End of the Road

The government seeks to replace jeepneys that are 15 years old or older with new vehicles that meet Philippine National Standards and are propelled by an electric drivetrain or a diesel engine that complies with Euro 4 regu lations, operators of jeepneys must join cooperatives or corporations under this phase-out by the end of 2023. There might not be enough jeepneys to trans port thousands of commuters each day if the old jeepneys are entirely phased off of our highways, and it may cause various economic issues among the country. This plan shouldn’t be pursued because it may cause more issues in the future.

Some transportation organizations view the phase-out of jeepneys as anti-poor due to the fact that it forces drivers and operators to invest in new vehicles, which can cost up to $50,500, more than ten times what traditional jeepneys cost. The financial burden for running the contemporary jeepneys could simply fall on passengers, as transportation fare skyrocket above the minimum to shoulder the cost. This move also might lead to loss of countless livelihoods for drivers “who are also family members of numerous teachers and students, and some are driving jeepneys because it’s their only source of profit.

warned that if the government insisted on carrying out the program to modernize jeepneys, it would result in job losses and other forms of economic hardship as well as fewer options for commuters to use public transportation at a time when the nation is still suffering from the COVID-19’s effects. It will negatively influence the daily lives of teachers and student commuters.

The phase-out of old jeepneys would have numerous benefits, particularly in terms of safety and environmental impact. One significant benefit is the shift to safer and more comfort- would ultimately reduce the number of accidents and injuries on the roads. But then again, the government should also think of what are the possible negative outcome on the hundreds and hundreds of jeepney drivers. Phasing out 15-year-old jeepneys by 2023 could lead to job losses and economic hardship for commuters and decision like this should be heavily brain stormed because it’s for the greater good of everyone. Jeepneys are the country’s cultural symbol and their scheme is going to crush that one treasure and also torture the wallets of many Filipinos.

Double-edged

As technology advances, so does the effects it has on the younger generations. TikTok, a social networking app, is no exception and is quickly becoming one of the most used platforms in the world. It has been praised for its ability to provide creative outlets for children, but is also condemned for its risky exposure to inappropriate content and cyberbullying. Teens modeling these improper activities is upsetting, and kids these days are fascinated with TikTok trends that occasionally aren’t fit for audiences younger than 18 years old. It is disappointing that TikTok does not take-action to delete offensive content because this could encourage children to imitate their actions.

According to Dr. David Barnhart, a clinical mental health counselor at Behavioral Science at Alabama, TikTok users that are often exposed to TikTok videos are fueled with body dissatisfaction, appearance-related anxiety, exercise addiction and more which can distort self-image. As of recent reports, it is estimated that roughly 32.5% of TikTok users are between the ages of 10 and 19. Youth are therefore left with an app that advertises and displays films that are inappropriate for them and that clearly have an impact on the users’ mental health. However, TikTok is not solely to blame for this. YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc. all contain inappropriate content as well. But it would be irresponsible to not realize the inappropriate content as a potential negative effect of TikTok.

Moreover, with the amount of hateful and malicious comments seen in the app, it is fair to say that cyberbullying feels too common on TikTok. While the said platform declined to reveal the exact number of harassment reports they received per month, a transparency report shown to Youthopia SG showed that only 3% of all reports from users fell under their harassment and bullying policy. Unfortunately, there are still many instances of cyberbullying happening on the platform despite measures taken to prevent it. TikTok has gone to great lengths to safeguard its community, but it is still not enough as cyberbullying remains a big issue within the app.

On the other hand, there are still benefits to using TikTok, such as how it can give voice to influential opinions, foster friendships and inspire creativity. However, addiction and incorrect use of this platform can have a profoundly negative impact on your entire being. The deep dive into TikTok and its potential consequences proves that this app is a double-edged sword—you can use it as a source of entertainment or be taken by its dark side. Hence getting rid of the app completely is not the answer. Instead, regulating our usage is the key.

Some people just dream and fret about their success, whereas others wake up every day and work tirelessly just to achieve it. It’s all about sheer determination, not just luck that made him who he is today. To achieve his ambition, he put on great effort just to live on that vision and have that sweet taste of victory.

This is Doctor Jaywen Rill Pantin Abio personal and up close.

Graduated his secondary education at Burauen Comprehensive National High School as Valedictorian and pursued his undergraduate degree in Biology at the University of the Philippines Visayas - Tacloban College. He then took up his Post-Graduate in Medical Science at Remedios Trinidad Romualdez Medical Foundation. Currently, he is affiliated with Ace Medical Center and United Shalom Hospital Tacloban and has residency training at Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center, Ophthalmology Department.

Hannah: What does it take to be a Doctor?

Jaywen Rill: Resilience, the right attitude, and approach. You have to surround yourself with good friends and the right people. No man is an island; you will need support along the way, may it be family or friends, and find balance in life.

Hannah: What was your dream job when you were still a kid?

Jaywen Rill: My grandfather used to tell me, “Get a job that will make yourself capable of helping people in need”. Since my father was a nurse, I have always witnessed people with pure smiles and gratitude on their faces after being given medical attention. The relief I saw from every patient that my late father treated motivated me to pursue medicine.

Hannah: What were the challenges you faced as a college student?

Jaywen Rill: It was about discipline and being focused on studies. At that age, it is where you get exposed to the world and be independent, and thus prone to making mistakes. However, the failures and downsides are what made me a better person and it was a learning curve. If you don’t make mistakes, it means you aren’t really trying anything new and sometimes a mistake can end up being the best decision you’ll ever make.

Hannah: What are your tips for future Licensure takers?

Jaywen Rill: While reviewing, the only thing that was instilled in my mind was to study not just for the sake of passing or acing the exam. I was reading and honing myself to be the great doctor that I would be afterward. Always have the right mentality. Claim it, but be humble and always seek god’s guidance. Hannah: To whom are you thankful?

Jaywen Rill: First to god for the answered prayers not just for me but for the people around me, to my mother who means everything to me, to my late father who was always been very supportive despite the various mistakes I’ve done, to my siblings for the support and help by all means. I’m also very thankful to my friends for keeping me sane throughout and all the mentors that molded me and the guidance I’ve had from diverse individuals.

Sunlight from her window warms her wrinkly old skin. As her silver hair glistens like bright stars, she stares outside seeing her grandchildren play happily, a warm smile slowly appears on her face. It reminded her of something… it’s strange… a buried recollection in her mind…she looks back in her memory again, the time her career sparked. What was her profession again? Ohh… I know…she was a midwife…

Blurry but timeless…

Late night in the comforts of her bed, peacefully hearing the crickets chirp.

“Aadi man la ako… ayaw ka kulba… relax la…”

“AAAAAhhh… haaa…HAAAAAAhhh”

“Sige iday undo la …”

The pain of labor was nothing to the mother when she saw her child for the very time…

“ungaahh ungaah ungaahh”

She bathed the baby gently. Dried with a towel, sprinkled with baby powder, covered the baby with a warm cloth, and handed it to the mother’s side.

Tears rolled down the mother’s cheeks as she heard her baby cry. Those tears were not from sadness nor the pain… those were tears of joy! She saw moments like this before… countless babies were born to this world unharmed thanks to her.

This skill was passed down to her by her mother. Born in July 1934, she started at the age of 33-34. Because of old age, she lost count already on how many times a woman in labor asked for her assistance. Going back, she was a single mother for her husband passed away in 1979. Raised her children independently.

She walked for miles to help those in need. She is known in many places, In Brgy. Pansud, Lapaz, Mayorga, Dulag, Palali, and especially Burauen. Leyte.

The most interesting about her style is that she prays first before she works. Her faith, passion, and devotion to God are strong as steel. She is also a very kind lady for she accepts any kind of payment. Whether it’s gifts or food she’ll accept it. Anyone would want to be her grandchild because of her caring, kind, and warm attitude towards everyone.

Everyone calls her Lola, Nanay, and Mama.

She is an unlicensed nurse midwife or hilot. But no child nor mother lost their lives during labor. She always uses protective equipment and sanitizers in her work.

Walking down the street I stumbled upon an old woman… with a sweet voice and a gentle tone,” Iday ikaw ba iton? Dako ka naman haha” and with her soft but wrinkly hands she reached up to my cheek for her to caress. With hesitation, I questioned her… “hi…hin …hin-o po kamo?”. She stopped for a moment…” di ka na nakilala ha akon? Akon hi im Lola Conching!”.

In just a mere second, we got to their house. Some familiar faces came to greet us. They all said the same thing that Lola Conching said to me earlier. “Daraga ka na man hahaha” and things like that… they invited me to stay a little while. With a trembling voice, I finally asked who they are and how do they know me. It took a lot of courage but it was worth it.

She is Conchita Balano, 89 years old. She still lives in Brgy. San Esteban Burauen, Leyte. She retired in 2013. Because of old age, she can’t remember everything about her past. “Lagas na ako, bugol na”. Even though you’re already old, your golden heart and good deeds will be unforgettable…

“Salamat Nay Conching!!!”