The DEMOCRAT Volume LXIX Issue No. 3 by The DEMOCRAT

The

DEMOCRAT

Ang Malayang Pahayagan ng mga Mag-aaral ng University of Nueva Caceres Enero 16, 2022 - Marso 31, 2022 | Tomo LXIX Bilang III

LATHALAIN

EDITORIAL

NEWS

Para kanino ang halalan?

They lie while looking in you in the eye

IATF approves 100% f2f capacity for HEIs . . .

ONE PEOPLE’S BLOWOUT. Kakampinks—Robredo supporters gathered at UNC grounds to celebrate the presidential candidate’s birthday; there was a picnic, a kite-flying event, zumba, and a watch party. PHOTO FROM SOLID LENI YOUTH AND WORDS BY CHAREY MAE ALVARADO

Youth groups, progressive orgs paint UNC pink on Robredo’s 57th birthday BY ISABEL AZAÑA

Exactly 17 days before the election, the University of Nueva Caceres held Robredo’s Birthday Celebration at UNC Grounds last April 23, 2022 from 3PM to 8PM Solid Leni Bicol Youth (SLBY) organized this event titled “Saranggola ng Pag-asa: Music Festival”, which had various enthusiastic and fun activities, such as Picnic, Music Fest, Zumba, Kite-Flying Event and a Watch Party of the rally of presidential aspirant, Leni Robredo at the

Macapagal Avenue, Pasay City. G-Ann Borja, the Regional Youth Coordinator of SLB, explained that Saranggola ng Pag-asa was a national event, which they modified and added a music festival and other activities

to make it lively and memorable to the people who have attended. “We had no budget, but in the middle of the event, sponsors came! We were even able to give food to the audience. Truly, when it rains, it pours. I was really in

tears when the problem of having no food became the problem of how to finish all of it. We even had 2 cakes for VPL!” Borja exclaimed as she described the challenges they encountered during the implementation. Youth Groups and Individuals have performed during the celebration, such as the SLB Youth Dancers San Fernando, SLBY Band, Bicol Cheerleaders for Leni, and others, including the university’s very own University Dance Club (UDC). Jazmine Joy Pongpong, the UDC captain, volunteered as

CONTINUE ON

PHOTO BY CHAREY MAE ALVARADO

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BBM camp claims CamSur mayors support on UniTeam’s 2022

election ticket, but some rebuke Presidential candidate BY DANRIE GARCIA

Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos’ (BBM) camp declared that 11 Camarines Sur town mayors backed BBM’s presidential bid for 2022 polls following a League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP)Camarines Sur Chapter private meeting convened on Monday, January 17, 2022. A few days later, several mayors voiced their dismissal of the BBM camp’s claim saying they knew the attendance of Marcos in the meeting but denied that it was partisan or for election purposes. The following three local chief executives of the province who disputed the claim were Milaor Mayor Reyes, Pamplona Mayor Franco, and Sipocot Mayor Bocago. Bocago firmly denies he vowed support for BBM’s 2022 presidential ticket as he reiterated his support for Vice President Leni

NOT WHAT IT SEEMS. BBM poses with Cam Sur mayors and claims their support for his presidential bid but outright rebuked by some of them. PHOTO FROM PARTIDO FEDERAL NG PILIPINAS -PFP & WORDS BY KENN DANIEL MONTECILLO

Robredo in his Facebook post. “Hinding-hindi ko tatalikuran ang pinunong subok ang kakayahan sa lahat ng panahon lalo na sa panahon ng pandemya,” he asserted. “Lubos ang aking paghanga sa pinunong mahusay, walang bahid korapsyon, at malinis ang track record na uri ng pamamahala,” the Sipocot mayor added. He was the third mayor of the province who rejected Marcos

camp’s claim on January 22 following the clarification made by Milaor and Sipocot mayors on January 20. The province is known as a bailiwick of Robredo. The province’s mayors who attended the CamSur mayors’ summit were Fermin Mabulo of San Fernando, Migay Ibasco of Bula, Tom Bocago of Sipocot, Melanie Abarientos of Del Gallego, Weny Sabalbero

of Cabusao, Nelson Legaspi of Canaman, Anthony Reyes of Milaor, Ed Severo of Calabanga, Chris Lizardo of Minalabac, Leonardo Agos of , and Boy Franco of Pamplona. Attendees were seen posing in the image along with BBM himself and LMP President and Narvacan, Ilocos Sur Mayor Luis “Chavit” Singson, who is also known as a staunch ally of the Marcoses.

Youth groups . . . FROM PAGE

SLBY and looked for volunteer performers for Robredo’s birthday celebration, which also served as a screening of performers for the One People’s March. “It was fulfilling and overwhelming to perform for the former VP Leni Robredo’s birthday even though her presence was not there. I love

how every individual on that event showed their act of volunteerism and initiative. The said event really proves that supporting a candidate who has the capabilities of serving our country is priceless.” said Pongpong. She then added that their performance at the UNC Grounds was a stepping stone for them to perform in different events in the community and university

like One People’s March, Music Festival, A-Class, Solidarity Night, Vibe Contest, and Angat Buhay Lupi - ICES. Borja expressed her gratitude to those volunteers who endlessly supported Robredo’s campaign.

ANG NAMULAT AY HINDI NA MULING

PIPIKIT

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UNC CBA’s Berlineth Montes emerges as one of country’s top

business youth leaders over AmCham BLP’s qualification

BY DANRIE GARCIA

experiences, including struggles and achievements, throughout her journey before passing the Berlineth Montes, a AmCham BLP 2022. third-year Business and “I have to undergo nerveAccountancy student, wracking processes to make it to qualified for the American the final list. From submitting a Chamber of the Philippine video resume (I faced too many technical difficulties), undergoing Business Leadership group assessment (I got the most Program (AmCham BLP) difficult case to defend), answering 2022 representing not only the High Potential Leadership the University of Nueva Test (I got an advanced score for Caceres (UNC) but also the leadership and management), and lastly the final interview,” she entire Bicol Region. narrated. She also shared the duration In her Facebook post, Montes shared her various of the application process and recognized who urged her to

apply to the business leadership program. “I applied last January since our Department’s Assistant Dean Ma’am Maribel Ballon encouraged me to do so. It took 4 months until I received the final result so this application is really an agonizing one for me,” she added. Meanwhile, Naga City Youth Officials (NCYO), wherein she was the CY Mayor for 2021-2022, praised Montes’ perseverance in reaching the final step of the process. “Yorms Berl, you have always made us proud because of your commitment, dedication, and skill as a leader who continuously serves other people and fights

for what is right,” NCYO said in a Facebook post lauding Montes. AmCham BLP gives an opportunity for aspirants to interact with executives of multinational companies and undergo training through mentorship programs to become business leaders in the future. She qualified along with 32 other passers from various colleges and universities across the Philippines based on a series of posts from the AmCham BLP’s Facebook page disclosing the qualifiers for the program’s 20th batch.

Averilla, Serrado represent UNC for NYP, chosen as committees for global mobility BY JEAN AQUINO

With over 200 participants from Region IV-B and Region, 2 UNCean leaders namely Marie Angella Averilla and Earl Dwight Serrado raised the greyhound flag as they were chosen to lead the Committee for Global Mobility in the recently concluded 13th National Youth Parliament held last March 31 to April 2, 2022, at Sorsogon Provincial Gymnasium, Sorsogon City. Several committees were also formed during the event. Among all the committees, Averilla and Serrado chose to be part of the Global Mobility Committee. Averilla is the Vice-Chairman and Serrado is the Secretary of the committee. According to Serrado, they chose the Global Mobility Committee because it signifies how employees move across different countries. “Our focus is how we can

LEADERS’ LINEUP. UNCean student-leaders Earl Dwight Serrado (left) and Marie Angella Averilla (right) flash their smile with Bicolano Senator Chiz Escudero. They, as NYP representatives, went home with fresh experiences in the parliamentary field. PHOTO FROM MARIE ANGELLA AVERILLA & WORDS BY NORENE CANTOR

improve policies on how the Filipino youth can cross borders for economic development. Our resolution about how we can develop the skills of Filipino youth and the allocation of funds in skills training specifically on how we can

improve the literacy of Filipinos”, great response to. said Serrado. He also stressed that the Serrado addresses the low government must provide training literacy rate of Filipinos in reading, mathematics, and science and the high rate of unemployment which CONTINUE ON 04 their proposed resolution will be a

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Ang Malayang Pahayagan ng mga Mag-aaral ng University of Nueva Caceres Enero 16, 2022 - Marso 31, 2022 | Tomo LXIX Bilang III

IATF approves 100% f2f capacity for HEIs; draws sentiments from UNCeans

UNIFORM ON. College of Nursing pioneers implementation of limited face-to-face classes in the university pursuant to IATF memo prioritizing health-related courses. PHOTO FROM KAYE SERVIDAD & WORDS BY KENN DANIEL MONTECILLO

BY JONAS CORPORAL

The government now authorizes tertiary schools to hold faceto-face classes with 100% capacity in areas under Alert Level 1, the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) said. In IATF Resolution No. 164 s. 2022, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) policy proposals for conducting limited face-to-face classes for higher educational institutions (HEIs) were adopted. According to Communication Undersecretary Kris Ablan, HEIs shall take the self-assessment checklist as per CHED-DOH guidelines and must operate under self-reopening. However, they

can continue getting technical assistance from their local government units (LGUs), the local IATF, CHED regional offices, or CHED Expert Groups. Colleges and universities will have the discretion to choose which programs will be required to undertake limited face-to-face classes under the resolution. The resolution also allows student dorms to operate without restrictions, however,

it must be coordinated with the local government units (LGUs) concerned. Elizalde Gabalfin Jr., a second-year Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering student reacted to this matter. “It’s good since we would have tangible

learning–no reasons such as low internet connectivity or brownouts,” Gabalfin shared. Gabalfin also touched on the cost of transportation fares if face-to-face will be implemented. “[But] with the escalating inflation rate for some goods were affected. Ang mahal ng pamasahe,” he said. Meanwhile, this announcement provoked different sentiments from Marlon Abunda, a student from the same year-level program as Gabalfin. He said that it’s a hassle since most students are now more comfortable with the online setup. He also said that with the price of fares right now, implementing face-to-face classes is not a good idea for some commuters. Participating students and faculty members must also be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 while students who have not yet completed their vaccination schedules or those who have not received COVID-19 jabs can continue schooling through remote learning. CONTINUE ON

Averilla, Serrado. . . FROM PAGE

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so that they can be competitive across the globe and also in the domestic setting of the workforce in the country. “I took the challenge of joining the NYP despite the lack of experience in parliamentary procedures because as a student leader, I believe that when we grow we take opportunities outside our boxes.” Averilla and Serrado submitted a draft of their proposed resolution authored by Averilla and co-authored by Serrado as it is

one of the qualifications needed to qualify in the National Youth Parliament. A series of events were done in the said activity including discussing and practicing parliamentary procedures. Averilla and Serrado are both active student-leaders of the University of Nueva Caceres and are also involved in different organizations outside the university.

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UNC-USG Officiates Naga City Mayoral Debate 2022 BY BERLINETH MONTES

In an attempt to help Nagueños decide on the upcoming local elections, the University Student Government (USG) spearheads Naga City Mayoral Debate last April 23, 2022 held at Plaza Quezon, Naga City. Moderated by Francisco Paulo P. Panergayo and Krystel A. Sales, the debate was divided into 4 main highlights which are: Get 2 Know for 2022, Fast Talk: Yes or No?, Hampangan and Boses Kan Nagueno. Four (4) mayoral candidates were invited to attend the debate: Atty. John Bongat, Incumbent Mayor Atty. Nelson S. Legacion, business tycoon Tato Mendoza, and first-time mayoral aspirant Emmanuel Morano. UNC-USG invited Percival Tordilla, J.D.; Kenjie Jimenea, MPA; and TV-personality Riza Mostar to seat as the panelists for the said debate. The debate started as the aspirants share their priorities and projects if elected as the city mayor. Former Mayor Atty. Bongat eyed to provide clinics and infirmaries with on-duty doctors, nurses, and physical therapists; new public and pet cemetery, stray pet adoption center; livelihood center, and construction of Naga City Museum. On the other hand, Morano wanted to pursue 24/7 food stations and provide support to farmers even outside Naga. “24/7 po ang operation po para maresolbaran ta po itong mga nagugutom tang kapwa Nagueños” said Morano. Mendoza vowed to push for free tuition fees and the

A BUNCH OF PLEDGES. Naga City’s Mayoral Candidates: Ex-mayor John Bongat (upper-left) Business Tycoon Tato Mendoza (upper-right), first-time mayoral aspirant Emmanuel Morano (lower-left) brought together to debate and reiterate their promises to Nagueños. Mayor Nelson S. Legacion did not make it to the event. PHOTOS AND WORDS BY CHAREY MAE ALVARADO

distribution of land for the urban poor. “Ako po nagtutubod na ang tao kan Naga maasenso sana yan kung ang mga tao mae-

edukar ta, mataan ta ning tamang edukasyon, mapaadal sa mga maray na escuelahan igdi sa Naga,” he said. Meanwhile, Mayor Nelson S.

Legacion was not able to attend the debate due to a personal emergency which he, later on, explained via his Facebook account. “Malaen an Kamugtakan kan sakong 96 anos na ina kaya naghidale po kami ni agom na dumanan si Amay,” he penned. “May mga tawo asin obligasyon na orog kahalaga sakuya. Enot sa gabos, ako po aki kan sakong ina. Kaya dae po ako nakaatendir kan debate ngonian na bangui sa Plaza na sakuya man na ipinaabot sa organizer,” he added. The debate was made possible through the partnership made by the USG with National Youth Commission-Naga City Office, Commission on ElectionRegion V, UNC Office of Student Affairs, UNC College of Arts and Sciences Center for Human Rights Education, ADNU Supreme Student Government, NCF Central Student Government, CBSUA Supreme Student Council-Pili Campus, and other student-led organization in the university and city.

President Lauraya pledges support for VP Leni, hopes to

have Robredo as the first Bicolana president BY JEAN AQUINO

University President, Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya pledged support for the presidential candidate and UNC alumna and the 14th Vice President of the Philippines, Maria Leonora GeronaRobredo. In her speech during the 74th Foundation Anniversary on

the celebration of triumphs and excellence of its alumni, she called Robredo “one outstanding alumna that rises above the rest”. “She is giving us the opportunity to have the first Bicolana President and we are proud she is an alumna of the University of Nueva Caceres. She is our own and we trust her capability,” said President Lauraya. She emphasized how Robredo upholds the university core values that she represents, “Matapat, Mahusay, May Puso”. CONTINUE ON

MAY MAL, IPAGLABAN ang TAMA KAYA HINDI MALING

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UNC’s 74th Foundation Anniversary celebrates with love

BY PAOLO JAMER

The University of Nueva Caceres commemorated its 74th foundation anniversary with various activities that engaged all the students, faculty and staff, and alumni of the said university from February 14-20, 2022. The University Student Government started the annual event with its traditional Marathon wherein students from different courses and staff participated. Mr. and Ms. University 2022 showcased the talent, beauty, and brains of each college’s representative wherein the college of law bagged both titles namely, Mr. Eric Kabigting and Ms. Reynaleen Praferosa. Aside from that, seminars and workshops were held like youth empowerment sessions and voters’ education session to name a few. “We are more than fervent. we are excited to champion excellence in whatever we do,” said UNC President Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya.

SA HALALAN, Mananaig ang

Bayan

#halalan2022 PHOTO FROM REUTERS/ WILLY KURNIAWAN

STARTING LINE. The color fun run was once again another enjoyment during UNC’s foundation celebration. This year’s foundation anniversary kick started the preparation for UNC’s Diamond Anniversary. PHOTO FROM UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES & WORDS BY NORENE CANTOR

IATF Approves . . .

President Lauraya . . . FROM PAGE

Previously, the CHED and the Department of Health mandated that higher education institutions ensure that students who attend face-to-face classes are registered with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). either as a direct or indirect contributor. If students are not enrolled under PhilHealth, they must be covered by equivalent medical insurance for COVID-19 which was later on repealed upon the recommendation of CHED. Meanwhile, the Kabataan Partylist applauded the IATF resolution but expressed reservations over the task force’s “no vax, no entry” stance. “Unfortunately, 46 percent of college students have not been

vaccinated. The government should hasten nationwide vaccination instead of punishing the unvaccinated,” Kabataan Party-list National President Raoul Manuel said. “The Duterte admin must boost the confidence of students, teachers and parents for limited face-to-face classes by decisively funding safeguard measures. Kasama dito ang libre at weekly antigen testing. Dapat ding maglaan ng special medical fund para sa mga magkakasakit ng COVID-19 kaysa magpataw ng dagdag-bayarin sa porma ng insurance fees,” added Manuel.

FROM PAGE

“She is giving us a chance to have a government na matapat. At kung ang gobyerno ay tapat, Angat Buhay ang lahat”, Lauraya added. Lauraya shared the UNC Community is humbled and honored by the higher role she has taken in the hope of better tomorrow that is not just for Bicolanos, but for all the Filipino people. She also acknowledged Robredo’s contribution to the university’s history. Robredo took up her Juris Doctor at the University of Nueva Caceres in 1992 and passed the Bar Exam in 1997. Along with President Lauraya, several University Presidents in private institutions in Bicol also pledged their support for Robredo for the 2022 Presidential Elections.

Editorial

uncthedemocrat

They lie while looking you in the eye An era of hypocritic history

This has been the most awaited year for Filipinos, looking forward to authentic change and good governance. Filipinos make noise in social media in support of candidates, more importantly to voice out principles they know should be a prerequisite to selecting the best possible leader. A diversity in viewpoints seems normal, but what we should know at this point in time is that it is alarming—the number one newsmaker in history is threatening to go back to the palace, while showing no remorse in the past years of what the family had put the nation through. Saying that we should be respecting this diverse viewpoint does not help one bit. We see it all in social media, where people across the country spend time every day. The Philippines being a social country ranked second in having the most active social media users according to a Digital 2022 report. It is known for a fact that there is no regulating body in the government that filters truth from lies especially in these frequently used platforms, thus making users very prone to misinformation and disinformation. One of which is the whitewashing of the history of the Marcoses. You know they are doing a great job with their propaganda because many Filipinos resent what is written in our history books. This is because of their historical distortion machinery, which is the term we should start using instead of revisionism. The latter implies that more factual information is replacing what is written, which is quite wrong. How can journalists, students, teachers and historians protect and preserve the truth from blatant and relentless lies spread all over social media? The problem now is how we can push back against the lies overpowering the truth. The upcoming 2022 National Election

has been a constant battle of who has the machinery of circulating lies and fake news, apparently not any more of the qualifications that they must possess. This is drawn from the turnouts of surveys of certain research entities covering Filipinos’ choice of leaders, showing the constant lead of the Marcos-Duterte tandem who carry on the culture of political dynasty and blatant whitewashing of their truly inhumane actions. Apart from that, absence of a political candidate in a political debate without any reasonable excuse has been a trend that has let Filipinos be deprived of their right to know the plans and excellence that the country deserves. The mission remains to be a banging call to all of us that historical facts and truthful narratives should be a constant battle amidst massive disinformation that apparently Filipinos buy. All the effects of this blatant lying of the Marcoses are felt as well by our journalists. Many minds have been twisted about what factual reporting about the Marcos family is. Seeing this family in a rose-tinted glass is dangerously validating their wrongdoings both in the past and the present. They are powerful enough to gather many people and make them believe that their narratives are to look forward to. Indeed, the number one newsmaker has every probability to grab that title once again, redefining what “news” and “unbiased reporting” are. Marcos family blatantly shows intent to protect their family from a bad reputation which depicts them as antagonists of Philippine history. The truth of human rights violations, corruption, and lavish kind of living of the Marcoses during their patriarch’s administration, Ferdinand Marcos Sr.,

has been gradually overshadowed by their troll armies and loyalists to distort history favoring them. There is concrete evidence, narratives, court decisions and data of the Marcos’ years that prove the crimes committed against the Filipino people. WIthout them detained is not a validation of the false narratives they make about themselves. This is rather a question of how the Philippine justice system works, and one of the answers is the general notion that they are still powerful enough to control within their fingers their destiny. Unity is being propheticized as MarcosDuterte tandem mantra of change in the country and for poor families’ salvation. But that will never be sufficient to resolve poverty, corruption and crimes in the country if the corrupt politicians themselves are allied in robbing the country of many opportunities for it to be better. The battle for the truth remains to be a tenacious fight among Filipinos as it dictates the elections in our country. Perceptions may be real but not true to all cases. Can ego be diluted in return to withstand the truth in our country specifically with historical facts? The crusade is not alone about the Marcos’ but against lies, fake news and disinformation. The fight of historical truth and facts is a long way ahead but not yet done. The Filipinos have the freedom to choose whether to face the truth or remain in the convenience of lies before them. But choosing the latter is the consequence of the higher power to abuse freedom without having to face any accountability. This is one of the instances when taking sides is not optional. Blind obedience and fanaticism should end; let us prevent history’s repetition.

The DEMOCRAT

Editorial Board & Staff A.Y. 2021 - 2022

EDITORIAL BOARD Editor-in-Chief Norene Cantor Associate Editor Kenn Daniel Montecillo Managing Editor Charey Mae Alvarado Deputy Managing Neil Andrew Formalejo Editor/ Circulation Manager Senior Editor John Paul Borito News Editor Berlineth Nymia Montes Feature Editor Patrick Joseph Panambo Sports Editor Jonna Mae Bagasbas Creatives Director Brandon Jon Delos Santos Design Director Cyen Esclanda Web Manager Christian Reganit Broadcasting Head Earl Dwight Serrado

APPRENTICES

Aila Joy Esperida Danrie Josh Garcia Jannsen Martinez Jhezylle Faye Loria Joy Villaspin Marie Juvy Lea Violeta Paolo Jamer Rachelle Paja

CONTRIBUTORS Jean Aquino Maria Jhoanna Yasis Jonas Corporal Ma. Isabel Azaña Kyra Fermel Victoria

TECHNICAL ADVISER Mary Allysa Jenica Sariba

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

Ang Malayang Pahayagan ng mga Mag-aaral ng University of Nueva Caceres Enero 16, 2022 - Marso 31, 2022 | Tomo LXIX Bilang III

Devcom

BY NORENE CANTOR

Is it time to integrate Basic Law to our curriculum? We may not realize too quickly the core purpose of being educated. Beyond the math should be the logic; beyond the essays should be the power to deliver; beyond the grammar and vocabulary should be the intent to understand and be understood; among others. It takes time for us to reflect on the reasons why we are reading this and that other than to pass the subjects. The system shows signs of taking advantage of the disciplines but with minimal returns for the students. To give a realistic example, many Filipinos on social media comment about students who are critical of the PH government, saying they do not show good manners, rather promote hate. The interesting part here is their audacity to shoo them back to their academic shell because according to them, they know nothing. This ironic logic unreasonably oppresses every Filipino’s right to free speech, especially the responsibility of being watchful of the government. It does not reinforce but actually punishes students who take their education for a genuine cause. It is also obvious how the same people have sarcastic remarks saying that many people have suddenly become political analysts because of the criticisms that “put the government in a bad light.” This era in social media will be far from over, until we instill more political awareness and develop our logical reasoning in relation to politics. The school is the best place to start, with several people developing themselves into becoming responsible and functional members of society for years. Core subjects play prerequisite roles for the further honing of thinking skills. Along with what our curriculum offers, Basic or Fundamental Law should cover the constitution—how the country is and should be governed, and most especially our basic rights. The biggest proposal we have is to integrate fragments of Law classes to our curriculum. Even before, having an abundance of knowledge about the law is mostly associated with pursuing a career in the legal field. However, it is quite unreasonable to disregard the subject as something only a selected few can handle. Law is what governs the state, however let us accept the fact that these are man-made, therefore there are laws that are bound to be obeyed as they are, but there are those that need to be criticized. Take for example the controversial Anti-terrorism Law which vaguely defines terrorism. This law provides and overbroad definition of terrorism topped with the legality of warrantless arrests

and surveillance. This fact in itself is already a problem, but to think also that many people publicly laud the Duterte regime for this sole move is alarming. The result of having less to no knowledge or interest at all in our basic law is that we counterdevelop citizens’ critical thinking towards the government and the law. There are also obsolete laws that still take effect in this country. Rappler’s report on the Philippines’ war on drugs cited the obsolete Dangerous Drugs Act (RA 9165) as the Dangerous Drugs Board itself revealed in 2018. A then undersecretary opened how the Philippine National Police (PNP) has so much room for interference in the execution of the drug war. With the present administration’s intensifying drug war turned into a continuous violation of human rights through a series of extra-judicial killings (EJK), we now come back to the idea that many Filipinos praise this until it becomes a seemingly justified narrative about “addicts who fought back”. It is mind-numbing for Filipinos to hear too much almost daily about these injustices and blatant violation of human rights. For some who flaunt them on social media, it is a success for the nation. If in our schools we were taught legal reasoning, we would encounter less people who will see our governing bodies through rose-tinted glasses. Law is intended to put the state under control, therefore affecting all aspects of living as a Filipino citizen. It would be unacceptable if only people who are experts are knowledgeable enough about this. As early as primary school, we were taught about fundamental ethics and morality—what is right or wrong; what is acceptable and not. Putting this to a higher level would mean looking at what controls us and if they are justly crafted as time goes by. With this addition to the curriculum, we do not intend for everybody to be interested in the legal field. We change this perspective by making them interested in being more critical citizens who want a better and morally upright country. GRAPHICS BY CYEN ESCLANDA PAGE LAYOUT BY JANNSEN MARTINEZ

Lathalain

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“Gagawin ko ang lahat para sa ikabubuti ng ating bayan.” “Tapat ang aking hangarin!” “Narito ako upang hingin ang inyong suporta at tulong.” ani ng mga taong nagpapapansin. Halalan. Iyon ang unang pumapasok sa ating isipan sa tuwing umuugong na ang ganitong mga kataga. Sa radyo, sa telebisyon, sa dyaryo. Isa ito sa mga indikasyon na malapit na ang halalan. Pagkalipas ng tatlo o anim na taon ay dumaragsa ang mga manliligaw na politiko. Ngunit sa bawat halalan na dumarating, naitanong mo na ba sa iyong sarili kung para kanino ito? At bakit kailangan itong isagawa? Imulat mo ang iyong mga mata, makinig sa mga diskurso, at sabay nating alamin ang sagot sa tanong na, “Para kanino ang halalan?” Nagkalat ang mga litrato at piraso ng mga dyaryo sa kwarto ng kaibigan ni Jose. Mga litratong sa unang tingin ay mga simpleng imahe lamang, ngunit batid kong sa likod nito ay samu’t saring istorya na may kinalaman sa halalan. Ang unang litrato ay ang mukha ng isa sa pinakaprominenteng politiko sa aming probinsya; may malaking ngiti sa kanyang labi dala ng pagkapanalo sa halalan noong nagdaang araw. Hindi katanggap-tanggap dahil apelyido na naman nila ang naupo; ang pangalang sangkot din sa kung ano anong kaso na napatunayan ng korte. Hindi alam ni Jose kung siya ang may pagkukulang o sadyang hindi nakinig ang kanyang mga kababayan sa paalala ng kasaysayan. Ang sunod na litrato ay ang mukha ni Mang Nestor. Isang magsasaka. Kayodkalabaw. Isa sa pinakamasipag na taong kilala sa kanilang baryo. Ngunit hindi tuwa ang aking nadama nang makita ko ang litrato dahil hindi ang maaliwalas na mukha ni Mang Nestor ang napukaw ng aking atensyon, ngunit ang isang magsasakang nakapiit sa kulungan. Ipinakulong dahil nagwala daw sa labas ng bahay ng isa sa mga konsehal sa aming bayan. Nakausap ni Jose si Mang Nestor kanina lamang nang dalawin niya ito sa kulungan. Hinihingi ang kabayaran sa palay na kinuha ng konsehal sa kanya. Ilang minuto pa siyang nakatitig sa larawan bago pumatak ang ilang butil ng luha mula sa kanyang mata. Ilang araw na lamang ay mag-iisang taon na si Mang Nestor sa kulungan. Hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin pinapalaya. Tunay ngang masyadong mailap ang hustisya para sa mga tulad ni Mang Nestor. Ang ikatlong larawan ay masalimuot at masakit para Kay Jose. Litrato ito ng kapwa niya mamamahayag na si Max.

Ilang araw bago ang halalan ay natagpuan siyang patay matapos niyang isulat ang mga natuklasan niya tungkol sa kaso na kinakaharap ng kanilang Gobernador. Ang iilan pang balita na nakasulat sa mga pinunit na dyaryo ay akda ni Max. Mga kaso ng pamamaslang sa mga kabaryo nila na ayon sa mga pulis ay lulong sa droga at nanlaban nang sila ay hulihin, ang hindi matapos-tapos na isyu ng pangangamkam ng palay at lupa ng mga konsehal sa mga magsasaka, at ang balitang naisulat ni Jose na naglalagay sa kanya sa kapahamakan. Isiniwalat niya ang mga katiwalian sa loob ng munisipyo, ang pagpilit ng ilang politiko sa mga tao na iboto sila, ang pagpatay sa kaibigan niyang si Max. Hawak niya ang mga mga litrato na nagsisilbing ebidensya sa lahat ng kanyang mga isinulat. Ngayon, kaya mo na bang sagutin ang tanong na, “para kanino ang halalan”? Ito ba ay para sa mga politiko, upang mapagsilbihan ang kanyang bayan tulad ng kanilang mga pangako o upang mapalawak ang kanilang kapangyarihan? Ito ba ay para sa mga katulad ni Mang Nestor na nakulong dahil higit na pinapanigan ng batas ang mga mayayaman? O ito ba ay para sa mga katulad ni Max at Jose na sa kabila ng takot at kapamahakan na kaabikat ng kanilang propesyon ay patuloy pa ring nanindigan sa tama? Kung ang naiisip mong sagot ay para sa kanilang lahat. Maaari. Sapagkat GUHIT AT DEBUHO NG PAHINA ROSE CLAVANO

ang realidad ng halalan ay hindi para sa mga mabubuting tao lamang. Ito ay para rin sa mga oportunista ng bayan. Isang mapait na katotohanan na bagaman ang layunin ng halalan ay ihalal ang mga lider na magtataguyod ng ating bayan, nagagawa pa rin itong manipulahin ng iilan. Gayunpaman, tandaan mong nasa atin ang kapangyarihan upang baguhin ito. Tumindig ka para sa tama. Piliin mo ang nararapat na mamuno sa ating bayan. Nang sa gayon ay hindi na natin masasabi na ang halalan ay para sa mga baluktot na pamamahala ng mga opisyal na gobyerno; para sa mga api na katulad ni Mang Nestor; at para sa mga nasa kapahamakan na katulad ni Jose. Ang halalan ay higit na para sa iyo. Kung saan ikaw magpapasya kung sino ang pagkakatiwalaan mo ng buwis ng taumbayan, oportunidad sa pangkalahatan, at ang kinabukasan ng mamamayan. Sa halalan mas lalong ipinapakita kung gaano kalakas ang pinag-isang taumbayan– kung paanong luluhod at nagmamakaawa ang mga politiko upang makuha ang inyong mga boto. Ikaw ang magtatalaga kung talo o panalo, hindi ang mga politiko, kundi ang bansa at naninirahan dito.

Feature

Ang Malayang Pahayagan ng mga Mag-aaral ng University of Nueva Caceres Enero 16, 2022 - Marso 31, 2022 | Tomo LXIX Bilang III

Perhaps, she’s

Weeping BY PATRICK JOSEPH PANAMBO

Paraiso thought she’s on the depth of her dismay when Digong took the Presidential seat. At least she knew she made herself ready but the benchmark stooped so low that she could not regain her rising sun. The Philippines has come to its time where the selection of the supposed ‘good

After a tiresome and stressful day of work, you just want to curl up in bed and doze off for and realized that the whole day or just as it can make your day, two…or since it’s Friday, you it can also break you with its just want to wind nasty hangover. up with your friends to a pub to enjoy a This is alcohol, cold, cold booze. one of the most As the alcohol sets widely used in your veins, you Drink psychoactive feel dizzy, euphoric, drugs. The moderately and disoriented. and go home World Health You just can’t help Organization but wonder in with that recorded amazement how this smile on your 3 million magical ambrosia deaths each face can help you get year, related through the week to harmful or day. The night is alcohol use still young and one bottle is not worldwide. Several negative enough. You are having a good health implications are also time and the reality is blurred. related to alcohol consumption There were raucous laughters, which includes physical and sharing of good stories and you mental health. The social just don’t want the night to end. aspect of the user, especially But then, then you woke up, if they are addicted to alcohol,

“

is also affected such that they may neglect social responsibility and affect their relationships with other people. But if alcohol consumption is so bad, why is it that lots of people are hooked with it?

don’t join. That is the power of peer pressure. Even if you are not forced to try directly, just seeing the people around you doing the same thing could be Alcohol is highly accessible. a strong enough convincing You can buy it anywhere and force. Even on social media for anytime. Even minors can avail example. The romanticization it in the sari-sari store. Most of alcoholic drinks is so days, they don’t even check frequent that it’s almost as if the the age of buyers. Every bad substitute for killing troubles. habit starts with curiosity. If you Heartbroken? Shot. Stress at get your hands on it, and you academics? Shot. Tired in happen to actually like it, that’s life? Shot puno. It’s as if it is when the cycle starts.The added the universal band-aid to sin tax didn’t even deter people our problems. The stressfrom buying. I mean, it’s just a relieving property of alcohol few pesos extra to fuel your vice is undeniable. After all, it is right? Who are they to stop you? an agent that alters your There is also the social context. Ever just be in the situation where everybody is doing it and there is this urge in you to try it also? You feel like you’d miss out on a lot of fun if you

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candidates’: true to its service, with clean and no background of corruption, and whatsoever expected qualities will scramble to take each position. But voila! Paraiso could only facepalm from these same old politicians with convicted crimes. From all of this happenings, it’s not the same. It got worse. Perhaps her greatest enemy is the historical distortion. The disinformation that is so powerful, enough to twist the Filipinos’ choices and knowledge, especially that they are fond of using social media such as Facebook, TikTok, and others– think of the best duo. Paraiso could always claim that she is the best even though the records show she’s not. She can share to everyone that she is rich– wealthy in agriculture, has a lot of money, economically inclined but she knows to herself that these are not always true. She could post manipulated photos drenched in a grammatically incorrect paragraphs, misaligned data and numbers, and insist she’s the best among the universe. That’s how disinformation works that results

senses to a more relaxed state. In the larger scope, where alcohol consumption is becoming a huge problem, the government needs to tighten laws regarding alcohol consumption. Different platforms like social media could be maximized to help educate the masses. Laws that deter individuals from frequently buying alcohol could be

in misinformation and historical distortion that the people believe.

who is better to lead the country. She always wonders, “What happened to my great Filipino people? The talented, smart, and their sweetest smiles?”

Perhaps in her land, misinforming people is the effective campaign Paraiso could never strategy versus the boast her capabilities. overrated street Paraiso is She is mismanaged and noises– jingles, taken for her prowess. house-to-house sick. She’s in huge debt but campaigns, and Paraiso knew barely feels the progress. commercial advertisement. she was once Paraiso is sick. Paraiso knew Bragging the name progressive she was of Marcos Jr.– once who’s the number progressive, one in every survey, but also the inclined with the number one getting fact checked economy, and because of incorrect social media posts. The person who maliciously in some time claims that his family had built the an exporter. But the Bangui Wind Farm in Ilocos Norte. great era of And many more issues that they always try to cover just to clear their name. If disinformation is a person, it’s them.

“

misinformation came, her true state was covered as if she’s advancing. She is Paraiso– she is the Philippines. If Paraiso could talk, what should she say? GRAPHICS BY CHRISTIAN REGANIT PAGE LAYOUT BY JANNSEN MARTINEZ

She is witnessing the fight between disinformation that leads to historical distortion, and the voice of the democrat. She never knew that her people would want the same result– to be a successful country but will never have the same power to think of

implemented especially so that minors can easily access it. Drinking shouldn’t really be that bad. It takes self-control and discipline. You can have fun and know your limits. Drink moderately and go home with that smile on your face from the good time you had while being free from the troubles that awaits you the next morning. It is always good to have a reservation about a bright tomorrow. Cheers, and until then don’t get too drunk. BY NEIL ANDREW FORMALEJO

GRAPHICS BY BRANDON JON DELOS SANTOS PAGE LAYOUT BY JANNSEN MARTINEZ

Feature

Ang Malayang Pahayagan ng mga Mag-aaral ng University of Nueva Caceres Enero 16, 2022 - Marso 31, 2022 | Tomo LXIX Bilang III

Her Necklace: Adorned by a string of Commitments BY MARIE JUVY LEA J. VIOLETA

You might think that being involved in a lot of places seems reckless— where does your loyalty belong to? It might even sound counterintuitive with the idea of focusing on just one responsibility to perform and excel better, but there are cases that in taking up more responsibilities, one can develop the tenacity to exercise their different strengths and talents to make a difference. In the thick of things, be it midterms or finals– when it’s time to call it a day, have you ever counted the number of hours you can get to rest? Six hours, maybe five? For some, bargaining four hours to regain basic bodily function for another day is enough. It’s no wonder student life can be challenging, but if you see a need for a leader, would you take on the responsibility? There is a saying that society is at a standstill when no one steps up to be a leader—thankfully, there is a student who does mobile photography and poetry writing as a hobby, and at the same time, a leader who has trailblazed a possibility that as a student can be certified extraordinary. Have you met Berlineth Nymia T. Montes? Petite in physique but a big personality that can fill a room with liveliness. In her early years, she went to Julian B. Meliton Elementary School, for Junior High School she spent her days in Concepcion Pequeña National High School, and afterwards went to Camarines Sur National High School (CSNHS) as an Accounting and Business Management student for Senior High School, currently she is a 3rd year student in the University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) studying BSBA Marketing. At a young age of 21, she has amassed an astounding track record inside and outside the University. Berlineth is academically, socially, and politically immersed and a concoction of possibly even more. She advocates for a Drug-free community, and leans more toward the rehabilitation side of it. She is the President of Barkada Kontra Droga Naga 2019-2022 as of date. She is a Delegate of American Chamber of Commerce Incorporated Business Leadership Program 2022, Delegate of Ayala Youth Leadership Congress 2022, Deputy Coordinator for Bayani UNC— Vice President at CSNHS SSG 2016-2017, President at CSNHS SSG during her final Senior High School Years and President at Naga City Supreme Student Government (SSGa) Federation, 2018-2019. The list goes on so you may want to blink if you’re reading this silently or catch your breath if it’s out loud. She is also a student journalist dating back to high school, being a News Reporter at CSNHS Ang Isarog 2017, she also became the News Editor, News Anchor and Station Manager of the Broadcasting team of The DEMOCRAT at UNC— which aligns with her advocacy in upholding a freer press. She is also part of the acclaimed College Editors Guild of the Philippines as the Education Committee. When the Naga City Youth Officials (CYO) was accepting applicants, Berlineth Montes took the opportunity to apply. “I applied for CYO because I want to give myself a bigger platform wherein, I can realize my mission & vision as a student-leader—to

GRAPHICS & PAGE DESIGN BY: ROSE CLAVANO

lead inclusively, progressively, and transparently.” And indeed, she succeeded, as she held a seat in Congress this 2022 and became Mayor of Naga CYO last 2021. This is a remarkable feat to be selected out of the two-phase selection process as a Youth Official. Being a CYO Mayor meant that for a month and a half, she can fully attend to official functions during regular office hours as pursuant to Sangguniang Panlungsod Resolution No. 95210 dated August, 1995. With this authority, she was able to exercise her advocacy on transparent and pro-people governance. Berl, as her colleagues call her, explains that youth involvement in city governance is important because it allows the LGU to have a fresh take on what’s new. “For so many years, the youth were able to prove that they can give something to the table, and through CYO, the youth sector—its interests, plight, and causes were represented and even

addressed through the mandates created by the youth officials which are supported by the regular members of the LGU,” she continues. No leader pops up like a lone random mushroom overnight, they always have a figure to look up to and someone that cultivates their sturdy growth, like a magnificent oak tree per say— like father like daughter, Berlineth shares how her dad influenced her immersion in leadership roles and how she tries to emulate his examples. “When I was still a kid, we always talked about leadership and politics. I have also seen my father’s dedication in fighting for what is right no matter what it takes—which is something I always try to do,” she says. As a student-leader, balancing life, school and commitment to leadership roles can be a demanding lifestyle choice. “I would be lying if I say it’s easy. Burn out is somehow a companion of mine through the years of being a student-leader,” she admits— but she continues, “what is certain is that being a student-leader is a worthwhile experience.” She was exposed at a very young age to the struggle of the common masses, this led to the strengthening of her principles in life. Through a plethora of circumstances, she was able to become more self-aware, compassionate, and proactive. She also quipped that being so engaged with her organizations became an addition to her indispensable hobbies, which makes sense because it becomes evident on the way that she loves what she’s doing. If one is contemplating entering the world of student-leadership, she gave the gist of what it’s like to be young in a professional environment. “Expect that you will not be babied. Expect criticisms, may it be constructive and destructive, some people will make sure you’ll feel that you don’t deserve to sit in the table, and sometimes even your colleagues or mentors will push you to decide on things that’s against your principles as a leader.” Despite the downside, Berl gave her hearty encouragement. “Always go back to the reason why you are serving. Always go back as to ‘why’ you are here, although moments like those can sway you, toughen up.” Being aware of that culture, she strongly advices to listen to criticisms that can hone you to be a better leader and disregard those that only tries to bring you down. She reassures that at the end of the day, you are capable— capable of continuously learning, capable of helping other people, capable of making a change in the society. Now taking up a responsibility can be daunting and the student-leader points out that the moment you start to feel afraid of something— that would be the moment for you to really go for it. “Fear is there because you are afraid that you may fail but this is also a manifestation that you are sincere to your purpose, to your calling. The world needs more leaders like you,” Berlineth affirms. There is nothing wrong or weak in being a follower or a supporter too, but do keep in mind that a leader is borne through thick and thin when the need arises, you would be doing a disservice to those who are counting on you at that moment if you fold away now, you may feel overwhelmed at first especially if you’re already burdened with a lot of things, but It’s alright to be decisive, serve and lead.

Panitikan

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Ang Pulang Tinta sa Daliri ni Maria NI NEIL ANDREW FORMALEJO

grupo sa gastusin nila sa research. Isang taon na lang, makapagtatapos na si Lenlen sa senior high school. Mahirap man ang buhay ngunit kailangan kong itaguyod ang kanyang pag-aaral dahil ito lamang ang susi upang hindi niya na maranasan ang kahirapang nararanasan ko. Patay na ang aking asawa, isang taon na ang nakalipas ng siya’y mabaril ng mga pulis. Nagtutulak daw ng droga at gumagamit din. Nanlaban daw siya sa operasyon ng mga pulisya, kung saan siya ay tiniktikan ng madaling-araw pauwi galing sa trabaho. Alam kong siya’y mabuting tao at hindi niya kayang gawin ang mga paratang sa kanya. Hanggang ngayon nga’y hindi pa ako tapos sa pagdadalamhati ngunit wala na akong magagawa. Ito ang sistema at ayon ang nais ng aming pinuno. Noong gabi, ako’y pumunta sa tindahan ni aling Pasita upang bumili ng softdrinks. Nakapagusap din kami nang sandali. Tinanong niya kung sino ang iboboto kong alkalde. Natigil akong sandali at napaisip nang malalim. Walang ibang pumasok sa aking isip kundi si Bong. Tutal, kapatid niya iyong Kapitan ng baranggay noon ang tumulong maglibing sa aking asawa. Siya lang din ang pamilyar na mukha sa akin dahil sa kanyang tatay na naging gobernador at sa Lolo niya na ganun din, isa sa mga dating namumuno sa aming lalawigan. “Naku, mga trapo yan. Hindi ka na ba nagsasawa? Puro Markus na lang, wala nang pinagbago. Halos wala namang progreso nangyayari. Ang iboboto ko ay si Roberto. Bagong mukha naman at kita ko kwalipikado. Syempre kinuha ko lang ang pera na pamigay ni Bong, pero hindi ko yun iboboto.” Ilang segundo din akong natahimik bago ako nakapag-isip ng tugon, “Hindi naman kasi namigay ng pera si Roberto. Baka hindi din yan mamigay ng pera sa sunod. Tsaka, kahit sino naman ang iupo pare parehas din yan. Hindi naman tayo niyan kilala at hindi tayo maapektuhan. Basta tayo’y masipag. Doon na ako sa namimigay pera.” Medyo lumaki ang mata niya. Ipinaliwanag niya na pagkakataon ito ng mga tao na makapili ng landas sa pagbabago. Dagdag pa niya ay hindi totoong walang mangyayaring pagbabago dahil sa demokrasya, binibigyan ang bayan na pumili at palitan ang mga taong kumakain sa sistema, Sinabi ko na lang na pag iisipan ko nang maigi. Sa totoo lang, wala akong oras makipag-away sa mga ganyang bagay. Kapag kumakalam ang iyong sikmura, syempre ang pipiliin mo ay pera.

Dumating na nga ang araw ng halalan. Gumising ako nang maaga upang pumila, bumoto at magpatinta sa aking daliri. Pagkatapos ng bilangan, nanalo si Bong bilang alkalde. Balik ulit ako sa dating buhay– labandera sa umaga, waitress sa hapon. Doble kayod kung kinakailangan upang maitaguyod ko ang aking tatlong anak. Hindi ko na iniinda ang sakit ng aking katawan dahil ito’y napapawi lang din ng tulog at kunting hilot. Isang taon na ang makalipas at nasa kolehiyo na si Lenlen. Mabuti na lamang at siya ay nakapasa bilang iskolar sa kanyang unibersidad. Buhay ay ganun pa rin, isang kahig, isang tuka. Ngunit isang araw, nagbago ang lahat. Nakauwi na ako sa bahay at inaantay ko na lang si Lenlen. Hanggang sa inabot na ng alas nuebe ng gabi at wala pa ang aking anak. Bilang ina, kinain ako ng pag-aalala. Dali-daling kumaripas ng takbo si aling Pasita sa aming bahay. Inaya niya ako sa labas upang mag-usap, para hindi raw marinig ng mas nakababata kong mga anak. “Maria, si Lenlen, dinampot, binaril, pinatay.” Natulala na lamang ako at hindi ko na naiintindihan ang lahat ng sinabi ni aling Pasita. Hindi ako nakikipagbiruan, sabi ko sa kanya. Pero mata na niya ang nakikipagusap na siya ay seryoso. Ang natatandaan ko sa sinabi niya ay operasyon daw ito ng mga pulis laban sa komunista. Pinaigting daw kasi ni Mayor Bong ang paglaban sa mga NPA sa aming lugar. Matagal na raw pinagmamatiyagan ang aking anak na sumama pala sa mga rally nang hindi ko alam. Rally bilang panawagan sa pagbabago, pagsiwalat ng hinaing ng mga estudyante sa sapat na suporta sa edukasyon, at sigaw ng hustisya sa patayan na nangyayari sa aming lugar dahil daw sa pakikipaglaban ng gobyerno sa droga kung saan biktima ang kanyang ama. Tinitiktikan daw ang aking panganay araw-araw. Hindi ko na natapos ang kanyang paliwanag kung paano humantong sa ganito ang lahat. Kinalaunan, nakumpirma ko ang masalimuot na balita. Inanyayahan ako ng mga awtoridad sa nangyari at sinamahan upang makita ang mga labi ng aking anak. Napayuko na lamang ako at halos mahimatay sa poot. Una ang aking asawa. Ngayon naman, ang aking panganay. Tiningnan ko ang aking mga kamay, at ito’y ipinunas sa lupa, dahil alam kong ito’y may bahid ng dugo ng aking anak at iba pang biktima ng sistemang mga kagaya ko din ang pumili, nakaluklok, at hinayaang ito’y bulagin ang sambayanan.

GUHIT NI BRANDON JON DELOS SANTOS DEBUHO NG PAHINA ROSE CLAVANO

“Kamusta, pumunta ka na ba sa Sports Complex?” sabi ni aling Pasita. Napakamot na lamang ako ng ulo. “Ha, bakit? Wala naman akong natatandaang palaro ngayon sa barangay,” ang aking sagot. Halos matawa siya sa aking sinabi. Kumandong siya sa aking balikat at biglang bumulong, “Ay Maria, bilisan mo na. Patapos na ang “Voters Education” ni Mayor. Sige ka, baka hindi ka na makaabot sa pila at makuha ang iyong puting sobre. Sayang eh, nakita pa naman sana kita sa listahan. Kahapon ako kumuha. Magkasunod lamang ang ating apelyido, Mendoza Pasita at Mendula Maria.” Dali-dali kong inuwi ang aking mga pinamili. Hindi ko na nga nagawang ayusin ito kaya ito’y nakakalat lang sa mesa. Habang ako’y naglalakad, naalala ko na hindi pa pala ako nakapagluluto ng pagkain. Naisip ko na lang na mas makakabili ako ng masarap na ulam pagbalik ko galing sa Sports Complex. Nang ako’y makarating buti at may iba pang upuan. Wala ang kandidato sa pagka-alkalde na si Bong Markus at iba pang kaalyado nito. Sa harap ay may isang lalaking nagsasalita ng kung ano tungkol sa eleksyon. “Ang pagkakataong ito ay dumarating lamang ng ika-ilang taon. Ang iyong boto ay mahalaga dahil sa eleksyon, tao ang may kapangyarihan. Sa demokrasya, tao ang masusunod. Ngunit ito lamang ang masasabi ko, piliin niyo ang may matagal nang karanasan sa pamamalakad. Galing sa angkan ng totoong serbidor ng bayan, Bong Markus po, iboto sa pagka-alkalde. Gaya ng tatay niya, siya ay may magandang adhikain din.” Sinalubong siya ng masigabong palakpakan ng mga tao. Pagkatapos, ay kami’y pinapila na. Nag-antay ako ng mga ilang minuto bago ako makarating sa unahan. Ngunit ang nasa harapan kong lalaki na nakapila din ay uminit ang ulo nang sabihing wala daw ang kanyang pangalan sa listahan. Muntik nang magkagulo at palaban namang itong si Tatay. Nakinig daw siya ng ilang oras at nagtiis ng gutom para lang sa wala. Nang dumating ang mga gwardyang may mahahabang baril, napilitang kumalma si manong. Pag-uwi ko’y may mga dala akong isang bucket ng fried-chicken, bilaong pancit at ibaiba pang grocery. Masayang-masaya ang mga anak ko sa masarap na pagkain. Ang tira kong pera ay binigay ko sa panganay kong anak na si Len-len upang makapagbigay na siya sa kanyang

Ang Malayang Pahayagan ng mga Mag-aaral ng University of Nueva Caceres Enero 16, 2022 - Marso 31, 2022 | Tomo LXIX Bilang III

Opinion

Title to follow UNSAFE HAVEN JOHN PAUL BORITO @jpaulborito jpaulborito@gmail.com

ou cannot tell me that there wasn’t a time you have slacked off. For what probable reason, or a few more, it is a high chance that you felt guilty for wasting precious time. You feel like it is something you should not do

again—but just like how Filipinos remain attracted to trapos, you still find yourself resigning to moments of slacking off. You should feel bad, it is true. Slacking off in its shallow nature wastes time. It is far less admirable than being all hands,

finishing a task before it is even due. Although I would say otherwise, perhaps slacking off is more than just a showcase of laziness. It could be more than just an awful phase. As a slacker myself, I have found myself in a spiral of not being able to perform well. And I was upset with myself for being such. I know I have to break the habit, but it seems like a mountain load of work—another task on an already-long list. How can I move mountains when I can barely pick a feather up? I can’t, at least not yet. For with everything happening around you, coming at you from all directions altogether at the same time, things can be too much to take. And with the thought that there is only so much you can do in a moment, you tend to pause. You slack

Exploitation of the loophole of democracy FAYETTEVILLE JHEZYLLE FAYE LORIA loriajhezyllefaye@gmail.com

efore, I was still hopeful of what democracy can do to us as a country. I even told myself that we are better off with democracy rather than monarchy which our ancestors considered as a choice when they were trying to figure out what kind of government we must have. But with voters who would settle for sheer mediocrity, I am not sure about that. With what former senator Trillanes said about the democracy of the Philippines being so much alive. I must agree with that. But what bothers me is the kind of leaders we elect every single election. It seems like they fit perfectly on a certain mold. It has an uncanny resemblance. Have you noticed them, too? One could not deny the flaws that the design of democracy presents itself to the public. Democracy would work out for you whatever background you have, just

Luna spitting facts, everyone. What could be the reason behind this? If you have read the book of the famous Filipino writer Bob Ong titled “Lumayo ka nga sa akin,” it is a satirical book about the movies in the Philippines and how it portrays redundancy of the plots. Let us be charismatic enough and discuss the comedy movies’ exaggerate things all the time. section. You are good to go. And it’s Filipinos do love slapstick only normal for you to win. comedy films a lot. I have It is expected. We just need read something about this, to hear your singing voice and it explained that Filipinos every time you visit our place. It wasn’t have low comprehension for No minimum requirements “high comedy” which evokes needed. Seriously, who always about intellectual laughter. We do would be patient to hear your the people. It not appreciate comedies that platforms? Let us get real here. have more conversations that was always I just need to see how kind and need analysis, but instead we normal you are just like us. We about them, want the insults and physical vote for them because we feel antics of the actors. This just like they can do something, shows how much patience we like maybe they could help us. have with politicians if ever When in reality, it is not really they are saying something that as it seems like. In reality we has any substance at all, as show the signs of deranged long as they fit perfectly on the gullible individuals. As our hero said, “Para mold that every single typical politician has kayong mga birhen na naniniwala sa pagto have. Won’t you agree with that? We are ibig ng isang puta!” Just General Antonio

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off and do things that seem But how do we change something achievable for you, although we don’t recognize needs changing? not as progressive as doing a Only when we accept it as a part responsibility task or two. of our frail human capacity can we How can I have put it as a begin to change our ways—which I move you should, ultimately. common thing, for they say, “even the best fall down I want to cheer you on that one, mountains sometimes.” I say this as I too. And more so when you have not when I can found a way out yet. I do because want you to feel that this slacking off, even in its barely pick a I have slacked off but have also dismissive form, is a shared thrived after moments of sulking feather up? I myself in a cloud of unproductivity. experience. I want to think of it as a part of our human can’t, at least It was freeing. And you, too, deserve nature, a constant part of our to enjoy your life again. To enjoy not yet. doing the things you love doing. lives that comes time after time. You are meant to chase dreams True, I have helped despite the ugly moments. To push validate your slacking off, through—to feel yourself again. and I am most likely condemnable for this. You let these moments be success

stories of how you defeated your lows. You tell these stories to your future self as a mental note of how everything can go wrong, and yet you made yourself a victor. I tell you this, for whether you like it or not, as I have proclaimed, slacking off is like a chronic disease that never runs out of fuel. You are bound to put things off for a while, but not for the rest of the time. While slacking off may be natural, what comes after that is also human nature—you move forward, you survive.

greedy politicians. They are wide awake in constructing propaganda or tactics on how they’ll win the polls. Instead of giving their realistic and sound platforms to the electorate, they’d rather choose dancing or making nonsensical television or radio advertisements. They would find a celebrity to endorse them or beg a religious group to support them publicly. It is all about machinery. If you don’t have money, you don’t belong in the group, darling. Your passion isn’t what Filipinos need, it is your mediocrity that amuses and entices us. The Philippines is Southeast Asia’s first and longest democratic country. Except for elections, the Philippines’ democracy is of poor quality or “defective democracy.” Democracy, because of its short termism, makes the politicians hungry for every recognition they can get. They build waiting sheds, bridges, improve parks or public markets or even settle for inane projects just to get their names plastered on them. Then, after years of being a governor or congressman they would run for senate or lower positions such as mayoral position or board member. The problem with democracy is the people themselves. They vote for someone who is familiar with them, not because they have a good track record and are qualified. One thing I would tell you about democracy, it has surprises all the time that you can’t keep up with it anymore.

It is a mystery box wherein you cannot expect goodies all the time. Most of the time you would get molds, worms or crocodiles. It’s hard to guess. Since the American colonial days, the introduction of electoral democracy in the Philippines before any attempt to develop a functioning, autonomous, and rationalized bureaucratic state has effectively created favorable conditions for conventional oligarchs to control state structures. Because socio-economic cleavages were never articulated in the party system, political parties were created as clientelistic shells, devoid of any substantial, programmatic purpose that would serve the public good. It wasn’t always about the people. It was always about them, on how they would be able to get power and money at the same time. It is the most convenient way to increase their wealth. The cycle will repeat and repeat unless we educate ourselves on what we really want in a government. Would you rather still choose mediocrity over quality? Maybe, we don’t really deserve that. Because just like fools in love, we keep on going back to that toxic relationship no matter how it hurts us. We never learn.

always complaining about how the system of the government affects us but we always choose without thinking twice. We vote by our emotions. Oftentimes, we are controlled or dominated by it. In 1995, there was a study conducted about the behavior of the Filipino electorate. It has identified four determinants in which a Filipino voter chooses who they will vote for. The first one is popularity, which makes it easier for them to identify the candidate. Currently, you would notice that there are celebrities who did not even have an ounce of experience or background in politics but have a position in the government. The next one is endorsement of traditional networks and organizations such as churches and the family. Even if we try to deny it, there is and there will always be a percentage of our decision depending on who endorses the candidate. The third one is the characteristics of the candidate that can be of benefit to the voters. And the last consideration is of the party program. This determinant is proved after the 1998 elections wherein Speaker Jose de Venecia sought for the support of one of the biggest religious groups in the country, Jesus is Lord. While Joseph Estrada, an actor, requested support from the Iglesia ni Kristo, a religious group known for their bloc voting. The defects of the system of democracy make it susceptible to the exploitation of

Lampoon

Ang Malayang Pahayagan ng mga Mag-aaral ng University of Nueva Caceres Enero 16, 2022 - Marso 31, 2022 | Tomo LXIX Bilang III

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UNIBERSIDAD Obal

i asin Hello mga beh! Yaon na naman kamo igde sa pahinang ini. Ayieee, krass na nindo talaga akuuu noh char! Salamat sa pirming pag-antabay sako pero aram ko ang habol man lang talaga nindo sako is chismis, chika, and chichi na nagsisirkular sa mahal niyatong unibersidad. Pero kun mayo ka maginibo magtiktok ka muna or maglabalaba ka na lang para may pakinabang ka sa Earth emzz. Syempre, magbasa kang mga ihahain kong mga relevant news sa buhay mo ta, lams na sa chika man lang nabubuhay ang satong dugo. Joke! Sige na magpuon na tayes.

o yan, for today`s vidyowww una sa listahan ay syempre si karampayahan na nakapalibot sa atmosphere ta nowadays, adi puon pa last year si iba nakaelection mode na. Kita now ta palang talaga namamati na parani na talaga ang pirilian asin madangog si samu't saring mga opinyon na si iba dae man significant ta mema man sana hanunayan, Goldiee sana magmata ka na sa katotohanan nonoy (sana bisto nindo siya). Ata goldie peace sign nalang saimo pero wiz yan maasir pantotroll mo sa fb ata hilinga nagback fire man lang kay koya mong goldie ang pagkairesponsible nya. Perooo beh, ito talaga ang sakong pigpaparaisip (wow may isip) na si sarong prof daa sa small but terrible na department silent BBM daa knowing na ang kapot niyang subject is literature and syempre tugang kayang history. Ay naku si Ma`am why man po supporter ka kan sugo kan History reviosionism at trolls peddler. Pa-explain po in 5 hrs charot. Pasharawt nalangs po sa vlogs emz hehe.. Ay ini pa, all GRAPHICS BY CYEN ESCLANDA PAGE DESIGN BY DARWIN ESCARO

ears mga beh ugwa man daang Sir sa balyong department na katandem ni Maam awit talaga na maray nagkasundo sinda sa pigsusupportahan na Presidentiable. Mayo man maraot sa pagtubod na iyan pero maraot talaga ayy. Ngunyan pa na ang UNC pigpapahiling na ang todong suporta sa satong alumna na si Madam Leni, sana okay lang sindang duwa. Speaking of Madam Leni, ata dawa tigbaha naman ning call for support mega shut up lang ang red & gray for the past months if gora sinda kay pink. Not until, the yoensi pressy herself called Miss Ma’am Leni as her education president! Well this is to shut all of those doubting pa rin talaga para kiisay si red & gray, kay pink ba or kay red & green. Red and Green !? Halo garo iyo man lang si depts na namention sa taas! Hoooy hindi tayo manlalaglag for today’s video. Anong ganyan-ganyan? Next item mga madamzxs is itong commendable na paacademic pause kan yowensi peroo beh ta ay inda mayo man nga laog pero kadakol need iparasa, videos pa si ibang requirements. Isip gayud nindang madali lang ini gibuhon.

Nasisiraman na kaya na puros pavideo sinda mamsir. Sana po alam niyo na bago maka-create ning pandiurag na vidyowsss, may shooting iyan asin editing–si pinakamasakit na part. Sharawt po saindo padangat ming mga prof, kalmahan niyo ang pavid na iyan na minsan dae man uploadable sa BB hayss. Oh mga marites here and there, awat na muna sa chismax na nakaka HB as in high blood, igdi muna kita sa sarong HB as Huwaw Berigod. For the first time in history, tigdagos sa satuyang U ang Bar Exams 2022. Ini nin huli ta si kumareng Covidra Mae gora pa sa pagbasay basay sa kapaligidligid. Lingga ka gurl? Chz. Sobra sa 100 mga marz na greyhound JDs ang sumabak sa digmaan, kaya talaga kami saludo saindo mga Atty. Kaya si iba puon naman magmanifest ning Atty Cutie or kung dae magjowa nalang ning mga Atty, para libre ang notaryo mga mare emz. Eto ka na nga!! Saro pa sa ikina-good vibes kang lambang UNC community ang pag approve kang f2f graduation pero ang catch by department. Si iba taraasan pa ang kiray sa by department then tano daa sa SP pa if keri man sa grounds sa hampangan ni Lolo B. Ay mga teh! Dae na kita magreklamo, after 2 years ngunyan ta na lang ulit madadangog ang pa grad song, keri na yan basta maka push ang f2f grad. Duminalan ka na langs sa FB live to watch yong grad kang ibang dept ta mega strict man daa si yoensi sa mga malaog during the grad rites ta may protocols pa man

daa ngaya, which is good by the way. Oh siya, mabalik kita sa pagspill kan tea bago ako magpaaram. Aram nindo, syempre dae haha kun tano unmotivated na daa si mga student-leaders? Bhieee, si admin kaya na itago natin sa ngaran na "Chinita princess" grabe kaya naman ang paka-strict to the point na madidiscourage ka na lang talaga na magpadagos pa sa pagiging lider-estudyante. Ugwa na nga favoritism daa, tas grabe pa mang-anggot. Dae na ako mangangalas kun sa sunod na USG Election ligwak na naman kayan ang mga madaralagan. Tuluyan na ni beh mawawara ang magayon na student governance na pigwalat kan mga matitibay na student-lider kaidto hays dae man lugod. Anyway, oras na naman para magpaaram ang saindong lingkod na mayong katumbas ang gayon eme. Wish ko lang na pirmi kamong maugma asin happy para positive vibes and everyday okay. Yakult yan? And palan if bet man nindong magshare ning pwede ichika here sa tingog just slide PM sa demmy page ta para makisip man kami ning dara nindong tea dyan bekenemen. Sige na magorabels na ako hanggang sa muli mga bhieee lablab!

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EA umarangkada sa Palaro ‘22; 14 na medalya ibinulsa NI AILA JOY ESPERIDA

Pinagharian ng College of Engineering and Architecture ang UNC Palaro 2022 matapos nitong domenahin ang anim na college departments sa cultural at sports events sa pamamagitan ng kanilang matinik na teknik noong ika23 hanggang 28 ng Marso. Ibinulsa ng EA ang 14 na medalya mula sa iba’t ibang paligsahan, siyam dito ay kanila mismong pinangunahan tulad ng Tiktok Solo (Women), Tiktok Pair, Tiktok Trio, Sipa Takada (Men and Women), Costplay (Men), 3 Point Shootout, Fancy Shooting, at Mobile Legends Tournament. Nag-uwi rin sila ng apat na pilak na medalya mula sa kategoryang Cosplay (Women), Free Throw Competition, Slamdunk, at Volleyball Men. Dumagdag din sa kanilang standing ang medalyang nakuha nila matapos masungkit ang ikatlong panalo sa Tiktok Solo (Men) at Sipa Takada (Men). Ayon kay Feyn Isabel Celso, manlalaro ng EA, matinding ensayo ang kanilang isinagawa upang makakuha ng sapat na lakas at malaman ang nararapat na teknik upang maipanalo

TAYO PA RIN. Ngiting tagumpay ang mga manlalaro ng 3-point Shootout at Fancy Shooting mula sa College of Engineering and Architecture matapos na muling pagharian ang mundo ng UNC Palaro. PHOTO BY RICO YARTE & WORDS BY CHAREY MAE ALVARADO

ang mga sinalihan nilang laro. Samantala, ang College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) na dating nanguna sa Palaro ay nagkamit ng tatlong ginto mula sa Volleyball (Men), Free Throw Competition, at Slam Dunk. Nakapagtala rin sila ng pitong pilak sa Tiktok Solo (Men), Tiktok Pair, Sipa Takada (Women), Vocal Solo, 3 Point Shootout, Fancy Shooting, at ML, dumagdag din ang tatlong tansong medalya na mula sa Sipa Takada (Women), Cosplay (Men), at Slam Dunk upang maikasa nila ang 11 na panalo.

Sumunod naman ang College of Criminal Justice Education (CJE) na pumalo ng dalawang ginto, isang pilak, at dalawang tanso upang siguruhin ang limang panalo. Pareho namang nakasungkit ng isang gold, dalawang silver, at dalawang bronze medals ang College of Education (CED) at College of Nursing (CNR), habang ang College of Computer Sciences (CCS) ay nag-uwi rin ng isang gintong medalya, isang pilak, at dalawang tanso. Nagpasiklab naman ang College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) ng apat na

panalo matapos itanghal na ikatlo sa Cosplay (Women) at Vocal Solo, at iuwi ang ikalawang puwesto sa Vocal Duet at Volleyball (Women). Tulad nang nakaraang taon, ang naganap na Palaro ay limitado pa rin at ang mga naging laban ay ipinanood lamang sa mga mag-aaral ng online dahil sa pandemya, subalit nagkaroon ng pagkakataon ang mga manlalaro na makapagsanay sa loob ng paaralan matapos sumailalim sa medical checkup na pinamunuan ng UNC Health office. Umaasa naman ang mga manlalaro na magkakaroon na ng faceto-face intramurals sa susunod na taon upang mas mahikayat ang mga magaaral na dumalo. Tulad ng sentimyento ni Feyn, “Sana sa sunod na intrams hindi na birtwal, hindi kasi masyadong naeenjoy ng mga estudyante ang ganitong klase ng palaro lalo na maraming nagbagong games unlike dati nung face to face pa”. Pinabulaanan naman ni Coach Bing Rosales, head ng Sports Development Office (SDO) na ang susunod na Palaro ay pinagpaplanuhan na ibalik sa unang semester at may posibilidad na ganapin ito nang face-to-face. Ayon sa kanya, “We are planning to return Intrams to 1st sem again, tentatively in November. High probability of face to face, depending on the alert level”.

UNC hosts online reg’l taekwondo event; hauls 22 medals

GOLDEN KICK. Greyhound Taekwondo team poses after clinching their Reg’l Interschool Poomsae and Speed Kicking Competition bid where they hauled 22 medals. PHOTO FROM JHANICE POLICARPIO & WORDS BY KENN DANIEL MONTECILLO

NI KENN DANIEL MONTECILLO

It is a double feat for the University of Nueva Caceres Greyhounds after carving another historic milestone for hosting virtually the Regional Interschool Poomsae and Speed Kicking Championship 2022 and bagging 22 medals last February 26 & 27, 2022.

The Greyhounds in the Poomsae event brought home three gold medals through Ma. Ronela Daza, Benedict Albert Dayag, and Shyloe Denise Aquino. Meanwhile, two silver medals were won by Arwen Venize Festejo and Verdict Herald Ognita for the same event, respectively. Greyhounds delivered a solid performance for the speed-kicking male category and collected six gold medals contributed by Nathaniel Gian Mañugo, Alexander Mañugo, Justin Eric Antonio, Jerome Sabido,

Keshen Ivan Lopez, and Neko Reodique. Greyhounds also had three silver medalists for the same event and category: Von Andrew Mañugo, Vic Laurio and Giuseppe Emanuel Guevarra. Also, four gold medals were hauled by the greyhound taekwondo team for a similar event in the female category courtesy of Janiela Erica Antonio, Ma. Shayla Krisna Espinosa, Alexis Bersabe, and Jhanice Policarpio. Similarly, four more awards were added to the greyhound tally after Chrysler Kate Cleofe and Christine Joy Cleofe won their silver, while Ma. Viktoria Espinosa and Alta Gelan Kaine Gados both claimed bronze medals, respectively. Jhanice Policarpio, a graduating greyhound taekwondo athlete, was grateful for online competitions that allowed her to continue to honor the entire UNC community. “I am thankful because, despite the pandemic, Taekwondo developed online competitions such as speed kicking. Through these, we are able to continually give pride and honor

to the UNC community. I am also glad because our sport and efforts are being appreciated by many, and I am pleased because our coaches and our director of sports are very proud of the Taekwondo team,” Policarpio shared. As a piece of advice, Policarpio has to say for aspiring greyhound student-athletes: Sometimes, after long years of playing your sport, you may feel exhausted and lose your will to train and play. Again, always remember the opportunity given to you. That feeling when you don’t anymore ask your parents for your tuition fee, that feeling when you’ll just print your permit during the exam without paying any cents, being on a newspaper of the school and having a big congratulatory tarpaulin with your name and face in the front gate of UNC.” The regional event held virtually was attended by 22 schools and universities around the Bicol region. As of this writing, the Taekwondo team is preparing for their national online speed-kicking taekwondo championships set in May 2022.

Ang Malayang Pahayagan ng mga Mag-aaral ng University of Nueva Caceres Enero 16, 2022 - Marso 31, 2022 | Tomo LXIX Bilang III

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Creamline CoolSmashers nasungkit ang kampeonato sa 2022 PVL Open Conference NI RACHELLE PAJA

Matapos matalo sa 2021 PVL Open Conference, nabawi muli ng Creamline Cool Smashers ang kampeonato laban sa kanilang katunggali na Petro Gazz Angels sa katatapos lang na 2022 PVL Open Conference noong ika 8 ng Abril, 2022 sa Ynares Center, Antipolo City. HIndi na pinaabot ng Creamline Cool

Smashers sa Game 3 ang best-of-three finals nang tapusin ang Game 2 sa apat na set; 25-18, 15-25, 25-23, 25-16. Saloobngapatnakampeonatong nasungkit ng Creamline Cool Smashers, ito ang unang pagkakataon na itinanghal na Finals MVP si The Phenom, Alyssa Valdez na may higit 20 puntos sa parehong Game 1 at Game 2. “It’s a learning experience and a wake-up call for us last conference. I think it’s a wake-up call for us to learn more, and take it in as a team, because

of course, you need to grow. That’s where we will get our experiences. That’s where we won,” isinaad nya ng tanungin tungkol sa kanilang talo noong nakaraang conference. [Nagsilbing aral para sa amin yung nakaraang conference. Sa tingin ko naging wake up call yun para mas matuto kami, tanggapin bilang isang koponan at syempre kailangan natin mapabuti. Doon natin makukuha ang ating karanasan, at doon kami nanalo.] Ibinahagi rin ni Valdez na ang tanging layunin ng koponan ay makapunta ng finals at makuha ang nasabing kampeonato. “Our goal really as a team is to perform in the finals, and get a championship. We just keep saying that all other awards we get are all just bonuses for us,” ibinahagi ni Valdez. [Ang layunin ng aming koponan ay makapunta sa finals at makuha ang championship. Palagi naming sinasabi na lahat ng mga parangal na makukuha namin ay bonus na lang.] “But I’m grateful. It’s a responsibility for me to keep going and stay focused in the coming seasons and tournaments because

SMASHED IT. Dala ng husay at pagpupursigi, tumapak sa entablado ang Creamline Coolsmashers upang iuwi ang tropeo ng kanilang kampeonato. PHOTO FROM PREMIER VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE & WORDS BY NORENE CANTOR

the responsibility just comes along with this title and award.” dagdag pa nito. [Ngunit nagpapasalamat ako. Isa itong responsibilidad na magpatuloy at magpokus sa mga susunod na season at tournament dahil ang responsibilidad ay kaakibat ng kampeonato at parangal.] Samantala, hinirang na Conference MVP si Tots Carlos na mayroong humigit kumulang 18.8 na puntos sa kabuuan ng laro patungong semis at humigit kumulang 24.5 puntos sa dalawang laro laban sa Choco Mucho noong semis. Dagdag pa rito, nasungkit rin ni Carlos ang Best Opposite Spiker. Sa kabilang banda, nakuha ng CignalHDSpikersangpinakamaraming gantimpala kagaya na lamang ng Best Setter, Best Middle Blockers at isa sa

mga Best Outside Spiker samantalang isa rin sa itinanghal na Best Outside Spiker si Gretchel Soltones ng Petro Gazz Angels at si Ms. Everywhere, Dawn Macandili ng F2 Logistics ang itinanghal na Best Libero. Ayon kay PVL President Ricky Palou, magbabalik ang liga sa pagbubukas ng Invitational Conference at Reinforced Conference na magsisimula ngayong Oktubre. Samantala, umaasa ang liga na patuloy ang suporta ng mga fans tulad ng kanilang ipinakita sa buong Open Conference. “They’ve really come out and inspired the players, and we hope they will continue to support volleyball and the teams involved in the Premier Volleyball League,” ibinahagi nito.

Beyond the waves: A Sorsoganon Swimmer’s dream for greatness NI CHAREY MAE ALVARADO

Greatness – a common word for being more robust, capable than average, or having a higher level of significance. In other words, greatness goes above and beyond what is expected of someone. And Bert Justine Narciso, a native of Donsol, Sorsogon, has proven that he can be great and achieve everything he sets his heart and mind to.

Like any other aspiring athlete, Bert started his passion for sports way back in his elementary and high school years. These experiences became his ticket to being one of the varsity players in the university. He has been a qualifier in the Palarong Bicol for eight years and once entered the Palarong Pambansa as a qualifier, which was held in Tagum City, Davao, in 2015. Bert, a 19-year-old swimmer, is now in his first year at the College of Business and Accountancy and taking up Hospitality Management. Imparting his existent learnings and experiences, he is always open to swimming competitions and available to teach for free to those who aspire to become tough swimmers. To take part in his first triathlon, the young athlete went the extra

mile by swimming from Brgy. Sta. Cruz Donsol, Sorsogon to Brgy. Marigondon Piodoran, Albay, as part of his training, which has 12 kilometers. And based on his previous interview, it was his “dream with a deadline,” and on March 5, 2022, he made it in three hours and 38 minutes, despite suffering from injuries. But it didn’t come easy for Bert because he also planned his personal “Best Swim History” for a few months. In his interview with a specific Radio station in Legazpi last March, he stated that it took him months to decide whether he would continue his plan because of the risks to swim the seas alone. Despite the peril, CONTINUE ON

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Philippines eyes for upcoming national and international 2022 tournaments; UAAP Season 84 and SEA Games 2021 return after hiatus NI JONNA MAE E. BAGASBAS

After the deferment brought by the Covid-19 pandemic in the Philippines, two of the highly-anticipated tournaments such as the UAAP (University Athletic Association of the Philippines) Season 84 and 31st SEA (Southeast Asian) Games are finally set to launch with pride and stake this March 26 and May 12-23 respectively. With the theme “Fully Alive, Champions for Life,” UAAP Season 84 will stage limited tournaments under a bubble setup including men’s 5-on-5 basketball, men’s and women’s 3×3 basketball, women’s indoor volleyball, men’s beach volleyball, cheer dance, co-ed Poomsae, and men’s and women’s chess. Mall of Asia Arena, Ynares Center, Araneta Coliseum, and FilOil Flying V Arena are all prospective venues for the games. According to the UAAP executive director Atty. Rebo Saguisag, the players will go

Beyond the . . . FROM PAGE

through subsequent reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) every 14 days and antigen tests during the actual game days. Calanog, the UAAP President, emphasized that supporters of teams and members of the press will not be permitted to enter the venues unless the current situation ameliorates. “We will ask for more patience for our fans. At the very least, for the first round of games, we will maintain a strict bubble,” said Calanog. For international scope, the 31st SEA Games stands firm with its slogan “For a stronger Southeast Asia.” to bring solidarity and pride to all regions of the ASEAN community. The twelveday event will be hosted in Hanoi, Vietnam with eleven (11) countries of the Southeast Asia geographical regions such as Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste, and Vietnam. These eleven-nation games include traditional Olympic sports such as athletics, boxing, and swimming, but also regional games like sepak takraw. It was projected that 10,000 athletes will battle in 40 sports and 526 events where most of which were recently played in the Olympic Games, with the inclusion of the national martial arts of Vietnam, Indonesia, and

China such as vovinam, Pencak silat, and wushu respectively. As the host of this year’s SEA Games, Vietnam pledged to make the event successful and fair by hosting games that fit all countries’ strengths, and not discarding Olympic events. The Philippines will dispatch 626 athletes to compete including returning SEA Games gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and world champion gymnast Carlos Yulo who are expecting to secure the top spots in their fields. Being the host nation in 2019 with an ascendant execution among the other counties, the Philippines targets to recreate its first-place finish that rebuilt its reputation as a dominant nation in Southeast Asian sports.

he continuously strives to achieve his best record using his blazing discipline and determination. In another online article, he expressed his yearning and aspiration for his fellow students, especially the young people like him, to show off the talent they have. “Wag matakot i-show sa mundo kung ano mang talent/skills [ang] mayroon sila sapagkat darating ang araw na isa ito sa mga tutulong po sa kanila para maging successful sa buhay. Samahan ng tatag ng loob,

disiplina, determinasyon, and ‘yong mindset na lahat ng bagay makakaya natin sa tulong ng Lord. Focus lang po,” Narciso stated. [Don’t be frightened to show the world your talents and skills because one day, you will be one of those who will assist others to succeed in life. Top it with bravery, discipline, drive, and the belief that we can do anything with the Lord’s support. Just focus.] Indeed, Bert Narciso demonstrated that the great athlete would go above

and beyond the circular track, aiming for a higher cause. Draw your dream and make it a reality with confidence in yourself. For now, the history he made was measured by distance, but as greatness is a higher level than success, it will soon be defined by the number of people he impacts and inspires.

Ang Malayang Pahayagan ng mga Mag-aaral ng University of Nueva Caceres Enero 16, 2022 - Marso 31, 2022 | Tomo LXIX Bilang III

COLLATED BY ISABEL AZAÑA

Inalay ko ang aking boto para sa kasalukuyan at susunod pang henerasyon ng kabataan. “Para sa Bayan. Para sa Bansa. Para sa susunod na henerasyon. Para sa ikabubuti ng lahat. -Maria Carmela B. Sales, 3rd Year BSBA Financial Management

“Ang boto ko ay para sa mamayanang Pilipino, mangagawang nakakaranas ng pangaabuso, mga kabataang pinapatahimik, para sa mga batang hindi nakakaranas ng patas na oportunidad, at lalong lalo na para sa komunidad ng LGBTQIA+ na patuloy na nakakaranas ng diskriminasyon, inequalities, at pangaabuso. -Angela L. Rubio, 3rd Year BSED Social Studies

Para sa kabataan ang boto ko dahil hangad ko ang maginhawa at matiwasay nilang pamumuhay, alam ko na sasalamin sa hinaharap ang epekto ng magiging resulta ng halalan. Para sa kabataan ang boto ko dahil umaasa pa rin ako na kabataan nga ang pag-asa ng bayan. Mga kabataan na kayang manindigan at ipaglaban ang kanilang karapatan ma pumapanig sa tama. Ako ay nagsiyasat base sa track records at mga plataporma kaya naman pinaniniwalaan at masasabi kong ipinagmamalaki ko na bumoto ako ng mga nakapagtapos ng kolehiyo, matapat, pinakamahuhusay, may nakahandang plano para sa iba’t ibang sektor ng bansa, handang makinig sa sambayanang Pilipino maging ng ma eksperto upang bigyang sulosyon ang mga sakuna ng bansa. Katangi-tangi ang binoto ko para sa ikabubuti ng mga kabataan.” -Jay Vincent C. Oliver, 3rd Year BSED English

“Para sa taong handang tumindig para sa lahat at walang takot na ipaglaban ang dapat. -Marinel Mae M. Chica, 3rd Year BS Accountancy

“Doon ako sa matino at mahusay. Sa may nagawa na at siguradong may magagawa pa. Doon ako sa may konkretong plano at hindi mga matatamis na salita lamang. Doon ako sa subok na at walang bahid ng korapsyon. Doon ako sa tunay na nagmamalasakit sa mga Pilipino. Doon ako sa hindi lamang mabait, kundi mahusay din. -Angelo B. Gamayot, 2nd Year BS Accountancy

Ang boto ko ay para sa mga sektor ng masa tulad ng mga manggagawa, magsasaka, at kababaihan na higit na apektado ng kapalpakan sa sistema ng gobyerno at pagpapayaman ng mga kapitalistang dayuhan; para sa kabataan na patuloy lumalaban para sa kanilang karapatan at kaligtasan; at para sa bansa na patuloy na binubusalan ng korapsyon at inhustisya.”

-Marie Angella S. Averilla, 4th Year AB Political Science Student