MEKANISMO (2019) by The Gears Publication

October 2019|mekanismo

Reflection 00

Uncovering One’s Hidden Power |BIHIS

mekanismo|October 2019

Editor’s Note “Bihis” is a word far greater than fashion. For many of us, dressing up is just a form of flaunting glitz, glamour and aesthetic physical expression, but for writers like us we uncovered stories and penned them here wanting to reveal a new fashion. In modern phenomenon, the way we dress changed far from the ancient style, from the caveman’s animal skin to Lady Gaga’s meat ensemble outfit. But in the 21st century, it turned as a new ‘clothing’ offering new platform to uncover one’s hidden power. I was a prisoner of my past, and of myself - might be all of us. I know what it meant to be a reporter, to deliver truth and authentic news. I know how to write, to find the best angle in an article and photographs, and to weave a net of questions. But one thing I discovered while doing this issue are the more compelling stories: the power happening behind one’s “Bihis”. Every story in this issue tells the plight, seeing the positive views despite any circumstance, and the transformative glint of hope that I’m excited to share with you.

Joseph Andrew Algarne Editor-In-Chief

BIHIS|Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

October 2019|mekanismo

About the Cover Dressing up isn’t anything new. Since the dawn of our existence, humans have been wearing clothing which began out of necessity and practicality. As time passes by, it quickly morphed into an art form and means of communication. Dress was the number one status symbol for many centuries. What we wear signals who we are and where we belong in this world. It also tells our own brain what kind of behaviors and traits it needs to possess while wearing that kind of clothing. As “judgment” is a part of our society whether we like it or not, others will instantly size us up based on what we’re wearing. ‘Bihis‘ speaks about dressing up to unleash one’s hidden power. From understanding the plight of the Dumagats in their quest for identity to seeing a glint of hope in the world outside their community, a brightly colored future isn’t far from their hands as they wear new ‘clothing‘ offered by the 21st century.

Uncovering One’s Hidden Power |BIHIS

Lspu to maintain its ISO 9001:2015 certification

TGP convenes for 1st phase of campus journalism

CE studes attend seminar in Industrial Revolution CE 4.0

ASF outbreaks worries farmers of Laguna

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Table of Contents

BIHIS|Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

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g rin a ve un co ag Un L ive ct s: in at ple pe rs ag o m Pe Pe g Du us in he no ng r t ge r e ha o fo di l C or e In e :F m op he ra h’ Th x, fh ft po rc s: r Bo e as a to to ap c ’s G in h an Di c ‘M ra Gl lig do he t C ne gi t A eP pi ra an n as i P th lip T g Bre a z hi ’s n e un llin t f P cio ch t Fi ou ag o la an u e Ab ,L o p S s ia e d l Ca em y ns e ar e w A nt St .M op pe o Co s n ta i TA ts ,S lip io Fi GC cre h gu se Ba

Fe at ur es News

mekanismo Li At te te rar m y pt s5

October 2019

ETNEB: From Paper Worth to Nickel Forth

DevComm

Boxer - Senator Pacquiao scores a knockout speech at LSPU Intercampus Sports Opening

World Nomad Games Kicks Off: PH lone rep captures 2 silver in ‘sungka’

Sports Uncovering One’s Hidden Power |BIHIS

05 Editorial

mekanismo|October 2019

EDITORIAL

Fingers Crossed to the Promise of a New City Home of the Aetas in the plains of Capas, Tarlac are now in peril as the Philippines’ first smart and green metropolis New Clark City (NCC) near their lands are ready for construction. According to a research led by the University of Glasgow (UG) in the United Kingdom and the University of the Philippines, 10 of thousands of farmers and tribespeople living in the area to be developed are still confused of the extent of project even though powerful machines like bulldozer have surfaced their crops. NCC, a P607-billion metropolis publicized as the country’s first “climate-change resilient” city which promised to practice sustainable and clean energy and change the way people commute seems to be a very ambitious project . But are the indigenous people ready for this big change? What might be the effect of this new city? Red Constantino of the Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities, and part of the National Urban Development Housing Framework, has positively seen the resilience of the Aetas who have the ability to withstand impacts and shocks, and to rebuild, reorganize or transform itself when necessary. “Acting on both disaster and climate risks also presents an opportunity to improve food and water security, secure livelihoods, and spur both sustainable development and economic growth.” he added. According to a published article of Inquirer.net, NCC is designed as an alternative to highly congested, poorly planned Manila. Modeled after green cities in Singapore and China, it was conceptualized by master planners from the Asian Development Bank, Japan Overseas Infrastructure Network, and Singapore’s Surbana Jurong. It was approved during the administration of President Benigno Aquino in 2015. The coverage of its land that will be developed is 40 percent. According to Andre Ortega, who did a field investigation in the area from UG, the project was a case of development aggression. Around 15,000 local farmers and 20,000 Aetas will be affected. Their families were pushed back to the fringes of the sitio and cramped in a small area with little arable land. Even though some Aetas get work at the NCC construction site as laborers, they might be out of work once the Phase 1 is done. Another concern is that the nomadic tribespeople might lost their own habitat for the past decades thus leading to extinction of their culture. What scares us the most is that this multi-billion project could be a teeming ground for corruption. As per National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) and Vince Dizon, chair of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), no ancestral domain would be affected by the development. Technically, all of these development will need to have all of us be watchful of the government’s action. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that this project won’t fail its promise.

BIHIS|Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

October 2019|mekanismo

Editorial 06

Uncovering One’s Hidden Power |BIHIS

07 Reflection

mekanismo|October 2019

CROSSING BEYOND THE LIMITS Curiosity has become the reason to touch the forbidden in humanity. Every stage of life has its own border in order for us to live in peace, prosperity, and to endure life. How about we cross the border and touch the untouchable?

JOSEPH ANDREW ALGARNE Editor-In-Chief @andrewalgarne andrewalgarne

“...live with the saying “Masarap and

ang

bawal”

disregarding

consequence

the their

action.” Joseph Andrew is the Editor-in-Chief of the Gears Publication and is enrolled to Information Technology program. He is a freelance photographer and graphic designer and he use this avenue to support his studies.

BIHIS|Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

For many decades, Philippines has become one of the highest teenage pregnancy rate in the world. There are 500 teen mom cases everyday with the total of 182,500 per year. With this number of cases, why teen moms are increasing every day? Is this because of poverty? Or because many are uneducated and 80% of Filipinos are in the middle class and below? Do you think that it’s the reason? How about the rich teen mom? In this world full of curiosity, human being has cross the boundaries and live with the saying “Masarap ang bawal” and disregarding the consequence of their action. The rising HIV cases everyday has become the problem of the Filipino. According to the Department of Health (DOH), 35 Filipinos are diagnosed with HIV everyday while 61% of Filipinos with HIV are youth. This alarming numbers has been the greatest problem that needs to be address. We know that HIV has no cure at this time. The Pornhub According to Porn hub, the world’s biggest adult website users in the Philippines watched naughty clips at an average of 13 minutes and 50 seconds per visit. Do you think that this survey from porn hub has a big impact in our country

were teenage pregnancy and growing HIV cases is noticeable? Yes, indeed. For we become what we watch and what we follow. The biggest mistake of Filipinos exposing themselves in the risk of internet, the social media and its influence. This dying morality and ethics has created catastrophic damage in young mind of the youth. We cannot deny the power of technology. But we must choose between using it right or these things will use us in our own cost. Jose Rizal said “the youth is the hope of our future” if this so, youth must protect their own future to become the hope of this country. When Rizal said that quotation, there are no mobile phones, no pornographic sites, and no internet. I think that is only applicable in his time. But now the dying breed of so called “the hope of the future” has been neglected their part and contribution to the society. We, the youth are losing our purpose and aspiration. We are busy watching pornography, senseless vlogs, browsing the internet that has become a downfall for all of us. We are so tired doing nothing but a selfish ambition to become famous futile showing how to do makeuptutorial, doing stupid things to look like funny, doing pranks and immoral at all cost.

Reflection 08

October 2019|mekanismo

JUST TO SEEK THE ATTENTION Once I feel like I didn’t excel in some things, I will rant it on my twitter account, and even change my profile picture on Facebook.

to feel fearful and nervous. You do not feel anxiety if you are alert and if you give your best and ready to anything.

Mental illness awareness brings down the walls of stigma by sharing our experiences, stories, and truths. It is meant to educate others on what it is REALLY about, especially, it helps people in the situation feel they are not alone. Many of the youth today has no idea about the real meaning of this sensitive issue.

If a student gets a low score on exam or quiz, they will rant it on social media. They say that anxiety attack and their distress level is so high and they’re giving up on their life. They’re just posting it on social media just to cover up their lower score. I’m not saying everyone, but a handful are.

At present, there are three types of mental illness including depressions, anxieties, and breakdowns. As I started scrolling my feed on Facebook, I saw lot of shit posts about depression specifically the way some pages making fun of this sensitive issue by spreading ‘memes.’ and as what I have read in an article about mental illness, a man committed suicide after his girlfriend broke up with him, and has become a victim of discrimination. After that incident about depression, many posts emerge on social media platforms. For example, youth who have lots to review for their examinations and quizzes share posts about mental illness and tend to get depressed. Also, they get depressed when professors gave them projects that in true fact was given three months ago. Anxiety is your body’s natural response to stress. It’s a feeling of fear or apprehension about what’s to come. The first day of school, going to a job interview, or giving a speech may cause most people

On the other hand, a mental breakdown is a term used to describe a period of intense mental distress. Sometimes it happens to me every time there is a deadline on my work. Sometimes, I said I have a depression, anxiety and mental breakdown, but all in all, it is just only said without saying of expertise. Every time I have an exam, depression and anxiety attacks me resulting to mental breakdown. I felt guilty because instead of reviewing, I let my note be just notes and worst, choose to sleep rather than to hit and review my it. I felt blameworthy because I use mental illness in seeking attention from the people around me - my publication mates, classmate, even my parents. Just a friendly suggestion, you go to experts like psychiatrist, because they are knowledgeable. But in fact, all we need is to calm every time it hits us. Don’t let our emotions ruin our life, take some time to relax and stay away from being impulsive.

RANZ IRIZH P. ENRIQUEZ Associate Editor @irizhpring irizhspring

“Don’t let our emotions ruin our life, take some time to relax and stay away from being impulsive.” Ranz Irizh is the Associate and Sports Editor of the Gears. He is currently taking Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management. With his passion for sports, he became the editor of the said section.

Uncovering One’s Hidden Power |BIHIS

09 Reflection

mekanismo|October 2019

BE A BETTER YOU Twenty-two years old graduating. Yes, that’s me.

and

I’m glad those things stayed as wishes.

I always heard and read that “College is not a race”, and yes it is. College was and will never be a race; no matter how long it takes to finish the program you are in, what the important thing is, you will graduate. But I don’t merely believe in this phrase, why, because maybe I am impatient.

I remember, I had this conversation with my mom, I was talking about my friends being in Cebu and then I said “Buti pa sila nakakapagCebu na,”.

I am a 22 years old Civil Engineering student, five years to finish, what a nightmare. I was supposed to be a four-year course degree holder but I ended up being a five-year engineering university boy who struggle almost every semester with numbers, well, we all do struggle.

CHRISTIAN CARLO T. VIRIÑA Managing Editor & News Editor @inginirCarlito kristyankarlo

After graduating high school, I applied for a college under the program of Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship; unfortunately I wasn’t able to continue. I stopped. I worked for a year, saved a little and got a scholarship from my boss. One day he asked me, what course will I take upon entering college again, then I abruptly said “Civil po”. And that changed everything, my goals, my dream and my life. Now, I am about to finish this phase of life, college, after almost six years of hard work and effort, I am near.

“The only one you need to be ahead of is you, you need to improve, and you need to be a better version of yourself.“ Carlo is the Managing and News Editor of the publication. He is also the Vice President – External of the Association of Civil Engineering Students. Despite of having these positions, he still manages to lift the ambiance of the office with his funny jokes and energetic personality. BIHIS|Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

I am not that old, I am still young but I feel like I’m being left behind by my high school fellas, they are already working and earning, travelling and able to help their family, while I am here, still trying to survive this doom I am enrolled in. I just wish I can also do what they are doing. There are times that I told myself, I wished I had the chance to enter college a bit earlier so I can graduate on time, just like my high school batch mates. I wished I didn’t stop school, I wished I didn’t take engineering as a course, I just wished. But, looking at where I am now,

Then my mom replied, “Ganun talaga, nakatapos na sila e. Matatapos kadin.” And that hit me. That moment I realized that it is not just college that is not a race but the life itself. My mom was right; I will have my own time. Soon, I’ll finish school, enjoy everything and do things I wanted to do. Just like college, life is really not a race. Life is not about who graduate first, or who got to do a job first, because from the very beginning, it is not a race, it doesn’t matter who finished the earliest, what matters is we all got the chance to finish. Life is not a race. It is never a competition that needs a winner, in life there is no finish line, there is no trophy, there is no one ahead of you, and you are not battling with anyone. The only one you need to be ahead of is you, you need to improve, and you need to be a better version of yourself, because if not, you will really end up being left behind. So don’t rush things, don’t rush college/education, love, dreams, success or achievements, remember that if is for you, you’ll have it in the right perfect timing. Few things to remind yourself; first, never listen to anyone who says you’ll never make it, they are just afraid of what you can do once you succeed. Second, be patient, those who know how to wait deserves success. Third, always do better; again, the only battle you have is against yourself. And lastly, trust His plan, no matter what happens, no matter how hard you’ve been through, no matter how long it takes, just trust His plan for He have something big for you in the end.

Reflection 10

October 2019|mekanismo

UNDERSTANDING THE GAP We grew up in a society wherein elders uprightly established the discipline of the youths. Elders, I must say, are the ones responsible for how we act in front of others as they are the ones who thought us our values alongside with the discipline they instilled to our minds. And as we grow older, it is not just their life lessons we’re holding but also the respect we have in them and in other people. However, throughout the race of generation to generation, it seems that we’re slowly forgetting the respect we should’ve intact in our minds. We often disrespect others who are older than us in many ways―either intentionally or not because of some mistakes that they did or just because they said something that is not accurate for us. Instead of treating them with respect, many of us started to degrade them because we possess some knowledge that they don’t have or simply because they can’t get along with our new way of coping up with things. ‘Kill joy’ that is what we sometimes call them for they can’t relate to our trips. We even say impolite words to them in some of our social media sites especially when they made a simple mistake of misunderstanding us. Not long ago, an unfamiliar word created such a huge noise in some social media sites here in the Philippines. ‘Okay Boomer’, from a viral audio clip in an application called Tiktok which imply the idea of younger generations having the “Peter Pan Syndrome” and refuse to grow up. The phrase boomer (derived from the generation called baby boomer) has been misunderstood by many people as just an attack for age or generation you were born in, when as a matter of fact, was also tackling about the attitude―an attack on close-mindedness of the . I first saw this phrase in twitter and I got curious about what does it mean because many people from the generation of millenials up to generation Z has been using it for so long. Well, I already got an idea about this word and thought it is some kind of lingo used by the youngsters to sugarcoat their words to make it look more pleasant to older people. Turns out, I was wrong about it. It was actually an insult to those people who belongs in baby boomer’s generation. However, this phrase has been misused by other people as some kind of internet joke. They even use this

phrase to unnecessary things that doesn’t have any connection to its connotation. This term is also used against some political personalities that have lots of nonsense opinion about national issues. Instead of direct criticism, netizens reflected onto it by making it looks funny, by turning it into a joke or what we call a meme. It clearly states that people try to lift up the topic for a while by making fun of it, even using it to other things other than pointing out the generation gap. I admit that there are so many people that belong to baby boomer generation that is close-minded. Some of them even carelessly comment about necessary issues with total nonsense, especially those incompetent politicians here in the Philippines. Some of them only cares about their gains while uttering gibberish words, expecting people to agree with them. Because of lack of knowledge about it, misconception began. Yet, according to Dictionary, it is just a viral internet slang used to call out out-of-touch or closeminded opinions associated with the baby boomer generation. So, it doesn’t have anything to do with youngsters lack of drive to grow up and mature. It only tackles about baby boomers being close-minded rather than being open-minded to cope up with newer generations. So, if you ever encounter a real boomer, maybe you need to tell them to change the way they think. Being closedminded won’t get us better insights of the things in front of us. We should be always open to new knowledge and perspective even if it is far way beyond our understanding. We need to remember to always think carefully before engaging ourselves in anything that can cause misunderstandings. We can always say anything that we want but we can’t elude the consequences of it. And whatever generation we belong in, we need to be more reasonable in everything that we’re doing. We can have an opinion but make sure that it not only embarks nonsense. Let’s be always openminded and most importantly, we should not forget to respect other people. We shouldn’t have degraded them for what they know and what they don’t. Instead, let’s share every bit of useful information with each other to avoid misconceptions.

ARVIE JOY T. RECTO Circulation Manager @recto_arvie recto_arvie

“The problem is not the gap between our ages... it is the misconceptions” Arvie is the Circulation Manager of the publication. She is a student of Bachelor of Science in Biology. She dreams of becoming a surgeon in the future.

Uncovering One’s Hidden Power |BIHIS

11 Reflection

mekanismo|October 2019

STEREOTYPING ISN’T A GOOD FASHION

DARRYL B. PEÑAREDONDO Features Editor @imrryldadarryl imrryldadarryl

“We should live by each other’s happiness, not by their miseries.” Darryl is the root behind the “BIHIS” cover story of Mekanismo. He is the Features Editor of the publication and is currently taking up Civil Engineering. With his extraordinary mind, he always came up with new amazing ideas for the publication’s outputs.

BIHIS|Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

For us millennial, the way we dress up is a big thing. Unfortunately, the way we put our clothes rooted to judge other people. The further I get older, the further the society gets judgemental. I’m not saying that everyone is judgmental, but a handful are.

Everyone has the right to express themselves, like me, some people do so by dressing up. The way you dress up has nothing to do with your intelligence or with your worth as a human being. What you wear uncovers your power－ the power of confidence.

Since I was little, I knew that I am into fashion. I remember when I was on my grade school year with my mom and I would go to Sta. Cruz, I sat on the left side of the jeepney to look through the window and see the dress shop along the way.

My point in here is, we should live by each other’s happiness, not by their miseries. But do we still have heart to the things around us? Maybe we just don’t care…at all.

I get satisfaction every time I dress myself up. Anytime I wear good outfit, I feel safe, seen, loved, and protected. I feel like wearing wellassembled outfit protects me and sends a message that I am not broken within. And in an unfortunate instance, people are often criticized on what they wear. For a certain way, how someone dresses doesn’t mean how they are. If someone wears expensive and branded clothing, it doesn’t mean they’re rich. Also, it doesn’t make them poor if they wear old and worn out clothing. We simply don’t know the reasons behind everything our naked eyes can see. But one thing is for sure, stereotyping is not a good fashion. With no apparent effort, I got criticized by the way I expressed myself… yes, you have read it right…I dressed up to express myself. And by that time, it’s not my day got ruined, but my confidence. Expressing yourself shouldn’t be like a salad dressing hurting your healthy diet. Many people use much more than a standard serving of dressing when eating salad. Likewise, the standard of others shouldn’t be the basis of how you present yourself -just express yourself, no matter what.

Many of us thinks that disregarding micro things don’t matter, like they don’t have macro effect especially when it doesn’t give any change with us. It’s just so alarming that it gets further; the further we do this little judgement, the further it turns to being our habit, in the end becomes our lifestyle. Our lifestyle reflects to being our culture. Is being judgemental you want our country to be known for? Filipinos demand change from our government. We keep on demanding for a leader that is strong, a leader that will help us improve our life status and a leader that will kill poverty. Have you wondered why we don’t ever have leaders that touched the line of our standards? Have you also wondered why we don’t have the right to demand the big changes we want? Do you know how to respect others? Do you know how to appreciate others? Or do you even care to others’ emotions? CAN’T RELATE? Then shut your mouth! Focus on doing something more productive that the society will benefit than judging others to pull their powers down. Don’t demand for the government to change. What’s up? - Change yourself first.

Reflection 12

October 2019|mekanismo

NO LIMIT, NO EXPIRATION To disrupt the barrier of incompetency, we must break it through the power of reading. We can achieve a decent living if we make reading as an everyday habit. When properly practiced, most people can learn to read easily and quickly. We can speak and act confidently because of having a prior knowledge. We can stand for truth and fight for a better future. In my 20 years of existence, what I observe is that mostly Filipino literature was passed through narration of adults than reading the whole written work. We have been admired as highly literate individuals because of our wellknown Filipino authors like Rizal, Luna, Jacinto etc. They aren’t just expert in literature, but also in leadership. Their wide vocabulary is a result of reading books. Poor reading is the main problem and also the product of modernization. The use of technology as another tool to gain new information will affect one’s comprehension and competence. Searching facts without understanding is not good at all as they face the real world. We want to change the inferior mindset of young kids but what we are doing is very contradicting. We suppose to teach them how to be a good storyteller but how can we do this if we are also part of non-readers community? During my childhood, my mother was my first teacher in reading. Yes, I can read both Filipino and English, but as I grow older, I was never inclined reading books cover to cover. It makes no sense to me. I felt that I wasted my time. In fact, I only browse books and magazines just for chromatic photos. I don’t care about so what they called “description”. As time goes by, I became part of our school paper. Writing is not my passion yet I can write essays during

our class. When it comes to different sections of newspaper, I don’t have any idea on how I can develop my skill. The only thing that I loved in journalism was travelling from different places and competing. There was a point that I can’t see myself as a writer. I don’t even understand what’s the essence of this area to the student who’s giving effort and time just to finish articles until the date of submission without any amount of payments. When I tried to read news features and stories, I suddenly realized that without reading, I can’t write effectively. Reading will teach me a lot of things that is untold but significant. I found out that there’s no time for me to stop reading. I want to be a dedicated journalist to help those who are vulnerable. I want them to be heard by those who can help them to survive. I am one of those readers who can understand their own story through reading and writing. We have a great part to help everyone. I will never get tired of reading for it is the world’s therapy. What’s the best thing on it was giving me broad perception about how I am going to react from reality. I find myself in reading because I can start changing wrong perspective by simply making myself connected to what I read. According to Charles Elio in his article about the importance of reading, “Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers. Parents has a big role to their children. As long as they have time to teach reading comprehension, take the opportunity. It has a big impact to improve critical thinking, excellence and self development. It will be better if it will be continued from now on.

JEROME G. LANDIG Literary Editor @jeromelandig landigerome

“Reading will teach me a lot of things that is untold but significant.” Jerome is the Literary Editor of the pub. He is a nominee of the GAWAD Felicisimo T. San Luis Para sa Namumukod-Tanging Kabataan ng Laguna 2018. He is currently a student of Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English.

Uncovering One’s Hidden Power |BIHIS

13 Reflection

mekanismo|October 2019

KEY TO INNOVATION I am a big fan of research. The moment I learned the basics after I took two practical research subjects in senior high school, I used it as a sideline whenever I am out of financial support. A new way to earn, I must say. It became my source of income as I reached college, until now that I am more exposed into the field of research because of my course. But time came when Sen. Cynthia Villar, the woman who topped the 2019 Senatorial elections and is the current chairperson for Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food, spits out the words, “Bakit lahat ng budget puro research? Baliw na baliw kayo sa research. Aanhin n’yo ba ’yung research? Ako matalino akong tao pero hindi ko maintindihan yung research n’yo, lalo na ’yung farmer. Gusto ba nung farmer ’yung research? Hindi ba gusto nila tulungan n’yo sila?” Ma’am, I guess we need to talk. Research has a more to offer.

ELEXANDRA G. LABUTAP Senior Staff Writer @elexlabutap elexlabutap

“What we have today comes and

from

everything

research, involves

research.” Elexandra is a Senior Staff Writer and a Psychology student. She is an aspiring singer with her beautiful voice. She loves to smile and greet people with happiness.

BIHIS|Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

Let’s make this straight to the point. Philippines is an example of an agricultural country. Indeed, agriculture alone helps our country boost its economy as it serves as the main source of income from rural areas, aside from fishing and other livelihood work. If agriculture becomes a viable source of income it could be a way to acknowledge more industries as well. This takes a lot or work and research in order to produce innovative ideas to help the needy. Another is, agriculture is a way to eradicate malnutrition and lessen poverty issues where research is again involved. It takes a lot or trials and errors for someone to come up with an idea on how to solve this problem. This is where research comes in. The people working behind this job needs to estimate how many Filipinos are suffering because of limited food sources, and we all know that our farmers are under the poverty line. I have seen this situation as I live near farming lands and most of my neighbors are farmers. Living in such kind of situation is hard. These people are farming lands that are not theirs, they make their own ‘Do It Yourself’ tools since they can’t afford buying new farming tools that costs more than their income, and you can find them in the farthest places, if not, in the most inaccessible locations, living under delicate bamboo walls where in fact they should be paid more since what we eat comes from the crops they get.

What’s worse is that they are not treated well. People look down on them since they are farmers and are easy to be tricked. Just a world without them will be hard because without farmers we are nothing. We will never enjoy that cup of rice or that one serve of a fruit smoothie without those products they harvest. Ma’am, if you are wondering, these people work under extreme conditions. Under the heat of sun, they plow the lands, or harvest when it’s the right time to do so. They spend their whole life doing the same process, every single day in their life. How come you’ll ask if they need research? At some point they need it since they were left behind. Boosting our agricultural sector is a major way to help them. It will bring lots of benefits one farmer needs. It’s not just the one that harvests rice, but also to those who plant vegetables, fruits and many more. It goes into a process, from smaller lands to bigger productions. Now is the time we should do something for them. And the answer to your question if they like the research thing? Yes, they need it. And if someone is able to deliver the purpose of agricultural research towards the people, see its benefits then it would bring great help towards our farmers because that is the only way for them to understand the significance of agricultural research. On a larger scale, without research we may not be able to enjoy all the things around us. Everything we have today mostly comes from research. And everything involves research. Ma’am, how are you able to address that our farmers does not need research where in fact it is what they need now? If you are really smart enough, then it was the first thing that will come up into your mind: innovative ways to uplift our dear farmers from their dire situation. Also, what they need is a reasonable price out of their hard work, and a governing body that supports the needs of farmers which where we are lacking as of now. Do not state the obvious, our farmers knows what they need. They need someone to help them, and that help is in our hands.

Reflection 14

October 2019|mekanismo

SAME SPACES, DIFFERENT GAMES As a child, living in a very conservative family, reserved foundations with visuals different from my brothers, more feminine to look at I’d say, I’d always get compliments from other people about how fair-looking I am, that I looked like my family’s unica hija, especially when I go to town with my family. With strange yet flattering feelings, I always love hearing that. But it wasn’t always like that while growing up. From the catcalls, whistles and uncomfortable stares people have been doing since I dress comfortably than what a normal ‘maton’ and ‘astig’ would wear, it made me cringe and distant to other people since I’ve realize that there’s nothing good to feel when people are just staring and howling at your proportions. Society has become more liberated and sexual, I’d say, from all the things they have been doing, leading to a chaotic generation where they think that wearing clothes that shows more skin is sexy and publicly talking about their hook ups is cool. Yet, will feel overly upset and offended when other people gave their comments on them. When I was in high school, there’s a gay person who’d wear fit blouses and a short shorts and stroll the whole town and you’d hear people shout, “Ang sexy naman ni bakla!”, “Naha! Babaeng-babae!” and different types of compliments-slashsarcasm to throw him with but fortunately, it made him feel good. Filling up his selfesteem and self-confidence to the point he’d wear heavy make ups and wear a much shorter shorts than what he usually wear outside. It became his greatest weapon to feel confident with his straight body proportions, didn’t mind the bashers and kept on posting his selfies on social media about how confident he is with himself. But, when that gay person visited another town, using the same phrases he usually hear but not with same people, he felt disgusted and self-conscious. He didn’t felt comfortable in his own skin right before people used to call him by names, stare at him like a bunch of wolf getting ready to attack their prey and whistle like he didn’t deserve to be respected about his fleshly appearance. He even posted that he was sexually harassed at that time.

one was there to hear him. And no one was there to aid his wounds people gave him. He felt alone and violated on his own body. After hearing that cringey yet tragic story of his, I silently thought: So where do you throw yourself when you’ve had a slice of injustice thrown at you? To the law, of course! But, even the law couldn’t do anything for him for it only covers… society. Street harassment limits people’s mobility and access to public places. It is a form of gender violence and a human right’s violation. Privileges to the transgender community has been raising like wild fire. Some agrees, while other do not. But majority serves it right, people have been slowly getting open minded about the idea and existence of the transgender people in the society. Let’s get back to the story, imagine if this law was signed years earlier, it would change on how the community sets their standards on gay people or anyone in the LGBTQ+ community. Hearing the law being approved at this generation indicates that our country, or even the world, has been drastically accepting the people in the said community wherein they could finally feel justice, breathe lightly and move according to their will where people could not harass them, where negativity wouldn’t prosper and homophobic slurs will stop eating up society’s standards and mindset. Thinking that it could be a single step towards a better and healthy community makes me wonder that government can do more for all their people. Because people live their lives more than just a facade, we stand for something we want our whole lives to conquer. We all stand for getting the respect we deserve while being trapped in the society we live in. People will talk but I think it’s the best way to flourish inclusivity and understanding because there’s so much that we need to serve and respect the people in our society. Not just for men and women, but also to the people with different sexual orientations.

ALVIN DE LEON CUEVAS Senior Staff Writer alohaali_ _kumustaali

“People live their lives more than just a facade, we stand for something we want our whole lives to conquer.” Alvin is a Senior Staff Writer and a Biology student. With his positive attitude, he’s able to extend positivity with the others with his charming smile. Ali always tries to be flexible and helpful.

But no one was there to save him. No Uncovering One’s Hidden Power |BIHIS

15 News

mekanismo|October 2019

LSPU to maintain its ISO 9001:2015 certification Writers | Alvin Cuevas | Marvie Baloloy | Maria Micahela Casantusan Photo | Shane Kieth Doria

fter a thorough two-day surveillance audit at Laguna State Polytechnic University (LSPU) Campuses, Ronaldo Remitar, lead auditor from TUV Rheinland announced that the university will maintain its ISO 9001:2015 certification, October 8.

Consolidation of Audit Findings revealed the results of the observation and how the university can take actions on the nonconformity and gave positive feedbacks on different areas of the four campuses. During his final words with the LSPU officials, Remitar discussed the audit method, audit criteria, and the audit findings. He also stressed the importance of the annual surveillance audit to the university’s campuses. During the surveillance, documents from the different departments, student services, and institutional services – Academic, Admin and Finance Offices were strictly analysed by the auditors. “We need to understand that we’re doing this to see if the university’s compliance with the standard is still being maintained. We’re doing this to improve,” the lead auditor explained. Among all departments, the Auditing team expressed satisfaction in their surveillance audit of the Human Resources Management Office since it attained the standard in the effectiveness of the university trainings and evaluation as well as monitoring and intervention . On the other hand, corrective actions and control of documents were also discussed on the Internal Audit. Remitar pointed out that non-conformity report (NCR) is addressed in the Curriculum Course and Instructional Design stating that it should not just only be issued during internal audit as the on-time delivery of monitoring was not met. Dr. Zenaida O. Vitaza, head of Curriculum Instruction Development and Quality Assurance, agreed by suggesting an information dissemination regarding NCR and corrective action. “We want to join you in your journey towards improving the LSPU system because that is our responsibility. With this, I confirm that you can

maintain your ISO 9001:2015 Certification,” Remitar stated after announcing his findings on the Surveillance Auditing. The announcement of the lead auditor felt a sense of relief on the whole faculty and staff giving them a period of one month to comply with the observed nonconformities.

News 16

October 2019|mekanismo

PLEDGE OF A JOURN. Participants of the annual The Gears Publication Seminar Workshop delivers the journalist creed with heart and conviction.

TGP Convenes for 1st phase of campus journalism IN PHOTO: Dr. Zenaida O. Vitasa, as she provides inspirational message for the participants of TGP seminar workshop.

Writer | Maria Micahela Casantusan

Photo | April Lian Albong

ocusing on the enhancement of journalistic skills, The Gears Publication (TGP) convened at the Student Service Function Hall for its annual Seminar Workshop for the first phase of Campus journalism seminar workshop, October 17-18.

ENHANCING MEDIA LITERACY AND JOURNALISTIC SKILLS To develop the abilities of the young journalists, competitions in writing, photojournalism and artistry were given to the participants after every lecture. Speakers were invited to facilitate the training namely: Jan Aldous Viriña, Westlhey Canonigo, Joyce Ann Fabula, Ma. Xena Bautista, Rayns Keneth Ampon, April Lian Albong, Joseph Andrew Algarne and Adrian Cada. The seminar-workshop covered various categories such as News writing, Feature Writing, Opinion Writing, Editorial Writing, Sports Writing, DevComm (Development Communication) Writing and Literary Writing. In addition, Photojournalism, Editorial Cartooning, Comics Stripping and Graphics Illustration serve as the contests for media and arts category. “ The purpose of this training is not only in writing but also sa iba’t-ibang field of journalism, at the same time ma-improve na rin yung skills nila” said by Mrs. Susanna Rose A. Labastilla, coordinator of The Gears.

IN PHOTO: Joseph Andrew Algarne leading the recitation of Journalist creed.

KEY TO GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS The seminar serves as the start of taking responsibilities as a journalist and to prepare the students to be mentally and physically ready. “Gagaling ka once you commit yourself, hindi lang sa pagsususlat o pagdo-drawing pero pati narin sa buhay mo, at least alam mo na how it feels like to be time pressured, mentally pressured, and physically pressured. But your commitment really matters at syempre continue lang sa pag improve sa sarili, our skills are limitless, promise may mga bagay kayong madidiscover na kaya mo pala gawin, not just on talent pero maaring sa skills mo sa pakikipag kapwa-tao, pakikipag usap, at kung ano ano pa,” stated by Engr. Joshua Aquino, former TGP Editor-inChief 2018. Uncovering One’s Hidden Power |BIHIS

17 News

mekanismo|October 2019

SCHOLASTIC FORMATION. Scholars of LSPU-SCC exhibits patriotism in the DOST-SEI Project.

Calabarzon, NCR DOST scholars unite in 2019 Scholar’s Formation

Awakes patriotism Writer | Elexandra Labutap

elegates from the three universities from Calabarzon and NCR were invited to join the DOST-SEI Filipino Patriots Project: 2-Day Scholar’s Formation that aims to motivate nationalism among the scholars of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). Scholars were expected to return service for the country after pursuing their chosen professions. With a goal of helping potential scholars in need, Josette T. Biyo, Director of Science Education Institute said that she will be looking for these people and give what SEI can offer. “We have now reached 98% of municipalities with scholars, out of the 1,665 municipalities, 36 municipalities na lang ang walang scholars, but in 2020, gusto naming maging 100%,” she said during her opening remarks.

BIHIS|Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

Photo | Shane Kieth Doria Moreover, Geraldo S. Petilla, Resource Person of DOST-NRCP talked about the importance of leadership among the scholars as they are expected to become future leaders for the country. “There is a leadership shortage. We are losing a lot of leaders, ‘pag walang leaders, babagsak ang Pilipinas,” he said. Scholars were tasked to do community service and present a solution tree analysis in order to solve the problems faced by the rural communities. The program also highlighted the Pledge of Commitment as a patriot scholar, Candle Lighting Ceremony and the Pinning and awarding of certificates as the 26th batch, named SEITAMA. DOST-SEI is looking forward on the continuation of Phase 2 and is preparing for the upcoming National Congress.

News 18

October 2019|mekanismo

ECESS Supervises Free Technical Seminar

Empowers Knowledge about Power Electronics Writer | Gwenn Leynes

Photo | Joanna Peñones

iscussing lessons about sources of power and power electronics, the Electronics Engineering Students Society (ECESS) conducted a free seminar for all electronics engineering students of Laguna State Polytechnic University, October 28.

Engr. John Andrew Manacop, Excel Review Center training instructor, talked about his experiences and shared his knowledge in accordance with the event’s theme, “Advancement in Electronics Technology: Power in Electronics”. Manacop pointed out sources of energy such as solar energy, wind energy, human power and geothermal energy. “The moment you realized you want to become an engineer, you’ll want to know better...,” he said. The event also serves as an avenue to acknowledge the newly passed Electronics Engineers (ECE) and Electronics Technicians (ECT) from the recently concluded October Licensure Examination.

Moreover, Engr. Joshua D. Aquino, ECT, one of the 15 passers of the said examination, provided the students tips on how to pass the examination. “Gawin mong center ng buhay mo si God, not at time na dahil kailangan mo siya, pero dito you’ll appreciate things even more mula sa Kanya,” he explained. The seminar also introduced Excel Review Center as one of the largest and most successful ECE and ECT review center in the Philippines, producing the highest rating of passers every year adding that the 34 topnotches in the last 5 ECE board exams (2016-2018) were from this review center.

Uncovering One’s Hidden Power |BIHIS

CAS EMPOWERS YOUTH LEADERS Writer | Vhic Luzano

Photo | Micaella Cruz

News 20

October 2019|mekanismo

GLIMPSE OF ENJOYMENT. Despite of the blazing heat, CAS students actively participates in their Team Building activities with glee and enjoyment.

IN PHOTO: Ross Matthew A. Omega, LPT, as he gave his talks about being a leader for the students during the CAS seminar.

eadership development and actions for camaraderie were taught to the 81 participants who gathered for the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Seminar 2019, October 24. Participants and organization officers embraced diversity to achieve team cooperation with the theme “Bridging the gaps and empowering youth leadership”. “Be a smart dreamer… eclectic… actions with attitude… because now is the history of tomorrow,” Dr. Mary Jane D. Fuentes, OIC Dean College of Arts and Sciences, said in her message to students. Ross Matthew A. Omega, LPT, cultivated the impact of attitude in becoming a good leader and its strategic ways. “Ang pagiging isang leader kailangan munang ma form ang attitude… para ma form ang leadership… ito ang personality mo as a public figure,” Omega explained. Another speaker, Emersan D. Baldemor, LPT consolidated the side of art in leadership.

“Lahat tayo ay isinilang na malikhain… bilang art advocate kailangan natin ipag patuloy ang sining para mag bigay ng inspirasyon, bilang isang leader tayo dapat ay may adbokasiya,” Baldemor expressed. The event also included the awarding of winners such as: The outstanding leader of the day was awarded to Elex Labutap, Mark Angelo Rosario as LiCAS na aktibo, Jane Magda for the certificate of LiCAS na palakaibigan and the LiCAS na masayahin was bestowed on Verlyn Senadan. Also, the strongest group in team building activities was recognized for showcasing a genuine camaraderie. “Ang main goal namin ay ang pagbuklod-buklodin ang CAS… sa kabila ng pagkakaiba ng program, paniniwala at pananaw marapat pa ring mangibabaw… ang kaunlaran”, Siger Penicate, CAS student organization president concluded. Penicate denoted that one of the most important rules of becoming a good leader is to get to know themselves.

Uncovering One’s Hidden Power |BIHIS

21 News

mekanismo|October 2019

CE studes attend seminar in Industrial Revolution CE 4.0

Understands Green Engineering, Sustainable, Innovative Transportation

LEADER OF TODAY. Atty. Chel Diokno (at the right)answering questions from students of different universities about the growth and challenges of the country.

Writer | Christian Carlo Viriña and King Laurenz Tesico Photo | UPACES

n order to cope with the improving infrastructure system of the Philippines, Civil Engineering students of Laguna State Polytechnic University joined consecutives seminars to understand Green Engineering, Sustainable and Innovative Transportation and the state of National Industrialization. NCES 2019 University of the Philippines – Association of Civil Engineering (UP-ACES) held their annual National Civil Engineering Symposium (NCES) 2019 at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) joined by 20 CE students from LSPU, October 4. The symposium tackled topics about Green Engineering, how this can be achieved and the progress the country has in terms of eco-friendly infrastructure. In addition, talks discussing disaster ready structure was delivered to the delegates. Atty. Jose Manuel “Chel” Diokno provided the students inspirational message as well as answering questions raised by the students about the government, education system and the Build Build Build project. COLLOQUIA 2019 LSPU – ACES also took part in the annual Colloquia seminar for CE students from Region 4-A to talked innovations in the BIHIS|Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

construction industry, UP Los Baños, October 19. Dr. Marloe B. Sundo, Accredited Transportation Engineering Specialist, proceeded with his presentation, Philippine Road Infrastructure Development diving into the data, budgets, future targets and proposed plans of the government regarding the country’s transportation by 2020. This includes developments and plans throughout the country with new expressways minimizing travel time, LRT and MRT extensions and proposed bridges connecting regions bounded by water. Moreover, Intelligent Transportation Systems that focuses on innovations of transportation means and security and safety systems was presented by Engr. John Jowhell H. Villegas, M.Engineer, Civil Engineer – Transportation. Engr. Ma. Bernadeth B. Lim added Sustainable Transportation and the use of Advance Technologies for Effective Transportation System that approaches the developments with environmental objectives thus efficient innovations and solutions on both humans and the environment.

News 22

October 2019|mekanismo

ASF outbreaks worries farmers of Laguna

Multiple hog’s death hits CALABARZON

Writer | Lorena Onato & Erika Laurence Ramos Photo | April Lian Albong

hree backyard farms in Rizal province, just north of Manila in central Luzon, reported high mortality losses. Laguna being one of the closest province from Rizal sets checkpoints to avoid the entry of infected pigs from other provinces.

“Products or live animals from ASF-affected areas banned talaga, hindi namin papasukin ‘yung products at ‘yung truck,” ani Dr. Mary Grace Bustamante, head of Laguna Provincial Veterinary Office.

According to Agriculture Secretary William Dar, out of 20 blood samples that sends to United Kingdom for laboratory test, 14 confirms positive in ASF from the area of Rizal and Bulacan.

On the other hand, Batangas Governor Hermilando Mandanas signed Memorandum Circular No. 03 banning the entry of all live pigs, pork and formulated swine feeds from entering the province to prevent the spread of African swine fever.

The primary cause of the Rizal outbreak was suggested to be the feeding of contaminated waste food by-products from Manila sources to backyard pigs. Department of Agriculture (DA) Crisis Management Task Force regulates protocol “1-7-10” which is road blockings mounted by armed national police to prevent pig movements between provinces.

According to Rappler, the circular also prohibited using, selling, or displaying imported frozen pork in restaurants, hotels, wet markets, groceries and supermarkets. DA assured that the said virus is not harmful to human health but can cause deadly bleeding in domestic pigs and boars. Uncovering One’s Hidden Power |BIHIS

COVER STORY

A Glint of Hope for the Dumagats:

UNCOVERING THE PLIGHT OF INDIGENOUS PEOPLE IN LAGUNA

Words | Darryl B. Peñaredondo Photos | April Lian Albong

e stood in awe as the great mountain at Sta. Maria, Laguna loomed before us in that early morning of October 10, 2019. Covered with a rug of green, yellow, scarlet and orange trees, the mountain tops were scarfed and beribboned with white fog. Boarding a jeepney for two hours and some fifty minutes ride in a ‘kuliglig’ – a three-wheeled motor vehicle or a motorbike, we knew the way was treacherous on a rainy day in a road splattered with thick and slippery mud. From the foot of the mountain, it was a long four-hour travel before reaching Sitio Manggahan in a village in Barangay Daraitan. As we started our hike, we were greeted by the tall trees standing ghost-like, the silent observers of the foggy mountains and the clouds. One thing noticeable is the big river which seemed to be friendly with the rain pouring slowly but posing no threat of swelling water. We preferred to traverse the river using “bangka” – small doubleoutrigger dugout canoes. Luckily, the water was calm, and crossing the river to have a chit chat with the Dumagats posed no danger. Renting a bangka to get to the indigenous people serves as a form of livelihood

BIHIS|Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

for most of the Dumagats. After a few minutes, we’re greeted with the villagers who seemed not aloof as they get used to visitors coming to their place. With their low huts made of bamboo sticks, small branches, talahib leaves (cogon), their dwellings look flimsy in the wind. Here lives some 50 Dumagat families which are known to be an endangered culture in the province of Laguna according to Peter Jaynul Villanueva Uckung, Head of History, Arts and Culture Division of Laguna Tourism Culture Arts and Trade Office (LTCATO) .

We’re introduced to the newly elected Dumagats’ chieftain Sir Rioben Pranada, who they called “Ani”. A shack made of coconut leaves and bamboo served as a place to entertain guests. The chieftain explained that Dumagats said their tribe’s name was derived from the word “dagat” or sea because their ancestors used to live along the coastal stretches of neighboring Quezon and Rizal province. The tribe especially the old indigenous people possess the physical traits of the Negrito race with dark brown to black complexions. They’re usually short, thick-lipped, small-nosed and kinky-haired. But some of them may have been the result of mixing with lowlanders as they have straight hair and light complexions. They speak a dialect unfamiliar to us, yet they could also speak Tagalog which made us easier to communicate. The elders taught us a few words their tribe only knew and we ended laughing for every word we couldn’t speak well. Seeing how they wanted to preserve their culture, the old men displayed their “bahag” (breechcloth) while the women wore their ‘tapis’ (skirt) typical of the Negritos. They explained that their colorful costumes were made from plants called ‘tikbi’ pounded, dried and colored naturally. Women who were breastfeeding wear ‘uban’ – a piece of fabric slung to their shoulder. Men have scars using various designs. But many of the new breed, abandoned their tribal attire for civilized clothes. Mang Copreng, one of the elders explained that as young as 13 or 14, Dumagats could marry their partner chosen by their parents.

PUSH INTO ISOLATION When homesteaders arrived in the area of the Dumagats, they were pushed farther and farther into the mountains, and eventually dispersed in small groups but still wanted to maintain the tradition their ancestors wanted them to perpetuate. One of the dispersed groups chose to live in the mountains of Sta. Maria, Laguna while others were pushed into other places in the boundary of Quezon and Rizal provinces.

and some logging. Lining up the tilled soil are rootcrops and vegetables which they can sell at the nearby Sta. Maria and Siniloan towns. Hunting is their main means of subsistence wherein they use sticks called ‘galud’ to kill birds, wild pigs and deer whose meat they exchange for some forest products like starchy food and other goods. They also take seasonal jobs like making copra and charcoal.

The sun was already high in the sky and the surrounding terrain was brought into sudden and sharp focus. It revealed more that we were in a valley ringed by the foggy mountains. The cold river was of the bluest water with deep and shallow parts. In places of the layer of deciduous forest, resplendent in golden hues, came right to the water’s edge, where some trees had even fallen in. Here is where they also find their living – fishing

The Dumagats live in harmony with the land. They’re dependent on Mother Earth for their survival including medicines, food and shelter. For them, nature is a gift and all forms of life must be respected. They worship the spirits of their ancestors which they show through dancing and movements. They have the elders who serve as their chieftain whom they consult for decisions they have to make.

CHALLENGES OF BEING FAR FROM THE MAINSTREAM The Dumagats had to fight the challenges of being far from the mainstream. Being deprived of their right to education, most of them are illiterate. It’s almost impossible to go down to the nearest town to attend classes. Children wouldn’t be able to reach their classes on time if they hike down or would be in danger if they cross the river. The absence of education has also made the Dumagats objects of ridicule and discrimination by the lowlanders. An old lady, ‘Na Taring’ narrated how she got bullied and being laughed at each time she goes to the town to sell their produce. Tears welled from her eyes

when asked about how the lowlanders treated them. “Mahirap makihalubilo, para kasing iniiwasan nila kami na nagbubulungan sila at parang nangdidiri sa aming itsura,” Na Taring explained. “Meron din namang naaawa sa amin at binibigyan kami ng mga lumang gamit at damit.” Illiteracy has not only kept them poor but has also made them subject of discrimination. Very few would trust the Dumagats to do menial jobs like in construction or households. No one would care to give them decent jobs for the employers knew they don’t know how to read and write.

Uncovering One’s Hidden Power |BIHIS

COVER STORY A GLINT OF HOPE FROM MOBILE TEACHERS Recognizing the need for Indigenous People (IP) education, the Department of Education is now determined to bring education not only to the Dumagats but to all the indigenous peoples (IPs) in the country, estimated to be around 14 million to 17 million spread across 110 ethno-linguistic groups. According to a research conducted by the United Nation Development Programme, the majority of the ethnic groups are concentrated in Mindanao at 61 percent, 30 percent in Luzon, while the rest are in Visayas. Holding on to their cultures and traditions, they preferred to live as organized communities. Due to their lack of access to basic social services and their limited livelihood opportunities, the ethnic groups are the most vulnerable, impoverished and marginalized citizens.

claim their rights and exercise self-determination.” When the Dumagats met the people known as mobile teachers, this gave them a glint of hope. Mobile teachers have to endure long walks, living a life in the forest, and being away with families in order to make education accessible to the Dumagats. In a small hall in their community, the Dumagats study together regardless of age. The mobile teachers help the Dumagats with reading, writing and counting. They are provided with instructional materials produced by the Department of Education.

“Knowing their

To reaffirm the country’s commitment to achieve Education For All, DepEd created the National Indigenous People Education Policy Framework in 2011 and achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. Under this policy framework, DepEd will provide adequate and culturally appropriate environment and learning resources to IPs learners such as textbooks and supplementary materials adopting mother tongue-based multilingual education for IPs learners. To further strengthen this move, the education department established the Indigenous Peoples Education Office (IPsEO) that will take the lead in planning, implementing, coordinating, and monitoring of activities related to IP education proposing a budget of 100 million pesos (2013) to enable the sub-agency to consolidate existing models and best practices on IP education, and to establish a systematic and coherent program. The DepEd is now determined to bring education not only to the Dumagats but to all the indigenous peoples (IPs) in the country which are about 14 million to 17 million spread across 110 ethno-linguistic groups.

culture gives us a glimpse of our cultural identity.”

According to Rozanno Rufino, program coordinator of IPsEO, “Education empowers IPs. It is an essential means for them to BIHIS|Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

Ranito Gallego, one of the mobile teachers who was interviewed by GMA News, pursues his mission among the Dumagats. “This is where I pour my strength. It’s a vocation, passion and mission, all at the same time.” As early as now, Gallego’s efforts are positively recognized. “I want to be a teacher too someday,” said Jenny Cruz, Gallego’s 12-year-old Dumagat student, “so I can teach Dumagat children how to read.”

This inspires the Dumagats in the mountains of Sta. Maria, Laguna to get access to education from the Mobile teachers to free them from the bondage of poverty. They have long wished to receive this kind of support from the government and finally connect them to the world. Indigenous education in the Philippines, however, is actually just a recent phenomenon, according to Ricarte Abejuela III, who did a study on indigenous education in the Philippines at Bukidnon State College. “Though the Philippine republic has been in existence for more than 100 years, it was only since the late 1980s and the 1990s that the government sought to address the plight of indigenous peoples,” Abejuela wrote in his research paper entitled, “Indigenous Education in the Philippines: A Case Study of the Sagu-Ilaw School of Indigenous Knowledge and Traditions.” The present Constitution, which was written in 1987, in Article XIV Section 1 states: “The State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and shall take

appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.” It had to take a decade for Congress to pass a law that protects the rights of the indigenous peoples. In October 1997, then President Fidel V. Ramos signed into law Republic Act 8371 - the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act which particularly

seeks to address indigenous peoples’ poverty. It was not until 14 years after the law was passed and five years after the United Nations issued the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples that the government formally institutionalized its effort to give indigenous people an education.

FIGHTING FOR LAND RIGHTS In 1997, the Philippines passed the Indigenous People’s Rights Act, which said the nation would protect indigenous communities’ rights to their ancestral domains and ability to govern according to their customs. The law addresses the economic, social and cultural well-being of indigenous groups. There were many obstacles to achieving the government recognition of their ancestral lands. The Christian Foundation for the Children and the Aging (CFCA ) – a non- profit sponsorship organization was instrumental in the Dumagats ‘ fight for their land rights. Through working with the community in education and literacy programs as well as monthly meetings, CFCA began to understand the challenges the Dumagats faced over their ancestral domain. CFCA noted that the Dumagats’ homes were growing smaller, their rivers were overfished and their forests became bare. They resolved to work on attaining legal title to their ancestral lands. CFCA worked with the Dumagats to begin with the documents and proofs and all other needs required by law. In November 12, 2012, the National Commission of Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) awarded the recognition of ancestral domain to the Dumagats in Antipolo city, Philippines. Recognition of the Dumagats’ lands would not have happened without the tireless efforts of local CFCA staff and many other local and government agencies that lent their assistance in the process. Now that the community has received this recognition, its

members can continue to observe their customary laws and protect their natural resources. Domingo Cruz, overall chieftain of the Dumagat indigenous cultural community, was present at the awarding ceremony and was happy with the recognition his people received because the certificate recognizes their ancestral domain and will clarify to all that their tribe is the true owner of their lands. “God listened to our prayers.” Domingo said. Dumagats in Sta. Maria, Laguna is currently working the same way as the Dumagats in Antipolo City. Their faces beamed knowing their fight for their rights to land ownership is possible if they work together. With the growing number of the Dumagats in the mountains of Sta. Maria, Laguna, their spiritual, health, livelihood and literacy needs are also major concerns of the government. A lot has to be uncovered about the Dumagats, but the day wasn’t enough. We felt connected to these people. Knowing their culture gives us a glimpse of our cultural identity. To my eye, the mountain peaks are the green line of a doctor’s graph. I saw those rocks at dawn, those slopes that give home to so much life, a foundation for trees and shrubs, grass and ferns. With blue above and below, in the sky and the wide river, ever lightening as the sun rose, I knew it would be a good day for the Dumagats to face a new day with glint of hope connecting to the world in the mountains, where the lands were of greater degree than mankind.

27 Features

mekanismo|October 2019

PROFILE

Year Old LSPU Prof passed 5 Board Exams and Counting

Words | Darryl B. Peñaredondo Art | Adrian Cada

October 2019|mekanismo

Features 28

DON’T QUIT. His message to the aspiring graduates:

NEVER STOP LEARNING! O

necho Angelo A. Gabinete, a 26-year-old professor in the College of Engineering of Laguna State Polytechnic Univeristy, Sta.Cruz Campus loves college and taking board exams. To date, he has passed five(5) board exams from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) plus Professional Civil Service and TESDA Certificate course. Prof. Onecho as he is fondly called by his students recalled that even during his childhood days he got lots of plans of what he wanted to achieve. At first, he wanted to be an astronaut since he’s fascinated with the stars and the night sky. Then he became intrigued with house designs he saw along the road and wished to be an architect. Seeing people in their uniforms like nurses in white gowns, businessmen in their corporate attire and teachers in their dignified look. At other times, he would tell that he liked to be a “kwek-kwek” vendor too. But one thing very clear in his memory was his fondness for camera, that old model with film, which he usually held in his hand making his mom screamed at the top of her lungs –afraid that he would drop it. So, Onecho’s mind was set into being a photographer someday. In high school, Onecho did what a normal teen should dostudy well! His mind was occupied with things he wanted in the future. Onecho’s plans were influenced by his uncle who’s employed as a media man at ABS-CBN. Looking forward in joining the same network either as a camera man or graphic artist, he thought of taking Fine Arts or Multimedia Arts . Unfortunately, there’s no school offering that course in Sta. Cruz so he needed to change plans. After graduation in high school, he decided to take Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering, the nearest course he could take to dream job. Life in college wasn’t that easy for him. He narrated that he has difficulty memorizing facts that made him hate subjects like General Psychology, English and Filipino. In his freshman year, he had to face various challenges typical of college students . “Di naman ako magaling sa engineering, nagka-bagsak din ako, nag-removal, umusok ‘yung power supply project ko, mali ‘yung mga engineering designs ko, nag-exam ako ng walang review, na-absent ako, pero takot akong pumasok ng walang assignment,” Onecho narrated. His next moves were about his many courses which led him to take many board exams. Following his “check ‘n mate’ principle, he patiently took each course one after the other. Wanting to discover how’s it like to be in one field, he explored others for him to compare which one is better. “Lahat naman nangyayari may dahilan, sa experience ko, nilalagay ako sa iba’t-ibang field to wake me up na, Hoy! yung pinangarap mo dati hindi ka para don. Kumbaga pinapaexperience sayo yun para malaman mo na may iba pa palang mas

bagay sayo. Parang sa love, ipinakikilala ka sa iba’t-ibang tao to prepare you to the right one. Napuntahan ko yung ibat-ibang field para malaman ko yung pagkakaiba-iba nila. Kapag napuntahan mo na lahat ng gusto mo, dun ka palang talaga makakapili,” Prof Onecho explained. While Onecho was in his Fourth Year College, year 2012, he already planned to take Electronics Technician (ECT) Licensure Exam. That year, he was also a 3rd Year BSECE student . “I was the first to take ECT Licensure Exam from LSPUSCC. Oh di ba nasa history ako, at ako din ‘yung kauna-unahang bumagsak. Haha! Na-depressed ako nun. Kaya sabi ko, “Hindi pwede ‘to, babawi ako.” Onecho recalled. He decided to enroll in a review center for his ECT exam in Quezon City that made him so exhausted for he would go home very late after his review class on Sundays that I couldn’t attend my first subject – Numerical Methods - on Mondays in my ECE Class. Luckily, he passed his next take of ECT Board Exam, but failed his Numerical Methods Class in ECE. So he needed summer class to complete it. After graduation, he enrolled again in a review center to help him pass his second board exam - but he failed. He promised to himself that he wouldn’t want to be employed unless he passed his ECE board exam that would allow him to be called a legit Engineer. So he enrolled again in the review center. Again, he did not make it, he got a conditional grade in Math. Unwilling to give up, he devoted his time and got himself focused for his third try. In October 2015, he triumphantly passed his ECE exam. “That was the happiest day of my life. Pressured din kasi ako kasi lahat ng kapatid ko ay board passers na. Pero after that parang may kulang, parang ang plain. Dun ko naisip na mag-take pa ako ng ibang exam such as RMP, RME, and LPT. Siguro ang dami ko lang gustong patunayan, sa school ko, sa teachers ko, sa classmates ko, sa family ko, sa nanakit sa akin.” Prof Onecho ended. Prof Onecho said that he would keep going for more college degrees if there’s still opportunity. So that’s his advice: Stay in school. Stay in for as long as you can. Never stop learning. Don’t quit. Uncovering One’s Hidden Power |BIHIS

mekanismo|October 2019

Colour Story

Filling in the Gaps:

The Changing Perspective About Breast Cancer

Words | Darryl B. Peñaredondo Art | Aron Dominic A. Malaga

ink is everywhere! It is Breast Cancer Awareness month. You might see women wearing pink shirt and don pink ribbon. Women from around the world put on ribbons, not as a fashion statement, but to promote awareness. Breast Cancer remains one of the top causes of death among Filipinas. Having a family member with this disease is life threatening, as their life seemed to be limited.

BIHIS|Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

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Carla Paras Sison is one of the 16% diagnosed with breast cancer, or 3 out of 100 Filipino women who developed the disease in their lifetime. This was revealed according to the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, one in 13 Filipinas will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. In addition to this, the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society reports that the Philippines has the highest prevalence of breast cancer among 197 countries. Snapshots of Hope

In order to improve breast cancer outcomes and survival, early detection is critical. There are two early detection strategies for breast cancer: early diagnosis and screening. Limited resource settings with weak In 2004, Carla, 35, a mother of a 5 year-old son and health systems where the majority of women are a 9 year-old daughter was diagnosed with stage 3C diagnosed in late stages should prioritize early breast cancer. Her life then fell apart, she underwent diagnosis programmes based on awareness of early the regular treatment, surgery, chemotherapy, and signs and symptoms and prompt referral to diagnosis radiotherapy. and treatment.

Snapshots of Hope

“I thought I was gonna die. I put my affairs in order. I used my 13th month pay of that year to buy a small lot for my burial because I was really expecting to die.” Carla said.

Navigating the Uncharted Waters

The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed in October and sponsored by different foundation and volunteers, is an avenue to spread awareness about Breast Cancer as we celebrate mothers with Breast Cancer and make others be informed and helps people to increase attention and support for the awareness, early detection and “We don’t have our death in our hands, but we have treatment as well as palliative care of this disease. our life in our hands, we can choose how to live.” she said. In the big scene, The ICANSERVE Foundation provides hope and help to women with breast cancer. Fifteen years had passed, Carla is now busy It promotes early breast cancer detection through high dedicating her time and effort to help awareness as impact information campaigns and community based a Media and Information Committee Chair in ‘I Can screening programs. Its network of cancer survivors Serve Foundation.’ she had found her purpose as she light the path for women with cancer towards total volunteers to lift women undergoing the journey. healing. After a year, Carla found that her disease already spread to her limbs and bone, and became stage 4. By that time, she undergone another six cycles of chemotherapies, but with grace above, her last therapy was on 2005, and survived breast cancer.

Breast Cancer, a closer look

It advocates early breast cancer detection through high impact information campaigns and communitybased screening programs. It empowers women with cancer-related information so they can have a voice in According to the World Health Organization their own health care. It offers hope so that women (WHO), Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer with breast cancer will not feel alone among women, impacting 2.1 million women each in their journey. Volunteers are year, and also causes the greatest number of cancer- cancer survivors willing to share related deaths among women. In 2018, it is estimated their light with other patients and that 627,000 women died from breast cancer – that is survivors so that their path is approximately 15% of all cancer deaths among women. better lit, and the journey, lighter. While breast cancer rates are higher among women in more developed regions, rates are increasing in nearly every region globally.

Breast Cancer, a closer look

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mekanismo|October 2019

A Case of Philippine Diaspora:

Flor Contemplacion’s Tragic ‘March’ “J

Words | Darryl B. Peñaredondo

Photo | King Laurenz James Tesico

ustice for Flor Contemplacion!” boldly saying the placards carried by the mourners while clenching their fists and waving their white handkerchiefs as they marched to her final resting place.

Flor Contemplacion was a name the millenials might not be familiar with, but this name made Alaminos and San Pablo the “Center of the World” for at least a few hours on that fateful day of March 27, 1995. After being convicted by the Singaporean court for killing a fellow OFW Delia Maga and a 4-year-old ward of Maga, Nicholas Huang, she was hanged to death together with three male drug traffickers on March 17. It was a big scandal as she was the first Filipina to be executed by the Singaporean government. For many, Flor was considered a lamb sacrificed under the administration of President Fidel V. Ramos, who earned rage from the people as they condemned him for not pleading to the Singaporean court to spare Contemplacion’s life. Thousands of Filipinos expressed their outrage in the streets, carrying banners and even vandalizing pavements and walls. More than 5,000 town residents carried Flor’s remains BIHIS|Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

from her humble home in San Gregorio, to the grand cathedral of San Isidro in the poblacion area to pay their last respect to Contemplacion dubbing her as a heroine. Supporters jampacked in the church not only to air their sentiments, but also nicked a little contribution to help sustain the children of Flor in an undetermined future emerging upon them. There were those who sincerely gave their deepest sympathy, and some used the opportunity as a stunt for publicity as biggest names in local showbiz barged in at the little home of the Contemplacions before the interment. “Celebrities and politician donated huge amounts while some government agencies offered non-monetary opportunities

October 2019|mekanismo

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photo credits:google.com

such as employment and scholarships,” Russel explained. At the time of her death, Flor and her husband named Efren has a 21-year-old son, a 17-year-old daughter, and a 15-year old twin boys who had last seen their mother in 1989. According to their only daughter Russel, the tragedy somehow became their investment. Maybe Flor thought of providing a steady income for her family as donations reached an enormous P4 million. Russel believed that the amount they received from their mom’s controversial death would be enough not only to support their educational expenses, but also their future financial expenses. Little did she know that her prediction was wrong…. PAINFUL TRUTH REVEALED PAINFUL TRUTH REVEALED Contemplacion’s story became a subject of media that they’re very eager to dig something until they discovered a rotting secret upon Flor’s death. Everyone got enraged upon knowing that while Contemplacion was enduring the pain as an OFW, physically and emotionally, Efren had an affair with a girl named Vivian, who allegedly helped support her family through Flor’s remittances. Earlier before her conviction, Russel narrated that she could hear their parents arguing about his father’s unfaithfulness and that her mother wanted separation . Stated in the law, Efren has the authority over the donations because their children were still minors when Flor was executed. DWINDLING FAMILY TIESTIES DWINDLING FAMILY The family’s squabble over the amount collected during Flor’s funeral ignited the fight between Efren and Russel’s three brothers who claimed that their father misappropriated the funds by getting more than what he should to sustain his vices. It resulted the dwindling of their family ties. “We thought that my brothers and father’s fight would be in courts, but it is not-it became worse as there’s a ‘thick wall’ in the

four corners of our home. No one wanted to give in,” Russel sadly explained. The next move of the family’s patriarch seemed to solve the problem. Efren bought a 2000 sq. m. compound and constructed five houses for him and each of the children. For many, it’s a good decision but for Russel this a wrong move as it the ultimate destruction of their family. Since they don’t see each other as much, each of them started having their own lives. Recalling that moment almost made Russel cry. “My father would rarely come home, and my brothers started going astray. It was really as sad time for me because I really felt alone .” she said. Feeling that nobody cared for her, she turned her sadness into something useful as she devoted her time in finishing her studies, and have a decent job. TRAGIC MARCH PATTERN TRAGIC MARCH PATTERN Seeing the family’s events, Russel, the ‘last standing Contemplacion’ concluded that March was so cruel for their family. Sandrix and twins Jun-Jun and Jay-Jay who were given college scholarships by philanthropists at the time of their mother’s death eventually got bored and dropped out of school. They became teenage fathers, and are now serving time for drug pushing. In the same predicament, Efren and his live-in partner Vivian have been tagged as drug pushers and peddlers. The sad fact : All Contemplacions were arrested on a March. “I don’t know why something TRAGIC happens to our family every month of March that I started feeling trauma everytime March comes,” Russel sighed. Russel had to endure the pain, the struggles, and quest for justice rushing in her. With grit and determination, she’s able to stand up and move on with her life. With nothing but memory of her mother, she mumbled her prayers for her eternal repose . Uncovering One’s Hidden Power |BIHIS

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mekanismo|October 2019

GCTA opens Sanchez

Pandora’s Box, more secrets spewed out Words | Darryl B. Peñaredondo Art | Craisa Robutazo BIHIS|Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

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f you’re a millennial baby, you probably wouldn’t know the two names Eileen Sarmenta and Allan Gomez, not until the news broke about the apparent release of former Calauan, Laguna Mayor Antonio Sanchez as a grantee of the much-questioned Good Time Conduct Allowance (GCTA). The revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the GCTA earned the ire of the nations over the near-release of the highprofile convict, Sanchez. More than the bitterness of Calaueňos, it was fear and loathing that best describes the fourth class town’s streets. Due to the public outcry, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered Bureau of Corrections director Nicanor Faeldon not to release Sanchez. In addition, Salvador Panelo, Sanchez’ former lawyer and now the Presidential Spokesman admitted that he met with the family of the rape-slay and doesn’t see anything wrong with it.

not the first first?

But who would’ve thought that Eileen and Allan were not the

Yes, they weren’t the first “gift” to a boss according to Jesse Vera Acebes in an interview with Inquirer, ex-schoolmate of Eileen and Allan in University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB) before the 1993 rape-slay happened. In 1991, two years before the 1993 UPLB murders, it was around September when the unforgettable scenario happened to a group of 14 teenagers including Jesse. After a stressful string days of final exams, Jesse and his friends decided to hang out with few beers and go out to the well-known spread of rice fields outside the university near International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) called “Panicles.”

After picking out the perfect spot to unload their ice chest full of beers from where they parked their three cars, a medium to heavy-set man riding an owner-type jeep approached them. They all thought him as military as the man was armed with an M-16 assault rifle and was wearing soldier’s uniform, folded sleeves, and pants boots. Jesse thought that it was just a routine patrol and probably assigned in the area where they were－but he was wrong, the man began to aim his rifle and shouted, “Get your hands up!” In the midst of the unlucky night, Jesse remembered something that the armed man said. “Do you know what I’m going to do with these girls?”

“I WILL GIVE THEM TO MY BOSS AS GIFTS.” Strange things happened, but nonetheless considered godsend by the group of teenagers, the armed man lost his interest and finally let them go. “Did this monster get spooked by the random cars that whizzed by? Did he figure that there were too many of us and it will be complicated for him to end up with eight dead bodies (the boys) and six hostages (the girls)? I really didn’t know.” Jesse said.

Later that night, one thing Jesse will never forget was the tag on the heavy to medium-set armed man saying “R. Corcolon.” Coincidentally, after two years Rogelio “Boy” Corcolon was convicted rapist and murderer following the killing of Eileen-Allan in 1993. “I believed Eileen and Allan were not the first.” Jesse said.

witness A 38-year old Ram Wayne Castillo witnessed how the silent hometown broke and became a farm of reporters and military men. “It was a horrible experience when reporters were like zombies haunting for a prey to interview, so most of us are hiding in our homes because if we get interviewed and speak our thoughts, we might not know what could happen next,” Ram said. Despite Sanchez’s imprisonment, her wife tried to get his power but nonetheless, failed. Yet, Dong Sanchez, their eldest son, and daughter Amty Sanchez were elected vice mayor and councilor, respectively.

“When we heard that Sanchez will be released, most of the townspeople feared for their security, feeling that the former mayor might get back on all those who pinned him down, thus, beginning a new cycle of vengeance and violence in the town. It was a sigh of relief when we heard that Duterte cancelled his release. We now live in peace without worries,” Castillo said. Sanchez family’s 35-hectare farm called Erais seemed to be a “ghost farm” after old folks swear to see the ghosts of Eileen and Allan. No buyer was interested since the farm no longer reached its former production, even the farm went on sale. Uncovering One’s Hidden Power |BIHIS

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mekanismo|October 2019

BREAKING RULES, WHAT’S BEHIND? Words | Darryl B. Peñaredondo Photo | April Lian Albong

“Bawal tumawid dito! May namatay na dito!” a screaming signboard couldn’t be left unnoticed along the busy street somewhere in Baclaran. As I was on the crosswalk waiting for the pedestrian light to turn green, I saw people from the other side of the road bravely crossing the prohibited area calmly like they didn’t see anything. I wondered if they knew how to read or was the signage too small not to be seen. I muttered to myself, “Imposibleng ‘di sila nakakabasa, ang laki-laki nung signage. Do they know that following basic rule such as road signage could save their lives?” Then, the pedestrian light turned green, it’s my time to cross the road safely. Heading to the waiting shed to ride a jeepney, something gave me a mini heart attack! “Zombies are invading us. It’s a zombie apocalypse!” People hurriedly passed one another and running like they’re looking for a place to hide! I looked back and felt calm and realized ‘twas just people running towards the moving public jeepneys to get themselves seated . They even willingly hang at the back of the moving vehicle just to be included in the ride. “WAIT! What?” my inner self shouted! Then I saw the signboard saying , “No loading and unloading anytime.” Boarding the jeepney , I thought I could take a nap but I was wrong as “basketball players” started their feat. A teen practiced his shooting skill by throwing his crumpled trash into the bin. Another boy perfectly aimed for a three-point shot but he missed. ‘Deadma’, it’s like nothing happened. It seemed like the trash bin was three-meter away but in fact, it’s just a 3-step-away. “Is that far to take those steps to reach the mouth of the trash bin?”, I wondered. As soon as the basketball players got off the jeepney , I sat behind the driver’s seat; I easily noticed the ‘No Smoking’ sticker in front of the it. “Yown! Safe ako” as I knew my allergy would be triggered if I get the slightest nicotine. Unexpectedly, a stinky smell hit my nose. Guess what? It ‘s coming from the driver! How hypocrite?! He’s violating the law he enforced! Ugh! I got runny nose… all day long. That short time ruined my day and my health. Many of us thinks that disregarding micro things doesn’t matter, like they don’t have macro effect especially when it doesn’t give any effect on us. It’s just so alarming that it gets further; the further we do this little disobedience, the further it turns to being our habit and in the end it becomes our lifestyle. BIHIS|Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

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ccording to James Leeman of ISHN Magazine in his article published in August 2014, rule breaking is driven by personal attitude, the environment individuals operate in, and external pressure, which cause people to make decisions at the spur of the moment to either follow or break the rule. The same rule can be broken for different reasons at different times. Following rules is a fluid and dynamic activity throughout the day. Given the right pressure, even the best-of-the-best law–abiding citizen will break the rules. FEELING TRAPPED FEELING

TRAPPED

ongoing pressure to produce and the reality that essentially no consequences will be imposed if rules, They would like to, and the result: many veteran safety or otherwise, are broken. employees are forced to remain employed. The environment in which employees operate Fellow employees watch short-cutters get work today is another factor. Several colleagues have done and praise from management for keeping observed plant managers becoming more motivated the company competitive. Then they begin to take by affiliation (i.e., the need to be liked) when managing shortcuts with their work, leading to more injuries. their employees. When rules are broken, the manager Sure everyone gets away with cutting corners for is less likely to levy a severe penalty for fear of not some period of time, but eventually their luck runs out being liked. If breaking rules is tacitly tolerated, you’ll and — WHAM — someone is off to the hospital. Too see more of this behavior. often, the one going to the hospital is not the one who CONNECT THE DOTS broke the rules. CONNECT THE DOTS

KEEPING IT INSIDE

Connect this “softer, gentler” management style to a more “collectivist” safety climate (i.e., the group Individuals who don’t break the rules tend to is the primary unit of reality versus the individual) and stew over those who do, and vent about it with fellow ultimately there is a lessening of individuals looking out employees. But rarely do they report what they see, for themselves. When an infraction occurs, pinpointing fearing unwanted consequences. Finally some gather the “group” guilty of the infraction to administer some up enough courage to take issue with the unsafe acts form of disciplinary action becomes essentially of another employee. Everyone gathers around the impossible, if not meaningless. accused to protect him or her from disciplinary action. DRA WING THE LINE The accuser usually is ostracized to the point that new DRAWING THE LINE employment is the only fix. So how to “break” this growing rule-breaking habit? Reasons employees break the rules that surfaced Several colleagues mentioned using lists of “Inviolable during my conversations with colleagues included: Acts,” “Life Saving Rules,” “Cardinal Rules,” and “Golden Rules.” Typically, this list of acts or rules is developed UNHEALTHY TREND UNHEALTHY TREND after recognizing that failing to follow them can lead to serious injury or death. In all cases colleagues A trend is sweeping today’s workplace: employees mentioned, if an employee violates any of these acts are not held accountable for following the rules. No or rules, disciplinary action is taken up to and including wonder we are seeing a shift in attitudes. We have termination of employment.

photo credits:google.com

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“Cardinal rules” common to five companies I researched included: • Valid work permits

• Using Alcohol and/or Drugs While Working

• Log, Tag, Clear, and Try

gor Driving

• Vessel/Confined Space Entry

• Horseplay or Fighting

• Fall Protection

• Watching Pornography

• High Energy Isolation and Grounding

• Possessing a Firearm, Ammunition,

• Intentional Overriding of an Interlock

eExplosives/Strike Anywhere Matches Onsite

• Wearing Seat Belts

• Possessing Knives More Than Three Inches

• Management of Change

• Hiding or Failing to Report Injuries or

• Purposely Draining/Releasing to the

oOccupational Illnesses

eEnvironment

• Stealing or Unauthorized Removal of

• Working Under a Lifted Load

cCompany Property

• Smoking Outside Smoking Areas

• Wearing of Jewelry or Loose Clothing

• Using a Phone While Driving

• Proper PPE Worn at All Times

LIMIT THE MOST CRUCIAL RULES

of atonement. Either literal or symbolic cleansing that can alleviate guilt, and redemption brought by mild electric shocks.

LIMIT THE MOST CRUCIAL RULES

All five companies researched had only ten to twelve acts considered to be so important that employees were expected to pay close attention and not violate them. The key to compliance is consistency. Disciplinary action for violating one or more acts must be administered consistently. All eyes are watching. Another perception key: Is the list of acts compiled sincerely to protect employees from harm, or to insulate management from something catastrophic happening?

According to a written report for the Accident Prevention Task Group on October 1999 for North and East Devon Health Authority’s ‘Health Forum’; over a period of time, we learn to behave in a particular way when we encounter a set of circumstances that we recognise. There is evidence that suggests that habits start off as ‘implementation intentions’ (Gollwitzer, 1993), or decisions that state, “when X happens, I will do Y”. For example, “When I have got home from I think the further away we move from the biological a night out, got undressed and into bed, and before I axiom of “survival of the fittest” when it comes to safety turn the light out, I will smoke a cigarette”, or “When and toward a “groupthink” approach to safety, the I get home from work, I will slump in front of the TV more difficult it becomes to ensure “individuals” follow all evening or go to the gym or take my wife and kids the rules. As safety and health professionals, our job is to the cinema”. These implementation intentions are to ensure those “individuals” working the tools are the likely to be strongly influenced by our personality, as it “fittest” when it comes to safety. is our personality traits that dictate how we perceive the world around us and how we react to the things SAFETY RULES AS A GRA VE CONCERN SAFETY RULES AS A GRAVE CONCERN that we experience. This is particularly true of habits Usually, violating rules is done through some kind that involve rule-breaking behaviour. BIHIS|Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

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“Following rules is a fluid and dynamic activity throughout the day. Given the right pressure, even the best-of-thebest law–abiding citizen will break the rules.”

Uncovering One’s Hidden Power |BIHIS

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mekanismo|October 2019

“Star-la’s” silent sparks’ flickering out Words | Darryl B. Peñaredondo Art | Almond Cherry E. Dominguez

“S

tarla” generated buzz as the teleserye comeback of Judy Ann Santos in a lead role, six years after she top-billed a primetime series. Starla ( Jana Agoncillo) is a sentient star who got left behind by her siblings and their matriarch. While Starla story is gaining five star ratings in the primetime, ”Starla” – the Philippine ‘alitaptap” is flickering out. Fireflies in the local dialect are called “alitaptap”. A lot of them flickering their tail-lights can be seen in the suburbs of Los Banos, Laguna and the nearby places. They are the only creatures that used fire apart from us, human beings. But, when was the last time you saw those glowing glittering little creatures danced in the night as if choreographed by every joyous memory and dream? Probably a long time ago. Not so often now because those tinkies that live for about 5 to 30 days only, are in immediate danger of extinction. “Many of the Earth’s firefly species, of which there are more than 2,000, are endangered by human activities such as habitat loss, light pollution and pesticides.” – CNN commentary revealed.

supply of baby fireflies. Another study conducted by Jessica A. Knoblauch, senior staff writer at ‘Earthjustice” revealed that humans are largely to blame for the extinction of fireflies by spraying toxic pesticides, polluting our air and water, degrading the landscape, and emitting ever more carbon. According to the UN report, these actions are causing nature to decline at unprecedented rates and accelerating the rate of species’ extinction. Around 1 million animal and plant species — more than ever before in human history — are now threatened with extinction, many within decades. THE BIG LOSS FROM DISAPPEARING LITTLE TINKIES

According to Tufts University professor Sara Lewis, author of Silent Sparks: The Wondrous World of Fireflies, firefly populations are flickering out.

An estimated 2,000 species of fireflies have been declining for years according to scientists. Losing these glowing “lightning bugs robs future generations of one of the simplest and most pleasurable joys of childhood.

In her published article, Lewis explained that fireflies “thrive” in the midst of fields, forests, marshes, and mangroves that are being systematically destroyed as “waves of development replace them with shopping malls and parking lots and plantations.”

Also, doctors and researchers of a valuable diagnostic tool are at stake because since injecting chemicals found in a firefly’s tail into human cells, researchers can detect diseases like cancer and muscular dystrophy.

Firefly reproduction is interfered with manmade light pollution as their courtship rituals are based on being able to detect “luminous signals” which is difficult to do when conflicting “background illumination” from street lamps is present.

Annual global crops are at risk from pollinator loss alone. Fireflies, being one of the pollinators, are lost at an accelerated rate threatening the foundations of our economies, livelihoods and food security.

Lewis also explained that high levels of commercial pesticides, meant to kill harmful insects, inevitably kills beneficial insects like fireflies. Even mild insecticides used on residential lawns and gardens have a detrimental effect, cutting off the food

Firefly Conservation and Research mentioned that the problem throughout the world is the open fields and forests that are being destroyed, and the waterways seeing more development and noisy boat traffic. As fireflies’ habitat disappears under

BIHIS|Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

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housing and commercial developments, their numbers decrease tremendously.

it’s the perfect time to watch those flying lightbulbs I thought as stars in the fence made of ‘madre cacao.’

There’s plenty of anecdotal evidence in areas that were once full of fireflies—but now disappeared. Some areas once had so many fireflies that they profited from running firefly tours in marshes and forests—but since population has increased, firefly populations have gone down.

Like a normal kid, I was fascinated by those tiny creatures’ sparkling lights… So without any hesitation, I collected fireflies by grabbing a translucent bag from the pockets of our refrigerator, I ran outside our home, picked a firefly or two, put inside the bag, and took it beside me to sleep like a dancing christmas lights.

WILL THE HEARTBREAKING LEGEND OF THE FIREFLY NEVER BE TOLD AGAIN? With the danger of extinction of the firefly, this legend is in danger of being passed on to the next generation too because children won’t see fireflies in the sky anymore. The legend came from Bataan, Philippines where there was a handsome, well-built , but boastful and arrogant young man who is dreaming of marrying the most beautiful maiden he would have seen. One day, he decided to look for that beautiful and lovely maiden and found her in the middle of the forest. For him, she was the most beautiful maiden he had laid his eyes on. As he was getting close to her, the maiden suddenly disappeared. He went looking for her in the whole forest until he grew tired and mad that he screamed at the top of his lungs: “You are not really beautiful! Did you hear me? You have a flat nose, you’re a cross-eyed and you have the biggest ears I’ve ever seen.” Tired of his search, he lied down under a tree. Just then, he the beautiful maiden appeared. He was so shocked because he knew that the maiden heard what he had said out of madness of not finding her. The maiden, having clearly heard his his hurting words felt so insulted that she cursed the man to become a bug. He may only turn back into a human form when he would find a maiden that will surpass her beauty. The handsome man who turned into a bug flew near and far to find the maiden prettier than the fairy. He didn’t stop searching bringing a light with him to help his search during the dark night. He was the only bug with a light, desperately wandering so he could go back to normal again. Do we care if children won’t learn a moral lesson from this in real life that we do make mistakes, we hurt people and lose their trusts. And, we end up doing the consequences and try hard to earn their trusts back just like the firefly in the story. A CHILD’S MOMENT WITH ‘STARLA’: CAN OTHERS HAVE THIS BEAUTIFUL REMINISCENCE? I vividly remember the scenery when I was a little kid living in the farm beside the rice fields . I always waited for the dark night to come because

I woke up with excitement early in the morning to see my fireflies I left beside me. My excitement turned sadness as I was looking inside the bag, I see nothing but a bug without the green light I’ve witnessed last night.

“

Many of the Earth’s firefly species, of which there are more than 2,000, are endangered by human activities such as habitat loss, light pollution and pesticides.

”

– CNN commentary

As time flew swiftly, those “starlas” I saw ‘starlas’ from our backyard, those little fairies I put inside my plastic bag seemed to disappear. In fact I felt sad knowing that my niece don’t know how amazing those tinkies shine outside our home, and even don’t know what ‘alitaptap’ looks like. But wait! When you see one of them, don’t be a remorse child like me. If you are lucky enough to still see them in your backyard, you don’t need to put “starlas” in plastic bags and suffocate them to die. You don’t need to flip them out of your shirt. Just gently catch them, free them, and watch them bring joy and light away. KEEP THE FLAME BURNING: TELL EVERYONE TO SAVE “ALITAPTAP” FROM EXTINCTION Though, the fireflies continue to face the destruction of their habitat, they can be protected through our simple conservation and protection of their habitats to promote ecological balance and enhance their biological diversity. Published on Lewis blog, here are the tips for making a yard more firefly friendly, including: Use outdoor lighting only where necessary, to minimize light pollution. Install only lights that comply with International Dark Sky Association standards. Keep small piles of branches and leaves (a “good environment” for larval fireflies). Let the grass in one section of your yard grow a bit taller, allowing the soil to maintain moisture; fireflies lay eggs in moist places. Once those lights are gone, they’re gone forever, but it’s not too late to save them. We must do something to make sure that future generations will enjoy fireflies. ‘Alitaptap’ shouldn’t just be a childhood memory, they should be part of our future, too. Let’s tell everyone they are endangered! Uncovering One’s Hidden Power |BIHIS

Omnibus:

Inspiring stories inside a four-wheel ride Words | Alvin De Leon Cuevas Photo | Carlos Deniel Camus

assengers often wait for the right bus and timing to buy their tickets in order to reach at their destination. They’re regularly meeting and interacting with other folks who has the same stop but different tickets. Every person who rides on a bus has different faces, of course, telling different stories. Most of the people struggling to get on a bus are probably the people who depends their sustenance in chasing the four-wheels of reality.

“ A deeper ride into something we’re never guided with the people who lives to tell their tales.”

Roneil Luntican, JonJon and Eglecerio “Javar” whose lives mainly spend on the roads have their own stories to tell.

SLICE OF PIE... BUKO PIE For Roneil Luntican, a bus vendor, to chase the right timing in every bus, he jumps in to sell his buko pie while shouting “Mainit pa!” is just as usual as wearing his clothes.

He embodies the word “lowkey” when it comes to selling. Though his silence wouldn’t ignite a conversation, our being familiar passengers enable him to tell the struggles of a man spending more than 40 years of his life taking chances on every bus he takes in.

As a man of few words, literally, he narrated that he’s been living his life alone and his few earnings makes it totally enough to survive for a day. Getting through a day without having a wife and children made him a bit tearyeyed. He even added that he stopped studying since his 3rd year high school because of their family’s unfortunate living back in the old days.

“Minsan kakaunti… kasi madami [kaming] naglalako sa bawat bus kasi nga, kailangan naming mabuhay araw-araw,” he said. He seemed to be contented on what he has now. Before taking off the bus at the next stop , I clearly saw that bittersweet glance he threw on us.

BIHIS|Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

LOST SPOTLIGHT FOR THE ARCHETYPAL DWARF The few people sitting on the bus swamped into the bus easily ,but for Javar who suffered from dwarfism – getting on a bus is very challenging. Unlike the fictional white rabbit wearing a waistcoat as Alice follows it to Wonderland, Eglecerio “Javar” might tell you different lines and tales he experienced before turning into a bus timer. He could possibly write a novel on every job he’s done these past years such as being one of a mayor’s “buddy” guard, starring as one of Snow White’s dwarves in a theatre play, and even having a cameo appearance in teleseryes. The costumes Javar wore, and the criticism he earned from being into his situation were nothing for him. In real-life, he plays the role of a loving husband to his wife who shares the same condition called ‘dwarfism’ as he is. Although Javar suffers from this condition, he uses his flaw as his asset, along with his jolliness on telling every bus drivers and conductors his experiences on standing out and fulfilling his hopes of being recognize by the public and being a star one day, his story inspires many.

BUY BUS-T Amidst of all vendor wearing their best smiles to lure out customers, this one’s hiding in the dark mask of his past, traumatized of glancing back to it again. In order to hid his identity, he didn’t tell much of his chapters. Going by his nickname “Jonjon”, who came from the world of drugs and violence, is now chasing his troubled past with the world inside the four wheels and reality. As a runaway at such a young age, his direction isn’t much paved and recklessly drove his way of being a drug addict, and later on realized that he’s not on the same destination as the other kids while looking at his orange shirt inside the cell. Since his family didn’t know what happened to him, he tells them via phone calls that he’s now a sales clerk on a mall here in Laguna without them knowing that he’s actually wearing rugged shirt and a face towel hanging on his shoulder as he shouts “Buko pie po!” instead of promoting products in a world full of many smaller shops and stores. For JonJon, Javar and Roneil, to sustain their everyday needs is a must. These people, alongside their life’s path being paved by four wheels deserve all the appreciation and applause for being strong after wearing all the world’s series of wardrobe mishaps and malfunctions and facing other people’s judgement.

Uncovering One’s Hidden Power |BIHIS

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PINOY NASA SCIENTIST who makes happy tummy in zero gravity gets home to inspire future professionals Words | Darryl B. Peñaredondo

BIHIS|Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

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ilipino scientist from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Apollo Arquiza gets home to inspire senior high school students in Laguna as the guest speaker in the celebration of Career Guidance Week, August 1.

Arquiza, a postdoctoral research associate at Cornell University, an alumni of UP Los Baňos showed humility in sharing his work experiences as a professional especially with NASA. He is a scientist for NASA’s Advanced Cookware and Techniques for Food Preparation dubbed as the “cooking project” which may be done on Mars Space Mission in 2030. NASA is an independent agency of the United States Federal Government responsible for the civilian space program, as well as aeronautics and aerospace research. Arquiza is part of the NASA team on space food studies. The team designed the first low-gravity space galley ever recorded in history.

Arquiza was born in Manila. He studied at the Philippine Science High School, and graduated magna cum laude for his degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB). He obtained his masters in the same course at UP Diliman. Before pursuing further studies at Cornell University in US, he taught at UPLB’s Department of Chemical Engineering for 12 years. His research in the Philippines was focused on bioprocessing and biochemical engineering. He had done research on designing processes and equipment for the production of biofuels and bio-products from agricultural crops and residue.

The cooking equipment is an enclosed unit with activated charcoal filters and a fan that sucks in air from the front and draws particles away from the cook. It is an induction cookware made to minimize or prevent food contamination, Arquiza uttered.

His interest in the space exploration program became possible when he was accepted at Cornell’s PhD Program in Biological and Environmental Engineering in 2005. Dr. Hunter, his professor, chose him to be a graduate research assistant after a rigid selection process. Arquiza was admitted based on It had to be strong enough to withstand 9 Gs worth his academic performance and research work. He of force, and also control frying odors, because as Dr. then started his research on advanced life support for Jean Hunter, Professor at Cornell University, notes, human space exploration. “on the moon, you can’t open a window to air out the kitchen.” He has been involved in various NASA funded projects such as the “Closed-Loop Waste Processing On April 2014, the scientists boarded a zero Dryer,” “Enhanced Brine Dewatering,” which is a project gravity G-Force 1 space simulator plane to test the on water recycling for space missions, and “Production effectiveness of the specially constructed space galley. of Electrolysis Purity Water,” for lunar in-situ resource In a series of four flights from Houston, they sauteed utilization. These projects seek to improve life support tofu and potatoes in a frying pan of sizzling oil and systems in space; from drying of crew laundry, to filmed the resulting oil splatters as the plain climbed stabilization of cabin waste and water recovery and dove in parabolic paths. process. Each cycle created a brief period of partial weightlessness, simulating the conditions astronauts would face during extended stays on the moon or Mars, which have one-sixth and one-third the gravity of Earth respectively, according to Arquiza. The team is currently researching and preparing for the “cooking project” which may be done as astronauts travel to Mars by the year 2030. The astronauts will try to live in the planet for five years, he added.

As of now, Arquiza is currently working with the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) on food processing. Their main objective is to improve shelf life of foods, particularly foods for disaster. He is currently involved in inspiring young students in the province of Laguna to get interested in Space Technology and be one of the scientists who can contribute something great for humanity.

Uncovering One’s Hidden Power |BIHIS

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mekanismo|October 2019

TREND

oday, plenty of fashion have emerged creatively-denims, florals, sweatpants, chokers and more. Who would’ve thought of modern fashion could collide Filipiniana and Barong pieces? With the country’s rich culture and history, I came up with the idea of Philippine’s traditional attire meeting modern age.

Voguish Filipino Style Filipino Lookbook 2019 TAKE A LOOK INTO THE HISTORY Project published by Philippine Folklife Museum Foundation

The Spanish Era brought about Spanish ethics, which influenced Christianized women to wear a skirt called the saya and a blouse called the baro, which was worn throughout the 400 years of colonization. The ‘baro’ was of butterfly sleeves made consistently of fine fabrics and was said to have been influenced by the costume of the statues of the Blessed Virgin. The ‘saya’ was generally fashioned out of opaque plaid or striped cotton and sinamay varieties, It remained unelaborated until the period of intensified global trade. Since the ‘baro’ was made of fine material, a square kerchief called alampay, usually made of the same fabric as the saya was worn over the baro to cover the breasts which also doubled as a veil, later called the panuelo. An overskirt made of darker, thicker material known as the tapis was wrapped around the lower half of the woman’s body and tied at the waist or below the breasts. It was secured in place by the knotted ends or by a length of braided material. In some societies, belt-like pieces were used. The ‘tapis’ was an assertion of native pride. To this day, the tapis is worn by older women in barrios all over the Philippines. When the Spaniards ruled over the country, one of their three missions was to spread Christianity. With the advent of religiousity and veneration of the Blessed-Virgin, the Filipino women’s clothing transformed to that of conservatism. Showing off certain parts of the body like one’s foot or leg, was a great taboo. BIHIS|Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

As a fashion enthusiasts, I work overdrive to come up with fresh ideas for this generation and make our Filipiniana and Barong even more exciting, and even catch up with the norms. Words | Darryl B. Peñaredondo Photos | April Lian Albong Make-Up | Devey John Valdez

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TAKING IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL OF FASION What to wear? It’s a reiterative question for stylish people and fashion freaks that gives them no rest. It’s the perfect time to start dressing up yourself the ‘Filipino way’ in a ‘generation Z’ era. It is a funky way to introduce denim to Filipiniana and Barong, but these are perfect spotlight for soaring the style and fashion of Filipinos. The rapid increase of denims had been welcomed this age. Made from cotton, spun and freed in any debris that doesn’t tear easily that makes it long lasting. Woven fabric made by interlacing warp..and weft yarn dyed by indigo or blue eye. Commonly used as jackets, jeans, shirts, skirts, swimsuit, belts and many more. Topping a denim skirts and jeans with butterfly sleeves Filipiniana and long sleeves Barong made from pineapple leaves fibres extracted by hand and worked into fine threads woven together in a loom resulting to a transluscent piece of fabric that can be embroided on top makes it one of the most exciting styles. Accessorized with white rubber shoes to make it more comfortable makes the whole look even more tasty; even giving fresh look to modern Filipinos. Killing the fear of being outdated and out-of-place, the touch of denim on Filipiniana and Barong still implies dignity, class and elegance - words that define Filipinos. Traditional wear weren’t supposed to be just celebrated in “Buwan ng Wika” on the month of August, but also by local fashion cognoscenti who has taken up the bar in promoting traditional costumes as an inspiration for local fashion. Since we entered into the modern times, Filipiniana and Barong aren’t just recognized as traditional costume, but as an everyday wear. Today, we look for the revival of our rich history and culture as it transformed through the visions of the modern Filipinos. Uncovering One’s Hidden Power |BIHIS

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mekanismo|October 2019

TRAVEL

New Little Baguio

Sta. Maria, Laguna Beyond the flabbergasting sceneries and biting cold at New Little Baguio in Laguna Words | Darryl B. Peñaredondo

Photos | April Lian Albong

n the mountainous terrain at the northernmost part of Laguna lies a flabbergasting place gaining its new tourist name as the New Little Baguio. Having established its name as the Rice Granary of Laguna, Sta. Maria in its uphill Barangay Cueva also boasts of a breathtaking view and cold climate comparable to Baguio City . If a stranger asks, “Where is Sta. Maria?”, all you will hear is the phrase “Sa kadulu-duluhang bundok ng Laguna”. Indeed, the town is situated in the mountainous terrain bounded by Rizal and Quezon province. Sta. Maria is a fourth class municipality in Laguna owning a large portion of land of about 108 sq km area known to have the largest rice fields in Laguna and has politically subdivided into 25 barangays. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 30,830 people. Separated from the mainstream, uphill in Barangay Cueva, you can indulge yourself in communing with nature. Despite its stark location and inaccessibility to 24 hour transportation－ it should be on any adventurer’s bucket list. It may well be one of the last true frontier towns that you should visit.

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A TRICKY TRIP YOU’LL EVER LOVE While on my way to find a subject for our school magazine a few weeks ago, I was hooked with the amazing view located uphill in the mountains of Sta. Maria without knowing that it’s the town’s tourist attraction called “New Little Baguio” .

Suddenly, while we are deciding what to do next, Mang Amben said, “Php600 itatakbo ko kayo balikan. ”We got surprised by the price, we were not prepared, our money wasn’t too. It’s like we were tricked to agree with the price he stated.

So one Saturday morning, just wanting to relax after a very stressful exam week, my classmate and I boarded a jeepney from Sta. Cruz going to Siniloan. With nothing more than 400 pesos and the clothes we wear, we decided to have an adventure in that mystical place. Along the way, I was amazed with the eye-opening sceneries going up.

Then, we got an agreement, we made a deal by paying 500. All thanks to Manong driver! It’s finally going to happen, we are going to the little Baguio!

When we arrived at the terminal in Siniloan, we took a tricycle amounting to 120 pesos going to Sta. Maria － the place we thought was our destination. At the Plaza, I looked around and wondered where the heck is the New Little Baguio. It didn’t look like we’re in the place because I was expecting very cold climate touching my skin. We walked around and got near the 7/11 Convenience store. Trying our luck to get us to the exact place, we tried to ask a tricycle driver sitting beside the gymnasium in front of the municipal hall named Mang Amben. Without any hesitation we asked him, “Saan po yung papuntang Little Baguio?” “Ay malayo ‘yon. Bihira lang ang bumibiyahe papunta don,” he replied uninterestingly. Upon hearing it, I felt a bit disappointed. It seemed like we couldn’t get to our destination to explore this place which I got hooked up the moment we passed by.

Travelling uphill using Mang Amben’s tricycle proved to be challenging. If only his trike could talk, it would tell him to stop so it could rest. I never thought of hiking using a cab! The long rocky road was treacherous. Sensing the pain of going up, we decided to travel on foot unto the end of the road. Mang Amben preferred to stay with us though. He ushered his trike upward and waited for us on top. We didn`t expect how hard the hike would be, with all the slippery mud, thorns and steep terrain. With curiosity of what we would find there, I kept silent though I could feel the tingling in my feet since I wasn’t wearing the right hiking attire. Communing with nature is such a wonderful experience as we trudged the rugged terrain. The entire adventure lasted for two hours. Suddenly, the rain started to pour. I gasped and asked, “How lucky we are indeed!” With the heavy downpour, we couldn’t really make it to the top and we stayed in a nearby shack and waited for the drops to get lighter. We walked quickly until we reached destination－and yes, after all the literal ups and downs, we made it! We’re on top and now could see what’s there to see in the New Little Baguio found in the province of Laguna!

EXPLORING THE UNIQUE SIGHTS, PLEASURE, AND EXPERIENCE We didn’t know what’s in store for us on our trip, but we’re pretty sure that it would be all worth it as I gazed upon the beautiful sceneries. It’s like we’re on top of the world! Wild raspberries (sapinits) are found on the roadside. We saw their bushes nearby. Mang Amben who was still in our company offered to get us to other places using his tricycle as we grew tired of walking. As I stepped out of the tricycle after about an hour of sightseeing, the excitement flowed to every part of my body. I shivered under my deep blue jacket and white shirt I had on. The icy wind blew onto my already frozen face. I was amazed by the place because of the fog that seemed to cover the entire road and the lush mountains surrounding in it. Mang Amben told us that there’s a nice place for tourists too. With his description of cold and foggy weather while enjoying the serenity and wilderness of the forest with natural spring water that flows from the pool to the man made lagoon, we couldn’t wait but to enter the KM 90- a new tourist attraction nearby the town along the road. With a 50-peso entrance fee, we’re able to get in and saw this amazing Eco Park and Restaurant. With few bills in our pocket, we got satisfied by the affordable meals they served. After some minutes, we didn’t waste our time as we climbed their so-called ‘compass’ – a circular structure made from strong strings by the Dumagats - the indigenous people in Sta. Maria,

Laguna. At first I was hesitant to get into the middle of the compass doubting its strength to carry my weight. For a minute or two, I kept silent wanting to hear myself if I can make it. Finally, I gave in and the sight with beautiful mountains surrounding us and the fog touching my skin giving me chills were worth the risk. It’s like I felt freedom as I breathe the fresh air from the mountains. We spent about one and a half hour of enjoying the scenery–wait! We took turns to take pictures of this once in a lifetime adventure. What I also like is the warm welcome of the people in the barangay. You can see the sense of attachment of a real camaraderie of Pinoys. They‘re very hospitable with strangers visiting their place. With their sweet and over-the-ear smiles, we felt heartwarming connection with them. While at the tricycle of Mang Amben going back, I could still feeling the whisper of the trees. Ending my day in Little Baguio was magical. This marvelous frontier town of Laguna is indeed a treasure. I knew the 5oo pesos we paid for his service wasn’t enough for the kindness he has done for us. I realized that our adventure is beyond the flabbergasting scenes and biting cold of the wind. More of it is about feeding our souls. The mountainous terrain magnetized our souls telling us to come back. I’ve got that place in my heart and that is the New Little Baguio. Uncovering One’s Hidden Power |BIHIS

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BLOG

anting to find a subject for our blog, the four of us decided to unveil Laguna’s vintage treasures. There might be many Lagunenses who don’t know that our province has its own unique old-aged recipes and oldest structure.

According to History, Arts and Culture Division Head of Laguna Tourism Culture Arts and Trade Office (LTCATO) Peter Jaynul Villanueva Uckung, Lambanog is one of the oldest recipes that the province has, in line with Halo-Halo, Kesong Puti and Buko Pie. Furthermore, he added that the 2nd oldest house in the Philippines was built in Majayjay. BIHIS|Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

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THE LINGERING TASTE OF LAGUNA’S LAMBANOG You know you’re in Laguna when you see those signages “Lambanog for Sale’ along the road while you are traveling from Greater Manila Area to South. Every Lagunense, at least once, has tried to souse up this native alcohol called Lambanog. In just 20 pesos, this Lagunense’s all time favorite beverage will surely make you go crazy just like the spirit of those expensive rum, gin and brandy. Lambanog is commonly produced in Liliw, a picturesque small town located in the foothills of Mt. Banahaw, This place is well known for its oldest alcoholic beverage - a product of a freshly harvested tuba (coconut sap) nourishing its pure form. Lambanog is the Filipino term for wine produce from a natural sources that comes from the fermented sap of the coconut tree to make an achromatic spirit which ordinarily carries a strength content of 80 to 90 proof after a single distillation, and this may extent as 166 proof after the second distillation. The alluring drips of this local brand of liquor will satisfy you with its pure taste which ranges around 200 pesos per gallon.

Behind this unique beverage, coconut farmers display their patience and perseverance . There’s a “Mangangaret” which is the designated term for the gatherer of coconut sap . These farmers show their prowess in balancing bamboos connecting the trees of coconut, this coconut sap will then undergo to distillation process to make a subtle, smooth and a hint of sweet finish. One toast of it is enough to waken your soul with its strength, this thing isn’t made of jest. The pure content of this fluid was hitting my throat compared to the Lambanog that I had a taste of which has a flavored of ‘Bubble gum’. Though we’re not used to drinking this alcoholic beverage still, the four of us had blast of its outpouring its potency that surely lingered our tongue and lent the taste of versatility . One toast of it is enough to waken your soul with its strength, this thing isn’t made of jest. The pure content of this Bubble-gum flavored fluid was hitting our throat. After having a taste of the most delicious Lambanog in the Philippines, our camera shifted its focus as we roam around the town which is also known for their slippers and shoes.

THE SECRET OF 86 YEARS SWEETNESS After our Liliw’s escapade, we headed to Pagsanjan where we thought of having a taste of Aling Taleng’s Halo-Halo- an all-time favourite iconic icy Filipino desserts during summer seasons. Aling Taleng’s Halo-halo was the famous halo-halo which has been in the business since 1933 started by Catalina Zaguirre (a.k.a. Aling Taleng). Back then, it was just a Halo-halo stand in front of their house. But now, it is a full blown restaurant which has been featured by many TV shows and by local and international travel bloggers and insiders including Trip advisor and Lonely Planet. Sweet and unique, those are the only words that can be enjoyed by anyone who had their taste of Aling Taleng’s special halo-halo which special ingredients have not been changed since 1933.

The 6 main ingredients of their signature halo-halo were mongo (red beans), sweet kidney beans, macapuno, kundol (winter melon), ube (purple yam) and tubo. The sweet, preserved tubo or tumbong ng niyog topping is what made me remember their Halo-halo. It is not a typical ingredient of a traditional Halohalo. In fact, you cannot find a Halo-halo with a topping like this in most parts of the Philippines. Tubo or tumbong ng niyog is the white round thing which you can see inside an aged coconut. No matter how much our taste changes over time, the sweetness and taste of history will remain in our foods just like Aling Taleng’s halo-halo.

VIEWING AGED TREASURES Our next destination was in Majayjay, Laguna. As we walked through the town’s streets, we also looked back to its archaic chronicle. Pertaining to being primitive, one of the ancient houses in our country is located in Majayjay, called “Casa Ordoveza”- the second oldest house in the Philippines. Casa Ordoveza, according to Inquirer.Net, was constructed in 1744 and believed to be the oldest bahay-na-bato in the country after the still-existing Jesuit House built in 1730. Withal, in the journal article: “Casa Ordoveza of Majayjay, Laguna: The Evolution of a Provincial Ilustrado Family (1637-1990)” Casa Ordoveza was located on what was then “camino real” or the royal street (now Blumentritt Street) built by Majayjay gobernadorcillo Don Lorenzo Pangotangan who changed their family’s surname to Ordoveza in 1849. Furthermore, it was then demolished without any national culture agency or local government unit in exchange of reconstructing it at the controversial Las Casas Filipinas de

Acuzar in Bagac, Bataan concerning the Heritage Conservation Society (HCS) whio lamented the demolition. “Based on Republic Act 10066, all these old houses being transferred to Bagac, Bataan, are presumed to be Important Cultural Properties, and therefore are protected by law, unless the presumption is lifted,” HCS said. In spite of abolishing the oldest house in Luzon and transferring it to Bataan, the eminent ancestral home, Casa Ordoveza, still and always notch in the antecedents of thriving municipality of Majayjay and continues to stand in its 17th century origins. Since our blog subjects weren’t enough to be covered in a day, we just concluded that Laguna is indeed filled with wonderful history. Lambanog of Liliw, Aling Taleng’s Halo-halo at Pagsanjan and the Casa Ordoveza of Majayjay were just a few of the vintage treasures in the province of Laguna. Uncovering One’s Hidden Power |BIHIS

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T his is succes s - Niña Bless Chavez When I was a beauty queen The best answer that I have ever answered Was that the best policy is honesty. And that success is doing the right thing. I sat back down to my seat,

And of course the candidates were looking at me. They were sitting so erect and confidently, But seems that they were nervous while waiting for their turn And as they put their headphones off. And the wonderful question was still wonderful But their answers were heard in a trembling voice Holding their throats and zips their mouth But their heels were standing tall While waiting for the crown. Some said, That success were working hands, Curling itselves up together For a goal that builds friendship and unity. Some said that success Is growing together To save the lives of all, of others. When I was a beauty queen The best answer is honesty, To her the wonderful question, “Did I gave you an assignment yesterday?”

Living in Midway - Gwenn Leynes Forrest Gump’s mother used to say life is like a box of chocolate You’ll never know what you’re gonna get unless you ate Perhaps this world is a harbor of decisions And every sunrise, God sails choices in all destinations But how do you choose things over things? When everyday is a change that the nature brings How do you unleash the magic inside thee When every beginning is a variance you could not foresee Can you play safe at all times, when things are getting downhill and weary? Can you live between maybes, if the time comes and you’re sorry You are not getting any younger and soon have to state a say

BIHIS|Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

And hoping in midway is not anymore an option to make a way So when you feel like youa re ready for whatever life throws at you Cheer up and don’t hesitate to move too Because fighting everyday with all your might Is a decision you chose to conquer along with your faith

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Veni, V idi, Amavi

DESTINATION Literary Attempts

- Albong, Addie Yvonne A.

In the scruffiest place, I came. There the indigent creatures, I saw. But an endeavor’s eye in every cry, I loved. The zeal towards could castle; Veni, Vidi, Amavi. To the war of fate, I came. Blood, sweat, and pain, I saw. But the rise in morning shine, I loved. Insurrection for tomorrow; Veni, Vidi, Amavi. And now, to the battle, I came. Swords and knights, I saw. But the silent fighter, I loved. How they reform with quill; Veni, Vidi, Amavi. I came and plead for people, For I saw how serenity has been missed, I loved how everyone unleashed, The good in them with such bliss. A warrior of peace once said, “Veni, Vidi, Amavi”

Anonymous Fate

- Jerome Landig

Today, I am doing great As I arrested those filthy druggy This is my turn to yield the fair shake That everybody craves for a very long time It fabricates my day intact For me to discover my willpower But that will be my life if they let me To experience this world,

The chance to dwell with Tears and excitement It’s too complicated to Fulfill my megahit For I don’t know my name It was when my mom took the remedy for me to say ‘goodbye’

He who Wanted to Save the World - Dan Limjuco

Remember when we were youngsters we were told to dream big, to reach for the stars, to sail the oceans, to be a doctor, to be a laywer; to be whoever we wanted to be.

world on his shoulders. Now, with eyes wide open he is starting to know who he really is; that he is not as good as he thought he was, and that he was tied by the chains of mediocrity.

Well, he had always wanted to change the world.

Now, that lad who was once dreamt of saving the world is feeling so lost in his own world. His selflessness led him to lose himself. He tried so hard to save the world from himself without thinking of saving himself from the world. He tried and he failed; now he surrenders to craziness known only by the insane.

But as he grew older, he realised that things are not as simple as he thought they were. He realised that not all dreams are worth pursuing, and that some of them are just not meant for him. Then his world grew larger, he is no longer the kid who loves to smile and to fool around. He is now starting to feel the weights of the

That choice and decision he made when he’s still a kid made him who he is today; a puppet, an empty vessel; alive but dead inside. You, what decisions are you making today?

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DEVCOMM EDITORIAL

sping cceptance

Overcoming the unwanted.

Filipino people normalize flagrant criticisms among the people who suffers from various mental health problems without scrutinizing the effect it can cause. With their unawareness on how tough the experiences of those who became victims of the ill condition they continue to condemn people for what they have been acting due to attacks of their unfortunate fate. Some were unlucky to take their own bare lives due to phobia and paranoia. And others without knowing that no one wants to cross-boundaries with those estate held people with mental health imbalance responsible. It is estimated that 1 out of 4 people will come across with mental illness at some point in their lives. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasized the importance of mental health as it was stated is “ a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” With the Republic Act 11036 mandating a national policy to promote mental health, the indeed search for professionals to handle and help people to get out of what have been separating them from the rest of the world. And to make such improvements to their personalities so that they can live and walk amongst the others with normal life. To cutoff suicides, troublesome mind setting, and inability to continue they used to do. Availability of institutions that offers therapy is a huge lead to terminate those problems in mental health. Reaching out is the best thing that an individual can do to save someone who’s in the verge of suffering in mental illnesses. Mental illness, depression and anxiety is not a joke. It’s not something a person should make fun of. No one is eligible to judge the misery that someone battles with. No one have to right to tell people being “dramatic” during their panic attacks. No one will understand how hard it is to go through their situations unless they were the ones experiencing it. The need to shift into acceptance rather than demanding conformity to meet own satisfaction, the full understanding what has been the real deal on why other people have to isolate themselves from the other and why there were introverts and extroverts. Self-care is vital with mental health along with bonds from someone’s peers and families to help them get out of the gruesome condition and containment that can help them to be completely impeccable. For they have someone to tell and speak off their problems and concerns. Communication is one of the very effective things to help others There is nothing wrong with mental illness, those people who judge other for their conditions were the one’s who have the problem. The more we help people understand that handling mental health problems isn’t different with other conditions the easier it will be to eradicate the form that makes people put barriers with everyone, and it would be easier to live with one another. ‘Mental health is just as important as Physical Health’

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Writer | Vhic Luzano

Art | Aron Dominic Malaga

ll sexists, misogynists, gender bigots and sexual harassers, will no longer tolerate the “bastos” culture in the country. A public educational process embracing the advocacy of sensitizing the issue on harassment for cultural transformation into a lawabiding citizen, it is a challenge facing to all Filipino. The Safe Spaces Act or Republic Act No.11313 prohibits catcalling, wolf whistling, and unwanted sexual advances, also defines online harassment which includes acts that use information and communications technology in terrorizing and intimidating victims through physical, psychological, and emotional threats, unwanted sexual misogynistic, transphobic, homophobic and sexist remarks and comments online, whether publicly or through direct and private messages, invasion of the victim’s privacy through cyberstalking, and incessant messaging and others. In educational and training institutions, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Education (DepEd), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and other agencies or offices with attached training institutions are mandated to formulate the guidelines to effectively implement the law. The principal author and sponsor of the Bawal Bastos Law , Senator Risa Hontiveros calls it as a game changer. If fully implemented, it will promote policy change and behavioral change in the society. Reforming the laws and policy regarding gender-based public harassment. It will change the attitude and language of Filipinos towards women, LGBTIQ+ and even to men claimed harassed. Senator Risa guessed of what is happening if it is another incompetence of the Malacañang or were even worst an attempt by the administration to deodorize and sanitize the blatant sexism and misogyny of the chief executive robbed the real champions of this law who are the women, LGBT advocates and legislators and claim it as administration achievement in the run up to the president. She challenged the President to follow to the letter, the very law he signed and set an example as a leader who respects everyone. BIHIS|Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

Gabriela Women’s Party representative Arlene Brosas supported Sen. Hontiveros, “He is the chief propagator of a culture that degrades and objectifies women, and that which exhorts catcaller’s, sexual offenders and even uniform personnel to disrespect women. Under this context, implementing the law will certainly be a challenge”. Meanwhile Sec. Salvador Panelo, Presidential Spokesperson of Malacanang Palace denied the allegations, “you assume that the president is bastos, he never was bastos when he cracks jokes it was intended to make people laugh never to offend”. He added that the president has immunity it is possible to file cases after his term since the president signed that law he recognizes the need of that law. According from the group Catcalled In the Phillippines, “The strongest tip I can give is for men, DO NOT CATCALL. If you see your friends catcalling—stop them. Explain why it’s a bad idea – it’s hurtful, and maybe soon illegal. Your words to your friends can influence them more than anything I might be able to say. Ultimately, the responsibility to end catcalling lies mainly with men.” The law is not an anti-men but prevents men to fall into that culture of “kabastosan” towards women and LGBTIQ+ because of not questioning that kind of culture. When men slowly embrace the advocacy and become more true partners of this aspect then indeed they become part of this cultural transformation. Dr. Carolyn Sobritchea of U.P canter for women’s and gender studies “Ang problema natin ay implementation. So, napaka hirap kasi kunwari sa social media ngayon, yung paraan ng pag rereport ng kaso at paano mo aayusin? The implementation level is very poor. So ngayon, halimbawa, catcalling ‘yung mga ganyan… how will you monitor? Siguro sasabihin nila, the person oppressed,

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diniscriminate can report. But the readiness of the law enforcers ganoon, and the readiness of the courts to attend to it. There are many prior references to spot gap where this law fills in since there’s nothing in the revised penal code that identifies prohibits catcalling. In the fact LGU’s in Manila and Quezon City had to go ahead with their local ordinances specifically prohibiting and punishing the offenses of catcalling and even Davao City the president’s own home city where he served as mayor for three decades. Even in our anti-sexual harassment law of 1995 it only dictates anti-harassment from the superior to the subordinate in a workplace setting though an achievement in itself but limited to that relationship and space. Here in safe streets and public spaces act it also adding the dimension of sexual harassment done by subordinate to superior in public places in school, also online, and between peers and strangers on streets. In the previous penalty and prohibition, it was not effective that’s why Filipinos continued their unjust public culture and modes of behavior even on the streets and unfortunately, statistically the majority of sexual harassers are men, majority of victims are women and LGBTIQ+ but still men have to be part of the cultural transformation. The penalties and the identification of prohibited act will be considered as the secondary matter. A typical excuse of an aggressor to claim innocence when it’s very clear to the majority once it is forced then the victim can

DevComm 56 call a public officer. It is a public education process to those who experienced even those who do not know they are harmed. It will hopefully effect that cultural change in our society that the socalled jokes, compliment, I did not mean any harm will lead the society to be more sensitize towards women and LGBTIQ+ who actually feels being threatened their safety and personal space. In report of TV patrol according to manila police the victims of harassment every week to women reaches 140 in metro manila and one out of ten victims reported incidents in the authority. Several cases in different cities have been reported with alleged flashers or exhibitionist exposing genitals to victims (women) in public spaces. Some of the video went viral online. Michelle Noscal, Case Management Officer of Phil Mental Health Association, Inc. explained that flashers or exhibitionist has compulsive or who do not have resistance of urge to expose the sex organs especially to people they do not know and most of the victims are women or children. The paraphilia disorder is performing this compulsiveness from six months and above they are more on exposing extreme sexual urges through exposure of genitals. This individual can seek help from psychiatrist to provide pharmacotherapy to adjust such type of urges From Public Attorney’s Office, Atty. Demiteer Huerta said “those with mental disorder are not exempted but will have short sentence to undergo psychiatric treatment” Atty. Demiteer added that they already have forty cases of proprietor with mental disorder.

photo credits:google.com

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photo credits:google.com

TELECOMMUNITY:

BEYOND EXPECTATIONS Writer | Paul Andrei Lotereña

Art | Aron Dominic Malaga

nternet and the like mediums of communication has been the leading need in the fast growing and evolving society, it has connected many people miles apart to be able to reach each other though thousands of miles away. It made each and every country make things easier than it has to be that helped our world to be able to reach its highest potential in the current times. Though it was said to ease our daily communication, still there were barriers for successful transmissions especially in the Philippines, slow internet service providers. A study has been conducted by Open Signal in November of year 2017 within 77 countries. The said research was centered on every nation’s Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technology, where the country ranked 69th in LTE service provider while it placed a bottom-dweller 74th in terms of LTE speeds among all the included countries. For years the telecommunications rally was dwelled by the duopoly of PLDT, Inc.-Smart Communications and Globe Telecom that has been rampantly complained for years of their subscribers for poor telecommunication or infrastructure, and particularly slow but expensive internet up to this date. Current administration had warned the duopoly for their lack in good service and presented the idea of having another major player in the telecommunication race in the country. National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has been tasked to evaluate and obtain a worthy third major company in providing the best internet the Philippines can have.

PIONEERING INNOVATIONS In the 7th day of November, year 2017 a bidding was held by NTC and DICT to gain offers from growing telecommunities in the country. Three criterias have been the main requirements for the qualifications narrowed down by 15 telecommunications in the Philippines, first, National population coverage. Second is, Minimum average broadband speed. And lastly but not the least was, Capital and Operational Expenditures.

BIHIS|Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

A total of 9 companies have expressed their interests to be the third major internet service provider of the country namely, DITO Telecommunity (former MISLATEL), SEAR Telecom, PT&T, AMA Telecommunications, Converge ICT/Korea Telcom, Mobitel, NOW Corp, Streamtech and Telenor. Only DITO Telecommunity, SEAR Telecom and PT&T proceeded to the bidding. And DITO Telecommunity was the chosen third major player after the deliberations and were granted with certificate of public convenience and necessity and 6 radio frequency bands.

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Average Internet Download Speed in Philippines - 2019 According to Speedtest Global Index the Philippines ranks 103rd among 139 surveyed countries in terms of mobile internet speed.

PHILIPPINES

19.51 Mbps

GLOBAL

57.91 Mbps

The Philippines’ average speed of 19.51 Mbps was much slower than the global average of 57.91 Mbps.

SOURCE: www.news.abs-cbn.com

DITO Telecommunity former MISLATEL or Mindanao Islamic Telephone Company Inc. consists of locally based companies along with Udenna Corporation and its subsidiary, Chelsea Logistics and Chinese state-owned firm China Telecommunications Corporation a parent company of China Telecom has been the backbone of the telecommunication company to gain such title and to be the bidding winner headed by a Davao-based businessman, Dennis Uy, who also have a share on the Malampaya gas plant.

SURPASSING LIMITS Projects’ total investment for its construction and infrastructure means costed $5.4 billion dollars or a total of Php279 billion. They promised a 27 mbps minimum average broadband speed in the first year of their service and an astonishing 55 mbps in their 5th year. They said to offer a 5G connection in the process, but first they will uplift a 4G first but in a higher version or the socalled next generation 4G VOLTE or voice over LTE. And stated that they will not provide a 2G and 3G connection to break the service provided by the country’s largest duopoly. Metro Manila, Central Luzon, CALABARZON and Ilocos region are the first prospected to experience the anew service of the DITO telecommunity. The company is expected to give service and cover 37% of the the country in its 1st year and a total of 84% in their 5th year DITO Telecommunity or MISLATEL consortium vowed to ensure national security which includes device access

authentication, secure transfer mechanisms and multiple security storage mechanisms to be able to protect the country’s data to be breached and bypassed by terrorists or hackers. “Yes. That one I can tell you at least with a lot of confidence. But the exact date that one I don’t want to give because I. Of course, we only want to give what is accurate,” Mislatel consortium’s spokesperson Adel Tamano said in Malacañang.

BREAKING DEBUT In accordance with his statement he told that they’re not rolling out 2G nor rolling out with 3G. But they are rolling out 4G Volte that is ready for 5G connection and it’s not like the others before which will be much more better than of Singapore. Our country’s third telco will be accepting subscribers by the year 2020 and is expected to boost up the internet service in our country to improve and give better offers to Filipinos that ultimately depends upon connections in most times when at work or at home. Lots of users have been longing for good service for years and for now it will just take few months to obtain and avail their service in the Philippines and it will be a major factor to improve ranking of the country in means of internet availability and speed. Also it will be a huge help for Filipinos if its service will be the best one that they have ever seen before and in a justifiable cost to gain such trust and subscribers much easier than the duopoly has ever made in their own history. Uncovering One’s Hidden Power |BIHIS

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ETN

s of today, the Twenty-peso banknote are the most common paper bill among the Filipino people. Being the smallest denomination in general circulation in the country, it suffered most from the tears and wears. After being updated last 2010, with the former President Manuel L. Quezon featured on the front, the Banaue Rice Terraces and the Palm Civet at the back of the bill, the P20 bill has been in the hands of every Filipino citizens for years now. University of the Philippines noted that it is the most used denomination for payments across the country. It is easily rendered unfit for circulation and often returned to the BSP for replacement after conducting a study. That is why the Central Bank of the Philippines released a statement regarding the issuance of the 20-peso coin in lieu of a banknote along with the previous currency issuances and enhancements, the design, security features, and specifications of the P20 coin, the Central Bank anticipates a positive result in the previous currency issuances and enhancements, the design, security features, and specifications of the coin upon the proposal of the committee’s submission to the Monetary Board and then recommended for final approval of the President of the Philippines. Due to the nuisance and chaos in the world of bills and prices, a lot of Filipinos, citizens and netizens, gave their personal comments on the said plan of the government. But their main question is, “What would happen to the twenty-peso bill after the coin’s issuance?” The Central Bank answered that the P20 coin will initially coexist with the banknote version as legal tender and later on, the banknote will be gradually removed from circulation. After the official release of the coin, some have pointed out that it looked too similar to the other coins, making it not stand amongst

FROM PAPER BIHIS|Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

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NEB: the crowd and confusing to use.

Including the release of the newest five-peso coin 18-months after the Central Bank released a new set of coin designs that were widely panned by critics for having a P5 coin that was easily confused in size, weight and color with the P1 coin. But the government assured that the current series to be released [the twenty-peso coin] would feature enhanced aesthetics and security to the coin. Since the coin-issuance-plan was initially released by the Bangko Sentral, it was said that the changes are majorly based on the study from the design, security features, and specifications of the new coins. It was also said the official design of the coin was being finalized as of the moment. Also, the official release of the design of the twenty-peso coin will be presented by its governor, Benjamin Diokno. While the releasing of the official design and issuance of the actual product are being carefully planned, it was also said that coins are more durable than bills, which is why the central bank considered launching a coin version. As the government plans for more innovation, issuing a P20 coin instead of a banknote is “more cost efficient in terms of currency production in the long run.” Also, the life span of a

“ The latest addition to the NGC Coin Series shall retain major elements of the 20-Piso banknote. The design and features of the new 20-Piso coin shall make it easily distinguishable from the rest of the denominations in the NGC Coin Series.” – Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

coin when recirculated is more than 10 to 15 years compared to banknotes which is less than one year as what BSP Assistant Governor Dahlia Luna said. Yet, the manufacturing cost of the coin would be more expensive than the bill, but the longevity of the coin would outweigh the price. Which is agreeable in so many ways, the strong feature of the nickel coin could stay much longer on the market compared to the existence and role of the paper note. The costly production of the metal denomination can strongly recover its over-all in the mere future as what the government answered. With the long period of adjustment from orange paper bill to a round nickel, the P20 banknote that is all too easily soiled and worn by frequent use in wet markets and small transactions — will officially be replaced by a coin, stinging its metallic scent as long as you hold on to it. As for the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ plans, the new coin may be launched around the 4th quarter of 2019 or toward the 1st quarter of 2020. Changes with the 20 peso denomination will surely cause query to the Filipinos at first but as what have been experienced with the change of 5 peso and 10 peso coin that almost took the same appearance like the 1 peso coin it will be normalized as time went by.

WORTH TO NICKEL FORTH THE HIGHEST DENOMINATION COIN OF THE PHILIPPINE PESO

Writer | Alvin De Leon Cuevas photo credits:google.com

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LSPU Contr Outline for Writer | Ericka Laurence Ramos Art | Aron Dominic Malaga

y the virtue of RA 9402 enacted in 2007, the Laguna State Polytechnic College was converted into Laguna State Polytechnic University. The transition from being a State College to a State Universities has created large opportunities to the students and other stakeholders as four Campuses were merged into one big university. And Sta. Cruz as the main campus in Laguna, LSPU continue to evince outstanding works to provide quality education. From the year 2011, month of May, Dr. Nestor M. De Vera was elected as University President and re-elected on May 2015. With the dynamic leadership and management at his time, LSPU had the most remarkable achievements in all its mandates. LSPU has achieved its Center of Development in Teacher Education specifically in San Pablo City Campus. Leaving his very own legacy in his time of leadership in the institution. As the new University President, Dr. Mario R. Briones, who was elected on June 2019, will take his lead to work towards the Institutional Accreditation, Center of Development, as well as the Center of Excellence for the flagship programs of the University in the next 5 years. This vision of the University President necessitates the improvement of the existing strategic development plan for the succeeding years. Changes started immediately in his occupancy, as President Briones refurbish and redecorate all the imperative duties from the stakeholders and staffs up to the perpetrator. He directed the change of the vision, mission, mandate and quality policy for crafting in development plan is indeed necessary in achieving his visions for the university, with the members of university from the administration down to stakeholders participation . Fused with aspirations, the main objective of Strategic Planning for LSPU is to make strategic direction of the university from 20192022. In particular, it aims to: (1) Revisit the Vision and Mission statements of LSPU to include the trends in the economic, educational, societal, and scientific and technological innovations and demands; (2) Realign the Vision and Mission statements on the Ambisyon Natin 2040, Sustainable Development Goals (SGDs), ASEAN Qualification

BIHIS|Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

Framework; and the 10+0 Agenda of the President; and (3) Strategize on the achievement of the new Vision and Mission statements by integrating several assessment tools used by oversight agencies such as SUC Levelling Instrument, Quarterly Monitoring tool and Agency Performance Indicators in the crafting of Strategic Objectives. The system of methods that are being used was guided by the experts in the field of scientific, educational, and economic development, the balanced scorecard of the university is conceived. As a head start in the crafting of strategic development plan, several inputs were undergone by the Regional Directors of National Economic Development Authority (NEDA IV-A), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP). At the same time, the LSPU team worked hand in hand in the realization of the strategic plan. Hence, it is anticipated that everyone will work harder and smarter towards the realization of the vision and mission. Prior to the conduct of planning workshop, several steps have been done by the university. Pre-planning workshops through Strategic Plan Review, Rapid Assessment, and SWOT Identification, next was a 3-day to set the new vision and mission of the university together with the crafting of strategic objectives and initiatives and prioritization of programs, projects and activities. And part of the strategic plan are the year-end reviews and rapid assessments to all the students, graduates and alumni from LSPU as well as the infrastructures. Guided by its Vision, Mission and Quality Policy, the Laguna State Polytechnic University was able to achieve

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rivance 2019-2023 54.03% first-time licensure examination passers with an equivalent percentage of 108.06 against its 50% target. As per tracer study conducted by the university, 99.04% of its graduates in 2016 are employed in its quest to extend its hand to the community, the university has established 208 active partnerships with LGUs, industries, NGOs, NGAs, and SMEs together with other stakeholders in the form of extension activities. There are also 14,504 trainees who are able to receive trainings from the university experts in which trainings and extension projects are aligned to the SUC’s mandated and priority programs. With this, the university received 99.86% rating in its training course/s and advisory services. To support the quality education of the university, four infrastructure projects were started in 2018. Upgrading of Academic Building for College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and College of Business Management and Accountancy (CBMA) (43.35% completed) both in Sta.Cruz Campus; the establishment of Multi-tech building with State-of-the-Art Facilities and Equipment (81.00% completed) in San Pablo City Campus; and Rehabilitation of Academic Building (72.00%) in Siniloan Campus. For the remaining portion of the strategic plan, strategic initiatives were identified. LSPU has identified six initiatives responsive to every strategic objective aligned with the Vision and Mission of the university. (1) Community Relations Program (CRP), (2) Organizational Knowledge Program (3) Comprehensive Development Program and Student Welfare (4) Comprehensive Resource Generation and Management Program (5) University Research and Development Program and (6) Comprehensive Faculty and Staff Development Program.

Increase in the enrolment of foreign students is also targeted by the university by establishing more linkage in international top-ranking universities in the world. Local partnership will also be strengthened by LSPU by 2023. In terms of students’ satisfaction, the university has targeted 4.3 out of 5-point scale on the satisfaction level of the students on the university’s different activities. Increase in research productivity through research presentation, publication, citation, and commercialization is targeted by the university by the end of 2023. LSPU wants also to generate 40 million pesos out of externally funded researches parallel to the 70,000 pesos generated outputs from commercialized research outputs. In response to the call of service to the community, LSPU is gearing towards more extension and training services in which 140 frequency of courses integrated extension learning activities. Increase in the budget utilization rate for both disbursement and obligation to 100% is expected to the university by 2023. Also, LSPU is looking for additional 8.42 million income from non-traditional sources. Continuous faculty and staff development program with 100% participation to trainings and seminars is set by the university. Above all the strategic plans outlined by President Briones with the assistance from the staffs and stakeholders of the University, the faint manifestation of achieving its goals may somehow be attained by the year 2023.

Furthermore, to attain the strategic initiatives instructed by the vision, mission, and quality policy, the quality and relevance of instruction in its quest of excellence, LSPU looks forward for more program and institutional accreditation from credible certifying bodies. By 2023, LSPU has additional 1 Center of Development or Center of Excellence in its flagship programs.

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photo credits:google.com

LAGUNA PIONEERS IN TECHNOLOGY:

RICE STRAW TO BIOGAS “Waste is only waste if we waste it”. – Will.i.am, accurate for today’s scenario. Writer | Craisa Rabutazo and Khyla Catelyn Veridiano

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ictoria, Laguna considered to be the first rice straw biogas facility in the country. Due to massive disposal problem of straw across Asia, Laguna pioneers in technology formally aims to present the system to the public, informing them of how it works while boosting awareness of the project and its progress. Easiest way in disposing rice straw is through burning, which was prohibited under Solid Waste Management Act (Republic Act No. 9003) and the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999. Asia is an enormous continent to have the largest production of rice which is the staple food crop. For every 4 tons of rice grain, 6 tons of straw is produced. With the amount of 550 million tons of rice straw and 110 million tons of husks each year. Conversely, this seems to be useless causing air pollutants by burning, namely carbon monoxide, hydro carbons, nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide. Burning unsought impacts environmentally and to human health.

INNOVATIONAL SYSTEM But the technology brought by British company straw innovations limited, rice straw will no longer be a waste.

which they can tap into for manure that can be utilized to produce biogas.

The straw Innovations Ltd saw the rice straw as an opportunity to produce into something useful through the R2B project.

“Unang-una dahil itik capital ang Victoria, madaming itik so posibleng madaming manure. ‘Yung manure p’wede ding magamit na parang additional component sa biogas (Since Victoria is the duck capital of the country, we can collect more manure from this area. The manure collected can be used as an additional component for the biogas),” Honrade said. Clearly that this is the great location to do the making process of the project.

Yevgeny Honrade staff at Straw Innovations Ltd project told Rappler that they chose to build their facility in a 5,000 square meter located in Victoria due to the municipality’s duck industry,

NATURE REGARDFUL Through the process of anaerobic digestion, the facility was able make an affordable and clean biogas fuel as well as fertilizer. Resulting to accustomed way of collecting rice straw and feeding it into two dry anaerobic digesters through the help of gas processing equipment that can deliver a range of clean products. This process allows to transform harmful methane into a useful biomethane, that helps to reduce the impact of harmful chemical into the atmosphere. It is environment-friendly because it turns waste into an energy source. By capturing a potent greenhouse gas (methane) from the straw, which contributes to climate change mitigation.

“Magiging alternative energy source na malaking tipid in terms of energy use at saka local employment, at saka ‘yung mushroom component niya, livelihood din ‘yun eh,” Honrade said. Aside from providing an alternative and affordable energy source, the R2B also gets to help local farmers and residents in the vicinity. “Unang-una, nagkaroon ng trabaho ‘yung ibang tao, tsaka ‘yung ginagawa namin dito, tulad noong biogas na nakakabawas ng polusyon. ‘Yung mga dayami na sinusunog lang ng ibang farmers, imbis na sunugin, kinokolekta nalang namin,” said by Roger Delos Reyes, 28-year-old who was working in mushroom production and biogas logistics inside the facility for two years.

MAKESHIFT MARCANTILE R2B project is targeted to be used by Southeast Asian Households in cooking. In due course of time, the project seeks the chance of biogas to power agricultural machineries and energy source for households.

businesses and can reduce budget relying projects with the alternative materials and save the public’s fund for other activities in the industry. And it doesn’t require such leisure farming type but only typical farmers that can run the supply chain.

To put it simply, the producing of biogas will provide job to people, will reduce pollution to help the environment clean and makes it favorable in to human’s health. Being the country’s first facility to produce rice straw to biogas the R2B project aims farmers and locals oblige to raise the number of facilities in the country.

The project gives the needs of the farmers and be guided with preferable way of overall farming system. This will be more benefit for farmers to boost their confidence and the useful way of disposing the rice straw. It is a hope for the developing countries currently facing energy challenges. Also an alternative to save space from garbage accumulation from rice straw and allocate for other waste materials in the industry.

It can be the stepping stone to other agricultural

Uncovering One’s Hidden Power |BIHIS

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SPORTS EDITORIAL

System Change? One of the integral parts of an athlete or team’s success is the people behind them - their coaches. Coaching is essential in enhancing players skills, talents, quality of its game and as well as its professionalism. It is also a whole-wide training and molding of a player’s holistic experience of learning and performing. Acquiring foreign coach will be a boost and a big help for our national team. Our players will tend to get intensive training and conditioning, implementing new methods. The new ways or new implementation of training patterns and coaching approaches might make a very big difference in their games. A total turnaround of event has already happened in certain teams because of foreign coaches — who would forget the Cinderella run story of Ateneo’s women volleyball team in Season 76 of UAAP? Climbing up the stepladder format, defeating the twice-to-beat national University and thrice-to-beat De La Salle University to bag the championship and gave Ateneo its first UAAP Championship - all glory to the man behind that win - Thai National Coach, Anusorn Bundit. He changed the complexion of volleyball here in the Philippines from his new defensive patterns that has been a big help for their cause. Others might see hiring foreign coach will degrade, stoop even disrespect the talent of our local coaches, but having new coach can propel the name of our country in international sports arena. Maybe, it’s the time for us to adapt change and accept new learning from people who are credible, and knowledgeable for a global competition. It will be a tough task on our team in developing their fullest potential, as a player and as a man. Nevertheless,we are still bearing and raising one flag - the flag of the Philippines.

BIHIS|Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

October 2019|mekanismo

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Uncovering One’s Hidden Power |BIHIS

67 Sports

mekanismo|October 2019

BEYOND PHYSICAL PAIN Déjà vu? Here we go again. Our women’s national volleyball team came under the heavy fire from fans on social media for what people perceived as favoritism in the selection of the players for the squad. The attacks mostly concentrated on twitter, largely targeted the Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas regarding its selection of players for the squad that will represent the country in the Asian Games and 30th Southeast Asian Games this year. It is not the first time that the line-up of for the women’s national volleyball team has been put under the controversy. It has been always on the line not just in volleyball but also in other sports class. People on will always have to say, that’s a fact. But do we really know what it takes to become an athlete? What it takes to become worthy to represent our motherland?

LLOYD MELVIN TONGA Staff Writer

Dreaming of becoming a professional athlete even higher such us part of the national team of the Philippines and be able to be the one who will be the flag bearer, carrying and raising it for the country is one of my wildest dream. Representing our country is one of the greatest honors a Filipino would dream of. But I never imagined what will it take for me to become that, to become one of those people I idolize. Looking to their personality through live games and on the social media accounts of my followed athletes you will never see to their feed any negative post. It’s entirely endorsements, their precious and winning moments. It so often for them to post about their hardship in trainings and heartbreaks from their defeats. With the super decorated image of an athlete by the numerous numbers of medals and titles wrapping their neck the expection to them gets higher as those wins compile bigger. But did we really know their preperations, hardships and sacrifices to achieve those medals?

“ Support not opposed...” Lloyd Melvin is a Sports Writer and a BS Biology student. He is candidate of the GAWAD Felicisimo T. San Luis Para sa Namumukod-Tanging Kabataan ng Laguna 2019. He is a silent type of person but excels in his works especially in writing.

BIHIS|Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

Athlete’s sacrifices are beyond from physical pain of constant training that sometimes leads to pain and injuries and sudden sprains, strains and broken bones. Even after an athlete leaves his sport, the struggles continue to the pain of longterm injuries. All athletes risk their body sacrificing their long-term physical wellbeing. “We train very hard, twice a day. We get bruised. Sometimes, we get injured and wounded in training. No holidays, no weekends, no social lives for us.”. I wouldn’t

forget that statement from one of my favorite athletes from Philippine Women’s Volleyball team, Aby Maraño. Becoming a stellar athlete requires lots of practice and conditioning, and this takes time. Loss of time is one of the sacrifices they made, from spending it for something way far from trainings, spending it with their family and frieds; financial sacrifices, even at the lowest levels, being athlete costs money. From paying for lessons, transportation and budget just to compete. But once an athlete committes one mistake, one loss, one defeat even not doing so just the fact that the athletes are in the other side of the court they are supporting on, they already received negative comments. Did they really deserve that? Our athletes don’t deserve the boos and bashes from the live games and social media. We are just the people on the sideline, the enthusiast; we don’t know the whole story beyond their wins and losses. I used to think social media was a force for good. Now the evidences say I was wrong. Social media now turn to become the platform to judge and put down businesses and other people. The “trolls” are all over the internet assassinating athlete’s personality, posting hoax content about someone -- offensive putdowns, and their ‘general craziness’. Athletes trained very hard to perform at their best. They waited for their big day, big game. They fought in front of thousand of people. Every time they go out there, the butterflies in their stomach and the juices flowing to their body never gets off. Support not opposed, that is one of the single things we can do to show our love and support to our local athletes. ‘We’ as an athlete already done a splendid job even though not receiving the medal just only on giving your best shot on trainings. Each and every one of them unleashed their 101% not just to win for the name at the back of their jerseys but also to the pride of the team they are representing and the people that has been the backbone for their undying passion to the sports. “We need to be strong... If we can’t help not to read social media bashing, let’s make it our motivation. Use the harsh words to train and be even better.” In any matter of life especially in being an athlete we should not give our bashers the benefit of our attention. Our time should be devoted to is something worthwhile. We should be above this crab mentality and negative opinions of others.

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October 2019|mekanismo

COUNTER-LOOP In every game, there is always an anti-force against you, in my case, in table tennis, it is called counter-loop. As a child of a solo parent, there were always a lot of setbacks happening on my life. There were these things that I cannot stop from happening and seems like everything is against me, that I have no control over my life and I’m just a doll being controlled by whoever that puppet master is I even don’t have the courage the make a decision all by myself when I was young, because I was drowned in the sea of doubt as almost nothing good really happened in my life. “I might leave with no purpose”, I suggest to myself. I hear whispers everywhere, telling what should I do, where should I go and what shouldn’t I do, and the irrational, young and poor me followed everything, even though I’m really not in to it. Why? Because of fear, because I don’t have trust on myself, because I’m too afraid to take the risk, I’m nailed onto other’s decision. There was this time when I tried to play badminton in elementary. I got to the finals of the try-outs but then I loss. I stopped, I never joined badminton again, because I feel that it is also against me, that it won’t go with the flow with the flow my life is currently flowing. I never liked risks, I started to live with my decisions based onto others, based on what others want, not what I want, based on other’s goals, not my goals and based on to other’s desires, not my own. But, I was so wrong in this. I smiled, but never felt happy. It feels like, I’m wearing the shoes of others, and surely it doesn’t quite fit on me. Maybe the shoe was too small for me or too big, so does the goal. I realized this after winning my first match of table tennis in elementary, a lot of people said, table tennis is such a baby sport, you just play on a table because you scared of tiring your body. But, there’s a but, I didn’t listen to them this time, I enjoyed the sensation of hitting the ball against the soft rubbers of my paddle, the feeling of the heavy spins counter spinning my paddle and the thirst to play more. Little did I know, I managed to not to listen to others. Finally! I made a decision, all by myself. Then it all continued, I took all the risks, never stuck onto somebody else’s dream or decision, nevertheless, I lived

my life, this time, truly lived it. I saw myself smiling as I take a new risk, and I saw something different, it looks like this new smile brought to me by having my own decisions have the characteristics of genuinely. That it is not a fake one anymore. With my own decisions I follow to live my life, I met new friends, or should I say, family? The persons I come to whenever I cannot go my real family. The persons who pretty knows me better than I do on myself. Persons who knows that I am unique as I take risks, a lot and I am proud of that, that’s already my trademark, the fearless Gaudy doing what he wants again. I became a man of my words, I learned how to burst through the walls that caged me for a long time, the cage that prevented me from being the real me, the cage that hid my real purpose, to be a risk-taker. And me being a risk-take is something I am so proud of, because there are a lot of people that lives the same way I did, and never got the chance to breakthrough. I realized that I ain’t a chicken no more, I am a dragon. I left the life of a chicken that stays inside the cage, plucking anything that can only be seen inside the cage, so very limited and I became a dragon, that when you take as a prisoner in the cage of despair will surely burst through the walls, or either fly over the walls or even dig beneath the walls just to make sure that I am not limited by these walls that we surround ourselves, that I am limitless and I get to decide what happens in my life, that I choose what I want to be.

GAUDY A. SAN JOSE Staff Writer

But, the ultimate lesson I learned from my own experience? Is that going with the flow will surely bring you somewhere, but going against the flow, despite all the obstacles counter-looping you, is where you would really find the real throne of your life-long escapade. Let no other dictate your life, let us be who we want us to be. Everybody dies. But not everybody truly lived their life, there’s no restart button in life, we can’t go back in time but what we can do is start a new life, a new painting to be colored, not by others, but us, ourselves.

“Let no other dictate your life, let us be who we want us to be...” Gaudy is s Assistant Sports Editor and a STEM student. He loves to look for peculiar sports ocurances then analyze it and try to make an article about it. He is also a 2013 RSPC Qualifier.

Uncovering One’s Hidden Power |BIHIS

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Boxer-Senator Pacquiao scores a knockout speech at LSPU Intercampus Sports Opening WORDS OF HONOR. While the senate is on session break, fighting Senator Manny Pacquiao pledges to fund a grandstand and a rubberized oval in LSPU-SCC during his speech in the 2019 Sports and Socio-Cultural Festival Opening Ceremony, honoring the student athletes.

Writers | Ranz Irish Enriquez and Darryl Peñaredondo Photo | April Lian Albong

BIHIS|Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

October 2019|mekanismo

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BA welterweight champion Sen. Manny Pacquiao delivered an inspiring speech during the opening ceremony of the 2019 University Wide Sports and Socio-Cultural Festival held at the Laguna State Polytechnic University – Sta. Cruz Main Campus, October 7. The annual event, then spoke from the heart in a one-on-one interview on stage at a packed auditorium on the school campus early Monday morning. It appeared that Pacquiao scored a knockout in his visit to the LSPU university as he spoke about the essence of sports in shaping one’s character and culture. “Today as you light the torch and take the oath of sportsmanship, I challenge you to take all the opportunity to use your abilities, skills and talents for God’s glory by being responsible citizens, I challenge you to change your mindset, welcome competitions. It is not just about the winning but it also about learning and becoming more responsible . Through sports you become more responsible by learning discipline, patience and perseverance. To develop your confidence and character you cultivate your fashion and dedication for our nation together, you strengthen your unity and solidarity.” said Pacquiao as his advice to all the student athletes. Pacquiao related how he emerged from a life of poverty to become a world boxing champion and legislator. He called it a lesson in what can be achieved if one is determined with what he wants to achieve. “Ano bang hangad natin sa buhay, gusto n’yong yumaman, maging milyunaryo? Hindi po `yan ang

kaligayahan sa buhay. Ako ang mag testify sa inyo lang na hindi dyan ang kaligayahan sa buhay kundi ang relationship mo sa Panginoon. We need to grow physically, mentally, emotionally, socially and yes, spiritually. Napakahalaga na ang kabuaan ng ating pagkatao ang ating pinapalago sa tamang dahilan hindi lamang lakas at talino dapat meron ring puso at pananampalataya, dapat kumpleto, dapat buo.” the fighting senator added. As a senator, he gives warning to the student athletes to be vigilant and observant in the current state of our country. “Gusto ko ang sambayanang pilipino maging aware sa problema ng ating bansa hindi lamang sa lipunan, economical, economics side gusto ko alam niyo situation natin para alam natin kung paano nating pangalagaan, especially kayo mga kabataan, na kayo ang pag asa ng ating bayan.” he said. He ended his speech with a promise to improve the campus sports facilities citing his willingness to donate funds. “Yung nakita ninyong oval ninyo? Ipapa-rubber natin yan at magtatayo ng grandstand.” Pacquiao said in his parting words. The senator congratulated the athletes and the coaches and administrators which marked the opening of the 3-day university–wide sporting events. Present during the opening ceremony were President of LSPU System Mario R. Briones, Ed. D., Campus Director of LSPUSCC Engr. Manuel Luis Alvarez, 3rd District Board member of Laguna Angelica Jones, Municipality Mayor and Vice Mayor of Sta. Cruz Edgardo S. San Luis and Laarni Malibiran, respectively.

STRIKING THE PALMS. Senator Manny Pacquiao expresses his gratitude to his supporters after delivering his speech.

Uncovering One’s Hidden Power |BIHIS

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GOLD. Focus got into the nerves of the new pivot pointer Gaudy San Jose, triumphantly hit the ball, brings home 3 golds.

San Jose’s 3 Golds Anchor LSPU-SCC’s onslaught over LSPU-SP Writer | Aron Dominic A. Malaga Photo | Gaudy San Jose

fter snatching 3 golds in the 2019 Laguna State Polytechnic University Intercampus, Gaudy San Jose became the pivot point of SCC to uncrown the defending champs, LSPU-SP in Men’s Table Tennis event held at LSPU-SCC Activity Center, October 7. Sta. Cruz Campus bagged a total of 4 golds for the Men’s division as San Jose triumphed the Single B, Men’s Doubles with Arvin Lubugin and Mixed Doubles with Yvonn Cano. The relentless 18-year old San Jose, first showcased his supremacy after nailing a 3-0 game in the finals match against LSPU-SP’s spinner. San Jose dominated the single B after firing numerous effective counter-loops over the edges of San Pablo, managing to stretch the lead to 11-5 and securing the first set of the game, 1-0. With a new strategy, San Jose banked on his defense to drain out the remaining energy of his opponent in the rest of the second set, marking an 11-4 2nd set triumph. BIHIS|Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

Grade 12 spinner of SCC continued to dominate the game after hammering forehand and backhand spins all over the table to open the final set of the game, giving him an opportunity to start a with a 6-0 gap. To end the game, San Jose unleashed a hard chop over San Pablo’s forehand which was converted to a net digging net, ending the game with 11-5 score, 3-0. “Tiwala sa coach and trust kay God lang talaga ang nag buhat saken.” San Jose uttered. “Saka training lang talaga makakapag paimprove sa aten kaya always train.” Moreover, straight after the Single B’s triumph, San Jose, together with Lubugin canoed with the gold after demolishing San Pablo in a 3-0 outburst in Men;s Doubles event. On the other hand, the final event, Mixed Doubles was also under SCC’s killing spree as San Jose and Cano ruled over San Pablo in also a 3-0 game.

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LSPU-SCC falls short in Sepak Takraw Writer | Gaudy San Jose

Photo | Ronnel Oblepias

efending high kickers, LSPU-SCC failed to show supremacy to defend their crown in the 2019 Laguna State Polytechnic University Sepak Takraw Event held at the open court of LSPU-SP’s open court, October 9. SCC immediately suffered their first loss after encountering Siniloan’s full arsenal that lead to SCC’s journey to lower bracket. New champs San Pablo made the exit clear to SCC after demolishing them in their final match that left SCC set-less in the entire match. “Baka hindi lang namen time ngayon.” Captain ball Clasicas said. “Nag kulang din siguro kami sa preparation.” The former champions left the court chins-up as they made a quite furious show despite the loss.

GAME-FACE. Calasicas (left) gave a leg break shot against LSPU-SP.

Uncovering One’s Hidden Power |BIHIS

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mekanismo|October 2019

WORLD NOMAD GAMES KICKS OFF: PH lone rep captures 2 silver in ‘sungka’ A United Celebration of Strength and Spirit of Indigenous People Writer | Katrina Advento

photo credits:google.com BIHIS|Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

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October 2019|mekanismo

photo credits:google.com

f you’re a millennial baby, you’re very familiar with big sporting events such as Olympic Games, Paralympic Games, Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and World Cup, but you probably didn’t know that a sporting event called “World Nomad Games” also existed.

Cambridge English Dictionary defined “Nomad” as group of people who moves from one place to another rather than living in one place all of the time. The first National Nomad Games kicked off on September 2014 in Talas Oblast in the northwest of Kyrgyzstan. This sporting event is composed of ethnosports (or ethnic sports), which is a set of traditional games played by the nomadic people and held every two years.

The lone ranger of the Philippines In 2018, Philippines had only one representative in the World Nomad Games. Ronildo Palmera made sure to return home two medals in the biennial meet, which is dedicated to ethnic sports practiced in Central Asia. Philippines might not be well-represented in the sporting event but with Palmera’s grit and determination, he nabbed a silver in the Torguz Korgool event which is better known as “sungka” and a bronze in the Yakutian Intellectual Table Games. As published in the World Nomad Games, Traditional Kyrgyz intellectual game, Toguz Korgool belongs to the mancala family, whose name is derived from the word “move” or “movement”. Each player has nine wells, and each well has nine korgols, which gives the game its name – “toguz” means nine. Nine is a sacred number for nomadic Turkic people, including the Kyrgyz. The goal of the game is to collect as many korgols as possible – the word “korgol” translates as sheep droppings. The game was originally meant to develop strategic military thinking for warriors and soldiers, especially in times of peace. The game represents the conquest of wealth, estates, and the enemy’s troops. Each

korgol represents a warrior. The main difference between toguz korgool and other mancala games is that in toguz korgol, each player leaves one stone in the starting well during each play. This is a reflection of the idea of saving the paternal center of social life of nomadic Turkic people. Despite the only delegate of the Philippines, Palmera proudly raised and carried our flag in the opening ceremony of World Nomad Games. The lone ranger of the Philippines seeks for attention and growth for sungka in these time of technology-based world. “Mga kababayan ‘wag po nating hayaang ito’y mabalewala, ito po ay malaking karangalan sa ating bansa at lahi,” he said in his Facebook post. “Atin po itong paglinangin pa at malaki ang potensyal nating mga Pilipino sa intelektuwal na larong ito na para na nating kinakalimutan lalo na ang bagong henerasyon.” Palmera added.

how it all began? According to World Nomad Games, today, globalization causes a gradual narrowing of cultural diversity by standardizing vital functions. With the spirit of finding ways to preserve cultural diversity and humanization of sports, President Almazbek Atambaev proposed the idea of the first-ever World Nomad Games in 2012, the mission of which is to revive and preserve the culture, identity and ways of life of nomadic peoples in the era of globalization. This idea was supported by the heads of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the Republic of Turkey. The nomadic world connects millions of people together.

Their culture is original, unique, and shows diversity in ways of life of different peoples. For example, a traditional nomadic dwelling is a yurt. There are different types of yurts, depending on where the nomad lives: in the steppes, mountains, desert or forest. This is one example of the richness and scale of nomadic culture. Under the leadership of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic, Almazbek Atambaev, a series of unique and spectacular sports was organized. On September 9, 2014, on the shores of Lake Issyk Kul in Cholpon Ata, Kyrgyzstan, the first World Nomad Games began. There were competitions involving ten different kinds of ethnosports. Uncovering One’s Hidden Power |BIHIS

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a closer look

he Nomad Games started with 14 events and has grown into 37 sports with 80 participating countries including Horse Races and Horse Games, Traditional Wrestlings, Martial Arts, Traditional Archery, Traditional Hunting, and Intellectual Games.

1. HORSE RACES AND HORSE GAMES Who would not get excited to see horses in a game? Well, you can witness horse racing competitions in different categories depending on the horse age, distance and racing techniques. Kok-boru, a traditional horse game, is said to be the star of the event. It combines elements of rugby, polo, and football, replacing the ball with a fresh headless dead goat! The game is played by two teams on horseback where players manouvre and score by putting it into the opponents’ goal. No doubt that this game is the main attraction. The English translation of kok-boru is “gray wolf”. Another horse game is the Erenish, or horseback wrestling, was exactly what it sounds like. Shirtless men grappled on top of their steeds, attempting to demount their opponent. 2. TRADITIONAL WRESTLINGS World Nomad Games included 17 types of traditional wrestlings which was practiced in different countries. Some of them are the Alysh (Kyrgyz Republic), Sumo (Japan), Sambo (Russian Federation), Ssireum (Korea), Kurash (Republic of Uzbekistan) and Goresh (Turkmenistan). 3. MARTIAL ARTS Can you wrestle using a stick? Russians can do that actually. They call the Yakut ethnosport as mas-wrestling (or stick wrestling), where the name was derived from the traditional stick pulling game mas tard’yhyy. In this game, participants taking part sit in front of each other, with the soles of their feet on opposite sides of a board which divides the competition area. The two wrestlers tug on a wooden stick (mas) with their bare hands. In order to win, the wrestler needs to pull the stick from the other, or pull his opponent to his side of the board. Rounds last up to two minutes, and wrestlers gain points based on their performance out of three rounds. They also included the two known worldwide sports — the tug-of-war and arm wrestling. 4. TRADITIONAL ARCHERY You can’t close your eyes as you witness competitions in archery using a traditional bow, which are practiced from the Kyrgyz Republic, Turkey, Korea and Hungary. Archery is tricky enough when standing stable on the ground. But if it’s not challenging enough for you, imagine trying to shoot targets while controlling a horse galloping faster than 30 mph. That is called horseback archery (or mounted archery), a fastpaced adrenaline sport that involves shooting arrows at a target while riding a horse.

BIHIS|Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

5. TRADITIONAL HUNTING Back from the ancient times, nomadic warriors bringing their bows and arrows, gathered in groups and rode with their hunting birds and dogs, to hunt for many days on end. Kyrgyz people call it as salbuurun. Competition in salbuurun is divided into three — hunting with golden eagles, hunting hawks and hunting with dogs. 6. INTELLECTUAL GAMES World Nomad Games just not only talk about physical strength, but also about thinking skills. They included mancala, one of the oldest known games with different variations. This is played with small stones, beans, or seeds and rows of holes or pits in the earth, a board or other playing surface. In the Philippines, it is better known as “sungka.” The main goal of this is to revive, develop and preserve the cultural and historical heritage and diversity of people from around the world in the era of globalization. As stated, The mission of the World Nomad Games covers the revival, development and preservation of the ethnoculture, diversity and originality of the people of the world in order to foster a more tolerant and open relationship between people. The slogan of the Third World Nomad Games is “United in Strength! United in Spirit!”.

October 2019|mekanismo

photo credits:google.com Uncovering One’s Hidden Power |BIHIS

The GEARS

Editorial Board 2019 - 2020 University President: Mario R. Briones, Ed. D V. President of Academic Affairs: Eden C. Callo, Ed.D. Campus Director: Engr. Manuel Luis Alvarez Consultant: Celeste C. Marquez, M.S.P Coordinator: Susanna Rose A. Labastilla, MAED/LPT

Mekanismo is the official magazine of The Gears Publication, the official student publication of Laguna State Polytechnic University - Sta. Cruz Campus No part of this publication may be used or reproduced in any form or by means without the permission of the writers, artist and the publication. Connect us at The Gears Publication Office, Laguna State Polytechnic University - Sta. Cruz Campus. Copyright © 2019

Bihis | Uncovering One’s Hidden Power

mekanismo

The Official Magazine of the The Gears Publication

MEKANISMO (2019)

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