The DEMOCRAT Tomo LXIX Bilang I

The DEM

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ANG MALAYANG PAHAYAGAN NG MGA MAG-AARAL NG UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES (UNC) HULYO 15 - OKTUBRE 2021 • TOMO LXIX, BILANG I

You would be surprised that in the Philippines, the Marcos regime is considered by some as the best era our country has seen, despite history confirming that it is one of the country’s darkest periods. The golden era of the country as they call it. You would be shocked that an epitome of an Orwellian dystopia such as the Marcos Regime is painted by some as the utopia our country ever wished for.

There are those claims that Martial Law is necessary because it has saved the Philippines from communism. People would also repeat the narratives of their grandparents that they didn’t at all experience chaos as the media portrayed, and in fact, their lives were better that time. People also admired the fact that many of the iconic structures in the country were named under the brand of Marcos, further cementing their views of him as a great leader. Also, according to the other side of history, other countries were envious of the Philippines because it was the richest during that time and the country was the first to innovate on many things. The darkest period of the history perpetrated by the Marcoses is even reduced to being just the conflict of the Aquino’s and them.

All of these claims are preposterous.

According to the World Bank, the annual GDP Growth Rate of the country hit negative for the first time in history with a staggering amount of -7.3%, so it is false to say that the economy under the Marcos regime is the best. What made this worst is that the dictator family continued to pillage the country despite its dying state.

In total, they have amassed an estimate of 5-10 billion dollars of loot after two decades of dictatorship. Currently, the PCGG has already recovered 172 billion pesos worth of ill-gotten wealth. Even if some people didn’t experience the atrocities during this time, the numbers

Duterte delivers his last SONA; highlights 3 pressing issues in the country Emphasizing the war on drugs, government response against COVID-19, and communism, President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his sixth and last State of the Nation . . .

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The Orwellian Utopia EDITORIAL

don’t lie. According to Amnesty International, around 70,000 people were imprisoned, 30,000 tortured, and more than 3,000 were killed during the Marcos Regime. Many of the claims about Marcos such as the first international airport in Asia, author of the 13th-month pay, and so much more were debunked already by many historical files and fact-checking entities. It is false to say that this point of history is just about the political rivalry of the Aquino’s or some would coin as the Dilawans vs. the Marcos regime. All these numbers and records are pointing to one conclusion; it is the Marcoses vs. The Filipino people.

The tainting of history has been happening ever since, but notice that in this modern world we live, the rust spreads quicker. As the sea of information continuously drowns us, it has become so easy to insert and disguise a false one appearing as the truth. The misinformation is so widespread that right now, it has become a case of history being just an interpretation of what transpired. To be precise, let me borrow Imelda Marcos’ words in the documentary, The Kingmaker (2019), “Perception is real and the truth is not.”

How did it come to this point? The bitter truth is, the Marcoses are finding great success in distorting history. This has been their campaign ever since. Even little by little, they are reaping the rewards of their labor. Here is how they did it; slowly making a comeback by running in government positions such as Imee Marcos returning as a senator. They know how to play

Philippine National Drug

People are becoming increasingly glued to their phones as the world advances. In the beginning, technology, particularly social media, was dismissed as merely a source of pleasure.

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the game well. This is especially true for Imelda.

She would go to the poorest slums and she would give money and food from their stolen wealth to the people there. With that, the poor have found a messiah.

The Marcoses are also forging powerful political alliances for the greater blow. In the 2016 presidential election, BongBong Marcos ran as Vice-President under his Presidential running mate Miriam Defensor Santiago. However, the Marcoses themselves supported former Davao Mayor Duterte instead, who would later win the election. And now for the payment of their support, Rodrigo Duterte has allowed the burial of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos in the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Hero’s burial).

In this upcoming election, Bongbong Marcos is running for the presidential position. Their campaign for historical distortion is not yet done.

In the interview platform, he paints his family as saintly and worthy of admiration while the interviewee seemingly agrees with all his lies.

The Marcos Camp would even go as low as hiring paid trolls, topping up polls, creating pages for the sake of propaganda such as fake news and credit grabbing, or trolls that would engage in the posts of the oppositions. Good thing that there are independent fact-checkers in the social media that police these distortions and even Facebook has taken the initiative to label an unverified claim as “false information”.

So what is the common denominator here?

If you would notice, we have been giving this wretched family the tools to reforge their fallen dynasty. They’re still being allowed in government positions, they are being allowed to spew lies on any platform and given chances to be heard. A grievous insult to the country and the victims of their atrocities. They’ve already utilized this opportunity and have succeeded. We have reached the point where fact-checking fake news and combatting trolls is not enough. The people are already fooled into thinking that most of the

ONLINE CLASS: The Horrors Behind the Learning

“Tagu-taguan maliwanag ang buwan, pagkabilang kong sampu nakatago na kayo. Isa, dalawa, tatlo, apat, lima, anim, pit-LATHALAIN 10

mainstream media, historical books, court and government records are paid-brainwashing entities and an institution that publishes “biased” truth.

Proactive actions must be done. The tools they use must be taken away from them. One of these measures currently in progress is barring Bongbong Marcos from candidacy. It is only reasonable because a corrupted man like him from a corrupted family should never have this chance in the first place. It is not only applicable to Bongbong Marcos but this also extends to his other family since most of them share the same point of view anyway and most of them are seeking to reserve a seat for the Government.

Since most of the primal knowledge of people comes from academic education, educators must also be on-hand in proliferating the truth and must not be allowed to give their “own” interpretation of what happened because doing so is like giving a dangerous poison to the students. Educators must not be an accomplices of historical distortions because doing so is not education, it is conditioning and brainwashing.

Politicians must also be forbidden from denying the atrocities and must acknowledge the full extent when discussing this issue. This is what they did in Germany. After the reign of the Nazi regime, the German Government has taken the initiative in making it mandatory to paint the Nazis as the evil scourge in history and not giving any chance for other interpretation.

Some of their neighboring countries also made it illegal to deny the holocaust and illegal to portray the Nazis positively and admirably. This is to ensure that history will not repeat itself. It is scary to think that the Philippines is doing the opposite.

Here we are again amidst unrest. We must not allow this force of evil to cling and taint further the honor of our country with their corrosive presence. Every effort in helping the cause of stopping them as little or as big as they may seem matters. The voice of truth should be louder more than ever.

Pagsaludo sa Isang Idolo

“Ang galing ng isang tagapagsanay ay hindi lamang makikita sa bilang ng tropeyo na naiuwi ng kaniyang koponan, bagkus ito’y makikita sa kung paano niya naimpluwensyahan ang kaniyang mga manlalaro.”

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The DEMOCRAT thedemocratunc

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“ANG PAYO KO, MURAHIN MO.” Duterte, on the final part of his final SONA, advised people to swear face-to-face to those who cause delay in processing government documents. He furthered that Filipinos lack assertiveness when confronting this situation. PHOTO FROM MANILA BULLETIN ONLINE AND WORDS BY NORENE CANTOR

Duterte delivers his last SONA; highlights

3 pressing issues in the country

BY PAOLO JAMER

Emphasizing the war on drugs, government response against COVID-19, and communism, President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his sixth and last State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 26, 2021.

According to Duterte, the administration’s unyielding campaign against the war on drugs resulted in mitigating drug

users, pushers, and criminality in the country.

“Our relentless campaign against drugs led to the surrender of millions of drug dependents and neutralization, capture, and prosecution of thousands of drug personalities”, he added.

Despite Duterte’s claim that his war on drugs campaign is a success, the International Criminal Court (ICC) last September authorized an inquiry into the campaign that has left thousands of people dead, saying it resembled an illegitimate and systematic attack on civilians.

According to court documents, Philippine Ambassador Eduardo Malaya

requested a deferral. ”The prosecution has temporarily suspended its investigative activities while it assesses the scope and effect of the deferral request,” ICC prosecutor Karim Khan wrote in a court notification dated November 18, 2021.

The Philippines’ general government debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to reach 52.7% and 54.5% in 2021 and 2022, much higher than the 34.1% in 2019 based on Moody Analytics last November this year. “It is necessary for us to overcome the crippling fear and anxiety caused by the threat of the COVID-19 virus. But I really do not know what to do. I have to listen to the

task force... Sila ang magsabi.

We’re just waiting for word, I am referring to the COVID-19 [variant], Delta.”

As of December, Department of Finance reports that the Philippines Borrowing reached 1.15 trillion pesos while the COVID-19-related loans totaled $22.58 billion The economy had been hard hit and employment of Filipinos has been greatly difficult with employers laying-off employees because of low income brought by lockdowns.

Meanwhile, Duterte exhorted the public to kill the communists whenever the people saw them walking freely. “Anyway, you’re

only charged in the ICC together with me, so what is the problem of adding another one, another idiot Filipino who has caused great damage to our country?” he added.

As per the consolidated report of Rappler, 421 activists (as of August 2021) and 22 journalists and media personnel (as of December 8, 2021) were killed under Duterte’s administration.

Duterte’s last State of the Nation Address is the second time that he delivered it during the threat of the COVID-19 virus wherein some of the attendees appeared virtually and others were physically present in the Batasan Pambansa Complex.

Sta. Rosa grips firmer to her principles; back to the arms of the masses after detention

BY BERLINETH MONTES

After 6 months of detention and series of court hearings, Sasah Sta. Rosa, a youth activist and spokesperson of Jovenes Anakbayan gets back to her activist engagements after winning her case against alleged violation to Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (RA 10591) and Illegal Possession of Explosives (RA 9516) charged by the state forces last May 2, 2021.

She claimed that her victory against the charges proved how the state chooses to silence dissenters than address the main concern, thus pushing her to continuously engage to activities that lobbies for the release of 29 other political prisoners in the region led by the Defend Bicol Stop The Attacks Network.

“Ang illegal na pagkakulong

ko mismo ay reaffirming na dahil mas napatunayan ko na ang kasalukuyang rehimen at ang estado mismo, imbes na tugunan ang ating nga lehitimong panawagan, ay mas pinipili na arestuhin, ikulong, o paslangin ang mga pangunahing nagtataguyod sa interes ng mamamayan” she added.

Meanwhile, Anakbayan Naga City said that funding NTFELCAC with billions intensified the state’s move in silencing progressive critics by filing trumped-up charges to activists like Nelsy Rodriguez (Chaiperson, BAYAN Camarines Sur), Ramon Rescovilla (National Vice President of CONDOR-PISTON), Justine Mesias (Student-Activist from Bicol University).

“Sila ay mga biktima ng mga gawa-gawang kaso at tanimebidensya na hanggang sa ngayon ay pinagkakaitan pa rin ng kalayaan,” claims Anakbayan in their Facebook post.

According to Sta. Rosa, her six-month stay in the detention cell taught her that crimes are also an issue of land, work, education, rights,and social services.

SHE IS BACK. Sasah Sta. Rosa is seen raising her right fist, a symbol of fighting. Released last October 18, 2021, after winning her lawsuit against alleged violations of the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act (RA10591) and Illegal Possession of Explosives (RA 9516), youth activist Sta. Rosa comes back to her activist efforts. PHOTO FROM THE POST AND WORDS BY CHAREY MAE ALVARADO

“Ang mga tao na nakasama o nakilala ko sa loob. Sila ang naging friends ko. Karamihan sa kanila ay mga maralitang lungsod o madalas natin tawagin na ‘iskwater’ o ‘informal settlers’. Narinig ko rin sa loob ang iba’t-ibang kwento ng mga bilanggong nakasama ko at mas nakita ko ang kalagayan nila at

kanilang pamilya. Ang usapin ng krimen ay usapin din sa lupa, trabaho, edukasyon, karapatan, at serbisyong panlipunan,” Sta. Rosa commented.

Right after her release last 18th of October, She comically tweeted the Spotify link of Diana Ross song titled “Coming Out” that received 62 retweets.

Sta. Rosa received warm welcome from her family and friends through messages, Facebook posts and even food sent by her supporters all over the country.

Currently, Sta. Rosa and her organization are preparing for the 23rd Regional Congress of Anakbayan.

TOMO LXIX, BILANG I Hulyo 15 - Oktubre 2021

Highlights: Final SONA

of President Duterte

COLLATED BY MARIE JUVY LEA VIOLETA

Philippine’s 16th President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivered his sixth State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Batasang Pambansa Complex, Quezon City, Monday afternoon, July 26.

DUTERTE HAVING LESS VISIONS, AND MORE REMEMBRANCES “When I assumed the presidency five years ago, dominant in my mind were dreams and visions of a better life for all Filipinos. I saw them as reachable through the institution of reforms and radical changes in both the structure of government and the mode of governance.”

The President cited accomplishments in his administration such as free education, universal healthcare, fight against illegal drugs, criminality, corruption, and development structures such as free irrigation structures.

DUTERTE EYED TWIN OGRES “While we were busy instituting reforms, the twin ogres of illegal drugs and corruption laid low for a while only to resurface us — still with us, and make no mistake about it corruption is but another term for stealing people’s money, dashing, in its wake, a nation’s goals and aspirations.”

DUTERTE COMMENDS AID AMID COVID-19 ONSLAUGHT “Due to the brilliant programs and excellent work of economic managers and the extraordinary cooperation between the executive and legislative branches of government, our economy, with investors’ confidence, was poised to leapfrog into the company of the world’s fastest-growing economies until COVID-19 pandemic stole everything.”

Nonetheless, he expressed his deepest gratitude towards healthcare workers, front liners, and private sectors who risked their lives to keep the nations’ essential health service and food supply chain running.

He acknowledged that their remarkable efforts boosted the economy’s activities and maintained peace and order in the community.

DUTERTE ASKS CONGRESS TO PASS UNIFIED SYSTEMS OF SEPARATION, RETIREMENT & PENSION He says the purpose is to maintain government’s fiscal flexibility & provide adequate benefits for the nations’ uniformed personnel.

Duterte continued that it is high time to pass a law providing legal assistance to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) enlisted personnel.

DUTERTE CREDITS NTF-ELCAC Police and military destroyed many communists’ fronts, he stated that they have made strides in addressing root causes of the conflict, “by empowering our kababayans who have been used by the communists for so many decades.”

“In our continuing effort to build safe and conflict-resilient barangays, we have worked towards the sustainable rehabilitation and development of communities where the communists used to operate.”

DUTERTE ORDERS: “KINDLY SHOOT THEM DEAD.” President Rodrigo Duterte ordered for any sighted communist party walking around to be shot dead.

He carries on with the speech, “I would be happy. Anyway, you are already charged in the ICC together with me. So, what is the problem of adding another one? Another idiot Filipino who has caused great damage to our country.”

DUTERTE DISCLOSES PROGRESS OF INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS “5 years ago, I made sure to increase our infrastructure spending by an average of 5% of the country’s GDP… today we can see the tangible results all around,” he remarked.

The government has bought equitable development, and beyond Metro Manila they are pursuing high impact projects.

DUTERTE DOES AWAY WITH PUBLIC COMMUTING MISERY “The waiting time between trains has been significantly reduced... Now MRT3 runs 23 trains at 60km/h,” he says that a comprehensive tax reform program allowed such funding for critical infrastructure programs.

“Mahal ko ang Bicolano.” Duterte declared, having mentioned the Sorsogon City Coastal Road DUTERTE LIST ISSUANCES AS INTEGRAL GUIDEPOSTS “Since 2016, the Office of the President has issued 138 Executive Orders, 43 Administrative Orders, 86 Memorandum Circulars, 52 Memorandum Orders and 1,038 Proclamations.”

Issuances have become vital structures for his government administration and development agenda.

DUTERTE’S STAND IN UPHOLDING COUNTRY’S SOVEREIGNTY “We will assert what is rightfully ours,” the President assured that his administration has pursued independent foreign policy in the best interest of the nation.

He thanked allied ASEAN countries throughout the globe and guaranteed that the Philippines will be a responsible member of the international community working towards shared objectives.

President Rodrigo Duterte then clarified, “Make no mistake, gone are the days when the Philippines decides and acts in the shadows of the great powers. We will assert what is rightfully ours and fight for what is rightfully due to the Filipino people.”

DUTERTE ACCUSES ABS-CBN OF UNSETTLED TAXES “They are cheating the government, billions in taxes, and they still want that frequency because ‘yan ang pinag-aawayan. I will give it to a Filipino na gustong mag-gawa ng tama and will pay.”

DUTERTE PLANS TO RAMP UP LIVELIHOOD RESTORATION WORKS “Rest assured that we will exert every effort to restore the lost livelihood of our countrymen,” he guaranteed.

He emphasized that they will prioritize the hardest hit sectors by COVID-19, and that the government will do so by increasing the employability of Filipinos.

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USG adds new execomm post; attempts to be more inclusive

BY BERLINETH MONTES

Months after being proclaimed as the new President of the University Student Government, Anabelita Villete along with her Vice President Kimberly Sangcap welcomed the new academic year by adding Student-Athlete, Persons With Disabilities, and Gender and Developmental Focal Representatives under the Department of Student’s Rights and Development (DSRD) last July 26, 2021.

The Gender and Developmental Focal Representatives are composed of Angela Rubio -- a transwoman, Kiezzel Grace Delos Santos, Amiel Emerenciana, Dinry Ferch Fulgentes -- a swimmer and volleyball player of the University as Student-Athlete Representative, and Angeline Bernadette Pancho a totally blind 3rd-year student under College of Education as PWD Representative.

According to Villete, her administration saw the lack of representation for these sectors in USG that encouraged her administration to add these 3 new executive committee seats.

“Mula sa adbokasiya, nakita namin na kailangang paigtingin ang ating kampanya sa mga sektor na ito upang sila’y marinig at mabigyan ng importansya.“ Villete said. She wanted these

DUTERTE’S FINAL REMARKS He ends his speech inviting every Filipino into the nation’s endeavors. “I have full confidence that the Filipino spirit will persevere and triumph.

Together, let us rise as a nation. Thank you.”

kaya lang nilang i-tolerate pero mahirap paring i-fully accept at ganyan nga ang sitwasiyon.”

Rubio explained.

It can be remembered that the UNC-USG drew flak for adding a “Men Empowerment” Representative under DSRD which they later changed into Gender and Developmental Focal Representatives after releasing an official statement dated August 1, 2021.

“We see the issues of men who are being physically, mentally, emotionally, and verbally abused, too. However, we did not mean to offend anyone else and disregard the other issues and concerns that are prevailing within other communities that aren’t being represented regarding this matter.” the statement said.

The University Student Government will launch a program for the second semester wherein every student-athletes can benefit from. “Mayroon na ring nakalatag na activities para sa Student-Athlete para sa second semester ngayong taon, ilan na dito ang pagbibigay ng pagkilala at kahalagahan sa kung ano ang kanilang mga nakamit at pagbibigay ng kamalayan sa bawat estudyante ng unibersidad kung ano ang kanilang mga pinagdaanan bago mapunta sa kung nasaan na sila ngayon.” Villete added.

UNC Nursing students ace 1st Bicol ASEAN Virtual Cup 2021

DUTERTE REGARDS OFW’s & CALLS ON CONGRESS TO PASS LEGISLATION “Finally, I would like to reiterate my call for Congress again to pass legislation to establish a single agency that shall focus on and respond quickly to the needs and concerns of our OFWs.” DUTERTE TOUCHES ON ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION The President starts by divulging that it has been 13 years since the Supreme Court, through a mandamus, ordered the rehabilitation of Manila Bay. “Unfortunately, no immediate substantial action to comply with the Supreme Court’s order was undertaken until 2019, when this administration started its long overdue rehabilitation,” he remarked.

As of May 2021, they have shut down all illegally operating open dumpsites surrounding Manila Bay. Meanwhile, 151 out of 187 LGUs surrounding the Bay benefits from access to sanitary landfills.

new execomm posts to be the way to amplify the voice of these sectors and open the eyes of every UNCean about their rights and struggles.

Within the span of the first semester, the Gender and Developmental Focal Representatives were able to pull off a webinar titled Dzaiwareness: A Conversation on Gender Sensitivity in Ensuring Safe and Supportive Learning on the Spectrum of Preferred SOGIESC; while a program named Live, Love, Learn: Accommodating Learners with Special Needs during Pandemic that tackles their rights, importance, and University policies that support the PWD sector were launched.

On the other hand, Angeline Bernadette Pancho expressed her happiness for the opportunity of being the PWD representative in USG. “Masaya po sa feeling kasi hindi ko lang po ni-rerepresent yung sector ng students with special needs, kundi para makapag-raise na rin po ng awareness towards our sector sa UNC community,” said Pancho.

Meanwhile, Angela Rubio, one of GAD Focal Representatives, gives emphasis as to how the administration of the university ‘tolerates’ but not ‘fully accepts’ everything about the LGBTQIA members in UNC. “Kung titingnan natin, open ang ating mga admin sa pagkilala at pagrespeto ng mga karapatan ng LGBTQIA student sa ating unibersidad ngunit hindi lahat kaya nilang tanggapin, sabi nga

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BY DANRIE JOSH GARCIA

Nursing students who hailed from the University of Nueva Caceres dominated the list of winners for the 1st Bicol ASEAN Virtual Cup held last August 24, 2021, at 1 p.m., via Zoom Cloud Meeting and Facebook Live.

DEFEND CAMPUS PRESS FREEDOM

Winners from the UNC College of Nursing for different categories in the competition are Ray Anne Calatrava (1st place, Digital Slogan Contest), Realyn Rivero (1st Place, Digital Poster Making Contest), and Haira Ponciano (2nd place, Digital Poster Making Contest).

According to Calatrava she took the opportunity of joining

this contest because she wanted to encourage people to get vaccinated.

“I joined the CHED Digital Slogan Making Contest because I was thinking that it would be a great opportunity to encourage people to get vaccinated,” she said.

Ponciano, on the other hand, said that the competition molded her to be a better person and a frontliner in the future. “I’m not really chasing the reward, but rather one of the amazing experiences that have taught and shaped me to be a better person both now and in the future as one of our frontliners,” she added.

The contest is organized by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office V to act as an encouragement ground for the youth to participate in thinking solutions for various challenges amid pandemic.

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OSA accredits Bayani UNC, UNC Dawani; aims to banner volunteerism and inclusivity

BY EARL DWIGHT SERRADO

WARM WELCOME. Newborn organizations UNC Dawani and Bayani UNC flash smiles in front of their cameras in their respective events upon accreditation. At the same time, Dawani gave birth to their logo showing Lolo Brown holding the Pride Flag; while Bayani UNC’s logo shows the symbolic Philippine Flag’s eight-ray sun with the uppercase letter B containing three stars. PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNC DAWANI AND BAYANI UNC AND WORDS BY NORENE CANTOR

After being accredited by the Office of Student Affairs directed by Kim Francia Bigay, MPS, newly emerged, Bayani UNC and UNC Dawani were granted to spearhead their future plans and programs from July 27, 2021, until July 22, 2022 Led by Marie Angella Averilla, Bayani UNC is a volunteer organization that was initially established in Universidad de Sta. Isabel (USI) since 2007.

Guided by its tagline “Ipapadagos

an Marhay”, they seek to “hone and produce dynamic and compassionate Greyhound servant leaders”. Their works are aligned with volunteer works that would allow UNCeans to foster their “love and service”, mentioned in their vision and mission.

Averilla shared how her USI Bayani experience molded what she is right now that motivated her to establish Bayani in the university.

“Bayani has been of great influence to me as a student leader because it is where I started my journey in servant leadership.

When I entered college, I wanted

to inspire and influence my fellow youth in the same way that Bayani did to me back then”, she accentuated.

On the other hand, Mx. Adrianne Abellado led the newly established queer organization in the university, UNC Dawani, which aims to promote and exercise inclusivity, equality, diversity, and empowerment in the university. This will also serve as their platform to raise the awareness among the students about the plight of the members of the LGBTQIA+ community in the university by conducting programs on educating not just its members, but also the

UNCeans, together with the faculty members and the entire administration.

As of writing, the Bayani UNC has already initiated several online activities such as their apprenticeship registration, first general assembly, and also sponsored an event during the Inter-OFS part II titled, “Memerry Christmas and a Happy Meme Year: A Video Parody Making Contest”.

Meanwhile, UNC Dawani has also conducted its PASAVOGUE, their first general assembly and the first episode of their GenFlix series, a Gender and Development Campaign Webinar

Series, which tackled the basic introduction to the basic concepts of Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity or Expression, and Sexual Characteristics, last August 27, 2021. They were also awarded and won as Top 1 performing organization during the last Inter-OFS part I, tying with the veteran organization, Society of Junior Fellows.

They have joined the other 33 accredited academic and non-academic organizations and fraternities and sororities under the Federation of Student Organizations, Fraternities, and Sororities, headed by Krislen Gaile Bismonte.

USG leads MOVERS 2021; aims to refine leadership system amid pandemic

BY ASUNCION CHRISTINE REYES various activities, plenaries, and group events. It was conducted for 3-weekends, and in between With a theme ASCEND: those, they have various group Advancing Students’ activities that test their teamwork, Collaborative Excellence cooperation, and skills.” said in a Nurturing Diversity, Villete.

With its Outcome Based the first session of System, Villete shared that her the annual MOVERS administration implemented kickstarted, led by the the winning project proposal University Student crafted during the said workshop Government last August titled Ayuda E-Skwela. Currently, we were able to give a total of 5 15, 2021, via Zoom tablets to the five chosen and meeting and Facebook deserving students. It was a live. significant and fruitful event.

This is because, from simple Committed to its goal of plannings and discussions, we capacitating its participants of were able to see the perseverance ways to cope in these trying of these student leaders amidst times, the said activity was these adversities. Their creativity participated by distinguished and passion were commendable. speakers including Naga City Thus, we hope that after the event, Mayor Nelson S. Legacion and they will bring these memories former USG President Angella and lessons as they lead the Averilla.

UNCeans” she expounded.

Anabellita Villete, the On the other hand, Ain Leen incumbent USG President Latagan, a first-year student highlights how this year’s from the College of Business and MOVERS train student leaders on Accountancy recommended that different events. “The difference the organizers should choose the between this year’s MOVERS is most convenient time in order to that it focuses more on training accommodate more participants. these student leaders through “Ayos man ang experience ta I

LEADERS ASCENDED. Held through Zoom meeting and Facebook live, MOVERS 2021 Kick-off last August 15, 2021, With a theme ASCEND: Advancing Students’ Collaborative Excellence in a Nurturing Diversity, aiming to develop UNCeans into leaders of today and of the future. PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNC UNIVERSITY STUDENT GOVERNMENT AND WORDS BY CHAREY MAE ALVARADO

got to meet new people tapos ang lesson is teamwork makes everything possible. Suggestion siguro magpili ning time na convenient sa gabos para sure na makaattend ang lahat”, he stated.

The annual MOVERS is conducted for the officers of the university’s student organizations aiming to hone them into student-leaders embodying the core values of UNC.

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TOMO LXIX, BILANG I Hulyo 15 - Oktubre 2021

Voter registration turnout

05

for 2022 elections exceeds COMELEC’s projection

BY DANRIE JOSH GARCIA

The extended voter registration period has added at least 400,000 voter registrants for the upcoming May 2022 national and local polls surpassing the agency’s 300,000 projection. as of October 26, according to the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).

COMELEC Spokesperson James Jimenez said the 65 million tentative total number of registered voters surpassed the poll body’s projection of 59 million. It includes 63 million locally registered voters and 1.6 million overseas voters.

“The extended voter registration period is doing fine except for minor complaints about not being able to get accommodated after staying in line for a long time, especially at the satellite voter registration venues”, he added.

Klyzel Claire Ducay, a first year nursing student of UNC shared her three-day experience

THE WAITING GAME. Pools of vote registrants with their forms cramped the area. The pandemic had slightly altered the process, causing delays and hassle among both accomodating and registering. Nonetheless, a good total of 67.5 million Filipinos are now eligible to vote.

PHOTO FROM RAPPLER AND WORDS BY CHAREY MAE ALVARADO

during the extension of the voter’s registration period.

“My first attempt to register was on October 28. The site of registration was on Robinsons Place Naga. I didn’t know that the line for voter registration would be long like it was the longest line I’ve ever seen. I was not exaggerating, the line was until the 3rd floor of the mall and it extended outside the mall. I only got a 3-page registration form from window 1. I waited for

3 hours to only get that 3-page form. I didn’t proceed to window 2 because I was too hungry to get into another line and I knew that I would not be able to finish it all.

There were five windows that I still needed to accomplish,” she said.

According to her narrative, she refused to continue registering on her second attempt the following day because of the “hundreds of people already in line” at 8 AM.

Series of earthquakes hit Bicol Region; caused sleepless nights for several days

BY PAOLO JAMER

PHOTO FROM PHIVOLCS

A 4.3 magnitude earthquake first hit Camarines Sur last October 14. Its epicenter is located near Canaman fault as reported by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

Several earthquake tremors that rocked different areas in Bicol followed which created fear and anxiety among Bicolanos. a

According to Jaira Gabriel, third Law student from

UNC residing in Canaman, Camarines Sur, “Makusog, itong mapapagmata ka. Si inot na aldaw ni tapos si nagsunod na aldaw. Maray mayo man damage sa harong. Pero dai na kami nakaturog mag-aga ta natakot na. Ang ginibo mi, pig open mi si gate tapos nagready akong mga gamit na pwedeng bitbitun.

Funny ngani ta saro sa inot kong kinua si ipad ko ta yaon duman gabos na reviewers hahaha” she qouted.

Due to hysteria and panic brought by the trembling of the

ground, fake news were easily spread during the span of tremors that urged Berlineth Montes, a third-year student in UNC to call out fake news peddlers on her Facebook post about last October 15.

“Please dae muna i-spread ang information about #EarthquakeCamsur unless verified or official talaga.” Montes said.

The earthquake swarms lasted from October 14 until October 30 as recorded by PHIVOLCS.

“Luckily, there were just twenty people in the line. The security guard handed me a paper indicating what my number in the line was. The guard said they would accommodate 250 people during that day. People who had been given numbers would be prioritized. By the way, I obtained the 40th number. The mall was scheduled to open at 8 a.m so we gathered and fell in line at 7:30 a.m. I considered the line to be long, but luckily, I had the number,” she quoted.

“However, the guard told me to wait in line even though I already presented him my number. I got pissed because my waiting time outside the mall became longer,” she added.

A staff of the COMELEC who was on duty at the time noticed her and wondered why she was not still accommodated since the mall had already accommodated 200+ people since she got the 40th number.

According to Ducay, the staff of the COMELEC greatly helped her in spite of confusions regarding the ordering system she encountered.

“Those people who have numbers were instructed to form

a line in front of the entrance again. I was the first person to enter the mall at 10 a.m. I got disappointed because I had to fall in line again inside the mall for an hour,” she added.

Meanwhile, the figure of the tentative total number of registered voters is way further from the Philippine Statistics Authority’s (PSA) projection of 73.3 million in February 2021.

The deadline for the voter’s registration was originally set to September 30, but it was moved to October 30 when President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act (RA) 11591 into law on October 1 due to various calls, especially from numerous groups and lawmakers, arguing that the original six-month period of voter’s registration was lost due to the pandemic, imposition of strict quarantine protocols, lockdowns, and suspension of voter’s registration, specifically in Metro Manila in August.

COMELEC first approved the extension of the voter’s registration period on September 29 for more than two weeks from October 11 to 30.

Opinion

06

Philippine National Drug RIVER GAZETTE KENN DANIEL MONTECILLO @kenndorphins • kenndaniel.montecillo@unc.edu.ph

People are becoming increasingly glued to their phones as the world advances. In the beginning, technology, particularly social media, was dismissed as merely a source of pleasure.

Soon enough it has evolved into a more important component of people’s daily lives. As we embrace today’s new notion, education and career have already sided with entertainment as social media’s primary contribution to the world. When I say everything goes virtual, I mean almost everything, even the national drug of the Philippines - tsismis Many people’s life were altered as a result of the pandemic’s wrath, including their communication methods. It has established the concept of virtual chatting via social media as the primary mode of communication, while real engagement has been suspended.

Tsismis is no exception when it comes to communication and chatting. Tsismis, is the idle discussion or rumor about other people’s personal and private lives.

This could be interpreted as merely dishing or tattling.

Today, gossiping has found a new home on Facebook, which has billions of users around the world.

This is double whammy because Filipinos are notorious for being heavy Facebook users and gossip addicts. This simply means that there is no way to prevent someone’s tea from spilling in public.

While the evolution of gossip has always followed the passage of time, this curiosity dates back to the Spanish occupation period.

Filipinos were known for huddling together in groups and talking for hours at a time back then. While gossiping is now only a kind of pleasure for many, Filipinos had a greater need for it back then. For them being able to speak with one another at that time is a survival technique. As a result, they were able to develop their friendships and relationships even further.

Consequently, gossiping became a way for them to share reliable knowledge with one another, which

was vital to their survival.

When it comes to tsimis, a negative connotation is connected, but professionals see a silver lining in this Filipino behavior. Gossip, according to Dr. Robin Dunbar, an Oxford University evolutionary psychology professor, is what makes people human because it allows them to share crucial information about who to trust and bond with friends and family. He then furthered by saying, “Gossiping is just chatting with people and keeping up to date with the social world in which you live. So gossip is what makes us human.”

Another professor backed up this concept by stating that, “In psychological perspective, social connection stimulates the feelgood brain chemical oxytocin, so regular gossip might be a way of feeling good about yourself. As we engage in gossip, we get to reflect and learn about ourselves more.

This does not imply that we are evil when we hear and enjoy talking about other people” explained

by Dr. Djonde Antiado, assistant professor on Social and Behavioral Science at University of Modern Science in Dubai.

Despite the fact that there are some positive aspects to gossip, it was not a well-known practice for nothing. According to local vernacular, gossipers in the Philippines are referred to as “Tsismosa,” or simply as “town liars.” Even if some stories are true, most will exaggerate them

Many people will refuse to access knowledge because they are persuaded by the constant onslaught of alternative facts, therefore they will choose not to fact-check the information on their plates. and present different facts to keep the conversation going. For some, gossip can be harmless and even beneficial; yet, it can quickly spiral out of control and hurt someone’s reputation by pulling them down, condemning their character, or blaming them for their faults.

Since problems have been brought to social media, the sword of rumor has become sharper. Many people will refuse to access knowledge because they are persuaded by the constant onslaught of alternative facts, therefore they will choose not to

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fact-check the information on their plates. Because the Philippines is largely reliant on social media, it has obliterated people’s ability to recognize the truth amid a sea of lies. For some, a lie repeated a million times becomes the truth.

To summarize, the prevalence of fake news can be traced in large part to widespread gossip. Most people consider the number of likes, shares, and comments on a Facebook post to be a determining factor in its credibility.

As truth defenders and concerned citizens, we have the ability to punish those who violate the law. Libel is defined as “a public and malicious imputation of a crime, or of a vice or defect, real or imagined, or any act, omission, condition, status, or circumstance tending to cause the dishonor, discredit, or contempt of a natural or juridical person, or to blacken the memory of one who is already dead,” according to Article 353 of the Revised Penal Code. Intriguing against honor is a crime involving moral turpitude that is punishable by jail or a fine.

Unfortunately, most offenders who distribute fake news online hide behind fictitious accounts to shield their true identities. We have our weapons in our hands as responsible social media users, and we can fight gossip and fake news.

What we can do is be conscious of where we acquire our information and inquire if we’re venturing outside of our bubble. We can also choose to adapt triangulation and lateral reading. Triangulation refers to checking a report across at least three news sources, whereas lateral reading is opening new tabs on your computer to investigate sites or claims as they arise. Thinking before you click may seem cliche, but let’s hold off on sharing anything online unless we’re certain it’s correct.

To resist misinformation, we must arm ourselves with the necessary knowledge. Let us not become engulfed in the avalanche of gossip and fake news. And don’t let the delusions of those at the top of this revise anything in our truths and stories.

HOTS The DEMOCRAT Editorial Board & Staff A.Y. 2021 - 2022

EDITORIAL BOARD Norene Cantor Editor-in-Chief

Kenn Daniel Montecillo Associate Editor Charey Mae Alvarado Managing Editor:

Neil Andrew Formalejo Deputy Managing Editor/Circulation Manager John Paul Borito Senior Editor Berlineth Nymia Montes News Editor Patrick Joseph Panambo Feature Editor Jonna Mae Bagasbas Sports Editor Brandon Jon Delos Santos Creative Director Cyen Esclanda Design Director Christian Reganit Web Manager: Earl Dwight Serrado Broadcasting Head

FORGING ROSE N’ GOLD ARCHTISTECT BRANDON JON DE LOS SANTOS @donatello • donjuanayalads523@gmail.com

If it takes a village to raise a child, then it takes a woman to raise a country.

Filipino women are truly the unrecognized goldsmiths of honor and warriors of change in our country. In a patriarchal society, where men are deemed more valuable and heavily recognized, it is not surprising that stories of these heroic and amazing women of this country are forgotten or unheard of.

I cannot tell you how many times I have heard about these forgotten and less-appreciated women in our country’s history.

These women of inspiration and integrity are being ignored and discriminated against just because they are only women.

Honestly, I am also guilty of ignoring and forgetting these Filipino women who have had major roles and contributed to our country’s independence.

When I was a kid, I used to believe that professions are genderfocused. I thought only men has the capability to participate and be recognized in sports, politics, and military; and anything that requires softness and femininity should only be given to women. I wasn’t aware that that mentally is sexist.

I was a product of my environment. Being surrounded by people that have the same ideologies and prejudices, I was bound to be thinking the same but by educating myself, I was able to figure out that how I view gender roles should be reconstructed.

The hammer-like leadership and unquenchable fire and determination of these unbelievable individuals in the fields of sports, politics, and journalism, proved that 2021 was the year of reforging women’s empowerment.

In the recent 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Hidilyn Diaz was the first Filipino woman who

participated in the women’s 55 kg weightlifting category and bagged the first Olympic gold medal for the Philippines after 97 years of its first appearance in thesince 1924 Olympic games. Proving further that women are totally capable in dominating the world of sports, Nesthy Petecio won a silver medal in the women’s featherweight boxing category.

In politics, it is not easy to say that women can run a clean government, as we remember and experienced it with former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who was accused of plunder and corruption.

In contrast, Leni Robredo set the standards high by maintaining integrity and accountability in her office as the vice president of this country, having three consecutive years of high audit rating according to the Commission on Audit. Not just that; the OVP has a lot of successful and ongoing proposed projects for the poor, ethnic groups in rural areas, contractual laborers, housewives, single-parents, farmers, and fishermen for agricultural sectors, and other marginalized people in our society. A clear proof that her office is a true reflection of integrity and hard work.

Because of that, it is easier to say that VP Leni is a woman of integrity, decency, and credibility.

It will make sense that if VicePresident Leni Robredo runs for the presidency, it will be a government against corruption, extra-judicial killings, human rights violations, red-tagging, and plunder that the previous administration couldn’t control.

Last October 8, 2021, the Nobel Peace Prize organization announced the winners of the Nobel Peace Prize are Maria Ressa and Dmitry Muratov recognizing their efforts

... no one can shut off the loud voice of a woman fighting for truth and peace in a country where comforting lies and silence are being used to romanticize and abuse the weak, powerless, and poor.

to safeguard and secure freedom of expression, which is essential for democracy and lasting peace in their respective countries.

Maria Ressa is the first Filipino to win a Nobel Peace Prize. The long road to her achievements is not an easy one; it’s full of battles and reforging of swords.

Before she achieved this remarkable milestone, she faced a

lot of accusations such as cyberlibel, fraud, and tax evasion brought about by the Duterte administration, accusing her company, Rappler, are spreading fake news about the administration’s war on drugs, and involvement on extra-judicial killings, and other human rights violations. The worst thing is that she was arrested two times had to post bail eight times.

Her being awarded is a testament that no one can shut off the loud voice of a woman fighting for truth and peace in a country where comforting lies and silence are being used to romanticize and abuse the weak, the powerless, and the poor.

I used to believe that all recognition and honor must be given only to men, supported by the fact that most of the human achievements, especially in science were only given to male inventors or scientists.

I was partial to admiring these men of the century and neglected the valuable contributions of women in the world’s history.

Indeed, not all men are abusive and oppressive. Likewise, with women, there is no exception to being an abusive individual or society. It doesn’t reflect only on one gender or sex, but always on our perception and way of life on how we respect each other’s differences and uniqueness, especially in gender capability and ability.

Throughout our history, Filipino women have sometimes been romanticized as being subordinate or next to men. But in fact, they are the ones who stand with those men and equally fight against oppression, abuse, and tyranny.

And in every part of human history in progress and innovation, ignored and discriminated against, women became the deprived catalysts of change and goldsmiths who truly forged the honor and dignity of every man that was supposedly given and honored to them.

Many people of the past and some of the present still believe that they are symbols of meekness, fragility, and softness—limited in skills and ability. But they are wrong.

These women prove them that, deep behind their soft and decent appearance, “the warrior is a woman”.

APPRENTICES Aila Joy Esperida Danrie Josh Garcia Charles Kryxian Lara Jannsen Martinez Jhezylle Faye Loria Joy Villaspin Marie Juvy Lea Violeta Paolo Jamer Trisha Bañas Rachelle Paja CONTRIBUTORS Floraline Genio Maria Jhoanna Yasis Janah Carmela Ng Sang Ma. Isabel Azaña Asuncion Christine Reyes Kyra Fermel Victoria Jonas Corporal TECHNICAL ADVISER Mary Allysa Jenica Sariba MEMBER College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) Luzonwide Association of College Editors (LACE) Bicol Association of Student Campus Journalists (BASCAJ) OFFICE Right-Wing, Sports Palace University of Nueva Caceres J. Hernandez Ave., Naga City Philippines, 4400 CONTACT US thedemocrat@unc.edu.ph

For a Freer Student Press

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Palakasan Infographics Infographic

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On July 14 2016, Suan was on his way home from the radio station when men aboard a van attacked him with his brother and 3 escorts along the national highway in Sitio Tandawan, Barangay San Vicente, Bislig City. His brother and one of the escorts died on the spot while the other two were injured. After the incident, Suan slipped into a coma and died two weeks later.

Larry Que - Died on December 19, 2016 - Virac, Catanduanes - Publisher and Columnist of the community paper, Catanduanes News Now Que was shot dead by motorcycle-riding men as he was entering his office in Virac around 9:30 am on Dec 19, 2016.

Before the incident, Que had written a column accusing local officials of negligence following the discovery of a major drug manufacturing facility in the province.

Mario Contaoi - Died on January 7, 2017 - Masingal town, Ilocos Sur - UNEP professor and works at Catholic church-owned radio station (dzNS) Contaoi was shot dead by motorcycle riding gunmen on the national highway in Barangay San Ramon, Masingal town, Ilocos Sur. KALIKASAN PNE, an environmental advocacy group believes that Contaoi’s commentaries against the destruction of the environment and the militarization of communities opposed to mining led to his killing.

Marlon Muyco - Died on Feb 2, 2017 - Kidapawan City, Cotabato Province Blocktime radio anchor at dxND Radyo Bida Muyco was shot dead by motorcycle riding men while his daughter who was with him was wounded by the attack in Barangay La Suerte, M’lang town on Feb. 2, 2017. Police investigators said the killers had been tailing the radio anchor and struck when the victims reached a secluded area.

Joaquin Briones - Died on March 13, 2017 -Milagros town, Masbate -REMATE columnist and a commentator Briones was gunned down by motorcycle riding men as he was heading home on March 13, 2017 on Bombom Bridge, Sitio Feeder Road, Barangay Bacolod, Milagros town.

REMATE Managing Editor Lydia Buena said that the killing was likely triggered by Briones hard-hitting reports on sensitive topics like illegal fishing, gambling and the drug trade.

Rudy Alicaway - Died on August 6, 2017 - Zamboanga del Sur - Radio program host A motorcycle riding men shot Alicaway dead in Sitio Lopez, Barangay Culo, Molave town in Zamboanga del Sur. He was the first journalist to be killed after President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law in Mindanao on May 23, 2017.

Leo Diaz - Died on August 7, 2017 - Sultan Kudarat province - Reporter- RMN’s Cotabato City station dxMY and Columnist- Tabloid Sapol Diaz was ambushed by motorcycle-riding gunmen while heading to Tacurong City. Before the incident, he had received death threats and been harrassed by armed men at his home in Barangay Katiku, President Quirino.

07

According to the 2020 Global Impunity index, the Philippines ranked 7th place as the deadliest countries for journalists trailing Mexico, Afghanistan, South Sudan, Iraq, Syria and Somalia. These incidents are just showing how much it is needed for the Duterte administration to apprehend and make pay those responsible for the killings of these people.

SEAT Apolinario Suan Jr. - Died on July 28, 2016 - Bislig City Surigao Del Sur - Newly elected Surigao Provincial Board Member and a radio anchor at Real FM station.

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Apart from the fact that killings does solely restricts the press freedom, suppression of various media outlets including ABS-CBN shutdown and the issue regarding Rappler and its CEO Maria Ressa serves as a proof why truth has always been feared.

Benjie Caballero - Died on December 2, 2019 - Sultan Kudarat province - Station Manager at Radyo ni Juan Network

Christopher Lozada - Died on October 24, 2017 - Bislig City - Radio program host at dxBF Primer Broadcasting Network Lozada was involved in filing charges against Bislig City Mayor Librado Navarro over the questionable purchase of a 14.7 million pesos hydraulic excavation in 2012.

The day after the Office of the Ombudsman ordered Navarro and 11 others dismissed from the service over the alleged anomaly, Lozada was killed while driving home by gunmen riding a van. The journalist had been receiving a series of death threats sent from an unknown number.

Edmund Sestoso - Died on May 1, 2018 - Dumaguete City - Former Chairman of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, Dumaguete City Chapter and program host at dyGB 91.7 FM Sestoso was on his way home to Barangay Daro after hosting his daily radio program when he was shot by motorcycle-riding gunmen late in the morning of April 30, 2018 and died the afternoon of the next day, May 1.

Carlos Matas - Died on May 12, 2018 - Zamboanga del Sur - Retired soldier and program host “Zamboanga News Patrol” on dxCA station Matas was gunned down as he was visiting Barangay Nuburan in Labangan Town around 2pm on May 12. Four days before he was killed, Matas was ambushed on his way back from a visit to Langapad, also in Labangan. He reported the incident to the police and tackled it on his program on May 12.

DENNIE DENORA - Died on June 7, 2018 - Davao del Norte - Publisher and Writer at Trends and Times Denora was killed in an ambush by unidentified armed men while passing Panabo Market after he attended a meeting of Davao Multimedia Group in Tagum City on June 7, 2018 at around 1 pm.

JOEY LLANA - Died on July 20, 2018 - Daraga, Albay - Radio Broadcaster at 92.3 FM Home Radio Legazpi Llana was driving a car to his radio station when he was shot dead by five unidentified armed men on July 20, 2013. According to the family, the broadcaster received death threats since last year from unknown persons but that Llana did not take these seriously.

Eduardo Dizon - Died on July 10, 2019 - Kidapawan City - Radio News Anchor at Brigada News FM On July 10, 2019, Dizon was shot and killed by two unidentified assailants on a motorcycle while driving home after hosting his evening program. According to the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), said in a statement that Dizon had received death threats by text message a few days before the attack, which he reported to Kidapawan police.

Dindo Generoso - Died on November 7, 2019 - Dumaguete City - News Anchor at dyEM 96.7 FM Bai Radio Generoso was shot by two motorcycle riding assailants in Dumaguete City while driving his car to host his regular morning radio program.

Caballero was shot by two motorcycle riding assailants outside of his home in the town of Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat province on October 30, 2019. Caballero succumbed to complications due to pneumonia 31 days after the incident.

He had received death threats over Facebook before the attack.

Cornelio Pepino - Died on May 5, 2020 - Dumaguete City - Radio reporter Pepino was shot by unidentified assailants on a motorcycle while he and his wife was riding home on a motorcycle after finishing his regular “Hit it Baby” program. Pepino’s program addressed local issues related to illegal mining, official graft and corruption and poor governance.

Jobert Bercasio - Died on September 14, 2020 - Sorsogon City - Radio reporter Bercasio was gunned down by two unidentified riding in tandem suspects near XTRM Sea breeze Cabid-an, Sorsogon City while riding a scooter. He used to broadcast and denounce deforestation and illegal mining in his region.

VIRGILIO MAGANES - Died on November 10, 2020 - Pangasinan - Commentator- DWPR local radio station and Columnist - Northern Watch Newspaper Maganes was killed by two assailants on a motorcycle outside his home in Villasis, Pangasinan.

He survived an attempted shooting in November 2016 by pretending dead; unidentified assailants left a note at the scene claiming that the journalist was a drug dealer.

RONNIE VILLAMOR - Died on November 14, 2020 -Masbate -Freelance journalist Columnist - Northern Watch Newspaper Villamor was shot dead by soldiers in an “encounter” on November 14, 2020 in the town of Milagros, Masbate. According to NUJP, he was the 19th and recent journalist killed since President Duterte assumed office.

JOHN HEREDIA - Died on May 2, 2021 - Lawa-an, Roxas City - Former NUJP Capiz Chapter Chairman, broadcast journalist - Elected Municipal Administrator of Pilar, Capiz About to board his vehicle, Heredia was shot in broad daylight by unidentified gunmen, riding-in-tandem and wearing gray hoodies. The victim was declared dead on arrival minutes after the incident. Days before the killing, his wife claimed he received death threats.

ORLANDO DINOY - Died on October 30, 2021 - Bansalan, Davao del Sur - Newsline Philippines reporter Dinoy was in his boarding house in Poblacion Uno, Bansalan, Davao del Sur when an unknown hitman forced himself inside his said residence and shot him six times at close range. Police reports said the gunman missed a shot while Dinoy was outside the house; he managed to run inside but did not get away with the relentless suspect, his accomplice at the exit door.

PAGE DESIGN BY CYEN ESCLANDA

08

TINGOG

Lampoon

The DEMOCRAT thedemocratunc

KAN UNIBERSIDAD OBAL

“And you were tossing me the car keys, “f*ck the patriarchy”.

Wow, nakiki “f*ck the patriarchy” pero biyong nag-uupak ang pakpak (beh, pakarayi an pagbasa ta kuduton taka) sa mga paragadan, para-ikit, saka korap + oPpReZoRz na boyz (and summmm ghorls) on the seats woay, kaemehan mo teh purupunduhi!

Ay charez, aranggot si badeng pero wams pa man na chukchak kang main issue ditey sa satuyang episode with extravaganza brought to you by your very own magayon, mas bongga kesa sa Mayon, nagpapaputok ning chismis, pero with SOURCESSS hahaha, ang saindong, titang Ina! Pasensyahi na si manay nindo kang pagiging pressedt asf niya diyan ta kakadalan Tiktok, nadalan sa fyp na puro arog kayan, pero ang sinusuportahan, si mga misogynists, bigot, and kinemerls na hababa ang hiling sa mga vavai.

Mga mars ko, kumusta ang pagbuhay-buhay ta?

Ay teh chika ko lang, madali na mag FACE TO FACE!!!

Mahihiling ko na si crush, or si crush mo, choz baad graduate na lamang HAHAHA! Sana ready na ulit kita magbalik padiit-diit sa dati, and of course, sana pirmi sana kitang magayon.

Ngunyan, gusto kong ikurahaw how women are really powerful, and as they should! Ata abang higos pati ni madam Taylor Swift kan saiyang All Too Well (Taylor’s Version), na 10 minutes??? Ano teh, thesis gigibuhon mo? Choz. Oh ika teh, tapos ka na kang thesis mo? Asikaso teh ngarig makarampa sa pig maamanifest na f2f na graduation hehe. Pero bago yan, asikaso kang mga nakatambay na gibuhon mo sa BB mo, bako magparahanap BB, charls, when kaya? Char.

Anyway, ngunyan na pigwawarshock kita kang COVID, ta pasalihon baga, efek na maray ang girls’ power lalo na ang mga health care workers na ang powers, pang winx club o powerpuff girls. Pati mga community workers, progressive groups na girl powers, ay bongga beh! Kang huring chismisan ta mga badeng, pig-chika ko su kung gurano ka bonggetch ang community pantry. Mayo man, namiss ko lang magpatos gulay HAHAHA. Gusto kong puunan ang chizkerls sa satuyang alumnus. Clue, palak-palak na kakatabang kang pandemya beh ay isus, diiton ang pondo, pero, beh, ano ta halaba ang listahan kang nagibo? Madamshie, sain hali ang espiritu santo mo po? Chariz.

Oh, baka baga taraman nindo kong dEL@wAnZ ta pigchuhukchak ko ning bongga ang queen of all PINKS, emz, baad kamo ang makudot ko. Baka I unfriend pa ako, char. Shempre, dae kita mangkukulog kapwa despite of differences ta ang sabi ni momshie queen *flips hair*, “radikal ang magmahal” (did I stutter?). Ta dawa ngani baga sa relasyon, ex mo na, lab mo pa, shempre, su kaiwal, dapat ta man i-love, pag dasuuurrrvvv. Ohjivaaaa~ Dawa baga ngani tong educ su course mo, pero padangaton mong sumamba baga sa poon mong tumotoxic patriarchy (sabihan mo iuli na ang mga pig rob, emz).

Mga mhie, dako naman kita sa vavaihang queens of UNC, ta baga bhie, finally, ugwa ng queer slash rainbow org sa yoensi huhu, gana na naman ang mga bakla kaya 10q sa OSA sa pag-accredit. Lavan na lavan ta legit ang flying colors ninda lalo na kang Inter-OFS kinemerls, ika man daw, sabi ngani ninda, nabasa ko si shared post kang sarong member ninda, NV: “Top org, pero mga bottom”. HAHAHA laro ang satuyang mga mami. Pero legit, they showed how they can fly with their wings and it proved that unicorns are on fire! Kaya sana, they’ll fight for a more inclusive and gender-friendly UNC coz beh, ugwa pa nanggad dyan shempre na ngala-ngala ng kachaka daa ang mga baccla. Jusko, homophobia reeking, ew. Ano daw ang Ms. UNC Pride 2022? Feeling ko bongga na yan ta garo baga napaparong ko na ang simoy kang face-to-face okuurrrrrrttt~ Since sabi ko napaparong ko na ang simoy kang face-to-face, iniisip ko mga sez, pano daw kita marampa sa iskul? Chakadal lang ta naka mask ta iuragan ang veerus mga mars baga, pero garo pawara naman.

Anywayz, iringat man sana teh ngarig dagos-dagos na ning pagrampa ta. Makakapulbo saka liptint pa man gayod kita, sarabay na ma lunch, na tuhog sa first gate, ma pansit sa second gate saka baduya huhu kagutom baga, plus, ang mga kaganapan sa bawat sulok kang unc, lalo na sa Sports Palace, si mga vartisy mga marz na ginaganot pero super hot jusko, dawa garo maasim pero feeling mo amoy safeguard, charez. Pati naman sa DHS, aka Pink building, JH, aka Black building, sa covered court, new building (na hanggang ngunyan, NB pa naggad ang apod ta mayo

pa bagang name lol), etc. Damay ko pa ang chapel?

Choz, makamiss man ang pakakan kang chapel pag may event sinda, ang misa din lalo na pag stress na sa acads, mahapit dyarn, tas pray ganern. Kadakol nakakamiss sa face-to-face classes, pero madali na, madali na mhie, halat sana kita kang tamang panahon.

Mareredeem ta ang satong gayon mga sez sa iskul soon, choz. Pero shempre, dawa nagpapagayon, nagpapagayon man dapat kang grades, lalo na sana mas maging motivated kita mag-adal ta, f2f na ngani hehe.

Ngunyan palan, napansin ko, girl power ang mga student-leaders ta ngunyan. It is a its women year, their year of redemption and movement towards their own spaces and proving that they can, ohjivAaaa~ mga bakong inutil, chariz. Pero legit, anong nakakan ninda ta baanang hihigus mag serve sa UNCean community?

Pero mga sez ha, taga relax tabi kamo po, stay pretty kamo ta ma f2f na, dapat, uphold dapat kang queen energies nindo! Stay empowered and keep slaying queens! (Dae ta na istorya na once ng nagkaag men kinermerls empowermentavelity ta naging ribok to hehe anw resolved naman baga ta ugwa mga nag desisyonavility hehe good job mga teh!)

Ohjivaaa~ hahaha subago pa ko kakagamit kang expression na ni, fav ko kaya si madam Inutz hahaha!

Anyway, beh, yan lang natipon kong kachismisan as of today grr, hanggang dyan muna mga madi saka padi ko ang chismerls tuhday. Kaya sana mhie, hagad ko lang na safe kamo gabos, fam and friends mo, jowa mo (kung ugwa man duh hahahaha), plus magpabakuna na teh, itong sa COVID ha, bako tong anerls anerls na kakaiba na garo BMW, “kahit anong puwesto, kung saan ka kuntento, yung titig ko diretso lang sayo, habang…” oh kantai na sana sa sadiri beh, baka sain pa makaabot. Madali naman ang rampa ta soon, kaya kita-kits mga sizzies! Taga hala-halat po kita paara maka-awra soon!

Devcom

09

OTE NOT FOR SALE: Sorry not sorry

BY MARIE JUVY LEA VIOLETA PAGE DESIGN BY CHRISTIAN REGANIT GRAPHICS BY CYEN ESCLANDA

M

inty vapor wafts through the air.

She gently massages away her mother ’s knotted muscles imposed by the world’s burdens.

It’s not fair. My Ma is the hardest worker I know, yet we can’t afford regular check ups. Helena thought to herself. Crushed by the idea if her Ma harbors some insidious illness.

The dimly lit space offered comfort . She resolved to cast her vote in 2022 along with her hopes for better leaders to ser ve their Nation.

Shrills of a Broken Record Long before the first National Automated Election, international obser vers witnessed suspicious electoral abnormalities during the Presidential race between Mrs. Corazon C. Aquino and Mr. Ferdinand E. Marcos.

According to The Ne w York Times archives-Februar y 10, 1986, there were statements from a delegation of 44 international obser vers that monitored elections held on that fateful Friday. ‘’Occurrences of votebuying, intimidation and lack of respect for electoral procedures were present ,’’ the obser vers cited wide fraud by the Marcos Party.

Almost a semicentennial passed and the Philippines transitioned to an Automated Election System in 2010. This eliminated the old school frauds or wholesale cheating. That year, our late former President

Noynoy Aquino III was elected.

Lawyer Ona Carritos, the executive director of Election Watchdog Legal Network for Truthful Elections connotes that vote buying has become aggressive and creative since the launch of vote counting machines.

The Manila Times records a massive votebuying and slow voting process in the Bicol region under the first automated voting system.

Obser vers remarked that it was the worst in Philippine histor y. It’s so rampant that e ven municipal kagawad candidates in poor towns had similar schemes.

In a checkpoint , Nathalio Popa was caught in possession of PhP 1.2 million in 500 bills and 1000 pieces of walletsized calendars with the name of candidate Joseph Santiago of Lakas-Kampi CMD. In 2013, The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) tried to ban withdrawal of more than PhP 100,000 per day while the transportation and encashment of checks be yond PhP 500,000 in an attempt to combat vote buying.

Howe ver, the mone y ban proposal was shortlived as the Supreme Court and poll body reasons it would disrupt banks withdrawing their own money for contractual obligations in defense to Bankers A ssociation of the Philippines (BAP).

Evidence suggests in the May 2016 national and local election, the vote buyers offered an average of around 500 pesos to selected voters in poor communities around Metro Manila.

COMELEC data reads 171 vote-buying complaints during the 2013 and 2016 elections but only six have gone to court , while no one was convicted to ser ve time in prison.

Task force responded to reports received by

the police, DILG field offices, and election bodies that are deployed around the countr y, DILG Undersecretar y and Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said amid the 2019 Midterm Election.

Here in Bicol Region, two days before the 2019 midterm elections, authorities nabbed two alleged vote buyers in Sorsogon City.

COMELEC Wrestles with Vote Buying Onslaught October 27, 2021 COMELEC proposes severe penalties for vote buying, and selling. The election offense is punishable by six years jail time, the candidate would be disqualified to hold public office, and would lose the privilege to vote according to the Omnibus Election Code. If found guilty of such an act , the political party will be fined about a minimum of PhP 10,000.

The nation is threatened by the potential of vote buying taking on the guise of online transactions such as e-wallets in the approaching 2022 Election.

COMELEC Commissioner Rowena Guanzon consulted financial experts at Bangko

Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and they have assured that vote buying in GCash style can be traced.

Pledges for Vigilance An empirical analysis done by Tristan Canare and Ronald Mendoza states, “the poor are more likely to be targeted for vote buying and to sell their votes”; An issue that policy makers can address.

To sell one’s right to suffrage links to a whole nation suffering under consequences.

A s the hands of the puppet masters are tugging their henchmen to mar the democratic process. Given the chance, these gluttons overarching reach would feast on the taxpayers’ wealth.

DILG will be working with COMELEC to handle filing of vote buying complaints. They have prepared template forms to be distributed to the masses. If someone wants to report an incident , it must be duly

notarized and sent to nearby COMELEC, PNP, or NBI offices.

COMELEC invites peoples’ manpower to help them side by side in upholding the integrity of Philippine Democracy.

The youth is hearing the buzz in town. Have you seen these philanthropist personalities lately? They host feeding programs, donate large sums for a cause, and distribute sacks of rice or groceries to barangays. That was nice of them, Helena’s mother thought , for her family had not bothered to prepare lunch this time.

What’s there to cook when there’s not a centimo to spend for a kilo of rice?

Neighborhoods would stir for the bait once the vote buyers start arriving around campaign seasons.

Not to be the bearer of bad news, while there is truly sincere help out there do not confuse them for the crooks. A similar reminder as the old sheep goes in a childrens’ book . They’re fattening up the livestock for the Democratic slaughter.

HOTSEAT

Pitak

10

BY JANAH CARMELA NG SANG

Angeline Bernadette Pancho is the incumbent PWD Representative under the Department of Student Rights and Development of UNC-USG. She is 21 years old in her 3rd year taking Bachelor of Secondary Education-Major in English. She is one of the amazing PWDs in the university. Know her more in this Hotseat interview!

Q: How do you do self-care?

Ms. Angeline: As for self-care po, now that we are under a pandemic, I eat foods that are good for my health po. Also, I’m taking vitamins to keep me safe po from any health problems. When it comes to academics naman po, as much as possible iniiwasan ko ang mastress din po, pag may learning activity po na medyo mahirap po, talagang dinadahan-dahan ko lang din po siya, and yung mapagod po, normal lang naman po yun.

Q: How comfortable are you in discussing your disability with teachers and classmates?

Ms. Angeline: I am open po in talking about my disability po. Kasi I know naman po that they are curious po particularly when they find out I can utilize gadgets po just like them. Comfortable po ako pag pinag-uusapan po ang tungkol sa disability ko po, although I can feel nga po na nag-iingat po talaga sila sa pagtanong din po about dun.

PWD REPRESENTATIVE OF UNC-USG UNDER DEPARTMENT OF STUDENT’S RIGHT AND DEVELOPMENT Q: Does your disability interfere with your learning?

Ms. Angeline: My disability does not interfere my learning naman po. Pero nung una po talaga it interferes [with] my learning since nung elementary po ako hindi pa naman ako blind nun. Sobrang naapektuhan po ang pag junior high-school ko po the time I became blind in 2014. But I learned to overcome it po and dealt with my situation.

Q: How have you educated people about PWDs in general?

Ms. Angeline: I believe I have educated people about PWDs in my own way po. Na kahit dito nga lang po sa bahay, within my family po, I educate them kung paano po dapat nila ako tratuhin, or kung ano po yung alam ko pong makakabuti sa akin bilang isang PWD po sa family. Also, nung naging part po ako ng City Youth Officials program noong 2019, I have raised the voice of people with disabilities, that we are also part of the society.

Q: What is your message to your fellow PWDs who might be struggling in all aspects whether it be with themselves or the society?

Ms. Angeline: To my fellow persons with disabilities who might be struggling po, huwag po nating hayaan na maging weakness po natin ang disability natin, instead, gawin po natin siyang strength sa pag achieve ng gusto po nating

maabot sa buhay.

We are almost two years into the pandemic and we can feel the stress and anxiety of UNCeans learning online. Tell us your story, your confessions, and thoughts about this prolonged setup, and let yourself be heard through The DEMOCRAT’s Humans of UNC section For reaaaaaaaaallll, the transition to the traditional learning system to this current online system is INSANEEE. But I have somehow equipped to it and learn to adapt to these new changes. But there are times when things get into me. I have never been this exhausted and drained with my academics until this online class came. I actually have this problem right now, I received a DRP grade in my PE even though I passed all the requirements. I did everything that I could done, contacted my prof, went to school to go to the PE office, asked for help in the deans office, EA council, called the school for countless time. And none of them helped me. And what’s sadder and very unfortunate, Sir Arevalo, my prof passed away. I don’t know if I could still make amends with that remark. My scholarship is at stake with this and I cant afford to lose it especially at this time. ;(( I just hope you guys would be able to notice this and help me with my problem ;( @loren.bustante Online-set up is good at first but not for so long, where these years our mental health is always at risk not just for academics situation but also in each and everyone’s personal / family life. @donjuanayalads523 For me it is a lot harder learn through online classes because there are many challenges such as internet connectivity and power supply.

Also for me it is not my style to study alone because it is much harder for me, having someone near me who is able to explain or teach me the things that I get confused. Reaching out to other classmates or asking for help during online classes is hard because everyone is facing their own struggle and their are times that you will not be able to contact them. @johnallen.manal

POINTS of

Y U 22.5%

35%

12.5% 12.5%

12.5%

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ACCOUNTANCY COLLEGE OF COMPUTER STUDIES COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION COLLEGE OF EDUCATION COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCE COLLEGE OF NURSING SCHOOL OF GRADUATE STUDIES SCHOOL OF LAW

40 RESPONDENTS

I dont have any story to tell, but i hope our university head listen about lowering unused fees ng mga student kaloka. @joshua.aguila As a student taking up a skill-based degree program, this online setting had taken up a huge toll on my physical, mental, end emotional health. Although our course is naturally physically draining because of the amount of work that we put in doing our architectural plates, learning online had made it even harder because unlike F2F classes, we can’t freely and instantly ask our friends and professors for consultations or feedbacks.

Unlike before, we can’t eat out, hang out, and have chitchats with our friends during lunch breaks or after our class dismissals.

Back then, we usually like to celebrate by dining out with our classmates/friends after hell weeks or from having academic burnout after exams but right now we can’t do this because of the pandemic.

Tbh, I feel like everything that I’m doing in this online class set up is not my best and I fear that if we continue to learn in this setup, we won’t be able to learn the needed skills and information for us to thrive in our future careers. Although I really want everything else to go back to normal and finally attend F2F classes, I can’t help but also be anxious about our safety. I just hope that we the covid cases in our country start to decrease so that we can finally have our F2F classes again safely. I don’t want to spend my remaining years in college in this online setup because it just feels so fake and I feel like we’re merely doing our academic works for compliance. Learning without face to face interactions is definitely not fun and could be very emotionally draining. I’m really hoping that we our situation gets better by next year and that people would finally wake up and vote for the righteous and competent leaders. @airaangela.cantor

Every educational level serves its purpose, so do every political position. Tertiary level provides us relevant knowledge aligned with our desired jobs after school.

Correlating it with politics, every position also has a different job description that needs to be understood and fulfilled. On top of this is the president position which is the highest political position on a democratic country. Running a country is running the lives of every citizen inside it. One must know how to do it properly. @carmicrissedavictoria.dejesus I think it is a must for someone running for the presidency to be a degree holder. Experience in a field (which is currently corrupted) and a heart to serve the people is not enough if they lack the knowledge on how to properly run the country. (Even regular employees aren’t qualified for a promotion if they didn’t finish a degree or aren’t licensed.) Why give an exception to someone running for the highest position in the country? @cathfornales No, Many CEOs and people who run successful organizations without a college degree. The state is just a bigger organization. Therefore, a college degree is not a requirement @justindominic.manaog

Draining energy and motivation in dealing with the current academic setup and I fear my future esp on graduating with little teaching-related experiences @earldwight.serrado Here’s the problem. I WANT FACE TO FACE BACK!I can’t stand being fucking lazy, I was already a lazy idiot back then when regular classes existed, now I just feel like just passing everything instead of trying hard to actually do my studies and actually learn. You don’t have particular motive to move and actually perform when literally everything is on the internet and it’s literally the fucking standard right now. Yes, I literally want to still learn but without any form of help from friends, without any interaction with anyone, it just feels like, why am I still here, doing this?

This is so fucking stupid, but yet it’s needed, why? @andrei.togni This learning set up that we have rn is very draining for students.

In my own experience, this set up will be a disadvantage because me myself can’t learn anything already unlike when it was face to face. I just finish my activities but in honesty I didn’t really understand it. In this 1st semester, I haven’t really learn anything because I can’t focus, there is so many distractions. @macygrey.parone

Of course! Even masters and doctorate degrees. We’re talking about the welfare of our nation. If we cannot let an undergrad be a captain of a ship, then why would we let one govern our country? @ralphlawrencemojicopastor Yes, College degree is still a need for running especially when it comes to being a president since being a leader means you have to be competent and prove yourself either through your education or through the achievements you have done for the people or anything noteworthy. To practice and exercise the law, have a degree, be competent enough, start making noteworthy achievements for the people, and NEVER LIE ABOUT HAVING A DEGREE. @moseskian.villanueva Yes, People will depend on the ideas of a President. Such ideas will be reliable if the Pres. supported it with their knowledge based on their course or specialization. However, one must not take advantage of their degree to gain power over the ones who are helpless or members of the outcasts. People must be encouraged to vote for a President who is capable of spitting facts and who is capable of giving them relevant answers that are based on studies, in which they knew, would be helpful for them. @maisabel.azana

SHOULD A COLLEGE DEGREE BE A PREREQUISITE IN RUNNING FOR PRESIDENCY?

TOMO LXIX, BILANG I Hulyo 15 - Oktubre 2021

The Anatomy of Promises

BY NEIL ANDREW FORMALEJO Promises are gold they say; Valuable, expensive and worthy.

Found in the luscious crimson lips like a rose bouquet.

A rose gold of a kind, seducing you in its mercy.

Gold indeed, fools gold.

One that is empty, only air, only word.

Like the pyrite it was, it’s value is nothing .

Only for a show, just for bluffing.

A premiere rose indeed, But notice that promises are only the stem.

Full of thorns, it would make you bleed.

A deceptive beauty, a distorted gem.

Promises are just an airy zeal.

Not a whole shape, only a false gleam.

Actions are the real deal, Let it show, rather than let it seem.

EGG

BY NORENE CANTOR Another hope has a mother hen laid-A firm exterior as her heart is made; Inside is vulnerable but unafraid, My shell's strength is my heart's aid!

A chrysalis as silken firm as tofu Never seems to create so much of a hue.

So could I trust my icky self in piles of glue?

I can't wait for mom to see me like her but anew!

All of me started as if a sketch-But painful skins and bumps sure was a stretch!

It was getting hot but I could not sweat; It was bloody floody, the wettest I could get.

I was trying not to drown so horribly When my shell broke forcibly.

"It is hairy!" cried aplenty, While they feasted on the juice of my journey.

Maria B.

NI PATRICK JOSEPH C. PANAMBO Hindi kailanman naging sabay ang pagtawa Pero mapagbigyan kaya ng imno ng kapalaran?

Sa bawat sapantahang tiyak ang kaisipan, Nagkamali kang may hangganan.

Taglay mo yaring kahali-halinang loob at labas, Papasukin kaya ang kung sinong maglalakas?

Kapara ang inang uyayi-Hele ng dagat-dagatang alab.

Ang alon-alon mong buhok; Mga ngiting lumililok; Katawa-tawa ba kung sabihin kong lahat?

Ang sinisinta.

Tinatangi.

Ang talulot na sisibol Mula sa bubog ng panahon, Pinagtagpi ng higit sa pilak at hinimok ng Panginoon.

Ang pag-ibig ay rosas at ginto.

Lathalain

Winning on the Losing Side

BY JHEZYLLE FAYE B. LORIA Absurd as it may seem, but I don’t mind losing This day you’ll try to cry, then it’ll be just part of yesterday.

The day you’ve lost your mind and then you’ll soon smile, Wince as it crosses your mind and laugh like it never happened.

Losing isn’t always those gloomy days that we all see.

Sometimes it could be an invitation for escape, A reason to learn new things and make your ways better.

It isn’t always about what you’ve lost but what you’ve gained.

It is an outcome, byproduct, the AFTERMATH. It is what teaches us in the end.

Don’t mind the pain.

Every bit of it is part of it.

Those would make you up and has made you up.

Gain something and do something with it.

You have won after all.

Losing is sometimes winning.

What is a True Reward?

BY FLORALINE D. GENIO

We face battles and competitions in life.

It can be physically or mentally.

We have to accept the outcome, as we can not always have what we like.

"We win some and we lose some" is a quote that most of us can agree with.

Usually, we fight certain battles to win a reward.

Most of us are competitive, and often aim to win.

But, what is a true reward?

Is it the physical price that we have got? Or a fulfillment felt within?

Many will say prices and money are more of a measure of value and worth.

Some will choose the feeling of satisfaction.

Students will say that time, peace, and learning mean that they are heard by the earth.

Adults will say good health, time, love, and purpose deserve sincere gratification.

People nowadays are becoming less sentimental and more materialistic.

People think money and material things are the only important things in life.

However, true reward comes from within and is different from people that are materialistic.

True reward is a fulfilling feeling which most people like.

GRAPHICS BY CHRISTIAN REGANIT PAGE DESIGN BY DARWIN ESCARO

11

Fallon

BY MARIA JHOANNA YASIS “So, how to be you?” A classmate jokingly asked. Perhaps half-joking and half-serious is the more exact term. After all, who doesn’t want to be Fallon?

They were walking to their next class and as usual, she was with her long line of entourage. Everyone was anticipating for an answer, waiting and staring at her calm face. She’s not the It girl nor the Queen Bee of their university, she’s just Fallon. But that, alone, is enough to make students flock around her. Not because she’s pretty and rich—there’s just something in her that no one can explain.

Everyone stopped walking when she did, then she looked at the girl and said, “Honey, you can never be me.” The girl who asked looked away, feeling embarrassed.

“No one can be anyone else but themselves.” She simply continued and smiled at her warmly. “Be the best version of yourselves, success will follow suit.”

She continued walking and the group along with her with their questioning eyes, “First things first: Confidence.

Start walking confidently, talking confidently, looking at people confidently. Yes, confidence is the key.”

A girl in thick eyeglasses raised her hand shyly, as if they were in a Biology class with Fallon as the professor, “S-So, um.. What i-if people started talking?”

“Started talking about?”

She fixed her glasses to her nose, “Me?” Fallon smiled, “Step two, choose which opinion you’ll pay attention to. Everyone has the ability to speak, but not everyone makes sense. Think, does paying heed to a senseless statement from someone who absolutely had no contribution to your life comes with some great benefit?”

Another girl from the back, Lelia, raised her hand and talked loud enough that Fallon could hear her, “What if your family were the ones judging you? What if your parents were depreciating you?” The people around them looked at her pitifully, whether they had first-hand experiences or they knew the story of the infamous Lelia Solomon and her breakdown during their freshmen enrollment, they were the only ones who knew.

Fallon stopped and walked towards her. The people paved their way while Lelia remained as if glued on the floor. “Step three, strengthen your guts.” Fallon whispered at her, but loud enough for everyone to hear.

Fallon started walking again and continued, “So I read this somewhere, they said, ‘No one dies a virgin. Life fucks us all.’” She laughed a bit with her absurd joke. Some smiled with her, some frowned. “In life, we will experience things that will make us borderline insane. We will have to go against the people we respect the most, against our principles, against the world. As early as now, learn how to control your life and face the consequences head on.

You’ll need more than confidence for that–guts.”

Their classroom in the fourth floor seemed like a short distance. They never realized that they reached their classroom until they saw the grey door. As they walk inside, Sabrina, a classmate, shared her sentiments in a loud voice, “Like I’ll believe in a know-it-all.” She laughed sarcastically.

She stopped talking when Fallon laughed softly, “This is not a step but a reminder: Consider didactic advices.”

She said looking straight at Sabrina and winked at her as she took her seat— “FALLON!!!”

I flinched with the sudden call. My hands reflexively closed my notebook, accidentally knocking the pen off the table.

As I reached for the pen, I jolted with the soreness of my hands, I’ve written too much.

“Bring the clothes in, it’s raining!” I ran outside and brought as much clothes as I could. I was out of breath and damp when I finished. I passed by my younger brother at our dining room table. He was writing on a sheet of paper, surely about his college admission.

Our father is a very traditional man. He was enraged when he learned that I wanted to pursue college, disregarding the time and place. For him, studying is senseless since I’ll get married someday and take care of my non-existent kids.

I closed the door and stared at my notebook.

If only I could be like Fallon.

But I am Fallon.

I felt my head spinning with the sudden realization.

Indeed, I am Fallon Lelia Solomon and I can bring out the best in me. Despite the silent whispers in my head that makes me want to give up, I refused to falter.

I took a deep breath, raised my head, and straightened my back.

First things first: Confidence.

Palakasan

12

The DEMOCRAT thedemocratunc

SIPANG KAMPYEON. Namayani sa international stage ang UNC Taekwondo Team matapos humakot ng mga parangal mula sa 2021 MVP Sports Foundation Global Online Championship noong Setyembre 25-26, 2021 at sa 14th World Taekwondo World Expo noong Oktubre 22-26, 2021 na parehong idinaos online.LARAWAN AT MGA SALITA NI KENN DANIEL MONTECILLO

UNC Taekwondo Team namayani sa Internasyonal

NI CHAREY MAE ALVARADO

Muling naghari ang UNC Taekwondo Team sa International Arena matapos makasungkit ng iba’t ibang parangal mula sa dalawang kompetisyon - ang 2021 Smart MVP Sports Foundation Global Taekwondo Online Championship noong September 25-26, 2021 at ang 14th World Taekwondo Culture Expo noong October 22-26, 2021, kapwa ginanap online.

Sa 2021 Smart MVP Sports Foundation Global Taekwondo Online Championship, nakasungkit ang koponan ng siyam na medalya at may kanikanilang mga pwesto at ranggo para sa poomsae at speed kicking.

Nagkampeon ang mga magigiting na UNCeans na nagngangalang, Jerome T. Sabido (Senior Male Black Light), Lance Martin Capili (Senior Male Black Heavy), Christine Joy Cleofe (Senior Female Black Fly), at Janiela Erica Antonio ( Junior Female Black Feather).

Hinirang bilang Silver Medalist naman sina Ma. Shayla Krisna Espinosa (Senior Female Black Fly), Jhanice P. Policarpio (Senior Female Black Mid-Heavy), at Keshen Ivan Lopez (Senior Male Black

Middle). Samantala, bronze na medalya naman ang naiuwi nina Guiseppe Emanuel Guevara (Senior Male Black Bantam) at Justin Eric Antonio (Senior Male Black Feather).

Bukod sa siyam na medalya, nakamit naman ng ibang manlalaro ang mangilan-ngilang puwesto sa Poomsae. Hinirang na ika-15 sa 48 si Benedict Albert Dayag (Junior Male Black), ika15 sa 39 si Arwen Venize Festejo (Junior Female Black) at ika-11 sa 40 naman si Ma. Ronela Daza (Senior Female Black).

Gayundin sa 14th World Taekwondo Culture Expo, nakapag-uwi ng sampung medalya ang atleta ng UNC laban sa 17 bansa tulad ng Korea, Pakistan, Brunei, New Caledonia, Qatar, Russia, United States, Brazil, at iba pa.

Anim dito ay gintong medalya mula sa larong Senior Continuous Kicking na napasakamay nina Jhanice Policarpio, Giuseppe Emanuel Guevara, Justin Eric Antonio, Cristine Joy Cleofe, at Ma. Ronela Daza, habang si Jerome Sabido ay silver medalist.

Sa Junior Continuous Kicking naman nakuha ni Janiela Erica Antonio ang gintong medalya at pilak para kay Christine Kate Cleofe.

Samantala, sa Junior Poomsae Gold medalist din si Arwen Venize Festejo habang si Benedict Albert Dayag ay bronse.

Ayon kay Jhanice Policarpio, isa sa mga Gold medalists ng Senior Continuous Kicking, sampu lamang ang manlalarong pinili upang maging kalahok sa kompetisyong ito dahil limitado ang slot sa bawat rehiyon. “Hindi ako masyadong umasa na mapipili ako sapagkat maraming magagaling sa aming team. Ngunit nabigla ako ng kanya akong pinili halos isang araw lang akong nakapaghanda para sa larong ito dahil ito ay

iba sa speed kicking na aming ginagawa.”

Dagdag pa niya na nahirapan silang intindihin ang mga direksyon mula Korea. Kaya’t hindi sila naging sigurado kung tama ang kanilang ginawang video dahil iba ang continuous kicking sa speed kicking na kinasanayan nila ngayong online competition.

Naibahagi rin ni Policarpio ang palaging pinapabatid sa kanila ng coach na unahin ang pag-aaral bago ang taekwondo. Kung paguusapan naman ang kanyang inspirasyon sa paglalaro, tinatanaw niya ang kanyang magulang na pinakaunang sumuporta sa kanyang isports at ang kasintahan at kapwa kasamahan sa UNC taekwondo team na nagpapalakas ng kanyang loob. Maliban dito, naging malaking bahagi rin ang kanyang pagnanais na makamit ang gintong medalya dahil napakatagal na raw noong huli siyang nakakuha nito.

Ninais niya na makapag iwan ng parangal sa unibersidad sa kanyang natitirang taon sa

kolehiyo.

Sa nalalapit na pagtatapos bilang atleta ng unibersidad sa taong ito, nagbigay si Jhanice ng bilin sa ibang taekwondo players na patuloy lamang mahalin ang kanilang ginagawa. “Lagi ninyong tatandaan estudyante kayo at hindi lang sports responsabilidad ninyo. Lagi ngang sinasabi ng Coach namin na unahin niyo pag-aaral niyo at yun ang pinunta niyo sa Unibersidad na ito. Mahalaga din na matuto kayong mabalanse ang oras ninyo sa pag-aaral at pag eensayo sa paraang ito mas lalo ninyong mamahalin ang inyong ginagawa at uusbong kayo sa sinimulan ninyo mapa sports man o pag-aaral,” dagdag niya.

Ang World Taekwondo Culture Expo na huling nilahukan ng UNC Taekwondo Team ay magkasamang inorganisa ng Jeollabuk-do, Muju County at Taekwondo Promotion Foundation mula bansang Korea na sinalihan din ng mga mag-aaral sa elementarya at high school.

Blacklist International grabs MPL-PH Season 8 Championship Title

BY RACHELLE PAJA

Dramatizing an exemplary game plan since day 1, Blacklist International earned their back-to-back championship titles as they defeated ONIC PH, 4-1 during the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Philippines Season 8 Grand Final last October 24, Sunday at World Trade Center and via livestream.

Blacklist outplayed Nexplay EVOS and Smart Omega to secure a spot in the grand final showdown with ONIC PH after being disparaged by Smart Omega to the lower bracket with a 3-1 score in the first round

before qualifying into the finals.

The team had a domineering season in which they endured only two losses, one from ONIC PH during Regular Season and another to Omega Esports in the playoffs.

Kristoffer “Bon Chan” Ricaplaza, team’s Head Coach was overwhelmed with the rare yet deserving win by the team.

“Sobrang napakaimportante ng championship na ito dahil mahihirapan kaming makuha ang respect na deserve ng mga players ko, at respect na deserve namin. Ito na yon, ito na ‘yong senyales na ibigay ang aming respect,” Bon Chan said.

[This championship is very important because we will be having a hard time getting the respect that my players deserve and the respect that we deserve.

This is it, this is the sign that they should give us the respect.]

MALAYA’T MAKULAY. Blacklist International continues to reign supreme after defending championship title against ONIC PH in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League Philippines Season 8 Grand Final, last October 24 at World Trade Center via livestream. LARAWAN

MULA SA MOONTOON AT MGA SALITA NI KENN DANIEL MONTECILLO

This season’s triumph made Blacklist International to be the second team in MPL history to take adjoining titles after Sunsparks last Season 4

and 5 respectively.

Blacklist International will be representing the Philippines in the upcoming M3 World Championship, the

biggest Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Tournament in the world along with its co-grand finals contender, Onic PH.

Palakasan

TOMO LXIX, BILANG I Hulyo 15 - Oktubre 2021

13

Pagsaludo sa Isang Idolo NI AILA JOY ESPERIDA

Ang galing ng isang tagapagsanay ay hindi lamang makikita sa bilang ng tropeyo na naiuwi ng kaniyang koponan, bagkus ito’y makikita sa kung paano niya naimpluwensyahan ang kaniyang mga manlalaro.”

Ito ang mga katagang mananatiling buhay sa puso’t isipan ng mga manlalaro, kapwa tagapagsanay at mga mag-aaral ng University of Nueva Caceres (UNC), bilang pag-alala sa isang magaling na tagapagsanay at tagapagturo na si Mr. Luis Arevalo Jr. matapos itong pumanaw noong ika-17 ng Setyembre, 2021.

Dala ng mga masigasig na ngiti, biro, at tawa, ang kanyang mukhang puno ng kagalakan tuwing naglalaro at nagtuturo

ang habang-buhay na maaalala ng bawat UNCean na napalapit sa kanya. Sa ilang dekada nang pagiging tagapagsanay ng UNC football team mula 1991, ang koponan ay tinaguriang powerhouse noon at unbeaten sa Naga City at maging sa Bicol. Nakapag-uwi ang grupo ng maraming kampeonato at nagbigay pagkilala sa UNC sa larangan ng Football.

“Bro. Louie. We fondly call him because for us, he was a brother. Madaling dulukon, pirme may solusyon sa mga bagay-bagay, easy to be with, maogma kaiba.

Everytime makakahiling ako ng bola ng soccer, it will be him. We were the first to form the UNC soccer varsity. I’m so proud to say that UNC football was a powerhouse [back] then,” saad ni Engr. Francisco A. Banzuela, tagapagsanay ng UNC Men’s Football Team. [“Kadalasan namin siyang tinatawag na Bro. Louie dahil para sa amin, kapatid namin siya.

Ang dali niyang lapitan, palaging may solusyon sa mga bagaybagay, at masayang kasama.

Kapag nakakakita ako ng bola ng soccer, siya ang naaalala ko.

Kami ang unang bumuo ng UNC soccer varsity. Ipinagmamalaki ko na ang UNC football team ay powerhouse dati.”]

Ngunit hindi lamang sa soccer field maituturing na huwaran si Sir Arevalo dahil maging sa loob ng apat na sulok ng klasrum, ang kaniyang mga itinuturo ay tumatatak sa kaniyang mga mag-aaral. Ang simpleng talakayan tungkol sa physical education ay higit na nagiging kapana-panabik dahil sa kanyang natatanging pamamaraan ng pagturo.

“Bro. Louie had touched our lives, and we [will] forever be thankful to him,” dagdag pa ni Engr. Banzuela. [“Naging malaking bahagi si Bro. Louie ng aming mga buhay kaya habang buhay kaming magpapasalamat sa kaniya”] Hindi man inaasahan ang kaniyang pagpanaw, ang mga leksyon at ang mga alaalang kaniyang iniwan ay babaunin ng kaniyang mga naiwan para magpatuloy. Salamat sa iyong walang sawang paggabay sa amin. Hangad namin ang iyong kapayapaan kasama ang ating Tagapagligtas.

Rewriting Her/His story

BY KENN DANIEL MONTECILLO

Hoisting the Philippine flag is one thing for the athletes, but to deal with the doubts and misgivings that comes with gender is another.

Filipino Olympians Diaz, Petecio, Didal and Yulo have proven to the entire world what they are capable of in the sports world regardless of their gender.

Hidilyn Diaz’s elusive Olympic gold gleamed even brighter as she became the country’s first weightlifting champion. Nesthy Petecio, the first Filipina boxer to win a silver medal, was also honored in the country. As they raised the Philippine colors in the international arena from the recently concluded Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Filipina skateboarder Margilyn Didal and Philippines’ pride in gymnastics Carlos Yulo also captured people’s hearts.

Aside from their personal goals, these athletes share a strong desire to succeed in the sports in which they compete in. It’s not only a fight for the prized moment atop the podium, but also to overcome criticism based on gender stereotypes in sports, which has been a long-running argument ever since.

G e n d e r stereotyping s h a p e s institutional and individual sport activities through constructing social images.

Weightlifting, boxing, and

skateboarding, for example, are considered manly sports since they involve strength and endurance. Gymnastics, on the other hand, is a sport associated with women. Thus, it is becoming an additional challenge for these athletes to go beyond what society considers acceptable.

The fight against gender stereotypes does not end with the mere recognition of its presence. Since Diaz’s and other remarkable Filipino athletes’ stories introduced a new perspective on how athletes struggle, no one can afford to turn a blind eye from these repressed experiences.

More than anyone, the state is expected to act upon the matter, since these athletes are carrying no less than the name of the country. With the government’s effort to address current issues such as adequate financial assistance and appropriate training programs, it is also the responsibility of the state to intervene and provide the

essential care for athletes.

Creating a resolution to ensure that all athletes, regardless of gender, receive equal pay and benefits is fundamental.

Additionally, protection against defamation or gender-related criticism that is not directly relevant to sports must be considered.

Finally, schools should improve their sports education programs and move away from emphasizing only the most popular sports, which contributes to the idea that sports aren’t open to everyone.

Today, the right to liberty was asserted for the benefit of the following generations.

G e n d e r preconceptions and sexism have been shattered

in the process. Thus, the way has been set for the next generation of Filipino pride to be welcomed into the genderinclusive world of sports. A strong message for diversity and inclusion is already being made by these athletes as they wave their country’s flag in every competition.

More athletes have many tales to tell about how difficult it is to fit in at events when the opposite sex dominates. These Filipino athletes broke down the barriers erected by inadequate thinking to eliminate gender bias in sports.

They are helping to shape the sports industry’s inclusive definition and spearheading an effort to open a gallery of athlete images, which goes against popular perceptions of athletes. These photos serve as a representation of young boys and girls who aspire to participate in sports in the future, while also providing a blank canvas on which these aspirants can hang their own definitions of athletes they are about to make themselves in the future.

Lathalain

14

ONLI NE CLASS:

T H E H OR R OR S BEHI ND T H E LEA R NI NG

BY JEAN AQUINO

“Tagu-taguan maliwanag ang buwan, pagkabilang kong sampu nakatago na kayo. Isa, dalawa, tatlo, apat, lima, anim, pit--” Juana stopped.

The cold breeze made her do it. She slowly opened her eyes and she was horrified by the sight in front of her. In just a snap, the happy place they used to be turned into a lifeless mess. She looked around and saw nothing aside from a building a few meters away from her. Juana was mesmerized by the beauty of it. The word LIBRARY is written on it. The building proudly stands in the middle of the place, as if it is igniting the soul of the academe.

“Oh yes! Maybe my friends are in there. That used to be our favorite place after all,” was all Juana said to herself.

She was hoping that she could find herself a companion there. As she was about to take a step, Juana cannot take one going forward. She looked down and there it was, a chain was coiled in her feet with a huge padlock on it. Written on it is a statement saying, ‘Unlock with back account fees'. Her face turned red as she remembered her balance.

“I’m not gonna make it to that library,” Juana said in a low voice.

Closing her eyes, she imagined herself paying her balance, and the chains surprisingly unlocked. As soon as she let her feet free, she ran fast to the library.

Juana reaches the library in no time.

But as soon as she gets inside, her excitement fades away. Her breathing is the only sound she can hear inside the library, telling her that no one is there except her. All of the three doors were closed and each had a sign on it. The sign on the first door says, ‘No tuition fee, no entry’. She did the same thing when unlocking the chains on her feet back outside. As if the door could see what she had imagined, the door opened. Behind that door are people she used to be with.

“Edu, Happy, Lovely, hey! I’m here!

Hey!” She screamed their names from the top of her lungs only to receive no response. It seems like they cannot hear nor see her. A tear fell from her eyes, “What have I gotten myself into?”

Just as she was about to go near them, a voice spoke inside the room.

“Please exit the room and proceed to your corresponding classrooms.” All of them hurriedly exited the room, including Juana. As soon as she let herself out, all that was left was her, again. She was left out alone.

Still, she proceeded to the second door. No difference can be seen on it. A certain thing must be done to unlock it. Above it is a sign that says laboratory. ‘Pay your laboratory fees to unlock’. Imagining myself paying for our laboratory fees, I

was able to enter the room. Shocked was an understatement when Juana was finally able to enter the room.

The room is empty. No apparatus, no laboratory equipment.

“But why does the door say I still have to pay for my lab fee? What am I paying for?” Juana asked herself.

The voice spoke again, “Please exit the room and proceed to your corresponding classrooms.” And so she did. The third door is more secure than those of the first two doors. It has three locks on it, and the signage on the door says, ‘ Unlock with mental health and financial capacity’. As if, on cue, a voice spoke again. “To those who successfully unlocked the doors, you may now leave. Congratulations.

Rest assured that all your expenses and effort will be duly appreciated.”

Hearing this, she turned around, and there they were, the people in the first door. The congratulatory message does not even put smiles on the exhausted faces of those people. They

seem to be drained going through the last door.

And as they exited the library one by one, she knew to herself it would cost her if she risked opening that final door. But what choice does she have? Juana was left behind and she have to be with them, or else she will be all alone by herself. Much scarier, she thought. So she took a step, ready to risk her mental health and sacrifice whatever financial requirement that door is asking. But as Juana was about to imagine it, her mother woke her up.

Juana was having a nightmare.

She was sweating cold while the memories of her dream were stuck in her head. She knew it wasn’t just a nightmare. It is already happening.

The price she is paying is already costing her too much. Last night she was able to sleep early because of the tasks that she was trying to accomplish. Thinking all of these, she got herself up and went outside her room.

It is already 7:45, 15 minutes before her first synchronous meeting for today. Her parents were yelling at the kitchen again, fighting over her expenses at school. She went back to her room and exclaimed.

“A nightmare, indeed”.

Juana just wants to finish her studies and to combat the fear of being left behind. But at what cost?

GRAPHICS BY JOY VILLASPIN PAGE DESIGN

BY DARWIN ES CARO

Palakasan Lathalain

TOMO TOMO LXIX, LXIX, BILANG BILANG II Hulyo Hulyo 15 15 - Oktubre Oktubre 2021 2021

SA MATA NG ISANG NARS NI JHEZYLLE FAYE B. LORIA

“Depende sa word na ‘fulfilling.’ Pwede namang maging fulfilled emotionally kahit hindi financially.”

-Cheralyn Barbacena, RN NLE Board Topnotcher

J

ob mismatch, underpaid, alalay ng doctor ---- Ilan lang sa mga nakakabit sa mga Pilipinong nars na akala mo’y etiketa sa damit. Ito ang kadalasang naiisip ng tao sa tuwing mababanggit ang propesyong ito sa bawat umpukan.

“Kuh, si Celia balita ko baga’y isa nang ganap na nars.

Pagkainam naman kung gayon at nang makatuwang na siya ng kaniyang ina.”

“Lisensyado na nga mababa naman ang sahod.”

“Pwede namang mag-abroad kung gayon. Mataas pa ang sahod.”

“Domestic helper lang ang aabutin niya roon, nagaral pa ng ilang taon kung ‘di rin siya matatawag na nars.”

“Naku dapat kasi nag-inhinyero na lang sya, alalay lang naman talaga ng doktor ang mga iyan, pinaganda lang ang tawag.”

Maaring nadadaanan mo na ang mga inspirational quotes na patungkol sa huwag paghatol agad sa isang tao o sitwasyon base sa una mong nakita o narinig.

Marahil mayroong parteng katotohanan dito, ngunit hindi natin maaring hatulan ang isang propesyon dahil lamang sa kung anong madalas nating nakikita.

Malaki man o maliit ang sahod na nakukuha sa isang propesyon, ito’y mahalaga. Patunay rito ang pandemya sa naging papel ng mga nars at iba pang propesyon na may kinalaman sa medisina.

“Dapat pantay ang hazard pay ng government at private hospital.”-Nurse Love, 40 Nakasanayan na ngang ganito ang tingin sa mga nars lalo na dito sa ating bansa, nakapanliliit kahit hindi mismo ikaw ang pinupukol ng mga salitang ito. Ngunit nang pumutok ang pandemya noong taong 2020, biglang nagbago ang ihip ng hangin.

Kabi-kabila ang mga papuri sa kung tawagin nilang frontliners na binubuo ng mga propesyong konektado sa medisina, pagkain at ibang essentials ayon sa pamantayang inilabas ng IATF. At kalakip ng mga papuri ay ang pangako naman ng gobyernong bigyan ng hazard pay ang mga ito dahil sa dedikasyon na kanilang ipinamamalas sa kabila ng mapanganib na sitwasyong kinahaharap nila. Umani naman ng iba’t ibang saloobin lalo na sa mga nagmula sa mga medical frontliners simula nang maisa-publiko kung gaano kalaki ang natatanggap ng mga frontliners kumpara sa ipinangakong halaga ng gobyerno.

“Mababa talaga ang hazard pay. Parang pangvitamins lang. Minsan hindi mo rin masisisi dahil sobrang understaffed kaya konting patient din ang kayang i-cater ng hospital,” tugon ni Barbacena.

Bagaman dumaan din daw sa kanyang isip ang pangingibang-bansa dahil sa makakapagsustento siya ng sapat sa gamot, kalusugan, matrikula, bahay at iba pang pangangailangan ng kanyang pamilya, kanya ring naisip ang maiiwan nya sa bansa na pamilya at nakaramdam rin siya ng takot na makipagsapalaran sa lugar na wala siyang kakilala.

Maaring napakasimple lang sa unang tingin ng isang problema na para bang iisa lang ang solusyon, pero ang nakataling sitwasyon dito lamang ang dapat pagbatayan ng angkop na solusyon. Hindi sa lahat ng oras pangingibang-bansa lang ang solusyon. May ibang pagkakataon na hinihingi ang pananatili ng isang tao.

“Sobrang worth it.”

Bago pa man makarating sa pagiging isang ganap na nars ni Barbacena, dumaan muna siya sa butas ng karayom. Hindi siya lumaki sa pamilyang magaan ang pamumuhay kaya’t nagsikap siya na maabot ang pangarap niya kaya’t nagtrabaho sya sa isang milktea house para makapagenroll noong final year niya sa UNC; At sa tulong na rin ng kaniyang pamilya, kaibigan, kamag-anak ng kaibigan, mga guro, at ang UNC mismo.

“Binigyan nila ako ng opportunity para makapag-aral kahit hindi kaya ng pamilya ko ang matrikula sa unibersidad. Hindi rin ako ang pinakamagaling sa klase kaya mas nag-effort akong mag-aral dahil nga kung hindi ako magbabasa, may chance na bumagsak ako. Sobrang worth it. Kahit hanggang ngayon na nagsisimula na akong magpractice ng nursing, nahihirapan pa rin ako dahil iba pa rin ang may guidance ka ng mga instructors kaysa kapag ikaw na ang nagdedesisyon,” aniya.

“Mahirap” Nang isinalarawan niya sa isang pang-uri lamang ang kanyang buhay bilang isang estudyante niya sa UNC. Nahirapan siyang maghanap ng tuition kapag walang-wala talaga. Ayon sa kanya ang nursing ay isang experience na masaya pero may kalakip na maraming pag-iyak bago pa man ito mairaos hanggang sa pagtatapos.

“Nakakapagod, nakakaubos, pero with the right people, right guardians, and right environment, kakayanin naman.

You have to learn new things and

15

“Malaking bagay na aware tayo sa epekto ng mga tao sa public office at na alam natin na sila ang mga taong may malaking papel sa araw-araw nating buhay.

Ang working conditions natin, health opportunities natin, ang bonuses natin, ang presyo ng gasolina, ang lakas ng internet natin, transportasyon, COVID response at maraming iba pa ay umaayon depende sa ipapatupad at pagpapatupad ng mga tao sa gobyerno.

Kailangan nating maintindihan na hindi mga artista at diyos ang mga politiko. Dahil mga pasahurin natin sila at dapat tayo ang boss nila. Bahagi ng pera nila ang galling sa araw-araw na pagtatrabaho mo sa current working condition mo, kaya marapat lamang na piliin mo ang papaswelduhan mo.”

“Kailangan nating maging aware sa kasalukuyang sitwasyon natin. Kung kuntento na tayo sa ganito, pwede namang iboto natin ang mga kandidatong kasalukuyang nakaupo dahil satisfied na tayo sa pamamahala nila. Pero kung pagkatapos mong magsiyasat ng iyong sarili at ng mga tao sa paligid mo at may gusto ka pang i-improve, pwede ka nang magsimulang maghanap ng kandidato na sa tingin mo kaprinsipyo mo at kaparehas ng himig ng kanta mo.”

Katulad ng isang namamasukan sa isang kompanya, ikaw ang HR na titingin kung kwalipikado ang isang aplikante sa pinapasukan niyang pwesto. At hindi ng lahat ng nakapasok sa tamang edad, pinagaralan at karanasan ay agad mo na tatanggapin. Hindi rito sukatan kung mukhang matino o responsable ang isang aplikante bagkus ang isa batayan ay ang naggawa na nila, at ito ay sa pamamagitan ng rekomendasyon ng mga naging empleyado nito o maging ng mga nakatrabho niya. Kung gaano kahaba ang listahan ng mga kinakailangan upang makapasok sa trabaho maging sa dyanitor o sekyu man, nawa pati na rin sa pagpili ng ating iluluklok sa pinakamataas hanggang sa pinakamababang posisyon sa gobyerno ay maging maingat at mapagmasid tayo. Huwag po tayong padaya.

Dahil na rin sa ‘di sapat na kita, madalas na kinakagat na ng ilan ang pamamasukan sa ibang bansa bitbit ng pag-asang maiahon sa kahirapan ang kanilang pamilya. Tunay ngang kaakit-akit ang mga maaring matanggap na benepisyo kumpara sa sinasahod ng mga nars dito. Napakakumplikado no?

Hindi na bago ang pangingibang-bansa,ngunit ang nakalulungkot nga roong parte ay halos maubusan na tayo ng mga propesyonal dito sa atin.

Ayon kay nurse Cheralyn, ”Ang brain drain ay hindi masusulosyunan hangga’t hindi nakakaroon ng mas magandang oportunidad at working condition sa Pilipinas. Sa aming mga nurses, hangga’t ang ratio ng nurse:patient ay sobra-sobra at hindi sapat ang pasahod ng public at private hospitals, maghahanap talaga ang nurses ng opportunity na magkaroon ng sahod na sapat at kayang makapag-provide ng mas maginhawang buhay sa pamilya nila. Isa pang problemang kinakaharap ng mga manggagawa ay ang contractualization. Bagama’t karamihan ng trabaho overseas ay may contract, ang security of tenure ay dapat ring talakayin. Talamak pa rin ang Job Order na item lalo na sa public hospitals at matagal bago maregular ang isang empleyado.”

minsan may mga beliefs tayo na kailangang i-realign.

May mga bagay na kailangan nating matutunan in the hard way. Pero as long as we are open to new ideas, we will grow as a bigger person.” ”Kailangan nating maintindihan na hindi mga artista at diyos ang mga politiko.

Dahil mga pasahurin natin sila at dapat tayo ang boss nila.”

At dahil nalalapit na ang eleksyon at kasalukuyang mainit na paksa sa anumang plataporma kahit sa personal, nabanggit na rin ni Cheralyn Barbacena, RN ang tungkol dito, lalong-lalo na sa mga unang beses boboto.

GUHIT NI JOY VILLASPIN DEBUHO NG PAHINA NI DARWIN ESCARO

“Wala tayong magagawa. Gipit tayo. Naghahanap lang naman kami ng opportunity. (At) nagkataong mayroon sa ibang bansa.”-Nurse Baby, 31

16

As they always say, power resides in the people. This is evident when in choosing our leaders and public servants, an election is held. As a democratic country, it's a good thing. This is a sign that the system is working the way it's meant to be. This is a gleam of a bright future or as some would frame, a hope. Right? Or is it?

Lathalain graduating in a prestigious international university when it is actually not true. The most dirty tactic that a liar does is hiring paid trolls to spread fake news with the intent to defame others or to musk their name with perfume.

This is the reason why the Philippines has become a hot-bed of fake news. The principle of integrity in our country has been mocked repeatedly. Because of these liars, lots of masses are fooled into thinking that there is actually no truth.

You would hear lots of “Mainstream media are paid. Mainstream media are biased.

Dilawan. Books are lies and deception.

Etc.” Their immense lust for power has thickened their face to continuously lie even in the public's view. Would you entrust your money to a liar?

Well in recent memory, the people have chosen and it has caused the demise of our country. Not as hopeful as we wanted. Undeserving officials, pandering clownery and corruption, has managed to get a position in a Government's Office. The question that this narrative could establish is who's fault is this? The "people'' would be the possible answer.

Haven't they learned their lessons yet?

Part of this problem is also about the education and knowledge or lack thereof when it comes to voting and choosing the aspirants running as a public servant official. Politicians exploit this well and try to weaponize what they personify. Do you know how to spot the bad apples?

The Drama Kings/Queens

Here are the type of a walking red-flag politician: Legalized Robinhoods Remember the tale of Robinhood from your childhood? He is a criminal that steals the wealth of the rich to give it to the poor. He is the enemy of the state because of his crimes. Here in the Philippines, he is in the public service.

The difference is that they are criminals but for their own gain. Ring any bell?

They are those convicted of graft and corruption, involved in plunder, have tax evasion cases, refuse to be transparent by not opening their SALNs, accessories in keeping and consolidating stolen and BY NEIL ANDREW FORMALEJO unexplained wealths or even violating simple laws such as the COVID-19 hunting or mating seasons. protocol. All of this is a breach of people's If a candidate is really what they claim trust. Their track record is a reflection of they are, with or without position, what they are as a person. they are already displaying their philanthropy. Even in the smallest No one is perfect, they say and everyone things they would show their genuine makes mistakes but theft and corruption will to serve. Otherwise, they are just are not mistakes; they are the defining staging a theatrical act to fool the morals of that person. masses. Sadly, it has always been this way like before. People are easily The Seasonal Crocodiles swayed by flattery and flowery words that politicians only need to find The jingle of almost all politicians when the right combination of words to running for campaign is somewhere penetrate the heart of the masses. Not between, “I am for the poor. I will be the only do they embody the thick skin of hope of the country. I am the ally of the the crocodile, but most of the time masses. I speak for the voiceless.” But if they're also a really good poet. Here is you would ask yourself, where the heck the thing; there is a saying that action were you all this time? You would be speaks louder than words. surprised to know that you’ve only heard of that candidate during the election. The Epal in Many Ways They are nowhere to be found in dire times such as when a calamity ravages a place, Now this is the actualization of the during these tough times of pandemic or meme, “Everywhere I go, I see his even answering to the cries of the farmers, faces.” Talk about the definition the victims of the abusive system. These of “trapo” or dirty rags. Besides are the seasonal crocodiles. They would extremely oversized tarpaulins with fatten themselves up first then would go a politician's faces, there are other on for their sweet slumber. They would ways they could be dirty. Sometimes, reappear on the surface only during the when there are relief operations, politicians would label the goods with their name and face on it or give freebies relating to them such as their own personalized calendar or hand fan. In some cases, money is given to the people so long as you attend their agenda. It is very

[THE COLOR BLIND TEST]

SPOTTING THE RED FLAGS tempting and luscious I know. Even in graduation greetings or academic plugs, those shameless thick-skulled politicians would consume one half of the pubmat dedicated to their facade and name as if they are the ones being congratulated.

It has always been this way especially with the traditional politicians. Feed them to keep them happy but keep the rest for your own table. The sad reality is and what many people don't realize is that those goods and money being given to them is their own hard earned money. It is the taxpayers' sweat and blood. No one should take credit for their contributions other than them.

This is a huge red-flag because that means that a politician is willing to squander the people’s money and resources for their own benefits.

The Talented Snakes Adam and Eve were victims of the snake's deception. Both suffered the consequence of this deception. They were swayed by the sweet serenade of the snake. The government has become the nest of this snake. Slick and slippery, when they open their mouth, they spew a sea of lies. There are all forms of lies. Credit grabbing a project or an achievement, having a false claim in your credential even as simple as the claim of actually

A good actor is able to make their audience yearn for more. A good actor is able to stage a mix of comedy, tragedy and drama in their act to make sure that the emotions of the audience are stirred and they are glued to their seat. The public service has become a boot camp for these rising drama stars. They are the populist candidates. They are those who try to appeal to the masses appearing as empathetic. Examples of this are the politicians who try to display commoners behaviour such as shamelessly cursing even in public television, displaying illmannered behaviour, distorting and painting public image as ordinary despite displaying obvious wealth in some occasions. They would even concoct drama where they would be the victim of a tragedy such as the "attack on their personal lives by criticisms" and wept a handsome amount of tears. All of this work because they appear as some kind of ordinary citizen, vulnerable to mistakes and susceptible to human fallacy. The masses find this adorable.

Don't we just love someone we can relate to? When they are already involved in corruption and any other dirty work and an exposé upon them is being done, the supporters would just think that this is an attempt by the opposition to destroy or even oust him.

Their strategy is disturbingly effective.

They would lull the masses with their embodiment of being a father or mother figure, the messiah of the modern age, before wreaking havoc upon them.

All of us have a part to play in the fate and future of our society. Making a decision as an individual is not enough. Being wise and acquiring wisdom is not enough.

We have a voice and we must use it as a power to shatter the enemy that has been clawing its way to our system; ignorance.

Educate others if you have to and make your actions visible. Campaign for what is right and make sure that it is heard.

Our differences should not blind us of what our goals are. Afterall, we share a common hope; we cling to the idea of a bright future.

GRAPHICS BY JOY VILLASPIN PAGE DESIGN BY DARWIN ESCARO

Lathalain

TOMO LXIX, BILANG I Hulyo 15 - Oktubre 2021

17

KAILAN KAYA? NI PATRICK JOSEPH C. PANAMBO

S

a himno ng mga kantang ating pinakikinggan, lahat may hangganan. Sumusunod sa kumpas at bilis ng ritmong nagbibigay ng buhay at galaw sa kung ano ang susunod na liriko. Sa paulit-ulit na pakikinig ay malamang makakabisa ‘di lang ang bawat salita, ngunit maging ang musika nito. Subalit, paano na nga ba kung ang nakasanayang himno ay biglang nabago at nabagong muli?

Magdadalawang taon na nang magulantang ang sistema ng edukasyon sa buong Pilipinas nang dahil sa pandemya. Mula sa hindi handang pagbubukas ng paaralan sa pamamagitan ng paggamit ng internet at gadgets, magpahanggang ngayon na hindi pa rin napupunan ang tama at dekalidad na pag-aaral. Dapat bang masanay sa kumpas na hindi ang lahat ay kayang makasabay?

Gayong ang tanging hangad ng Unibersidad ng Nueva Caceres ay mabigyan ng maayos at maranasan ng bawat estudyante at ng mga kawani nito ang ligtas at mainam na pag-aaral sa gitna ng pandemya. Kanila ngang unang inilahad ang solusyon na magkaroon ng pagkukumpol o klastering ng mga asignatura at hatiin ito sa dalawang bahagi sa loob ng isang semestre o kabuoang apat na bahagi sa loob ng isang taon ng akademiko. Ngunit, sa pagpasok ng kasalukuyang taon ng akademiko ay muling ibinalik sa pagiging semestre at sari-sari nga ang naging reaksyon dito.

Mula sa iba’t ibang departamento, narito ang mga obserbasyon at karanasan ng mga estudyante maging ng mga guro.

[Class]tering Ang sistemang pagkaklaster ng mga asignatura ay isinagawa noong taon ng akademiko 2020-2021 na kung saan parehong may negatibo at positibong reaksyon. Ito ang mga sumusunod:

GUHIT NI BRANDON JON DELOS SANTOS

DEBUHO NG PAHINA NI DARWIN ESCARO

1. Mas nagkakaroon ng oras ng pahinga ang ilang mga estudyante ‘pagkat mayroong sunod-sunod na araw na walang klase dahil nasa kabilang klaster.

2. Mas magaan hatiin ang oras ‘pagkat kakaunti ang asignatura.

3. Less stress dahil hindi natatambakan ng gawain.

4. Sa klaster, nagagawa pang sumama sa mga lakad sa labas.

5. Mas nakakahabol ang mga estudyante ‘pagkat hindi sunod-sunod ang mga gawain sa bawat asignatura.

Sa kabilang pananaw, narito naman ang mga negatibong naranasan sa klastering.

1. Mas mababa ang natututunan ‘pagkat nagmamadali.

2. Gahol sa oras ng pagtuturo; malimit na nababawasan ang mga paksang dapat daanan.

3. Mas maikli ang oras ng gawain kapag pinapapasa sa loob mismo ng oras ng klase at hindi sa bakanteng araw.

4. Bilang na mga synchronous na klase.

5. Madalas ay self-study ang nangyayari sapagkat hindi agad naiintindihan.

6. Hindi agad makapag-adjust sa mabilisang pagsegunda ng pangalawang klaster.

7. Hindi na nagagawang rebyuhin ang pinag-aralan noong nakaraan ‘pagkat kailangang dire-diretso dahil kulang ang oras.

Semes[trial] Samantala, bagamat sinisimulan ulit ngayong taon ng akademiko ang semestral datapwat hindi pa tapos ang akademiko, ito ang mga inisyal na reaksyon at obserbasyon ng mga mag-aaral.

1. Mas nagkakaroon ng ganap na klase o synchronous at may tiyak na diskusyon.

2. Dahil dito, nagkakaroon ng interaksiyon ang mga magaaral na malimit mangyari sa klastering na mahalaga lalo na sa mga bagong mag-aaral.

3. Dahil mas pinahaba ang oras, mas pinahaba rin ang mga deadline.

4. Mas okay sa mental health ‘pagkat ‘di mo kailangang magmadali.

5. Mas maraming asignatura pero mas tiyak ang mga natututunan.

6. Mas relaks ang mga instraktor na magturo ‘pagkat walang hinahabol na kakulangan.

Narito naman ang kabilang banda ng semestral na sistema.

1. Buong linggo ay may klase na.

2. Mas sabay-sabay ang mga gawain ‘pagkat sabay-sabay na ang lahat ng asignatura.

3. Dahil nasa bahay lang, madalas pagsabayin ang pagtulong sa gawaing bahay habang nagkaklase.

4. ‘Di katulad sa klastering, kung may klase ka ng 2-3 oras ngayon, meron ulit mamaya at bukas.

Sa pagbabago ng sinusundang kumpas ng himno ng pag-aaral, ang tanging nais lang naman ng lahat ay matuto at maihanda ang mga estudyante sa kanilang kanyakanyang tatahakin. Ang dalawang sistemang inilagak ay parehong iisa ang ninanais sa hangganan-- tulad ng awiting pinakikinggan na nagtatapos nang naaayon at tumatatak.

Pero alinman sa dalawa, bagamat nagkaroon ng magandang pag-uusisa ay hindi nangangahulugang pareho ito sa lahat. Ayon din sa mga mag-aaral, isang malaking salik ang kung paano harapin ng mga estudyante ang pag-aaral.

Isang pagbati sa mga mag-aaral at mga tagaturo ang makasabay sa kumpas na ‘di tiyak at nakasanayan.

Ngunit, mas mainam pa rin talaga kung tuwiran nating napakikinggan ang bawat isa; hindi sa parisukat na teknolohiya nakatunganga; at mas naisasabuhay ang pagiging mag-aaral. Pero ang tanong ay, “Kailan na kaya?”

18

Lathalain

Online de Lata:

The DEMOCRAT thedemocratunc

Ang Malansang Sistema NI CHARLES KRYXIAN LARA

klase na may mahigit 400 na mag-aaral.

Siksik pero hindi liglig.

“Allowed naman buksan yung microphone pero some students are ashamed to open their mics because natatakot na majudge since 400 plus ‘yung kadalasan na nasa zoom meeting. Most of the time emoticons are the only interaction every session,” sambit niya.

Magdadalawang taon na nang nagsimula sa pikikipagbakbakan ang mga estudyante na matuto sa gitna ng pandemya. Gamit ang mga online video conferencing platforms tulad ng Zoom at Google Meet, malayang nakapagtatalakay ang mga guro sa kanilang mga mag-aaral. Ngunit, ang pinagkaiba lamang sa face-to-face classes sa kasalukuyang online class, pwede nang magturo ang mga guro sa doble o triple na bilang ng estudyante na kanilang tinuturuan noon.

Ang sistemang ito ay nangyayari sa kasalukuyan sa University of Nueva Caceres (UNC).

Kwento ni Mary Rodriguez, isang 2nd Year BS in Tourism Management student ng UNC ang kanyang guro sa isang minor subject na may mahigit 200 na estudyante ay nagtatalaga ng mga “chat masters” na silang magtatala ng pangalan ng kanilang kamag-aral na lumiban sa klase at pati na rin ang kanilang pakikilahok sa talakayan.

Ayon sa kanya, “When it comes to recitations she entertains naman a lot of students na kaya n’ya and abot pa ng time. Pero of course, may mga students pa ring hindi matatawag or hindi masasabi virtually in front of the class ang kanilang ideas. To give justice, their putting na lang their participation on the chat box and the chatmasters will be recording their names.”

GUHIT NI CHRISTIAN REGANIT DEBUHO NG PAHINA NI JANNSEN MARTINEZ

Sa klase naman ni Lorraine Valerio, isang 1st Year BS Architecture student ng parehong unibersidad, pinaghahalo ang lahat ng klase sa lahat ng kurso na kabilang sa klaseng iyon at ang kanyang mga guro ay nagtatalaga ng isang guro na siyang hahawak sa buong

May pagkakahalintulad dito ang isang klase ni Alleah Jaucian, isang AB Political Science student ng UNC. Sabi niya, “The two teachers in the subject combined their class, and they helped each other discuss the lessons.

We don’t have a lot of interactions aside from addressing questions if you have some queries or concerns. Overall, it is more of a teachers’ discussion since I don’t think we have a chance to have some recitations or motivations considering the number of students.”

Ayon sa kanila, hindi sila komportable na maraming mag-aaral ang nasa isang klase dahil nagmumukha na itong “disorganized at confusing”. Sa kabilang banda, sinabi nila na ang kanilang mga guro ay sumasagot sa kanilang mga katanungan gamit ang messenger.

“She entertains concerns before and after the discussion, but preferably through private messaging her talaga.

‘Yang before and after the class minsan lang yan kasi kulang nga sa time, tapos hindi rin lahat of course maa-accommodate, but much better s’ya for me kung masagot ang question mo sa zoom pa lang compared sa private message. Kasi ‘pag ganito, there’s no guarantee na masasagot n’ya talaga and it’s understandable naman syempre imagine lampas 200 kami. Umabot na nga sa point na hindi na sya nakatatanggap ng messages dahil sa super daming nagmemessage sa kanya. So yun she answers naman our concerns as much as she can, it’s just that we’re too many,” ani Rodriguez.

Sabi pa ni Valerio, hindi masyadong natututukan ang mga pangangailangan ng isang estudyante at hindi rin maayos na nagkakaroon ng mabisang komunikasyon sa mga mag-aaral.

Dagdag pa ni Jaucian, “ I don’t think the problem is with the university’s teachers; it is more of the system.

In face-to-face classes, I don’t think they can put more than a hundred students in one class. I acknowledged that the university might just take advantage of modern technology since we are in a distance learning. Still, we should not take away the rights of the students to receive a quality education. Lastly, the teachers find it tough to access every student and compute their grades. The administration should hire more teachers or set different schedules and have a suitable capacity of students in every class. And if they have reasons for this situation, communicate them to the students and give them enlightenment.”

Ito ang kasalukuyang sitwasyon ng mga mag-aaral.

Datapwat hindi sila nagsisiksikan sa kanilang totoong kinalalagyan-- tahanan, sa kwarto o labas man, magugulantang ka na lang din sa tunog ng latang siniksik ng kakulangan. Kakulangan sa kaguruan, at natutunan ng mag-aaral.

Makikitang hindi talaga nagiging madali para sa mga estudyante at guro ang kalagayang ito, at nawa’y agarang maisaayos ang sistema na parang nagsisiksikan sa isang lata ng sardinas ang mga estudyante na ang tanging hangad lang ay matuto at makapagtapos sa kabila ng mga hamon na pinagdaraanan at kinahaharap ng bawat isa dulot ng pandemya.

Lathalain

TOMO LXIX, BILANG I Hulyo 15 - Oktubre 2021

19

E- Free Encyclopedia for a Price

BY MARIE JUVY LEA VIOLETA Would one dare settle for less, when the mind is thrilled for a quest? Obtaining knowledge is a discipline. Proverbs say “pay attention to your teacher and learn all you can.”

Wikipedia is the iconic ball of puzzle pieced together by humans around the globe. This tech giant celebrated its 20th birthday last January 15, 2021.

According to Wikimedia Foundation, it reached 9 Billion page views with 41,000 active editors, making 5 Million edits in just the month of October 2021 alone! It’s an incredible free encyclopedia but along with its rise in popularity came a pricey cost.

Trust was sacrificed. You’ve probably been cautioned by teachers or peers that Wikipedia is not a reliable source of information.

Research cited from this online encyclopedia isn’t acceptable in the academic community as content is crowdsourced, which means it can be written or edited by virtually anyone on the internet.

Even Jimmy Wales, the creator of Wikipedia discourages its use for “class projects and serious research” Jeffrey R. Young writes in Wired Campus.

Does this mean students can’t make use of Wikipedia? Not quite. Upon traipsing in the online wikimedia community, one volunteer editor addressed some common misconceptions.

This Wikipedian volunteer enjoys the fact that knowledge is accessible and free for everyone, unlike the typical paid encyclopedias. “Through the use of reputable journalism that has strong editorial oversight. I never rely on one source alone either. It’s best to use multiple fact check websites and multiple newspapers.”

A number of surveyed students would still use Wikipedia, yet they would verify the information. As a digital literate student, Eljohn De Jesus accepts Wikipedia’s limitations. “I can’t use it as a source of information as the information that it offers can very easily be edited by random people.”

Other students shared similar sentiments with Mikka as she expressed her distrust because people can abuse the liberty to make changes just to troll or mock a topic.

People can easily change names, dates, and locations that are really valuable for accuracy.

For JC Suarez, Wikipedia is a nonviable source. Even though he trusts it most of the time, he is still bothered by how the site is modeled to be edited by moderators. He suggests using Factcheck. org to verify if information is actually legitimate.

However, some wikipedia articles are not vulnerable to tampering as the user populace might think. Special security levels are given depending if the article is critical information or prone to edit abuse.

For example, if you look up ‘COVID-19 pandemic’ you’ll notice somewhere on the upper right page that it’s enforced with a blue lock.

According to the site’s Protection Policy, Extended Confirmed Protected Bluelock means users can only participate in editing if certain conditions and contributions are met. Gen, a 3rd year college student from UNC affirms the protection policy.

Going back to the Wikimedia community-- The Volunteer editor expressed how difficult it is for newcomers to get seriously involved in wikiprojects. That being said, the community openly encourages more people’s input to improve The Free Encyclopedia.

Wikipedia is not a perfect site, consider it as a diamond in the rough; having achieved success yet a work in progress in need of refinement.

With all that said and done, it’s up to the researchers’ discernment. Hold any information with an open mind for further readings, seeking trusted people’s wisdom and opening new tabs that lead to that chunky credible content you were hunting for. All the best in your quest.

See also • • • •

[ edit ]

The Orwellian Utopia Philippine National Drug Forging Rose N’ Gold Shook and Shaken

GRAPHICS BY BRANDON JON DELOS SANTONS PAGE DESIGN BY JANNSEN MARTINEZ

The DEMOCRAT thedemocratunc

n e Shook and Shak

BY NORENE CANTOR AND FLORALINE GENIO It was a cycle–the persistence in between uncertainties. It was as if anticipating the past and at the same time wishing it won’t happen again. It was panic, anxiety, and restlessness in a singular force.

On a seemingly normal night dated October 14, 2021, the usual busy schedules were not left undone–some were in-progress, some relaxing, some sleepy and most asleep. However, a tremor at 10:08 PM shook parts of Camarines Sur’s vicinity. The single strong shaking with a 4.3 magnitude felt strong enough, sending familiar but prolonged and more intense vibrations that lasted for seconds.

The fault line in Canaman was the focal point of the earthquake’s energy detection. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) noted a total of nine (9) quakes from the first one until 4:30 AM the next day with varying magnitudes.

Shook The second tremor at midnight was enough to wake people; students sent messages to one another and stayed vigilant. The fact that it had started to come consecutively alerted them and let them stay up later than they used to.

Without credible information about what was happening, people believed it was a main shock and aftershock scenario. An aftershock, according to Britannica, is a lower-magnitude quake that follows after a larger shock of a main quake. This was convincing due to the identical qualities that manifested and that was the usual event. However, those who felt the earthquake cannot sleep as they are scared another earthquake will occur which will be stronger and cause a disaster in their area.

Even information on the nature of aftershocks would not suppress the unpredictability of such phenomenon, Just as almost every student’s narrative the night it happened, one further elaborated how dreamlike or imaginary it felt because of the drowsiness. Maybe the first was scary, but for another to occur was another level of alarm.

“Then the earthquake was followed by another and another; it scared me and I actually panicked every time one occurred,” narrated the interviewee.

Earthquake drills are done annually and the instructions are clear. However, when met with the real scene, people tend to confuse what to put in front of their minds. Earthquakes are unpredictable in nature and can cause damages including the unexpected. Compared to the drills, an actual scenario would make so much difference to human behavior as physiological response to the scene drives the human to survive with all their guards up.

Panic is a common response to an abnormal situation.

Sociologists define it as a “spontaneous defensive reaction pattern, an asocial response to a threat that is perceived to be severe and immediate” (p. 171, Built Environment Volume 21 No. 2/3). It has neural mechanisms that interfere with normal functioning, including memory and decision-making, thus making a human under said circumstance to do what is immediate and easiest regardless of how it may make them feel.

Shaken On 18th of October, PHIVOLCS informed the masses that what the region is experiencing are earthquake swarms and not a series of aftershocks. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), swarms are a series of mostly small earthquakes that usually do not last long. They do not have an identified main shock unlike aftershocks.

“With no recognizable big event,” PHIVOLCS said in a statement, “this sequence of occurrences can be considered an earthquake swarm that may occur in a tectonically active zone, as evidenced by sparse seismicity in this area of Bicol.” Because the Bicolanos are not known to experience consecutive earthquakes, the Bicolanos were taken aback by the incident and were terrified.

“Despite the frightening experience, I tried to do the Duck, Cover, and Hold, and I prayed intently to God whenever an earthquake occurred,” shared the interviewee.

For people, this was a test of faith and decision-making.

As panic takes control of one’s mind, we now know why it is important to breathe from the invading disorder.

But while all of us know our accountabilities and responsibilities to such phenomena, it is high time we hear from the disaster response group about collective response and social responsibilities whenever life-threatening situations like this arise. We may promote equality in knowledge when we spread individual earthquake responses, but we may be able to respond with equity if we know how to collectively react.

What to do Before an earthquake, check if you have a first aid kit, a fire extinguisher, and are aware of the earthquake plan at your place.

During an earthquake, do not panic and stay calm. Stay inside if you are inside. Stay outside if you are outside. Next, conduct the drop, cover, and hold on. Drop to the ground and cover your neck and head with your hands during an earthquake.

Get underneath a table if you can and hold on until the shaking stops.

After an earthquake, examine yourself and others for injuries. Anyone who requires first assistance should be given it.

Expect some aftershocks.