Also, he reminded the students to compete with themselves and not with other by Benmar Torres
The real battle is outside CSU “Recognitions will never define your worth. This is not the only battle in life. When you go outside Cagayan State University (CSU), that’s the real battle, and there you will earn more recognitions in life.”
CAGAYAN State University conferred 167 graduates with degrees this year, 19 of which are Latin honor awardees in its 44th Academic Convocation for the Conferment of Degrees and Titles at Cagayan State University Lal-lo Campus, this July 4, 2022. by Benmar Torres
This was emphasized by alumnus Dr. Ferdinand Bulusan as he graced, as a guest speaker, the Batch 2022 graduates for graduation's Pammadayaw 2022 at the F.S. Zamora Hall last July 1. Stressing recognitions as inspirations for further achievement of the students, Dr. Bulusan said they are reminders to them to become more persistent and humble. Be Humble “Do not put your recognitions here [in your head], keep them here [in your heart], and extend them here [in your hands],” the Magna Cum Laude alumnus stressed in the vernacular language.Headded that recognitions, talents, skills, and/or proficiencies of the students should be used “to be of help to other people“ while addressing students who think they did not excel much in college to remember that recognitions will never define their worth in their professional practice of their chosen field.
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Continue to page 3 19 Latin awardees lead batch 2022 CSU LAL-LO REAPS 167 GRADS
Innov tor |RitesGraduation434th IssueSpecial The The Official Student Publication of Cagayan State University Lal-lo Campus Where truth is freedom and responsibility
Bulusan to graduates:
parents, Bulusan also imparted, in the earlier part of his speech, the value of the three ‘seedlings’ - caring, self-sacrificing, and understanding (C-S-U) - that the parents, and guardians have ‘planted’ in the lives of the students.“Your parents and guardians give you the seedlings of caring, self-sacrificing, and understanding. This is why you have received special awards and recognitions,” he said, encouraging them to plant the same seedlings and plant them also in the Furthermore,university.Bulusan told the candidates they should also recognize their professors and instructors.“They,too, have cared for you, self-sacrificed for you, and understood you. They are also ought to be recognized,” he said. Multi-awarded educator in his young age, Dr. Bulusan holds Associate Professor II at Batanes State College, one of the state-run higher education institutions in the region. Preceded by the Baccalaureate Mass and Hooding Ceremony, the Pammadayaw highlighted parents’ day and recognition of student achievers from college to university level. The celebration was followed by the 44th Academic Convocation for the Conferment of Degrees and Titles on Monday, July 4, 2022. TI As part of the Pammadayaw 2022, the College of Teacher Education graduates pay tribute to their parents through a dance number. | JEREMY RIGON
Bulusan to... from p1 NEWS2 The Innovator The Official Student Publication of CSU Lal-lo
Celebrating their feats and the sacrifices of their parents, the 167 candidates for graduation with their parents assembled at F.S. Zamora Hall for Pammadayaw 2022 last July 1.
Dr. Ferdinand Bulusan, this years's guest speaker, told the graduating class to recount and treasure the moments how their parents or guardians have cared, selfsacrificed, and understood them."Your parents and guardians give you the seedlings of understanding.self-sacrificing,caring,andThis is why you have received special awards and recognitions," he said. On the other hand, Vice Mayor Maria Olivia B. Pascual, representing Mayor Florante C. Pascual, underscored how pandemic led students to further acknowledge the sacrifices of their parents. "The pandemic setting had turned our world upside down. Nevertheless, we also experienced new learning. One of which is appreciating our parents more as we have witnessed their undending love and sacrifices," she said. Meanwhile, Campus Executive Officer Dr. Antonio C. Cabalbag flaunted the positive features of the campus and expressed his pleasure as he witnessed the students receiving their awards, with their"Theseparents.awards will serve as an inspiration to the students, as well as their parents," the CEO stated in the vernacular language.Paying tribute to the parents, Maria Flor Pattung, Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Cum Laude, told her fellow graduates to cherish the sacrifices of their parents and encouraged them "to be strong and keep moving forward". "Thank ourselves for putting up a good fight, for staying strong, and for keeping our feet on the ground despite the struggles we've been through, sacrifices, we have made, and inner battles we solely dealt with," she said Melbourne Valdez, Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management Magna Cum Laude, on the other hand, lauded the support and sacrifices of their teachers.
people.“The moment you compete with other people when you are there (outside the learning institution), you will be frustrated. So you compete with your ownselves …and challenge yourselves. Rest if you must, but do not ever, ever quit,” Dr. BulusanMeanwhile,stated. acknowledging the worth of the candidates’
DANCE TRIBUTE.
"As we remember our teachers' sacrifices, we thank them for being there when we needed them the most, for accepting our flaws and weaknesses, and for ever willing to enlighten us, for developing our skills, and for encouraging us to try new things," Valdez said.
Graduating students, parents Awards from the college to university levels were given to the students, as they also paid tribute to their parents, guardians, and teachers.
The Pammadayaw 2022, which highlighted the recognition of students and parents' day, is an event before the graduation ceremony last July 4.
gathered for Pammadayaw 2022 by Benmar Torres
TI FRONT PAGE ILLUSTRATION STORY 4 The Innovator The Official
Publication of CSU Lal-loeditorial
Another contributory factor towards the wholesome development of the expected graduate-products is the vivid acceptance that these graduates have used the curriculum under its experimental phase. It is undeniable that much need to be recalibrated, reformed, and changed in the curriculum used by both basic and tertiary institutions to ensure the laminar transitional flow of instructional delivery among the students.While it is true that the country has exhausted all mechanisms it knows to fully attend to the education of this batch of graduates, it is clear that these efforts have not been enough to fully equipped them with the knowledge and skills they are poised to embody after graduation.
With two years of studying while the pandemic ravages the whole world with literally uncertain instructional delivery in almost all education institutions, undeniably struggling internet connection in the country, and vividly low economic status of the majority of Filipino families, it is very lamentable to expect the full acquisition of professional and technical skills among the graduates.
While the country can no longer undo the overarching effects of this problem, what can be done is to continuously extend the help of the government’s hands to these graduates. Extensive trainings may be designed for them to further enhance their acquired skills by partnering with institutions that are willing to train newly born professionals. Government assistance in finding their initial jobs can be helpful for them to cope with what they lacked. After all, job experience is what mostly gives workers their overall work competence. These will suffice what they did not acquire in their basic and collegiate studies. Despite all these struggles the Filipino students and the entire education system have faced, we remain hopeful that the history inked for the graduation of the first batch of K to 12 completers will not draw a downward slope but a celebratory and progressive line in the country’s workforce rate, and in the country’s economic standing in general. Student
Accordingepoch.tothe Commission on Higher Education, over 1.6 million graduates have been capped with their respective degrees this historic year. This would translate to a 1-2 percent decrease in the staggering unemployment rate in the country shall these graduates be fully employed towards the end of the year. However, with the apparent struggles the country has faced in the past years, these graduates are put into the spotlight to function with half-baked professional skills and Theknowledge.majorblow that this hopeful batch of graduates has suffered comes from the current pandemic.
The country has finally inked the indelible history in its educational system this year as it reaped the first batch of graduates who underwent the curricular reform in 2013.
While this historical year beckons a celebratory pause, it is quite appalling to note that the noble targets of the new basic education curriculum might not have been fully
This means that the graduates have not fully achieved what they expect to acquire in their crucial years of study. This is the very challenge to both the basic and university education systems in the country have to Thisface.vivid challenge really blurs the certainty of what lies ahead for these graduates in their quest for stable and sustainable employment.
Despite all these struggles the Filipino students and the entire education system have faced, we remain hopeful that history inked for the graduation of the first batch of K to 12 completers will not draw a downward slope but a celebratory and progressive line in the country’s workforce rate, and in the country’s economic standing in general. “
Hopeful K to 12 products
Theachieved.Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 poised the K to 12 Curriculum graduates to embody skills, both intellectual and manipulative, for the so-called 21st-century environment. They are expected to function with the skills necessary to thrive in a very demanding digital landscape of work in this
Pulse Asia surveys show that nearly half or 44 percent of Filipinos are dissatisfied with the implementation of the K to 12 Basic Education Curriculum while 2232 percent of tertiary students are not satisfied with their learning experiences while the pandemic was at its peak in 2020 as revealed by empirical studies of leading universities in the country.
Astudent’s life comprises a series of self-discovery, academic chores, and scholastic breakthroughs. However, not all students are able to meet their basic needs while attending school. I used to work while I was a student back when I was in high school and college. I work and study at the same time, which requires me to multitask. It was challenging to work and learn as I had to juggle a lot of tasks while still attending to my studies. My life as a working student is filled with things like cleaning the house, doing laundry, washing the dishes, and preparing the church for Eucharistic celebrations. Have you been wondering about my study time? I always managed to fit my studies in among the other tasks I undertook. I study while making the food. I study in between chores. Before going to bed, I study after finishing all of my tasks.
So, whenever you start to question your course, stop for a moment and look back. Your quest wasn’t simple, and it’s still very much ongoing. May you recognize the progress you’ve made and the worthwhile path you’ve Thoughtaken.noteveryone will admit it, not everything goes as planned. While it’s a bitter pill to swallow, life is what it is. It’s not always possible to have a happy ending, to succeed right away, or to keep significant people in our lives.
Clarus
Keep
I genuinely hope you are weathering all the shifts in your environment well. Give something up if it’s not meant to be. Make it right if you made a mistake, then carry on. Get rid of the extra items that are weighing you down. Though challenging, it can Thorns and Spines Factum
Roldan U. Urbi life and currently make an effort to live a quiet life. I enjoy keeping things understated and staying out of the tumultuous realm of criticism and rivalry. Even though I may not have received the most prestigious awards throughout my undergraduate years, I do feel a little more at ease and fulfilled in my modest, peaceful world. We all just live for the little things in life, which may be why we’re all together today, despite how uncertain the world is. in mind that there is always a hidden gem in every dilemma. Don’t focus too much on the hurdles and accolades. Aim to become the best version of yourself along the process.
5Volume XXVIII Issue 2 44th Graduation Rites Special Issue
Congratulations BATCH 2022 from TheFamilyInnovator
I suddenly understand that I must sway to avoid being broken by the wind and that I must keep sailing until I can see the lighthouse and the coast. I need to understand that nothing worthwhile comes easily, and that as long as I keep moving forward, it doesn’t really matter how slowly I go.
Failures and negativity shouldn’t ever cast a shadow on the light we have to offer. Living with failures enables us to exist in a larger environment where development is encouraged. I sincerely believe that most of us follow similar trajectories in life where we nurture our convictions and never permit the outside world to disprove what we are incapable of. We need unpredictable weather if we are to grow.
Keep in mind that there is always a hidden gem in every dilemma. Don’t focus too much on the hurdles and accolades. Aim to become the best version of yourself along the process.
Amidst
| Associate Editor opinionTHEINNOVATOR The Official Student Publication of Cagayan State University Lal-lo Campus EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Benmar B. Torres | ASSOCIATE EDITOR Roldan U. Urbi | MANAGING EDITOR Cyndie Mae R. Corpuz | NEWS EDITOR Maria Flor C. Pattung | OPINION EDITOR Cris V. Francisco | FEATURE & DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION EDITOR | Shenee Kate J. Balcia | LAYOUT, ILLUSTRATION & GRAPHICS EDITORS Benmar B. Torres | PHOTOJOURNALISTS Jeremy S. Rigon, Winston Ryne C. Danao Jr. ADVISER Jenerwin M. Columna WORKING STAFF Volume XXVIII Issue 2 44th Graduation Rites Special Issue change your
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is worth a shot. I
Realizations That is what a working student’s life looks like. It’s simply so busy and full, but you have to handle it all so that nothing gets missed. Balance should prevail. I learned how to manage my time well during those situations. Yes, it’s challenging but I made it through my college years. All of us have had bad days and taken the wrong turns. All of us have gone through faulty steps and failed attempts, but if we leave it all be, it will only bring us down. Our dreams will only die if we stop watering them with hope. I saw that I had a strong desire to keep trying and to fill my heart with nothing but willpower. I understand that it’s acceptable to fail, to be rejected, and to hear comments on how we can do something better. If you can’t give it your all the first time, that’s acceptable. It always comes down to getting back up and realizing that you can do better the next time.
Pioneers: Breakdowns and Breakthroughs Perspecu(f)lor Maria Flor
During summer, when I was still a child, there’s this perennial tree that grew abundantly during the summer around the month of April. We played around it, climbed on it and when tired and hungry, we could just pick its fruits to satisfy our hunger. This perennial tree is scientifically known as Spondias purpurea L. but commonly known as Sinuguelas or Sarguelas in our community. So, how is this tree connected to my college journey? Aside from its nutritious fruit, I am always fascinated by how unique the life cycle of this tree is and somehow connected to how my college journey has been.
Have you ever heard the phrase “kung kailan malapit na, saka pa tuluyang nawalan ng gana”?
These are the years that are memorable to me, like in any vegetative growth stage of any plant, these experiences served as nutrients to make me who I am today, deeply rooted with resiliency, patience and the power to influence other people. For sure, many students are uncertain on how to deal with university life. There are many of the students who are capable of more but too afraid to go out of their comfort zones and I totally understand that. But if you will be given an opportunity to experience something new, grab it. Because truly, nothing beats the “experience is the best teacher” and they will be unforgettable memories in your college life.
Scenescense
Where truth is freedom and responsibility “The pandemic may have caused us burdens and worries, but I believe that we all have drawn valuable life lessons which we can carry after our life in college.”
The shift of face-to-face classes to blended learning, like other students’ narratives, was difficult. It made me feel like I am dumb. I cried over the requirements undone, frustrated with the slow internet connection and the lack of resources. That made me remember, how could the faculty still have the audacity to give activities like interviews and surveys at the peak of pandemic? We are anxious and afraid of getting out because of the increasing numbers of positive patients but these activities don’t sit well with me. The irony. I was even brave enough to take exams without reading the modules, passing requirements beyond the deadlines and sleeping over synchronous classes. That’s how the pandemic impacted me. I constantly searched for reasons to be motivated and tried my best to concentrate in school despite the unfavorable environment and doing responsibilities in our home.
Janice Tolentino Academic Distinction Bachelor of Secondary Education
“Para sa akin, yung ginagawa ko lang is kahit stress na stress ka na, kailangan mo pa rin i-push through, kailangan mo pa ring isipin ang future niyo, future mo, dahil alam mo naman kailangan nating magsikap ngayon.”
The pandemic did not only rob us of a normal university life, but also robbed us of a faculty member and other lives of people who are close to us. Those were really hard years in our lives. It feels like watching the leaves in that Sarguelas tree falling one by one. The dormancy and fruiting After the fall-off stage, the dormancy stage comes into the picture. Perennial plants tend to undergo dormancy stage in their life cycle. When Sinuguelas is at dormancy stage, it was like a dead tree - all dried and brittle branches and stems attached to it with totally no leaves at sight.
Glenn Therry Dumlao Magna Cum Laude Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management
Asst. Prof. Althea Manuel Dean, College of Hospitality Management “I wish them good luck and I hope that they will survive and they will succeed in their career.”chosen Asst. Prof. Mary Jane Bulusan Faculty, College of Teacher Education “Kahit gaano kahirap, yung pagdadaanan niyo, pursue it para sa pangarap ninyo and at the end of the day, makikita mo na yung paghihirap mo is may kapalit and ito na ‘yonang graduation”
“With all those years na pinagdaanan nila sa pandemic, I believe na kahit anong hamon ng buhay makakaya nila.”
Joining an organization made me experience things for the first time. I experienced a week-long overtime in the college preparing for an event, scolded in front of the students, talking to a number of students which is not really my forte. I was also part of the campus publication. Covering events, writing for the semestral issue, interviewing students, faculty, campus officials and even the campus executive officer, really were not in my comfort zone. But when you retell stories or articles about people and what the students should know gives a different feeling of fulfillment.
Like any deciduous woody plants, Sinuguelas leaves began to fall off during the month of May or June. Unlike how that energy and enthusiasm I had in my early years, it declined abruptly. Not to mention, the pandemic that has made a great impact in our lives. It’s another hurdle after hurdle we have to overcome.
That was how our fourth year was, like when you thought that the third year has given it all, it’s the last year that will test your patience, money and motivation you have left. Third year was just a rainy C.
“Grab every opportunity na nandyan kasi it will helpgrow.”you
John Dave Ruelos Magna Cum Laude Bachelor of Science in Information Technology
Mr. Ian Fontanilla Faculty, College of Agriculture
Michelle Garcia Bachelor of Secondary Education
I’ve been thinking about how I would write my four-year experience in college for a one column article for days, because I feel like this one column won’t be enough to narrate what I’ve been through and what my college life has been liked. And then, as I was cooking for our dinner, I was reminded of this idea that I have been trying to use for my previous articles but it feels like it doesn’t fit them. And I think this angle suits this article.
“I wish na ngayong darating na Licensure Examination for Agriculuturists, sana lahat ng mga estudyante namin ay makakapasa. Kasi magagaling yung mga batang ‘yon.”
Pattung | News Editor Continue to page 3 Innov torThe The Official Student Publication of Cagayan State University Lal-lo Campus
Vegetative Growth The first time I stepped into the portals of the university, like Sinuguelas whose leaves are abundant and vibrant green leaves, I was full of dreams and expectations of what my college life will be. I was excited, determined and enthusiastic. I have played many (variety of scences have played) scenes in my head and scenarios like how the book I have read, describing how college life was. The two early years of my college life were full of dreams and goals that when I remember it now, they were naive and ignorant.Believeme when I say that I was a diligent student. I was diligent in studying to the point that I even did advanced studies and read different textbooks on our subjects. I always have these so-called cheat notes as reviewers and will wake up early in the morning to review. I have also done homeworks, projects, reports and other requirements way too early before the deadline. That’s how I am in my early years - full of energy and enthusiasm in learning. With a little push from our seniors for me not to object to the position, I was elected to a high position in one of the specialized organizations in our college, the Future Agriculturist Leader of the Philippines (FALP) . You see, I was not exposed to these kinds of extracurricular activities. When I was in high school, I was not really active in any organization that made me doubt to take the position but still college made me do it.
