EDITORYAL

Unmask the masked.

The Filipino people welcome the year 2022 with much enthusiasm and joy, not only to celebrate the new year but because of the 2022 national elections. For the past years, the country has had to deal with a poorly managed pandemic, blatant attacks on human rights and media, extrajudicial killings, and academic crises, and the 2022 election is a moment when Filipinos can finally elect a new set of leaders that can address pressing issues at hand to prevent it from recurring in the future. Despite coming from different regions and beliefs, Filipinos participate in elections with one goal—to elect the leader they think can best serve the country’s interest and its people.

BET ON YOUR BABY

What if the majority voted for a politician who promised to give the country a new face and identity, is the son of the late dictator president who killed thousands of innocent lives just to secure his regime for 20 years? What if 31 million people placed their hope for a better Philippines in the hands of a candidate who has long been faking his college degree? What if the majority of Filipinos supported the candidate who has been accused of tax evasion and who owns dubious items obtained from his family’s illicit wealth?

Just like that, all these what-ifs became the Philippines’ reality last May 9, 2022, after Ferdinand “BBM” Marcos had a landslide victory last 2022 presidential elections. With over 31 million votes, BBM secured the spot with his three platforms—Unity, 20 pesos per kilo of rice, and Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Mukha. Surprisingly, after a long period, BBM is not just a dictator’s son, a tax evader, fake degree holder but a presidentelect who was given the highest mandate by the Filipino people.

Now, since the election is over, the question will revolve as to how a familiar face can give the Philippines a new one.

YOUR FACE SOUNDS FAMILIAR

In his first days as the President, BBM appointed familiar faces who were charged and involved in controversies including Benjamin “Benjur” Abalos, the appointed DILG secretary who once met the court over the aborted $329-million NBN-ZTE deal in 2007. A known red-tagger also made it to his cabinet’s list in the flesh of Jesus “Boying” Remulla who is the incoming chief of the Department of Justice. Remulla stirred controversy after calling slain labor leader Emmanuel “Manny” Asuncion after calling Manny a “career helper” for communist revolutionaries last June this year. The appointed Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas governor. Benjamin Diokno was once involved in budget controversy after anomalies in the 2018 budget and the proposed P3.757-trillion budget in 2019.

WE’VE SEEN THIS FILM BEFORE AND WE DIDN’T LIKE THE ENDING

In the first weeks of his presidency, Maid in Malacanang movie drew criticism as it depicts the last 72 hours of the Marcos family in the palace and highlights the side of the story of the Marcoses about the 1986 People Power Revolution. Historians and martial law survivors flagged the film as the avenue of the Marcoses to distort and whitewash history including playwright-activist Bonifacio Ilagan who was tortured and detained in the 1970s.

“I will not be surprised if the movie will depict the family as the pitiable victims of the Edsa uprising — mining the sympathy of the public — who now have justly been rendered justice” Ilagan explained to the Philippine Inquirer.

GLIMPSE OF US

From vague “unity” platform as the main weapon in addressing public concerns in the country during his campaign, there is a sudden change of wind as BBM laid bigger with little to no detailed plans.

As issues regarding the pandemic branch out include a rising number of COVID-19 positive patient,s low and delayed hazard pay among nurses, and limited COVID-19 facilities in public hospitals, BBM has yet to appoint a Department of Health Secretary.

The pandemic not only revealed underaddressed concerns in the country’s public health but resurfaced neglected issues in the academe. With approximately 28 million students being left behind due to digital and educational gaps, BBM appoints her running mate and VP-elect Sara Duterte to seat as secretary of the Department of Education despite no expertise in the academe. Sara Duterte has long been firm in her intention of mandating Reserve Officers Training Camp (ROTC) for High School students in an attempt of instilling patriotism and discipline in the students. RTC was abolished due to reported anomalies such as corruption, extortion, and hazing in the ROTC unit of the University of Santo Tomas which was published in the Varsitarian’s February 2021 issue. One of the whistleblowers Mark Chua was kidnapped and killed a month after the issue was published.

With issues concerning education such as underpaid teachers, lack of detailed plan for school reopening, widening digital and educational gap, and declining rate of reading comprehension among students as per Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) since 2018, his administration is yet to provide a comprehensive plan to help the education system of the country gets back on track.

As the whole country attempts to recover from the wrath of pandemics in the aspect of economy and finances, the rising inflation rate gets in the way as necessities such as food, gasoline, and other expenses reach ceiling prices.

In his first press briefing with the Philippine Statistics Authority, BBM claimed that the 6.1 % inflation rate is not that high’. He even explicitly stated how inflation is ‘not just a concern of the country but all over the world–which is something that the government is beyond control and every Filipino should not be so concerned about.

With the preliminary action and takes of BBM in public concerns mentioned, now more than ever the people should be more vigilant as the repercussions of complacency being shown by his administration may gravely affect the recovery of the country. With the attempt of BBM to monopolise freedom of speech by accrediting vloggers as journalists and twist the narrative of truth by continuously investing in troll farms which he admitted during the 2016 Vice Presidential elections, the Philippines should brace itself to what kind of face does this administration will provide, for it may be a different face with a familiar voice– a voice that still screams for change, justice, and accountability from the same government who promised “Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Mukha”.

Although the fault of the father cannot be the fault of the son as his supporters claim, the country cannot afford to have another leader who will weaponize the power vested to him by the Filipino people to forward personal interests and let his people die by hook or by crook. The DEMOCRAT

Editorial Board & Staff A.Y. 2021 - 2022

EDITORIAL BOARD

Editor-in-Chief Associate Editor Managing Editor Deputy Managing Editor/ Circulation Manager Senior Editor News Editor Feature Editor Sports Editor Creatives Director Design Director Web Manager Broadcasting Head

Norene Cantor Kenn Daniel Montecillo Charey Mae Alvarado Neil Andrew Formalejo John Paul Borito Berlineth Nymia Montes Patrick Joseph Panambo Jonna Mae Bagasbas Brandon Jon Delos Santos Cyen Esclanda Christian Reganit 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

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

OFFICE Right-Wing, Sports Palace University of Nueva Caceres J. Hernandez Ave., Naga City Philippines, 4400

Democracy is the best form of government since the will of the people is followed. There is public consultation on who should lead them through the election, but perhaps the other side of it that continues to baffle our minds is the question, “Is the majority’s decision beneficial to the common good of the people at all times?”

National and local elections always adhere to who has the highest garnered votes among his or contenders or if there is none then the candidate is expected to win a seat. Not only that, the ascertainment of historical truth remains to be the most exploited issue by most politicians wherein before the gossipers propagated lies on a specific candidate through word of mouth but at the present, the means is social media, which is lightning fast that in just a minute, thousands or even millions can see them.

Fake news, misinformation, historical distortion, and fabricated stories are the current ill of this will of the people since democracy not only works for the common good of the Filipinos but it can annihilate the truth of our country.

The 2022 National elections was a battle of fake news and black propaganda machinery wherein the Marcos family invested for a long time to cripple Filipinos’ perception of the truth about the Marcos administration, specifically the martial law years. The claim by the Marcos family and their loyalists that martial law years is to be considered a golden age for us Filipinos agitated the victims of human rights violations, historians and other experts.

According to the figures of Amnesty International, there are 72,000 imprisoned, 34,000 tortured and 3,240 killed from 1972 to 1981. These records are denied by the Marcos Family, instead they propagandize the discipline and order across the country during Martial Law years anchoring the declaration of which from the restlessness of the country brought about by communist rebels attack.

These lies impregnated innocent minds of the youth and the Filipinos like a virus that makes the country suffer from division that is contrary to the Dictator’s son, President Bongbong Marcos (PBBM), promise of unity as his main platform in winning the presidency of a majority vote of 31 million Filipinos.

Can we truly fathom that the Filipinos catapulted the Marcos family, the same family they ousted in 1986, back in Malacañang? Does democracy serve its purpose of common good to the Filipinos? Does strength in numbers really win championships? In the case of the Golden State Warriors, maybe it does win championships. But for us Filipinos, we lost a championship of truth, good governance, and justice from the hands of the Marcos predators.

“I am sorry,”-- this is the famous line former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said on national television to the Filipinos for the Hello Garci scandal. However, the Marcos family did not even say sorry to ask for forgiveness of their atrocities even though there are court decisions like the case of Republic vs. Sandiganbayan on July 15, 2003 (G.R. No. 152154) forfeiting the Marcos ill-gotten wealth; 11,103 human rights violations victims claimants as per the government; and many other cases convicting Imelda Marcos of graft and corruption.

The Filipinos must not forget nor turn a blind eye to these pieces of evidence. Democracy has its downside that could destroy a country due to politicians bastardizing the will of the people favoring their own vested interests.

Now, the colossal mission is on us, especially the youth of today. Let us resolve the continuing manipulation of the majority of the Filipinos by establishing an independent education free from politics and personal biases by spreading the truth and discussing facts among others, especially the prone victims of lies and misinformation. Maximize our social media accounts by posting factual information that will stop the spread of lies and enlighten the minds of the youth. This is just one step ahead and the other means are within you.

No one should be left out. Still, everyone should make it! Will of the people: is it what it is?

VITO CORLEONE PAOLO GABRIEL JAMER paolojamer10@gmail.com

Fake news, misinformation, historical distortion, and fabricated stories are the current ill of this will of the people since democracy not only works for the common good of the Filipinos but it can annihilate the truth of our country.

We, as students, are the best advocates for our needs. The college will test our boundaries, and it may not always seem like it’s for the better. But at the end of the day, we all come away knowing that as we work hard and struggle, we can create change.

KYRO MIGUEL JONAS CORPORAL @ jonasxcorpse jonascorporal83@gmail.com

There are only two things in life that are guaranteed, death and taxes. Sadly, it appears that growing college tuition costs can be added to that list. People from previous generations may have criticized millennials as being “lazy and entitled” because they gripe about these expenses. They’ll talk about how they worked while in school to pay for their own college, so perhaps we should all try working a little harder instead of requesting reduced rates.

Education is one of the biggest expenses for a middle-class Filipino household. For most of the 40 percent of the population classified as poor or very poor, higher education is a luxury beyond their reach.

The opening of the school year 2022-2023 is increasing the anxiety of students and parents, many of whom already struggle to meet daily needs and find alternative means to earn after the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and its extension made them unemployed or put them on furlough.

After long two years of confinement and distance learning due to the pandemic, the UNC admin foists Tuition and Other Fees Increase of 5 percent for the Academic year 2022-2023.

After the extrinsic consultation with the UNC admin together with parents and students, it was agreed that TOFI will increase by 5% with the directives of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED). The said increase will be allotted for teachers’ salary increases and to sustain the funds of the university’s scholarship grants.

Given that many students from low-income households lack access to personal computers, smartphones, and data plans that would allow them to complete their coursework might affect their academic performance. Considering as well the continuous rise of the inflation rate burdens the people, economy, and society as a whole.

Self-supporting working students are among the numerous Filipinos who lost their jobs or are no longer able to make a living because their places of employment in the food, tourism, or services sectors were not deemed to be vital and continued to operate under the pandemic.

Perhaps the most troubling part about these soaring costs is that they aren’t just focused on increased quality of staff or programs, but they turn some of their focus to student amenities like rock climbing walls during Ibang Klase and such. Are these the reasons we want to pay an increasingly large amount of money? How can we assure to get quality education at a high cost?

The drive for the university to provide more extracurricular services at a higher price is because of their prospective students. University justifies these increasing costs by saying in order to compete for incoming students, the quality of their facilities and the

Sila-Sila: VillaPWERTE

STRONG PLACE AILA JOY ESPERIDA @ zenderaila ailaesperida@gmail.com

Ilang bagong mukha man ang mamuno sa lugar, kung mula naman sa iisang angkan, paulit-ulit lamang ang sistema - walang pagbabagong magaganap at mas lalo lamang tayong malulugmok.

Sa bawat tatlong taon, paulit-ulit na pangalan ang nakikita natin sa papel na guguhit ng ating kapalaran. Maging bago man ang mukha, sa huli pare-pareho pa rin sila - mga buwaya.

Tuwing sasapit ang pinakamahalagang araw sa buwan ng Mayo, sigaw ng lahat ay “Pagbabago”. Subalit pagkatapos ng araw na ito, ang uupo sa pwesto ay anino ng pamilyang minsan nang binatikos at ninais na mapalitan sa puwesto. Kailan ba tayo mapapagod sa pareparehong sistema? Bakit natin sila hinahayaang gawing family business ang pulitika at demokrasya?

Isa ang Political Dynasty o Dinastiyang Politikal sa problemang hindi mawala-wala sa Pilipinas. Sa madaling salita, may isang pamilya o angkan na ginagawang monopolyo ang pamumuno sa mga lugar. Nagsimula sa kalolo-lolohan, hanggang sa anak, asawa, at mga apo, ito ang dinastiyang itinatag ng pamilya Villafuerte sa pinakamalaking lalawigan sa Bicol, ang Camarines Sur.

Pamilyang Dinastiya

Sinasabing ang dinastiyang politikal ay nagmula pa sa ating mga ninuno sapagkat ang pagiging Raja noon sa isang barangay ay namamana batay sa dugo at naging tradisyon noon ang kapangyarihan. Subalit, sa kasalukuyang henerasyon ay likas na nangyayari pa rin ito.

Nagsimula ang pamumuno ng pamilyang dinastiya nang maging gobernor ng Cam. Sur si Mariano Villafuerte Sr. noong 1942 hanggang 1945, na sinundan ng anak nitong si Luis na naging gobernador din ng lalawigan noong 1995–2004 at representatib ng 2nd District of Camarines Sur noong 2004–2010 at 3rd District of noong 2010–2013. Samantala ang asawa naman nito si Nelly F. Villafuerte ay naging Undersecretary for the International Sector (Trade Promotion and Marketing Group), Department of Trade and Industry noong Hulyo 1998 – May 2000) at Regional Operations Group noong May 2000 hanggang 2005.

Naging gobernor din ang anak nina Luis Sr. and Nelly Villafuerte na si Luis Raymond “LRay” Villafuerte noong 2004 hanggang 2013, habang ang kanilang apo na si Miguel Luis “Migz” ay naupo rin sa pwesto noong taong 2013 hanggang 2022.

At sa katatapos lamang na eleksyon, itinalaga ang isa pa nilang apo na si Vincenzo Renato Luigi Villafuerte bilang bagong gobernor ng lalawigan kontra sa dating representatib na si Rolando “Nonoy” Andaya Jr. at dating Vice-Governor Imelda Papin. Muli ring uupo sa puwesto sina Lray at Migz bilang Congressman ng ikalawa at ikalimang distrito ng lalawigan. Mula kay dating gobernor Luis at Gov. Luigi, tatlong dekada ng naghari ang mga Villafuerte sa Camarines Sur.

Bagong Mukha, Dating Sistema

Nakasulat sa Artikulo II, Section 26, ng 1987 Constitution na dapat garantiyahin ng estado ang pantay na pagbibigay ng pagkakataon para sa mga serbisyo publiko at ipagbawal ang mga political dynasties. Bagama’t ipinagbawal ito ng Konstitusyon, patuloy pa rin ang pamilyang Villafuerte sa pamumuno sa Camarines Sur.

Noong 2016, nasuspinde si Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte Jr. ng 90 araw kaugnay ng kasong graft na kinakaharap kaugnay ng umano’y maanomalyang pagbili ng P20 milyong halaga ng produktong petrolyo para sa provincial government noong 2010. Sa isang resolusyon na ipinalabas noong Setyembre 7 sa parehong taon, kinatigan ng the Sandiganbayan Sixth Division ang mosyon ng prosecution na isuspinde si Villafuerte ng 90 araw. Taong 2019 nang muling masuspinde si Cam. Sur Rep. Lray dahil sa paglabag sa Section 3 ng RA 309 kaugnay sa mga transaction ng kapitolyo habang siya pa ang namamahalang gobernador ng probinsya.

Naging usap-usapan din ang nagtrending na video ni Cam.Sur Re. Lray isang linggo bago ang May 2022 election habang nagkakampanya sa Siruma. “Magdangog kamo. Ang magtabang sa Villafuerte ngunyan na eleksyon, tumaya na kamo. Babalik ako dito pagkatapos ng eleksyon, ako mismo mananao tig–dieyes mil pesos sa gabos. Si mga dai nagtabang, bahala kamo,” sabi ni Cam. Sur Rep. Lray sa video.

Ngunit ayon sa kanya ay kasinungalingan lamang ang nasa video, “Supalpal na naman si addict! Nagpalabas ng panloloko at fake news na police certification sa nangyari daw sa Brgy. Vito, Siruma!”

Samantala, ang sinasabing pinanukala niyang Republic Act (RA) 11861, or the ‘Expanded Solo Parents Welfare Act,’ ay si Sen. Risa Hontiveros ang principal author, kasama sina Sen. Marcos, Sen. Miguel Zubiri, former Senate president Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Sen. Bong Go, at Sen. Bong Revilla, and former senator Richard Gordon bilang co-authors ng batas.

Sa ilang dekadang pamumuno ng mga Villafuerte, isa pa rin ang Camarines Sur sa mga mahihirap na probinsya sa Pilipinas na may Php 14,378 Capita Poverty Threshold, ayon sa datos na inilabas ng Official Poverty Statistics of the Philippines noong First Semester ng 2021. Kabilang din ang Cam Sur sa mga probinsyang may pinakamataas na poverty incidence na may 34.6 porsyento. Nakapagtala rin ang probinsya ng 152, 300 na bilang ng mahihirap na pamilya noong nakaraang taon.

Ilang bagong mukha man ang mamuno sa lugar, kung mula naman sa iisang angkan, paulit-ulit lamang ang sistema - walang pagbabagong magaganap at mas lalo lamang tayong malulugmok.

Epekto ng Dinastiyang Politikal

Dahil sa “it runs in the family,” isa ang nepotismo sa pinaka-epekto ng dinastiyang politikal. Kung saan kahit kulang o walang karanasan, kaalaman, o kasanayan ang isang miyembro ng pamilya ay ilalagay pa rin sa pwesto, tulad na lamang ni Gov. Luigi Villafuerte na baguhan pa lamang sa larangan ng politika, ngunit umupo agad sa pwesto bilang gobernador.

Sumunod ang kahirapan na talagang hindi maikakaila na nararanasan natin ngayon. Idagdag pa na ang dinastiya ay nag-uugat din ng graft at korapsyon, mabagal na pag-unlad, at political at socioeconomic inequality. Ang kaban ng probinsya ay umiikot lamang sa iilang kamay.

Sa kalagayang ito, wala naman sa kanila ang lahat ng sisi. Nasa atin na may kakayahang gumuhit ng magandang kapalaran ngunit dahil sa sanay na sa sistema ay ipinagsasawalang-bahala na lang. Boboto sa kung saan at kanino tayo sanay, hindi sa kung saan at kanino tayo uunlad.

Ilang dekada man tayong nagkamali, oras na para magising. Kung gusto natin ng pagbabago, sa 2025 ay bumoto ng kandidatong nasa tama, totoo, at may kakayahang magdala ng tunay na pagbabago. Maghanda sa mga susunod na taon dahil boses ng mga Bikolano ang mananaig. Siguruhing ang bawat tinta ng panulat sa papel ng bukas ay hindi masasayang sa darating na eleksyon. Ipaglaban natin ang pag-unlad ng Camarines Sur at ang magandang bukas para sa mga Bikolano. Oras na upang mamulat sa bulok na sistema. Panahon na upang mapuksa ang dinastiya sa pulitika. Tandaan na kapag namulat na, kasalanan na ang pumikit .

number of extra amenities provided need to be constantly improved.

One way students can help themselves when it comes to the cost of college is by finding out just how much they should expect to spend ahead of time. Most universities provide their students with “College Cost Calculators” on their websites. Being prepared for the cost of higher education can be a key step in determining which university is most cost-effective for incoming students.

Another way students can better prepare themselves for college is to apply for as many scholarships as they can. Many students, like others, enter the scholarship hunt without understanding the number of opportunities out there for anyone to get money for college. Since one of the main reasons for a hike is to support the University’s Scholarship Grants, rooms for other students who are not qualified with the university standard should also be opened. Average students have dreams as well just as exactly what academically inclined students do.

The CHED should lead the academic community in perfecting the Flexible Learning Options (FLOs) that will allow learning to go on during the epidemic, as opposed to prolonging the deadline for educational institutions to submit recommendations for tuition fee increases.

As essential, the CHED should work with the private sector, foundations, and non-government organizations to improve the pool of scholarships, financial support programs through grants and soft loans, and other schemes to assist youths to continue their schooling despite the financial and academic challenges arising from the pandemic. Despite prevailing constraints, risks, and threats, education must continue through innovations and adjustments that cushion the impact of Covid-19.

This doesn’t mean the University needs to dramatically decrease the price to attend them by slashing services, but they could address the rapid increase in tuition. The increase in tuition is attributed to less funding from state legislatures by universities. This is not completely truthful though. Overall, the money from state governments to universities has been rising faster than inflation. The amount of state funding per student is what’s been decreasing. Because of the rising amount of students attending college, this amount has dropped about 50 percent since 1995 for undergraduate, graduate, and professionals combined.

With this being said, the responsibility for decreasing college costs shouldn’t be only on students. I truly believe that most college students would be okay with a slight decrease in the amenities universities provide if it meant they got a little cheaper school. Once again, this doesn’t mean schools need to take away large quantities of extra programs, but they could look at stabilizing tuition rates by not aggressively expanding them.

For instance, the Laboratory and other fees for Engineering buildings that are not fully utilized. The maintenance could cover some but surely not all funds will be exhausted. Also, the poor internet connectivity in each department should be improved first. Since it is the gateway to learning and also part of what every student is paying for.

The large increase in tuition would be more acceptable if the money was spent on more experienced, full-time staff. Forty-five years ago, 78 percent of college professors were fulltime. Now a lot of those teachers are part-time employees who are paid less. It’s hard to not look at this and think that students are now being forced to pay more for a product that isn’t improving as far as quality in learning, but rather in these extracurricular areas.

Government action is another way the cost of college could be reigned in. Many politicians have seen the rising debt of students and proposed changes to our higher education system.

The concepts of tuition-free and debt-free college were thrust into the spotlight but for state colleges only. Subsidies were given to some students from political organizations but not enough to cover it all. These types of government plans, if they’re able to be implemented, would help solve the symptoms of rising tuitions and college debt. But, in the meantime, students and universities should consider ways they can alleviate some of the burden college costs put on students. High levels of student debt and tuitions that cost more and more each year are not sustainable and need to be re-examined. If the proper steps are taken, this is an issue that can be addressed and college can be made more affordable for everyone.

We, as students, are the best advocates for our needs. The college will test our boundaries, and it may not always seem like it’s for the better. But at the end of the day, we all come away knowing that as we work hard and struggle, we can create change.

Sa Kabilang Dako: “Bago mo ikwento ang bad side ko, sana ikwento mo rin kung ano ang good side ko.” Perspektibo ng isang DDS at BBM-SARA supporter

Naks…sadboi pre…Pero papaano kung mabigyan tayo ng pagkakataon kung ano ang nasa pinaka nasa kaibuturan ng kanilang isip? Upang higit na maunawaan ang isang bagay, marapat lamang na alamin ito sa perspektibo ng kabilang panig na taliwas sa iyong paniniwala, nang sa gayon ay kahit papaano’y malaman natin ang pinagmumulan ng kanilang opinyon. Mas mainam na malaman ito mula sa kanila, kaysa sa tayong nasa kabilang dako ang maglikha ng imahinasyon base lamang sa ating nakikita at nararamdaman. Kapansin-pansin ang madalas na alitan ng mga supporter ng Leni-Kiko at ng BBM-Sara mapa-eleksyon o hindi. Madalas, ang puno’t-dulo ay ang pagbibigay ng mga walang basehang argumento at ‘facts’ umano. Ang bawat panig ay may kanya-kanyang ipinaglalaban at ipinagdidiinan sa bawat isa. Minsan nga’y mapapailing ka na lang sa kanilang lohika at mas pipiliin na lang palipasin ito kaysa patulan. Ang iba’y natawag pang bobo o kaya lutang. Ngunit meron bang nagkaroon man lang ng ideya na kausapin ang kabilang panig kung bakit ito ang kanilang desisyon? Anim na taon. Marami na ring naganap sa panahon na iyan. Hati ang opinyon ng lahat sa kung naging matagumpay nga ba ang pamumuno ni DU30 (Rodrigo Duterte). Sa mga naunang taon, halos lahat ay umasang ang kanyang ipinatupad na pamamaraan ng paghuli sa mga drug pushers o users sa Davao ay magagamit at magiging epektibo sa buong bansa. Ipinangako niya pa ngang sa loob lamang ng tatlo hanggang anim na buwan ay magugupo nya na ang nasabing krimen sa bansa. Ngunit sa pagtatapos ng kanyang termino, kanya ring inamin na mali pala sya. Na dapat pala’y hindi nya minaliit ito sapagka’t napakalayo kung sa laki ng sakop ng kapangyarihan ng mayor at pangulo titingnan. Sentimyentong napapanahon Kamakailan lang ay natapos na ang termino ni dating pangulo Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte. May ilang natuwa at ilan naman ay nalungkot sa pagtatapos nito. “Sana ikaw na lang presidente namin ulit.” “Si tatay pa rin ang malakas!” Hindi man kasing lakas nito ang pag-iidolo ng ilan pero bakas sa kanila ang satispaksyon sa panunungkulan ng dating pangulo. Isa dito si Nel, 26, na isang kasalukuyang mag-aaral na magtatapos na sa kolehiyo. Si Nel ay isang DDS supporter kamakailan lang bago pa man matapos ang termino ni Rodrigo Duterte at ng nakaraang eleksyon ay binoto nya rin ang tandem na BBM-Sara. Sabi pa niya, hindi naman daw talaga siya nagsimula bilang isang supporter ni Duterte at sinabing si Poe daw ang ibinoto niya noong halalan 2016. May mga tanong siyang sinagot na nakatuon sa mga napapanahong pangyayari o nangyari sa loob ng panunungkulan ni Duterte ng anim na taon. KILL, KILL, KILL O BUILD, BUILD, BUILD? Q: Anong reaksyon mo roon sa mga nangyari sa mga biktima ng EJK na hindi naman talaga drug user or pusher, kahit ‘yung mga sumusuko na na ‘di na nasunod ang due process, katulad ni Kian delos Santos? “Siyempre magagalit, kasi parang tinanggalan na ng karapatan sila. Sanay na siyang (Duterte) pumatay eh. ‘Di ba sa Mindanao, ganyan ang pinapagawa niya? Halimbawa, may gusto lang siyang ipapatay, papataniman niya na lang ito ng droga sa mga tauhan niya, kahit wala naman talaga(ng drugs). Kung gusto niyang ipapatay ang isang tao, gagawan niya ito ng paraan. Saka si Duterte parang hindi naman natatakot pumatay.” Maririnig mo sa bawat taong makakasalubong mo kung ano ang mga programang naipatupad ni Duterte, paniguradong nasa top 1 at top 2 ang Anti-drugs campaign at Build, build, build niya. Ayon sa huling report na kanilang ipinaalam sa publiko,tinatayang nasa 6,235 ang bilang ng mga drug suspects na namatay sa programa ng pamahalaan kontra droga. Ngunit sa kalagitnaan ng kanilang oplan-tokhang ay nakuwestiyon ito ng mga karatig-bansa lalo na ng International Criminal Court. Sa kasalukuyan ay iniimbestigahan ng ICC (International Criminal Court) ang

BY JHEZYLLE FAYE LORIA

administrasyong Duterte sa paglabag nila sa human rights at binigyan na lamang hanggang Setyembre 8, 2022 para magbigay ng komento patungkol sa nasabing imbestigasyon. Ayon naman sa dating namumuno ng war on drugs na si Sen. Bato dela Rosa, mayroon tayong sariling criminal justice system, at ito naman ay gumagana at nagagamit, hindi umano natin kailangan ang kanilang (ICC) paggitna sa panloob nating mga isyu, at higit sa lahat hindi na daw tayo miyembro ng ICC. Bukod kay dating pangulong Duterte, si Sen. Bato Dela Rosa ay nasa ilalim din ng imbestigasyon ng ICC Ang imbestigasyon sa drug on war ng Pilipinas ay natigil noong Nobyembre 2021, pagkatapos hingin ng administrasyon na itigil ang pag-iimbestiga. Nakapanghihina, totoo. Yung mapaaisip ka na lang talaga at mapapatanong ng ”Talaga ba Pilipinas?” Ito ba talaga ang gusto nating lahat? Ang lalo pang dumausdos ang ating bansa at tuluyan ng mabura ang pinaghirapan ng ating mga ninuno? At sa anong dahilan? Kasi mukhang mabait na tao sila at parati na lang silang pinaparatangan ng mali? Kailan ba tayo matututo? Ewan…nakakapagod din. Sa ngayon, tayo ay mistulang nakabitin sa isang bangin. Hindi pa natin alam ang kahihinatnan ng ating bansa. May mas malaking tyansa ng pagkalukmok, ngunit ‘di naman natin inaasam ang pagbagsak nito. Sa pagpasok ng panibagong administrasyon, hindi natin alam kung ano ang mangyayari o ang nasa hinaharap, nawa’y hindi nga. Malay mo maging ‘the best among the universe’ ang Pilipinas?

Ang naiwan ni Tatay

“Hindi ko alam…wala naman kasi kaming tv. Na-base lang kasi ako sa naririnig ko sa iba.” ika ni Nel. Samantala, ayon naman sa kanyang kapatid, “Ang legacy ni Duterte na naiwan dito sa Pilipinas ay marami siyang naipagawang programa at batas na kung saan nasunod naman ang issue tungkol sa droga at nabawasan ang mga krimen tungkol sa rape cases. At ang pagsasaayos ng kung ano-anong mga programa.” Base sa inilabas na final report ng nakaraang administration umabot sa 4.5% ang unemployment rate, pinakamababang porsyento mula pa noong 2005. Sa usaping involuntary hunger, nabanggit na mas maliit ng 200,000 na pamilya ang bilang ng nakakaranas nito. Tinatayang 0.8% naman umano na pinakamabagal na pag-arangkada ng inflation rate sa bansa mula pa ng 2016. Taliwas naman sa nakalap na impormasyon ng Ibon Foundation. Ayon sa kanila ang ekonomiyang iprinisenta ng administrasyong Duterte sa kanilang huling report ay isang pantasya na kanilang ipininta. May mga iniwan silang mga detalye ng mga numero na nagpapakita na hindi ito ang klase ng ekonomiya na para sa mga karaniwang mamamayang Pilipino. Ayon sa kanila, mula sa 2.4 milyon na bilang ng mga walang trabaho noong 2016, tumaas ito sa 3.7 milyon ng opisyal na bilang ng mga walang trabaho. Sa bilang naman ng mahihirap na pamilya, mula sa 23.7 milyon ay umabot ito hanggang sa 26.1 milyon, at ang 12.4 milyon naman na pamilya ay pinapagkasya ang 132 piso o mas mababa pa para sa bawat tao sa bawat araw. At ang ipinagmamalaki nilang 0.8% na inflation rate growth sa panahon ng kanilang administrasyon ay pinabulaan na at sinasabing mula sa 1.6% noong 2016, pumalo ito sa pagtatapos ng kanyang termino sa 4.9% noong Mayo 2022. Dumoble rin ang utang ng Pilipinas sa 113.2%, kung saan ngayo’y umabot na sa 13.42 trilyon ang kailangang bayaran mula sa buwis ng mga mamamayan.

Q: Sa tingin mo, saan napunta ang utang ng Pilipinas na halos dumoble at umabot sa 113.2% ang ilinobo nito mula sa utang ng nakaraang administrasyon? Makatwiran ba ang mga numerong ito na sinasabing utang ng Pilipinas? “Yang mga nakukuha naming sa scholarship, sa free education. Sa build, build, build program naman kasi galing pa yan sa tax ng mga taong hindi dati nagbibigay ng tax katulad ng kay Lopez pa (ABS-CBN) ng panahon ni PNoy. Diyan sa mga yan kinuha ang sa build, build, build.” “Sa tingin ko, parang hindi naman kapani-paniwala. Kasi 13.42 trillion, saan naman yun ginamit, tapos wala namang nangyayari. Sa pagpapagawa ng ano… Marami naman siyang nagawa, hindi lang natin napapansin kasi puro si ano nya lang ang nakikita. Pero kung titingnan lang talaga natin, marami talaga siyang nagawa. Pero kung marami siyang nagawa, bakit ang mahal pa din ng mga bilihin?” Siguro nga’y malaki ang epekto ng ‘di nakaugaliang pakikinig at pagbabasa ng mga balita. Lalo pa’t nagkalat na ngayon ang pagmamanipula sa mga datos at tunay na pangyayari sa mga social media na siyang pangunahing aliwan ng mga bata. Mahirap ang ganitong pag-iisip na kung ano lang marinig, iyon na lang ang paniniwalaan at ’di na pagkakaabalahan pang halungkatin ang paksa. Kung sino ang kilala, kung mabuti ang lumalabas na imahe, kuntento na tayo. Mistulang mga aso na kung anong ituro basta’t napapakain ng amo ay wala ng halaga ang sasabihin ng iba. Mahirap ang ganito.

The Marcos Miracle

and What to Expect

BY NEIL ANDREW FORMALEJO

advertising. Digging deeper, we can see how this

is really an ingenious set. Although highly polarizing, it is not surprising that the Marcoses are able to rebuild their empire by paving the way for Bongbong Marcos in winning the presidential election. He has garnered the overwhelmingly majority vote. This feat is astonishing knowing the fact that he has been involved in major controversies over his political career. He has been convicted for a tax offense; his name got involved in the pork barrel scam in 2014; he lied about his credentials; and his parents stole dizzying amounts of wealths from our country. He has a lot of critics and he faced heavy scrutiny from his several political opponents. Even the international media took notice of what was about to take place. You could even say that this is almost like a miracle, that he was able to bounce back and combat all those hurdles. This success wasn’t achieved overnight. Insurmountable efforts have been exerted to finally get to the point where we are now; historical distortion, trolls, fake news, crime denial, forming alliances among other powerful corrupt politicians, and many more. Not only this is done for this presidential election alone, but also in an effort to absolve the infamy of the Marcos family as a whole who is involved in some of the greatest atrocities our country has faced. Besides pillaging billions of wealth until the country is squeezed out of all its economic stability, thousands were also victims of human rights abuses in the hands of the conjugal dictatorship of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos, the parents of Bongbong. The mile they have gone is impressive because it is effective. As we can see, this effort still continues. Even on how he depicts himself, he carries this weight of creating a good-man illusion. He portrayed this “friendly and for the masses” person who doesn’t want conflict but rather desires for peace. And so he ignores all the crucial issues he is currently facing like the unpaid estate tax of his family as well as returning their ill-gotten wealth. He manipulated this narrative as just mud-slinging tactics of his political opponents and in turn, diverting the issue. If he keeps running away from accountability before and now, what more in the future? What’s scary is that he is now sitting as the president. More power yields a more efficient machinery of pulling the strings. He doesn’t have to hide these operations underground anymore. We should expect a more blatant deception in the coming days.

Imee Marcos, Bongbong’s sister even said in an interview that “What’s most important to us is of course, our name, the family name that has become so controversial— the legacy of my father is what we hope will be clarified at last.” It basically translates to using their power in serving their own interest. They talk and they deliver; just look at the insane amounts of conspiracy videos in Tiktok, a movie portraying them in a positive light, and conniving with several media personalities to paint history as just mere “gossip” . But let’s give him the benefit of the doubt. What is the president’s next move now that he is officially in the seat? Unfortunately, his plan is still vague in how the Philippines can recover. But yet, his so-called supporters believe in him even though his needed cabinet members are not yet named and sadly just like them, they have criminal cases. Bagong mukha, they shout. Inflation is very high, and his disillusioned self disregards this and calls the numbers untrue. Even on the issue of rising gas prices he is also dismissive. “We can’t do anything, we just have to take whatever price we’re getting,” he said. I guess he has no plan on solving this issue. Maybe this vagueness is a part of his agenda. Remember his tactics during the campaign? Less talk, less mistakes. Strategic exposure equals good PR stunts. He’s done this before; being avoidant in trusted local, national and international media but is so open to pro-Marcos vloggers and other media outlets that don’t scrutinize him like SMNI. Now, there is even a plan on accrediting vloggers to be an inside source of Malacanang. Atty. Trixie Cruz-Angeles, the selected press secretary said that this has been one of their formulated priorities. There is nothing wrong with that actually but the way it works in practice now, what do these vloggers do? How do they operate and influence the political setting? Looking further, you can say that this is an extension of efforts to deliberately control the narrative. For some, these actions extinguish their hope of being proven wrong. There are lots of implications of what the future awaits the Filipino people. What do we expect in terms of transparency? What would happen to the notion of “truth”? Will Filipinos be plunged further into suffering by the abusive system? If he keeps on dismissing issues, may it be about him or whatever the country is facing, how are we supposed to expect to be proven wrong? The actions of Marcos Jr. sends a message to the people that serving is not his priority. It is still too early to conclude on the entirety of the leadership he would take. Let’s just hope that these impressions are just impressions. The impression he leaves however is very bleak.

“Sana mali kami, sana tama kayo.”

This is where some Filipinos, disappointed with the victory of Marcos Jr. pin their hope. They are willing to be proven wrong. Now that they’re back, what can we expect from another Marcos presidency? Throughout the campaign, before the election, we hear very vaguely about the plans of Bongbong Marcos. He rarely attends debates and only limits the media that can reach him, most of them vloggers. Still, Uniteam, his team, managed to create a sound game plan and a wide reach. “Unity” is successfully imprinted in the minds of Filipinos. In all his rallies and interviews, every issue routes back to “Unity”. It has become the brand of his leadership. There is not a very specific discussion from him on how this brand could solve the issues our country is currently facing. From a farsight it’s almost unbelievable that the masses have brought this kind of very simplistic

COVID-19 pandemic has resulted schools to conduct class in an online setup.

As a student living far from the university what are your struggles? And how do you overcome them?

High transportation fee, far from university laboratories and learning resource physically. I over come those by looking for another solution or another way that may reduce my expenses (transpo) and by full maximizing online learning resources.

Brandon Jon Delos Santos, EA

I encounter a lot of problems during online class set up like sometimes I don’t understand the lesson so what I do is I ask my friends to know the said lesson. At home sometimes it’s chaotic so I can’t concentrate well on what I’m studying but it’s not an obstacle and I’m getting used to it. Nikka M. Vergara, BA

One of my biggest struggle is having unstable internet. I make sure that my wifi router is placed in the right place and pray, dasal lang talaga

Joshua Aguila, EA

As a student living outside Cam. Sur and learning through an online system, I think the major factor that affected my academic is that I don’t have a decent laptop especially that we needed a high-end one for our course, Architecture. It’s just sad that we are paying for computer laboratory fee but we didn’t even use them.

Patrick Panambo, EA Learning setup contribute a huge factor among students which normally face to face are accustomed before. In order to adapt the new kind of learning in times of pandemic, student must cope themselves to technology and environment to learn. In general, students encountered a lot of struggles specifically internet issues, availability of gadgets, learning setup and mode of teaching by the instructors. Indeed a great challenge among students, we have to be determined to learn by looking a solutions for those struggles. Consuming mobile data instead of internet and take advantage of online class by rewatching recorded sessions are the few to overcome those. John Joshua Vicaldo, EA

The online setup is actually an advantage for me as I am a working student on a WFH setup. I was able to work and attend classes at the same time without compromising any of these. Also, compared to Face-to-Face sessions, once classes are done, you can freely box yourself from anyone and not having the guilt of joining them in after class errands.

However, this is also a struggle for internet connectivity isn’t consistent especially during rainy season. We had to secure mobile data allocation just to safeguard our class participation during synchronous sessions. Nevertheless, my experience was entirely great and the struggles were manageable.

Carmi Crisseda Victoria B. De Jesus, BA When our internet and signal is low I cannot attend our synchronous sessions well. However, some professor/s were very considerate of this kind issues during class and some were not. Luckily I am in Flexi Kit modality in which there is a consideration that those flexi kit students can or cannot attend synchronous sessions. Kiara Mari S. Morga, AS

Struggles to have a better communication with fellow classmates and professors.

Sylvanna R. Santamaria, AS

The online setup has helped to me manage my finances especially coming from the upper Barangay of Naga City. My only struggle sometimes is the poor internet connection. Nevertheless I always able to cope up with this as the internet has restored.

Christian Matthew Agnote, BA

For me, I don’t have a encouter in online setup a struggles; because I love the online setup hehe.

Michael Angelo R. Cataluña, AS At first, it was the internet accessibility. Before, we do not have fast internet connection. Now that we already have stable internet at home, my current struggle is motivation. As we have discussed in the Teaching Online of our Coursera Course, this kind of set-up has its own pros and cons.

Joshua De Gracia Camposano, CE As a student living far from the University my struggles includes the transportation fee and time adjustments to get to school which mostly affect my rest hours, and getting fewer sleep. I overcome those by being thrifty and adapting myself on time adjustments.

HUMANS OF UNC

COLLATED BY KYRA FERMEL VICTORIA

What mode of learning do you prefer?

Blended Flexi Tech Face to face

Online Flexi-Tech and PROBE

Yssamin Abad, EA

Since Pandemic, I can say that I adjusted well because I’m able to adapt with the learning set up by our department but as to my struggles, first is the learning process, it becomes independent learning wherein I need to further search for the relevant information about the lesson to be able to fill the missing gap of the knowledge. Second is the learning environment, our home is not like a classroom because I can’t concentrate at all, there are noises, house chores, errands that I encountered so I learned how to really prioritize what is the most needed activities to submit at the same time of doing and thinking house matter. Third is the Procrastination, it is normal for a student to disregard school stuff sometimes but for me it becomes habitual so I redirect myself by setting goals, finding inspiration, and consideration of other things. Lastly, Internet connectivity is the main problem on my end and everytime the net gets weaker my anger issues rises and this time it becomes beneficial for me because I learned to restrain and cooldown myself which will I need in the profession in the future. Jay Vincent C. Oliver, CE

POINTS OF YOU

COLLATED BY JAMES RHUZZEL SASPA GRAPHICS BY ROSE CLAVANO

Totally Agree and USG provide us a strong connection to serve and to help even in the mid of pandemic. Also, provided us a way to succeed in the last two school years in this crisis. So that I like to Thank USG for proper guidance to us. Michael Angelo R. Cataluña, AS

Sometimes, we don’t fully understand the said topic that you discussed like the current announcement for the new modality. We need more informations about this since not all the students has a fast understanding, Thank you! Nikka M. Vergara, BA

Has the USG (2021-2022) upheld “Always of Service to Others” over the previous academic year?

7/10 somehow Louise Justmin B. Acabado, AS

I didn’t feel enough service from them, it’s lacking.

Donjuanayalads, EA

Totally Agree and USG provide us a strong connection to serve and to help even in the mid of pandemic. Also provide us a way to succeed in the last two school year in this crisis. So that I like to Thank USG for a proper guidiance to us.

Michael Angelo R. Cataluña, AS

Yes, they conduct activities that can help students to cope up in this type of learning especially the freshmen Kaisey S. Regidor, CE NO, Their term looks like they just did their part because that’s what they should do. NOTHING MORE SPECIAL IN THEIR TERM. sns Men Empowerment?? hahaha char emz They didn’t have any events aside from those events that they should be doing every month. I am expecting them to help the student body like to also implement or ask the admin for another academic break what the term usg 2020 - 2021 did. Some of their statements are sensitive already, especially asking the UNC to support the running president; VP Leni. Which they haven’t asked first even one personnel from unc if they will have a certain ‘pakulo’ to show support for VP Leni. Hence they just directly created their statement without them knowing that UNC is already planning. Afterward, the statement got into a broad engagement and now that UNC has finished their plan on showing support to VP Leni, it looks like they are just showing support because USG CALLED THEM OUT.

NoToGaslight <333, AS

Sa konsepto ng pagiging kuntento hanggang saan ang kayang tiisin? Alin ang tama lang? Alin ang tama na?

Sa gitna ng pandaigdigang kalakalan, namamangka ang patuloy na lumalabang bansang Pilipinas mula sa pagtaas ng implasyon habang pababa ang ekonomiya. Na kung saan ito ay isang malupit na pangyayari at tila kapalaluan sapagkat ang bansa ay nasa gitna pa rin ng pandemya– ang nagpatigil at nagpabagal sa ekonomiya ng bansa mula 2019 dahil sa dagliang paghinto sa paggastos ng mamimili.

Nito lamang pagpasok ng buwan ng Hunyo 2022, kinakaharap ng Pilipinas ang muling paglobo ng implasyon, 6.1%, na siyang pinakamataas ulit na naitala mula sa 6.9% noong Oktobre 2018. Ang saklay ng pilay na bansa ay ang masa na siya ring nahihirapan dahil sa mga nagtataasang presyo ng mga bilihin, alak, at iba pa. Sino pa nga ba ang maaapektuhan, wala namang iba kundi ang mga Pilipino at higit ang mga nasa laylayan.

Ayon kay alyas Albert, 23, isang negosyante (pagtitinda), kinakailangan nilang maglabas ng mas mataas na kapital dahil sa nagtaas na mga bilihin.

“Grabeng taas ng bilihin, kailangan namin maglabas ng mas mataas na kapital kumpara sa pagbili namin dati,” ika niya.

Napansin din niyang apektado rin ang mga namimili sa kanila. Aniya, kumikita lang nang sapat ang kaniyang mga kapitbahay kung kaya’t mas nagiging mapili sila kung kanino sila bibili.

“Ang mga tao, masyadong kritikal sa presyo. Mas mura lang sa amin ng piso o dos, sa amin sila bibili kahit may mas malapit na tindahan sa kanila. Kapag may mas mura sa ibang tindahan kesa sa amin, doon sila bibili kahit malayo,” paliwanag niya.

Inalala niya rin ang pagtaas ng presyo ng itlog, asukal, at iba pa na madalas bilhin ng mga konsyumer. Ang mga konsyumer na hindi kayang bumili ng bulto-bultong pagkain sa supermarket; ang mga pasarehong walang sariling sasakyan at nagbubudget para sa pasahe– mga Pilipinong kumakayod. Madalas, mga nasa gitna at nasa laylayan.

Ngunit kahit kung may kaya si Albert, o kung nasa laylayan si Tatay Ben, o kung sino mang milyonaryong Pilipino ang makasama nila, iisang basong tagayan ang kanilang iniinuman– ang Pilipinas. Subalit hindi kayang punan ni Mang Ben at ni Albert ang baso ng isang mamahaling alak. Silang tatlo ay nagtatarabaho nang maayos ngunit hindi pare-pareho ng kinikita. Silang tatlo ay apektado ng paglobo ng implasyon ngunit mas ramdam ni Albert at Tatay Ben ang hirap nito.

“Kuntento ka na ba sa ganitong buhay?” tanong ko sa kanila.

“Syempre hindi! Gusto kong maging maayos ang buhay. Gusto kong yumaman. Sino ba naman ang ayaw?” sagot ni Albert na may kumpyansa sa sarili.

“Hanggat napapakain ko ang pamilya ko, okay na ito,” simpleng sagot ni Tatay Ben.

Sa panahong tumataas ang pamumuhay, sapat na ba ang makuntento basta nabubuhay o maghangad ng magandang buhay kahit sumasapat naman kakayahang mabuhay? Marahil ay tama lang na lumaban tayo sa kagustuhan natin, ngunit tama na ang pagmamalaki sa karaniwang pamumuhay. Hindi pagiging kuntento ang pagtitiis ‘pagkat buhay na ang presyo para mabuhay.

ANG PRESYO~N PARA MABUHAY: BUHAY

Dagdag pa niya, hindi na mabenta ang alak kumpara dati sapagkat isa rin ito sa mga naapektuhan ng implasyon.

“Nakakalungkot na kailangan naming magtaas ng presyo eh ang mga tao rito ay mga low-income earners. Kaya mas ramdam namin ‘yung negatibong epekto,” kanyang inilahad.

Ayon sa Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), ang presyo ng mga pagkain at alak ang pinakapangunahing natamaan ng pagtaas ng implasyon. Buhat nito, ang dati nang mahigpit na sinturon ng mga Pilipino ay mas lalo pang pinasikip. Matibay naman daw ang mga Pinoy– nakangingiti pa rin kahit mahirap– isang kasabihang patuloy na ginagatasan.

Sa paglayag sa araw-araw na pamumuhay, ramdam ni alyas Ben, 64, isang tricycle driver, ang hagupit ng alon nito. Bukod sa isa na siyang senior citizen, hindi pa ganun kalaki ang kita sa kanyang pamamasada. Masipag, matiyaga, nabubuhay at may binubuhay.

“Alas singko pa lang ng umaga ay gising na ako at madalas nauunang pumila. Pero kahit maaga ka na talaga hindi palaging may pasahero. Kung minsan ay isang oras na, nakakadalawa pa lang ako,” wika niya.

Bukod sa napakataas na presyo ng gas, na wala silang takas, hindi rin niya matatakasan ang epekto ng pagtaas ng mga bilihin.

“Dati nakakabili pa ako ng mga pwedeng ipaluto sa mga anak ko. Ngayon puro mga luto na lang sa karinderya ang dinadala kong ulam. Pero pati rin doon ay may kamahalan na rin. Hindi ko rin naman masisisi kasi mahal naman talaga ang bilihin,” sambit ni Tatay Ben.

Madalas gabihin sa pamamasada si Tatay. Hindi palaging malakas ang kita, at madalas namang sakto lang ang nakukuha niya, noon.

“Kahit pa nagtaas na nagtaas ang pamasahe, simula noong kasagsagan ng pandemya, tumaas naman presyo ng gas at mga bilihin kaya halos nabawi rin sa amin lahat. Eh paano kung masira pa ang motor?” sabi niya habang tumatawa.

Ang transportasyon ay isa sa mga hindi mawawalan ng gampanin sa pangaraw-araw na pamumuhay ng mga Pinoy. Ayon sa PSA, partikular sa NCR, isa sa mga tumaas dahil sa implasyon ay ang transportasyon, base sa taunang pagtaas na 6.8% kontra sa 5.3% noong Mayo 2020.

Ngunit kahit dalawa lang si Albert at Tatay Ben sa milyon-milyong Pilipino, makikita pa rin dito kung gaano kaapektado ang mga taong nasa paligid nito.

NI PATRICK JOSEPH PANAMBO

GUHIT NI BRANDON JON DELOS SANTOS DEBUHO NG PAHINA NI JANNSEN MARTINEZ

NI NORENE CANTOR

Pagtitipon—napakaraming uri nito; madalas masaya. Ngunit sa isang lungsod, araw-araw itong sasalubong sa iyo. Mula sa entrada nitong punong-puno ng dyip, bus, traysikel, at motorsiklong mula pa sa iba’t ibang dako ng probinsya, hanggang sa puno’t dulo nitong tila hindi matapos-tapos na parada. Sa sentro nitong hindi rin pinalagpas sa pagiging puno nito ng mga taong may kanyakanyang lakad, may kanya-kanyang direksyon, may kanya-kanyang layunin. Isang ordinaryong araw lamang ito sa Naga.

Ang laki ng lungsod at ang lawak ng pagkakaiba-iba ng taumbayan. Iba’t ibang kwento, pinagmulan, at dinaraanan. Hindi natin akalaing isang araw ay magiging isang kulay pala sila.

Hinintay nila ang isang araw na sila mismo ang magtatala ng kasaysayan. Hindi sila magtitipon para sa taunang piyesta ng kanilang patron, kundi para sa martsa ng pag-asa.

Ika-6 ng Mayo, tatlong araw bago ang halalan, sinalubong ng makulay na tahanan ang ilaw nito—ang dahilan ng kasiglahan at kasaganahan ng mga pusong puno ng pag-aasam sa masaganang kinabukasan. Sa taong ito, napakahalaga ng kulay rosas hindi lamang para sa mga Bikolano. Hindi na ito naging tungkol sa kung saan ang balwarte ng isang nagnanais pamunuan ang bansa. Ito ay isang krusada, dahil para sa kanila, ito ay abot-kamay na pangarap. Ang pagtitipon—maraming nagnais na makadalo upang magsaya, mag-ikotikot, muling magkita-kita ang barkada, at higit sa lahat, upang mabitbit ang panawagan para sa isang inklusibong pamamahala.

Ang pagtitipon—mula sa paghahanda patungo sa entablado ay maraming sulok din ang nakasaksi kung paanong sila’y nagkaisa. Hindi nga pala ito krusada ng lungsod, kundi ng buong probinsya. Iba rin ang saya kapag nakakakita ng ‘di kakilala ngunit alam mong pupunta rin sa patutunguhan mo.

“Dawa anong kulay mo, dagos po kamo,” bati ng arkong kahapon pa nakatindig ngunit natutuwa pa ring sinasalubong ang taumbayang tagaktak pa ng pawis. Naroon sila—kabataan, matatanda, mag-aaral at guro, manggagawa, ang LGBTQIA+ community na mas lalong nagpasigla ng kulay sa bitbit nilang bandila at mga ngiti. Marahil ding pinagsama-sama sila sa kanilang hilig sa pakikisalamuha, sa libreng pagkain, at mga piyesta. ‘Wag din nating kalimutan na nariyan ang napakaraming nagkusang-loob na magbigay: ang libreng sakay, pagkain, at ang kanilang munting oras upang makiusap sa mga nagdalo. Tila hindi na politikal ang mga kaganapan sa kahabaan ng Magsaysay Avenue. Tila mga masasayang oras na lamang na naghahatiran ng mensahe ng pagkakaisa.

Ang napakalaking One People’s March sa Camarines Sur ay hindi malilimutan, hindi lang dahil sa makasaysayang laki ng populasyong nagmartsa para sa kampanya kontra korapsyon at maruming pamamahala. Dito rin natagpuan ng sambayanang Pilipino ang lakas ng bolunterismo—ang kapangyarihan ng kusa at buong loob na pagnanais; ang motibo ng tunay na pagtatagumpay.

Ito ang tagumpay na higit pa sa masigabong palakpakan; ito ang tagumpay na tunay na ipinaglaban.

Sa katunayan, noong araw ng halalang natalo sa pagkapangulo si Leni Robredo ay hindi natapos ang martsa at krusada. Hindi pangalan niya ang dala-dala ng mga nagpoprotesta, isang gabi sa Plaza Quince Martirez. Bitbit ng kabataan, manggagawa, at mga ordinaryong Pilipino ang kanilang panawagang matagal nang ipinagsisigawan. Ang protesta laban sa isa na namang diktadurya, sa pagmamanipula ng kasaysayan, at sa mga anomalyang hindi pa rin nabibigyan ng malinaw na pahayag.

Ito ang tagumpay na higit pa sa alingawngaw ng sigawan; ang tagumpay ng prinsipyong Pilipino.

Hindi galing sa bibig ng taumbayan ang pagkakaisa, kundi mula sa puso tungo sa resultang patuloy na mabubuhay sa kanilang mga alaala. “Hindi kami nabigong tumindig sa tama,” anila.

Ito ang dalisay na tagumpay.

Patuloy na tinatatagan ng mga Pilipino ang kanilang kalooban, bigo mang maitulak nang sagad ang kanilang panawagan. Nang dahil dito, naunawaan nating ang giyera ay hindi naipapanalo sa isang laban lamang. Ang mga laban ng masa ay naipapanalo sa patuloy na pakikibaka.

Dumarami na ang pusong tumatatag; patuloy na nadaragdagan ang hindi na muling pipikit.

Ito ang tagumpay ng sambayanan.

GUHIT NI ROSE CLAVANO DEBUHO NG PAHINA NI JANNSEN MARTINEZ

15

Pièce de résistance students enrolled in school, but even to graduates to help them have a career plan and career path, Ms. Charlene observed. “They make sure that UNC Graduates are ready to apply regardless of what course they took– from preparing documents, introducing online platforms, conducting mock interviews and phone banking, not just scripted,” she pointed out that people can simply memorize interview answers. “Yes, you’re confident, you’ve studied for it, how will you efficiently and accurately articulate them to the Human Resource (HR) personnel? You have to impress them,” she encourages students to avoid the ‘first impressions don’t last mentality’ because applicants must make sure that they clearly communicate the skills and abilities that they can offer. 2022 UNC Graduates especially have an edge when stepping into the competitive world because of PEP. Ayala company chose UNC because of the University’s excellence when it comes to employment, “the PEP program bridges academe and career life,” Ms. Charlene further explained. She has high confidence for 2022 UNC Graduates, especially her trainees. “We have this graduate tracking system, we keep in touch with our students to actively look for jobs,” she shared, although there are graduates that took courses with board exams and licensure afterward so she acknowledges that they can’t force them to find jobs. For instance, the fresh graduates of School Year 2021-2022 are not yet allowed to take the Licensure Exam for Teachers in the year 2022, meanwhile the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has not yet determined if they can accommodate their batch. PRC is prioritizing the earlier batch that were not able to take the exam due to the pandemic; for this reason PEP trainers consult their trainees for their plan of action and if they say they don’t have a plan, that’s the time that they will further engage their trainees for a talk, she remarked. The way Workforce Development Trainers in UNC take interest in their trainees career life is commendable, for the pioneers are in good care, they have the opportunity to prepare for the professional world. Meeting the needs of different students, the UNC community was open for suggestions, so gaining professional work experience was a different case for Mr. Lucky Ravago and his classmates who were supposed to take PEP in place of On-the-Job Training (OJT). As a BS Biology student, he saw a need to experience being in a field related to their career paths. “It was a sentiment my classmates agreed with,” he said. Subsequently, communicating with their Dean, Mr. Kenjie E. Jimenea listened to their request despite being in a pandemic, “similar to PEP, it was a fruitful endeavor as it was an example of what real life is like,” Mr. Ravago remarked. Mr. Ravago among many, forged ahead in remote learning. “During the first two months, it was really fun, as time passed by, it proved difficult to learn...I still feel like these last two years were a waste, as learnings were inadequate in a sense,” nevertheless he took it upon himself to learn as much as he possibly can in online

Running carelessly in open classes. During the 74th Commencement Graduation rites school grounds, blades of grass would stick to their socks, for 2022 UNCean Graduates, Lucky Ravago delivered his valedictory speech, he emphasized that graduating was his goal so he attended classes with an intent to shoes, slippers, skirts, shorts, sweaters, small spawns, bidding learn, the rest just followed as he is the celebrated Summa Cum Laude and Class Valedictorian of UNC from College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). alliterations for a vibrant season. He imparts to students not to stress themselves too much with grades because college life is more than just academics–“it is the stage where you make With lavish energy, they patiently wait, basking to pounce on peculiar dragonflies– giggling girls with paper lifelong friends, connections, and even know who you truly are as a person– personally, I think college was truly fun and the awards I received are bonuses because the lessons and skills I learned are what crafts or huddled boys in hushed tones, they would I consider as my major takeaways in college,” he sound swift folds, creating paper airplanes that soar high to the sky. Then comes a shift in the terrain– wide-eyed children chanting ABC’s would someday be propelled conveyed. “They say that the more you learn, the more you realize you actually know nothing,” Lucky Ravago says as he resonates with the humbling experience as a BS Biology undergraduate, which provides generalized to pioneer the K to 12 Senior High School. Just when courses with a lot of career paths. He now plans to they were progressing in their second year in college, attend medical school this upcoming school they were also one of the first to adapt to new modes year. of learning because of a different kind of ABC, the They are on their way to the next chapter aberrations brought by Covid-19. of their lives. Some will be immersing in OJT’s, To the future generation who might peer into what went down in 2019 to 2022, how did these pioneers cope? Was there compromise in the crisis? Did the K to 12 pioneers acquire 21st century education that was apprenticeship, enrolling in review centers, continuing their studies, deploying their startup business or getting their first jobs. Stepping into intended by the Philippine government, and do they now possess qualities that would make them lifelong learners?

Edilson Jhon from College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA), shared his experience during his Senior Highschool days in the University of Nueva Caceres (UNC), “the K to 12 program gave us an edge, during my Senior High School at UNC, we were exposed to various activities that improved and developed our communication skills, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, interpersonal skills, teamwork skills, and flexibility that did not only focus on making us college ready, instead paved the way for us to be employment ready.”

Aside from transitioning to K to 12, he also became one of the first to experience remote learning at UNC. He shared that it was very challenging to jump from face to face (F2F) setup to online learning.

“It is undeniably a rough journey for all of us, some were barely able to make it while some were lost in the transition itself. In my point of view, online learning is somehow convenient for some students, but despite that, F2F setup is still the best way to enroot learning to future professionals,” Mr. Edilson concludes.

Workforce Development Learning Facilitator at Professional Employment Program (PEP)– AYALA Education, Charlene Estelle M. Salvador gives her insights on K to 12 student competency from a trainer’s perspective.

She saw the best of both worlds as she was part of the last batch to graduate in UNC before K to 12 uncharted was implemented nationwide– she noticed that K to places. 12 pioneers that she handled have undeniably high academic excellence. Meanwhile Edilson Jhon underwent the very same Professional Employment Program. These K-12 Pioneers sure have outgrown their ABCs. Countless cups of coffee were consumed, some of course enjoyed their preferred refreshment while through PEP, they were able to learn long hours were and grow individually and as a spent in dedicated team. He adds that it is also study sessions, a a notable aid for those pile of crumpled who are struggling paper tossed on expressing their thoughts. UNC is really concerned not new aside in place of a better version of pièce de résistance. They are the set of citizens to face just to the a competitive world nurtured and geared current with 21st century knowledge, experience and skill sets accommodated by the UNC institution. They are the product of turbulent times—an inspiration for those to follow. Cheers to our Pioneers. Ubliciones morurecri sesse pra mendi, nuntemquam se nortu muscepora diente nihiliam in derestr icondees nost in tam liurbis bonsimiu quem sentem, quem et esilis, pere pora, firmili narebem quidelis, ut videa considin Etris

BY MARIE JUVY LEA VIOLETA

Tingog Kan Universidad

Oh ano na kumusta na kamo mga marzy!! Ako ulit ni ang favorite nindong para-tingog sa yoensi. Syempre para kunwari ‘in’ ako as saindong para-tingog, gagamiton ko sa writeup na ini ang mga word na “forda” asin “ferson” kaya kung nababaduyan kaya dyan labot ko naman saimo. From radikal ang magmahal to radikal ang manakal realquick ang transition kang mga ferzon after madaog ang satuyang pambato sa national elections pero syempre atchan ta na yan pag-uulayan ta dakulon akong ichi-chika saindo ta ang cover na bulan kang issue ming ini is May 1 to July 15 kaya may mga naisaray akong istorya para sa mga avid reader kaning tingog na ini.

Mapabisto pa ako? O dae na ta sisay man ako adi para bistuhon pa? HAIST UMAY SORRY GUYS NAHAWA LANG AKO KANG EX KONG PINAGLIHI SA PAGIGING PASALIHON GRR basta hali ako sa department na mas mati pa ang presensya asin suporta kang assistant dean kesa sa dean mismo. Pito baga ang departments, bahala naman kamo mag-isip kung alin duman sa pito.

PERO UYA NA NGANI MGA MARZY ANG CHIKA forda crayola ang bilog na Naga asin supporters ni madzam Leni sunbaenim after ma-lost sa national election ki baby m. Personally nag cry man ako pero shessh sabi ngani kayan i-transform ang anggot into action kaya ang accla nindo uto nag rekta sa tinampo kaiba an mga kakampink frennies na dawa dae katoliko napasign of the cross dahil sa resulta. Maogmahon man ngani ta nagpa-candle lighting ang UNC para ki VPL, sarong patunay na win or lose, UNC is pink (oh mataram na naman dyan s i mga baby m supporters na pinklawan ang UNC–bestie ang UNC nag support sa sarong kandidato dae dahil sa kolor kundi sa kapasidad kani mag-governar iyo? Arog po yan kayan kaya kung dae ka po uyon sa sinabi ko digdi, simbagi muna WHY BBM?) Sa university ganap naman kita, tig-call out kang former USG VP and project head kang first-ever AClass ang organizers kang AClass this year (which is ang USG) ta ang AClass palan is pronounced as “Aklas” since may root of resistance palan ang reason tano nagkaugwang arog kayan sa USG ta iyo to si time na na-elect si Digong as prexy. Sabi pa sa twt ni former USG VP, dapat daa gamiton more kang USG ang AClass as platform to address the comeback of the Marcoses in power pero kebs man lang gayod yan basta may rapelling anek? CHZ!! Pero magayon man si overall AClass pero talagang need tarabangan ngonian ma-preserve and protect ang history lalo na ta under attack sya lalo na about sa Martial law.

Dae ko aram ano ang duros sa AS pero sheeeeeeeesh 7 ang summa sa batch 21-22 ninda. Prayer reveal man daw po dyan mga lodi para samong mga student pa sa yoensi na dae aram if summa-kabilang buhay ang pipilion o summa-blay na lang ta mapagalon na magklase lalo pa ta nag-TOFI ang yoensi. Also over-all congratulations sa bilog na Batch Banyuhay,lalo na sa mga ate’s and kuya mi sa pubmily, mabuhay kayo to be announced <33!!

Speaking of graduation, i heard medyo dae magayon ang experience kang first batch na nag-graduate which is ang CBA ta nag-brown out daa tas dae na ninda nakanta ang batch song sinda tas makanos daa seat plan ta ang mga laude nasa pinakalikod lmfao HAIST I THINK DESERVE REFUND EME!

Since napag-urulayan ta na ang national elections, digdi naman kita sa unib. Ibahon sabihon pero uncontested and election ngonian both for Pres, VP and college councils (except si educ). Honestly, alarming na garo dikit-dikit nagiging norm na ang uncontested election sa unib dahil dae natatawan chance ang students na magkaugwang genuine freedom to chose and elect. Syempre, mayong choice ang student na mag-vote kang sole-contender or magabstain and this is something that the current USG and other governing bodies in unib should address and make mends para dae na sya mautro. Ang mamundo pa, nag-double Failure of Election (FOE) ang College of Engineering and Architecture (CEA) dawa nagpa-special elections ang Student Election Commission kaya sa ngonian kaipuhan hilingon ang mga lente kang as to how the school admin, student admin, and SEC works hand in hand to make the next election in UNC a success. Kung dae buhayon ang YLAW na haloy nang kalaban kang BUGKOS, maybe it’s time for political reform sa UNC and introduce a new party.

Izpeaking op elections, ano to ta si SEC chairperson forda resign due to health concern tas aban-aban forda file ning COC as independent candidate sa highest position sa sarong college council and i heard forda absent daa sa Miting de Avance. Sana dae ni maulit and ma-cultivate ang arog kaning action dahil dae sya maray na gawi.

Ini pa palan marzy ang dae nindo aram pero ngonian maaaraman na nindo, sinetch itey proud parent kinemerlu sa duwang studentleader sa yoensi ta matibay daa ang leadership and inuulian si lolo brown ning recognition and awards pero wa nya bet padalaganon sa sarong position dyan sa yoensi. Matao akong clue? Dae na gayod basta ang point is makanos na proud lang ang admin kapag may natataong onra ang student pero kapag ang student vocal sa stands niya on certain issue sa unib, dae na ini love kang admin hahahahah.

Nagbabasa pa man kamo or punduhan ko na ining kalokohan kong ini? HAHAHAHAHAH pero yan we heard na ugwang avid tingog reader na prof from AS kaya hello po!! Nae-enjoy mo man po ang kapasalihan na chika sa tingog or nababanas ka po? Perooo how true po na mataas sahod nindong teachers tas may pa rice subsidy sa staffs kaya ma-TOFI? Pa fact-check man daw po if forda true of forda wrongzt.

Palan before matapos congrats ki Krislen and Berl (na delegate man kang saro pang leadership program na AmCham tas forda 3rd place pa sa business case contest) for making it to AYLC!! Kumusta ang feeling na ipa-tarp kang OSA?

Bago palan matapos ining tingog, remind ko lang kamo na mayong paganap ang UNC sa birthday ni Lolo Brown tas nagpost man kuta birthday pubmat, 1 hour before matapos si birthday mismo. What’s poppin’ UNC? If dae pa magpost ang demmy, mayo talagang pa-tribute for dzaddy Jaime. Keep up po tayo!!

So yan man lang ang mga chika for today’s video! Basahon man nindo ang ibang parts kang tabloid like the editorial article, sports, saka dev comm ta for sure maiinteresan nindo ang topic ta kung dae pupurukiton mi na lang ni ano pa man.

Oh sya, tapuson ta na ning kauragan na ni asin good luck sato gabos sa a/y 22-23, pagirumdom lang sa mga seniors, ang freshies tigga-guide lang iyo? Dae tigjo-jowa!! Oh sige na balik ka na sa pag-overthink mo kung padangat ka ba nya ta kaipuhan ka nya or kaipuhan ka nya kaya padangat ka nya. CHARIZ untok na kayang padangat-padangat na yan ta wara man giraray angas mo kung si pinakahabo mong prof last year, prof mo pa nanggad ngonian. Kaya kun ako saimo padi saka madi, magpuonpuon ka na mag-novena asin ipangadyi na dawa dae magiging maray ang grades mo saiya this coming sem, magiging maray ang mindset to not quit until graduation day. Bye na mga marzy, aram kong mami-miss nindo ako pero don’t worry maipon ulit akong chismis para mas dakol akong matingog saindo. Sa uulitin ta mayo kamong no choice!

Mitigating Inflation Impacts Through Export-Oriented Growth-ReducingImport Reliance BY DANRIE JOSH GARCIA to invest in the country, but also foreign companies to revitalize our manufacturing sector. We may start in light manufacturing, such as textile, cement, steel, electronics, As record high and historic inflation rate has been hitting consumers’ pockets severely, you have to significantly understand the relationship between oil prices and supply, economic outlook, and U.S. dollar (USD) to Philippine peso exchange rate. It is about time to initially learn how the U.S. dollar became economically powerful, especially regarding petro-economy, dominating the world’s foreign reserves and how this trend needs to be watched, especially for the fate of Philippine peso. The USD and oil have historical ties going back to the pretext of the end of the Second World War when the U.S. and Saudi Arabia secured a deal after a major discovery of huge oil deposits on the kingdom’s soil prompting to designate the USD as the official standard payment for buying oil. This served as a leverage for the U.S. to assert its economic muscle now holding 60% of the world’s foreign reserves. From then, the USD has solely become the official “petrodollar,” a portmanteau of “petro” which means oil and the dollar itself. This enabled the USD as payment for oil, paving the way for oil-exporting countries to increase their USD foreign reserves, thus circulating a huge amount of USD for their central banks. It seems like the USD will become irreplaceable as the most used to purchase oil even though China has been making many attempts to challenge its hegemony through yuan, but these efforts seem to be not working. Meanwhile, going back to this inflation issue, world leaders from inflation-battered countries across the planet have been scrambling to resolve these record high inflation rates as this ongoing pandemic forced the world’s economy to shut down temporarily, thus decreasing the supply and raising the prices of goods and basic commodities. These inflation rates have been further exacerbated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine as food shortages become imminent and energy prices continue to skyrocket. This demand and supply affair has undergone turbulent momentum over the past several months as the economies of some countries are currently opening up with loosening some restrictions to recover from the destructive impacts of the pandemic. However, as demand continues to rise amid an economic recovery, consumers are forced to grapple with all time high price tags of goods in each supermarket as oil prices also reach their record breaking price hikes as many countries, especially the most economically powerful Group of Seven (G7) countries, slap Russia with hefty sanctions banning its oil and gas exports to make it pay the price of launching an invasion on Ukraine as thousands left wounded, missing, and dead. According to Investopedia, a New York-based financial media website, Russia is the world’s second largest exporter of oil only behind Saudi Arabia accounting for 11.6% totaling US$74.4 billion in 2020. This European and Far Eastern country also holds 11% for global oil production. In addition, according to the World Atlas website’s figures in 2020, Russia has also proven a staggering amount of 80 billion barrels of crude oil reserves. These supply various Western, Central, and Eastern European countries stretching all the way to Eastern, Central, and Western parts of the continent, as well as its Asian partners such as China, Mongolia, and India. Many U.S. oil firms have also been buying Russian oil but were forced to halt its transactions to comply with the sanctions imposed. Haven’t you wondered why can’t we just buy oil from other oil rich countries, especially in the Middle East, to address the now unstoppable soaring of oil prices? To tell you honestly, this is very unlikely to break your fantasy. There is an organization of world’s largest exporting countries of oil, namely the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) composed of Middle East and African countries, worthless due to the fact that who wanted to fill their vehicles with this oil if economic activities are suspended such as going to work and leisure. According to the World Economic Forum, oil prices plunged to below zero for the first time in history, shocking and worrying traders and investors with this unforeseen major economic downturn against the backdrop of a pandemic forcing airlines and cars to cease their operations amid a plummeting demand for travel. Going back to OPEC, this 13 plus-member states’ organization was forced to halt its production dramatically because there was a lack of buyers in the market and storage facilities might be filled if these states continued to pump for oil. Geopolitical events in Europe 2022 resulted in a sharp rise in oil prices due to a panic shock in the market. To bring down oil prices at least, OPEC can flood oil supply onto the market. The U.S., through President Joe Biden, including the U.K. have been appealing this since then to Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates to increase their oil output but their efforts achieved no success. But to give a bigger picture here, restarting oil pumping and refining facilities is no easy task. This also requires an expensive budget to be secured to return those manpower and equipment working after a sudden shut down brought by low demand. Closed oil fields do not normally return to their original production output if you wish them to work again. In an article by the CNBC, Nigeria and Angola have been encountering difficulties to restart their production since closed oil wells have become dilapidated as investors withdrew due to the pandemic. No investors mean no investment to refurbish or build additional oil installations. That’s why these states could never put their oil production into full swing as during pre-pandemic. Now, let’s talk about this worldwide trend on how it is radiating on the Philippine soil because no country could ever escape this as globalization further deepened over the past decades. According to the recent data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the country has recorded the highest inflation rate in June reaching 6.1% since October 2018 of 6.7% skyrocketing poultry and livestock products’ prices. This was also the result of weakening peso to USD by reaching P56.06 to $1 on July 7 being the lowest since September 2005 of P56.28. The upward trend of peso to dollar exchange rate limits our purchasing power and raises import goods’ prices. To address these hurtful impacts of the ongoing oil price hikes, there are actually many solutions for these. Much importantly, we should largely pay attention to our exports to increase our foreign reserves. Each one of us should shift our attention to locally made products. Unfortunately, the country currently has an underdeveloped manufacturing sector wherein some of the richest men’s corporations in the country are only limited to retail, real estate, banking, financial services, and other service-oriented industries. The government shall make reforms to make the country attractive to establish factories, such as maintaining peace and order, lowering electricity rates, enhancing bureaucratic structure by eliminating red tape, erecting more physical clothing, furniture, and appliances. Then, we may gradually enter a period of transition to heavy industry manufacturing such as automotive, aerospace, and shipbuilding. We can also improve our agricultural output to widely distribute them to boost our food security but also on a global scale by providing our farmers free seedlings, fertilizers, machinery, equipment, and building infrastructure to trade their goods efficiently such as farm-to-market roads. Finally, here comes the oil. The Philippines has indeed little amount of proven and untapped oil deposits. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, only two active petroleum fields are operating in the country, one in Galoc, Culion, Palawan while the latter is erected in Alegria, Cebu. But this does not mean our country has no capability of exporting so much oil and its products. Let’s scrutinize the Singaporean model when it comes to oil refining. This tiny city-state, which is strategically located along the choke point where Indian and Pacific Oceans meet, had managed to use oil refining as one of key industries in stimulating its economic success. This city-state built massive and innovative oil refining facilities to process oil yielding many products for industrial use paving the way for the petrochemical industry boom. “Petrochemical” is a portmanteau of “petro,” which means oil, and chemical. This means that processing oil can yield many chemical products for industrial use as previously mentioned such as kerosene, refinery gas, petrol, diesel fuel, fuel oil, lubricating oil, etc. This means that the Philippines can adapt what Singapore did to help fuel economic miracle. These steps are not only making our country self-reliant, but also increasing our trade surplus, thus surging our foreign reserves, especially the U.S. dollar, if we could export our goods in each corner of the planet. This will boost the value of peso against the U.S. dollar and will subsequently strengthen its purchasing power. The country’s peso can buy many goods as it strengthens its position against the USD. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), the country can afford more liters of gasoline if the peso’s stance is stronger in exchange rate between the USD. This is how export-oriented growth is crucial in putting domestically-produced goods in both local and international markets. If you would suggest why not we use electric cars, it is impossible for now since they are more pricey than gasolinepowered cars and the government currently offers little to no subsidies on them. The country also lacks infrastructure for charging outlets of these electric vehicles. Promoting bike and scooter lanes, and pedestrian friendly streets may also become a big help in lessening reliance on gasoline-powered vehicles. Renewable energy is the most ideal option here to shift away from oil dependency of bringing electricity to many households and industrial facilities as it becomes the cheapest source of energy, according to a 2020 Renewable Power Generation Costs report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). However, this depends on the context of certain locations’ feasibility when it comes to the coverage of wind output and sunlight. Nuclear energy can also be considered as an alternative because this is considered as the safest and most secure by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), however, one mistake might wipe out the entire population and structures around the radius. Accommodating these plants shall be handled properly and carefully to avoid these risks. In the Philippines’ case, the country has no experience of handling nuclear power plants yet and natural disasters are frequent that’s why there are still no plants being actively operated in the country. These trends are undeniably inevitable and unforeseen phenomena, but such making proactive and urgent actions will at least enable us to dodge or mitigate the risks and impacts of these economic collapses which come from either man-made or natural disasters. which dictates how much crude oil they will sell on the world and digital infrastructure, providing attractive tax cuts, and market. This was also founded to balance the market with abolishing protectionist provisions in our constitution. demand and supply through ‘fixed’ pricing. Their policies Not only are we convincing domestic businessmen here might largely send shockwaves throughout the stability of oil prices in the market. Remember that this pandemic diminished the demand, especially for oil, starting the first GRAPHICS BY ROSE ANN quarter of 2020 so oil prices crashed and became almost CLAVANO LAYOUT BY CHRISTIAN

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Sports UNC hosts 1st BCL Friendly Game for a Cause; 8 teams exhibit sports spirit, compassion

NI AILA JOY ESPERIDA

With the goal of helping the victims of the fire incident in Bagumbayan Sur, Naga City, the University of Nueva Caceres hosted the 1st Bicol Championship League Friendly Game for a Cause, which was held at the UNC Sports Palace last May 28, 2022.

The friendly match was organized by the Bicol Championship League and joined by different teams from Bicol, including the UNC Greyhounds, Team Legazpi Juniors, NCF Junior Tigers, Althea Alexa Builders, Gold Gloffa Builders, ADNU Golden Knights, NCF Senior Tigers, and J&J Albay’s Finest who commit to flare up sportsmanship and lend a hand to the victims thru sports.

During game one, the mighty Junior Tigers of Naga College Foundation propelled their pace in the entire match and showed off their entire repertoire at perfect stance to finish the game with 26 points advantage against the Legazpi Juniors from Legazpi, Albay, 86-60.

The NCF Junior Tigers relished the opportunity to familiarize and analyze their opponent’s game, as they delivered their potent offensive and defensive forms led by Pit Rito, who recorded 24 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists.

The second game became intense as Team Athea Alexa Builders and Team Gold Gloffa Builders got numerous attacks and points back-and-forth but was stopped as #15 Consulta of AAB made an error in the last five seconds of the match, enabling GGB to completely dominate the game with 8582 scores. For the third game, although playing on their homecourt, the Basketball Team of the University of Nueva Caceres had a hard time overpowering the fast footwork and the defense of the Golden Knights from Ateneo de Naga University, resulting in 28 points disadvantage, 56-84 scores. Amidst not getting the

victory, UNC Greyhounds took the game as a chance to analyze their opponent’s tactics and help the fire incident victims. As the match continued until the last game, the Senior Tigers who were also from the Naga College Foundation affirmed why they were called “Tigers” inside the hardcourt as they targeted the endline of their opponent, J&J Albay’s Finest from Albay, with a three-point advantage, seizing the victory, 77-74. Even though being titled as a friendly match, the game served as the teams’ tune-up and preparation for the upcoming Legacy Games 1.0 (Naga Edition), which will be joined by eight universities in Naga. “Being able to help the victims of the fire incident in Bagumbayan Sur by showcasing my basketball skills was something to be remembered and be proud of. In my little way, it boosted my self-esteem. I felt elated, joyful, and blessed for having this God-given talent… ,”said Nico Andre Caronan, AB Psychology student and shooting guard of the UNC Basketball team. He also stated that the friendly match against ADNU helped them be more attentive to their shortcomings as players, be ready for the coming competitions and inspire them to strive more to reach the top. The game for a cause was partnered GREYHOUND SPORTS SPIRIT. The UNC Greyhound Basketball team showed the true sports spirit and compassion as the team participated in the 1st Bicol Championship League Friendly with the UNC General Alumni Association, UNC High School Batch 1996, Converge ICT

Game to help the victims of fire incident in Bagumbayan Sur, Naga City, which was hosted by the UNC last May 28, 2022. WORDS BY AILA JOY ESPERIDA & PHOTO FROM GNN TV 48

NAGA AND OFFICIAL ALBAY’S FINEST FB PAGE Philippines ranks 4th in SEA Games 2022; hauls total of 226 medals

NI KENN DANIEL MONTECILLO

The two-year hiatus ended for the biggest sporting event in Southeast Asia after it concluded the 31st edition of Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) in Hanoi, Vietnam, with Team Philippines bagging the 4th place in the medal tally with a total of 226 medals.

From May 12 to 23, the Philippines wrapped up the SEA Games with 51 gold medals, 71 silver medals, and 106 bronze medals, for a total of 226 medals from across the sporting events. Hence, placing the country in 4th place with the host country, Vietnam, as the runaway winner after topping the leaderboard with 205 gold medals, 125 silver medals, and 116 bronze medals (a total of 446 medals), followed by Thailand with 331 medals (92 gold, 103 silver, and 136 bronze) and Indonesia with 241 medals (69 gold, 91 silver, and 81 bronze).

In the 11-day run of the competition, Team Philippines hoisted our national flag higher and delivered record-breaking solid performances courtesy of our athletes who have carved their names already in their own sports and those who have introduced themselves to the international scene. Solutions, and Naga College Foundation. All the amounts collected from ticket sales of Php 25.00 each were donated to the victims of the fire incident.

One of these is the Filipino world gymnastics champ, Carlos Yulo, who clinched five glittering gold medals and two silver medals, catapulting him as the most bemedalled Filipino athlete in this year’s tourney. The 22-year-old gymnasts reigned supreme and topped the men’s artistic vault and horizontal bar events, after earlier ruling the individual all-around, floor exercise, and still rings events.

Similarly, Hidilyn Diaz replicated her golden moment at the Tokyo Olympics 2022 and defended her throne as the world’s weightlifting queen after snatching another gold medal for the 55 kg division. Diaz dusted off the Hanoi Sports Palace after lifting 92 kg for snatch and 114 kg for clean and jerk for a total of 206 kg, a kickstarter for her Paris 2024 Olympics campaign.

In a similar event, dubbed as the “face of the future”, 18-year old weightlifter Vanessa Sarno established her name with recordbreaking numbers in her SEA Games stint. It was a golden lift for Sarno in the 71 kg division, who carried a total of 239 kilograms on a 104 kg (snatch) and a 135 kg (clean and jerk). These numbers are way up from the previous

HOME OF CHAMPIONS. Several Filipino athletes bagged championship titles to hoist the Philippine flag higher during the SEA Games 2022, including Carlos Yulo, Hidilyn Diaz, Eumir Marcial, and Ernest John Obiena held last May 12 to 23 at Hanoi, Vietnam. WORDS BY AILA JOY ESPERIDA & PHOTOS FROM OFFICIAL SPORTS

FEDERATIONS, OFFICIAL SEA GAMES, AND ATHLETES’ FB PAGES

SEA Games records of 123 kg in clean and jerk, and 227 kg total.

While several SEA Games records were written, the Philippines’ most favorite event saw its 33-year golden reign in the biannual regional meet come to an end and settle for silver. The Philippine basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas, crushed three decades of golden supremacy and bowed to Indonesia, 85-81, in the 31st Southeast Asian Games on Sunday.

Meanwhile, monetary incentives await medal-performing athletes for the 31st Southeast Asian Games pursuant to Republic Act 10699, otherwise known as the National Athletes and Coaches Incentives and Benefits Act. The law rewards a Filipino athlete with P300,000 for every individual gold medal won, while the value of a silver and bronze are P150,000 and P60,000, respectively.

For its 32nd edition, the Southeast Asian Games are set to step into the Kingdom of Wonder in Phnom Penh, Cambodia from May 5 to 16, 2023.

Kauna unahang Sepak Takraw Regu Tournament naging matagumpay; UNC itinanghal na kampeon

NI RACHELLE PAJA

Hinirang na kampeon ang University of Nueva Caceres Sepak Takraw Team matapos magpakita ng kumpiyansa at diskarte sa katatapos lang na Sepak Takraw Regu Tournament 2022 na ginanap sa UNC Covered Court noong ika- 11 ng Hunyo, 2022.

Ang nasabing torneo ang kaunaunahang Regu tournament na inorganisa ng UNC at nilahukan ng labing-pitong koponan mula sa iba’t ibang paaralan at lugar, kabilang na ang UNC, Naga College Foundation (NCF) Legend A, NCF Legend B, Pamplona A, Pamplona B, NCF A, NCF B, NCF C, Tabaco A, Tabaco B, Albay Sepak Takraw Association (ASTA) A, ASTA B, ASTA C, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), LIBON, Pasacao A, at PANDEMIC kung saan mayroong tatlo hanggang limang manlalaro ang bawat grupo.

Nagsimula ang torneo sa ganap na alas -8 ng umaga at natapos ng alas-9 ng gabi dahil sa nagkaroon ng pansamantalang pagtigil habang nasa kalagitnaan ng laro dahil sa malakas na ulan.

Sa kabilang banda, unang nakatunggali ng UNC Sepak Takraw team sa crossover ang NCF A na itinuturing nilang matinding karibal. Ayon kay Kevin Sales, isa sa mga manlalaro ng UNC, “ In the crossover, we fought NCF A in the cross over- the rival team. This game, we popped off. They were considered to be the best team in NCF. We barely won. It was super hard.”

Sa pangalawang laban ng crossover, mas nagpakitang-gilas ang koponan ng UNC matapos nilang pulbusin ang TABACO A at ilista ang labing-anim na kalamangan na naging susi upang makapasok sila sa finals kontra sa NCF B.

Pagkatapos sagupain ang iba pang koponan, itinanghal na kampeon ang UNC Sepak Takraw Team, samantalang nakamit naman ng NCF B at NCF C ang karangalan bilang 1st at 2nd runners up.

Ayon kay Sales, hindi naging madali ang byahe nila patungo sa kampeonato. “The tournament went great. It was a one day tournament so it was game after game, jammed packed action. Unfortunately, there was something that we couldn’t control, which was the weather. It rained and the tournament took a pause because of the spills from the roof. It delayed the tournament, good thing that we requested to have lights when it went dark. Aside from that, everything is great. There were no issues regarding the games and unexpectedly we won the tournament.”

Pinabulaanan din ni Sales na ang matindi nilang preparasyon, pag eensayo at ang kagustuhan na manalo ang naging sandata nila upang tuluyang mapasakamay ang inaasam na kampeonato.

Hindi naman naiwasan ng koponan na kabahan lalo na’t matagal na simula nang huling may nakalaban silang grupo mula sa labas ng unibersidad, idagdag pa na apat lamang silang manlalaro at nahirapan sila sa unang tatlong laban. siya dahil ito ang pinaka una niyang kampeonato sa larangan ng Sepak Takraw.

Kakabit ng tagumpay ng kaunaunahang sepak takraw regu tournament, naghahanda na ang UNC Sepak Takraw team sa nalalapit na torneo sa Agosto 12-14, 2022 na gaganapin sa Tuguegarao City, ayon kay Sepak Takraw Coach, Gerald Guevarra.

“I know we were strong as a team but we haven’t tested our skills to other teams yet so there was a bit of anxiety,” ayon kay Sales.

Idinagdag pa nito na naging emosyonal