The DEMOCRAT Tomo LXVIII Bilang II by The DEMOCRAT

The DEM

CRAT

ANG MALAYANG PAHAYAGAN NG MGA MAG-AARAL NG UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES (UNC) NOBYEMBRE 2020 - PEBRERO 2021 • TOMO LXVIII, BILANG II

EDITORYAL

Hindi pula ang dapat mong isama sa dati nang pulang sistemang agresibo lamang sa kayang himukin at hinuha’y tunay na kalaban. Mas lalo lamang itong magmimistulang kinawawa; dugong sa iyo ring dumadaloy ang natatapakan, lahat tayo rito damay.

amakailan lamang ay umugong na naman ang pagpapataw sa mga indibidwal na sila’y mga terorista o kasapi ng mga progresibong organisasyong kumakalaban umano sa gobyerno. Ang gawing ito ay hindi na bago sa sistemang ‘di dapat kasanayan at ‘wag nang pabayaan—red tagging o ang pag-akusa nang walang basehan na ikaw o sila ay isang kalaban, komunista, o terorista; isa ka nang banta sa mga mata nila. Maaaring mangyari ito sa lahat lalo na kung bukas ka sa kaisipan ng pagbabago o pagsasaayos, pagiging kritikal sa gobyerno, pagsuporta ng organisasyong nagpapabuti sa katayuan ng tao, at ang pagbigay ng opinyon na magpapainit ng kanilang ulo. Buhat nito, maaari kang mailagay sa pagmamatyag, pag-aari ay limitado hanggang sa bawal galawin, at maaring ikulong kahit walang kasong nakasampa. Pipikit ka na lang ba o hindi magsasalita para hindi ka maparatangan kahit na harap-harapan ka nang niloloko ng sistema? Bukod pa sa nalihis ata ang atensyon ng gobyerno laban sa pandemyang hanggang ngayo’y sinusugpo sa lantaran at tuwirang pang-rered tag sa mga paaralan at iba pa na umano’y kasapi

UNC @ 73: Virtual Foundation

Ibang-iba mula sa nakasanayang paraan ng pagdiriwang, ngayong taon ay tampok ang iba’t-ibang aktibidad...

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ng CPP-NPA at nirerecruit na maging terorista ang mga estudyante. Ngunit, ani Parlade, tagapagsalita ng National Task Force on Ending Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC), kasama raw ito upang pabulaanan ang ipinapakalat ng mga kaliwa sa pagkukulang ng gobyerno kontra COVID-19. Pero hindi ito sapat upang ilagay sa alanganin ang pangalan ng paaralan, tao, at organisasyon dahil lamang sa pagbitaw ng makatotohanang obserbasyon. Matatandaang nagsimula ang nasabing bayrus sa bansa noong hindi pinakinggan ang mga tao na ‘wag munang papasukin ang mga banyagang galing sa bansang Tsina, kung saan nagmula ang bayrus. Sa pagtaas ng bilang ng mga pasyente ay ang paglobo rin ng mga utang ng pamahalaang Duterte bilang tulong daw sa pandemya pero hanggang ngayon ay hindi tayo mabigyan ng likidasyon kung saan ito napunta. Tinatayang umabot na ito ng ₱ 10 trilyon noong taong 2020. Sa kalagitnaan pa nga’y mas nabigyang atensyon din ang pagpapasara ng

Mantsa sa Demokrasya

prangkisa ng ABS-CBN at ang pagpasa ng Antiterrorism Law kahit na marami na ang umaalma rito. Sa dakong sistemang pang-edukasyon, kung saan ang lahat ay nahihirapan, doble dagok naman ang nararamdaman pati ng mga magulang matapos masama ang kanilang paaralan bilang pangunahing kanlungan umano ng NPA matapos akusahan ni Parlade. Kabilang nga sa 18 paaralang ito ang Bicol University, University of Sto. Thomas (Legapi) sa Albay, at ang Ateneo de Naga ng Naga City. Ngunit, katulad ng iba pang red tagging, isa na naman ito sa walang mga kongkretong ebidensya. Ani pa nga ng mga nasamang paaralan, tanging naggagalingang enhinyero, siyentista, at kabilang na rin ang mga opisyales sa gobyerno ang kanilang hinuhubog. Hindi na kagulat-gulat na kasama rito ang tanyag na Unibersidad ng Pilipinas. Kung saan likas ang pagiging kritiko, progresibo, at nagmamahal sa ginagalawang bansa. At ang likas na kagalingan at totoong pugad ng katalinuhan at hindi ng terorista. Agaran itong sinagot ng paaralan sa pamamaraang pagdiin sa kanilang naitulong sa kasalukuyang problema, at ang pag-isa-isa sa gabinete ni Duterte na mga nagtapos sa Unibersidad ng Paaralan. Kung ganoon, puno rin pala ng terorista ang pamahalaan.

Tracking my Path

Laugh Responsibly

“If ever you fall, don’t fall at our house hah.” These are the exact terms I said back when I was in my elementary years. Yes, funny that I’m talking to our late 42-year-old large avocado tree but I’m dead serious... LATHALAIN 10

Marahil narinig niyo rin ang mga sikat na personalidad na idinawit o inakusahan ding kasapi ng terorista. Ito ay sina Catriona Gray, Angel Locsin, at Liza Soberano. Dito mo makikitang lahat ay may tapang kung ikaw ay nasa tama at may ipinaglalaban. At dito rin makikitang ang mga nasa taas ay natatakot din sa mga taong nakapaligid sa kanila lalo na yaong may kakayanang humakot ng pansin sa tao. Sa panahon ngayong madaling kumalat ang mga impormasyon, katulad ng kanilang pagpapakalat gamit ang facebook, mainam na pawang katotohanan lamang ang ibahagi at huwag ang mga bagay na nagbibigay pangamba sa bawat tao. Kung hindi kayang itigil ang paghahanap ng mga taong kayang akusahan, mangyaring tapusin ang mga kabaliwan, kamalian ng sistemang sa tingin niyo’y kayo lang ang nakaiintindi. Ngunit kayo’y nagkamali. Muli, ‘wag mong isama ang pula sa mga puting nais lamang ay maging maayos ang kahihinatnan. Kayo lang din ang nagmumukhang mantsa sa demokrasya. Kasama sa binuo niyong sistema ang mga aktibista, mga kritikong pumupuna sa kamalian at kakulangan, freedom of speech at iba pa.

UNC Greyhounds resume limited face-to-face training

Following an almost year-long imposed strict lockdown, the UNC Greyhounds finally returned to the court, which was welcomed by several victories in online ... PALAKASAN 02

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The DEMOCRAT thedemocratunc

NABABALOT NG SAYA. Iisa ang galak sa isa mga gimik ng pagdiriwang ng ika-72 anibersaryo ng unibersidad, buklod-buklod na pagdiriwang na napalitan na ng makabagong pamamaraan ngayong taon dala ng lumalalang pandemya.Kuha ni Johnell Cabusas at Mga Salita ni Norene Cantor

UNC @ 73: Virtual Foundation Day ipinagdiwang, talento ng mga UNCeano itinampok

NI KYRA FERMEL VICTORIA

Ibang-iba mula sa nakasanayang paraan ng pagdiriwang, ngayong taon ay virtual na idinaos ang selebrasyon ng ika-73 na taon ng pagkakatatag ng unibersidad upang masiguro ang kaligtasan ng mga mag-aaral at mga kawani nitong Pebrero 14, 2021. Sa tema ngayong taon na “Sustaining 73 Years of UNCean Education and Transitioning to the Future of the University,” samu’t saring mga aktibidad ang inihandog ng iba’t ibang organisasyon para sa buong UNC community.

Isang Thanksgiving Mass ang idinaos na itinampok din sa Facebook Live upang simulan ang pagdiriwang ng Foundation Day na pinasinayaan naman ni Fr. Jay Jacinto, at nag-iwan ng mensaheng “What makes the best school is not what it does for itself, rather what it does for the students.” Ilan pa sa mga aktibidad ay ang inorganisa ng Women’s Club, isang simpleng patimpalak na tinawag na “8bit Melody Challenge” na nilahukan ng mga estudyante mula sa iba’t ibang antas gaya ng high school, senior high school at college. Isang pagbabalik tanaw naman ang inihandog ng The DEMOCRAT laman ang mga kuwentong humubog sa kasaysayan ng unibersidad na hatid ng kaunaunahang podcast na tinawag na Demmy Buzz, kung saan nakapagbahagi ang mga estudyante ng kanilang mga karanasan mula sa nagdaan kasalukuyang Foundation Day. Inabangan din ang kauna-unahang Miss UNC Pride 2021, na layong ipagbunyi ang pagtanggap sa LGBTQIA+ at Pride Community kung saan itinampok ang

mga kandidata mula sa iba’t ibang departamento. Nasungkit ni Edsel Bello mula sa College of Education ang korona. Itinanghal naman na Ambassadress of Equality and Inclusion si Rodulfo Katigbak ng College of Arts and Science at si Angela Rubio mula sa Education Department bilang Ambassadress of Respect and Acceptance. Samantala, naglahad naman ng iba’t-ibang sentimyento ang ilang UNCeans tungkol sa naging karanasan nila sa selebrasyon ng Foundation Day. Ayon kay Belle Ashley Macaintal mula sa Arts and Sciences department, naging memorable pa rin ang okasyon sa kabila ng mga balakid dahil sa pagsisikap ng iba’t ibang organisasyon at departamento kaya naging matagumpay pa rin ang nasabing pagdiriwang. “Sa aking naranasan sa Virtual Celebration ay napakasaya, kahit simple lang ang mga nangyari pero makikita mo ang pagsisikap ng iba’t ibang departmento upang maging matagumpay ang ating 73rd Foundation Day,” pagbabahagi ni Macalintal.

SLF 2 campaigns ‘delightful’ student life amid pandemic worries LOOPING THROUGH THE OVAL. A look back on the parade across the University oval that kickstarted the first-ever Student Life Fair in 2019; this year’s SLF 2.0 manifests sustainability despite a significant difference in the switch of execution. Photo Courtesy from UNC Guidance Center and Words by Kenn Daniel Montecillo

BY MA. JUVY LEA VIOLETA

Following its participated premiere last year, the Student Life Fair (SLF) sustained the campaign for a balanced student life through virtual activities held last 30th of January.

Kim Francia Bigay, Director of Student Affairs (DSA), affirmed SLF aimed to create a delightful university life celebrated and realized through the usage of various social media platforms. “There may be activities that entail

the use of the functionality of virtual spaces and they are very much welcome because we are at an age where online tools are appealing and trending among young people, this should not control though the entire SLF in the postpandemic period,” said Bigay. The UNC community channeled their #PADAGOS spirit in their first virtual SLF experience as they claimed to have participated in the event’s exciting activities. Habigale Infante, from the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA), marked the event as a memory to be remembered and commended the efforts poured by different organizations in putting up such an event. “I was amazed how each organization made the activities

interactive and interesting. What matters the most here is how I had fun participating in all the activities— making the event to be one of the unique and unforgettable memories to be remembered,” Infante shared. As for student-leaders, like Krislen Gaile Bismonte, President of Society of Junior Fellows (SJF), and Belle Ashley Macalintal, President of Association of Psychology Majors (APM), conducting the event was toilsome, but still provided an avenue for every student to bring out the best in them. “Student Life Fair 2021, on its second installment, was different from what we had last academic year. I must say that organizing and preparing for such virtual events was exhausting because of the limited communication

Dagdag pa niya, “Huli man at hindi sumakto ang Miss UNC Pride sa foundation day ngunit isa rin ito sa aking sinuportahan dahil isa itong magandang proyekto para maipakita na ang UNC ay supportado sa mga LGBTQIA+ Virtual man ang Foundation Day ngunit dito

natin makikita na ang mga UNCeano ay talagang “dynamic and creative” na parte ng ating core values,” Sa kabilang banda naman ayon kay Joshua Aguila ng College of Engineering ITULOY SA 05

Posibleng face-to-face classes umani ng pagsang-ayon mula sa mga UNCeano NINA RACHELLE PAJA & LEMMUEL PANCHA

Masayang ibinahagi ng ilang mga estudyante ng University of Nueva Caceres ang kanilang pulso hinggil sa anunsiyo ng Commision on Higher Education (CHED) at Department of Health (DOH) sa posibilidad ng pagbubukas muli ng faceto-face classes sa kabila ng pandemya sa bansa. Ika-8 ng Pebrero noong inilabas ng Commission on Higher Education (CHED) at ng Department of Health (DOH) ang isang memorandum na naglalaman ng mga patakaran para sa muling pagbubukas ng face-to-face classes sa mga kursong may kaugnayan sa medikal, siyensya at kalusugan sa lahat ng mga lugar na may mababang kaso ng COVID-19. Batay sa pag-aaral ng CHED, DOH at ng Inter Agency Task Force (IATF), tanging ang mga paaralan lamang na nasa ilalim ng General Community Quarantine (GCQ) at Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) ang maaring payagan magbukas o magsagawa ng physical classes. Ayon naman sa Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2021-001, ang face-toface delivery ay limitado lamang sa mga specialized laboratory courses o hospital-based clinical/clerkship/ internship/practicum, kasama na ang clinical rotations para sa mga postgraduate medical interns. Samantala, ayon kay Leon

we had among ourselves, the unforeseen technical problems, and even the encouragement or gathering of prospective participants,” Bismonte shared their struggles. “This Virtual Student life fair is very challenging. To be honest, we need to be creative as much as possible in thinking of an activity where we can be as one, and to catch the attention of the students to join the activities given by different organizations,” said Macalintal. Capping this year’s event was a message from UNC USG President Marie Angella Averilla during the SLF Night tagged as the feast of talents, “Being a student is one of the most exciting phases in our lives, but sadly this pandemic is taking these moments from us, but as UNCeans, mapadagos kita.”

B. Palmiano IV, Vice President for Administration and Auxiliary Services (VPAAS) ng University of Nueva Caceres, inaayos na ang mga karampatang requirements upang makapag-apply ang unibersidad ngayong darating na buwan ng Marso taong kasalukuyan. “As of the moment, only medical related degrees (in our case the Nursing Department) are allowed to have F2F classes per CHED, DOH and IATF guidelines. There are many requirements to be able to conduct F2F classes and we have started working on this already,” saad ni Palmiano. Ibinahagi naman ni Frances Tandog, isang 2nd year BS Nursing student, na masaya siyang nalaman ang tungkol sa posibilidad ng face-toface classes lalo na’t magagabayan sila ng kanilang mga guro tuwing may gawain sila na kinakailangan ng physical labatory. “What if may mali kaming procedure na nagawa, buhay ng client yung nakataya. So, para sa’kin I’ll attend po the face-to-face class basta masunod sa health protocols na sinabi sa amin during the orientation,” pahayag ni Tandog. Samantala, sa kabila naman ng pagkabahala dulot pa rin ng banta ng CoVID-19, ay aprubado pa rin sa ilang estudyante ang pagkakaroon ng limited face-to-face classes. “If there is a possibility that faceto-face classes will be held during this school year, I know it is risky and I’m a bit worried [about] what’s gonna happen but I’ll attend the class physically,” tugon ng isang nursing student. Kamakailan lang, muling naglabas ng direktiba si Pangulong Duterte na ipagpaliban muli ang face-toface classes hangga’t sa pwede nang magamit ng publiko ang mga bakuna. “Nagdesisyon na po ang Presidente, wala pa rin po tayong face-to-face classes sa bansa. Tumawag po ang Presidente kagabi sa akin at sabi niya, ayaw po niyang malagay sa panganib ang buhay ng ating mag-aaral at mga guro habang wala pa pong nababakunahan sa bansa,” pahayag ni Harry Roque, Presidential Spokesperson. Ayon kay Roque, maaring maging posible ang face-to-face classes sa darating na Agosto sa mga lugar na may mababang kaso ng COVID-19, ipagpalagay na masunod ang plano patungkol sa bakuna. Sa ngayon, wala pang inilabas na eksaktong araw ng pagdating ng bakuna para sa CoViD-19, ngunit isinaad ng gobyerno na ngayong Pebrero magsisimula ang programa para sa bakuna.

TOMO LXVIII, BILANG II Nobyembre 2020 - Pebrero 2021

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BAYANIHAN FOR BAYAN NI JUAN. Vice President Leni Robredo, along with university staff, visits Lupi, Camarines Sur on January 23 for the formal launching of the Angat Buhay initiative towards the rebuilding of the typhoon-struck community. Photo from VP Leni Robredo Facebook Page and Words by John Paul Borito

OVP-UNC partnership builds Angat Buhay Village; BY KENN DANIEL MONTECILLO

Through the initiative of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) led by VP Leni Rodredo in tie-up with the University of Nueva Caceres (UNC), municipal government of Lupi and other private institutions, the “bayanihan” effort was realized through the launching of BAHAYanihan Angat Buhay Village in Lupi, Camarines Sur. The housing project, initiated by OVP through Kaya Natin! Movement for Good Governance and Ethical Leadership fundraising drive, aimed to roof 110 displaced families from the danger zone along Poblacion Riverbanks in Lupi triggered by the subsequent typhoons last year. Dr. Nora Elizabeth Maniquiz, UNC Vice

aids typhoon victims in Lupi

President for Research, Extension and Linkages, pledged to join in providing lasting solutions for the community, as the official partner for the house design, supervision of construction of houses, and social preparation of the housing project. “Gaya [ng OVP], gusto naming makapagbigay ng long-term solution, para mabawasan ang epekto ng mga susunod na bagyo,” Maniquiz uttered. Morever, Maniquiz then added that livelihood trainings will also be offered to the residents to help contribute to their sources of income, “Maliban sa mga bahay na tulong-tulong nating bubuuin, magkakaroon din ng livelihood training para sainyo para magkaroon ng dagdag na pangkabuhayan.” Meanwhile, through a Facebook post, Municipality of Lupi Mayor and former UNC faculty Hon. Lilian S. Matamorosa addressed her heartfelt thanks to VP Leni for the actualization of the relocation project for the locals of Lupi. “Katuparan ng isang simpleng pangarap, kayamanan ng bawat pamilyang magkakasama sa iisang bubong na walang pangamba at takot sa bawat pagdating ng unos at bagyo, kaligtasan ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino,” she quoted.

Furthermore, VP Leni exclaimed excitement to display the fruit of donation gathered by OVP from various sectors of community, “Excited akong maipakita itong mga bahay doon sa mga nag-donate… obligasyon namin na ipakita na hindi naman nasayang ang kanilang ibinigay.”

UNC carves history as home of century-old trees, DENR certifies

A CENTURY AND MORE TO COUNT. Shown are century-old trees on the University grounds, which the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) marks as historical heritages on January 19, 2021 Photo by Juvin Durante and Words by John Paul Borito

Tabang UNCeano inilunsad; pagkakawanggawa at pagtutulungan ng UNC community ibinandera NI EARL DWIGHT SERRADO

Sa gitna ng kabi-kabilang unos gaya ng pandemya at mga bagyo patuloy na namayani ang pagkakawanggawa at pagtutulungan sa unibersidad matapos ilunsad ang Tabang UNCeano noong Nobyembre hanggang ika-13 ng Disyembre, 2020. Sa pangunguna ng University Student Government (USG) katuwang ang Law School Board at isang non-profit organization na Projec+ Kapwa, layon ng donation drive na maghatid ng tulong sa pamamagitan ng pagkalap ng mga donasyon para sa mga UNCean na matinding nasalanta ng mga bagyong tumama sa Bicol Region. Ilan sa mga nakuhang tulong ay mga pangunahing pangangailangan tulad ng bigas, mga de lata, maging mga gamit sa pagpapanatili ng kalinisan kontra COVID-19 tulad ng alcohol, face mask, sabon, at iba pa na mula sa donasyon ng iba’t ibang mga indibidwal, MALASAKIT SA HARAP NG PASAKIT. Buhat ng tawag ng tungkulin, pinangunahan ng University Student Government (USG) ang Tabang UNCeano noong Disyembre 13, 2020; makikita sa kaliwang larawan si Marie Angella Averilla, pangulo ng USG, na nag-aabot ng donasyong pagkain at gamit pangkalinisan sa mga nasalanta nang sunod-sunod na bagyo sa rehiyon. Photo by Ryan Miguel Alba and Words by John Paul Borito

mga organisasyon at iba pang mga mag-aaral ng UNC. Samantala, naniniwala naman si Marie Angella Averilla, Pangulo ng USG na “hindi pa rin nawala ang sense of responsibility” maging ang “passion to help ng mga lider-estudyante” sa kanilang kapwa, na nakatulong upang maisakatuparan ang kanilang programa bilang agarang tulong para sa mga nasalanta ng kalamidad. “Yung mismong mga pinsala ng mga bagyo [ang naging] eye-opener para sa amin na tumulong sa mga kapwa-UNCeano,” ayon kay Averilla. Dagdag pa niya, mas naging mulat siya at ang kanyang mga kasamahan na hindi lamang ang pakikilahok sa mga usaping pang-akademiko ang kanilang responsibilidad, maging din ang pagtulong sa abot ng kanilang makakaya, lalo na sa gitna ng pandemya. Humanga naman si Kaye Abay ng College of Arts and Sciences at isa sa mga naging benepisyaryo sa ipinakitang determinasyon ng mga lider-estudyanteng naging bahagi ng programa. “Naging matagumpay ang kanilang hangarin dahil sa simpleng donasyon ay maraming taong nakinabang at napasaya ng programang ito,” pahayag ni Abay. Ang nasabing donation drive ay may tatlong wave, ang una at pangalawa ay para sa mga mag-aaral ng unibersidad na naapektuhan ng kalamidad, samantala ang Wave 3 ay laan naman para sa mga miyembro ng Aeta Community sa lungsod ng Iriga.

The Angat Bahay - Lupi is the third housing project under BAHAYanihan initiative, which includes the ones in Marawi City (for residents displaced by the Marawi Siege) and Guinobatan, Albay (for families displaced by Typhoons Rolly and Ulysses).

BY IRISH SIERDA

To uphold the historical value of its heritage trees, the University of Nueva Caceres (UNC), in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), initiated the ceremony that marks the University as a home of four (4) century-old trees last January 19. Its sole purpose is to raise awareness on the presence of the century-old trees in the identified sites. On a Facebook post by the UNC Marketing Head Ruby Langitan, she said the 130-year-old Narra tree near the main gate welcomes everyone into its nurturing environment. “Our students, back in the old normal, would

usually enjoy the shower of yellow flowers falling down on their heads during summertime,” she added. Additionally, signages and markers were put to prevent the public from harming, damaging, and injuring the said trees. “This has proven that UNC is not only a home of future-ready global learners, but also a home of century-old national treasures. UNC is proud to be an institution of learning that is academically, environmentally, culturally, and historically significant to Bicol and the nation,” stated on the UNC website. Meanwhile, during the onslaught of the typhoon Quinta, an old-decade Narra tree at the UNC campus was uprooted, Alzel Laguardia reported on Rappler, Move PH. “I have seen it [narra tree] withstand several typhoons in my seven years of study at UNC, and I just can’t believe that it has fallen during the onslaught of typhoon Quinta. It makes me sad knowing that it used to be a place for hangouts because of it’s shady area,” shared Alloha Okada, 1st year psychology student. On the other hand, Kevin Notario, 3rd year biology student, stated trees are important because of the numerous benefits they offer to humans and other organisms present within its vicinity. “To the campus, the trees have helped save energy because their beautiful widespread canopies have provided shade and they have reduced air-conditioning and other cooling expenses. To the different organisms, the trees have served them in several ways such as providing food, shelter, and many more. The century-old trees have been around for quite some time and they definitely have served several generations of UNCeans, animals, and other organisms,” he added, explaining the importance of preserving the century-old trees. Furthermore, a QR code is attached to the signages which can allow people to know more about the century-old trees. It includes the actual photo of the tree, scientific name, common name, estimated age, distribution, conservation status, and its benefits and uses.

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The DEMOCRAT thedemocratunc

A/Y ‘20-‘21 enrolment rate lampas 4% sa inaasahang bilang NI CHAREY MAE ALVARADO

Sa kabila ng makabagong modality ng pag-aaral bilang pagtalima sa new normal, mas mataas pa rin ng apat na porsyento ang bilang ng mga nagpatala ngayong A/Y 20202021 kumpara sa kabuuang inaasahang bilang nang nakaraang taon. Ayon kay Ruby L. Bandola, UNC Marketing Director, bunsod ito ng malawakang kampanya at promosyon ng unibersidad online, “The recruitment and promotion campaigns we did online and on-ground worked. We are glad to say that UNC has exceeded its target enrollment for SY 2020-2021. We ended the enrollment season with 104% vs our target.” “It only proves that the Bicolanos really trust the UNCean education that produced a long list of successful alumni who are now well-placed in various government and private agencies here in the Philippines and even abroad,” dagdag pa niya. Ibinahagi rin ni Bandola na noon pa man ay plano na ng unibersidad na gawing online ang pagpapatala at dahil sa pandemya naipatupad ito ng mas maaga sa nakaplanong panahon para dito. Samantala, sa loob lamang ng dalawang buwan, ang opisina ng ICT ay nakalikha ng Online Enrollment System (OES) na ginagamit bilang pasilidad sa

pag-eenrol at pagbabayad online ng mga estudyante at mga magulang mula sa kanilang mga tahanan. Dagdag pa ni Bandola, ang proseso ng pag-enrol ay napabuti sa paglikha ng mga Enrollment Counsellor na binubuo ng kawani ng AMSCO Admission staff and Enrolling Officers ng iba’t ibang departamento. “The Admission staff handles the new student enrollees while the enrolling officers take charge of the re-enrollees. There is synergy among the enrollment team. The teams worked synchronously to address the concerns of the enrollees online and onsite. Those with internet connectivity were guided through telemarketing while those with zero connectivity were accommodated in the campus observing the health protocols,” pagpapalawig ni Bandola. Nagbahagi naman ang ilan sa mga estudyante ng kanilang naging karanasan sa enrolment, gaya ni Catherine Buban mula sa Education Department na sinabing naging maayos naman ang proseso ng kanyang pagpapatala na mas napadali sa tulong ng mga office heads. “Madali lang naman ang process ng enrollment for this sem. May OES, updated ang UNC page regarding enrollment, at approachable ang mga office heads. Personally, nahirapan lang ako financially para makapag-enroll pero thankfully, I was assisted by the SGO na makapag-loan kaya nakapag-enroll ako agad,” tugon ni Buban. Para naman kay Jarry Señar, BS Criminology, mahirap ang proseso ng pagbabayad online sa estudyanteng tulad niya na malayo ang lugar sa unibersidad; kung saan ang paraan ng pagbabayad ay sa pamamagitan pa ng

EIE now a mandatory requirement; ‘additional burden’ – some UNCeans claim BY JEAN AQUINO & NEIL ANDREW FORMALEJO

Despite the numerous challenges posed by the new normal of learning, such as limited internet access, the university has continued to implement the English Immersive Environment Spread (EIE Spread) as a mandatory requirement, which has sparked various reactions among UNCeans. EIE spread is a program that encourages university students and staff to speak English and recognizes individual efforts with awards. Students’ performance in this distance learning setting is assessed by submitting a video or audio in which they attempt to answer guide questions from assigned reading materials. This implementation elicited a variety of responses from students, including Krislen Gaile Bismonte of the College of Arts and Sciences, who believes that the EIE Spread program is still effective in this new normal setting. “I think the implementation of EIE is effective. The online platform being used in distant learning is being maximized to its potential,” said Bismonte. However, Bismonte suggested that the program would be best if it was not required, given that students already have a mountain of academic tasks to complete. “Sometimes, it feels like an additional workload for the students, knowing that there are tons of workloads in this distant learning setting. It would be better if it were not required for students,” she furthered. As for English Major Jeric Yguzquiza from College of Education, the program is beneficial because it allows them to apply what they learn. “Written outputs are not enough to practice what you learn. To be proficient, we need to speak the language. The EIE Spread program gives us an opportunity to apply our learning. This is really helpful, especially for us English majors, as we strive to be proficient in the language to be a good educator in the future,” he stated. Furthermore, Yguzquiza felt the program could be a bit of a burden at times because some professors require it and do not reduce the existing workload. “I feel like workloads should be reduced whenever the professor requires

MISSED MOMENTS. The pandemic takes away first-time university experiences from UNCean freshmen and transferees, including the new RFID System that was only installed months before the March 16, 2020 lockdown.Photo by Johnell Cabusas and Words by John Paul Borito

bank transfer. “The accounting and treasurer office replied immediately with my email attaching the proof of payment, however the verification process is kinda look. It took me 3 days to be verified and confirmed that I am officially enrolled. Overall, I have a great experience. It was fast and convenient. They provide alternative ways of enrolling and paying,

and it’s enough to help the students and parents make them comfortable,” dagdag niya. Maliban sa online enrollment, nagsasagawa rin ang Marketing Team ng UNC on Wheels, kung saan bumibisita sila sa mga piling lugar upang magpatala at magbigay impormasyon tungkol sa mga scholarship at financial assistance na alok ng unibersidad.

it. It can be a bit of a burden because of the effort you need to exert in creating the output; reading the materials provided, preparing the speech and recording and editing the video,” he added. Similarly, Sherjane Madrid, a secondyear AB Psychology student, claimed that, while the EIE program is beneficial in terms of acquiring English proficiency skills, it complicates things in this distance learning environment. “The good thing is that EIE is still continuing despite the pandemic. The skills in the English language are still developed. However, it complicates things as for you to submit your output you need a good internet connection. This is especially hard for flexi-kit students because they, who are expected to have lower internet connectivity as they choose modular learning, are still required to pass EIE outputs, “ Madrid expounded. Meanwhile, Mia Tijam, Director of ESL Champion and EIE Project, stated in a brief and limited response that the project is currently conducting Pronunciation, Grammar, Fluency (PGF) benchmarking across college levels, but the said development was not elaborated on further, and so were the other concerns raised about the project.

‘Student Success Coaching Program’ inilunsad upang maghatid tulong at gabay higit sa freshmen NI TRISHA BAÑAS

Upang higit na makapagbigay ng tulong at alalay, inilunsad ng unibersidad ang Student Success Coaching Program na layuning matulungan at magabayan ang mga magaaral lalo na ang freshmen sa kanilang pag-aaral para sa susunod na panuruang taon. Base sa isang post ng University Guidance Center, ang mga mag-aaral mula sa ikatlo at ikaapat na taon sa kolehiyo ang siyang mga kwalipikado gayong mas hinihikayat naman ang mga estudyanteng nagpapakadalubhasa sa sikolohiya na magsumite ng kanilang aplikasyon para sa nasabing programa. Para kay Anne Marquez, aplikante mula sa Engineering and Architecture Department, ang pagsusumite niya ng aplikasyon para sa programa ay dahil sa kagustuhang makapagbigay ng tulong

at gabay sa mga kapwa niya mag-aaral. “I applied because I genuinely want to help my fellow students to cope with this new normal especially the freshmen since they are still adjusting,” pahayag ni Marquez. Dagdag pa niya, “Also I am aware that this program will help most especially those students who are struggling in online learning set-ups and as student coaches we are expected to encourage and motivate them to continue striving even this trying times.” Ayon naman sa aplikante mula sa College of Arts and Sciences na si Lean Capistrano, naniniwala siya na ang nasabing programa ay isang paraan upang maibsan ang mga problemang kinakaharap ng isang estudyante sa unibersidad. “It will help freshmen adjust their stay in the university in a way their wellness won’t be at stake, hindi man maalis ng buo ang mga suliranin ng programa, makakatulong naman itong maibsan ang mga ito, ” saad ni Capistrano. Mula naman sa unang inilabas na iskedyul ng aplikasyon na ika-5 hanggang ika-15 lamang ng Pebrero, ay pinalawig ang pagsusumite hanggang sa ika-30 ng Marso 2021, pagkukumpirma

ni Angelica Cadag, Director ng Guidance Center. Ayon kay Cadag, mas pinahaba ang araw ng aplikasyon upang mas marami pang estudyante ang mapaunlakan at dulot na rin ito ng manipis na bilang ng mga nagpahayag ng interes na makilahok sa mga unang araw palang ng aplikasyon. Gaya ng pagbabago ng schedule para sa aplikasyon, inaasahan din na ililipat sa ibang petsa ang pagaanunsyo ng mga napiling student success coaches na unang itinakda sa pagtatapos ng buwan ng Marso, dagdag pa ni Cadag. Lahat ng mapipili bilang student success coaches ay mabibiyayaan ng administrative scholarship at dadaan sa orientation at training bago ang pagbubukas ng taong panuruang 20212022.

OSA pilots AKI; initiates basic, tertiary level interaction BY NORENE CANTOR

The Office of Student Affairs (OSA) prepared to launch Adopt-a-Kid Initiative (AKI), a program currently in its pilot stage, in an attempt for basic and tertiary levels “to establish a seamless interaction and promote a community of learners that continue to pass on the learning to all UNCEANS.” In detail, the program was laid out to be a sustainable coaching program, wherein different organizations from the tertiary education level will selectively train pupils and/or students from the basic education level—hence the name “Adopt-A-Kid”. “University organizations adopt a number of kids from the elementary or high school department to train for a specific skill. The skill can be public speaking (oral or written), dancing, debating, singing or sports,” the AKI proposal wrote. Learning outcomes of the program emphasized on the student-leaders’ end—demonstrating accountability in student-leadership; developing confidence, time management and coaching skills; and creating a pool of talents where contestants for inter-school competitions will come from. As of writing, two organizations were selected to take part in AKI’s pilot stage, prior to its launching—The DEMOCRAT and Society of Junior Fellows. “These two were chosen because the former is expert in its field and the latter because it has been training fellow students in leadership and teambuilding even before,” Director for Student Affairs (DSA) Kim Francia Bigay explained. DSA Bigay clarified AKI is primarily made for face-to-face sessions, however in light of the indefinite period of the pandemic, she said it could pilot online for the time being. DSA Bigay foresees the studentleaders able to spark interest of the trainees in their chosen fields and pass on skills on such fields, and the potential trainees to be religious in their attendance until they finish the sessions, and ultimately to be trainers themselves.

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TOMO LXVIII, BILANG II Nobyembre 2020 - Pebrero 2021

FSOFS unfolds Padagos Kaakian Book Drive, collects 170 reading materials for Sta. Cruz NHS BY JANAH CARMELA NG SANG

The Federation of Student Organizations, Fraternities and Sororities (FSOFS) initiative mounted the Padagos Kaakian Book Drive and turned over 170 reading materials to Sta. Cruz National High School last February 23, 2021.

The DEMOCRAT

Lupong Patnugutan at Kasapi A.Y. 2020-2021

LUPONG PATNUGUTAN John Paul Borito Punong Patnugot

Norene Cantor Kapatnugot

Rex Garing

Tagapamahalang Patnugot

Kenn Daniel Montecillo Patnugot sa Balita

Patrick Joseph Panambo

Patnugot sa Lathalain at Panitikan

Lester Isip

Patnugot sa Sining

BUNDLE OF CREATIVITY. FSOFS handed over a collection of fiction books out of over a hundred resources gathered for students of Sta. Cruz National High School. Despite scarcity of ways due to limits in movement, PKBD project extended helping hands to reach those in need of such materials. Photo from PKBD Facebook Page and Words by John Paul Borito

Charey Mae Alvarado

The project, which ran from January 15 to February 14, accumulated various printed materials such as textbooks, references, folios, fiction books, in which 92 will be for the library and the remaining for distribution to the students. FSOFS President John Ford Tesorero believes books are essential tools for the youth to adapt with the emerging changes within the society. “To urge the youth to enroll in school by providing and enticing them with books which are essential for them to stay in school, but also to prepare them for the changes brought about by these uncertain times, which impacts all disciplines, economies, industries and society as a whole,” Tesorero furthered. Moreover, this venture is to promote environmentally conscious and proactive individuals by means of the 4R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Recover), to encourage the youth to attend school until their graduation day and also to teach and inspire the younger generations to perform volunteer work FSOFS Vice President of External Affairs, Ms. Yssabelle S. Abetchuela expounded. As for the donors like Philline Togni from College of Arts and Sciences, giving her books implied sharing her love for

Patnugot sa Filipino

Brandon Jon Delos Santos

Tagapamahala ng Sirkulasyon at Web

MGA APPRENTICE Raymond Balote Rose Clavano Cyen Esclanda Neil Andrew Formalejo Rachelle Paja Jonna Mae Bagasbas Trisha Bañas Darwin Escaro Berlineth Nymia Montes Christian Reganit Dinalyn Reñon Irish Sierda MGA CONTRIBUTOR Daryl Sta. Cruz Maria Juvy Lea Violeta Jean Aquino Aila Joy Esperida Mylene Joje Jallores Rowel Gabriel Mirador Lean Capistrano Janah Carmela Ng Sang Lemmuel Pancha Earl Dwight Serrado Khiana Sto. Domingo MGA TAGAPAYO Shirley A. Genio Mark Philip C. Paderan KASAPI College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) Luzonwide Association of College Editors (LACE) Bicol Association of Student Campus Journalists (BASCAJ) OPISINA Right-Wing, Sports Palace University of Nueva Caceres J. Hernandez Ave., Naga City Philippines, 4400 EMAIL ADDRESS thedemocrat@unc.edu.ph

Students unite

UNC approves collective plea for academic ease following typhoon calamities

BY LEAN CAPISTRANO

To help UNCeans recuperate from the aftermath brought by consecutive typhoons, the university administration approved the implementation of academic ease following the collective call of students, the University Student Government (USG) and the UNC Law School Board (LSB), effective last November 25, 2020 until the end of the first semester A/Y 2020-2021. With the devastating attacks of typhoon Quinta, Rolly, Tonyo, and Ulysses, students reported damaged homes, no electricity, and little to no internet connection, making it quite impossible to continue their learning, both in their synchronous and asynchronous classes, addressing the need for academic ease as the class resumed. The move to ease academic interactions at all levels, from Basic Education to Higher Education, including the School of Graduate Studies and School of Law, was flooded with positive feedback. According to Debralyn Jardinel, from the Arts and Sciences Department, the implementation demonstrated the university’s concern for UNCeans because it helped students recover from the onslaught of Typhoon Rolly, especially in the midst of the challenges of new learning and pandemic where students’ mental and emotional well-being are both affected. “Students were obviously distracted and were still in the process of recovery that time, that is why academic ease has been a great privilege for us, as students, to regain the motivation and focus on how we could be productive again,” Jardinel then pointed out how academic ease aided in regaining the student’s motivation and focus to be productive once more. Furthermore, France Borja, from the College of Education, described the academic ease as a “life saver”, as it improved the learning environment. “The Academic Ease was a life saver. Sometimes, I feel like the institution does

not fully understand how hard it is to study and work out things at the same in the house, surrounding, and many other factors that have a huge effect on why I, as a student cannot comply on time in every task. The pressure of studying in an environment that faces a lot of shortcomings is very complex. The Academic Ease made the ambiance lighter and less stressful. Because honestly, studying during this trying time is stressful,” Borja said. Meanwhile, USG President Angella Averilla stated that the purpose of academic ease was not successfully served in hopes of relieving the pressure from the new learning system on students through the extension of deadlines until the end of the semester, as it was only partially provided. “There are those departments and

programs which deliberately implement academic ease. Students have the whole semester to comply with their requirements which gives them more time. However, I might say that it has not fully served its purpose. We still receive complaints from the students about deadlines and consideration of professors,” she expounded. Averilla did, however, point out that, in general, academic ease became a way for students to cope with the challenges of learning in the new normal. “But all in all, the academic ease gave the student body an opportunity to cope with the hectic demands of the New Normal education system, ” she said. Averilla stated that a wellness break will be provided for students this second semester to help them breathe and do things to relieve stress.

reading and an attempt to let others hone their critical thinking skills too. “I’m really fond of reading a lot of books and we have many excess books in our house, so why not donate it and let others use it. In a way, it will not only allow them to read various books, but maybe it will also make them fond of reading books just like me and others,while also sharpening their critical thinking skills. And the thought of being able to give to others makes my heart happy,” Togni shared. Meanwhile, Erica Enalpe, a psychology student, emphasized that events like book drives may be recurrent yet still beneficent. “I think it is a good initiative or project of the FSOFS together with the ASCC. The idea of donating used books is something that is not new but still helpful especially that it is given to the new school here in Naga,” Enalpe stated. With the overall success of the initial launch of the book drive, organizers hinted to watch out for the upcoming second installment of this project this year.

UNC @ 73... NI KYRA FERMEL VICTORIA

MULA SA 02

and Architecture, batid niyang ibangiba ang pagdaraos ng selebrasyon ngayon mula sa mga nakalipas na taon at kapansin-pansin din na kaunti ang bilang ng mga sumali sa mga aktibidad at patimpalak. “Nakakapanibago ang ganitong klaseng selebrasyon ng Foundation Day kasi nasanay na tayo na maraming ganap kagaya noong mga nagdaang selebrasyon dahil kasabay din ng Valentines, ngayon kasi online lang medyo kaunti lang ang nakiisa sa mga events at ako sa totoo lang ay hindi rin gaanong nakalahok at nanood sa mga events. Ngunit okay din naman kasi para pa rin ito sa ating mga kaligtasan,” pahayag ni Aguila. Para naman kay Kasydren Punzalan ng AS Department, may kulang sa selebrasyon hindi gaya ng mga nakaraang taon na makikita sa mga estudyante ang saya sa paglahok sa iba’t-ibang mga aktibidad. “Okay naman yung experience ko sa celebration ng foundation day, enjoy pa din naman pero parang may kulang? Or parang may hinahanap pa din ako? Parang nakakamiss lang siguro lahat na nangyayari sa school. Kung ikukumpara ko naman noon, sobrang busy noon pero mafefeel mong worth it yung pagod pagkatapos. Mas maingay din noon, pero yung type ng ingay na hindi ka maiinis diba? Mas marami ka ring activities na pwedeng salihan. Mas enjoy din noon, kasi ngayon you cannot see the smiles sa mga mukha and satisfaction sa eyes ng mga students para masabing nag-eenjoy talaga sila ngayong virtual na yung event,” ani ni Punzalan.

Isa ang kabataan sa may malalakas na boses, nararapat lamang itong mapakinggan - Averilla

NI KHIANA STO. DOMINGO

Mula sa 65 bansang lumahok sa Asia Africa International Model United Nations (AAIMUN) Online Conference, isa si Marie Angella Averilla ng College of Arts and Sciences sa 643 mga delegadong dumalo sa naturang international webinar na idinaos noong Enero 15-18, 2021 Bitbit ang tema para sa taong ito na “Preserving Culture and Heritage in a Dynamic Digital World,” layon ng UN Simulation na talakayin ang mga isyung pandaigdigan upang mapahusay ang abilidad ng mga kabataan pagdating sa pagpapahayag ng kanilang saloobin, kritikal na pag-iisip, at kakayahan sa pagtugon ng mga suliranin. Para kay Averilla, hindi naging

balakid ang pandemya upang makilahok sa mga ganitong uri ng pagpupulong na naglalayong humubog ng kakayahan ng mga kabataan. “Gusto kong i-prove na kahit sa ganitong panahon ay pwede pa rin tayong sumali sa mga ganitong conference na huhubog sa ating skills. Ito rin ay isang magandang pagkakataon na makasali sa mga international conference at the covenience of our own homes, “ pahayag ni Averilla. Dagdag pa ni Averilla, ang pagkakataong maging kinatawan ng Congo Republic sa United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), at ang makasali sa debate patungkol sa “Equality in the Development of World Information Technology” ay nagbigay sakanya ng pagkakataon na mas mahubog pa ang kanyang kakayahan at magkaroon ng karagdagang kaalaman bilang isang estudyanteng kumukuha ng kursong Political Science. “Mas namulat ako sa mga problema ng ibang bansa patungkol sa development ng teknolohiya at kung papaano ito nakakaapekto sa world development. Bilang isang Political Science student, malaking tulong ang

pagkamulat sa ibang kultura at mga sosyo-politikal na usapin upang maging malawak ang aking pagkakaintindi sa mga ito,” pahayag ni Averilla. Ayon din kay Averilla, ang AAIMUN conference ay nakatutulong ding mapalakas ang boses ng mga kabataan patungkol sa mga programa at isyung kinakaharap ng kanilang bansa at ang pagkakaroon ng interaksiyon ng iba’tibang kultura na siyang nagbubukas sa cultural diversity at kung paano ito tatanggapin sa lipunan. “Sa panahon na patuloy tayong binabago ng teknolohiya at social media, nararapat lamang para sa kabataan na matutunan ang kahalagahan ng pagkakaroon ng sariling pagkakakilanlan at kung papaano ito ipepreserve at ipapasa sa sunod na mga henerasyon,” bahagi ni Averilla. Isang hamon din ang inukit ni Averilla at isang paghimok sa mga kabataan para tumugon sa mga napapanahong isyung kinakaharap ng lipunan, “Sa panahon ng pandemya kung saan lumitaw ang sari-saring isyu at problema, isa ang kabataan sa may malalakas na boses at nararapat lamang itong mapakinggan.”

Pitak

Laugh Responsibly UNSAFE HAVEN | JOHN PAUL BORITO @jpaulborito • jpaulborito@gmail.com

Filipinos are happy people living in an unhappy archipelago. I have lost count of how often toxic positivity romanticized our smiling faces in front of calamities and other grave situations. Although it is true, there may be something admirable about how we plaster a smile and laugh even when events turn dire. But this unfolding is not about how our cheerful faces make anything a tad better. It is about our unruly tendency to make light of grave situations. Let us start on something relatable to most of us. Remember how you laughed when your classmate failed to answer when called for a recitation? Or when someone trying so hard to speak in English massacred grammar and pronunciation? I bet you remember, or maybe you still do from time to time. Because as guilty as I am, my shameless self did and even now does from time to time, too. It is ironic how we fight so hard for self-value when we can be insensitive over the smallest things. Perhaps our flawed human nature has to be blamed. Or it could be our selfishness rooted somewhere in our history. Seemingly unworthy events such as these have probably led Filipinos to be fond of

mockery and often ridicule. Do not even get me started on how physical appearance hosts a plethora of laughable insults when we so much advocate for self-love and inclusivity. We have embedded this type of mindset in our culture—as if normalizing it makes it right. Even the grown-ups would laugh over sensitive matters in front of the younger ones. The habit goes on that it has enveloped our society in a blanket of unspoken contempt, silenced by the loud laughter of the masses. And we cannot get enough as we leave our unhealthy habits displayed on social media platforms available to anyone. One incident that bothered me more to an extent is the unrest of the number

..it has enveloped our society in a blanket of unspoken contempt, silenced by the loud laughter of the masses. of memes and haha reactions piling on Facebook about the death of Christine Dacera. Is death something we should take lightly? Maybe for some whose beliefs differ from the norm, yes. But I would be clear when I say that respect is universal. You may not show a great deal

Pulso ng Akademya FOURTH EYE | NORENE CANTOR @norenecantor • norenecantor@gmail.com

Makailang ulit ko nang inilakbay ang aking mga daliri sa mga letra sabay sa agos ng aking isip na tila walang kaayusan. Sa bawat bura ng mga kumpol-kumpol na titik ay hindi ko maitatangging paulit-ulit na sumasagi sa aking isip ang pananaliksik na kailangang ipasá upang makapagmartsa. Tutal ay naririto na rin naman ang aking pag-iisip, dito ko na lamang itutuon ang aking pansin para sa artikulong ito. Tila marami ang sasang-ayon sa akin na ang unang pumapasok sa isipan sa tuwing maririnig ang ‘tesis’ ay *buntonghininga*. Huwag kang mag-alala. Para sa akin ay balido ang intimidasyong nararamdaman tuwing iisiping pagdadaanan ng lahat ng mag-aaral sa kolehiyo ang paggawa ng tesis. Mahirap din para sa atin ang tumanggap at umunawa ng sangkaterbang impormasyon at bumuo ng sariling ideya mula rito. Kung tutuusin, isang hamon na rin sa atin ang katotohanang hindi natin unang wika ang pangunahing medium of instruction. Mismong ang agham ay nasa Ingles kaya makatwiran kung bakit hindi ito makukuha sa iisa o kahit sa iilang basahan lang. Bai-baitang ang demanda sa pagpapaunlad ng ating bokabularyong

Kung ang disiplinang ito ay naituturo at naipapaunawa nang maayos, uunlad ang ating agham at ang mga malilikhaing ideya ay matutuunan ng pansin sa siyentipikong pamamaraan

Ingles, at nauunawaan kong minsan ay mahalagang magawa muna ito upang tuluyang magkainteres sa pagsusulat ng sarili nating pananaliksik. Ang pananaliksik ay may mahigpit na proseso. Isa itong akademikong papel tulad ng mga sanaysay, reaksyong papel, sintesis, at iba pang mga hinihingi sa atin ng ating mga guro simula pa noong unang tumapak tayo sa akademya. Hindi ko na ipinagtataka kung bakit inaayawan ito ng maraming mag-aaral--napakalaking hamon ang pagiging malikhain at kahit mga paksang ayon sa sariling interes ay bihirang magawan ng pag-aaral dahil sa kakulangan ng kakayahang ihanay ang mga ito sa batayan ng asignatura. Kung walang teoryang pagbabatayan ay agad na itong walang bisa dahil hindi na agad pasok sa pangunahing kriteryon na pagiging akademiko.

Plight of Early Birds ISIP SA ISIP | NEIL ANDREW FORMALEJO @neilformalejo • neilandrew.formalejo@unc.edu.ph

The catchphrase “Run Sarah Run”, which is obviously a kind of a premature campaign, has made rounds on social media. The election is like a year away, yet modus like this is already rampant. Not only can you see this in social media hashtags, but tarpaulins of political figures are already placed strategically in places visible to public view. They say, an early bird catches the worm, but isn’t it a little too early to be catching the worm? According to the COMELEC spokesperson James Jimenez, when asked in an interview about the issue of the banner “Run Sarah, Run,” he said, “Technically there is no violation because in order for premature campaigning to be committed there should be an official candidate, and no official candidate exists right now.” He also stated that if people are doing such promotion, like encouraging public figures to run for a position, it’s okay since it’s a matter of expression. Fine, let’s say it is the initiative of the people. The question now arises, where would they get such fundings? Why would these people bother to spend a good amount of money amidst the pandemic

just to give politicians the spotlight of publicity? When in fact, these politicians have not even filed a Certificate Of Candidacy (COC) yet. On top of that, they have resolved not to run for the position urged by the people. For sure, we have heard this not-running-front before, well, at least not running until the last minute. The script of this modus would end somewhere along the line, “The people urged me. I cannot fail them.” The cost of tarpaulin printing, stamps, and banners is no joke, especially with the innumerable materials said to have come from the “initiative of the people.” We can say this modus is not only the working initiative of a few people because

Being a politician means being a public servant. You should see by now who is eager to get a seat just for the sake of securing a position that would benefit their incompetent asses.

The DEMOCRAT thedemocratunc

of respect for how she lived her life, but we all have a fair share when it comes to grief. I cannot imagine what her family has been through, or which has been harder to take between their daughter’s death or the relentless insult and biased judgment. This rude act was only one of the many when a part of us failed to consider if it is right to laugh. Although for some inexplicable reason, some offensive posts make a part of us respond to the fun. It could be that making fun of a situation we cannot understand fully is easier done than trying to weigh down its gravity and the consequences of how we respond to them, like how our incompetent politicians take advantage of our feeble happiness. There are the famous insensitive posts of Harry Roque garnering thousands of haha reactions. TikTok videos of politicians are amassing millions of views, and the petty remarks of the president himself have a bunch of witty yet unintelligent responses. It is not that they cannot use the social media platforms for fun or that we cannot react to something we find funny. But when the nature of their content is inappropriate and even sometimes filled with malice, that is when we must draw our limits. Or should we forget that these posts contain the president’s misogyny and

rape jokes, the incompetent statements and tirade of Roque against the health workers, and the ignorance and arrogance of public servants who have failed to deliver? We should not because our comic reactions are appetite to their egos, thinking that what they are doing is fine so long as it appeals to the masses. Our mindless actions will not only feed their hunger for attention but will also ignite false assumptions to people with minimal knowledge about sensitive matters often subject to mockeries, like gender, race, traumas, and beliefs. There may be a guilty pleasure in finding some serious matter funny. But this is not enough logic for us to give in. It is not too much to ask that we be more mindful of our actions. Their consequences are responsibilities that we must bear. I am not saying that we forget to have fun and burst into laughter. Hell, I want to live a happy life filled with millions of smiles and joyous moments, but not at the expense of trampling over areas that demand respect. To draw you a picture, it would be like smiling and laughing out loud at the funeral of the person closest to your heart. And if that is not inappropriate enough for you, it is high time you reevaluate where your morals and regards to respect lie.

Ang akademya ay isang napakalaking aklatan--may malawak na bukal ng impormasyon, at ang isang aklat ay siksik na sa kaalaman. Ngunit hindi mo rito magagawa ang lahat ng iyong gusto. Sa kabila nito, maaaring isa sa milyonmilyong aklat na nakatago ay may patungkol sa iyong interes. Mahalagang alam natin na ang akademya ay isa lamang sa mga aspeto ng mundo at hindi rito nakasentro ang pangkalahatang paghubog ng sariling kakayahan. Subalit ang dahilan kung bakit ang iyong interes ay may malawakang pag-unlad ay dahil sa agham at mga pag-aaral tungkol dito na nabibigyang-pansin dahil sa akademya. Bilang mga mag-aaral, mahalagang alam natin ang halaga ng ganitong sining. Ang magpatuloy sa tersyaryong edukasyon ay ang mag-ambag sa iyong piniling larangan. Naisip ko lamang na kaya hanggang sa antas na ito ay nahihirapan tayong manaliksik tungkol sa ating interes--na siya rin mismong iminumungkahi ng mga propesyonal-ay dahil hindi tuluyang napasiklab ng sistema ng edukasyon ang ating pagsinta sa talentong kinawiwilihan natin. Ang mga paaralan ay may klinikal at napakateknikal na proseso kaya’t tayo ay nakokondisyon na ang tanging ‘matatalino’ ay silang nagaaral nang mabuti at matataas ang marka sa lahat ng disiplina. Kaya’t madalas pagdating ng kolehiyo, tayo ay nabibigla sa mga demanda. Isang asignatura lamang ang tesis, tulad ng ating mga major at minor

subject. Ngunit pansin nating ito ay nangangailangan ng espesyal na atensyon. Ito ay dahil hindi ito magagawa sa isang araw o linggo o buwan. Tulad ng ibang asignatura, nangangailangan lang din ito ng sapat at episyenteng pangangasiwa. Mahabang proseso ang pagsusuri ng literatura ngunit dito mismo ay simula na ng paghahasa ng kakayahan sa pananaliksik dahil sa halimbawang ipinapakita ng mga ito. Wala sa mismong asignatura ang intimidasyon. Ang lahat ay nasa proseso-sa iyong mga makakasama, sa iyong mga mahahanap na rekurso, at sa mga gagabay sa iyo. Mahalagang ang propesyonal na gagabay ay episyente sa pagbibigay ng pansin sa mag-aaral na nananaliksik. Walang utos na dapat hayaan ang mag-aaral na mag-isip nang mag-isa, at mahalagang bigyan ng sapat na sagot ang mga katanungan. Sa kabila ng pagtangka ng propesyonal na gawing independyente ang mag-aaral, hindi dapat balewalain ang katotohanang ibaiba tayo ng istilo pagdating sa ganitong gawain; sana ay sapat nang dahilan na hindi supisyente ang ating pangunahing kaalaman upang tayo ay bigyan ng tamang tulong. Ang epekto ng pagsulong sa pananaliksik ay hindi lamang nasisilid sa ilan mang sulok ng akademya. Malinaw na maaapektuhan nito ang ating arawaraw na pakikisalamuha. Sinasanay tayo nitong maging mapanuri sa mga impormasyong ating natatanggap, lalong-lalo na sa internet. Halos lahat ng mga Pilipino ay nagbibigay-oras sa social media kung saan talamak ang pekeng impormasyon at maging balita ay manipulado. Likas ang kritikal na pag-iisip sa mundo ng pananaliksik. Sa aking palagay, kung ang disiplinang ito ay naituturo at naipapaunawa nang maayos, uunlad ang ating agham at ang mga malilikhaing ideya ay matutuunan ng pansin sa siyentipikong pamamaraan. Kailangang isulong pa ang ideyang walang kahihiyan sa pagiging hindi maalam. Ang paghabol sa kasagutan ay ang magpapasiklab sa marami pang ideyang nakatago sa hiwaga ng siyensya. Ang pananaliksik ay hindi isang paraan lamang ng pagpapaunlad ng iyong piling larangan. Sa ngalan ng agham, ito mismo ang nagbibigay ng maraming metodo upang patabain ang ating pag-unawa sa lahat ng kinikilalang disiplina. Ito ang hamon, ngunit pulso ng akademya.

it reaches various places and regions, featuring a uniform design for the campaign. Thereby implying it did not only originate from one place. One thing remains clear, though, there is a goal of giving exposure. To answer who is who, we should see who would benefit from these publicity stunts--none other than the politicians claiming to be campaigned by the masses themselves. Mind you, this modus even exists in relief goods distribution. Faces of politicians--familiarly old and disappointingly new--cover the goods as if the money spent came from their greedy pockets. Can you imagine how low it is? The tragedies, which wrecked the lives of many and have given everyone a rough time, are used as an opportunity to put their selfish desires in the spotlight. We should bear in mind that the money these politicians use for operations comes from our taxes. These goods rightfully belong to the people because it is the fruit of their labor. It is not fair to use it to freshen the scent of a politician’s name. This kind of service is the bare minimum of the duties they have sworn upon assuming their positions. And seeing it tarnished by their faces is an insult to the quality of public service we rightfully deserve. A person enters the government to serve the people. Being a politician means being a public servant. You should

see by now who is eager to get a seat just for the sake of securing a position that would benefit their incompetent asses. This malicious act is one of the sickening rides we have gone through in recent years. It is a well-manifested tactic outlined to “surprisingly” coincide their questionable actions and gimmicks before the upcoming election next year. They are highly distinguishable; they are the not-so-official candidates. They are the early birds that no one wanted.

Infographics

TOMO LXVIII, BILANG II Nobyembre 2020 - Pebrero 2021

The Duterte Administration Injustices

Change has come: the Philippines has transitioned to a viewpoint where activists are terrorists, drugs are the only enemy, and self-defense is a valid excuse for police brutality, which the gaslighting quasi-dictator blatantly lauds. Here are some of the entire administration’s cases of treason.

PAGE DESIGN & GRAPHICS BY CYEN ESCLANDA

“DOUBLE BARREL” ANTI-ILLEGAL DRUG CAMPAIGN

JULY 1, 2016 shortly after President Rodrigo Duterte’s takeover of presidency, Oplan Tokhang was launched in an attempt to make drug pushers and users surrender to the police officers supposedly to knock at the doors of the accused. A “drug watch list” becomes the basis of targets, disregarding arrest warrants.

Between the period of July 1, 2016 and November 30, 2017, police data showed that only 1.2% of the anti-illegal drugs operation were based on arrest warrants.

507 out of 42, 236

according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights 2020 report.

Then 17-year-old Kian Delos Santos was discovered dead in a back alley after being accused of being a drug runner. He was killed in self-defense, according to three police officers. It was contrary to the official police report and CCTV footages, eliciting widespread public outrage and protests. Self-defense has been the frequent narrative of the police after such assaults occurred.

6,600 slain in total Between July 2016 and May 2019, Philippine National Police (PNP) revealed 6,600 were slain in the said operation.

OCTOBER of 2020 Liza Soberano and Miss Universe 2018 Catriona Gray was publicly threatened by Gen. Antonio Parlade. The red-tagging began after Liza spoke at a GABRIELA Youth webinar, where she urged influencers and women to speak up for women’s and children’s rights. Parlade warned Soberano to stop supporting GABRIELA or she might end up like Josephine Anne Lapira, a student and a young activist who was killed in 2017 and accused of being a member of the guerilla group, the New People’s Army (NPA).

ANGEL LOCSIN vs ANTI TERRORISM LAW Angel Locsin was once the target of a military general’s allegations that her sister and nephew were communist rebels and that she backed them up. Giving support to terrorists is an offense under the Anti-Terrorism Law, which was passed in 2020.

FEBRUARY 7, 2020 Journalist Frenchiemae Cumpio is still detained in Tacloban City jail after being arrested on February 7, 2020, together with four more human rights activists, charged with illegal possession of firearms. Cumpio is the executive director of the “Eastern Vista” news website and a radio news anchor at Aksyon Radyo-Tacloban DYVL 819 where she is said to cover alleged police and military abuses.

In November, Duterte singled out Congressman Carloss Zarate as a communist. RED-TAGGED DOCTOR, SLAIN In a high-profile case last December, a red-tagged doctor and her husband were gunned down in broad daylight by unknown assailants in the city of Guihulngan. Dr. Mary Rose Sancelan - who had led her community’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic - had reportedly appeared on a list from local militia group ‘Kagubak,’ which baselessly claimed Sancelan had links to the NPA.

JULY 5, 2020 Nelsy Rodriguez, 60-year-old chairperson of BAYAN Camarines Sur, was illegally arrested over murder charges. She was arrested in Naga City after police served a warrant of arrest dated July 5, 2020, from Branch 64 Regional Trial Court, Labo, Camarines Norte. Rodriguez was accused of being involved in the death of a certain 2nd Lt. Jose Henry Nopueto, according to the warrant, which was released on July 5. Rep. Ferdinand Gaite of Bayan Muna slammed the move, calling Rodriguez’s detention “illegal.”

Lampoon

The DEMOCRAT thedemocratunc

Henloooooo!!! Magandang, magandang, magandang, magandang, magandang, maganda, ako chos! Magandang morning, afternoon, asin evening saimo. Oo ika, isay pa man, ano lamang? Musta ka na? May panlasa asin pang-amoy ka pa man? Ayy maray! As you can see I’m here again, the ChikaDora ng yuniberrrrsiti. Yes, umiikotikot po ako para magkalap kan pwedeng ichika ta labs ko kamo *heart heart. Nagduduman ako sa mga place na nasasagap kan sakuyang radar and sizt may mga alipores man ako na parahatod man chismis para saindo ta aram ko gustuhon nindong maray yan.

At mga bhieee arigathanks and salamuch sa mga individuals and mga organizations affiliated sa UNC for sharing what they have sa mga heavily devastated UNCeans. Saro pa ang pag-amplify ning mga org sa yoensi sa hagad ng mga studs na academic ease na tigapprove man ning univ, which provided time naman for studs na makahangos muna pansamantala sa gabos na nangyayari.

Kasali dyan si mga parachika man na mga eschudents na nagmemessage sa FB Page kan demmy para magtaong bareta and magpahelp na idulog ang concerns sa manlaen-laen na bagay. Cutieee man kamooo! Thank you for reaching us happy kami to serve you all pips dawa ngane masakiton na LDR tayes ‘til now. Oh shaaa! aram ko madarakulaarium na naman an talinga nindo dahil sa mga hatod kong chismaks hysss. Ready ka na ba? Dae na magsimbag ta uya ka naman sana basahi na ‘til the last paragraph. Iu? Sige, let the chika begin! Inot sa listahan ta ang bonggabels na pramis para sa mga masisipag tang SAs na even in the gitna of the pandemya may scholarship pa daa sinda asin makakabalik sa respective offices or si iba daa ma-work from home. Ayy pero bes garo scam baga ta dae man gabos naka-come back. Ta si iba naghintay sa wala, sabi sa email ni madam kan grabe si kasibutan kani “the UNC is committed to rehire all Student Assistants who were in the roster as of Second Semester S/Y, 2019-2020” alagad pili lang man si rayaon sadt. May kabisto ngane ko nagkandahuri sa pag-enroll this 2nd sem ta dae tulos nakabayad TF or worse si iba dae na nagenroll muna this year. Bakits namans ganyans? Sana kuta dae na lang nagpromise kun arog man sana kayan palan. Dapat kuta “NOT ALL SAs will be rehired, only those in the most needed offices” para walang umasa hanggang natapos si sem walang updates yun lang po. Well, yun nga natapos na baga ang inot na sem kan OL Class sizmars, yieehhhh! Clap clap clap sa gabus na estudyante kan yoen-si naka-survive baga ika nga. Achievement naman yan na dapat i-celebrate and i-share sa story tas i-post sa FB or kun sain pa man na mga socmed. Ay grabeeeee surunudan ang feed ta kan mga screenshot kan grade sa portal wow na maray! Yung iba nagsabi na naman yan SANA OL and WHEN KAYA. Hayae na bhie ta kaya mo man yan, ika pa? Need mo lang ning diit na tiyaga-tiyaga pa asin prayers magkaka-uno ka man. Pilion mo ngane si prof na yaon for better or worse. Ayy whaaaa! Speaking of profs aram mo bhie, kasabay kan maghupa si bagyo, nawara man si ibang mga prof. Itong mga prof na kruuu..kruuu.kruuuu dae ta na aram kun sain ta kikitkiton. Intindido man talaga ta nawaraan kuryente asin internet connectivity pero even makalipas si 3-4 weeks mayo na talaga paramdam sila mamser. Si mga estudyante niyo po nagkarapa sa diklom at nagsadiring sikap na lang na matapos si mga requirements. Nakaka-stress na maray sa bangs. Dae ta aram nagpa-pile up na si activities tapos itatao sarong bagsakan na lang sa finals. Mayo na lamang synch meetings na naganap until matapos si cluster huhuhu. Thankful na lang ta nagcocommunicate paminsan-minsan sa GC. Kundi para mag-announce deadlines and mga other gibuhon :<< hmmmm… asin hmmmm na hararom. Since uruluyan ka-stressan naman sana ibali ta naman si BB, may nakaabot kaya sako na chika na minsan-minsan pumapalya daa ini. Itong ma-submit ka bigla nagla-logout tas ugwa pa instances na dae naoopen awwwss. Maray na lang pinaglihi kita sa patience kaya ulit-ulitin na lang mag-submit asin login and logout. Habo ko man kuta na nega star kita pirmi dapat happy lang walang ending ang peg ta always. Kaya mga fren hirigpitan ang kapot ta nangangabangaan palang kita sa mga chika. Kadakol

Syempre dae pa nakakabalik ang kuryente and for some places, even signal besh nawara, kaya helpful talaga ang pagimplement ng academic ease. Itong pag-waive ning synch classes, extension of deadlines for activities, and iba pang provided na considerations. Sa true naman talaga, dae na conducive ang learning sa mga moment na yon, that’s why academic ease is greatly needed and of course greatly appreciated, too. pang paabot na mga istoryang hali sa yoensi ang ilalatag ko saindo. Kadakol kitang pasavogue na mga hanash na isisiwalat, kaya if ready na kamo i-continue, just say “whoooh!”. Siz eme ka dae mo man tigbasa ang “whoooh!” ning may tono! Saro pa, dae kita maproceed hanggat dae mo yan tigbabasa ng may tamang tono chos. So uyan na ngani para sa kasugpon na chika, imaginun mo inabot ka ning four years or maybe more sa college tapos itong pinaka mantra mo itong “I will not quit until graduation day!” pero dahil sa pandemic, graduation day, wer u na po? Sa laog kang entire college life mo, na pano ning ups and downs, mga winnings and defeats, maintained relationship and scholarship (sanaol), memories to cherish and learnings to live, ang final destination lang palan sa atubangan ning phone or lappy, sa fb live. Naghahalat na maflash ang fez mo sa screen pati ang name mo at written under is your bachelor’s degree na natapos. Well mayo man siz ibang masisi kundi ang pandemic. Still, Batch 2020 lang sakalam! “Graduating ako, virus ka lang!” Salute sa gabos na graduates, even the last few months turned rougher the way you expected it to be, yaon pa nanggad saindo ang huling halakhak mga mamsh. Katas ng pagpupursige, pagpupuyat, pagtitiyaga at mga sacrifices ang Graduation Day. Congrats pa rin and good luck! Dawa nadelay, still graduation day comes as a late Christmas present and early New Year’s gift to y’all! Ata dawa man ngani kadakol ganap sa 2020, mga challenges, trials and adversaries still itao ta man ngaya sa admin ang palakpakan na may kasamang hiyawan after man kang ibaibang tabang na na-extend ng university after kang sunod-sunod na bagyo. Itong dae mo na aram kung anong petsa na kadtong November, ta mas malimit na lang ihapot anong signal number na naman daa kita. Inagihan na naman bagyo ang padangat tang Bicolandia and syemps naging subject na naman ang satong eskwelahan kan tumbang puno here, raot na bintana there and masiramon magswimming baga sa UNCWC or unSEA pili na lang kayo. Bareta ko pati ang new building binagyo 2.0 awwsss! Aano dae talaga yan matibay asin pusog? How come man si ibang building ta daeng gayo napupuruhan hysss maray pa si Bambam’s standing still. Hahaha. And aram ko nabaretaan nindo idtong gurang na puno na natukal kan bagyo maka-sadt man. Kadakol man tong nalimliman na mga estudyante kan panahon tas nasaksihan na mga lumalablayp sa bench.

PAGE DESIGN & GRAPHICS BY CYEN ESCLANDA

Dawa man may considerations na arog kaini, dae man mawawara itong ibang prof ay besh ura-urada nagpashower na ning activities after mag-end ang academic ease. Though understandable naman on their part na life should continue, still mga prof kung si jowa mi ngani dae consistent ano pa ang mga internet providers na dae na nakamove on abot ngunyan bhie abang bagal pa kag service. Wala akong sinasabing converge ini, pero parang ganun na nga. So it doesn’t mean na balik na sa class dahil bye-bye na ang academic ease, eh back to normal na ulit ang classes. Baka nagkakarilingawan kita nasa middle pa kita kang pandemic mga siz mars pa-inject naman ng another dose of leniency, opo. At ayun na nga sumapit na rin ang Valentines x Foundation day. Kung kaidto dae masyado feel na single ka bez ta syempre dae mo man nacecelebrate ang Valentines Day ta sabay-sabay lang sa Foundation Day pero ngunyan na virtual ang mga ganaps kaya dae ka makakatakas, ta tadtad nanaman ang my day asin IG story ning pics ning couples with chocolates and flowers pa. Pag-abot ning 15 mahapot ka na lang, oh ano nakakan nindo yang burak na yan, aber? Choz dinaog pa ang dark chocolate sa pagkabitter. Iyo na ngani yan kadakol daang nanibago sa celebration ta ibahon unlike before na feel na feel ang Foundation Day. Pero syempre i-commend ta man ang iba-ibang orgs ta napull off man ninda ang pagcoconduct ning event dawa times two ang pagal given na may pandemic tapos limited ang sources, so applause man giraray sainda. Dahil umabot ka sa last part at pinili mo to stay with me until the end, hindi ibig sabihin mag-s-stay rin sya, wake up na sa reality ghorl chzz. Ini totoo na at dahil umabot ka sa pinakahuring chika, i-claim mo na magkakauno ka, coz igwa promiseee! Itong mga nagtyatyaga lang ang nakakakuang gantimpala mula sa bertud. Oh shaaa! Abot digdi na lang kita, hanggang sa muli. Mag-iringat tabi muah!

Devcom

TOMO LXVIII, BILANG II Nobyembre 2020 - Pebrero 2021

PHOTOS FROM: Mayor Son Legacion FB Page and Naga City Government FB Page. LGU’s COVID-19 response led by Mayor Nelson Legacion along with the city’s frontliners--health and essential workers.

Victory beyond the waves

BY NORENE CANTOR

The creases of the face shield you are wearing blocks perfect vision ahead, not to mention the face mask beneath it adds to the heat from the sun. It is a surprise to see how the tables have turned, with tripled struggle and stress giving no difference to how the populace would want to take up space. The city jumping from jam packed to none and to jam packed again, with someone visiting for the first time in ages thinking how things have gone this reckless. The busy streets, the usual traffic jam, and people barely distanced. This is most probably an opposite sight almost a year back, when lockdown was on its first day until it was slowly lifted. What has the Queen City of Bicol been going through?

PHOTO FROM: Naga City Government FB Page

Wave One

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was found in Bicol on 27th of March, 2020, 11 days after the imposition of Enhanced Community Quarantine. And it was on the 30th of March of the same year when it was recorded in Naga City. Records infer cases following the first rooted from the close contacts and those who traveled back to the city. This was undoubtedly a result of the national government’s lack of an efficient plan to contain the virus, say, a travel ban from Wuhan, China which was being demanded as early as January 2020. Six cases were recorded during the period of ECQ. The local government was visibly on the move—regularly updating through social media the contact tracing, imposing hard lockdowns, and testing. Transparency to the public paved the way to better psychological easing as well as multiplied the cautiousness of the public. On April 17, the Xpert COVID-19 test kits purchase was approved, which would enable obtaining test results within 45 minutes especially

that Bicol Medical Center (BMC) has ARSRL-accredited laboratory with GeneXpert Systems. Such a facility improvement in the city helped enhance the testing process, which is crucial for how easily the virus spreads—but results hardly come on time. On April 29, the city started its momentum of zero cases daily. Minimum health standards were still in effect, as the national government still places the entire country under labels of quarantine. Even then, no trace of complacency was seen in the local government’s end, with a daily reminder for the public to stay at home when going out is unnecessary, to maintain proper hygiene, and to strictly follow health standards when going in public.

Wave Two

On May 1, 2020, General Community Quarantine (GCQ) guidelines were in effect. The heavy lockdown loosened and encouraged more people to go out, simultaneously bringing back other workers to get back on track. Within this period also, the Balik-Probinsya Program by Senator Christopher “Bong” Go was implemented, which, looking back, became a factor in the spike of cases in provinces due to lack of testing prior to send-off as well as communication with local government units. It was on June 25 of the same year when the 39-day streak of recording no new cases was broken. An inference can be made that there is an uncoordinated pattern within the city’s imposition of home quarantine, given that the two patients who came from Cavite were still able to go around the city. This has begun the severe surging of cases in the city which waved for almost 8 months and unfortunately counting. This has challenged the city under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) to control the spread, especially that this mode has let loose the economy and had unmonitored compliance. Over time, the health protocols developed into individual compliance—face shields aside from the face masks particularly, which gained flak from a number of the national populace due to inconvenience, physically and financially. The Naga City government then developed a PHOTOS FROM: Naga City Government FB Page

Epidemic Graph of Naga City’s Reported COVID cases. Naga City’s COVID-19 simple epidemic curve showing figures of daily reported positive cases from April 2020 January 2021; Data sent by Mayor Nelson Legacion’s Facebook page

contact tracing site called E-salvar in an attempt to intensify contact tracing. This QR code processing site is currently mandatory upon entry to establishments. As of February 14, 2021 the city has a total of 768 positive cases, with 5 active ones, 30 deaths, and 733 recoveries. The wave once again seemed to be ironed out, notably without more restrictions, and with the control centered to direct contacts of patients testing positive. Beyond the Waves

Post-pandemic scenario is still out of vision, as the virus itself is. With people traveling back and forth, with some oblivious of the minimum health standards, and contacts that go untraced become the root of spiking cases. It is practical to be extra-cautious despite the sinking of a number of cases. Inclusive and wallet-friendly rules are encouraged for mass compliance. Research findings on why such rules are important should be made known to the public so they comprehend and assiduously obey. The heat and suffocation for a moment can be endured when known and proven to prevent the worst to happen. What the city and every place in this pandemic-stricken world is fighting is beyond the waves created by numbers—it is the incompetence and unreadiness of handling such a crisis; against pushing personal agenda amid such times inconvenient to the public; and for the welfare of the people.

Lathalain

The DEMOCRAT thedemocratunc

By PATRICK JOSEPH PANAMBO

“If ever you fall, don’t fall at our house, ha.” These were the exact words I said back when I was in my elementary years. Yes, it is funny that I was talking to our late 42-year-old large avocado tree, but I am dead serious. And yet she did fall after I called for mercy. It was 6:23 on the morning of December 29, 2018, when she bid her last farewell. A mix of sadness and relief was what we felt. Honestly, I miss crawling up and singing with her. This event happened due to severe weather conditions. There was no typhoon at that time, but heavy rainfall and strong wind partnered from midnight till morning. That is the normal case in our region, in my province. And yet we were exchanging thoughts about what if the uprooted tree happened the last year 2020 when Region V was devastated by consecutive destructive typhoons. To think that the wind direction was hitting our house directly, maybe our simple house made of mixed concrete and bamboo was already destroyed. Maybe I’m gone since I was only sleeping in our living room, where the tree fell. This possibility was not the only thought bugging my mind. There were more contemplations that words alone can’t express. But I’m sure my family has seen these worries through my eyes ignited by the catastrophic 2020. Sure, we can’t skip that year as everyone has their own story of 2020—from volcanic eruptions, the pandemic lockdown, the government, being a left-out Filipino, and the series of typhoons. What a wonderful year! Now, let me focus this train of thoughts on how these typhoons love us dearly. How grateful the Philippines would be, embracing them with prayers, the most hospitable country it is. I know it’s our geography; the Philippines is a route for typhoons. Kidding aside, here are pieces of experiences I ought to share.

Rain on me. I’d rather be dry, but at least I am mentally stable. Hearing those loud hustling winds and raindrops tripled the speed of my heartbeat. The disturbing racing footsteps of horse-like rainfall on top of the roof and the sudden harsh sounds disrupted my spirit. Triggering non-stop happenings worsened my panic attack. These were the things I have developed. It was like typhoon Ulysses successfully made me wet with my thinking. And the rain of thoughts was also not stopping. These typhoons made our house weak. I still remember that time, during typhoon Ulysses, 2:17 PM, the trusses of our house started to move up and down. As an observant person, it was the time that my panic attacks heightened, but I remained calm, as I should be. I quickly ran to the part where the roof was moving and held the rafters, acting as a support. Then all of the boys inside our house began to nail all the trusses with high hopes that it would work. Luckily, with all of my blood running through my vessels, it withstood those smashing winds. Although it’s already 2021, I am yet to be sure that I cannot be frightened by rain and wind. Because until now, it makes my heart stumble.

Rain, rain, go ~~ ruin our already ruined education system. We cannot hide the fact that this homeschooling can’t sustain what we are learning. It’s already hard learning in the face-to-face setup, what more on online learning and modular systems. Then, these typhoons intensified our situation, leaving our province with even poorer connectivity and almost no power supply. Although the university immediately switched to modular learning, it was still not enough, especially to us, who live outside Naga City and Camarines Sur that did not receive any modules. And yes, all were causal chains. We have been fucked without the feeling of pleasure. Now, we’re slowly moving back to our phase. I hope everything went to normal. All will somehow learn, and next school year bears hope that we all can now see, hug, and talk to each other—no more distancing, and will be safe at last.

Money can’t buy us happiness—but I don’t have much, to begin with Aside from brooming the fallen branches and leaves, washing all mud-covered things, and all the work of tidying the surroundings, the number two task would be fixing every house wreckage. Were you one of those who needed to find your roof blown by the wind? If yes, we needed to scratch our heads again because we have no choice but to spend money, right? Most of us were financially affected by these typhoons. Some were forced to use up their savings because of being unemployed. We were sacrificing things for progress, although it felt like we’re being held hostage by these piling problems. It was hard, but we needed to move on. And so, to everyone having a hard time finding money to survive, keep on going, for your hard work will put the pieces in their rightful places when the right time comes. Remember, when you’re scared for your future, that means you’re taking care of what you want to be and have. Keep that dream burning despite the heavy rains these typhoons cruelly brought. It’s a bit odd, but these typhoons were just like us. We were born at a certain place where we were taken care of until ready to move out. Then when we are ready, we take the path that makes us stronger and successful. Instead of destruction, we strive for positive efforts to bring impacts to society and the world. And as time goes by, we get weak until gone. Maybe we are destined either to be or not to be like this. Whatever situation each of us is in right now, it’s not permanent unless you want it that way, or someone is blocking your success. Even though struggles keep on piling, it’s within our hands how we are destined and what fate we are chasing. Now, as we are starting a new year, maybe try to talk to your large trees and other living things. They’re listening. Talk to your family and friends when in need. Pray and talk to Him. Ask yourself if you’re okay. Life is amazing and mysterious. Life is a typhoon, it’s messy. But you have the chance to fix it. These are the lessons I got, what’s yours?

Graphics By CYEN ESCLANDA PAGE DESIGN BY DARWIN ESCARO

TOMO LXVIII, BILANG II Nobyembre 2020 - Pebrero 2021

Lathalain

f S o Y r A A D I L L L O r E V o E f R , Y Y O T E NE H AF S

ilipinos are huge fans of holidays. For us, holidays do not only serve as rest days. It is also during holidays when we got to celebrate something together with our families and loved ones. But do we still get to this during these trying times? Considering the health protocols that we should follow, will celebrating holidays be the same as before? Or will it be dull this time? Celebrating holidays already became part of our tradition. So yes, even during a pandemic, Filipinos will make time to celebrate all of these special occasions. Although, it cannot be celebrated the same way before the pandemic occurred. See, the yearly cultural Filpino celebration of Undas was commonly spent by families in the cemetery. They would gather together in graveyards, offer flowers, and send prayers to their families and friends who have passed away. However, this tradition was broken this year, given that the Philippines continues to battle its increasing number of COVID cases. As of February, the Philippines has over 500,000 confirmed cases with

BY JEAN AQUINO

over 11,000 deaths. Last year, 2020, all public and private cemeteries are ordered to close from October 9 to November 4. Hence, the public should do their annual visits before or after the said dates. According to the InterAgency Coronavirus Task Force (IATF), they issued the directive to prevent further viral transmissions. Same practices were still done, like putting up tents, bringing food, and lighting candles, but now, with the addition of following safety protocols, including wearing protective facemasks and observing social distance. Those who could not make it to the cemetery offered their prayers inside the church and their home. Similarly, Simbang Gabi is one of the most awaited celebrations throughout the year. The nine-dawn masses were celebrated by many Filipinos, as they symbolize the fast approaching Christmas and New Year. It also highlights the yearlong celebration of Christmas that Filipinos are known for. Christmas

and New Y e a r are the most highlighted holidays of the year. Churches are crowded starting from December 16 up to the end of the month. However, the celebration of Christmas 2020 was

way different from the past years. Minors and senior citizens were not allowed to go to church. Safety protocols were also observed in the church, and sanitizers and alcohol were placed outside the churches. The Department of Health (DOH) also urged the public to refrain from partying and using torotots. The plethora of things to follow and consider truly made Christmas and New Year a bit quieter than the usual celebration. But as creative Filipinos, we also find a way when it comes to entertainment and celebrations. Inside their homes, families made loud noises by banging things, danced, sang karaoke songs, and partied, making the holiday a little less quiet— proof that the spirit of Christmas would never fade on each one of us. As 2020 exits, our hope for better days to come is just getting bigger day by day. Why not? Our hearts are still beating. All are set to celebrate Valentine’s Day, as we welcome it with gratefulness because we made it to 2021.

By JUVY VIOLETA

LOCAL BUSINESS SCOPE

Steadfastiness amidst

Economic Challenges

“We need to keep on moving forward instead of dwelling on the problem,” businesswoman Cisa Buenaventura remarks.

Change is constant in life—this is especially true to economics as Bicol picks up speed at a 5.5% inflation rate last November 2020. Cisa Buenaventura, co-owner of Pips Bananas, imparts wise budgeting tips and a sneak-peak into a start-up business. Rising prices for ingredients won’t go unnoticed for this clever entrepreneur, “the banana [price] has drastically increased because of the pandemic and typhoons,” noting inflation as a source of worry—on the other hand, the arrival of COVID-19 indeed affected sales. No matter how perplexing the situation seems, be it in business or her personal life, she always turns to prayer to the Almighty. “It helps me calm my nerves, and it helps me think properly,” driven by faith, she notices how she can identify problems with a sound mind, then seek solutions, and get right down to business. “We need to keep on moving forward instead of dwelling on the problem. Also, I try to see opportunities on problems I am experiencing.” As a branch owner of Pips Bananas at Abella, Naga City, and start-up business, she pinpoints budgeting as a crucial part o f running the business. “Every time we experience inflation, we can’t easily adjust or increase the price of our products,” so her team sets out to look for alternatives to survive and continue operation. PAGE DESIGN BY DARWIN ESCARO & LESTER ISIP

Cisa Buenaventura unpacks wise budgeting tips for purchasing goods. “Look for reliable and trustworthy suppliers who can give you the right amount of goods, avoid unnecessary expenses, monitor your finances, check what ingredients, goods or fixed expense is having the highest amount,” and attempt to minimize use without compromise, she continues. On managing the business, she humbles herself in sharing some wisdom, “Patience and endurance, faith and trust to the Almighty— pray more and remember that we are only God’s stewards on earth, everything belongs to Him which includes your business.” Cisa regales a bit of history in their enterprise—noting she wasn’t technically the one who started it. “Pips Bananas main branch is operating for almost 4 years, it started as ‘Tya Ebs’ and she sums it up to almost 28 years of experience on running the business, the legacy and goal of ‘Tya Ebs’ is to provide high-quality food, and service continues under the management of Pips Bananas, having Flavored Turon as our flagship.” Challenges await no matter how long the business has been running. “Doing business is never easy,” that’s her heads up to aspiring young entrepreneurs. She emphasizes to assess yourself inwardly, know your purpose— ”the purpose why you are doing what you are doing in life or in business,” your life’s purpose, she concludes as something you can revisit whenever you are feeling disheartened or at a point of exhaustion. She encourages those who want to embark on this type of venture to never stop learning. “Read books, learn from people, and improve as a businessman.” Above all, she exalts to have faith and trust in God.

And because Valentine’s day is approaching fast, the search for “Valentino” and “Valentina” is now on. The pandemic is surely still there, but of course, love is in the air too. You better inhale the right one. February 14, like what we all imagined, couples were here and there with flowers and chocolates all over. Well, nothing changed about that one. But according to a survey, almost half of the Filipinos were not sure if they are going to celebrate Valentine’s Day. It seems like single individuals and couples are both hesitant to go out. Anyway, remember that it can be celebrated every day as well. Loving and taking care of your loved ones show the same spirit as Valentine’s Day. 2020 may be a tough year for everyone, but always remember that just like holidays, there will come a time that we will be celebrating because we are finally free from this pandemic. Say yes to better days. Stay safe, everyone!

Lathalain

The DEMOCRAT thedemocratunc

NI “Basta University of the Philippines (UP)/Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), pugad yan ng mga komunista/terorista/New People’s Army (NPA).”

‘Y

an ang madalas na marinig nating mga kataga na nakatali sa mga nasabing prestihiyosong paaralan dito sa Pilipinas. Isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit ganito ang imahe ng paaralan ay ang pagiging bukas ng isip ng mga institusyong ito sa ideya ng kalayaan ng pagsasalita at kritikal na pagiisip—lalo na sa mga usaping politikal. Dahil sa kapaligirang hinuhubog ang pagkakaroon ng malayang pag-iisip, nakikilahok ang mga estudyante at mga guro dito sa mga panlipunang isyu, gaya ng karapatang pantao, pagpuna sa mali ng gobyerno, at iba pang panlipunang adbokasiya. Isa sa mga paraan ng mga pakikilahok ay ang pagprotesta ng mga iba’t ibang organisasyon. Dahil sa hindi pa gaanong malinaw sa karamihan ang importansya at ang kakanyahan ng mga pakikilahok na naglalayong mapabuti ang lipunan, maraming tao ang nililinang ng maling impormasyon. Dito nag-uugat ang red-tagging, o ang pag-akusa sa isang taong may progresibong pag-iisip at nakikilahok sa mga protesta. Komunista, terorista, kasali sa CPPNPA-NDF, ilan lamang ito sa mga karatulang itinatatak sa mga progresibong grupo na nakikilahok sa talakayang panlipunan. Gaya ng unang sambit, isa sa unibersidad na may nangyayaring malawakang red tagging ay ang University of the Philippines (UP) . Hindi lamang simpleng pagaakusa ang nangyayari, kundi na rin ang pagdukot at pagpatay sa ilang estudyante. Matatandaang mga ilang linggo pa lang ang nakalipas ay pinutol na ng gobyerno ang 1989 University of the PhilippinesDepartment of National Defense accord (UP-DND accord). Ito ay kasunduan ng dalawang panig na ang militar at pulis ay pinagbawalang magsagawa ng anumang operasyon sa loob ng unibersidad upang bigyan ng kalayaang pang-akademiko ang mga estudyante. Ayon kay Delfin Lorenzana, Defense Secretary, ang dahilan ng pagputol sa kasunduan ay hakbang para masugpo ang terorismo—dahil ayon nga sa kanila, pugad daw ito ng CPPNPA-NDF. Mariing kinondena naman ito ng mga opisyal ng paaralan at iba’t ibang organisasyon dahil sa peligrong dulot nito sa mga estudyante at ito ay

nakasasagabal sa pang-akademikong gawain. Marahil ay isa ito sa kulay ng Anti-Terror Law, ang kitilin ang diskurso at karapatang makapagsalita ng malaya. Kamakailan lang, naipasa na ang Anti-Terror Law na may layuning sugpuin ang terorismo sa bansa. Marami ang nagbahagi ng pagkadismaya sa nasabing batas dahil ilan sa mga probisyon nito ay sadyang mapanganib, lalo’t kabi-kabilang patayan na ang nangyayari sa Pilipinas. Isa sa mga probisyong ito ay ang pagkulong ng isang indibidwal sa mahigit na dalawang linggo hanggang sa 24 na araw, kahit walang kaso basta ba nasa ilalim ng suspetsa na siya ay terorista. Pinalala nito ang kaso ng red-tagging sa bansa, lalo na sa mga indibidwal na may politikal na opinyon kagaya na lang ng aktres na si Liza Soberano. Ang nasabing aktres ay dumalo sa isang webinar ng isang progresibong organisasyon ng mga kababaihan na Gabriela na tinawag na Mga Tinig ni Nene: Reclaiming Our Voices on the International Day of the Girl Child. Dahil dito, binalaan siya ng isang opisyal ng militar na si General Antonio Palarde Jr na lumayo sa grupo kung ayaw niyang matulad sa isang aktibista na si Josephine Lapira na napatay apat na taon na ang nakalipas. Isa pa sa mga biktima nito ay ang aktres na si Angel Locsin kung saan siya ay inakusahang komunista at kasali sa NPA dahil sa pakikilahok niya sa mga humanitarian activities gaya ng pamimigay ng pagkain at pagtulong sa ating mga kababayan, lalo na sa mga nasalanta ng mga kalamidad. Kilala din ang aktres sa kanyang mga progresibong opinyong pampolitikal. Malinaw dito na kapag ikaw ay may boses, ikaw ay paparatangang terorista. Hindi lamang ito para sa mga aktibista, damay rin ang bawat indibidwal na sinasanay ang paggamit ng kanyang boses sa pagtuligsa sa katiwalian ng gobyerno at usapin sa karapatang pantao. Marami ang nagsasabi na bakit ka raw matatakot kung alam mo namang wala kang ginagawang masama. Ngunit kung titingnan, mukhang salungat dito ang nangyayari. Ang red tagging ay isang kababuyan na naglalagay panganib sa buhay ng isang tao.

awak mo ay baril. Ang unang turo sa iyo ay paano ito gamitin. Siguraduhing may bala; ikasa, ilayo sa iyo at hawakang mabuti; itutok sa iyong target; kalabitin ang gatilyo. Sa unang pagkakataon, ang nakabibinging ingay nito ay tila musika sa iyong pandinig. Maligayang pagbati—pumasa ka sa una mong pagsubok. Sa paglipas ng mga panahon, ang parehong armas ay ang madalas marinig sa mga eskinita; sa mga abandonadong lugar; at ang nakapanlulumo pa, sa loob ng mga tahanan. Malalaman mong hindi ito ang unang pagkakataon. Patuloy lamang na nadaragdagan ang bilang ng mga ibinabaon sa hukay nang hindi makatarungan. Nakamamanhid ang paulit-ulit na naririnig— bumabahang dugo saan mang sulok ng bansa, ‘di umano’y nanlaban, huwag niyong tutularan. Higit pa sa porma ng mababangis na tuta ang tinatawag nating alagad ng batas. Higit pa ang mga ito sa kaganapang magpapaalala sa atin ng taksil sa unang linya ng depensa. Hinahamon tayo, o tayo ang dapat na humamon?

NI NORENE CANTOR

Mga paglabag sa sariling tungkulin Mapanuyang nagsisindi ng kontrobersiya ang silang dapat nanangangasiwa sa kapayapaan. Kung paanong malimit silang mang-akusa ng pagbebenta at paggamit ng iligal na droga; kung paanong tila pinaiiral nila ang kanilang kampanya sa pamamagitan ng pang-aakusa ng mga progresibong grupo, pati na rin mga mag-aaral at kabataan bilang kasapi ng teroristang grupong New People’s Army; kung paano nila minamanipula ang datos sa pagkamatay ng Flight Attendant na si Christine Dacera noong Enero. At kung paanong binubulabog nila ang mga tahimik na kilos-protesta. Silang depensang naging opensa, mga tagapamayapang nambubulabog. Hindi lahat, ani nila. Mga paglabag sa karapatangpantao Hindi nagsimula o nagtapos ang mga pangyayaring ito sa

pagpaslang kay Kian De Los Santos na noo’y 17 anyos. Nariyan din ang mga kaso ng panggagahasa—noong Marso taong 2020 ‘di umano dinala sa isang opisina ang dalawang babaeng nakadetine sa Marikina upang abusuhin. Dalawang pulis ang natukoy na suspek sa pamamaril sa 15-anyos na dalagita sa Ilocos Sur matapos itong nagreklamo ng panggagahasa sa kanya. At noong Abril ng parehong taon ay ang mapusok na pagpaslang sa dating sundalong si Winston Ragos habang ito ay may dinudukot sa kanyang bag. Nitong Disyembre rin ay nabulabog ang bansa sa bayolenteng kuha ng kamera ng pamamaril sa mag-inang Sonya at Frank Gregorio. Hindi akalain ng pamilya at ng mga saksi na ang ingay ng

Cases of Police Brutality (esquiremag.ph) Killings in Philippines Up 50 Percent During Pandemic | Human Rights Watch (hrw.org)

kanilang boga ang tatapos sa kanilang buhay. Ngunit tulad ng maraming kaso, hiwalay na insidente raw ito. Ang walang-kamatayang laban kontra droga ng administrasyong Duterte ay nagpamalas ng paglala sa bilang ng paglabag ng karapatang-pantao. Naitala ng Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) ang kabuoang 5,810 napaslang sa naturang operasyon simula nang maupo ang Pangulong Duterte hanggang Hulyo 2020. Hindi napigilan ng pandemya ang “operasyon”. Umakyat sa 50% ang mga naitalang pagpatay mula Abril hanggang Hulyo 2020. Singbilis ng daloy ng balita ang pagkawala sa isipan ng publiko ng mga kasong ito. Sa halos araw-araw na pagkakaroon ng bagong paalala ng ating bulok na sistemang-pangkatarungan, tila ang maihihiling na lamang ay ang maayos na paghahain ng katarungan sa mga biktima. Muli, anila’y hindi lahat ganito—banggit ng pasibong kabaro sa depensa ng bawat isa. Kaydaling sabihin, tila mahirap ipamalas. Ang manilbihan at magtanggol Sa hindi mo na mabilang na pagkakataon, hawak mo ulit ang iyong baril. Hawak mo ang alam mong kayang bali-baliktarin ang kapalaran. Alam mo kung paano, saan, at kailan gagamitin.Ngunit nawa ang pinakamahalagang aral sa inyo ay kung paanong huwag itong gamitin. Nawa ay hindi na si Totoy ang balaang huwag magpagabi; kundi sistema na mismo ang magpanagot sa mapangabusong mga kamay.

TOMO LXVIII, BILANG II Nobyembre 2020 - Pebrero 2021

Amy Amiss

Panitikan

BY JUVY VIOLETA

Upuan

Delicate hands pacify parted lips that quiver Ironic how cigarettes are held with a peace sign Just to cover— madness in a state of unceasing rivers

Hindi negosyo ang upuan. Pagkaperahan ang bayan, Nakawan nang harapan, Pahirapan ang mamayan.

Amy is amiss She’s flunking her classes Dissing the masses Alas folks shun the odd lasses

Hindi mo kanlungan ang upuan. Na sa t’wing nahihirapan ay iidlip ka lang, Magigising kapag gusto lamang, O kapag kinalampag na ang Malacañang.

Take a long drag from a slender roll, Sweet ecstasy please stir the dull Bring solace for this poor soul While flesh fester apparitious ghouls

Hindi laruan ang upuan. ‘Di sapat kung matunog iyong ngalan Kung huwad naman ang ilalaan Ipapangalandakan ang katangahan?

Human capacity is vast Yet crestfallen nature casts— broken, beaten and downtrodden Nonetheless a greater wrath ever lasts

Hindi niyo pagmamay-ari ang upuan. Hindi para kanino Hindi sa pamilya mo Ito’y sa bayan at hindi sa bayad mong apelyido

Though all may forsake the wasted The Prince of peace renews and cleanses — serene rivers relinquish the fruitless for redemption abounds from obedience.

‘Wag ka nang umupo sa upuan. Kung balak mo lang talagang umupo. Hindi rito ang labanan ng payamanan, At ideolohiyang walang laman.

NI PATRICKS PANAMBO

Isip Tanglaka NI JUVY VIOLETA

Masarap ang hindi maari

Kailan tuluyan mapapawi Kasakiman sa kariwasaan ‘di ba nilikha tayo magkaangkan? Ngunit namamayani ang karimlan

Ayaw kong makadama Ng hapdi ng aking nakikita; Ayaw kong masugatan Ng bagsik ng aking kasalukuyan.

Bumubugsong kapootan Mapanlinlang puso magpakailanman Inaakyat munting paraiso iniiwanan kapanalig, bakit?

Hahayaan ang usok Kaladkarin ang aking pulso, Takpan aking mga mata, At ihele sa agos ng panandaliang saya.

Tungkulin napabubuti Alingawngaw humahawi Lumang tugtugin sumasapi Paligsahan sana’y nakabubuti

Hindi ako pinatutulog ng sandali-Hinahabol ko ang araw tuwing gabi; Hindi ko pinapalalim ang karagatan Sa tuwing tatawag sa akin ang buwan.

Sipit hihila sa umaangat na dakila Nasilayan kapinsalaan— taimtim Kaawa-awang nilalang Sinong tataob sa mundo natin

Matayog ang aking lipad-Sige pa, saan man mapadpad; Ngunit huli na bang maalala Na hindi ako sa langit nakatira?

Habang sangkatauhan ay matamlay Sa sariling pagkahabag at saklay Lumpo sa pagkabalisa Tanikala, baka sakaling may sadyang adya

Tulad ng yosing may banayad na panganib, Mabagsik din ang dala ng aking isip; Masarap ang hindi maaari

Legacy

BY PATRICKS PANAMBO Bold, stand and hold Pave the way and widen Engrave to vivid mind Young, shall behind. Unleash thy talents and skills Participate, starts with you young peer Build, not just home to stay For everyone especially those areas in gray Free that Greta Thunberg spirit! Can’t you hear nature’s lyrics? Rekindle that light that’s fading It’s time to embrace what we’re facing

NI NORENE CANTOR

Ngunit kinabukasan ko ay hindi nakangiti.

Grave

Gintong Tubig NI NIEL ANDREW FORMALEJO

Ibuhos na ang sarap at baso’y siyang paikutin Gintong tubig na may hagod pagkatapos lunukin Habang lumalalim ang gabi, sumasarap ang kwentuhan Ilang bote ba ang kaya ng iyong katawan? Kalimutan muna ang mundo at magpakasaya Magpakasarap muna’t, bukas nalang harapin ang mga problema Nakangiting nahihilo, nalilito at nasusuka Ibuhos lang ang gintong likido hanggang huling patak at magpakaligaya Balik ka na naman sa reyalidad pagsapit ng umaga Bubungad sayo ang sakit ng ulo’t kalam ng sikmura ‘Di masukat akalaing munting kasiyahan mo’y natapos na Pagnanasang ulitin ang kahapon ay bakas sa’yong mapupungay na mata Nariyan ka na naman nakahiga sa malamig mong kama Naluluha habang epekto ng gintong tubig ay paunti-unting nawawala Nariyan na naman ang mga multong bumubulong Yari mo’y itakas ang sarili sa isip na nakakulong Gabi na naman at oras na para aliwin ang sarili Ibuhos na ang gintong tubig at magpakalasing muli Hayaan ang gintong tubig na ikaw ay gawing manhid; at kalimutan muna ang mundo. Sa susunod na araw, sa susunod linggo’y problema’y iyong isisilid sa baso.

The X Position BY NIEL ANDREW FORMALEJO

Ah yes, the comfort of being alone in the room, plus the fair internet connectivity and the luscious pads of any species of a gadget. With raging hormones, you click in the search bar and with hands so perspired from excitement, your fingers tap on the keyboard algorithm you always choose whenever you have the luxury of enough privacy. Inventory for necessity check; Tissue? Check. Earphones? Check. Locked door? Checked. You’re now in the stage of making sure, you’re not making a mess. Every single day, at least thrice this is your routine. There is a point when this is just normal, where you’re just in the stage of discovery. This time however, you’re now intoxicated with illusions about how our body works and about what intimacy actually is . An extra bouncy boobs and a busty bum. A beautiful, shiny, twelve inch dong with a power of a battering ram, that can last an hour in use. Every possible angle for max pleasure, missionary, doggy, the yin-yang, the upside down spread eagle, they made it look so easy you wouldn’t have thought that in real life this can cause contortions and torn muscles. Without the education providing the necessary information, you wouldn’t have asked why did you last only five minutes short. You wouldn’t have wondered where the hell did you get that itch from your crotch and that foul and agonizing infection. This varying type of bummer isn’t supposed to happen just like in the movies, as it is always sunshine, rainbow, and lollipops right? Well the movie you’ve been so addicted to that you binged it several hours straight, is a bad education; it gives you false sense of reality and dreamy illusions.

BY NORENE CANTOR I wish to bury you; So sit back and watch me Grab a shovel. Watch me pull the dirt, See my filthy face And feel my hate for you; With all my strength Underneath the heat-I don’t mind if it’s for you. While I go deep And deeper--I find myself right where I belong Down where I picture you all along.

Alas! It came at last! A question to pass, What can you do for us? GRAPHICS BY CHRISTIAN REGANIT PAGE DESIGN BY ROSE CLAVANO

Palakasan

The DEMOCRAT thedemocratunc

UNC Greyhounds resume limited face-to-face training, buckles up for upcoming virtual sporting league BACK TO THE GRIND. Full-of-action F2F training and tournaments seem distant in time as the new normal sports hustle adapts to physical changes in routine brought about by the persisting pandemic. Photos by Johnell Cabusas and Words by Norene Cantor

By Charey Mae Alvarado

Following an almost year-long imposed strict lockdown, the UNC Greyhounds finally returned to the court, welcoming several victories in online competitions and the resumption of limited training at the university as preparation for future tournaments. Despite the haltered competitions posed by the pandemic, several sporting events have begun to explore online platforms, where UNC Greyhounds continue to bid and win. With the chess team Arianne Pearl Caalim of JHS grabbing the championship title and Hadji Ray Caalim of JHS placing 20th during Palarong PangMCCPH Sec. Girls and Boys last December 23, 2020. With various sports foraying into a virtual competition, student-athletes continue their conditioning, eased with the two different modalities assuring each will be catered even those residing distantly from the university, as confirmed by Sports Development Office (SDO) Director Roel Rosales. According to Rosales, the first mode of preparatory conditioning is online training intended for student-athletes who live outside of Camarines Sur and requires them to document themselves and send it to their coaches for feedback. The latter is actual team conditioning, which is done twice a week for student-athletes residing in the province. Following the health protocols, team sports are not allowed to have play-byplay, and capacity is limited to 10 maximum players in the gym, Rosales added. “After and before the training or

the conditioning they need to wear their masks but during, they need to remove their masks because there are reports that the players can’t perform due to suffocation. Also sanitation, they need to have alcohol. Spacing is required, and two hours maximum [ of conditioning] are allowed,” Rosales elaborated. Rosales also mentioned some athletes had experienced anxiety after the abrupt halt of all sports events. With this evident effect on athletes, SDO’s goal this year is to look upon the mental health aspects of Greyhounds, aside from more body conditioning. According to Kim Macalindong, a Volleyball Men Middle Blocker, he was dismayed after knowing the cancellation of their tournament, as they were all set and ready to represent the university. “Actually, I am very devastated when they announced that the PRISAA 2k20 was postponed due to the pandemic. It was exactly the opening day when that happened where we are currently wearing our red greyhound shirts for the parade. Up to this day, there is no assurance that we can still spike the ball with a huge cheer coming from our school inside the four corners of the court,” Macalindong furthered. Also, Table Tennis team Francis Cabaltera shared he was initially disappointed after learning the upcoming games had been canceled. But as time progresses, everything is getting better, and that he is now coping well with their newnormal training setup. Meanwhile, the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA), one of the largest and most prestigious sporting events for collegiate athletes, will hold virtual competitions as well, with participants simply recording themselves and sending it to the organizer. Although the dates for every event are not yet final and still waiting for the regional board, SDO said. Some of the events will be basketball, categorized into four; 3 - p o i n t shooting, B a l l

ENEMY TURRET DESTROYED. Bren Esports displays Philippine pride owning Mobile Legends international tourney. The team revealed in an interview in “AHA!” that a balance of discipline and friendship was their secret in making their victory possible. Photo from newsbytes.ph and Words by Norene Cantor

Bren Esports grabs MLBB World Championship; inspires UNCean players By Daryl Sta. Cruz

Bannering the Philippine flag in the international arena, Filipino Mobile Legends team called Bren Esports competed against 11 teams from 9 countries and took the title of being the strongest mobile legends' players in the world, after they outplayed Myanmar's Burmese Ghouls in a best-of-seven finals series, 4-3 in the M2 Mobile Legends World Championship held at Shangri-La Hotel in Singapore, last January 24, 2021.

The Filipino pride competed against 11 teams from nine countries and took the title of being the strongest Mobile Legend team in the world. Two MPL PH Season 6 Championship contenders Smart Omega and Bren Esports made their slot in the upper bracket. After being grouped by four in the Group Stage, they took down Todak, Impunity KH, 10s Gaming Frost, and Alter Ego with a 2-0 sweep in the first two days. They then competed against RRQ Hoshi and Burmese Ghouls in the playoff’s upper bracket. Both PH teams then dropped to

Handling, Slam Dunk, and Bente Uno. The Taekwondo team will also participate in Speed kicking and Poomsae, while in Kataredo is Kata. There will also be online Chess Tournaments and Cultural Events, such as Vocal Solo, Vocal Duet, Oratorical, and Prisayawan (Solo, Trio). Then the volleyball team will spike again for the Target Scoring event. When asked about the possible participation of UNC Greyhounds in the said competition, Rosales confidently answered, “Yes, UNC is always ready to participate.” He also added that the very reason why student-athletes never stop with their body conditioning is for them to be always ready to compete. As for recruitment, SDO has done it prior to the lockdown, but during the lockdown, they also conducted the recruitment, adding a few to the team, while some of the studentathletes are from referrals.

ATIN `TO. Naniniwala si Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino, Pangulo ng Philippine Olympic Committee, na masusungkit ang kauna-unahang ginto ng bansa sa Olympics matapos makakuha ng puwesto ang anim na mga atletang Pinoy sa Summer Olympics Games Kuha ng ABS-CBN News at Mga Salita ni Norene Cantor

POC President Tolentino target tuldukan ang Olympic drought, kumpyansang maiuuwi ang unang ginto ng bansa Ni Charey Mae Alvarado

Sa halos ilang siglo ng paglahok ng Pilipinas sa Summer Games, naging mailap ang gintong medalya sa bansa, kaya ngayong taon muling aariba ang mga atletang Pinoy sa pag-asang masungkit ang inaasam na tamis ng panalo at matuldukan ang inaalat na takbo ng Pilipinas sa nasabing torneyo. Kumpiyansa si Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham Tolentino na ito na ang panahon para isang atletang Pilipino naman ang magsuot ng prestihiyosong gintong medalya. “I believe that we are in the best position

the lower bracket after losing the best of 3 series. Despite being relegated to the lower bracket, Bren started to gain momentum and took the early lead after defeating Todak and their rival, Alter Ego, getting the chance to compete against RRQ Hoshi in the lower bracket finals, 3-1. Bren Esports finally won their rematch against Burmese Ghouls and seized the M2 Mobile Legends World Championship title. MLBB’s biggest tournament, the M2 World Championship, was settled on January 18-24, 2021, where six matches battled in the first two days, four in the second phase of the group stage, and the top team in each group qualified in the playoffs. The first four teams removed in the Group Stage Phase 2 were teams from Singapore, Russia, Brazil, and Cambodia. For its victory, Bren bagged the US$140,000 of US$300,000 prize pool while notorious child prodigy Karltzy played the jungle role and the hard carry of the team, heralded as the M2 World Championship Grand Finals Most

to win that gold. This is our time,” pahayag ni Tolentino. Sumang-ayon din si Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William Ramirez na ngayong taon ang pinakamahusay na pagkakataon ng bansa upang makasilat ng kauna-unahang Olimpikong ginto. “The PSC is throwing its all-out support in our Olympic quest. We are not only hoping and praying, we are expecting that our athletes will deliver,” pagbabahagi ni Ramirez. Ilan sa mga unang nakapasok ay ang mga atletang sina World Champion Gymnast Caloy Yulo, kabilang din sina Asian pole vault champion EJ Obiena, boxers Eumir Marcial, Irish Magno sa quadrennial event at si Weightlifting Olympic silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz. Ang Lady pug na si Nesthy Petecio, ay napipisil din kasama ang reigning sa Asian Games na si skateboard gold medalist Margielyn Didal.

Valuable Player with US$3,000 more in his pocket. Bren Esports was founded on August 16, 2017, by Bernard “Bren” Chong, and stood out as one of the best teams in the Philippine MLBB pro scene. The team’s roster is composed of Karl Gabriel “Karltzy” Nepumuceno, CJ “Ribo” Ribo, Angelo Kyle “Pheww” Arcangel, David Charles “Flaptzy” Canon, Mico “Coco” Sampang, Ejhay “Ejhay” Sambrano, and Francis “Duckeyyy” Glindro, who also serves as their coach. Meanwhile, in the UNC MLBB Community, there are experienced players, who have competed already in several tournaments around the region. According to John Anjo Jesalva, a second-year BS Civil Engineering student, Bren Esports’ victory had a significant impact on the entire MLBB community in the country and proved that e-sports was more than a game but a way of life. “I think Bren winning the M2 world championship will have a bigger impact ITULOY SA 15

Sila ang mga nakikitang makakapaguwi ng unang ginto ng bansa, matapos na ang ilan sa kanila ay umukit ng kanyakanyang mga pangalan sa international scene at namayagpag sa iba't ibang larangan sa mga nagdaang taon. Nagpapahiwatig din ang mga atleta ng archery, 3x3 basketball, canoe kayak, rowing, table tennis, at surfing na may pag-asa sa olympics ayon sa sports organizations ng bansa. Plano ng Team Philippines na magpadala ng 20-40 atleta na may potensyal na maging kandidato sa bawat laro ayon sa pag-aanalisa ng National Sports Organization; ang pinakamalaking delegasyon ng bansa sa Olympics. Ang tanyag na palaro ay gaganapin sa Tokyo, Japan sa ika-23 ng Hulyo hanggang ika-8 ng Agosto matapos masuspende buhat ng pandemya nang nakaraang taon. Sa kabila ng malawakang mga hakbang upang mapigilan ang pagkalat ng virus, ang dating Punong Ministro ng Japan na si Yoshiro Mori at pangulo ng Tokyo Olympics organizing committee, ay tiniyak na ang laro ay magpapatuloy ayon sa iskedyul. Sa unti-unting pagbabalik ng aksyon at sigla ng isports sa bansa ay balik training na rin ang karamihan sa mga manlalaro kabilang na ang mga student-athlete ng unibersidad. Kung saan maging sila ay nagsisimula na sa kanilang body conditioning para maghanda sa darating na mga kompetisyon. Naghayag rin sila ng suporta sa kapwa nila atletang Pinoy na sasabak sa Olympic, ayon kay Francis Cabaltera, Table Tennis Player, “They inspire me to work hard as an athlete and make me wish that someday I can also participate in an international game,” Para naman kay Kim Macalindong, Volleyball Men Middle Blocker isang inspirasyon ang mga atletang Pinoy dahil sa dedikasyon at pagpupursigeng laan nila sa kani-kanilang sports. “I wish that the outcome will be good so that we can have a basis for future sports events in our country. I can say that they really deserve the spot, their perseverance and dedication to sports are the things that amaze me. And I don’t see myself as an athlete who would represent the country in a sports event but they inspire me to improve myself and to strive harder,” pahayag ni Macalindong.

TOMO LXVIII, BILANG II Nobyembre 2020 - Pebrero 2021

Palakasan

Sports sa Pilipinas muling aalagwa; Virtual Nat’l Sports Summit 2021 ibinunsod ni Kenn Daniel Montecillo

Kasabay ng pagbubukas ng taong 2021, nagsimula na rin ang virtual Philippine Sports Summit na pinasinayaan ng Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), na naglalayong makapagbigay gabay patungkol sa pagoorganisa ng mga sports events at festivals sa bansa.

PATULOY PILIPINAS. Opisyal na binuksan ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ang Virtual National Sports Summit kung saan hinimok ng Philippine Sports Commission (PRC) ang mga lider at tagasuporta ng palakasan sa bansa na manatiling nakaabang sa kanilang mga adhikain noong Enero 27. Kuha ni Johnell Cabusas at Mga Salita ni Kenn Daniel Montecillo

EDITORIAL

Survival of

the Fittest

In the new sporting world that emerged due to the present pandemic, there’s no spitting image of nostalgic replays that can quench the yearning of athletes, coaches, and fans for the traditional system of playing sports and games. Some competitions were delayed, but others have reopened behind closed doors, in conditions that are way different from the crowded and noisy arenas. These situations appear to be developing as governments, organizations, and individuals are exploring and implementing progressively effective strategies. However, this is far from the truth everywhere because the presence of protocols doesn’t always guarantee a halt on virus transmission. The Philippines is no exception to this plight because definite events were canceled most especially when the government disclosed its stance of forbidding non-professional commercial sports leagues to run any events over the status of the availability of COVID-19 vaccines. In the case of the professional leagues, Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and the Philippines Football League (PFL) were permitted to continue given the proper health safety measures. The suspended 42nd PBA Philippine Cup resumed last October under a bubble setup in Clark, Pampanga. But during the elimination rounds, the tournament was temporarily postponed after a player and a referee tested positive for COVID-19. Despite these games being played in an enclosed operation, the initial protocols failed to protect everyone from acquiring the virus thus only curbing its potential to spread. New protocols from IATF and DOH were further specified in order to resume the games. Due to the absence of actual sports because of these inevitable risks, leagues like PBA also use esports to provide interest and a spirit of competition in spite of the lockdown. A 3-point Shootout Charity Virtual Tournament featured 24 players from the league’s 12-member ball clubs to compete with each other using the mobile app game PBA Slam. The top prize of P250,000 was offered to the charitable institution chosen by the winner. These engaging technologies provide fans an experience towards live games without being physically present, which is an idea that once may have been implausible but now seems logical. A local football team Ceres–Negros F.C. was able to play also behind closed doors before the suspension of the 2020 AFC Cup in a home match against Bali United F.C. at the Rizal Memorial Stadium. The 2021 PBA season is tentatively planned to launch in April but it is undecided if there will be a regular three-conference format or the games will be played in a bubble setup, similar to the 2020 Philippine Cup. These contingency plans for the safe resume of sporting events following the crisis should focus on boosting the benefits that sport and physical activity can give. Governments need to contemplate how to sponsor sectors that are most affected by the pandemic such as the sports industry, feasibly with liquidity injections, credit facility, or subsidies. The global pandemic has an extensive impact on all forms of sport. From international and local to collegiate and grassroots youth sport, the necessity to socially distance meant a cancellation of events and practices. It poses a considerable proximate effect of lost revenues, wasted opportunities, and discontented fans. As the coronavirus continues to wreak havoc, and the timeline of sports events keeps being modified, folk in the sports realm decisively strive to fit in the new normal. This pandemic era turned out to be an ironically good testing ground to see who will be ready for the long term. As Sheldon Versoza, a basketball varsity player of the UNC Greyhounds, points out, “You have to move. You have to make it for yourself, not for others.” Those who work earnestly can go along but those who are passive and still expect the same result may find themselves hardly reaching the finish line. “You cannot survive when you’re doing nothing,” he added.

Ang online sports lecture-forum at conference na ito ay isang threephased na uri ng proyekto sa usapang pampalakasan na naglalayong kumuha ng mga impormasyon gaya ng pananaw ng iba’t ibang sports stakeholder, upang mapag-aralan at gamiting pundasyon sa paglikha ng sustenable at makagawa ng panandalian hanggang pangmatagalang plano para sa Philippine sports. Pinangunahan ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ang pagsisimula ng pagpupulong at hinikayat ang halos 600 na dumalo na patuloy na isulong ang mga makabuluhang aktibidad na

makapagbibigay inspirasyon sa mga kabataan. ”Conducting this initiative through this online platform proves that sports can still be a tool in promoting excellence and instilling pride in the hearts of our people even as we prepare for the new normal. I urge all the participants to continue your worthwhile endeavors so that we may empower further all Filipinos especially the youth,” pagbabahagi ni Duterte. [Ang pagsasagawa ng inisyatibong ito sa pamamagitan ng online platform na ito ay nagpapatunay na ang palakasan ay maaari pa ring maging paraan sa paglulunsad ng kahusayan at pagtaguyod na ipagmamalaki sa puso ng ating mga mamamayan kahit na naghahanda tayo para new normal. Hinihimok ko ang lahat ng mga kalahok na ipagpatuloy ang iyong mga kapaki-pakinabang na pagsisikap upang mas palakasin natin ang lahat ng mga Pilipino lalo na ang mga kabataan,] Samantala, kung nagsisimula ng ibangon ng PSC ang larangan ng sports sa bansa matapos ikansela ang mga palaro dulot ng pandemya, pursigido rin ang mga unibersidad gaya ng UNC na muling buhayin ang larangan ng pampalakasan. Sa isang panayam, ibinahagi ni Coach Roel Rosales, UNC Sports Development Office Director na handa ang unibersidad at ang mga estudyanteng atleta na lumahok sa mga paparating na mga tournament.

“Yes, UNC is always ready to participate. Actually we competed in mobile chess and its good because they are competing all over the Philippines,” pagbabahagi ni Rosales. Sa ngayon, may mga inihahandang events gaya ng basketball, taekwondo, kataredo, chess at volleyball na nakatakdang gawin sa online, ngunit naghihintay pa ng pag-apruba ng regional board. Ilan sa mga ito ay ang mga online competitions na inorganisa ng Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA), gaya ng 3 point shootout, Bente uno at iba pa, kung saan magiging virtual ang kompetisyon at kailangang isumite ng manlalaro ang kanilang video sa organizers. Dagdag pa niya, maging ang Taekwondo team ay sumasabak na rin sa kompetisyon at mayroon ding actual competitions gaya ng swimming ngunit ang desisyon ng SDO ay hindi pa isinasapinal kung magpapadala ba ng kinatawan dahil malayo ang pagdadausan ng nasabing kompetisyon. Dahil dito, puspusan at balik sa pagsasanay na ang mga atleta ngunit sinisigurado naman ng SDO ang pagobserba ng mga health protocols gaya ng limitadong bilang ng mga manlalaro na nag-eensayo at sanitation gamit ang mga alcohol.

Bren Esports grabs...

MULA SA 14

to the esports community in the Philippines, especially to the MLBB community. It just shows that MLBB is not just a game but is also a way of life. And as they realize this, more aspiring players will come and aim at becoming pro players with their determination and passion for the game,” Jesalva expounded. While for Jeremy James Pascual of the SHS department, the recent success has inspired him to improve as a player, and he looks forward to competing against his idols in an arena one day. “Bren is fully equipped with the most talented and hardworking players in MPL and that’s a deciding factor dictating them as the world champions. And I, as a player, I’ve always dreamed of becoming a pro player someday, I’ve put my efforts into this game which made me passionate and determined to continue striving for my dream of becoming a pro player. A day will come, I will face my idols on stage,” said Pascual. The Philippine MLBB esports scene is expanding, as the seventh season of the MLBB Professional Leagues (MPL) in the Philippines will allow the other Philippine pro teams to compete in the M3 MLBB World Championship, which will occur in Malaysia. The MPL Season 7 is one of the largest Mobile Legends: Bang Bang tournaments in the Philippines. From March 19 to June 6, 2021, ten teams will compete for a prize pool of $120,000, with the winner taking home $25,000 in prize money.

Chesser Salazar forays to OL tourneys; harvests several placements BY Jonna Mae Bagasbas

BATTLE IN BUBBLE. As the nation continuously implements strict health protocols, sporting events like PBA find its way to keep rolling in the court through PBA Bubble (Japeth Aguilar of Brgy. Ginebra San Miguel and Roger Pogoy of TNT Tropang Giga). While, UNC basketball varsity Sheldon Versoza pushes everyone to continue moving, as it is what will keep you surviving. Photo by thesummitexpress.com (upper), Photo by Johnell Cabusas (lower), and Words by Kenn Daniel Montecillo

PAGE DESIGN BY LESTER ISIP

When so much else has shuttered because of the present pandemic, chess has not only survived but also thrived, evolving in the unlikeliest of circumstances. Through the online platforms called lichess and chess.com, the Greyhounds made it viable to pursue their existing goals and visions by administering a monthly/weekly chess tournament where their team members can participate. Joseph Salazar, a third-year Information Technology student and the Greyhounds Chess team captain, ascended in most of the completed matches by notching 4 places and a championship title during the Pading Harold Pakawat 5 last February 2021. According to him, his interests in artistic and scientific elements consistently push him to establish absolute games as fulfillment for his own character. The ongoing tourney consists of several individuals and team events that commenced on the 23rd of December 2020. It targets to maintain the connection and competitiveness of the players in both academics and sports amidst the pandemic. Some of the other active players are; Arianne Pearl Caalim, Candace Faye Caalim, Allyson Mae Vargas, Hadji Ray Caalim, Christian James Sanchez, and Liberty De Vela. Joseph shares the same intentions with his teammates as they increase the use of chess in education, expand the social, recreational, and rehabilitative applications of chess, and develop the depth of partnerships. With just 32 pieces and 64 squares, chess has an undeniable gift for complexity through simplicity that made it survive even remotely. While the amount of sport crumpled in 2020 as a consequence of Covid-19, Chess appears to be one of the sports which has managed to do well for itself. When one aspires to learn how to play chess, everything is said to start by playing without the most powerful piece. The absence of a queen on the board opens an avenue to rediscover what all the other pieces can do. For a person like Joseph, he sees himself as a pawn who may be identical to others but continuously battles to prove his great distinction among the ordinary men. “Keep striving for your dreams. Always remember that hard days are the best because that’s when champions are made,” Salazar highlighted.

Panay Samba NI IRISH SIERDA “Bakit kulay purple ‘yan, Army ka ba?” “Puro ka reklamo, ikaw na lang kaya mag-Presidente.” Ito ang mga katagang madalas pinag-uugatan ng mga diskusyon sa social media. Ang dapat sanang makabuluhang usapan ay napupunta sa pangungutya at pambabalahura. Animo’y mga pader na hindi matibag dahil sa sarado ang isipan. Sila ang mga panatikong pana’y samba sa kanilang poon at walang pinakikinggan; punto’y ipinaglalaban kahit wala naman patutunguhan. Walang mali sa pagkakaroon ng idolo ngunit ang hindi mawari-wari ay ang mabulag sa kanilang mga inhibisyon. Malaki ang impluwensya ng social media sa buhay ngayon. Isang pindot mo lang, madali ka nang makakakalap ng maiinit na balita at sa muling pagpindot mo, makasasabay ka na sa kung ano ang mga trending na pagkain, damit, maging tao man o grupo. Dahil sa biglaang pagsikat ng isang bagay o tao, naging kaugalian na ng iba ang makisabay sa kung ano ang uso kahit hindi pa naman alam ang buong konteksto. Pula’t Dilaw Katulad na lamang noong nakaraang eleksyon, taong 2016 kung saan naging bantog na Mayor si Rodrigo Duterte sa Davao. Kinailangang palawakin ang kanyang mga taga-suporta kaya naman ilang mga artista at ‘influencers’ ang gumamit ng kanilang plataporma sa social media. Dito rin nagsimula ang Duterte Diehard Supporters (DDS) na kung saan ay may kakayahan silang makipag-usap at ipilit sa mga ordinaryong mamamayan ang kanilang mga adhikain. Ngunit tama kaya ang kanilang pinapalaganap? Ngayong nakaupo na sa pwesto

si Dutrerte bilang presidente ay tila ba mga bingi’t bulag ang tagasuporta ng pangulo na malinaw namang nakikita ang kawalan ng kakayahang panghawakan ang kanyang mga binibitwang pangako sa bayan. Nasaan ang sinasabing malasakit? Dahil iba ang pagmamahal sa bayan at pagiging panatiko sa isang diktador. Sa kabilang banda, “dilawan” naman ang tawag ng mga DDS sa mga kritiko ng presidente. Awtomatik na magiging dilawan ka kapag pinuna mo ang mga kakulangan ng presidente. Matatandaan na dilaw ang naging politikal na kulay ng dating presidente na si Cory Aquino at iniuugnay ito sa pagiging anti-Marcos. At sa rehimeng duterte, dilawan ka kung anti-Digong ka. Maging ang iba’y isinasabuhay rin ang kulay na binabato sa kanila. Tila ba nagiging epektibo at basehan na ang paggamit ng label at kulay sa polititikal na idelohiya. Dalawang kulay na pilit ipinaglalaban ng kapwa mga panatiko. Hindi magka-isa kung alin sa dalawang kulay ang dapat na mangibabaw na kung tutuusin hindi mo kailangang maging pula o dilaw para lang magpahayag ng saloobin. Sapat na ang pagiging Pilipino na may paghahangad ng pananagutan sa mga kinikikilos ng pamahalaan. Taktiko Kawawa ang mga pinagkaitan ng kaalaman, madaling mapapaniwala sa hindi makatarungang mga taktiko. Kung kaya’t ang simpleng pagbabahagi ng makatotohanang impormasyon ay malaking bagay upang mapalawak pang lalo ang hanay ng mga mulat dahil ang mga nasa laylaylan ang laging nasasamantala ng mga nakaupo sa posisyon. Marami ang nagiging biktima ng fake news kaya mahalaga na suriing mabuti ang pinagkukunan ng impormasyon. Bago maniwala sa mga salitang binibitawan ng mga iniidolo o natuturingang influencers ay tiyakin na ang bawat impormasyon na nakakalap ay makatototohanan.

Ilan sa mga halimbawa ng platoporma na kung saan ay ginagamit upang makapagbigay ng libreng mga edukasyonal na bidyo ay ang TikTok at Youtube. Layunin ditong makapagbahagi ng iba’t ibang uri ng mga bidyo maging katatawanan, sayaw o kung ano pa man. Mayroon ring mga content creator ang nagbabahagi ng kanilang kaalaman o opinyon sa isang partikular na bagay o usapin. Ngunit hindi rin maiiwasan na may nananamantala sa ganitong platoporma para sa kanilang pansariling interes at makakuha ng atensyon. Makatutulong kung uunawain nang maigi ang isang pahayag, bidyo o artikulo. Sa ganitong paraan, masusuri kung wala itong kinikilingan at pinaliliwanag nang mabuti ang kanyang kaalaman. Maaari rin maghanap pa ng iba pang mapagkukunan ng impormasyon upang mas maging epektibo ang pag-aanalisa sa mga nilalaman. Sa kabila ng matinding pagsusuri, hindi pa rin maiiwasan ang mga panatikong hindi mawari kung saan nanggagaling ang kanilang punto. Malinaw naman na ang layunin nila ay ang lasunin lamang ng isipan ng karamihan. Kung kaya’t kahit ilatag na nang harap-harapan ang mga rasyonal na argumento ay wala rin mangyayari. Personal ka nang aatakehin o kaya nama’y darami na ang mga panatikong makikipagsagutan sa iyo. Sa ganitong pagkakataon, mas mabuti na lang na huwag nang paglaananan pa ng oras ang mga panatikong matigas pa sa bato dahil talagang sarado ang kanilang isip. Walang duda na sa panahon ngayon, madali na lamang ang pag-access sa mga impormasyon kaya naman mahalaga ang pagigigng kritikal, hindi lamang para sa lipunan kundi pati na rin sa sarili. Isipin muna nang maigi ang bawat salitang bibitawan at ibabahagi sa iba. Mahalaga rin na maiparating sa mga taong nasa laylayan ang nangyayari sa lipunan nang sa ganoon ay hindi sila naaabuso ng mga politiko. Wala tayo sa paligsahan na kung saan ay kailangang makipagunahan at may matalo. Kung tutuusin, wala namang masama sa pagpapahayag ng pagsuporta sa isang tao o grupo ngunit ang pagatake dahil lamang sa pagkakaiba ng paniniwala, kagustuhan o ano pa man ay nangangahulugan lamang nang pagkalunod sa maling sistema. Nasa kamay ng mamamayan ang tunay na kapangyarihan, kung patuloy na magiging panatiko sa mga politiko o ang makiisa sa hanay ng mga mamamayan na patuloy isinusulong ang pagbabago sa lipunan.

GRAPHICS BY ROWEL GABRIEL R. MIRADOR PAGE LAYOUT BY ROSE CLAVANO