational system where all courses taken in SHS are no longer to be taken in college but this did not seem to be the case. Thus, it was an unnecessary and redundant change.

It would’ve been better implemented if the general subjects taken up in the additional 2 years were removed in college.

That was promised but didn’t happen, and so it became a waste of time and money.

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The K-12 Program, as hopeful as it was, failed to live up to its promises. The promises of less units taken up during college, less general education (GE) subjects, and better opportunities for the next generation of students were expectations that we haven’t even experienced yet.

This program became more of a burden than a relief for students, especially with the pandemic. Studying became more time-consuming and expensive as we were forced to take up more responsibilities and tasks with longer time, producing the same or even worse experiences or benefits previous generations of graduates had.

It is unfortunate that our batch was the pioneering batch, but change should start somewhere and I hope this change would improve the education system even though we were the first ones to try it.

I think it is an honor to be part of the pioneering batch to complete the K-12 curriculum. We were the students who gave an avenue for education regulators to further improve and change the country’s educational system.

I just hope we don’t get discriminated (against) when we go on and search for jobs because we finished college education online.

The most pressing concern I would only have for this batch is the fear of uncertainty and incompetence considering our crucial years as seniors is spent online.

Please remove the unnecessary performance tasks like roleplaying, jingles, video making, and etc. SHS should prepare the students for college and must have similar programs in college but lighter. To give the students an idea and time to proceed to their chosen career or shift.

Yes. More emphasis on the well-being of the students should be integrated in the system, healthy lifestyle, political education, financial literacy, the improvement of digital literacy and more!

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In this article, TheCrusader have laid out the data showing the results of the survey conducted among 70 respondents , which make up about 4.1% of the total number of graduating tertiary students of the University.

About 27.1% of the population believe that the addition of two more years of high school, particularly Grades 11 and 12, were unnecessary, while half of the total number of respondents also share that these two additional years were a cause for financial concern. Regardless, 22.9% still believe that their Senior High years were helpful in setting them up for their college years.

Even though a whopping 77% of respondents believe that they have been robbed of their college student experience because of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, 30% also still somewhat agree that their overall experience as a pioneer was still positive, and more than half of the respondents still feel excited to graduate as a product of the K-12 curriculum. However, 24.3% somewhat disagree that they are better equipped for employment after graduation, because of the K-12 education program and curriculums. 38.6% strongly disagree with preferring online classes over face-to-face classes, while 44.3% strongly disagree that online classes are as effective as face-toface classes. On being ready to be employed despite the shift to online classes and online on-the-job trainings/internships/practicums, a total of 54.2% of respondents answered on the scale of disagreement.

What these data indicate is that there is a sense of uncertainty and hesitation among the upcoming graduates. The common consensus that can be found here is that they do not feel equipped and ready to be employed despite the addition of the two years which promised to produce job-ready students, coupled with their last two years in the online learning setup.C Crusader

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ince the beginning of online classes, eLearn has been the main Learning Management System (LMS) of the Higher Education programs of the University. In addition to this online system, Google Meet and Zoom are also used as platforms for synchronous classes.

Another online communication platform edging itself towards the spotlight is Microsoft (MS) Teams. Developed by Microsoft, its unique features made it an instant fan favorite—or perhaps, a fickle foe?

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MS Congeniality After Jan 9, the recording feature in Google Meet exclusive to XU Google accounts was no longer available due to changes in Google Workspace’s Terms and Services. This feature was a useful tool for instructors to record their synchronous classes in case some students weren’t able to attend the session. In a memorandum by the Communications and Information Services Office (CISO), MS Teams could be used as an alternative.

Even though MS Teams was only suggested earlier this year, some teachers have been using it for a longer time in the online class setting.

Financial Management professor Rolan Literatus prefers to use the online platform for both his synchronous and asynchronous classes. “You can do the session online as if you’re doing the class face-to-face, there’s a lot of flexibility,” Literatus shares. He also added that making assignments and assessments in MS Teams is much easier compared to eLearn.

Romar Regencia (BSA 3) also finds MS Teams features suitable. Regencia claims, “It can be used both as a channel to have [synchronous] classes where we can conduct meetings and [asynchronous] activities where we can submit our requirements or assignments on the same platform.” With its many advantages, the platform may be a close shot as a possible LMS.

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Team troubles Despite its many useful features, MS Teams also has its lack-luster moments including a range of technical difficulties and some limitations. For Regencia, the platform is something he and most of his classmates are not used to, thus the need to adapt and adjust. In addition, he also experienced not being able to log in to his school-issued MS Teams account.

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The events of the past two years actually confirm that there’s technology and we need to maximize the use of it.”

Rolan Literatus XU Financial Management Instructor

Literatus has also experienced the communication platform’s shortcomings in his method of teaching in the online setting. From his experience, MS Teams cannot include in its recording the live sharing of his whiteboard solutions. In terms of quizzes and assessments, there are instances when the student cannot attach a file. As a solution, Literatus shares, “Didto nako [i-post] ang mga major assessments sa eLearn because it could be saved automatically.”

To mitigate the effects of its drawbacks, students and instructors alike find themselves adjusting to the platform’s limits. Because of the technicalities and disadvantages in both platforms, instructors often use MS Teams alongside eLearn.

To be or not to be On the surface, MS Teams can be seen not just as an alternative for Google Meet but for eLearn as well. But despite this observation, Regencia still finds eLearn more convenient to use. “This is perhaps because I’m used to navigating eLearn since it has been the one we’ve been using since day one,” he elaborates.

Moreover, Literatus also uses both MS Teams and eLearn at the same time, maximizing their features and ensuring all his students’ concerns are addressed. “The events of the past two years actually confirm that there’s technology and we need to maximize the use of [it],” Literatus expresses. According to CISO Director Harriet B. Fernandez, “MS Teams is not a replacement of eLearn [...], supposedly, MS Teams is only for synchronous sessions when the teacher will call. The LMS should still be eLearn.” Fernandez asserted it is too early to tell if eLearn should be completely replaced by a new LMS. Suffice to say, MS Teams is merely an aid and has a long way to go to replace eLearn. *** There is an array of platforms instructors can opt to use in order to make online classes as convenient and sufficient as possible. “It is the preference of the faculty based on their familiarity with the platform,” Fernandez comments. If difficulties arise, Fernandez advises, “because we cannot rule out all other technical concerns of the students, just in case naa siyay issues and concerns, just email cisohelpdesk@xu.edu.ph so that we can advise them on how to proceed.”

Friend or foe, these communication platforms have certainly been useful to our online class experience, but they are also imperfect. If we encounter some troubles, communication always comes a long way to solve a problem.C Vol. 48 No. 4 April 2022

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By Nia Enrille R. Rabanes n countless media, entering college has always seemed like a glorified chapter in dozens of main characters’ coming of age. The graduating batch of 2022 may have had a shot at living their university life to the fullest if it weren’t for the global pandemic crashing the party. Not only did they have to undergo an experimental stage in building a new curriculum as the pioneering batch of K-12, nor did they go through pivotal stages of their academic programs and adolescence at their homes—they’re facing the prospect of an online graduation ceremony. With the end in sight, how do the students feel?

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A smooth pavement for starters Excitement hangs in the air at new beginnings.

At this juncture, college was an open door that led to endless possibilities. There was always someplace you can pour your passions into. “The first two academic years of my life as a nursing student were [sic] filled with irreplaceable memories both in terms of curricular and extracurricular activities,” shares Council of Nursing Students Chairperson Cray B. Avellena. “Even though most of the time we were bombarded with tasks, it was comforting to know that I wasn’t alone and that there were others who knows [sic] my struggles too.”

Xavier Ateneo Brebeuf Crusaders President Dannica S. Reyes also recounts how her dedication to her sport granted her a scholarship, “Never have I thought that I would become an athletic scholar, yet I became one and it brings out many things of [sic] me.”

Potholes of various sizes The highs of a great start meet an unwelcome disruption with the transitioning to an onlinelearning setup in AY 2020-2021. “The sudden shift has greatly affected the latter half of my student

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experience. It pains me to think of all the wasted opportunities to grow as a future healthcare provider, being able to experience and perform different procedures, as well as create shared memories with my batchmates,” Avellana laments.

Completing internships is deemed to be a challenge for seniors in the online setting. Henry Howard Scholarship recipient Jose Rowel Damas explains, “Now that I am a pre-service teacher and doing my online internship at the Xavier University Junior High School, I feel the pressure being in the shoe [sic] of a teacher. It is difficult and requires much of your time and energy especially when I do class demonstrations.”

For Reyes, doing school online meant saying goodbye to early morning and after-class training, “Unfortunately, the pandemic hindered my last two years of being a student-athlete, but still I am happy and satisfied that I was able to continue serving my fellow student-athletes.”

Nearing the destination In spite of all these difficulties, the graduating aspirants continue to push forward. Reyes asserts, “I would change nothing. Without those experiences, I wouldn’t be who I am now. Without those pain and hardships, I wouldn’t be standing strong as I am now.”

Damas finds comfort in the idea that even though he doesn’t have everything figured out quite yet, the whole process of doing so makes it worthwhile. “One lesson that I learned in my entire experience in college is to just swim with my destiny.” Unpredictable as the journey may have been for them, they wish to hold on to the feasibility of a face-to-face graduation ceremony.

Avellana wistfully expresses, “If given the chance, it would be a very fulfilling experience wherein we can really actualize the end of our college life and signify the beginning of a new journey. Either

However upsetting it may have been to feel robbed of the college experience, there’s not much else to do but reconcile with and even celebrate the fact that the hardest parts are almost over. way, this is but another milestone in our lives and I will be forever grateful for the time I have spent in Xavier Ateneo.” Reyes adds, “With a face-to-face graduation, it would made [sic] me feel rewarded and feel that me and my batch did a great job coming all this way.” *** As Avellana put it, “That degree is finally within our grasp.” The four years that encompassed this batch’s college journey took unforeseeable turns.

However upsetting it may have been to feel robbed of the college experience, there’s not much else to do but reconcile with and even celebrate the fact that the hardest parts are almost over.

In the grand scheme of things, there are other facets in life to look forward to from this point onwards. Just as the ride of university life comes to a halt, the world opens up to even more roads to take; highways, byways, and freeways of them. It never truly is the end.

Bidding a message to his fellow graduates, Damas imparts, “Your dreams for yourself should be as big and as bright as your dreams for your country.”C

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MOVIE REVIEW

Of Jesters and Kings: BREAKING DOWN THE KINGMAKER

By Reina Margaret Gwynette T. Villamor

n the Philippines, the presidency is the highest seat of power in the land. A position of great influence and responsibility, it can be likened to a king’s throne as it is the king’s duty to govern and serve his people. However, a king is not made overnight—nor is he ever alone. It takes a team of people to help him function, such as his trusted advisers, loyal subjects, and the queen herself.

American filmmaker Lauren Greenfield’s award-winning documentary, The Kingmaker, explores the lives of the closest thing the Filipinos could call royalty—the Marcos Family. The title alludes to Imelda Marcos herself, as she is the woman behind her husband’s infamous reign.

Given the accolades and atrocities of the Marcos regime, we are driven to ask: what does it take to make a king?

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Recounting a ‘legacy’ The first half of the film follows Imelda Marcos’s rise as First Lady of the Republic of the Philippines, as well as her tumultuous political career. A former Manila beauty queen, Imelda engaged in a whirlwind romance with the young politician, Ferdinand Marcos. Once married, and Marcos had secured the presidency, Imelda was in charge of meeting with foreign leaders and dignitaries. She served as her husband and the country’s ambassador, basking in the forefront of global politics. To help her cause, she exhausted millions of dollars on couture and jewelry, art, and architecture. She had, it seemed, a knack for charming world leaders and maximizing the advantages of extreme elitism.

As her husband clung to power through the lies, fascism, and human rights violations brought about by Martial Law, Imelda continued to live out her lavish lifestyle. Convinced that she was the “mother” of the country, she sought to pursue the beautification of the Philippines by investing in buildings and zoo animals.

“My dream for the country is a paradise, I don’t just dream it, I want to give birth to it,” Imelda asserts. In the film, we see that in this pursuit, Imelda completely disregards the lives of people in the area she puts up her projects on.

In the island of Calauit, where Marcos placed her zoo animals imported from Africa, both the animals and the residents are suffering because of the poor maintenance and care provided by the former First Lady.

In 1986, all this grandiosity was put to a screeching halt as a peoplepowered revolution, dubbed the EDSA Revolution, and a snap election drove the Marcoses out of Malacañang, out of power, and out of the country. Through the leadership of late president Corazon Aquino, the Philippines was freed from Martial Law and was introduced a new constitution. She also created a Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) in order to retrieve

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Not only is she convinced of her version of the “truth”, she is also adamant on bringing her family back to power.

the ill-gotten wealth during the Marcos regime.

Meanwhile, exiled in the United States (US), Imelda grieved not only for her lost kingdom, but also for the death of her king. Ferdinand Marcos died September 28, 1989 due to cardiovascular disease.

Royalty and ruins “Perception is real, but the truth is not,” an older Imelda comments. Now posing for the documentary in 2019, she takes the viewers for a tour around her fabulous Manila home, maintaining her regal and soft-voiced demeanor.

She speaks highly of her time as First Lady—going as far as saying she missed “the clout” it brought— and maintains that her family was “kidnapped” when they fled to the US. In her version of the truth,

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her husband won against Aquino and they were the victims because the PCGG took their wealth from them. With regard to the atrocities of Martial Law, Imelda asserts that the Marcos regime was a glorious time for the Philippines because Filipinos gained “sovereignty, justice, freedom, and human rights.” This immediately cuts to interviews with several survivors who recount the different torture methods inflicted on them.

As the narrator, Imelda’s perception leads viewers to believe her version of the truth.

Greenfield, as an intervention, intersperses Imelda’s claims with those of people who knew otherwise, such as Martial Law torture victims, public officials who investigated the Marcoses, and even the residents of Calauit Island. This dialectic narrative style shows viewers that Imelda obscures the facts with her “truth”, furthering her statement that she believes in the reality of perception, not in truth.

Is this your king?

Seeing all the suffering during the Marcos regime, Imelda’s efforts to make her husband “king” did not result in a better kingdom for Filipinos. Instead, for over two decades, his reign only benefited her lavish lifestyle and their family’s ego—all while Filipinos experienced loss of livelihood, extreme poverty, countless human rights violations, and a crushing debt crisis.

Greenfield provides a raw, neutral take on Imelda as she is a foreign filmmaker who uses people from both sides of history to talk about the Marcos regime. Highlighting Imelda’s words, mannerisms, and interactions with people, viewers quickly catch on to the fact that the former First Lady is an unreliable narrator. Not only is she convinced of her version of the “truth”, she is also

adamant on bringing her family back to power.

A political powerhouse in Ilocos Norte, the Marcos political dynasty is well on their way to take back their “kingdom”. Cut to the 2016 vicepresidential elections, we see Imelda root for her son Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., saying that politics was made for him. And, in the same way they could not accept her husband’s defeat in 1986, they demanded a recount when Marcos Jr. lost to the current Vice President of the Philippines, Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo.

The Marcos Family, even the events of the EDSA, continue to occupy government positions, with Imelda being Congresswoman of Ilocos Norte and Imee Marcos securing a seat in the senate. The late dictator himself, was given a hero’s burial at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani. Backing them are their arrays of ‘solid’ supporters who have seemingly forgotten the ills of Martial Law. And, as of writing, Marcos Jr. is vying for the presidential seat for the 2022 Elections, making Imelda’s pursuit of power burn brighter than before. *** A lavish legacy, a life of controversy, and a growing political dynasty—these three things make up our Kingmaker. With them, Imelda Marcos led the life of a powerful and cunning woman stuck in her versions of the truth. But what her truth fails to grasp is that her king was no king at all. Rather, they were all jesters obsessed with power, glamor, and wealth.The Kingmaker makes us recognize that the Marcos regime was a dark and turbid time for the Philippines, a point in history we must never forget and never experience again. More importantly, the film challenges us to choose our “kings” wisely, for us to ensure the future of our country.C

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NATIONAL

By Danica Ela P. Armendarez

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By Alyssa Chantal P. Moreno

ex education has been a taboo in the Philippines for quite some time now.

Topics such as puberty, reproduction, protection, sexual orientation, sexual activities, and relationships have been hushed in Filipino homes. With much sensitivity in dealing with sexual health education, the country’s readiness to introduce, embrace, and educate the young about sexual health matters still remains vague and unanswered.

The XU Central Student Government (CSG) has created a bigger, better, and bolder way of presenting sexual health awareness called the

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#ToughConversations, Sexual Health Uncensored: Talks and Awareness (SHUTA). It was an initiative launched in Sept 2020 under the CSG’s Department of Mission and Social Involvement (DMSI), and was then established under the advocacy arm of the CSG’s Office of the Vice President (OVP). Through the campaign, it aims to make Sexual Education accessible to the youth by providing safe spaces for uncensored discussions on sexual health.

On Jan 29, CSG President Andre Daba had decided to veto the Directorate Bill 004-2122 known as the ‘Sex Education Act of 2021.’ This was under the efforts made by the DMSI of the preceding

administration and the current OVP along with their campaign for sexual health. Daba believes that there is still a sensitive issue in discussing sexual health, and that it must be dealt with extra precaution. “I believe that a more thorough study and deliberation regarding the implementation of this bill must be considered by the team,” Daba proclaimed.

The chief executive’s decision has since then brought about mixed reactions and raised several questions within the team behind the bill. It’s already 2022 and the same question is being asked—why are we still not talking about sex?

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Sex: A taboo Sex remains to be a forbidden topic in Filipino households. With the dramatic rise of pregnancy rates, the Commission of Population and Development (PopCom) has noted that more than 70,000 families at the end of 2020 were led by minors. This alarming increase in numbers prompted a call for action necessary to discuss and educate the youth about sex out in the open without a hint of shame.

The Department of Education (DepEd) has established the Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) K to 12 Curriculum Guide to Regions 1, 7, and 11. However, the majority of the population still seems to be unaware of such relevant information considering the alarming cases of teenage pregnancy and HIV-AIDS cases.

In Oct 2019, PopCom called on President Rodrigo Duterte to proclaim that teenage pregnancy has now been a national emergency. Through this, it is now a national priority to establish stronger sex education to other institutions allowing adolescents to arm themselves against sexual risk behaviors, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unplanned pregnancy. Despite the small progress, there is still hesitation in the system.

Abstinence is not enough The Philippines, being a religious nation with 80 percent of its population composed of Roman Catholic believers, list issues of morality centering on sex at the top of the Church’s priorities.

According to the Borgen Project, the Church influences its people and is responsible for sex education in the country. The Church opposes the dissemination of contraceptives and the implementation of sex education in schools and institutions, for it is believed that topics revolving around sexual matters will only influence them to engage in sexual activities. Moreso, abstinence is proven to be no longer enough in mitigating the alarming rate of teenage pregnancies. To worsen our case, abortion is illegal in our country despite the rising numbers of such cases.

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Sex education should no longer be isolated out in the cold but supplied within the country’s education system.

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Though abstinence may be the best way to hinder pregnancies in general, CSE can mitigate it through teaching the proper use of contraceptives—condoms, emergency contraception pills, intrauterine devices (IUD), and more. It further informs them on the importance of consent, emotional relations and responsibilities, reproductive rights, and human sexual anatomy.

The birds and the bees According to Stanford Children’s Hospital, kids and teens can learn about sexuality through TV shows, music, and the internet. Nonetheless, hearing it straight from their parents is the greatest and most important source of all. Adults have found a way to tell their kids about it through ‘the birds and the bees’–a metaphor that explains sex and reproduction to children. It presents an imagery of bees pollinating and eggs hatching to showcase the mechanisms of sexual intercourse.

The biggest influence in a teenagers’ decision when it comes to sex derives not from their friends nor the media, but their parents. According to Dr. Widman’s study, teens who can communicate with their parents about sex are most likely to communicate properly with their sexual partners and are likely to protect themselves.

Moreover, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) stated that there are positive impacts of sex education. It was emphasized that CSE can increase adolescents’ knowledge and improve their attitudes that relate to “sexual and reproductive health and behaviors.” Additionally, it was mentioned, “Sexual education—in or out of schools—does not increase sexual activity, sexual risk-taking behavior, or STI and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection rates.” Aside from this, CSE protects the youth against unintended pregnancies and empowers them against sexual violence.

Enter… ‘Ka-SHUTA’ On Sept 25, 2021, the CSG have launched their introduction to their sexual health education campaign entitled ‘Pillow Talks.’ This two-hour Zoom webinar covered topics about the use and importance of contraception, safe sex practices, and the myths of fertilization. Among the speakers were Dr. Elaine Dawn Butron, Dr. Lloyd Lyle Ravidas RN, and various professionals and experts of this field.

Aside from XU, universities across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao also graced the event. With the overwhelming number of participants and high number of social engagements, it goes to show how much the youth desires to become open-minded to sexual health concerns and issues. #ToughConversations aims to equip the youth about right and factual knowledge regarding sexual health and identity whilst debunking the social misconceptions that come along with it led and reviewed by medical professionals and health experts. SHUTA Organizing Head Ed Alison Pairat emphasizes how vital it is to not only tackle the sexual parameters but as well as the mental, social, and psychological well-being of a person.

“In #ToughConversations, we always look forward to the day that sexual health will never be a tough conversation to begin with,” shares Pairat.

They wish to propel the youth to be more aware of their own sexual health and drive social change

‘‘

There is no shame in talking about sex. In fact, the lack of sex education should make people feel guiltridden of their traditional ways.

in addressing issues of teenage pregnancy, sexual assault and violence, and the discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community.

Following these efforts, the Sex Education Bill has been passed by the Directorates on Feb 2.

The Bill ensures the sustainability of the campaign throughout the upcoming years, to fortify the organizational structure, and most importantly, expand its mobilization on grassroot level. “This only entails that #ToughConversations will be institutionalized and will be the lead organization that will advocate for sexual health in XU-CSG,” Pairat mentions. *** The Philippines still has a long way to go to make sex education no longer be isolated out in the cold and be supplied within the country’s education system. There’s still a lot that needs to be done to make sex education tougher, better, bolder, and uncensored just like #ToughConversations.

There is no shame in talking about sex. In fact, the lack of sex education should make people feel guilt-ridden of their traditional ways. Issues of high pregnancy rates, STIs, sexual violence, and discrimination faced by the LGBTQ+ community are alarming and long overdue. Moreso, the spread of shame and stigma through the advocacy of purity is quite contradicting, don’t you think? It’s about time we talk about sex.C Sources: www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=thebirds-and-the-bees-updated-talking-to-kids-aboutsex-197-29753 mb.com.ph/2021/12/14/teenage-pregnancy-affectsnearly-six-percent-of-filipino-girls/ en.unesco.org/news/why-comprehensive-sexualityeducation-important borgenproject.org/sex-education-in-the-philippines

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By Andre’ Socorro F. Doria

24 Page Design by Derrick Kean A. Auxtero

Vol. 48 No. 4 April 2022

GLOBAL

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Vol. 48 No. 4 April 2022

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LAMPOON

28 Illustration by Shaun Arthur O. Pao

Vol. 48 No. 4 April 2022

n Valentine’s Day I saw red—red hearts, red roses, and, in front of me, clad in red, a Baby M supporter. Now, before you go and bash me on the Twitterverse, let me set the record straight: this wasn’t a date. This was simply a meet-cute gone horribly wrong. And you all know I value honest-to-goodness journalism, so I’ll jot down all the red flags this “not-date” exhibited— because I remember it all too well.

The first thing you need to know is that I don’t go on dates. A TheCruchever editor in chief has no time for that! But I do go to coffee shops, as both the editor in chief and the student in me need that caffeine boost (and free wifi) to get through the day. Cut to Valentine’s day, I was in my usual cafe, sipping my usual coffee order, and typing away on my laptop. Being a day for dates, the place was more crowded than usual. Cue eye roll.

I noticed him immediately, with his red cap, red polo shirt, and shiny Rolex watch. He was among those standing in line near the counter, waiting for their order to be called. Some seated customers started offering their free seats to the standing ones, and—although I wanted to be alone—I offered my free seat to him. Full disclosure, pretty privilege played a huge part in this. He was cute enough, and around my age, so I decided that if I was going to sit across from a complete stranger, I might as well choose one that was pleasing to the eye.

He instantly struck up a conversation with me.

He asked if I came here often (I said yes), and I asked what he was here for (he said schoolworks).

We then proceeded to talk about school: where we went, what courses we took up, et cetera. I was surprised by how easy-going and fun he was.

I almost believed that it counted as a date. But then, he asked what I thought about Valentine’s Day (I answered that it was too commercialized #notlikeothergirls), and I asked the same question back (he agreed with my answer). I proceeded to ask why he was sporting the all-red, teasing him that he looked like the official mascot for this unofficial holiday. But instead of a playful answer that would guarantee witty banter, he only responded, “oh, I’m attending today’s concert.”

That’s when I realized this wasn’t a date, it wasn’t even a meet-cute. This was a horror movie. But in the spirit of journalism, I pressed on.

O

Red Flag #1: Romantic pero red-tagger To the baffled and confused, today’s Valentine’s Day concert was going to be performed by the notorious singer and rap artist Baby M. And I was not a fan. More than that, I went to a school where Baby M’s biggest competition and rival— LEYNI—hailed from.

“You know what? I think it’s cute that we’re from different sides of the music industry. I belong to Baby M’s fandom, and you belong to LEYNI’s,” he said sheepishly, breaking the awkwardness.

“It’s very Romeo and Juliet, don’t you think?” He added. Now that was cute. Except for the fact that he’s a fanatic of you-know-who, I have to admit he’s good looking and romantic. With that pickup line, I expected him to change the subject. But then he noticed my school ID and frowned. “I don’t want to offend you ha, but I’ve heard daghan man daw bayaran sa inyong school.” He went on to say that the only reason our star artist outsold arenas Crusader

The

was because we were paid to go.

Silence once again enveloped our table—with him waiting for my response and me trying not to scream in frustration. I wanted for us to share a healthy, maybe even romantic, conversation but basically red-tagging our school on Valentine’s Day? It’s way too much. He didn’t even consider that maybe LEYNI was just good at their job, and that their band offered quality music for all. “What made you say so?” I shot back.

He then explained that in our school’s recent music charts, LEYNI’s Top 1 spot was a result of bias and manipulation from our faculty and staff.

“I heard man jud na gaka-manipulate mo diha through grades just like in the recent Bellboardz Top 100 poll.” His statement was coated in bitterness—bitter than my hot Americano with an extra shot of espresso. I was offended because our surveys have always been credible. More than that, we were a school centered on values. Hello?

Has he not heard of research, sample size, and data gathering? And so what if LEYNI topped our

‘‘

I realized this wasn’t a date, it wasn’t even a meet-cute. This was a horror movie.’’

Cora Contrabida

music charts? Is it our fault our school has taste?

So, red flag number one: he red-tags. He used the term ‘legit’ instead of ‘accurate’, he’s unaware of the mechanisms of research, and he believes in hearsay. Romantic but a red-tagger? Ugh! Why is he built like this?

Red Flag #2: Brainy pero basher He took my silence as his cue to keep talking.

He said he wasn’t just a Baby M fan, but a supporter of the music industry as a whole. He shared that he celebrated the works of other artists and singers.

He even listened to a few LEYNI songs, the most popular ones being “Pink Skies” and “Robbers’’.

I could tell he knew his music genres well, and he was brainy enough to check on these artists’ backgrounds. And yet when I asked him why he disliked the band so much, he pulled out a video.

Now I thought, after he bragged about researching his artists, he’d show a credible vlog or news interview snippet. Instead, I was greeted with a video from some wannabe music critic named Dareel Nope. It was an overly-filtered, cringey, cheaply edited, and most of all propaganda-ridden video of LEYNI. This Dareel person spread baseless

accusations about the band, not once providing any constructive criticism about their music. Given LEYNI had loads of accolades and awards, all the video could do was taunt some of their music video concepts, laugh at mispronounced words during press conferences, and point out outfit mishaps.

When the video ended, I looked back at the guy across the table. He was laughing at Dareel’s closing punchlines but I didn’t find it funny at all. I told him it was baseless, untrue, and very shallow. He dismissed me with a chuckle. How could someone with such high regard for the music industry buy into this kind of rubbish? It was mudslinging and dirty campaigning against another artist, and yet, he consciously and willfully participates in it. And so the red flag continues.

First, a red tagger and now, a basher.

Red Flag #3: Tall, Dark, and Misinformed “One coffee for—” the barista called, interrupting our conversation. I won’t mention his name but I’ll describe him to you. He was tall, tanskinned, had a sweet smile, and his physique was just right. He sounds perfect on paper, but with his red flags, I just knew he was trouble when he walked in(to the cafe).

As he was getting his order, a ding from a Famebook notification popped on the side of my screen. It was a friend request coming from him.

But instead of excitement and butterflies, I felt fire-breathing dragons inside my stomach. As you all know, I recently unfriended one of my closest friends for their shared posts. I’ve been keeping my social media echo chamber healthy especially this election season, and so I’ve been intricate in filtering my internet friends. Curious to see his social media footprint, I decided to stalk him.

His Famebook profile was nothing short of horrible. It was flooded with shared posts such as derogatory MeTube clips, fake publication materials from troll accounts, and misleading news from OKD2, Pinoy Trending Music, and MIX Philippines. If this was where he based his information, then he was seriously misinformed.

Overwhelmed, I immediately ignored his request.

But as I was about to click the ‘X’ button, I saw him about eight steps away from our table and so I shut my laptop and slowly packed up my things.

I couldn’t bear sitting with him anymore because these were red flags I couldn’t look past, couldn’t forgive, and most certainly could never forget.

Plus, it was obvious he had no intention to listen to what I say—a trademark Baby M fan characteristic.

As I was about to zip my bag, ready to walk out, he reached our table. But before he was able to open up another conversation, I proceeded to ask about his order. He was a coffee lover, after all, so maybe all wasn’t lost. “Oh this? It’s an iced mocha freyp,” he said confidently. I winced and decided it was truly time to go. And in true Korean drama fashion, he grabbed my arm, as if to say ‘wait’. He asked why I was leaving so suddenly and I gave him an incredulous look. Realization dawned on him and he scoffed, “Ah, are you the type who can’t look past music taste differences?”

“No, but I am the type with standards,” I said, pulling my arm from his hold. He looked fazed but still amused so I decided to go for the punchline.

“Oh, and it’s a mocha frappé not a mocha freyp. At least get your coffee right if you can’t do the same for your music.”C 29

Kuris-Kuris

Read the full online version of this issue at

KIARRA

CHLOE

SHAUN

bit.ly/SuperMag2022 or at www.thecrusader.ph

Dear Meri,

Dear Ate Charot, Remember me Meri? Meri Merisi Ate Charot ba, char! Feeling close kaayo ta. So ani ang nahitabo sa akoa ug sa akong bayu adtong Valentine’s Day, wala niya ko gisurprise Te Char.

Gakakita na nako sa Instagram ug Facebook na daghan na nagpost about sa ilahang Valentines Day, so ako na-ibog sad.

Pero aside sa Happy Hearts Day, nala-in jud ko sa 1 year namo na paguban kay Te Char kay abi nako gi-GHOST nako. Dili man jud siya gareply usahay sa text or chat recently ug mas worst dili tubagon akong tawag tungod kay naa siyay work. Salamat nalang sa tanan murag halosa everyday ko ga-Unli ug load para niya. Unsay mabuhat nako ani Ate Charot, road to bulag ba me ani or madala pa ang among relationship?

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Huy napalami man imuhang cheka emz, pero murag wala ko’y nadawatan na Meri ang name, basin mali to nimo na telegram na send, Charot lang! Anyway, Merisi jud nimo ug kala-in lang sa imuhang bayu Meri, charot uy normal rana sa isa ka relasyon. Pero, maka-Wow man sad ta sa inyuhang duha uy, nag-isa jud ka tuig namo?

Magbulag ramo ana kei, charot lang!

Remember, Miri, na dili lang Valentine’s i-celebrate ang inyohang strong relationship! Everyday is Valentine’s Day Meri. Tan-awa, na-Merisi jud inyohang February 14.

Basin busy lang siya Meri sa iyahang mga ganap. Hinga lang nang malalim gurl, love gihapon kana niya! I-set as inspiration siya Meri basin gahago siya kay naa siyay gina-tiguman para sa inyuhang duha, oh diba, bongga!

Communicate and give each other space! Mao na ang key Meri. Mwah.

Vol. 48 No. 4 April 2022

KURISCOPE NI ED

Ed

Wazzap mga ka-cheka, musta naman mo? Dugay-dugay nasad ta wala nakacheka kang Madame. Dili na nako padugayon ang akong cheka uy, kabalo ko excited mo kay hapit na ang Summer!. Naa ra inyuhang kapalaran karun mga memsh... Summer Edition!

Aquarius Think pair and share, but sa acads lang wag love affair.

Bantay bantay sa muchat saimo this year, basin taken na masabunutan ka saiyang bebeber.

PAO

Lucky Drink/Food: Sapin-sapin

Aries Puro ka emote sa imo lablyf and bebelabs, maypag mag exercise ka arun magka abs. New year new me bahala midterm exams na, ang important mag-regret siya na gi let go ka.

Lucky Drink/Food: Pandesal

IGIT

Cancer Mamsh hinay hinay na sa pagpa hula hula, nag hide and seek pa imo soulmate so ayaw nag sige asa diha. Either go gawas and touch some grass, or buhata na imo assignments saimo mga class.

Lucky Drink/Food: Boba tea

Capricorn Ayan na dzai napuslan na gyud, imo pagka-allergy sa hugs and kisses kay wala ka sa mood. It’s your time to shine, swerte na ang di ga holding hands.

PAO

Lucky Drink/Food: Nukos

Gemini Marites talentry, abtik sab unta mudetect ng fake news hopefully. Pagbantay saimo gina spread na balita, labi na if gikan saimo facebook titas.

Lucky Drink/Food: Bibingka

Leo This year bawal ma highblood dali, basin imo pinaglalaban na answer diay kay mali. Double check sa cheat sheets and guides kung sakto ba ang ila gi provide.

Lucky Drink/Food: Balut

Libra Undang na sa pagka go with the flow, sunod and barugi ang what you know. Peer pressure is overrated po mamsh, ayaw na sige sunod sunod sa gusto ni crush.

Lucky Drink/Food: Kare-kare

Pisces Say no to being pick me girls and boys, kay delikado daghan ka ma-annoy. Di lage na madala sa dramatics si crush, di sab na makataas saimo acads.

Lucky Drink/Food: Sisig

Taurus Reminder na dili pa summer so tabang tabang na sab sainyo riserts paper. Ayaw na sige excuse unya nilaag ra diay, remember makita baya imo my day bai.

Lucky Drink/Food: Pepsi Sprite Mix

Virgo Murag dako naka ug eyebags sige ng games, maypa items sa dula memorize ang names. Maypa sa games kay speedrun to level fifty, unya ang grado duha duha mupasar murag 50/50.

KURISEARCH NI PAO

Lucky Drink/Food: Bagoong

Rebisco Honey Butter

Cat

5 Cru Dingbats

Spotify Logo

Spider

Strawberry Jam

Finn The Human

Phone Charger

Scissors

Among Us Astronaut

Candle

Face Mask

Sagittarius Ga explore ng options or lisod lang talaga ang loyalty?

Multishipper, multifandom, multistan kumbaga. Hopefully dili ma discover na ga multi partners.

Lucky Drink/Food: Kikiam ug Tempura

TO JOIN: Scan this KuriSearch with your answers and submit the soft copy of your entry to thecrusaderpub@gmail.com with your full name, course and year, and contact number.

Lucky participants will receive limited edition collectables.

Scorpio Sanaol hardworker sanaol passionate, mamsh share sab unsaon na ma motivate. Pero ayaw palabi na sige raka acads passion, basin mamiss nimo ang lablyf drama and action.

Lucky Drink/Food: Black na Kaper

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