The DEMOCRAT Tomo LXVIII Bilang IV by The DEMOCRAT

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Mayo 2021 - Hulyo 2020 | Tomo LXVIII Bilang IV

Villete-Sangcap admin vows eradicating student apathy through advocacy-based programs By Berlineth Nymia T. Montes

After dominating the recently concluded UNC-USG Elections, Anabelita Villete, the incoming USG President said her administration aims to solve the growing apathy in the university by conducting advocacy programs. CONTINUE ON 02

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Ang Malayang Pahayagan ng mga Mag-aaral ng University of Nueva Caceres

Mayo 2021 - Hulyo 2020 | Tomo LXVIII Bilang IV

UNC DebSoc rules 1st Hablondawani Debate Cup, echoes LGBTQ empowerment BY JEAN AQUINO

LIMITLESS PRIDE. UNC Debate Society LGBTQIA+ members triumph the first-ever Hablondawani Debate Cup after obtaining several awards. The Naga City Youth Officials spearheaded the said program as part of the Pride Month Celebration. WORDS BY TRISHA BAÑAS

Promoting empowerment of the LGBTQ community in the 1st Hablondawani Debate Cup, the UNC Debate Society clinched the main feat and bagged multiple awards on July 2-3, 2021. Hailed as champions were Fifth Best Speaker Adrianne Abellado (College of Education), Second Best Speaker Ronan Revilala (College of Law), and Finals Best Speaker and Overall Best Speaker Lorenzo Jamer (College of Law). Also grabbing places were Second Best Judge Cyen Esclanda, Seventh Best Speaker Ashley Mari Briola, and Finalist Franzine Shane Cloza, all from the College of Arts and Sciences. Abellado, a proud LGBT

member, shared how this cup differed drastically from other debate tournaments in terms of essence and goal. “The essence of the Hablondawani Cup is to spark an intellectual discourse on the lived experiences of the LGBT community, to put the LGBT Community on the spotlight, where their issues will be addressed on assessing what’s the strategic and best for the movement. And to amplify the voices of the LGBT Community and fight for their rights and lastly, the tournament create[d] a safe space to the LGBT community,” Abellado stated. Jamer also discussed the need to hold a tournament highlighting LGBT experiences, such as recognizing and appreciating the rainbow community. “By spearheading said CONTINUE ON 03

Villete-Sangcap . . . FROM 01

“We want to serve as their bridge and open these opportunities for them, to rise above amidst the current setup that we have,” Villete explained. She furthered such future programs will raise student’s awareness regarding sociopolitical issues and will remind them of their social and political roles in the society. Villete added their term will focus on student-centered activities like Greyhound Easy-Q and Aksyon Line, creating core groups for academic and nonacademic organizations, and activities anchored to the interest of various sectors in the university including the LGBTQIA+ Community and Persons with Disabilities. Meanwhile, the incoming set of USG Officers are now busy with the pre-opening

and opening of classes for the academic year 2021-2022. They are in contact with respective departments to attend to standing concerns from the last semester while taking necessary preparation for the official opening of classes to make sure that their activities are accessible to every UNCean regardless of their cohort. On the other hand, the outgoing USG President Marie Angella Averilla tells the incoming administration of USG to open their eyes and ears both for the students and the administration as they will bridge the gap between the two parties. ”I dare the incoming officers to continue upholding the integrity and principles of University Student Government, to not be just performative progressives but rather become more progressive, proactive, and pro-students,” she emphasized. Alliah Mae O. Decena, the fourth-year representative of the Association of English Major students in UNC, wants this year’s USG officials to lead the Greyhounds community with determination and dedication. “I hope they set a good example to everyone around them so that they can be prosperous and happy in their role,” Decena expounded. While Mark Joseph Redoblado, an incoming fourthyear Psychology student, hopes for transparency from the upcoming administration in USG and for student-leaders to enjoy their devotion to the students. “To be transparent in their service especially in times of having attachment with every student. Most importantly, is to enjoy their commitment as USG officers, by being a leader and a student,” Redoblado furthered. With 626 votes Anabelita Villete toppled down her two challengers for the presidential seat while Kimberly Joy Sangcap garnered 1,531 votes for the position of Vice President.

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Mayo 2021 - Hulyo 2020 | Tomo LXVIII Bilang IV

UNC produces 469 graduates; 40.33% lower than last year BY BERLINETH MONTES

A total of 469 UNCeans completed the list of this year’s graduates, which was 317 fewer or 40.33% down from the previous year’s 786 number of graduates, as confirmed by the data released by the University Registrar. According to Fely L. Sabaupan, the University Registrar, the cause of the low number of graduates this year

is due to the K to 12 transition. Meanwhile, James Ryan Partos, a Bachelor of Elementary Education graduate, expressed his disappointment that the administration’s imposition of the Zero Balance Policy resulted in some of his batchmates failing to graduate this year. “Mas lalo pang pinasakit because of this zero balance policy. Yaon ka sa screen pero si barkada mo, mayo? So hain ang nobody will be left behind? May nabayaan man giraray,” he said. Partos added that the four-day extension granted by the UNC administration was insufficient to give his batchmates enough time to pay their dues, resulting

in their exclusion from the program. On the other hand, Khian Jamer, a graduate of Juris Doctor and this year’s Batch President, feared that UNC graduates might be left unemployed after graduation due to the alarming rate of unemployment in the country. “I hope that the employers would see how UNC equipped their graduates with the knowledge and as they need to become assets in any organization,” said Jamer. Batch Hiraya is composed of three students from the College of Arts and Sciences, 14 from the College of Criminal Justice Education, 25 from the College of Computer Studies, 58 from the College of Education, 63 from the School

UNC, UAD sanib-pwersa sa cultural exchange tampok ang mga lider-estudyante

NI ALYSA ASIDO

Layong mapalawig pa ang kultural na ugnayan ng mga lider-estudyante, inilunsad ng University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) at Universitas Ahmad Dahlan (UAD), unibersidad sa Indonesia, ang kaunaunahang Cultural Exchange and Student Leadership Webinar. “Itong programa ay kailangan din ng UNC sa pagpapalawak ng mga ugnayan ng paaralan hindi lang dito sa Pilipinas kundi pati na rin sa labas ng bansa,” pagbabahagi

ni Kim Bigay, Director of Student Affairs, tungkol sa naganap na talakayan noong Hunyo 9, 2021. Bilang isa sa mga tagapagsalita, ibinahagi ni Interim USG President ng UNC Angella Aveilla ang mga karanasan sa pagiging isang lider-estudyante. “Masaya akong naibahagi ko ang mga bagay na nakapagpatatag sa mga liderestudyante ng UNC at mga bagay na napagtagumpayang naming harapin,” pahayag ni Averilla. Para naman kay Maria Carmela Sales, kinatawan mula UNC, minulat ng webinar ang kanyang mga mata na sa kahalagan ng pagkakaisa sa kabila ng kultural na pagkakaiba-iba. “Natutuhan ko na

magkakaiba man tayong kultura at pinanggalingan ay maaari pa ring magkaisa tungo sa iisahang mithiin— ang maging maunlad at malagpasan ang krisis na dala ng pandemya,” dagdag pa ni Sales. Patuloy namang pinalalakas ng UNC ang pakikipagtulungan sa iba’t-ibang unibersidad at institusyon hindi lamang sa Pilipinas ngunit maging sa ibang bansa. “Dahil sa magandang ugnayan at pagkakaibigan ng dalawa at mga kaalaman na makakabigay ng halaga, bentahe, at kapakinabangan sa bawat isa, ito ay ipagpapatuloy,” ani Bigay.

of Law, 66 students from Graduate Studies, 90 from the College of Business and Accountancy, and 150 from the College of Engineering and Architecture.

UNC DebSoc rules 1st . . . FROM 02

tournament, they are sending a message to the community that all of them are seen, recognized, and celebrated,” said Jamer. Esclanda also addressed the importance of debate, particularly in this cup that centered on the LGBT community. “This debate cup tournament further entrenches and penetrates the homophobic society through alleviating misinformation consumed by the general public due to the pervasive nature of the patriarchy in our society,” Esclanda shared. Tournament Director and Naga City Youth Councilor Nica Berlon (Engineering and Architecture) headed the inaugural cup as one of the main highlights of Bulan Nin Dawani Celebration launched by Naga City Youth Councilor Angella Averilla.

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CHED allows face-to-face classes in UNC Nursing BY RACHELLE PAJA

TRIPLE CARE AND CAUTION. BS NURSING STUDENTS USE A NEWLY MODIFIED CLASSROOM FOR HOLDING LIMITED IN-PERSON CLASSES. EACH STUDENT SITS IN A PROTECTIVE DESK WITH A THREEFOLD BARRIER, WHILE STAYING COMPLIANT WITH WEARING FACE SHIELD AND MASK.WORDS BY NORENE CANTOR

After completing Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Department of Health (DOH) guidelines on the gradual reopening of campuses for limited face-to-face classes, UNC was granted approval to conduct face-to-face classes for the Nursing department only for 3rd year and graduating students. According to Erwin B. Oliver, Head of the Environmental Management and Sustainability Office, the university has complied with guidelines such as the creation of the Crisis Management Committee (CMC) with the primary concern of developing an Emergency Response Plan and Continuity of Operation Plan which includes relevant policies, guidelines, and procedures, alongside with the retrofitting of the classrooms and laboratories to comply with the DOH Minimum Public and Health Standards. The said guidelines also

included physical distancing, adequate ventilation and environmental hygiene, visible, readable and adequate number of signage posted in a strategic and conspicuous place inside the campus, hand washing facilities, supply of sanitation products and, lastly, a school-based isolation room to be used for temporarily holding an individual who manifests COVID-19 symptoms while on campus. Meanwhile, the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) guidelines also reiterated that incoming 1st and 2nd year students will continue online classes and students under 3rd year and graduating students are the only ones allowed to attend physical classes in the next academic year. As a result, despite not being able to participate in the program due to age limits, Liezl Iñigo , an upcoming 2nd year Nursing student, is looking forward to the moment when she will be able to attend physical lessons. “I am very much happy and excited the moment I heard

the news. Although worries and doubts exist, especially that the safety of the students is at risk. Nevertheless, as an incoming 2nd year nursing student, I look forward to being permitted to attend the limited face-to-face classes, “ Iñigo stated. Iñigo then insisted that the best option was to push for “Ligtas na balik eskwela” instead of letting the students spend the rest of the year again facing their phones and laptops to comply with academic tasks. “I believe there is still something that we can do, rather than facing our gadgets for several hours while trying to comply with all the activities as much as we can. This is not CONTINUE ON 05

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Mayo 2021 - Hulyo 2020 | Tomo LXVIII Bilang IV

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Mayo 2021 - Hulyo 2020 | Tomo LXVIII Bilang IV

Pride protest isinagawa online; mga progresibong grupo, lider-estudyante, pahayagang pampaaralan nakilahok NI KENN DANIEL R. MONTECILLO grupo ng siyudad na tumatalakay sa mga maiinit Patuloy na iwinagayway na usapin na kinakaharap ang bandila ng hindi lamang ng LGBTQIA+ bahaghari sa siyudad community at mga kabataan ng Naga sa pagdiriwang ngunit maging ng buong lipunan. ng taunang Pride Month Maigting na hinimok kung saan nakiisa ang ng mga panauhin ang mga mga progresibong kabataan at miyembro ng grupo, lider-estudyante, LGBTQIA+ community na at mga pahayagang patuloy na ituring ang Pride pampaaralan na idinaos Month bilang isang protesta gamit ang mga online at panatilihing maninindigan platforms bunsod ng laban sa karahasan at paniniil umiiral na MECQ status sa mga Pilipino. sa siyudad. “Kabataan Nagueno, ang pride ay mananatiling protesta Pinangasiwaan ng Naga makakalaya lamang ang lahat City Youth Officials 2021 ang ng kasarian, ang lahat ng ari mga aktibidad, kakabit ang , kung malaya na ang mga temang “AbanTeh: Walang uring pinagsasamantalahan. Dulo ang Bahaghari, kung saan Kailangan pa po nating itinampok ang Sulong Dawani palakasin ang ugong ng Youth Discussion bilang isa sa pakikibaka,” pahayag ni mga pangunahing aktibidad Khryss Aranas, tagapagsalita ng okasyon. ng Anakbayan Naga City. Napuno ang Sulong Ganoon din ang naging Dawani na isang virtual panawagan ng Bahaghari talakayan ng mga mensahe Naga City na patuloy na mula sa mga progresibong ikondena ang mga aksyong

CHED Allows . . . FROM 04

the student life we dream of. Ligtas na balik eskwela is still the best option for everyone, “she added. Other nursing students, on the other hand, were ecstatic to finally be in a physical class and participate in activities that required equipment and laboratory work. “The limited face-to-face classes of nursing students is very exciting for me because it will help me to properly perform the procedures of course with the assistance of our clinical instructors,” Demi Borbe, an incoming 3rd year

kumakalaban sa karapatang pantao lalo’t higit sa mga miyembro ng LGBTQIA+ at makibaka hindi lang sa social media ngunit maging sa kalsada. “Sangkabaklaan ang lugar natin ay isang pakikibaka. Ang lugar natin ay wala sa social, media kundi nasa kalsada. Pabagsakin ang mala-kolonyal na lipunan at wakasan ang macho-paisisting rehimen ni Duterte. Mga mhie, lagi nating tatandaan na ang pride ay protesta, at ang pride ay paglaban. Happy Pride!” pagbabahagi ng Bahaghari Naga City. Ayon naman kay Hon. Berlineth Nymia Montes, City Youth Mayor 2021, importanteng isulong ang mga ganitong aktibidad dahil sa kabila ng pandemya ay patuloy pa ring nakakaranas ang ilan ng diskriminasyon, bagay na dapat patuloy na kinokendena. “Mahalaga ito dahil kahit na nasa gitna tayo ng

pandemya, ang diskriminasyon sa komunidad ay hindi natatapos. At ang pagkakaroon ng ganitong mga aktibidad ay hudyat na patuloy din ang kabataan sa pag-abante sa komunidad ng LGBTQIA Community,” pahayag ni Montes. Dagdag pa ni Montes, ang ganitong aktibidad ay sumasalamin sa lakas ng alyansa ng mga kabataan upang labanan ang anumang uri ng pangaabuso at patuloy din siyang na maniniwala sa iba pang kabataan na makikiisa para isulong ang adbokasiya lalo para sa mga bahagi ng bahagharing komunidad. Ang nangyaring Sulong Dawani ay magiging isang paalala sa buong komunidad ng Naga na buhay ang alyansa ng kabataan laban sa diskriminasyon at pangaabuso sa rainbow community at nawa’y maudyok sila na lumahok adbokasiyang isinusulong para sa mga Dawani,” ani Montes.

Nursing student shared. Also, Ray Anne Calatrava, an incoming 4th year Nursing student, commended the steps the university is taking in pushing for the reopening of classes. “I am glad that we will still have the chance to do our RLE at UNC. I am grateful for the opportunity to complete the requirements in our course, especially UNC and our department who really made an effort,” Calatrava said. There were also several orientations and consultations conducted as part of the preparation together with the faculty, students and parents, Calatrava added. As of June 21, only two institutions in Naga City, including the University of

Nueva Caceres and Naga College Foundation, are allowed to conduct limited face-to-face classes among the permitted 93 Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) that have medical-related courses.

Ang Malayang Pahayagan ng mga Mag-aaral ng University of Nueva Caceres

Editoryal

Mayo 2021 - Hulyo 2020 | Tomo LXVIII Bilang IV

Maling bumalik sa mga kamay na sumira sa’yo Papalapit na ang araw ng halalan at ito ay nangangahulugan na malapit na ring matapos ang termino ni Pangulong Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Hindi lingid sa ating kaalaman kung anong klaseng pagbabago ang ating tinamasa mula sa mga pangakong napako hanggang sa mga polisiya at programang hatid nito. Ang mga ito ay naging aral sa karamihan upang mas maging matalino at mabusisi sa lider na ihahalal sa susunod na eleksyon. Subalit, sa ating pagtangka na muling bumangon mula sa madugo at magulong administrasyon na ito, tila’y isang ahas na babalik sa lungga si Digong matapos manguna ang anak nitong si Davao City Mayor Sara ‘Inday’ Duterte sa mga Presidential Survey habang ibinalandra niya naman kaniyang intensiyon na tumakbo bilang bise rason upang mabuo ang haka-haka na magkakaroon ng Duterte-Duterte tandem ngayong botohan. Limang taon na rin tayong nagalit at nagtimpi sa administrasyong ilang buhay at dugo ang inutang mula sa mamamayang dapat nitong pinagsisilbihan. Madugo at palpak nitong war on drugs, pinatay na mga aktibista, mamamahayag, at abogado, polisiyang kontramamamayan, pag-apak sa karapatang pantao, pagpasa ng Anti-Terror Law, palyadong tugon sa pandemya, at pabagsak na ekonomiya ay iilan lamang sa listahan ng mga rason kung bakit hindi dapat muling maluklok sa pwesto si Digong. At habang hindi nakukulong at

napapagbayad si Digong ng korte mula sa mga naging kapabayaan nito, hindi rin dapat iboto si Inday kung sakaling tumakbo nga ito sa pagka-pangulo. Ang muling pag-upo ni Digong sa pwesto ay magbibigay sakaniya ng pagkakataon upang makatakas sa pangil ng batas na hahatol at maniningil sa libu-libong buhay na inutang nito sa mamamayang Pilipino. Makakatakas ito mula sa paniningil ng International Criminal Court na naglalayong panagutin si Duterte sa madugo at palpak nitong War on Drugs na sa kasalukuyan ay may halos labindalawang libong Pilipino ang namatay ayon sa tala ng Human Rights Watch ng United Nations. Maa-abswelto rin ito mula sa mga isyu ng korapsyon sa ilalim ng kaniyang termino tulad na lamang noong pinayagan nitong bumitiw sa pwesto ang Chief Executive Officer ng PhilHealth na si Ricardo C. Morales matapos pumutok ang isyu na may 15 bilyong piso ang nawawala sa kaban nito. Masasayang lang din ang mga ibinaka ng mga aktibistang pinatay sa ilalim ng rehimeng Duterte at mawawalan ng saysay ang patuloy na paghingi ng hustisya ng mga kaanak nito. Hindi rin natin dapat kalimutan kung paano inatake ni Duterte ang kalayaan sa pagpapahayag sa pamamagitan ng pagpapasara ng ABS-CBN at walang tahas na atake sa mga mamamahayag. Samantala bagama’t maling ipataw sa anak ang mga kasalanan at kapalpakan ng ama, malaki ang posibilidad na protektahan ni Inday si Digong mula sa kastigo ng

batas gamit ang kapangyarihan na iniatang sa kaniya ng taumbayan. Sa mga makinaryang maari nitong gamitin, kaya nitong pabanguhin ang pangalan ng ama sa madla at palabasing malinis mula sa mga kasalanan nito sa bayan. Dagdag pa, hindi rin natin mapagkakaila na hindi solusyon ang paghalal sa isang Duterte pagkatapos ng isang administrasyon na pinamunuan din mismo ng isa ring Duterte. Hindi lang ito isang uri ng political dynasty bagkus isa ring manipestasyon ng kasakiman sa pwesto, pera, at kapangyarihan. Kung mas papalalimin ang diskurso, mas kailangan ng bansa ng lider na magtataguyod sa interes ng taumbayan kaysa sa interes ng kahit na sinong angkan. Kailangan ng Pilipinas ng lider na aakay muli sa bansa tungo sa pag-angat mula sa kumunoy na dala ng administrasyon ni Duterte. Kailangan natin ng mga nanunungkulan na sasamahan tayong lahat tungo sa pagpapanagot sa mga krimen ni Duterte sa taumbayan at higit sa lahat higit kailanman ay kailangan natin ng lider na taliwas sa mga gawi at prinsipyo ng nakaraang administrasyon--mga bagay na nagresulta sa kinalalagyan natin ngayon. Sa darating na halalan, mahalagang alalahanin natin ang mga istorya at aral na dala ng pamumuno ni Digong. Kailangan nating tandaan na tayo ang magtatakda ng kinakabusan ng bansa at siguruhing ang kinabukasang ito ay walang bahid ng kahapon. Pilipinas, maling bumalik sa mga kamay na sumira sa’yo.

The DEMOCRAT

Editorial Board & Staff A.Y. 2020 - 2021

EDITORIAL BOARD

Editor-in-Chief

John Paul Borito

Associate Editor

Norene Cantor

Managing Editor News Editor

Rex Garing Kenn Daniel Montecillo

Features & Literary Editor

Patrick Joseph Panambo

Arts Director

Lester Isip

Filipino Editor

Charey Mae Alvarado

Web Manager

Brandon Jon De Los Santos

APPRENTICES

Jonna Mae Bagasbas Raymond Balote Trisha Bañas Rose Ann Clavano Darwin Escaro Cyen Esclanda Neil Andrew Formalejo Berlineth Nymia Montes Rachelle Paja Christian Reganit Dinalyn Reñon Irish Sierda

CONTRIBUTORS Jean Aquino Alysa Asido Jonas Corporal Marie Juvy Lea Violeta Mylene Jallores Lean Adria Capistrano Aila Joy Esperida

TECHNICAL ADVISERS Shirley A. Genio Mark Philip Paderan

MEMBERS

College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) Luzonwide Association of College Editors (LACE) Bicol Association of Student Campus Journalists (BASCAJ)

OFFICE

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thedemocrat@unc.edu.ph

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Mayo 2021 - Hulyo 2020 | Tomo LXVIII Bilang IV

TO BLEND OR NOT TO BLEND? “You are in no condition to roam around in this area. You’d be branded a mad person in no time for spouting nonsensical words, regarding the year that you are trying to describe. What frightens me more is that you speak as if you’ve lived every second of it.” His mother spoke with care as her eyebrows creased. “What you said just a minute ago about the year 2020 suggests that you could be out of your mind and could be thrown in a mental facility if some outsider happens to hear your claims.” She added. Maybe he was just hallucinating--he should be. But, he can’t just discard the facts and the experiences during that year. “I am telling you, mother, the streets were almost emptied when the coronavirus infected a huge amount of people worldwide. The economy plummeted and the education sector has been greatly shaken. The students weren’t able to attend school in normal set up (brick-and-mortar schools and classrooms). This is said to be the first pandemic to have had a profound impact on education not only in the Philippines but across the world. The government tried to patch up the hole but the patch wasn’t big enough to fill it. They have resorted to letting blended learning or hybrid learning be used nationwide. ” He explained hoping that she would believe him. If it is really a dream then, it really is a long and detailed one. What he felt during that year was a circus of emotions that he can’t squeeze into one ball. It is too real for him to just reject it all. “Everyone was busy with their lives when the lockdown was implemented. Some even thought that the short break was enough for the government to bring everything back to normal. It was not the year-long pandemic that everyone anticipated. We thought that it’s just another trivial virus that just lasts for weeks and starts to subdue immediately. It was more than the length of time everyone can tolerate. It was more than a vacation and a family time the government had called. Everyone was affected, especially those who were in the lower and lowest tiers of the social ladder.” As he continued to explain what had happened during the year 2020, he noticed his mother grew more and more worried. He should have known better. It was not the kind of conversation he ought to open to her knowing that she doesn’t believe in these things. It was more than just an experience for him. He was part of every bit of it and not just a mere onlooker of the whole situation. He was a student who experienced the aftermath of the global pandemic as a student in the Philippines through blended learning. It was not just a mere gossip that was passed around or a history that was written and was left for him to just know that sometime it really happened. He experienced it himself. He came back in time, a few months before the virus started to scare everyone. Everyone was in a complacent attitude so sure that it would disappear after weeks and won’t affect their lives too much. They see it as another virus as easily subdued like some flu virus in the past. Soon they’ll panic, he thought. Nah, it would not happen, really. Not in a million years. What he’s been struggling to accept in this country’s education in the year 2020 has long been

used for decades as the Education Secretary insisted. Blended learning or hybrid learning as asserted by Deped secretary Leonor Briones were practiced for decades already in the country. It is just that before the pandemic started the traditional learning is evidently more practiced widely nationwide. Doubts were raised by some sectors with Vice president Leni Robredo stating that there are many areas in the country have no internet access. Education advocacy groups have warned that difficulties under the setup due to the current dilemma will hamper students’ learning experience and take a toll on their wellbeing. But then, Briones insisted that her department is not inventing any new. She even supported her claims with data that the teachers have sufficient sources or materials for the sudden shift of teaching setup such as laptops and desktops that they have which is 87% and assured that the department will tap networks and radio stations in execution of the program.

What the Peo-Poll tells: Progress or Regress?

After a yearlong school shutdown and implementation of blended learning after the pandemic, good results were expected despite the doubts thrown by various sectors before the learning program were even adapted. Looking back, it was on the 8th day of June, year 2020 an official statement from Department of Education (DepEd) regarding the implementation of blended learning in the Philippines were posted. March 2021, months after the implementation, according to (Social Weather Stations) SWS, 89% of Filipino families find blended learning difficult. It suggests that a significant number of families with school-age children find it more difficult than in-person. They’ve conducted face-to face interviews with 1,500 adult respondents from November 21 to 25 last year and has a national margin of error at ±2.5%, broken down, its 6 % says that it is harder now and 28% states it is somewhat more difficult now. While reasons were not specified, many groups have long warned that difficulties under this setup could leave many students behind. These include the poor access to internet with the country lagging in Asia, as well as students having no means to buy gadgets for online classes. Those who opted for printed modules often found errors too in the materials. Struggle in blended learning is more common among families with heads who are non-high school graduates at 67% to 69%, against those with higher educational background 54% to 57% according to (Social Weather Stations) SWS. Further, mothers usually help their children with studies, but help from siblings is more common among families with head who are not high school graduates, the local pollster stated.

DevCom | 07 BY JHEZYLLE FAYE B. LORIA

The Aftermath

“Covid is affecting all school systems in the world, but here it is even worse,” said Isy Faingold, UNICEF’s education chief in the Philippines. The Palace expressed alarm over recent report from World Bank indicating Filipino students declining aptitude in mathematics, reading and science even as it is assured the public that Department of Education (DepEd) would find ways to address the problem. The country ranked last and second to last in two assessments that measured skills and proficiency in reading, mathematics and science. It also landed in the bottom half of countries that took part in an assessment that evaluated learning outcomes in writing literacy, reading and numeracy. What surprised the Filipino citizens is the way Secretary of Education Leonor Briones took the news over World Banks’ unflattering schools report of the country. She demanded a public apology from the World Bank, stating that the Philippines was insulted and shamed in connection to the students not meeting the learning standards which was deleted later on. It was indicated that 80% of the students were not able to meet the expected performance for their grade level and was even described as a problem in the country’s education which even started pre-COVID but have been made worse by the pandemic. Filipinos had mixed emotions regarding the report and some even claimed that the result were so predictable. Someone even stated that the only ones that was shamed was the secretary of education but the ones who should feel insulted are the millions of Filipino students and parents who have watched the quality of education rapidly erode under her appalling mismanagement of the department and its problems.

Regressive effect

Hurdles continue to strike the ongoing school year and has led more calls on the government to allow the safe resumption of physical classes in areas with low COVID-19 transmission. President Duterte said that this can only be possible if more have been vaccinated against COVID-19. Vaccinations have started and more vaccines arrived but the country has seen a surge in cases, with a high for the year of 5,000 new cases. Currently, we’re on the verge of giving up while watching the faults of the government slowly or maybe rapidly eating us all out. We can’t go back in time or go in the future just to avoid anything that is happening today. This time is the time we have been looking forward in the past that we presently despise. What we need to do is live daily and look what is ahead of us.

Lampoon

Ang Malayang Pahayagan ng mga Mag-aaral ng University of Nueva Caceres

Mayo 2021 - Hulyo 2020 | Tomo LXVIII Bilang IV

TINGOG KAN

UNIBERSIDAD OBAL A

nnyeonghaseyo! Or should I say kumusta my dear readers? Welcome back to my channel ay este digdi sa section na ini kung sain kamo naghuhurugot ning mga chika ng unibersidad obal. Yes, mga siz and mars, yaon na naman ako para maghatod saindo ning mga napurot kong mga chika or chichi for short around the yoensi. I do hope I can satisfy that inner Marites in you. So ano pa kayan let’s get it skrrrt! So ayon, tunay man talaga na naging colorful and napuno ng pride ang mga newsfeed ta from the celebration of Pride Month 2021. Pero bako lang rainbow ang nangibabaw ta, naging purple man ang sansinukob sa pagsalakay ng Army sa pinakaharaning McLibee I mean McDonalds. PEROOO halat ka can’t relate ang unibersidad obal ta bako man purple heart ang mahihiling mong color, and bako man red and gray siz. Kapit lang, and pasintabi sa mga readers ta diyan ti baad mapabaliktad ang sikmura nindo. Ang CR ta may own theme song, Yellow by Coldplay. Iyo an ang naghahari sa mga toilets and restrooms na color sa yoensi mga mare. Itong maurong nalang talaga ang ihi mo sa golden urinals and bowls. UNClean na maray! Igwa man kudtang mga alcohol dispenser around, mga social distancing protocols signs na placed in various areas asin mga thermal scanner, pero halat ka garo ibang helang naman ang makukua sa mga unhygienic na comfort rooms. Shout out sa masisipag na janitors diyan, sana mabisita man ang CR duman sa may bukana pati ng univ. As well as yong CR before maglaog JH to AMS. Paayuda nalang po ning chlorine tabi. Tenchu! For chichi #2, aware man gayod ang iba digdi sa SSC project, which I felt needed man talaga and will surely benefit ang mga involved individuals. Itong naghaharap ning mga student coach and masapi sa FamiLEA or Camp Kawayan. Ay char ibang coach na palan ini, sa The Voice na palan. So ayon na nga, the goal was great, the vision is amazing. It will be a noble responsibility as Ates and Kuyas to guide our freshies as they welcome and embark in their college life. We extend the appreciation sa mga offices and heads na involved here. Clap! Clap! Clap! po para saindo. Pero baka pwede man maglambing ning dikit ano po? Sana igwa man ning solid directives and guidelines ngarig dae man mag-arasa ang mga interested. Let’s admit it magayon ang incentives behind, which might became the external motivation of some. Pero in away sa mga sumbong and hinghing na nakaka-abot, may vagueness pa nanggad sa iba ini. This was addressed in meetings,

but responses na na-eextract is that, it’s up for confirmation. Also, if we are to check the calendar, as of this writing, first week of July is already done. Then by end of July start na ning OrSem for freshmen. Sana magkaigwa pa man ning quality training for qualified coaches, as they squeeze in their preparation for the orientation seminar as well as sa pagbubukas ng klase. We are in no way against this, just set things clear. Totally we are grateful sa mga steps na arog kaini. The admin was able to come up with such a program that would truly aid the gap created by last year’s sudden shift. Kaipuhan lang talaga ning GC ning mga nasa itaas, so that they can make plantsa of this appearing gusot. Limited face to face na sana naging bato pa! Recently na grant na ning CHED na magconduct ang yoensi ning limited face to face classes sa Nursing department after several process of evaluation, but then MECQ happened. With all the preparations like remodeling of facilities to compromise with the imposed health protocols and all, talagang need lang ma-comply sa nakatataas. Still kudos for UNC, lalo sa Nursing Department for really trying to aid the necessary learning of our future health professionals. Sa mga chichi na nakaabot, really they are preparing our nurses for possible face to face. Some already had their initial dose of vaccine and tried to make things easier and smooth. This is reflective of how dedicated the faculties are, and we hope this can be mirrored by the nursing students. Talking about pes to pes, hysss sizzy aram mo, ugwa talagang taong may swerte noh? Ayy eme, kasi man kaya si iba makakaranas na ning OJT slash practicum na ef-to-ef and si iba mayo oh-el pa rin mars :<, Sana at least sa training/emersion makabawi-bawi sa learnings na di makukua sa pa-modules modules lang. SANA ALL NA LANG TALAGA! Pero sabi pati daa sa yellow department si mga students ang mahanap company na papasukan for OJT ta mayo daang partnered company, Awiiiit! Pano na lang si iba na dae makahanap tulos or worst mayo talaga mahanap sa kasakitan kan layf ngonyan? Kaya now, napapaisip ako lugod kun hain na yan nurturing better tomorrows for all. *Hinga malalim mga pardz and madz. And ini pa mga sis medj malalà, masuya baga ang bakong consistent adi? Garu sa umpisa lang magaling tas susunod dae na. Nag-open ka na sa OES? Asin nagsiring sa Billing na part? Ay bessshh, naku! Kan mga nakaaging mga sems baga ang upon enrolment 3k lang tas now after 1 year 5k na daa:< sad reax ulit. Lugi na ba po? Ask ko lang naman. Ata nagpaparaiisip ka na dae muna mag-enrol ta 2nd year of Ow-el class tas arog pa kani. Sana man kuta pinag-isipan and nagdecision sindang maayos ta masakit pa nanggad ang buhay-buhay dawa pa medjo nagluwagluwag na. Kung gusto pa rin GRAPHICS BY:LESTER ISIP PAGE DESIGN BY:CHRISTIAN REGANIT

tumaas ang enrolment rate at makuha ng mga estudyante yang quality ejekeshen. Pero bestieee, dawa ngane masakit ang pag-klase kan sarong taon. I-congratulate ta man ang mga bagong graduates kan university clap! clap! clap po saindong gaboooos SANA ALL ULIT! Dawa ngane virtual na naman naganap pero wiz ka ta naka-YT naman this time bukod sa FB Live. Goodluck po sa mga pinili yung tahakin wag kakalimutan ang core values hahaha! Grabe baga kaya puon paglaog ta iyo na talaga ang pilit na piglalaog sa isip ta. Kaya nga mas pinili kan yoensi na ilaag yan sa likod kan ID ta instead si mga important details. For data privacy man ngaya daa. Pero wah ta bet sapagkat because dae nagagamit ang student ID ta para maglakaw kan mga papeles outside univ. Just like ang importanter na National ID. Sa wakas kuta may valid ID ka na masasabi, itong feeling na 20years old ka na mayo ka pa rin valid ID iyakk na lang char! Pero sabi man daa pwede birth certificate tamang kuha na lang sa PSA pero duman need din ID hahaha goodluck sana dito tanggapin ang student ID natin. Ohhhh! Nag-abot na naman ang oras na need na magbye bye saindo. Ini palan ngane ang huri kong paghatod chikaminute, this year. Ayyy...wag malungkot ta mabalik man ako if gusto pa nindo ta ang ngurapak ko dae man napapagal magyamutaw kan mga chichi sa laog asin luwas kan yoensi. Para ini saindo serbisyong tunay walang halong emerot. Syempreee habo ko na huri kamo sa chismis. Yaon lang ako pirmi nandyan sa gilid-gilid char. Sana dae nindo ako i-unloved iyo? Kasi machaket yan garo arog duman sa 7 years relationship tapos nag-break tapos nagpakasal sa kakabisto pa lang awts na maray huhuhu dakol pati nakiramay kay ate ghorl mga ems man chars! Pero yan nga mga bhie babushh na talaga mamimiss ko kayooowwws. Byieeh!

Some people are still hesitant to get vaccinated. What should a leader do to encourage people to get vaccinated?

...As a leader, it is important to first know the root cause of these hesitations. By knowing their sides and perspectives, leaders can formulate solutions that will help these people in understanding the importance of getting the vaccines. Especially during this digital period, where proliferation of fake news causes misinformation to the people. And misinformation, in any forms, is an ultimate driver of these people to hesitancy. Leaders needs to counter misinformation with facts. Facts that will ease the mind of these people and will help them to arrive in a different conclusion about the vaccines. As, at the end of the day, nothing’s more sinister than creating these conspiracy theories as facts.

If harsh criticisms struck upon your leadership, how would you handle it?

In the upcoming 2022 national election, how would you convince the youth to vote? 13

How would you involve the students to be more active in the University activities especially those who are not fond in attending?

As a student leader, I have always been open when it comes to criticisms, feedbacks and comments. When faced with these circumstances, what I do is to step back and assess the situation. Especially that I know, there is a factor that led to these criticisms. I have to look on their perspective, try to understand their situation and reflect from there. That way, I know where to start and what to do, to make the situation better.

What future do you envision for the university during your term?

Infographics

Filipinos, not just the youth, often forget that the ultimate key to make the Philippines better from where it is now is through election... Our status quo demands us to act and move. By instilling and educating the people about their role in creating this change, it would make them feel that they are important part of the society. That their individual effort, can collectively, shift the direction of our country far from its past and present. I know this ‘change’ will not be easy to achieve but we hold the power to make this dream our reality. We just need to take the initiative and spread the awareness to our fellow countrymen. That our vote is our voice, power and ultimate weapon to end the long due cycle of suffering.

We saw and recognized that there is an existing concern with students’ participation in our school activities. We believe that an added factor to it is due to the present situation that we are currently in. For this coming A/Y, University Student Government together with our College Councils, Academic and Non-academic organizations, will be initiating activities that will foster student engagement and participation. An example of these activities would be interrelated in mastering certain skills, crafts and knowledge. Moreover, we will also be designing activities that focuses on behavioural, emotional and cognitive aspect of the students. We will ensure that the activities to be conducted will be inclusive not just for the students in Cohort 1 but also for Cohort 2 and 3. That way, we can truly embody the ultimate goal of the university which prioritizes the student engagement.

For this coming Academic Year, we envision a student government who will be more proactive and dynamic to the needs of the students. We want the students to feel that we are with and for them. To accomplish this, we will be forwarding inclusive programs, equal representations in every sectors, platforms to strengthen communication, and open more opportunities for student engagement. This way, despite the current setup that we have, they will feel the university spirit that both nurture and care for their well-being.

COLLATED BY JONAS CORPORAL & NEIL ANDREW FORMALEJO PAGE DESIGN BY LESTER ISIP

In your previous interview, you said that you are in favor of allowing cross-dressing in UNC, don’t you think allowing it to happen would open rooms for sexual harassment, sugar-coated discrimination considering that the straight community wasn’t ready for this?

Accepting these kinds of issues are one step closer in creating a safe space for the LGBTQ community. Not that I’m saying that they deserve this, but some people are still not ready or even come to the point that they are not accepting this idea of cross-dressing but allowing it to happen will open a new perspective for them. I am all support for cross dressing in the university because I believe this will help us cut the stigma for the people involved

How would you ensure and protect the rights of the LGBTQ in your administration?

If harsh criticisms struck upon your leadership, how would you handle it?

Educating people about LGBTQ is one thing. But I want to build a connection to the LGBTQ community by creating a safe space and a platform of communications for their community to UNC. And allowing them to express themselves, may it be on art, discussions, interviews and letting them create a project for their community.

Of course. My ultimate purpose being in this position is to serve my fellow students and address their concerns to the administration.

Do you find it necessary to increase tuition fees amidst pandemic?

It’s not necessary. Tuition fee increase should be the least priority of universities and colleges right now. Students are exhausted, teachers are struggling, some parents are hopeless to provide for their children. Yes, we choose to study in a private university but I don’t think we deserve the burden of thinking that we can’t enroll next semester because of tuition fee increase.

You are now an officer. You would be exposed to tremendous decisionmaking. What is your opinion on the state of the justice system here in the Ph?

The state of the justice system here in our country is problematic. A lot of killings had happened during the current administration, may it be on lawyers, activists and innocent individuals. It comes to the extent that the family of the victims didn’t receive the justice they deserved, the marginalized sector are being oppressed and deprived of their own rights and it shows that they only favor the rich and powerful individuals.

Ang Malayang Pahayagan ng mga Mag-aaral ng University of Nueva Caceres Mayo 2021 - Hulyo 2021 | Tomo LXVIII Bilang IV

Lathalain

THE FORK IN THE ROAD

“

By Marie Juvy Lea Violeta

Somewhere

ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” - Robert Frost

Let’s say a group of people decided to travel together through a forest trail until they came to a point where there was a fork in the road. They traversed a common path for a while, yet there is a need to part ways, for everyone has different areas of exploration. Denzel Washington put it this way, “Each one, teach one.” Let’s explore helpful skills and habits to develop as mature voters. For Meagan Lueise Bertiz, as early as now, young voters must have already identified qualities of good leadership, as it should be the basis of your vote. She advises young voters to develop their standards. If a candidate reaches or is closest to your standards, that’s the one you should vote for. A quality that voters should have is awareness and participation in relevant issues happening in our surroundings, regardless if one has a comfortable life. Ms. Meagan further points out the need for critical thinking skills, especially with news found on mainstream media. Alluded from Concisa Buenaventura’s remarks are practical ways young people can apply. “Gain the habit of reading news on a daily basis.” There truly is a need for reading, as reiterated by upright mature voters in these texts. Top on Celine Salvador’s list is the habit of reading. She clarifies, “I refer not only the ability to understand the words we read, or to finish books but to develop the habit of staying updated about current social and political issues in the country, as well as pushing ourselves to be interested with government responses and concerns

the way we are interested with Netflix series and anime.” She encourages, then adds practice of sharing information one can access. Imparting learnings and discoveries to those in need “until a domino effect takes place.” Considering UNC USG 2021 Election in light of the 2022 National Election. There are points of commonalities, yet the weight of responsibilities varies, nonetheless, a privilege. Student Election teaches the importance of voting. “It’s one way of helping them to become responsible students.” Ms. Cisa said. Ms. Salvador cast her vote during UNC USG 2021 Election and agrees that it is an effective way of familiarizing the youth with how an election works. “The process of filing for candidacy, the qualifications screening, the meeting de avance, the campaigns, and the voting rights expose the youth to the process and results of election. It also trains them to understand that the right to vote is an inherent right that every Filipino must enjoy and exercise, and equips them to really conduct research about the candidates before giving them their votes.” She concludes, “student election is an effective way to give the youth a sneak peek of what the real thing looks like.” For Meagan Lueise Bertiz, she too has experienced voting for student government bodies. She agrees that it can be a helpful simulation for elections. However, she has reservations because school-based elections tend to be in a sand-box-type environment. What she sees as a better simulation are mock elections held in universities when elections draw near. She claims college or senior high school students have enough understanding and awareness, therefore enough basis

for voting the right person for the position, as they understand the gravity or necessity of their decision. Be a person who takes the road less traveled. In Matthew 7:14, “But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” A Lesson can be learned when Ms. Buenaventura described the attitude of mature voters as someone who does not easily get swayed by the influence of others. By “really seeking truth,” people can discern misinformation and evade mediocrity. Misconceptions are tricky. Humour might as well be mistaken for whimsical, just like reading for the first time Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken.” Dive depths as generations supplant the next. Every decision will make all the difference.

GRAPHICS BY CYEN ESCLANDA PAGE DESIGN BY CHRISTIAN REGANIT

Ang AngMalayang MalayangPahayagan Pahayaganng ngmga mgaMag-aaral Mag-aaralng ngUniversity Universityof ofNueva NuevaCaceres Caceres Mayo Mayo2021 2021--Hulyo Hulyo2021 2021Tomo | Tomo LXVIII LXVIII Bilang Bilang IVIV

Lathalain | 11

Isa, dalawa, tatlo. Tapos na ang mga palabas. Buksan ang inyong mga mata, paigtingin ang inyong pandinig, imulat na ang iyong sarili sa realidad at ating alamin ang mga istorya sa likod ng mga boses ng lipunan. Umaga na. Naririnig na ni Juan sa radyo ang pag-arangkada ng mga balita tungkol sa pulitika, ang hindi matapos-tapos na patutsada nila sa isa’t isa. Kasabay ng ingay na nagmumula sa telebisyon ay ang tunog ng bote at lata mula sa labas. Paglingon niya sa bintana ay naroon ang mga batang animo’y walang makain sa nipis ng kanilang katawan, nangangalakal. Sa muling pagbaling ng kanyang mga mata sa loob ng kanyang munting tahanan, naibulong niya sa kanyang sarili, “Mabuti na at buhay.” Inihahanda niya na ang kanyang sarili sa pagpasok sa trabaho nang sumagi sa isipan niya na ngayon niya makukuha ang kanyang sweldo. Isang matamlay na ngiti ang kanyang pinakawalan kasabay ng kanyang malalim na paghinga. “Siguradong may kaltas na naman iyon, hindi bale na at mabuti nang mayroon kahit konti.” Sa kanyang paglalakbay, nadaanan niya ang mga aktibistang nag-rarally sa tapat ng isang establisyemento. May mga pulis na nagbabantay. Walang sakitan-- ang mga tao ay hinahayaan sa kanilang nais gawin. Napangiti siya. Maya-maya’y pinatigil ang kanyang sinasakyang dyip ng isang pulis sa kalsada, pasimpleng senyas sa tsuper

GUHIT NI BRANDON JON DELOS SANTOS DEBUHO NI LESTER ISIP

at kung hindi siguro si Manong nakapagbigay ay tiyak nakuha ang kanyang lisensya. Kahit na napakamot sa ulo’y, nagbigay na lamang ang tsuper upang makaabante. “Walang ganitong mga balita sa radyo, unipormado nga nagongotong naman,” bulong ni Juan sa sarili. Pagdating sa trabaho, habang sinusuot ni Juan ang kanyang uniporme, tinitingnan sa salamin ang mga katagang nakasulat doon, dyanitor. Taga-linis ng kalat, taga-tapon ng basura. Isang buntong-hininga at ngiti, “Mababa ang sweldo ngunit marangal na trabaho”, wika niya sa kanyang sarili. Pagkatapos ng maghapong trabaho ay dali-dali siyang nagbihis patungo sa opisina ng kanilang amo. “Boss, kukuha rin ho ako ng sweldo.” Mula sa ilalim ng mesa ay kinuha nito ang isang bag na puno ng barya. Kasabay ng paglapag nito ng bag ay ang mga katagang, “ Huling araw mo na ito sa trabaho.” Bagsak ang mga balikat ay pinulot niya ang bag, paglabas ng pinto ay pumatak ang iilang butil ng luha mula sa kanyang mga mata. Habang sa telebisyon ng kaniyang establisyementong pinagtatrabahuhan ay ang balitang pagtataas ng sweldo ng mga pulis. Isang huling sulyap pa rito ay tinungo niya na ang pinto palabas. Kinabukasan ay nagising siya sa ingay sa labas. Ang ingay ay nagmumula sa mga tao dahil ang ilang opisyal ng kanilang barangay ay

maagang namimigay ng bigas, de-lata at konting halaga, tulong daw para sa pang-araw-araw na pangangailangan. Ayon sa kanila ay inaprubahan na rin ang pangarap na health center ng kanilang barangay na matagal nang suhestiyon ngunit ngayong mag-eeleksiyon lang naisakatuparan. Laking gulat niyang ang mga ito ay naibalita sa radyo at telebisyon. May pagkakakilanlan sa mga tao sa likod ng proyektong ito. Sapagkat ito ay magagandang gawa raw ng gobyerno kung kaya’t marapat na malaman ng publiko. Para nga ba ito sa bayan, o sa pangalang pinapangalandakan? Ngayong kinakailangan ni Juan makipagsiksikan sa libo-libong taong tulad niyang naghahanap ng trabaho. Samantalang ang ila’y walang hirap na umaasenso, ginagamit pa ang posisyon para tumaas pa na dati nang mataas. Ang layo na ng agwat, nasaan na ang sinasabing tulong sa mga nasa laylayan? Madalas niyang mapanood at mapakinggan ang mga balitang nagpapakilig ng kanilang mga tainga. Ngunit, sa likod nito ay ang mga balita at mga pangyayaring nangangailangan ng mga nararapat na aksyon. Higit pa sa mga balita ang mga matang nakabukas sa realidad ng buhay na nagkukubli sa mga lansangan. Higit pa sa loob ng apat na sulok ng mga establisyementong nilalakaran. Higit pa sa mga balita ang karanasang patuloy na nararanasan ng mga katulad ni Juan. Ang mga istorya sa likod ng isang Juan sa lipunan.

GRAPHICS BY BRANDON DELOS SANTOS • PAGE DESIGN BY LESTER ISIP

NI JEAN AQUINO

Lathalain Balita

Ang Malayang Pahayagan ng mga Mag-aaral ng University of Nueva Caceres Mayo 2021 - Hulyo 2021 | Tomo LXVIII Bilang IV

make it or break it? By Neil Andrew Formalejo

Complaints here and complaints there. The horrors of studying. School-related rants are nothing new and are undeniably a part of student lives. This time, however, there is a revamp of things to grumble. The new normal setting for studying has been tough. This setback is understandable because we have to adjust to these unforeseen changes in the school setting. Not only are resources costly (internet, load for mobile data), but the amount of effort exerted to accomplish each task is physically and mentally exhausting, too. The recent semester of this school year has been a roller-coaster of emotion. While some students are pleased they survived the semester, some are displeased by how surviving is now equated

with

learning.

Most student rants centered on how the learning system of the new normal has affected them negatively. These outbursts include the exhausting amounts of tasks in some subjects without an inch of reconsideration for deadlines. There are also high standards in the grading system even when professors meagerly explain the course, or worst, do not even conduct teaching sessions. The list goes on and on as the burden piles, but the learnings? Not even close to enough. For the student, alias Tyler, an English Major from the Education Department, he thinks that the University should evaluate the effectiveness of the new normal system. “I think that those days from the grueling semester have been exhausting. The ridiculous amount of effort the student exerts doesn’t even equate to much of the learning we get. The University should look into this matter and changes for the better should be made,” he said. One student from the AS Department shared, “I felt like my efforts are only for compliance and not for learning.” She also added, “The learning system now is kind of confusing because most of the time, learning doesn’t happen.”” UNC USG’s post called Sumbong Yarn, a rant series about the second semester this school year, revealed these sentiments mentioned are the same as those of many students who commented in the post. Many are shocked by how their grades turned out. Despite doing all their best, they felt like the grades given to them weren’t justified. One of the students commented, “It’s obvious that some professors are blindly guessing when giving out grades. I have noticed that my fellow classmates have the same

performances and quality of output as me and yet the gap in our grades is significant.” It is also evident in the comments that many are disappointed in having professors unresponsive to student queries or fails to recognize student efforts. All of these collective sentiments are valid. These are a few of the many things that make the new normal setting for academics challenging. Now, what? You made it! Congratulations. Well, it has become a make-it-or-break-it scenario. Although no students failed, given their compliance, the experience of receiving not-so-justified grades or feedback without sufficient explanation as to why things are the way they are is just as frustrating. For others, though, the silver lining in this situation is resiliency as they strived to survive. However, this is not what learning is supposed to look like. With the incoming school year, probably the school setting would still be the same. Different student bodies and concerned staff are doing their best to forward these issues. There is still hope that the higher-ups will address these concerns. After all, everyone should make it.

GRAPHICS BY: DINALYN REÑON LAYOUT BY: ROSE CLAVANO

HANGGANG KAILAN?

aniya siya sa pag-intindi ng ibang mga aralin dahil minsan ay NI: IRISH SIERDA walang synchronous meeting na nagaganap at tanging mga babasahin lamang at recorded videos ang napagkukunan niya ng impormasyon. Laking pasasalamat niya rin na kahit agdadalawang-taon na papaano ay mga kaibigan siyang maaasahan at nang magsimula ang new nagpapaunawa sa kanya ng mga paksa na hindi normal at ang kaakibat nito na niya naiintindihan. bagong sistema ng pag-aaral. Hindi rin mawawala ang mga hinaing ng isang Isa ang University of Nueva Caceres sa magulang lalo na kung nakikitang nahihirapan nagpatupad ng dalawang learning modality: flexiang kanilang mga anak. Ayon kay Mrs. Lyka Escaro, tech, para sa mga mag-aaral na may gadyet at may anak na nag-o-online class sa UNC, ngayong malakas na internet at flexi-kit naman para sa mga distance learning ay mas nakakatipid walang internet at ang kinakailangang modyul sila dahil hindi na kailangan magbigay ng sa pag-aaral ay inihahatid sa pinakamalapit na a l l o w a n ce , pamasahe, bagong sapatos munisipyo. at iba pa. Noong una ay nahirapan Mula sa mahigpit na paghawak ng bolpen at sila dahil sa kawalan ng signal sa kanilang lugar at pagsulat sa papel, ngayo'y keyboard at mouse na nangangapa pa pero kalaunan ay nasanay na rin sila ang nagsisilbing kaagapay sa edukasyon. Mula sa sa sistema at sinuportahan na lamang sa pag-aaral mga araw-araw na pakikipaghalubilo sa loob ng ang kanilang anak. paaralan, ngayo’y tanging sa harap na lamang ng Kung ang mga estudyante ay halos igapang na ang screen ang nagsisilbing daan sa-komunikasyon. pag-aaral, ganoon din ang mga guro. Isa rito si Engr. Umaabot ng ilang oras ang pakikipagtitigan sa Karl Simon Chua, propesor sa UNC selpon at kompyuter, mairaos lamang ang mga Engineering and Architecture Department. araw na kinakailangan sa pag-aaral. Mas gusto niya ang Work From Home setSa panahon kung saan ang digmaan sa up ay mas gusto nya ito dahil hindi na nya pandaigdigang pandemya ay hindi pa rin kailangang maglaan ng oras papunta sa nawawakasan, hindi madali ang pag-angkop Naga City. Ngunit hindi rin mawawala sa ganitong sistema lalo na’t hindi naman pareang mga suliranin sa pareho ang sitwasyon sa buhay ng mga mag-aaral ganitong sistema lalo at maging ang mga guro. Hindi mawari kung talaga na't malaki pa rin ba na may natutunan pa ang mga estudyante o pilit ang problema ng na lamang na gumagapang sa bagong sistema. Pilipinas pagdating Ayon kay Alloha Okada, kumukuha ng kursong sa sistema ng Psychology sa UNC, ang ganitong learning set-up internet. ay hindi naging madali sa kanya lalo na’t naging Ayon sa kaniya, ang problema nya pa ang paggamit ng kailangang problema sa internet gadyet para sa online class at ang paghanap ng at ang kawalan ng pwesto na tahimik tuwing may synchronous koryente ang nagpapahirap meeting sa Google Meet man o Zoom. sa paghahatid ng mga aral Minsan na rin siyang hindi nakadalo sa klase sa estudyante. Sa face-to-face dahil sa problema sa internet. Dagdag pa niya, na set-up ay hindi limitado ang madalas daw nawawalan ng internet sa kanila paggamit ng mobile data at hanggang sa hindi na nga siya nakakapasok sa virtual na interaksyon dahil sa kawalan ng internet. “Mahirapon siya kasi dawa na gusto mo magsimbag dae mo magibo ta dakol kapang obligasyon sa laog kang harong kaya ang kakaluwasan macramming na sana,” aniya. Wala siyang magawa kundi ang mag-cramming dahil hindi naayon ang oras sa mga dapat niya pang gawin at responsibilidad bukod sa pag-aaral. Isa rin si Sean Andre Lopez, nag-aaral ng kursong Civil Engineering sa UNC sa nahihirapan sa bagong sistema pero ayon sa kanya, medyo nasasanay na siya sa virtual na interaksyon. Nahihirapan

Lathalain | 13

walang lag. Mas madali nga namang nalalaman sa normal na set-up kung ang estudyante ba ay aktibo sa klase o hindi. "I find that students feel more motivated with the old setup. Actual interactions cannot replace online chats or calls," dagdag pa ni Sir. Dapat rin umano na maalam pagdating sa mga gadyet dahil dapat na isaalang-alang kung ano ang naaayon sa pangangailangan. Gustuhin man na makisabay, bulok na internet naman ang nagsisilbing harang sa gayak na makapag-aral. "If I'm in any country that has Internet speeds five times faster than us, having online classes would be easier for us teachers and you students," aniya hindi siya pabor sa ganitong sistema. Hindi lahat ay may kakayahan mag-aral at magpaaral sa ganitong sitwasyon. Ang iba ay napilitang huminto muna sa pag-aaral dahil bukod sa pinansiyal, hindi naayon sa kanila ang mga pribilehiyo. Marami ang naapektuhan ng pandemya at tunay na mahirap ang pag-aangkop sa bagong sistema ng pag-aaral lalo na’t wala pa ring kongkretong solusyon sa pagsugpo sa sakuna ngunit hanggang kailan?

GUHIT NI: DINALYN REÑON DEBUHO NG PAHINA NI: CHRISTIAN REGANIT

Ang Malayang Pahayagan ng mga Mag-aaral ng University of Nueva Caceres Mayo2020 2021 -- Marso Hulyo 2021 Enero 2020| |Tomo TomoLXVIII LXVII Bilang Bilang IV III

Lathalain Balita

Kayo ang Kulay ng Bahaghari

NI NORENE CANTOR

Ang bahaghari ay bahaghari dahil sa kulay nito. Ngunit sa likod ng rikit at tingkad nito ay hindi mo aakalaing may sigaw, may piitan, at may laban. Hindi lingid sa kaalaman ng nakararami ang pagprotesta ng mga miyembro ng LGBTQIA+ sa intensyong ipaglaban ang patas na karapatan para sa lahat at itigil na ang diskriminasyon laban sa kanilang sikolohikal na pagkakakilanlan; tila walang bakas ng takot sa lansangan dala ang makulay nilang pagpapahayag ng sarili. Ngunit hindi alam ng lahat ang tunay na hirap ng pakikibaka sa isang ideya ng kahapong bumubuo pa rin sa ating kasalukuyan. Ayaw nating isiping ang paglaban sa karapatan ay humahantong pa rin sa mentalidad na “tayo laban sa kanila”; tao laban sa tao. Ngunit simula’t sapul pa lamang, hindi na kaayaayang isipin na inilalaban pa ang patas na karapatang-pantao— na siyang dapat ibinibigay na lamang sa

sinomang buhay. Ang totoo niyan ay hindi ito laban ng isa sa kanino man, ngunit ng lahat sa isang kupas nang prinsipyo ng pagkatao. Nariyan ang mga kaluluwang sinusubukan lamang ilabas ang tunay na kulay nang hindi tinatanggihan. Sa mata ng isang ideyang hambog, sila ay mga tao lamang na bumibitbit ng makukulay na bandila at pintura. Sa mata naman ng isang prinsipyong gahaman, sila ay kasuklamsuklam. Sa Pilipinas, ilan sa mga dominanteng isyu na nagdidiin sa emosyonal at mental na kalusugan ng mga miyembro ng komunidad ay nasa mga aspetong korporasyon, relihiyon, at kalusugan. Nariyan ang stigma sa HIV/AIDS, sa legal na pagpalit ng kasarian, sa karapatan sa pagpapakasal, at sa pananaw na ang kanilang pagkakakilanlan ay isang kondisyong dapat ibalik sa “normal”. Para sa iba, ang paghingi nila ng patas na pagtrato ay abuso. Ang pagbibigay ng karapatan sa kanila ay kabawasan sa kanilang pagkatao. Buhay pa rin ang mentalidad sa kasalukuyan, ngunit ipinaparamdam ng hustisyang hindi matitibag ang tamang kaisipan.

ang pagpahintulot ng mga paaralan at korporasyon sa cross-dressing; ang samahan sila sa pagpahayag sa lansangan ng kanilang mga panawagan; iilan lamang ito sa mga munting hakbang patungo sa makulay na kinabukasan para sa lahat.

Ang pagdiriwang ng Pride sa karagatan ng makukulay na bandila’t pintura ay higit pa sa nakikita ng mga mata. Patuloy na pinatutunayang hindi lang ito para sa mga miyembro ng LGBT ngunit para sa lahat. Bagaman marapat lamang na ito ay ibigay, ipinagdiriwang natin ang mga munting tagumpay.

Habang ang mga mumunting hakbang na ito ay nakadidiin sa pansing dapat ibigay sa isyu, malaking hakbang ang pagsulong ng mga karapatang ito sa pamahalaan na siyang dapat na nangunguna sa pagpapalawak ng kalayaan ng ating mga mamamayan.

Ang pagpapahalaga ng bawat kompanya sa mga aplikanteng miyembro ng LGBTQIA+;

Ang bahaghari ay bahaghari dahil sa kulay nito, ngunit isigaw ninyo hindi lamang tuwing Hunyo--kayo ang kulay ng bahaghari. Kayo ang bahaghari. At inyong kulayan ang buong mundo.

Ang Malayang Pahayagan ng mga Mag-aaral ng University of Nueva Caceres Mayo 2021 - Hulyo 2021 | Tomo LXVIII Bilang IV

Pitak | 15

akakita na siguro kayo sa timeline ng Facebook ninyo na may dumaan na kahit isang post ukol sa dalagitang buntis na nagsasabing huwag na huwag silang husgahan sapagkat ang pagkakaroon ng anak ay isang gantimpala na galing sa langit. Subalit, ito nga ba ay isang blessing kung tawagin, o isa lamang sa pasakit para sa pamilya ng dalagita at maging sa kanyang anak? Ngayong may pandemya, ‘di maipagkakaila na marami rin ang mga nababagot at mga tigang sa kung ano-anong hinahanap ngayon, ngunit tama nga ba na hayaan na lang natin na ang mga ari natin ang magdikta sa atin?

‘‘

kahit sabihin na naman natin na malapit na

CYNIC MEDIATOR CYEN ESCLANDA @Cyen_Esclanda esclandacyen@gmail.com

Bata, Bata, Ba’t ka may Anak?

Batid naman na isa sa problema natin ang pagpapalaki ng anak, ngunit mas malaking problema kapag isa ka pa rin sa kailangang arugain.

ang ilan sa legal na edad ay marami pa rin silang kakainin na bigas bago nila lubusang maintindihan ang ganitong sitwasyon. Ika nga, ang sinasabing age of consent ay nasa edad na dise-otso anyos, ngunit sa murang edad ay kaya nang mabuntis o makabuntis ang mga kabataan. Hindi naman sinasabing may mali kung ito ay mapangangalagaan nang mabuti, ngunit ang kamalian lang ay dahil na rin sa pagiging laganap ng ganitong mga pangyayari lalo na’t alam naman natin kung gaano na kalugmok ang bansang Pilipinas sa lahat ng aspeto. Ni kailan man ay hindi kakayanin ng mga batang magulang ang pasakit na dulot ng pagkakaroon ng anak. Ang pagpapalaki ng anak ay nangangailangan ng matatag na pundasyon kagaya na lang nang pagkakaroon ng matatag na isipan, sapat na kaalaman, kabuuan ng loob, at pagkakaroon ng sapat na pera na kailangan sa pagpapalaki at pagpapaaral sa mga anak. Ito’y mga bagay na hindi kayang abutin ng isang bata. Ngunit hindi rin kailan man tama ang paninisi at paninikil sa biktima ng maling sistema.

Hindi natin kailan man masisisi ang kabataan sapagkat hindi nila ito kagustuhan sa una. Bakit nga ba hindi? Ang sex education o kung ano mang pangaral ukol sa ating kasarian at sa tamang kaalaman ukol sa pakikipagtalik ay isang matagal nang problema na dulot ng pagiging relihiyoso at pagiging konserbatibo. Kailan man ay di mapagkakaila na hindi natuturuan ang kabataan ng sex education dahil sa malakas na impluwensya ng makalumang pangaral ng mga simbahan lalo na’t isa tayo sa pinakakonserbatibong bansa sa gitna ng pagiging progresibo. “Normalize normalize” pang nalalaman, ngunit sa katagalan ng panahon ay hindi maiwasan na lumago ang mga nabubuntis na kabataan. Kung alin ba dapat i-normalize ay ang mga bagay na makakatulong sa

habang panahon. Sa ganitong edad siguro tatawa tawa pa nga kayo ‘pag nakarining ng “titi”, “oten”,”pekpek”, o kahit anong tungkol sa pakikipagtalik. Masasabi ko rin na tayo rin ang may problema sapagkat hindi sapat ang ating kaalaman. Wala namang edukadong tao ang tatawa sa mga homophobic slurs kagaya ng “bayot” o “bakla” sapagkat ito’y gawa gawa rin ng kakulangan sa kaalaman. Walang mali kung tuturuan natin ang kabataan kung ito ay kaya naman iwasto ang kanilang isip at pananaw sa buhay. Sa dinami-raming mga dumaan sa ating palad na mga may mataas na katungkulan sa ating lipunan, batid nating ni minsan ay sumang-ayon ang karamihan sa ganitong suhestiyon sapagkat iisa lamang ang nasa isip nila, at ito ay naaayon sa Bibliya. Paniwalaan man nila ang ganyang uri ng katotohanan, tiyak na nagbabadya at nagpalaganap lamang sila ng makakasama sa ating bayan. Wala namang magtatangkilik sa mga nakaupong laging nilalagay sa alanganin ang kanilang sariling kababayan (yan ay kung hindi ka isang panatiko ng kahit kanino mang berdugo ng bayan.)

Dahil sa patuloy na paglobo ng mga problema ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino, ito’y isang problema rin na haharapin ng anak ng mga batang magulang. Tiyak hindi natin ito isipin bilang pansariling interes, ngunit itanim natin sa ating isipan na ito ay para na rin sa ikabubuti ng magiging anak natin kung gusto ba nating iparanas ang pasakit na mayroon tayo ngayon o mas maganda pa rin na tayo mismo magtatanim ng susunod na henerasyon na siyang mapapalago sa adhikain nating mabago at mapabuti ang ating bansa.

Pitak

“I will grant you three wishes your heart strongly desires,” said the genie in front of me, just like the other too-good-to-betrue entities that came before him.

e, just like the ones before him, promises me the riches, the grand castle ruled in prosperity, the love of my life, or even the most ethereal thoughts—the promised land. They were all the same breed of shameful creatures, crocodiles dressed in a genie’s clothing. But, just as a genie in a fictitious fairyland whose true wish is for one to make him human, this genie before me hides his true intent underneath his thick skin. He showers me with all the good words I want to hear, even bearing me gifts I hoped to have when I was at my weakest. He is desperate to make me want to believe him. These genies who mastered the jungle of rotten politics have deceived Filipinos a plethora of times, capitalizing on our naivety. And so those who still fall for these make-believe politicians are not only naive but fools. But they who stoop too low as deception are far worse than the fools; they are stinking pieces of meat broken to their core, hoping the fame and power in a seat would cover their disgusting scent. The truth is being in the position makes them stink more and more. The longer these heroic frauds relish the power claimed through trickery, the more they flaunt their true selfish selves— unmasking the genie cover as their horn reveals their true grim intent. You need not watch an Aladdin drama to be familiar with these genies, not that watching one would make you know them more, though. They commonly appear in the real world, sowing seeds of ambitious promises only to turn out as disappointments. You see them in billboards, branding their pseudo look even before the official election campaign begins. They also appear in television and radio ads early on to spread their words of lies. Desperate to earn even an inch of fame,

Ang Malayang Pahayagan ng mga Mag-aaral ng University of Nueva Caceres Mayo 2021 - Hulyo 2021 | Tomo LXVIII Bilang IV

they would make themselves relevant, stirring new issues for the media and feeding critical views on divided ideas. Any method of making their identity known is an opportunity for an extensive range of deceit—an added illegal lifeline for them to enjoy. These pretenders also appear in plastic bags of relief goods as they exploit the weaknesses of the poor—posing as their savior in an unjust society they built and rule themselves. They would empathize with the feelings of those in need, holding their callus hands as they utter empty words of assurance—hoping that the intricate choice of words threaded in a soon-tobe broken promise would earn the poor man’s trust into shading his name in the ballot black. And in most recent times, they claim to be different in a pool of similar candidates with nothing new and worthwhile to offer.

‘‘

One endorsed himself as an ordinary man that any Juan Dela Cruz can relate to, building his front as a strong man who fears no one.

He successfully swayed some 16 million Filipinos into believing his change-is-coming nonsense—only to find him as the biggest deceiver of them all. He is the worst genie that ever secured his cravings for power at the topmost position, asking wishes from his master but never granting them—the very image of this vile breed of unearthly scums.

And to that, I say, no more of these genies; no more wishful thinking of having them grant our hope of building a better country when all they want building is their statue of sham founded in unjust power. We do not live in a genie fantasy where words shape everything. A repetitive old context as it is, action balanced with the right words separates a faithful servant from mere genies who exist only to fulfill their inner desires. The election season is drawing near, and we must be more vigilant than ever before— especially when the current term of genies has sunk our country to the deepest of depths. One step to wise voting would be to eliminate these genies first. Break their lamp, whatever you think that may be, which has sheltered their deceptions for so long as we can remember, give them no chance to sing you their lies and empty promises. After all, you hate broken promises, right?

UNSAFE HAVEN JOHN PAUL BORITO @jpaulborito jpaulborito@gmail.com

Fake Genie Bangs

Submissive

Juan

Pitak

Ang Malayang Pahayagan ng mga Mag-aaral ng University of Nueva Caceres Mayo 2021 - Hulyo 2021 | Tomo LXVIII Bilang IV

TranswOmen in

Beauty Pageants YES

Justifications

Mrs. Styles – “Transwomen should be granted the opportunity to join beauty pageants. I think having a separate beauty pageants for transwomen will cater to their specific needs more. They will also have a wide platform to share their voice as transwomen.”

Mr. Anonymous - “It should be separted since it was designated for a real woman and there is a separate distinction for a trans to join in their respective pageantry.” 3rd – year, BSAB Marketing Management, CBA John Bon Jovie - “There is Mr. Universe, There is Ms. Gay, There are pageants that are specific for each gender and I think that Ms. Universe should only be allowed for real women because judges base on looks, character and etc. And it would only make women less. There could be Ms. Transwomen Universe but I don’t think that transwomen should be in Ms. Universe. They can be in pageants but not the Ms. Universe. I respect transwomen so they should also be allowed to join beauty pageants but they should compete with other transwomen also.”

1st – Year, BS in Accountancy, CBA

Marzon Vhenn B. Martinez – “Yes, because transwomen are women and I believe that the committee should allow them to join any pageants inside the school without invalidating them.” 2nd – Year, BSED Major in English, CED Crudo – “In [the] new generation we embrace the LGBT community and I do believe that there is nothing wrong with that” 4th – year, Criminology, CJE

COLLATED BY ALYSA ASIDO & MYLENE JOJE JALLORES GRAPHICS AND LAYOUT BY CYEN ESCLANDA

Justifications

1st – Year, BS in Mechanical Engineering, CEA BS in Mechanical Engineering, CEA

YES

Sleepyhead – “As natural born filipino women I oppose on the side of letting trans women join beauty pageant like miss universe because I strongly believe that this kind of prestigious pageants should only be recognized to naturally born women it is like a celebration of femininity. Not to be homophobic but for me it is only giving respect to women just like what the LGBTQ are standing for respect and acceptance. That no matter what gender you have either your a man or women lets respect each others difference and stay on our borderlines” 1st – Year, AB Political Science, CAS

Ang Malayang Pahayagan ng mga Mag-aaral ng University of Nueva Caceres Mayo 2021 - Hulyo 2021 | Tomo LXVIII Bilang IV

Palakasan

UNC Taekwondo Team, UNC SDO launches new Greyhounds logo namayagpag sa Asian

Online Open Taekwondo Champs

BY CHAREY MAE ALVARADO

NI RACHELLE PAJA

TWICE AS BOLD. In the successful onset of the new Greyhounds logo, the members of the UNC SDO proudly raised their index fingers to show their delight for marking another milestone for the university. WORDS BY JONNA MAE BAGASBAS

Howling to brand its own identity, the University of Nueva Caceres Sports Development Office (SDO) held the unveiling of the new Greyhounds logo last June 30 at UNC Sports Palace. According to SDO Head Coach, Roel Rosales, the previous logo was not the original logo of the university and was adapted from the logo of a Greyhound Bus in the United States, which then urged his office to devise an original one. Marketing team through Roland “Pedz” Pasaba was the person behind the design of the modish logo which embodies significant elements associated with its substantial connotations. The Greyhounds image is chosen to symbolize the character of a UNCean; speed (dynamism), sight (vision and creativity), and resilience which attributes to the greyhound—derived from a breed of dogs that experts believed to be the favorite dogs of royalties from Egypt, Persia, and Europe. The Coat of Arms depicts the totality of all unique symbols that constitute the Greyhound identity. It is a synthesis of the Greyhound’s elements in relation to the various aspects of the university which is based on the origins of Greyhounds during the Middle Ages. The University Seal symbolizes the university as an institution, not just as a place of learning, but also as a supporter of leadership, innovation, and excellence. It is located at the bottom of the Coat of Arms to represent its role in

catering the other two entities of the triumvirate. The 12 Red and Grey Stripes symbolize the different departments—Elementary, Junior High School, Senior High School, Arts and Sciences, Business and Accountancy, Computer Studies, Criminal Justice Education, Education, Engineering and Architecture, Nursing. Graduate Studies and Law. Finally, the multiple stripes of varying gradient grey delineate the studentry. They depict young people from various parts of the region who chose UNC as their second home. In essence, the new Greyhounds logo summarizes UNC’s vision for the youth which states, “Proud Bicolano leaders who strive for excellence in pursuing their dreams, driven and perpetual learners who can work individually and with others.” Jayvee Soriano, a UNCean student-athlete who is a Pep squad member, expressed his sentiments as he witnessed the unveiling of the new greyhound logo. “As a student athlete, I believe that the recently concluded launching of the new greyhound logo was indeed significant and memorable especially since it has been launched in the middle of the pandemic,” Jayvee emphasized. He added that he clearly understood the necessity to launch a new greyhound logo due to the intellectual property concern, “I’m aware of such matter specifically about trademark since the previous logo as mentioned as well by Coach Bing (Roel Rosales) was sort of similar and look alike to a logo of a transit company, and of course we don’t want to be sued for that.” The launch was attended by coaches and student-athletes from the Basketball Men, Volleyball Men, PEP Squad and Taekwondo Team.

Namayagpag ang UNC Taekwondo Team sa 2021 Smart/MVP Sports Foundation Asian Online Open Taekwondo (Poomsae and Speed Kicking Championship) nang mapasakamay nito ang 19 na medalya na ginanap online ika-10 hanggang ika-12 ng Hulyo taong kasalukuyan. Sa kabuuang bilang ng mga medalya, anim na tanso ang naiuwi ng mga atleta mula sa kolehiyo na sina Leslie Mae Elen, Alexis Bersabe, Jhanice Policarpio, John Kenneth Bocacao, John Anthony Berja, Lance Martin Capili, at kabilang naman sa top 5 sina Alta Gelan Kiane Gados, at Elaine Decano. “Sobrang saya ko nakasali ako sa paligsahan na sinalihan namin pero syempre kinabahan ako kasi bibihira lang dumating ang mga ganitong pagkakataon. Pero habang naghihintay ako sa laban ko pinipilit ko maging kalmado pero nung lumabas na `yong resulta na kasama ako sa mga nanalo ng bronze medal nawala aking kaba at napalitan ng tuwa.” isinaad ni Lance Martin Capili, 3rd year BSEE at isa sa mga nagkamit ng tansong medalya sa kategoryang speed kicking. Hangad ni Capili na maipamalas ang kanilang abilidad at magsungkit muli ng parangal sa isang malaking kompetisyon, “ Sa lahat, proud ako sa amin team kasi nagbunga rin yung pagod namin at sakripisyo. Sana sa darating na panahon makakuha ulit kami ng ganitong kalaki na pagkakataon at mahigitan pa namin ang nakuha namin ngayon.” Ayon naman kay Jhanice Policarpio, 3rd Year AB Psychology, na nag-uwi rin ng silver medal, “Hard work, determination, and teamwork are the factors that help me to reach this achievement. I would like to thank the people

MUKHA NG TAGUMPAY. Ito ang mga magigiting na manlalaro at tagasanay ng unibersidad sa larangan ng Taekwondo matapos nilang itatag ang Red and Gray flag sa naganap na online tagisan ng galing ng mga Asyano. WORDS BY JONNA MAE BAGASBAS

behind my success. To my coaches, Sir Rolly and Sir Warner thank you for believing in me. To the UNC community thank you for supporting us, and to my parents thank you for undying support. I am forever grateful to all of you.” kanyang ibinahagi. Sa kabilang banda, sina Christine Cleofe at Keshen Lopez, kapwa Senior High School ay parehong nagtamo ng gintong medalya matapos manguna sa kategorya ng speed kicking. “Sa totoo lang po ay di rin ako makapaniwala na ako’y magwawagi sa kompetisyong ito. Lalo na at talaga namang magagaling din ang iba pang lumahok at bihasa sa mga pagsali sa kompetisyon. Isa na po rito ay ang aking nakatungali na kabilang sa National Team, subalit ako po ay di nawalan ng pag asa at dahil na rin po sa aking pag eensayo kung kaya’t nakamit ko ang Gintong medalya.” saad niya nang tanungin tungkol sa kanyang naramdaman matapos manaig sa kompetisyon, saad ni Cleofe. Bago pa man nagpamalas ng galing sa International Arena, may buwanang national competition na ang Taekwondo Team, ang Women’s Martial Arts Festival Taekwondo Event na nakatakdang mangyari ngayong Hulyo at Agosto.

Palakasan

Ang Malayang Pahayagan ng mga Mag-aaral ng University of Nueva Caceres Mayo 2021 - Hulyo 2021 | Tomo LXVIII Bilang IV

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CBA nagpasiklab sa Virtual Intrams 2021

NI AILA JOY ESPERIDA

Umilanglang sa ipinamalas na husay ang College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) matapos nitong pagharian ang kauna-unahang UNC Virtual Intramurals noong ika-16 hanggang 20 ng Hunyo, 2021.

Nagpasiklab ng 10 panalo ang CBA sa cultural at sports events gamit ang kanilang nag uumapaw na determinasyon, lakas, at diskarte sa bawat laro. Dinomina nila ang paligsahan sa Vocal Duet, 3-point Shootout (Men), Slamdunk, at Sipa Takada (Women), samantalang nakamit nila ang ikalawang pwesto sa Sipa Takada (Men) at Tiktok Duo, habang humakot din sila ng ikatlong parangal sa Tiktok solo (Male) at Sipa Takada (Men). “The virtual intramurals was new to all of us especially at first we don't know what will be the setup gonna be, considering the status that we are having right now, the pandemic. But eventually as the guidelines and pubmats were release for gathering of participants, I felt a little bit of excitement,” ani ni Orven John Mari Ignatius De Leon, CBA. [Ang virtual intramurals ay bago sa ating lahat kaya’t hindi namin alam kung ano ang magiging setup, lalo na’t mayroong pandemya. Ngunit, matapos kong mabasa ang mga impormasyon at pubmats tungkol sa intrams, nakaramdam ako ng pagkasabik. Ibinahagi rin ni Orven ang sobrang pagkagalak sa naitalang panalo bilang kampeon ng 3-point shoot-out. "Special thanks to the organizers for having this kind of virtual intramurals, I know it was difficult but you still managed it. Most importantly to my CBA family for giving me this opportunity. Kudos to all!” [Nagpapasalamat ako sa lahat ng namuno at nag-organisa ng virtual intramurals, alam kong mahirap ngunit naging matagumpay ito. Salamat din sa aking CBA family, sa pagbibigay sa akin ng pagkakataong ito. Kudos sa lahat!] Umarangkada naman ang College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) na nakapagtala ng siyam na panalo matapos magpakitang gilas at pangunahan ang Tiktok Trio, Tiktok Solo (Male), Fancy Shooting (Women), Sipa Takada (Men), at Free Throw Competition, habang nakamit nila ang ikalawang pwesto sa Vocal Solo.

“Even if it was only a virtual intramural activity, it was fun. We didn't have enough time to prepare ahead of time, and the entries were all made on the spot. Thankfully, with the help of my department's student council and team members, I was able to execute the drills as per the criteria,” Saad ni Rymie Ann Rosero, Fancy Shot Competition Champion galing sa CEA. [Kahit virtual ginanap ang intrams, naging masaya ako. Wala kaming sapat na oras upang maghanda nang maaga, at ang mga entry sa bawat laro ay ginawa nangg direkta. Sa kabutihang palad, nagawa ko ang mga drill ayon sa pamantayan.] Samantala, ang College of Education (CED) naman ay nagkamit ng apat na panalo mula sa cultural events tulad ng Tiktok Duo at Tiktok Solo (Female) kung saan naungusan

nila

ang ibang departamento. Sumunod naman ang Criminal Justice Education (CJE) na nakapagtala ng panalo sa Vocal Solo (1st), Tiktok Solo Women Category (2nd), at Free Throw Competition (3rd), at ang College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) na nanalo sa Tiktok Solo Women Category (3rd), Tiktok Pair (2nd), at Vocal Duo (2nd), habang ang College of Nursing (CN) ay nasungkit ang panalo sa Vocal Duo (3rd). Sa pagtatapos ng lahat ng mga laro, isa sa mga naging asunto ng UNCeano ang kawalan ng pangkalahatang kampeon. Nagbahagi naman ng pahayag ang SDO sa naturang usap-usapan. Ayon kay Coach Bing Rosales, “An overall ranking is only applicable or fair if all or most department have equal population and enough talent pool.” [Ang isang overall ranking ay

maibibigay lamang kung ang lahat o karamihan sa departamento ay may pantay na populasyon at sapat na talent pool.] Wala man nagantimpalaan ng titulong kampeonato, ang naging karanasan ng mga lumahok sa intramurals ay tila ‘di matatawaran ng kahit anong parangal. Tulad ng sentimyento ni Rosero, “This year’s intramural activity differs from previous years due to limits imposed by the fact that contact sports are not yet allowed. Fortunately, the thrill, excitement, and fun that intramurals are known for were still there.” [Ang intramurals sa taong ito ay naiiba sa mga nakaraang taon dahil sa mga limitasyong dulot ng pandemya. Subalit, ang pagkasabik, kaguluhan, at kasiyahan ay naroon pa rin.] SPORTS OPINION

Three Modern Faces of Philippine Volleyball BY JONNA MAE BAGASBAS

ne of the aftermaths of the COVID-19 pandemic is the suspension of the sporting landscape for several months. Despite the current conditions brought about by this ultimatum, several Filipino athletes continued to bestow glory to the country. From athletics, gymnastics, combat, board games, and ball games, these star athletes were able to bring pride amid the pandemic. Now, the year 2021 is seemingly another rousing launch for the Philippine volleyball sports as three Filipino imports are about to play in the Japan V. League (JVL) 2021. Marck Espejo, who prompted the Ateneo Blue Eagles to a threepeat in the UAAP men’s volleyball championship, is the first Filipino who ascended to play in Japan’s top volleyball league after joining Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler team in 2018. While his first stretch in Japan ceased in disappointment as his team clinched with an ghastly 4-23 record, Espejo’s exceptional performance as a five-time UAAP MVP was still dominant throughout his games. Espejo notched 9th place as best receiver with 59.55% reception efficiency and 364 excellent receptions during his first season in JVL. He also joined Visakha of the Volleyball Thailand League last 2019 and hailed as the 4th best scorer with 208 points. He

was able to lift his team up and was awarded as 14th best spiker with 49.87% attack efficiency. He recently played for Bani Jamra of the Isa bin Rashid Volleyball League 2020. Now, Marck Espejo is returning to Japan for the 2021 V. League season after signing with FC Tokyo. Another former UAAP star who is playing in the JVL 2021 is Bryan Bagunas, a loyal import to Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler for 2 conferences already. Just like Espejo, he is also one of the backbones of the men’s volleyball national team of the Philippines. He bolstered the National University Bulldogs to triumph two UAAP championships while acquiring the Finals MVP title in both circumstances. Bagunas remarked in a previous interview that volleyball training in Japan leans towards technique which is contrasting to the practice in the country that fixates on the physical aspect of the game. Despite suffering from a right knee injury in the recent JVL conference game, the 6-foot-5 star proved enough his competence by consistently keeping up with attacks and blocks in all respects of the league. But if one would talk about a climactic but rewarding story abroad, Jaja Santiago’s stint in Japan with the Ageo Medics is the best precedent that most people already recognize. During her first season, she was regarded as the

3rd best spiker with 53% attack efficiency, fighting 159 attacks out of 300 attempts. She was also welcomed as 9th best server with 17 aces and 12.14% service efficiency. In her second year as Ageo’s import, Santiago stimulated her club to clinch a bronze medal in the V. Premier League which is a hefty leap from a seventh place finish in her rookie season last 2018. And in the outstandingly novel season in JVL, Santiago reaped a record to become the first Filipino volleyball player to win a championship abroad, after helping her team Saitama Ageo Medics conquer the cup last March 2021. Because of this, she is now ready to retrace steps to her home after packing up a leading season for Ageo Medics which fans and supporters surely anticipate to witness spare spikes from the highsoaring Santiago. Marck, Bryan and Jaja are certainly not the last Filipino athletes who can share their gifts and fight boldly for the flag outside the country. It’s only a matter of time before the young and underrated volleyball stars grab the opportunity to play overseas since the world is now recognizing our country’s potential to produce athletes who can compete at international level. The Japan V. League 2021 is scheduled to kick off in October notwithstanding the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ang Malayang Pahayagan ng mga Mag-aaral ng University of Nueva Caceres Mayo 2021 - Hulyo 2021 | Tomo LXVIII Bilang IV

Chicken “

ang Hamon NI PATRICK JOSEPH C. PANAMBO

Panitikan

Binabati ko kayo sa inyong pagtatapos! Ngayon magsisimula ang tunay na hamon ng inyong buhay. Sa pagtapak niyo sa susunod pang mga araw, nawa’y maabot ninyo ang inyong ninanais.” Ito na nga, ang hangad ng halos lahat—ang makapagtapos ng pagaaral. Ang araw na kung saan ang lahat ay umaasang unti-unting magbabago ang kanilang buhay. Ngunit gaano nga ba katiyak sa panibagong yugtong haharapin? Ano nga bang tinutukoy sa tunay na hamon ng buhay? Ano ang hindi pa alam ni Juan? Sa halos kulang-kulang dalawampung taong ginugol ni Juan ay puro pag-aaral ang kaniyang ginawa. Nagsimula sa kung paano siya umiyak nang iwan siya ng kanyang inay para pumasok bilang kinder sa unang araw ng eskwela. Nalaman kung paano ang tamang paghawak ng lapis; makihalubilo sa kapwa mag-aaral; kumanta at marami pang iba. Hanggang sa mapag-aralan ang kung ano-anong impormasyon tungkol sa agham, matematika, ingles, kasaysayan, heograpiya, istatistika, at iba pang mga asignatura. Sa naglaong mga panahon ay mas naging bukas pa nga siya sa mga pagbabagong kanyang napapansin. Natutunang maiangkop ang damdamin lalo na sa mga panahong sinusubok ng tadhana. Ngunit, hindi pa pala ito ang tunay na hamon ng buhay? “Ang pagod namang mabuhay,” ani Juan. Sa buhay niyang pinatakbo ng proseso, hindi masasabing nakadepende lang sa agos ng buhay ‘pagkat nakasulat na atang sa loob ng mga taong ito’y siya’y mag-aaral. Hindi lang naman si Juan ang ganito, halos karamihan naman ng estudyante ay nasabihang, “Magtapos ka para ikaw ay umasenso.” Sa paulit-ulit na gawi sa araw-araw—gigising sa umaga, papasok, at uuwi, mababago na lamang dahil sa araw-araw na panibagong alaala bukod sa pag-aaral. Mga alaalang nagpaparamdam na siya ay buhay at nasa tamang mundong ginagalawan. Ngunit, nalilito pa rin si Juan kung ano nga ba ang tunay na mundo? Naalala niyang malayo naman ito sa kanyang pinapangarap na buhay, may mas malala pa ba rito? Gayon ngang tapos na siya sa kolehiyo at akmang tutungtong sa tunay na hamon daw ng buhay. Parte kung saan halos ay mag-isa na lang siya. Wala na siyang kasama sa pagkuha ng mga bagay tulad ng ID; paghahanap ng trabaho, paglalakbay nang sarili lang ang kakampi. Kalauna’y siya na ang tumutustos sa kanyang mga gastusin ‘pagkat may sarili na rin siyang trabaho. Dagok nga para sa kanya ang mamahala ng pera ‘pagkat sumasapat lang din ang nakukuha niya. Dumagdag pa ang mga bayaring ‘di niya alam kung saan ba napupunta tulad ng buwis na ‘di niya napag-aralan masyado sa eskwela. Naisip niyang nasa tamang proseso pa rin naman ang tinatahak niya pero bakit siya’y nahihirapan. “Ito na ba ang tunay na hamon ng buhay,” tanong niya sa sarili niya. Sa plano niyang uunti-untiing umasenso at mamuhay nang maayos, ‘di niya alam sobrang bagal pala ng bagay na ito. Akala niya’y makakapagipon na siya ngunit biglang mawawala

ulit ang lahat ‘pagkat nagkaproblema sa pamilya. Hindi na nga talaga siya bata, mas lumaki ang responsibilidad na kanyang dinadala. Hindi na lamang isang katawan ang kanyang bubuhayin ‘pagkat ito ang taong siya’y nagkapamilya. Naiisip na lang niyang parang bumalik din naman siya sa pagkabatang maglalagay siya sa alkansiya sa umaga, dudukutin din naman kinahapunan. Masipag naman si Juan, walang problema rito. Lumipas na ang mga taon, mas lalo pa niyang naramdaman ang hirap ng sistemang kanyang ginagalawan. Tumataas ang mga bilihin ngunit hindi ang kanyang sweldo. Kung dati’y may naitatabi ngayon ay ipipilit na lang kahit konti. Patuloy nga ring tumataas ang bahagdan ng mga walang trabaho kung kaya’t kahit papano’y maswerte siya sapagkat meron siyang kinikita. Pero bakit nga ba siya naiipit sa sitwasyong ‘di lahat pinangarap. Gayunpaman, baon ang mga tagubilin at realisasyon sa takbo ng buhay, hindi pa rin siya sigurado sa kung ano nga ba ang tunay na hamon ng buhay. Kung ang pagsusumikap kasabay ng mga responsibilidad ang tinutukoy rito, masasabi niyang binabagtas niya ito nang tama. Hindi naman siya pumapasok sa isang bagay nang walang plano at mithiin. Iyon nga lang, palaging mayroong sisingit na wala sa plano ng buhay. “Araw-araw naman siguro ay hamon ng buhay. Magiging sagabal lang ito sa atin kung hahayaan natin itong ipagpatuloy ang hindi natin ninais. Mas humihirap lang talaga ang buhay habang tumatagal ‘pagkat tayo na ang nagiging pundasyon na dating sinuportahan upang maging matibay. Noon pa man may responsibilidad na tayo at patuloy na magkakaroon. Kayang-kaya mo ang hamon ng buhay, sisiw ‘yan kung ikaw ay may paninindigan.“ Ito ang mga salita ni Juan. Bagamat patuloy ang paglalakbay, ‘di niya tinakasan ang anumang responsibilidad. Alam niyang marami ang katulad niya na ‘di sumusuko at pinatatag pa ng panahon. At alam niyang lahat ay dadaan din sa ganitong aspeto ng buhay kaya ang bilin niya’y ‘wag kang matakot dahil kilala mo ang sarili mo. Masarap din naman ang hamon. Ngiti at iyak lang ‘pagkat nahihirapan, hinihintay ka ng kinabukasan.

GRAPHICS BY: CHRISTIAN REGANIT LAYOUT BY: ROSE CLAVANO