The Escolarian | A.Y. 2022-2023 | Issue 02

The new batch of lawyers raise their right hands and utter the word that will commence them as lawyers of the country As a new generation of future lawmakers and defenders of the Filipino people emerge, they speak a new oath which previous generations have left unspoken

Continue reading on p 8

Is the choice of a necessary evil the only types of questions Filipinos are made to answer?

Again, we find ourselves at a dead end, but now, just one wrong move guarantees our heads under the guillotine of a giant

The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) is an agreement between the United Stated and the Philippines, enabling the militaries of both countries to train together The same agreement allows sites to be

Continue reading on p 7

CEIS Seniors Celebrate Graduation Day

By Joanna Chiney

Matapos ang deka-dekadang pamamalagi ng Reuven

Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI) sa kalawakan, ito ay ibinalitang muling babalik sa atmospera ng Earth ngayong Abril 19, 2023, 08:21 p m , araw ng

Miyerkules Ang oras at araw na ito ay mula sa hinuha ng

kagawaran ng Tanggulang

Bansa na siyang

sumusubaybay sa pagbabalik ng nasabing spacecraft Ang kanilang pagmamatyag ay magpapatuloy sapagkat inanunsyo ng

Continue reading on p 21

By Biel Catipon 24

Yellow Griffins hailed as the overall champion of the Sports Festival 2023 during the final day of the event, March 31, 2023

In the 3-day event, Yellow Griffins poured out yellow feathers as they spread their wings tallying with the most wins in different games in the event

One of the team’s remarkable wins was when they demolished the three other teams

Continue reading on p 24

Travelling to different and multiple places on a single journey are commonly answered as a “dream” when asked To speak the truth, I want to experience that as well And here comes the question of; did you ever have a travel bucket list? It contains a list of places you want to visit someday; be it a city, a province, an island, or maybe a country Or are you a new traveler? Experienced? Then here is a website app (web app) that can be good for you

Santos

Ni Jhon Paul Cundangan • 0

Ni Jhon Paul Cundangan 21

Villar slams BFRV with a 2nd TRO

By Andrea Teves

Romualdez seeks to boost PHUS defense and security ties

By Joanna Chiney Santos

Senator Cynthia Villar files another temporary restraining order (TRO) against BF Resort Village (BFRV) on Wednesday, April 24 after their guards denied her passage to her compost site beside the river which can be accessed through the Las Piñas Friendship Route

After a video of the senator arguing with subdivision security guards circulated the internet last April 21, Villar has been receiving backlash regarding her behavior and a homophobic slur said towards the security personnel

The senator addressed her viral video in a press conference, explaining that they denied her access despite having a Friendship Sticker. However, she did not make a statement about her offensive slur towards the LGBTQIA+ community

The Friendship Route was created in 1995 wherein Las Piñas Residents and NonResidents who have obtained a Friendship Sticker are allowed to pass by subdivision roads to avoid the congested Alabang-Zapote Road

“I just know my right, so I exercise my right,” she said, noting that her compost pit has been in the subdivision for 20 years, and that she was a resident of BFRV for 45 years

The Las Piñas Regional Trial Court (RTC) grants Villar another restraining order against BFRV after they repeatedly removed a poster honoring the Friendship Route

The TRO restricts BFRV from removing the said poster on all exits so they can continue honoring the Friendship Sticker which is free for all Las Piñas Residents

A similar situation occurred between Villar and BFRV last September 2022

The senator is currently consulting with her lawyer and is considering to file a case against the person who took her viral video

House Speaker Martin Romualdez met with California's 40th District Representative Young Kim, chairman of the House of Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Indo-Pacific at the US Capital Washington D C last April 18, 2023

Romualdez said that the meeting with Rep. Kim focused on the defense and security engagement, which remains a key pillar of Philippines-United States bilateral relations.

"On top of our strong military security with the United States, Rep Kim has vowed to work with us to further strengthen and expand the country's economic security with them. This partnership will boost productivity, drive economic growth, and generate new jobs," Romualdez said.

The speaker also mentioned that following the Covid-19 pandemic, economic security became a more pressing concern

"We have to work together by expanding and prioritizing our investments Fostering economic cooperation and facilitating trade are keys for long-term growth and stability," he added

He also announced that Rep Kim is very pleased

to meet with him and his delegation and will be visiting the Philippines together with her team around November to further discuss the PH-US economic cooperation agreement.

Romualdez believes that Rep Kim wants to work with our own legislative branch in the Indo-Pacific Region having her as the chair of the Foreign Relations Subcommittee

He was also able to check the status of 89,000 Filipinos living under Rep Kim's district

"There is no doubt that our security alliance with the US played a key role, but it is clear that ensuring economic security is equally critical in order to build a resilient and inclusive economy that will strengthen both the Philippines and the United States Solidifying our alliance through more trade and investments can increase commerce, empower our people and ensure a peaceful, secure, and prosperous environment for all of us, " Romualdez added

The said PH-US economic agreement seeks to increase both countries' trade and boost opportunities for sustainable development The said agreement is believed to become possible after Rep. Kim's visit to the Philippines in November

CEIS Seniors Celebrate Graduation Day

By Joanna Chiney Santos

Batch 2022-2023 of Centro Escolar Integrated School (CEIS) Malolos celebrated in the institution's 6th Commencement Exercises with the theme of “K to 12 Graduates: Molded through a Resilient Education Foundation,” at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium last June 28, 2023

The program started with the Marshall of the Graduating Classes, which was then followed by the Marshall of the Top 10 Graduates, the Area Leads, the Faculty and Staff, and the Administrative Council for CEU and CEIS

Following the Academic Procession, Rev Fr Renato B Brion, Jr , Chancellor, Diocese of Malolos, presided over a Thanksgiving Mass. As they embark on a new chapter in their lives, he urged the graduates to start making changes for the good of all

After the mass, it was followed by the entrance of colors The ceremony was then officially opened by Dr Ma Cristina Padolina, followed by Ms. Abigail Espineda’s introduction of the guest speaker-Dr Herminio “Sonny” B Coloma, Jr , President of Centro Escolar Integrated School and Executive Vice President of Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation

Dr Coloma was unable to attend the rites physically; however, he delivered his message by video that was filled with encouragement and guidance

he value of technology for educational purposes was underlined by Dr Coloma T “We have learned to use the power of digital ghgfffffffffffhgfh

transformation to cope with day to day problems and to solve these problems in a fast and effective manner, ” he said.

He also emphasized the significance of K–12 education, since it gives students an additional two years of opportunity to acquire and develop their skills

At the conclusion of his address, he urged the students to exercise greater critical thinking and look for opportunities to effectively share their knowledge and skills for the advancement of our society

Right after Dr. Coloma’s speech, Mrs. Teresita D. De Leon presented the candidates for graduation with a total of 263 students across all strands 17 males and 23 females from the Accounting, Business, and Management (ABM) strand; 2 males and 27 females from the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand; and 82 males and 112 females from the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) strand. Dr. Teresa R. Perez then confirmed them as graduates

Following the presentation of certificates and diplomas, Sean Jared R Santos, Batch Valedictorian for the Class of 2022–2023, took the podium to express his gratitude and reminisce about his journey at CEIS

Santos advised his fellow graduates that the best motivation comes from their own "Do it for your dreams, your passions, your parents, your love interest, your country, or simply, do it just because you can, " he said

He expressed his sincere appreciation to the faculty members for serving as their beacon of light throughout their educational journey, to his STEM 12-F classmates for the bonds and memories they shared, to his family for their eternal love and support, and lastly, to his fellow graduates for overcoming challenges and succeeding as a whole

“Know that graduating, in and of itself, is already more than enough No amount of accolades and honors will ever shadow the fruit of your labor,” he added

Mr Santos once again congratulated the graduates and wished them a future filled with purpose, fulfillment, and the unwavering pursuit of excellence At the conclusion of his speech, he quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson to challenge his fellow graduates: "The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be "

Following this, the graduates pledge their loyalty to the Alma Mater which was led by Ms. Raphaelle Erika Victoria, Batch Salutatorian

The graduates then thank their parents and loved ones for their steadfast devotion and encouragement. The singing of their graduation song, "Verge" by Owl City, was then performed

For the final time as SHS students, Batch 2022–2023 sang the Centro Escolar Hymn before the exit of colors and recessional with the most profound gratitude and pride

ABM12 Students,First PlaceinQuiz Bowl2023

ByJamesFernando

CEIS Malolos Kick-Starts Sports Fest 2023

By Aliyah Garcia

MALOLOS CITY - The Centro Escolar Integrated School-Malolos (CEIS) Sports Festival 2023 formally commenced with a come-back ceremony on March 29, 2023 at the CEU Centrodome after two years of COVID-19 disruptions

The event started with a parade from the school quadrangle up to the CEU Centrodome for the opening event joined by the faculty, student council, players, and students in all levels while carrying banners of the team they represented

Dexter Agpoon, Francine Jonah Santos, and James Patrick Fernando from the Accountancy, Business, and Management (ABM) strand, under the supervision of Dr Aireen Inigo, won first place in the competition, “Quiz Bowl 2023: Accountants’

Assemble - Heroes Reborn” held by the Junior Philippine Institute of AccountantsCEU Malolos at Centro Escolar University Malolos’ ADA Hotel last March 3, 2023

The group tallied 49 points which was the highest among the 14 groups from eight different schools who participated in the event They scored 10 points in the easy round, 18 points in the average round, and 21 points in the difficult round

Centro Escolar Integrated School-Malolos won first place, while Marcelo H Del Pilar National High SchoolTeam 3 and Centro Escolar Integrated School-Manila won second and third places respectively

The students talked about their experiences and how they felt about the competition

“Winning the Quiz Bowl alongside James and Jonahwo of the smartest Accountancy students I kkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

know, was a momentous event,” Agpoon stated as he talked about how he felt about participating and winning the competition.

“We gave the school a victory that we hope is an achievement that everyone can be proud of Masaya at makabuluhan ang kompetisyon dahil nagkaroon din kami ng tyansang makilala ang ibang mga kalahok ”

“As an ABM student, being in a competition that revolved around our specialization, Accountancy, was a fruitful experience, and gaining first place from it was an even more exceptional experience,” Santos mentioned as she talked about her experience in joining and winning a competition that was centered on her specialization

“Our road towards this victory wasn’t easy. Marami kaming sinasagutan na activities as review namin para sa quiz bowl habang ginagawa yung activities sa ibang subjects Kaya nung nalaman namin na we won the first place, nasabi namin na worth it lahat nung review and masaya kami,” Fernando explained, talking about the group ’ s road to victory and their satisfaction when they won the first place.

The sports fest was held for three consecutive days on March 29, 30 & 31 that was participated by different teams; Elementary- Team Gab, Team Cha & Team Sarah, Junior High School- Green Juniors, ABM, HUMMS Grade 11 & 12- Blue Phoenix, Grade 11 STEM- Red Mockingjay, and Grade 12 STEM- Yellow Griffins

Events were simultaneously held on each day For Day 1, Mr & Ms Sports Fest & Little kkk

Mr. & Ms, Battle Cry (Elementary), Dance Competition (High school), Intermission (Pre-school), Essay Writing, Song Writing, Table Tennis, Basketball, and Volleyball Day 2; Laro ng Lahi, Mobile Legends, Call of Duty, Quiz Bee, Spelling Bee, Rebus Master, Chess, Word Factory, DaMath, Game of the Generals, Table Tennis, Basketball, and Volleyball Day 3; Laro ng Lahi (Elementary department), Game of the Generals, EGames, Basketball & Volleyball Championship, and Battle of the Bands

During a brief interview with Ms Angielyn Prima C De Leon, Team Lead for Student Activities, CEIS Sports Coordinator, and Overall Chairperson, she emphasized the value of appreciation for freedom in line with holding these school activities It did not become easy to serve holistically the interests of the students because there were processes and approvals to be made regarding health protocols And with the success of this event, she is glad that camaraderie is back on campus

By Biel Catipon

Centro Escolar Integrated School-Malolos (CEIS) fulfilled the Business Enterprise Week with the title “Start-Up CEIS V1 0” at the school grounds that lasted from April 24 until May 6, 2023

In this mini-summer bazaar, not only the Accountancy Business and Management strand participated but also the Humanities and Social Sciences, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics departments

DinoSaucer, EscoMart, Go Bap, MalamBingScoop, Roast On, Fingrrr, iCandy Boulevard, Pika-Pika Choose, Solo-Salo, KIMCHEESE!, O’cakes, Snackaboo, Business Industreets, Swee10ed Cravings, SMILESSIPS, JUICE TO MO TO, Disenyo ni Ligaya, Affordabowl, Maki-Maki, HU/GO, Penmanship, Kahit Saan, 2 Food to be True, Cravings Satisfied, and Food Industreets

partook in the 10 operating days of this activity

The 26 student businesses offered a variety of products such as drinks, meals, snacks, shirts, and stationeries

Grade 11 students also acted as “interns” in the businesses as part of their academic requirement in the subject of Personal Development The winners who were hailed the best in each category were then awarded during the Flag Raising Ceremony last May 8

Best in Customer Service - iCandy Boulevard

Best in Advertising - MalamBingScoop

Best Booth - Roast On

This 10-day activity lets the students experience how to plan, organize, manage, and operate like real business owners and earned a total of over P700,000 gross sales

Expect an increase in text fraud after the extension of SIM registration, says DICT

By Joanna Chiney Santos

With the 90-day delay for the SIM card registration, from April 26, 2023, to July 25, 2023, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) issued a public warning about a potential rise in the amount of text scams and spams

“We expect that text scams will increase again because we have given them a 90-day window to continue their nefarious activities,” said the DICT Secretary, Ivan Uy in a public press conference last April 25, 2023

According to him, it is a pro and a con thing, and it was challenging for the agency to decide

“Ultimately, it is for our own good and to protect the public from all these criminal activities and scams I am just issuing this warning to the public: expect an increase in scams within this 90day period because we ’ ve just opened the floodgates again,” said Uy

According to him, the factor behind the low registration isn’t really because of “limited ID”, but because of the “bad habits” of Filipinos

He stressed that Filipinos are “hard-headed” for always hoping for an extension and for doing things “at the last minute ”

He also added that the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) also experience the same problem when it comes to registration

“It is a bad habit, and I think we should start being more responsible in complying When we say deadline, it is really a deadline,” Uy stated

Uy anticipates that there will be about 100 million total SIM registrations, although as of right now, only around 87 million people have done so

By Biel Catipon

Campus journalists of Centro Escolar Integrated School-Malolos (CEIS) clinched awards in individual and group categories during the Division Schools Press Conference at Marcelo H Del Pilar National High School (MHPNHS) last May 3, 2023

For individual categories, Jhon Paul Cundangan won 2nd place in Science and Technology Writing (Filipino), and Ma Ellery Brienne Santiago bagged 3rd place in Photojournalism (English)

For the group category, Jada Kalia Aquino, Francois Zuriel Biwit, Lara Ysabel Barredo, Kimberly Dominique Teodoro, and Jean Christian Dinio acquired 2nd place in Radio Broadcasting (Filipino) llllllll

which Dinio received the Best News Presenter (Filipino) award

Cundangan and Santiago secured tickets to advance to the Regionals Schools Press Conference in Nueva Ecija

CEIS also participated in the categories of News Writing, Editorial Writing, Feature Writing, Sports Writing, Column Writing, Copyreading and Headline Writing, and Collaborative Desktop Publishing

Since the pandemic began two years ago, DSPC finally made its comeback this year with the theme “Pahayagang PangKampus: Kaagapay sa Paghilom at Pagbangon ng Sambayanan ”

By Biel Catipon

Seven students of Centro Escolar Integrated School-Malolos (CEIS) completed the tasks and challenges to become Wakelet Student Ambassadors

Andrea Francesca Dorupa, Biel Catipon, Samantha Mae Santos, Francesca Isabelle Estrada, Andrea Teves, Alliah Lyn Reyes, and Erica Mae De Guzman from HUMSS12A finished the 6C’s of Wakelet Curation, Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, and Citizenship

These tasks helped the students boost and improve some particular life skills

“I would like to congratulate my students for completing all of the tasks equipping them with modern, dynamic learning skills to become digital citizens,” said CEIS Teacher and Microsoft Certified Trainer Imelda Reyes in a Facebook post

The student ambassadors were also awarded with medals and certificates during the Recognition Day at Centro Escolar University (CEU) Centrodome last June 21

Wakelet is a digital curation platform that allows teachers and students to arrange and organize a variety of content for simple access.

Hontiverosto ChinaEnvoy: Packupand leave

By Andrea Teves

Holding the Line: Maria Ressa’s Sacrifices for Truth and Democracy

By Andrea Teves

Senator Risa Hontiveros comments on Ambassador Huang Xilian’s “illadvised pronouncements” at the 8th Manila Forum for China-Philippines relations through a video and a written statement on Monday, April 17.

“These are truly disgraceful statements from Ambassador Huang Xilian,” says the senator before appealing to the palace to report the representative’s behavior to the Chinese Government after he advised the Philippines to “unequivocally oppose the Taiwan Independence” if the country is concerned with the 150,000 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) in Taiwan

Ambassador Huang makes this statement after the stir over Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) sites started appearing at the Taiwan Strait.

Senator Hontiveros revokes the claim by establishing that the Philippines will not interfere with the Taiwan Independence to respect the rights of the Taiwanese to selfdetermination and reminds all nations, “including the aristocratic regime of China,” to uphold the same respect towards Taiwan

Another statement from the senator asks the Malacañang to prepare a contingency plan for the OFWs in Taiwan in case diplomatic conflicts affect their employment.

She adds that the government should strengthen its economic ties with the Taiwan Government to secure the OFWs’ jobs in the said country.

Another article of mine criticizing the government has been published in our publication’s online forum, and our Facebook page, once again, is booming with notifications as opinions from the pro-government side and the left-ist party clashed using accounts with fake names I slip my phone back in my bag as I wait for a jeepney to pass our block, yet no form of public transport passes, especially at this time of the night.

As time passes, my heart starts to beat at a faster pace as I fear for my life Aside from the alreadylurking dangers at night, journalists, especially those who are critical of the government, will find themselves dead on the pavement. The broadcasters who deliver news will be all over the pages first thing in the morning, blood splattered on the pavement where they lie lifeless

These are the common experiences of journalists all over the world because their government uses impunity as a weapon against those who oppose their rule according to Rappler CEO Maria Ressa in her lecture after receiving Alfred Nobel’s Peace Prize, along with her co-journalist Dmitry Moratov, Friday, December 10, 2021

Representing journalists around the world, she stood in front of Royals, Dignitaries, Leaders, and other Nobel Awardees, with a shaky breath, unbelieving that she was chosen, and that she was the one articulating a message to the world about fighting the rising impunity among country leaders due to disinformation

In her speech, she mentioned honorable names of slayed and oppressed journalists who held the line against the government’s impunity Some of them were her colleagues who lost their lives in exchange for the truth

The Nobel Laureate herself had 10 arrest warrants lined up at her door which could put her in a prison cell for hundreds of years, but these threats only fueled her will to conform to her job's kkkkkk

demands, and that is to report the truth and establish facts so that we may be protected against this silent atomic bomb that exploded in our information ecosystem, even though it comes with a huge sacrifice such as your freedom, rights, and even your own life

And that is what Maria Ressa has been doing for the past five years, when Rappler became the subject of hate after calling out President Rodrigo Duterte’s War on Drugs, and Mark Zuckerberg’s Facebook, which has been a great tool in spreading disinformation.

Ressa later admitted that her country, the Philippines, has been a target of this Because of "influencers” posting content that holds no truth to it, the frontrunner for the Presidential Elections is the son of the former dictator whom this very country ousted 35 years ago And it is all because of the accounts that spread content polishing the image of the Marcoses which is an attempt to rewrite history before our eyes.

With this in mind, she urged everyone to empower the independent media, and to journalists, she reminded them of the profession’s code of honor, which is to defend freedom of speech

On a social media platform that is biased against facts, Maria Ressa reminds her audience that “Without facts, you can't have the truth. Without truth, you can’t have trust Without trust, we have no shared reality, no democracy, and it becomes impossible to deal with the existential problems of our times ” A statement that resonates with the importance that the media plays in defending democracy

“What are you willing to sacrifice for the truth?” This is the question that she asked throughout her lecture. I sigh in relief when a jeepney finally stops in front, more determined than ever to hold the line that prevents humanity from showing its worst

ESCOLARIAN THE

2021-2022

EDITORIAL BOARD

Biel Jose Catipon

Editor-in-Chief

Andrea D A Teves

Associate Editor

Ellyssa Marie E Talucod

Chief News & Opinion Editor

Chief Layout Artist

Maria Sophia R Mendiola

Chief Features Editor

Mary Elizabeth S De Mesa

Head Cartoonist

James Patrick M Fernando

Assistant News & Opinion Editor

Alicia Louisse M Cortez

Assistant Features Editor

Pia Karoline M De Jesus

Assistant Chief Layout Artist

NEWS AND OPINION CORRESPONDENTS

Paul Armand DJ Mallari

Aliyah Patricia E Garcia

Joanna Chiney Kaye S Santos

Ray Anne Denise B Go

Jada Kalia B Aquino

Raiah Lois S Larit

Ashley Faith R Salonga

FEATURE WRITERS

Brigette Leigh B Mantala

Alyssa Micah T Tayug

Ma Sophia Valerie M Valenzuela

Precious Sabine C Pinto

Trisha Mhei L Cruz

Jessie Jillianne S Racoma

Ivan Chris Earl Miranda

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY WRITERS

Roi Edan M Victoria

Renz Joshua A Cioco

Deanne Faith A Manalo

Jhon Paul B Cundangan

SPORTS CORRESPONDENT

Ezra Nelsen S Dizon

Brianne Francesca M Feliciano

Franchezca Denisse S Ilagan

LAYOUT ARTISTS

Brigette Leigh B Mantala

Femienina Marie C San Antonio

COPYREADER

Chelsea Shayne R Ricohermoso

SOCIAL MEDIA AND WEBSITE MANAGERS

Francois Zuriel N Biwit

Hazel Joyce P Jacob

Roxcele Anthonea L Lachica

Ava Victoria A Tan

PHOTOJOURNALISTS

Airhyz Cheruvin R Villanueva

Ma Victoria R Mendiola

Ysabella Therese C San Antonio

Ma Ellery Brienne B Santiago

Hershey Mishka A Ching

Raydn Mary H Punla

Sarah Neiller S Mundo

CONTRIBUTORS

Charisse Nicole N

Dionisio

Aian Clarence Enrico C

Mabanta

Cresenciana Julia L

Daluz

Kimberly Dominique D

Teodoro

Justine Kurl Q Gabat

Kurt Aeron D Dela Cruz

Willan Faith A Espiritu

Azymiel Joy F Calayag

Maria Jacqueline C

Florendo

Frances C Ramas

TECHNICAL ADVISER

Escaping the Guillotine Game

Grace Chelsey M

Quintana

Maria Franchesca M

Santos

Cyrish Jane B Estrella

Hannah Faith C Ilag

Scarlett Jaione D Javier

Jennifer Nicole V

Nelmida

Kelly Caitlin A Garcia

Ashley Nicole C Busa

Maxine Reiza L Lorenzo

Lara Ysabel Barredo

Raiven Kamille T

Abdala

Mr Raymond Carlo D Mendoza

CONSULTANTS

Ms Angielyn Prima C De Leon

Team Lead for Student Services and Activities

Mrs Teresita D De Leon

Acting Assistant Principal, HS Department

Ms Abigail D C Espineda

Principal, CEIS

Is the choice of a necessary evil the only types of questions Filipinos are made to answer? Again, we find ourselves at a dead end, but now, just one wrong move guarantees our heads under the guillotine of a giant

The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) is an agreement between the United Stated and the Philippines, enabling the militaries of both countries to train together The same agreement allows sites to be built for this purpose Recently, talks about new EDCA sites have been rampant, bringing with it mixed opinions from the masses.

Arguments go back and forth between those that side between the giants that are the US and China If the EDCA sites are to be built, the narrative turns to the Philippines siding with the IS, as it strengthens the bond between the two countries But if it is postponed, the US will look at us with an eyebrow raised, possibly asking if this is a sign that the country is siding with China

Ever since the first colonizers stepped into our land, we have long been used and exploited The only question to ask the governments is why they keep on putting us in situations where we can never win.

If they have the capacity to fund these sites, why not utilize those funds for our own country’s military growth? Excellence will never be achieved if we keep on believing that we have to be dependent on countries playing a game of superiority and using our country as a pawn

The new batch of lawyers raise their right hands and utter the word that will commence them as lawyers of the country As a new generation of future lawmakers and defenders of the Filipino people emerge, they take a new oath which previous generations have left unspoken

During the inauguration of the new Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability (CPRA), a new oath was revealed after seven months to create a "modern, relevant and responsive guide for a lawyer’s conduct," which they have consulted to 2,000 law practitioners for.

A new thought was added to this new code, that being “justice”. A word absent from the country’s oath beforehand, but present in other countries compared to it But is it the lack of that which caused lawyers sitting atop or government neglect to provide its citizens with the justice they deserve?

A lens on the past To believe that justice has been served to years of torments during the unspoken era is to believe that those victims require no justice at all Years of neglect and avoidance of a man-made stigma must already be enough pain to have made the survivors of those times go through.

Senior Associate Justice Marvic Leonen said that the revised oath highlights a lawyer’s duty to give justice and to give access to it. That of which was not highlighted before, initiating revolutions such as the People Power Revolution of 1986

A note for the present Let this be a basis for citizens of this state, assess the lawmakers appointed to govern the country Recheck their qualifications. Ask. Ask yourselves if they are accountable Ask if they are responsible And most of all, ask if they provide justice

Let us stir away from politicians who neglect past faults Not recognizing the gravity of what they have done Not acknowledging sins of the past. Those so selfish to utter an apology, an apology which heals decades of the heavy, tiring grief relatives and survivors carry on their backs

A gift to the future To the upcoming generations of lawyers, speak this oath wholeheartedly Embody what it means to be the servers of justice, most especially to your fellow Filipinos

Justice and the desire to provide it is a prerequisite in the journey towards becoming lawyers Let us learn from the past, what mistakes were done Let us be active in the present, in scrutinizing the appointed lawyers we have tasked to govern the country Let this be an inspiration to the future, to instigate change and evolution of providing justice to the Filipino people

Protect the People: Little Ironies of the Administration

By Precious Sabine Pinto

We rely on the police officers to protect us, but who do we call when the police murder? Last April 24, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. led the Philippine National Police (PNP) change of command ceremony in Camp Crame, appointing Benjamin Acorda Jr as the new PNP Chief General following Police General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr.’s retirement Marcos challenged Acorda to uphold his power as the citizens’ defender in his speech

With citizens seeking accountability, the PNP has yet to prove its transparency as an institution Recently, Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, assigned as the overseer of the PNP, disclosed that high-ranking police officers are suspected of being part of the P6 7 billion shabu controversy Marcos further stated that the law enforcement agency is tasked to win the public’s trust again. These matters posit a duty for the new Chief General to modify the ways of the police force and strive for a transformative change toward a better system

PNP was also at the center of public outrage after being behind several death cases concerning abuse of power

During Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s term, the war on drugs was implemented with the PNP as the leading actor behind the operation The killing of the 17year-old Kian Delos Santos at the hands of Caloocan City cops and mother and son Sonya and Frank Anthony Gregorio, who ex-cop Jonel Nuezca fatally shot after a heated argument, posed a question: How can we trust the police to serve and protect when their actions often result in unnecessary violence and death?

Despite Marcos’ “revised” system of war on drugs, this does not free the citizens from the fear of death under a new administration, having documented at least 263 reported drug-related killings from July 2022 to April 2023. He has told the national police to serve the people with integrity and genuine justice, but this was not precisely reflected in his administration, where the expenditures of his travels over the past few months were unpublicized

The police’s presence was only felt in brutality, not in protecting the welfare of our countrymen. Human rights violations have been on the scene for decades now While it is unclear what the future holds after this change of command, there is only one thing sure: the Philippines deserve a law-abiding and ethical regime and law enforcement system that does not take advantage of those they serve

Once more, who do we call when the police murder? The government? However, who do we call when the government also murders? No one but ourselves. As citizens, we must not pay any heed to injustice and never let people of power oppress our liberties Our silence will not protect us from these trespasses, but our awareness can Let us be critics of severe actions and never tolerate undertakings that harm our solidarity as Filipinos Demand accountability, transparency, and integrity from the “elite.” May we not rest until justice is finally served, and drops of blood have finally stopped shedding

Several lawmakers and stakeholders are calling on the Department of Education (DepEd) to revert the school calendar from September to May, to June to March This proposed change has been met with mixed reactions, but returning to a June-March school calendar in the Philippines would be beneficial both for students and teachers.

First, the proposed change could address the challenges of climate change According to a study from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, schools that have air conditioning consume a significant amount of energy and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions which adds to climate change. Schools often use air conditioning units and electric fans to combat the country's hot and humid climate By starting school during the cooler months of June to March, schools could potentially reduce energy consumption, leading to a more environmentally-friendly education system

Secondly, 86.7% of students, according to a survey, find it hard to focus due to heat, 39 62% are often absent, and 37 18% acquire ailments triggered by heat The children's health shall not be sacrificed because if their health gets compromised, the effects will be worse Their wellbeing should be prioritized at all times

Moreover, the proposed shift and the school calendar could result in better retention and understanding of lessons The length of a school year can be a factor in how much time students are able to spend on each subject The June to March calendar offers less interruption with shorter breaks leading to the potential for better retention and a deeper understanding of each lesson

Lastly, the June to March school calendar aligns the Philippine education system with international standards Observing the same calendar will make it easier for the Philippines to integrate with the international education community and improve its rank in the global ranking where it landed 72nd out of 100 in 2021 Filipino students can also receive more opportunities to attend international programs like summer schools, exchange programs, and internships.

Opponents of the proposed shift argue that the September to May school calendar has been a part of the country's tradition since the pandemic, and shifting to a new one could cause confusion and difficulty However, we should not let tradition hinder progress.

A shift back to a June-March school calendar can address the challenges of climate change, seasonal conditions, and retention. The country's educational sector must be willing to embrace change to continuously improve our students' education and their future prospects.

Ever-Evolving Legal Ethics

By Precious Sabine Pinto

Learning for decades. Analyzing thousands of court cases Studying for the nerve-racking Bar examination

There is the utmost respect for today's legal practitioners. However, in recent times, the public's trust in the legal profession has been eroded due to the actions of a few bad actors, highlighting the need for a change. Last April 13, the Supreme Court En Banc finally approved the revised Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability for lawyers. The CPRA follows a values-based framework: Canons on Independence, Propriety, Fidelity, Competence, Diligence, Equality, and Accountability. With more provisions to accurately reflect today's fast-paced and demanding society, the revised code aims to become a cornerstone for lawyers to uphold ethics when practicing in the field continuously

Chief Justice Gesmundo stated that CPRA captures the virtues that everyone in the legal profession must live up to in the modernized and technologicallydemanding society, the conduct of nonlegal staff, among other intricacies experienced by practitioners today The 21st century considered the "digital age, " has introduced various technological advancements that have been considered helpful to us today Social media is considered one of the greatest inventions used for almost every facet of life, and just as we are using it, legal practitioners can also examine it as it has the potential to be the deadliest place on Earth if not utilized correctly.

Considered as the lawyers' "Book of Life," the chairperson of the sub-committee for the revision of CPRA Justice LazaroJavier made a call to lawyers: to always tuck it within them beside their conscience Legal practitioners have a mission to let justice prevail, and the field of law is multifaceted, thus emphasizing the need for higher standards of conduct This proposed code is meant to foster an environment where ethical conduct performs a dedicated role in the administration of justice After all, there is no justice if there is no ethics. Before being lawyers, today's legal practitioners were just individuals in a society following a set of rules that kkkkkkkkkkkkkkk

distinguishes right from wrong Ethics has long been the foundation of human society, and thus, it should also be the foundation for the legal prospect Lawyers play a critical role in protecting the rights of vulnerable individuals and communities, and the CPRA can help ensure that lawyers are held to a high standard when it comes to upholding these rights.

Lately, there has been much controversy about the role of lawyers in today's society Some political officials have studied law before entering the political landscape, and as we know it today, most use it for the bad and their betterment This has opened up more anxiety regarding the reliability and trustworthiness of lawyers So how can we be so sure that the lawyers we have today still live up to their name?

There have been many implications for this proposed code, especially regarding the country's justice system The proposed code was primarily derived from the hurdles that legal practitioners are experiencing in the Filipino culture primarily social issues The justice system of the Philippines has been characterized as unfair and ineffective, where the issue of abuse of power lingers Thus, this code promotes the highest standards of conduct among legal practitioners, which can help restore public trust in the Philippines' justice system, thus, striving for transformative and productive reforms

The prevalence of corruption among political officials in the political system of the Philippines has been one of the country's main problems ever since, and the economic implications of this have greatly affected those in the marginalized communities, who are primarily framed in nothing but poverty until the end of their lives.

We are driven by change As 3,992 new lawyers greet us, the CPRA is just in time for something new and better. Hence, it is a much-needed step to elevate the quality of the country's justice system A more just and equitable system is not what the countrymen need but what they deserve May justice always prevail even in the times when darkness remains.

Inaprubahan na noong nakaraang Abril ang 90 araw na extension para sa pagpaparehistro ng mga

Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card, mula sa ika-26 ng Abril hanggang ika-25 ng Hulyo ayon kay Justice

Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla alinsunod sa SIM Card Registration Act Sa ilalim ng naturang batas, lahat ng ginagamit na mga SIM cards ay kailangang irehistro upang patuloy na magamit ng mga indibidwal ang kalakip nitong telecommunication services at internet

Sa kabila nito, nilinaw ni Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT)

Secretary Ivan John Uy na lahat ng hindi pa rehistradong SIM simula Abril 26 ay unti-unting mawawalan ng serbisyo mula sa mga telecommunications companies Aniya, maaari pa ring makapag-text o tawagan ang mga taong may hawak nito, ngunit hindi na sila makagagamit pa ng internet at mga social media Sa ganitong paraan, mapipilitang magparehistro ang mga

Pilipino

Bago ito, matatandaang ang layunin ng pamahalaan sa pagpasa ng naturang batas ay upang tuldukan ang mga text scams at phishing attacks sa mga

mamamayan Ngunit ayon kay Edmund Ray Milanes, pinuno ng Nexus Technologies Inc ’ s Managed Services Group, hindi pa sapat ang batas na ito upang mapuksa ang ganitong isyu dahil maaari pa ring makapanggaya ng mga numero ang mga kriminal upang lokohin ang isang tao o ‘di kaya’y itago ang kanilang

pagkakakilanlan sa pamamagitan ng paggamit ng mga unregistered SIM cards at pagtapon sa mga makapangbiktima

Gayundin, maaaring maging daan ang batas na ito upang makuha ng pamahalaan ang mga personal na impormasyon ng isang tao Sa kalidad ng seguridad ng bansa, hindi malabong milyon-milyong

mga data ang manakaw ng

mga kriminal sakaling ihack nila ang mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan Sa

katunayan, nasa 1 2 milyong records ng mga

pulis ang nakompromiso noong nakaraang Abril 18 dahil sa malawakang data hack sa bansa, base sa ulat ng cybersecurity research company na vpnMentor Kung ibibigay ng mga

Pilipino ang kanilang mga personal na detalye sa pamahalaan, tila isinusugal na rin nila ang kanilang buhay sa bawat segundong lumilipas

Isa pa, maaaring magamit ng mga nakatataas ang gawing ito upang tugunan ang kanilang pansariling layunin laban sa isang tao Sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaroon ng access sa mga impormasyon ng lahat ng mamamayang Pilipino, magiging madali na lamang para sa sinumang opisyal ang gumawa ng anumang aksyon laban sa mga taong kaalitan o ‘di kaya’y may atraso sa kanila.

Mainam naman ang layunin ng pamahalaan sa pagpasa ng SIM Card Registration Act, ngunit hindi naman tamang basta-basta na lamang nila itong ipatutupad gayong hindi sapat ang kalidad ng bawat ahensiyang hahawak ng mga personal na detalye ng mga Pilipino. Kung hindi rin mapabubuti ang pangkabuuang cybersecurity sa bansa, mawawalan lang ng silbi ang naturang batas habang ang buhay ng milyonmilyong Pilipino ay nasa bingit ng panganib

A Series of Not Walking the Talk

By Ellyssa Marie Talucod

We know that it is a fact that what we see in mirrors are true reflections, but that statement is preposterous to a man of great hypocrisy. Almost a year since the sun shone dimmer lights. A glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel cast with a gloomy cloud that brought catastrophe since President Bongbong Marcos is nearing his first year in office, bringing with him a new chief for the Philippine National Police (PNP)

On April 24, PBBM named the successor of the PNP in the Retirement Celebration and Change of Command Ceremony He named Chief General Benjamin Acorda Jr to take on the role as the 29th Chief of the 228,000-strong police force He led the ceremony, and gave a speech saying eyebrow raising statements

“Finally, serve the people with integrity, with accountability, and genuine justice ” The tiger in sheep’s clothing said as he closed off his speech. Time and time again, he has been in denial of the torments experienced by the citizens they supposedly served during the time of his father’s regime A statement in the years 2015, 2016, 2021, even in 2022 when he was running for office, and even after winning, he still would not apologize for their abuses It is not that relatives of victims and survivors are begging for an apology, but they are just seeking some form of acknowledgment about what grave sins they experienced that these people had to endure.

On February 7, many were flabbergasted as the President urged the public to pay the correct taxes on time Getting that statement out of him was rich considering the fact that the Bureau of Internal Revenue sent a demand to the Marcos family to pay their over P200 billion tax liabilities.

Former Vice President Leni Robredo’s statements about the then Senator about not being seen in the difficult moments were further backed by his actions and perhaps even mocked, when the devastating Typhoon Paeng hit You would think that his first response would be to get down to the stranded areas and help in every way he can, but his first thing on the list was to do an ‘aerial inspection’ of the stranded areas accompanied by a group of photographers to take pictures of him to post on his socials

Time and time again he has proven that he cannot walk the talk The tiger only roars but when it comes to caring for its people, he seems to camouflage against his loyal subjects The Filipino people deserve better than to be mocked and look forward to empty promises This only begs us to ask the question if his grave infamies reflect in waters as angel wings?

Ni Alyssa Micah Tayug

CONFIDENTIAL FUNDS: Lihim ng mga Buwaya

Ni Biel Catipon

CGGI 2023: Gising na, Pilipinas!

Transparency ang isang batayan para makita kung may matinong gobyerno ang isang bansa Ngunit paano na lamang kung puro lihim ang alam ng gobyerno ng isang bansa? Noong nakaraang taon, nagrequest ang Office of the President (OP) ng P4 5 bilyon na confidential at intelligence funds samantalang ang Office of the Vice President (OVP) naman ay nanghingi rin ng P500 milyong confidential funds Nakatataas-kilay isipin kung saan gagamitin nina Pangulong Ferdinand "Bongbong" R Marcos jr at Pangalawang Pangulo Sara Duterte ang mga pondong ito.

Bilyon-bilyong piso ang confidential at intelligence funds ng Pangulo at Pangalawang Pangulo maaaring paraan para nakawan na naman ang sambayanang Pilipino

Nakakapagtataka kung saan ito balak gamitin ng OP at OVP dahil kung ikukumpara sa mga nakaraang pangulo at pangalawang pangulo, mayroon din naman silang confidential funds ngunit hindi aabot sa napakalaking halaga tulad ng hinihingi ni Marcos, Jr Ngunit noong nakaraang administrasyon, humingi rin ang pangulo ng kasinghalagang confidential at intelligence funds.

Bukod dito, kahit na may karapatan talaga ang executive branch na manghingi ng ganitong uri ng pondo, maaari nila itong gamitin nang ilegal at pagnakawan ang bayan. Maiuugnay rin dito ang mga ispekulasyon na gagamitin ang pondo sa pork barrel na idineklarang unconstitutional ng Korte Suprema noong 2013 Sa pahayag din ni Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III na hindi kakailanganin ng OP ang ganitong malaking pondo dahil mayroon naman nang umiiral na intelligence agencies and units sa bansa. Sinabi rin ni Albay Representative Edcel Lagman na hindi sakop ng OVP ang National Security, kaya para saan ito?

Isa pa, hindi pinag-aralan at pinag-isipang mabuti ng Senado ang paghiling ng mga pondong ito ng OP at OVP dahil aprubado na ito. Hindi rin naman nakakagulat na aprubahan ito agad sapagkat karamihan ng mga Senador ngayon ay kapartido ng Pangulo noong eleksyon

Sa kabilang dako, maaari nga namang may maayos na patutunguhan ang mga pondong ito katulad ng sinabi ni Pimentel na ilaan ang P150 milyon na confidential funds ng Bise-Presidente sa pagbibigay ng electric fans sa mga paaralan bilang solusyon sa matinding init na nararamdaman ngayon

Sa kabuuan, hindi maiiwasang tanungin ng madla ang patutunguhan ng mga ponding ito dahil hindi naman talaga kailangan ng executives ang sobrang laking halaga Pero dahil aprubado na ito ng Senado, ang tanging magagawa na lang ay kaltasan ang confidential funds at siguraduhing mapupunta ito para sa pambansang seguridad ng bansa at para sa mga Pilipino

Noong nakaraang Abril, inilabas ng Chandler Institute of Governance (CIG) ang Chandler Good Government Index (CGGI)

2023 kung saan bumaba sa ika66 na pwesto ang Pilipinas mula sa ika-63 noong 2022 Sa kasalukuyan, ito na ang pinakamababang ranggo ng bansa sa CGGI dahil matatandaang nasa ika-61 na

pwesto ang Pilipinas noong 2021

Ngayong taon, binigyang-diin ng

CIG ang pangangasiwa ng

gobyerno ng bawat bansa sa

gitna ng pandaigdigang krisis

Nakabatay rin ito sa 35 indicators sa ilalim ng pitong haligi:

Pamumuno at Pananaw sa Kinabukasan; Matatag na mga Batas at Patakaran; Matatag na mga Institusyon; Pangangasiwa sa Pananalapi; Kaakit-akit na Pamilihan; Pandaigdigang Impluwensya at Reputasyon; at Pagtulong sa mga Taong Bumangon

Kung titignan ninuman ang kaniyang paligid, hindi maikakailang talamak sa bansa ang kabi-kabilaang korupsyon ng mga nakatataas na siyang malaki ang epekto sa ranggo ng Pilipinas. Sa katunayan, nasa ika-70 na pwesto ang bansa pagdating sa kategoryang Matatag na mga

Batas at Patakaran, siyang pinakamababa kumpara sa ranggo ng Pilipinas sa iba pang mga haligi Isa rin sa mga indicators nito ay ang

transparency na sumusukat sa

katapatan ng pamahalaan sa

paglalabas ng mga impormasyon at ulat sa masang Pilipino patungkol sa mga ginagawang proseso sa bansa Dito pa lamang, bagsak na agad ang Pilipinas dahil ayon sa Corruption

Perception Index (CPI) ng

Transparency International, nasa ika-116 mula sa 180 na mga bansa ang Pilipinas ngayong taon

Dagdag dito, nasa ika-69 na pwesto naman ang bansa pagdating sa kategoryang

Pamumuno at Pananaw sa Kinabukasan, na siya ring kinapapalooban ng indicator na etikal na pamumuno Sa ilalim nito, sinusuri ng CIG kung naaayon ba sa batayang moral ng lipunan ang paraan ng pangangasiwa ng gobyerno at mga organisasyon sa bansa Ngunit sa kabi-kabilaang kasinungalingan, mga pangakong kailanma’y ‘di natutupad, at hindi makataong mga desisyon ng mga nakaupo, hindi na kataka-takang ganito ang natamong marka ng Pilipinas

Sa kabila nito, nasa ika-41 na pwesto naman ang bansa pagdating sa kategoryang Pangangasiwa sa Pananalapi, bagay na siyang pinakamataas kumpara sa ranggo ng Pilipinas sa iba pang mga haligi Maganda naman itong tignan, ngunit kung aaraling mabuti, kasama sa indicators nito ay ang utang ng gobyerno Sa kasalukuyan, nasa 13 91 trilyong piso na ang utang ng Pilipinas sa pagtatapos ng Abril. Kung kaya’t hindi lubos na nakagagaan ng loob ang ranggo ng bansa sa naturang kategorya dahil mataas man ito, hindi maikakailang unti-unti pa ring lumulubog sa kumunoy ng kahirapan ang bansa

Sa kabuuan, nasa ikalawa mula sa huling pwesto ang Pilipinas sa mga Asyanong bansa batay sa CGGI 2023 Sa puntong ito, oras na upang gumising ang pamahalaan mula sa kanilang delusyong nasa paraiso ang Pilipinas dahil bawat minuto, milyon-milyong Pilipino ang nagdurusa sa maruming pamamalakad nila sa bansa Kung magpapatuloy ito, hindi malayong darating ang araw na magiging katawa-tawa na lamang ang bansa para sa mga dayuhan

Ni Alyssa Micah Tayug

By Brigette Mantala

Natatarantang kumaripas ng takbo si lola nang makarinig siya ng kumakalansing mula sa kanyang tinatanging kabina “Huwag niyong galawin ang mga plato, mahal ang bili dyan,” pangaral niya sa kanyang mga apo habang isinasalansan ang bilugang porselana.

Tila isang tradisyon na sa ating mga Pilipino ang magkaroon ng iba't ibang mga kubyertos na naka-display sa ating mga tahanan Bakit nga ba ganun na lang ang pagpapahalaga ng ibang mga nakatatanda sa mga pinggan na mayroong magarbong palamuti kahit na wala naman itong kaibahan sa platong gawa sa papel bukod sa kalidad? Bukod sa nakatatakam na handaan tuwing may pista o espesyal na okasyon, nagiging batayan din ng estado ang mga kubyertos sa lamesa Kapag mas magarbo, mas mayaman ang pamilya, kaya naman tuwing ganitong okasyon lamang inilalabas ang mga pandisenyong porselana Kumbaga ay nagpapabango ng katauhan

Pamilyar ba ang ganitong senaryo sa inyo? Lalo na tuwing may reunion ang buong angkan. Ipinapamalas nang bawat isa ang kanilang mga supling na tila isang kayamanan; kung saan nagpaparamihan ng nakasabit na ginto sa leeg. Ang mayroong pinakamarami ay agad na usapusapan at ipinagmamalaki ng lahat Ngunit, sa oras na mawala ang mga kumakampanang palamuti ng iyong tagumpay o mayroon kang nagawa na taliwas sa nakasanayan ay isa ka nang porselanang may gasgas at tuluyang mawawalan ng halaga

Buti pa nga ang mga kubyertos na ito, ipinapamalas dahil kakaiba sila, samantala ang mga tao, pilit na isinisilid sa pinakadulong parte ng kabina Bali-balita nga sa barangay ay itinakwil na ni Aling Marites ang kanyang unico hij d hil i i i ii

Kumbaga, mas gugustuhin pa siguro nila maging dahon ng saging na itinatapon pagkatapos gamitin sapagkat sila ay napaglalagyan ng umuusok na kanin at masasarap na ulam Pero ang mga magagarang porselana? Naisasantabi na ‘ yan kapag walang dahilan para magpamalas

Ikaw, kung papapiliin ka, gusto mo bang maipagmalaki para lamang sa kapakanan ng iba o maging ikaw kahit ‘di na pinapahalagahan ng iba?

Parang napakahirap pumili, hindi ba? Bakit ang isang nilalang na may sariling puso’t isipan ay parang isang babasagin na hugis bilog? Sa bawat pagkilos, dapat ay maging maingat Kung ang iyong paniniwala ay taliwas? Magtago ka na lang sa kabina Siguraduhin mong huwag magkaroon ng lamat ang pinggan, kundi malalagot ka kay lola

Nakagagalak isipin na napakaraming kakayahan ng isang bulaklak

Ang nakabibighaning likha na ito ay maihahalintulad sa mga kababaihan Hindi pa man nagsisimulang umusbong ang kanilang talulot ay inaasahan na silang magsilbi sa kanilang magiging pamilya–ang ilan pa nga ’ y hindi nabibigyan ng pagkakataon na makatungtong sa eskwelahan at matuto dahil sa nakakalason na estereotipo na nararapat lamang silang manatili sa kanilang tahanan Kagaya ng isang rosas na inaalay ang kanyang buhay para pakainin at alagaan ang mga paruparo at bubuyog sa bawat paglipas ng araw ang kababaihan na walang sawa na nagsusumikap para alagaan at palakihin ang kanyang mga anak at katuwang sa buhay

Talaga nga namang hindi madali ang pagsisikap na pinagdaanan ng bawat isa sa kanila Kaya naman ngayong buwan ng Marso, ay inilaan ang bawat petsa sa kalendaryo para gunitain at ipagdiwang ang sakripisyo ng mga kababaihan Nagsimulang magkaroon ng Women’s Day sa New York City noong 1908, kung saan mahigit labing limang libong (15,000) kababaihan ang naglakas loob na ipaglaban ang kanilang karapatan na bumoto, at pantay na pagtrato at pagbayad sa kanilang mga trabaho Pormal itong kinilala noong 1913, hanggang sa kalaunan ay naging selebrasyon na ito sa iba’t ibang mga bansa

Ngayong taon, patuloy na ipinagdiriwang ito na naaayon sa temang “WE Make CHANGE Work for Women.” Naglalayon ito na manghikayat ng hindi lamang ang pagbibigay inspirasyon sa mga kababaihan, kundi paglunsad ng pagkakapantay pantay na tingin para sa lahat Kaugnay sa selebrasyon na ito, hinihikayat ang mga nais makisapi na magsuot ng kulay ‘purple’ na simbolismo ng katarungan at dignidad

Isang magandang hakbang para sa kaunlaran ang pagkilala sa mga kababaihan Sana ay kahit lumipas na buwan, ay ipagpatuloy pa rin pagpapahalaga na kanilang nararapat na matamasa Maging sila man ay kasing malumanay ng paggalaw ng talulot sa bawat pag-ihip ng hangin o kasing tikas ng mga tinik na nagpoprotekta sa pananim na rosas ay babae pa rin sila na maituturing. Hindi basehan ang pagkakaiba ng ating pisikal na anyo o kalakasan para diktahan ang ating kakayahan

Bawat isa sa atin ay mayroong maipagmamalaki Kaya naman, tayo ay magkapit kamay para sa biyayang taglay. Taas noo na ibandera ang kababaihan, tungo sa kaunlaran

Photo from Canva

The Philippine Map: Color it your own way

By Alicia Cortez

Draped Sanity

By Alicia Cortez

There are few types of people who regard themselves as the one in power, to have others play in circles in the palm of their hands It boosts their egoistic side, enabling them to hover over their victim A controlling kind, narcissistic or can force you right into the arms and shape you to their ideal.

Gaslighting is presented in many forms It was said that it happened since before, although the term used (gaslighting) is fairly new It came from the 1983 play “Angel Street” by Patrick Hamilton, which had been produced as a film titled “Gas Light” by Alfred Hitchcock To give an idea; this film follows the events of a couple in an abusive relationship The manipulative husband, throughout the film, tries to make his wife insane by doing underhanded tricks for personal gains A significant trick her husband makes is to let her see the “dimming” of the gaslights in their house This is where the idea of the term “gaslighting” stemmed from.

Travelling to different and multiple places on a single journey are commonly answered as a “dream” when asked To speak the truth, I want to experience that as well And here comes the question of; did you ever have a travel bucket list? It contains a list of places you want to visit someday; be it a city, a province, an island, or maybe a country Or are you a new traveler? Experienced? Then, here is a website app (web app) that can be good for you

Denz del Villar, a Filipino software engineer based on Singapore, released a website app named “My Philippine Travel Level” on April 13, 2023 The said web app has gone viral in online platforms (Reddit, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) after a few days of being live. According to the “About Me” section he had added into the latter part of his website, the said program was built by ReactJS and with the help of ChatGPT in which he relied on “heavily”. Denz had mentioned that it was inspired by the Japanese version namely “JapanEx” or the Japan Experience Level he saw while he was staying in Japan for work

In using My Philippine Travel Level, you are directed to another website tab where a plain, white-colored map of the Philippines can be seen The map is similar to a puzzle as it is divided into 83 provinces with Metro Manila included, although Denz had mentioned it was an administrative region When you click at the white spaces inside the Philippine map, a square-shaped pop-up box will show The name of the province is listed and can redirect you to a Google search of the province Below the name are six travel levels are to be answered by you, traveler The topmost level, “Lived there” if you ever resided there for a long time “Stayed there” if you “slept at least a night” “Visited there” if you sightsee the area but never stayed for the night “Alighted there” if you dropped by a “short stopover” “Passed there” if you simply, literally, passed by the area Lastly, “ never been there” As you answer, each of the irregular shapes of the provinces will be shaded by its respective color A travel level will be computed at the end

I tried it and sadly, I got 47. I am never much of a travel buddy to begin with, yet it only shows how much of the Philippines I have not seen personally. The website app is definitely interactive and pleasing to the eyes as colors begins to show up at each press of your choice It presents how much you have traveled from place to place, and how much you had gone far from home Maybe, the reason why it trended in the first place is not how it reached influencers or how Denz shared it on social media platforms, but how it piqued interest for the people, not limited to Filipinos Travelers tend to store a keepsake for their travels Pictures, videos, souvenirs or journals are commonly used And this handy program makes it easier for us to remember our journeys A reminder though; this website does not keep your data A save option is underneath the map for you to download the image and store it You might restart again if you close the tab while doing so

This program can be a motivation in which we are free to seek our dreams and experience the world not just through the images on our screen, but right in front of our eyes A time will come where this white map may be filled with different colors for you.

It is one of gaslighting examples, playing with the victim’s eyes People who do this may have personality disorders and might seek others they see “weak” for them to control With the help of numerous lies and invalidation, whether it is evidence presented or a question asked, makes your judgment shift to what they want It induces confusion, a second thought at first. A win-win situation if the perpetrator creates solid proof, a reasonable insistence of caressing you into their favor

Remember, gaslighting is wanting you to believe what they want you to believe. The perpetrators do not care about how you feel, or the truth you know Your memories, beliefs or anything of your own is something they will push to the side They will input what they want for you, and try multiple ways of doing so Be it distracting you, denying, shifting or changing the topic, downplaying; anything that can make you reconsider what you think of They will rewrite the past if they can Be sure that they will continue as long as you are in their possession.

Their goal is reached when the victim gets attached to them, going so far as arguing with the people who notice the perpetrator’s intention It will make you reluctant to leave them, to ask for their help in your decisions, to believe everything they do Words and affection may appear sincere, yet this is what they need to grant the sympathy of the victim

It begins with a lie that ignites manipulation, then it comes to creating a compelling and persuasive scenario that makes the victim question the truth They hide their intentions behind a mask, and dress you in a cloth filled with the art of deception It covers you with a warm shelter from the storm they created in your mind, until you fall right home The cage is closed, and the curtains are now draped

To start with curious minds

By Alicia Cortez

"It’s so special, you know ‘Cause Barbie is just such an iconic figure, you know She’s more than a doll ”

Mattel Barbie Fashionistas Line released a new doll with Down syndrome last April 25, 2023 This line is made to give children the idea of having different kinds of beauty Barbie has always been one of the leading figures in dolls. Kids know her name and adults know her reputation The fashion doll has this longstanding value for childhood reminiscence With years swiftly changing, Barbie decides to touch the hearts of others once more.

Down syndrome happens when an individual has an extra chromosome This affects the whole of a supposedly normal body Mattel had worked with the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in order to produce the doll as accurate as possible

The doll’s height, body built, and even face to precisely present an image of a woman with Down syndrome According to Mattel, the designed dress of butterflies is a symbolism of the condition. While the blue and yellow palette is a symbol of Down syndrome awareness She has a pink pendant necklace which has three arrows, an interpretation of the third 21st chromosome and it points “outward to represent rising up and moving forward” (Mattel) The Barbie doll also has pink ankle foot orthoses (AFOs) in both legs

Each of the designs represents a huge part of individuals with Down syndrome Although Barbie has always been somewhat a symbol of the perfect lady, it is incredible how Barbie shook the entire world to represent people with disabilities, and now Down syndrome. A sign for awareness that these children are as lovable as they are The goal of being a symbol for children to know, and for the individuals with Down syndrome to be empowered, is successfully done Hearts can get squeezed for hope and gratefulness The release of the new doll brings so much positiveness, but also calls out how little people know about this condition “That we see you, and we see your value, and we honor you as a part of our community , as said in an interview Barbie released

This sentence can wreck a heart, with how “normal” people push those who are with the condition. The statement shows how judging and perceiving society can be, and Barbie did something to change that

Personally, I love how this step touched the brilliant, young minds of the generation Those free, adorable, small creatures that are untouched by the scrutinizing eyes “So when you start with toys right you ' re starting with kids who are stepping into the world curious This movement may spark something in an

A Passport Towards Honor and Excellence

By Precious Sabine Pinto

By Jessie Jillianne Racoma

There is no role in life that is more essential than that of motherhood ”

Elder M Russell Ballard

We call our mothers in different ways; Mommy, Mama, Nanay, Eomma, Mum, and many more But one thing is certain: we view our mothers to be more than a "treasure " She is the epitome of forthrightness, enthusiasm and honesty She provides for her family their needs and wants An attribute we appreciate about her is that she gives us everything without expecting anything in return

To show their appreciation, the second Sunday of May has been devoted to them to commemorate Mother's Day Many tributes are presented to them on their special day, whether through letters, poetry, selfcomposed songs, or simple Post-it greetings Any effort made for them, regardless of whether it's big or small flowers, chocolates, a fast food meal, or even a new purse is greatly appreciated But a tight embrace, a kiss on the cheek, and hearing how much you cherish and love them are more than enough to warm their hearts

RegretsofaHumanista

By Andrea Teves

Being in a country where Humanities and Social Science (HUMSS) Students are commonly stigmatized, choosing to be one is a path filled with regret

First, you will be shamed, and questioned for choosing a strand that would guarantee you a low-paying job that requires high-effort. You will be forced to face the never-ending “Wala kang mararating,” because people will always assume that it is a strand that opens up few opportunities in the workforce–thus the negative connotation that you will never move forward with your life

Second, people will always assume that you are escaping the hard path In a mathematicsdeprived strand, people will always tell you how lucky you are for not having to calculate the speed of a moving car, or find out a business’ total assets Some people would even choose the strand for the sake of going through senior high school while escaping mathematics

I’ll tell you what, never do that You may have gotten away with it in Senior High, but you are bound to face its consequences when you apply for college

In a STEM-centered society, you will rarely have scholarship offers, and your chosen program will never be a priority for any scholarship that you

The woman in the famous adage "Behind every successful man is a woman ' s hand" is none other than the woman who raised us, our mothers.

Mothers are our very first teachers; she shapes us into the people we ' re becoming today They develop our manners and conduct as we grow up We aspire to be more capable individuals because she hinders us from doing wrong and inhibits us when we are on the wrong track.

She carries the baby inside her womb for nine months along with affectionately cherishing them without having seen them; she nurtures them whilst safeguarding them against any pitfalls that could happen in her womb. She began to recognize each movement that her kid does, from the time her baby gets born, from little crawls and walks, to their first words to be spoken, which is funny since at times the baby's first word is " papa, " but a thing is guaranteed: " mama " will come forth from the baby's lips during one of their priceless days together

"I also believe that parents, if they love you, will hold you up safely above their swirling waters " Mitch Albom said, "and sometimes that means you'll never know what they endured, and you may treat them unkindly, in a way you otherwise wouldn't "

She is so selfless that she avoided saying to her child that she feels helpless and tired As she develops a deeper connection with her children, they begin to regard her as the most wonderful present ever given to them, and they begin to share both laughter and tears with her; whether it be happy tears or tears of grief She is cognizant of her children's needs and makes every effort to meet them.

She is an excellent role model because she always educates you on the difference between right and wrong She additionally encourages us to be better people by setting a good example that they're able to learn and acquire. She is a mentor who not only encourages them but also gets stringent with us when necessary When we get older, we want to enjoy our lives on our terms, and we frequently misunderstand our parents. We tend to be selfish at times and fail to fully understand her love But she chose to be selfless, grasp what you ' re up to, and let you figure out what you are supposed to understand

Mitch Albom goes on, “When you look into your mother’s eyes, you know that is the purest love you can find on this earth ”

The synonyms for mother in thesaurus consist of creator, child-bearer, and parent. For the sons and daughters who adhere to their mother's affection, the synonyms for mother are the compassionate, greatest gift, crying shoulder, devoted companion, shopping buddy, great guide, and moral inspiration

In his book "For One More Day," Mitch Albom, an internationally best-selling American author, journalist, screenwriter, and musician, highlighted a statement illustrating how mothers foster our stories as they shape who we become as we grow up.

Stating, “there's a story behind everything How a picture got on a wall How a scar got on your face Sometimes the stories are simple, and sometimes they are hard and heartbreaking But behind all your stories is always your mother's story, because hers is where yours begin ”

people are not aware of the contributions of literature and social sciences to the freedom we enjoy today. You are bound to feel small, you are bound to lose hope, but honestly, if everything that I have said discouraged you, then you cannot carry the burden of being a Humanista.

Despite the destructive criticisms thrown, and being thrown their way, a Humanista will never cower from fighting for everyone ’ s rights After all, they are burdened with the responsibility of unrooting the inequalities we experience, they are the assigned leaders of social change, and with their knowledge, they establish the real needs of the modern world

Even with fear-stricken hearts, Humanistas would not back down from the responsibility of standing in the front lines to lead the nation in rallying for accountability from a government that takes advantage of its people

apply for Because like what I said, people will always assume

People will always assume that you took the easy path, and without science and math, people will not trust your intelligence and your abilities even if you have shown outstanding performances in all of your subjects.

Why? The government is slowly removing subjects that remind us of our humanity, thus,

People will spat in their faces, trample on their progressive ideas, ignore their efforts in reminding us of our humanity, but a Humanista would never flinch They will keep their eyes open–and force many eyes open–to ensure that the country is safe from the looming dangers brought about by capitalism and patriarchy–the root of oppression

Being a HUMSS student comes with a lot of responsibilities and regrets. But alas, the only regret that a Humanista should feel is the regret of not doing more for their country

EDITOR’S NOTE: Who Should Be Blamed for a Quiet Quitter?

By Biel Catipon

I can still remember the day when I ugly cried in front of the school’s guidance counselor I feel like people do not give a fuck about how much effort you make I feel like I’m a bodybuilder for carrying all the weight I feel like I am only doing these to satisfy people around me Not minding my unflattering appearance, she then said, “Maybe you are trying to do everything all by yourself Maybe you are refusing to seek help from others because you are conditioned that it’s a sign of weakness Maybe as a leader, you failed to distribute the org works to your people Don’t you trust them enough?” Maybe I am, maybe I am, and maybe I am

After that comforting yet self-doubting talk, I tried to change everything that she thinks I am doing wrong I seek help from people if I can no longer handle the workload. I tried to distribute the work to many so that not all the heaviness would not be carried by one Right there, she was right Right there, I finally saw where I was lacking Right there, I realized that all I need is a break Right there, after seeing us working and functioning together, the engine inside me revved

Quiet Quitter

Noun

Someone who puts no more effort into their roles than absolutely necessary

Someone who ghosts their organization

Me

Over the past years of being part of various organizations, one thing I have realized: your work and yourself have to go above and beyond the minimum work requirement Sacrificing your time, refusing to give yourself enough rest, wasting opportunities to name a few But all of these, no one really told me to do, it’s all voluntary, or because I feel it’s a necessity, especially when you are the head of an organization. What would happen if this soaring energy of commitment, enthusiasm, hard work, and grandiosity suddenly sunk in a quicksand? Would you save me?

Have you ever felt that you don't want to accomplish anything, that you're so exhausted that it impacts your physical and mental well-being, that you have a drained social battery, and that you simply want to run away, but at the same time, don't want to leave anything behind? Because yes, I have If you have, too, then this quiz is for you.

Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the best letter to the question

Who should be blamed for a quiet quitter?

A The parents Instead of providing the quiet quitter with the value and emotional support they are required to, parents overwhelm them with emotional neglect and sometimes abuse them emotionally.

B The teachers The desire to be appreciated by others is one of the most powerful motivators of human conduct People enjoy being congratulated and hearing that they are doing a good job When the quiet quitter receives compliments from other authority individuals for his or her diligence, they become eager and thirsty to receive the same validation from the teachers again. These people also administer some form of need within the quiet quitter to fulfill their expectations

C. The org mates. Sometimes the quiet quitter simply believes that they are the only ones carrying the entire team, believing that their org mates are not putting forth the same amount of effort and enthusiasm as them and are not as passionate as the quiet quitter in the field because they see minimal to no support from some of their org mates

D The friend/peers To grow and support each other are what friends are for but, sometimes they put unnecessary pressure and demands on how one should do their work, even if it is just in a joking manner making the quiet quitter feel not enough

E Themselves Because one often loves torturing themselves by accepting and owning all the responsibilities They keep trying to reach the bar that's so high up that they raise themselves

Like the story of Marina Chapman, a five-yearold girl who was abandoned deep in the forest, she survived there without human contact for five years because a group of capuchin monkeys accepted and guided her She couldn't speak any human language by the moment she was saved That narrative implies the environment we live in has an impact on us I came up with the conclusion that none of the choices fits my answer The correct answer to the question? All of the above. Because I realize that it isn t always our fault, people around us parents, teachers, and friends, contribute to our deeds, feelings, and thoughts.

We may think that others do not care about our efforts, but from their perspectives, it has a great impact on them There will always be at least one individual who appreciates us. If you think that no one thinks that, then I'll be the one to say it to you I know that you are more than enough So quitting is not the key to our problems; sometimes, it only takes a small break from everything Then go, strive for our goals again Maybe we’ll come back stronger and even better Cheers to those who are still going on and getting through the challenges of being a quiet quitter Let us not be too hard on ourselves; instead, let us all be loud and proud of what we ' ve accomplished and learn to love ourselves. Let us learn to quit quiet quitting

The teachers. The org mates

The friend/peers

Forecasting at Early Warning System noong Miyerkules, Abril 26, 2023

Ang proyekto ay naglalayong mas matutukan ang mga preventive aspects ng disaster management, "what the weather will do" instead of "what the weather will be "

Ni Jhon Paul Cundangan

The Agricultural Revolution: A Paradigm Shift Shaping Humanity

By

From the advent of civilization, humanity has been swept up in a transformative wave that has birthed a multitude of innovations and contentious ideas At the heart of this evolution lies the shift from a nomadic lifestyle of foraging to a settled existence centered around agriculture. The cultivation of crops, with its roots tracing back to the Pleistocene era, or the Ice Age, proved to be a pivotal factor in sustaining growing populations However, this transition to agriculture has brought about a host of challenges that resonate in our contemporary society

Renowned human anthropologist Clark Spencer Larsen asserts that while agriculture has undeniably brought about numerous benefits, it has also contributed to escalating conflicts, heightened levels of infectious diseases, reduced physical activity, narrower dietary choices, and intensified competition for resources The agricultural roots, acting not only as the lifeline for plant growth but also as the wellspring of societal concerns, have molded the trajectory of human civilization. As we navigate through different epochs, the global population has come to rely heavily on staple foods such as wheat, corn, rice, and dairy These dietary shifts have not only prompted biological adaptations but have also fostered a sense of communal unity and kinship.

Amidst the vast expanses of oriental lands and lush agricultural fields, the seeds of conflict have been sown amidst the veil of civilization The Neolithic era witnessed a cascade of quandaries, triggering upheaval and molding humanity through a prolonged period rife with both progress and turmoil Over the past twelve millennia, the agricultural revolution has wielded an unparalleled impact, fundamentally altering the course of human civilization As we venture into uncharted territories with each passing millennium, humanity finds itself grappling with a myriad of challenges inherent in the passage of time

Unleashing the Power of AI Knowledge, One Conversation at a Time

Today, as we stand on the precipice of the 21st century, the repercussions of the agricultural revolution persist Rapid population growth, environmental concerns, and the pursuit of sustainable practices have thrust agriculture back into the forefront of global discussions Furthermore, the relationship between agriculture and technology has become increasingly intertwined Cutting-edge advancements in precision farming, genetic engineering, and sustainable practices promise to revolutionize the way we cultivate and consume food By embracing innovation and harnessing the power of scientific research, we have the opportunity to shape a more resilient and inclusive future for both rural and urban communities

Ultimately, the agricultural revolution stands as a pivotal chapter in the story of humanity's progress While it has brought remarkable advancements, it has also presented us with a unique set of challenges. By recognizing the historical significance of this transition, understanding the contemporary issues it engenders, and leveraging the potential of technology and collective action, we can navigate toward a sustainable and prosperous future

Launched in November 2022, ChatGPT's versatility and ingenuity have captivated users It swiftly analyzes user commands and provides instant feedback, offering solutions to queries with remarkable speed Its proficiency in repetitive tasks and patent inquiries makes it an invaluable asset in various industries. Notably, educational institutions, such as California's Foothill College, have harnessed ChatGPT's capabilities to help students excel academically, as highlighted in a 2023 survey

While ChatGPT excels in its domain, it's important to recognize the limitations of chatbots as reliable sources of information OpenAI CEO Sam Altman warns against solely relying on ChatGPT's responses, cautioning that the model may confidently state fabricated facts Ethical concerns surrounding copyright, privacy, and bias have also led some academic institutions to restrict the use of artificial intelligence systems

The world of technology continues to embrace the integration of chatbots, with companies like Microsoft investing billions in their development As artificial intelligence advances, we can anticipate a future where language models like ChatGPT become even more sophisticated, paving the way for groundbreaking technological advancements. However, it's crucial to remain mindful of the fallacies and ethical issues associated with their use

Imagine a companion capable of writing a lifetime's worth of content in mere seconds Meet ChatGPT, OpenAI's groundbreaking chatbot that has transformed the way we seek information Powered by GPT-4 (Generated Pre-trained Transformer), this remarkable language model effortlessly generates human-like responses, making it a go-to resource for users seeking answers in esoteric domains With approximately 10 million questions answered daily, ChatGPT has become a trusted tool for knowledge seekers worldwide.

In conclusion, ChatGPT stands as a gateway to an expansive realm of knowledge Its unmatched ability to respond quickly and intelligently is revolutionizing the way we seek information As we navigate this exciting landscape of artificial intelligence, let us appreciate its wonders while acknowledging its imperfections. Through a delicate balance between human intellect and technological innovation, we can harness the true potential of AI, unlocking the vast mysteries that lie before us

Renz Joshua Cioco

By Renz Joshua Cioco

By Brianne Francesca Feliciano

Spikers Flew Past The Eagles

By Brianne Francesca Feliciano

Photo from Premier Volleyball League

TNT Pulverized Ginebra, 116-104

By Ezra Nelsen Dizon

Blasting it's ticking bomb, TNT Tropang Giga blew up the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s tremendous height, 116-104, in the Honda S47 PBA Governor’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City on April 16

Bombarding the court with consecutive 3-point

By Biel Catipon

Photo from ABS-CBN News

Photo from The Escolarian | Francois Zuriel Biwit