The Oikonomos Nexus June 2018 - March 2019

Beyond Your Limits

Photo by: Carungay

COVER BY:

JESSARETH BAGUHIN

PRINTED BY:

FCA PRINTHOUSE

Beyond Your Limits Change. A word we often hear from people who seek a new experience or approach in life.

Different from the status qou however, the change we know can be for the better or for worse, its either we do change to improve ourselves or to shatter our own.

The Oikonomos Nexus is in its fourth year likewise I was also in my fourth year, being chosen to lead it was a great challenge and more like going beyond my limits, from just a student I became a student-leader. I was just so excited for a new leap however, plans did not go well. I lost motivation and it affected the organization. I kept trying to move forward but is seems like I’m not moving.

At some point of my life, I failed as a student and as a leader. However, giving up is not an option.

I have decided to go beyond my limits hence, I stand and rise again together with my team to finish our Nexus journey. Writing this note means we are near to the end, we have survived and succeeded the rough ride.

The cover signifies the fast-changing world we live in, how a second, a minute, or an hour just passes by without us noticing it. The world is in the 21st century were lots of fresh products are being introduced in the market, being competitive and being able to keep pace in the race is a very important matter for a country to survive thus, is the Philippines still in the race or being left behind? To answer this question we have incorporated various topics that will provide insights about the international and local scene with the aim of enlightening our readers about the current situation of our country.

For a ted-talk, imagine having 86, 400 pesos in a day to spend, when the day ends the money disappears, won’t you want to spend everything wisely? Just like it, we have 86, 400 seconds in a day but some are being wasted because we doubt ourselves, we think we are not good enough because some at our age have already figured out their lives. There are journeys that are longer than the others and the feeling of being left behind is the hardest however as long as you’re on track you will get there, we have our own time zones as what they say. The printing of the magazine may be a little late from our target date but still we have conquered the challenge.

Lastly, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Department of Economics, to the students, and to the faculty most especially to our dearest Department Chairperson Prof. Norie Maniego, to our Publication Adviser Prof. Alyssa Dale Ahorro, and to our ever supportive Executive Editor Emeritus Mr. Nazer Sanggalang.

My sincere gratitude to the entire Nexus team who have shared their knowledge and time to make this success possible, thank you for sharing this amazing experience and life lessons with me. I am proud and grateful to have you.

Congratulations for a job well done!

Bianca Yllana Dela Cruz EXECUTIVE EDITOR

POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCE AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS A.Y. 2018-2019

TRANSCEND CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

EXECUTIVE TEAM

Dianne Marie Ilagan Karina Charlene Miranda CONTENT RESEARCHERS

Bianca Yllana Dela Cruz EXECUTIVE EDITOR

NEWS WRITERS

Erica Navelgas Khenneth Balceta

Leonor, Kate Pauline Lunario, Danica Joyce Matias, Kyle Mendoza, Jane San Zambo, Marinella Soriano, Jamaica

MANAGING EDITORS

Kisha Daniezel Hirao FINANCE OFFICER

Jenna Mae Dawis MARKETING OFFICER

FEATURE WRITERS Balceta, Khenneth Bernardo, Ralph Ilagan, Dianne Marie Manalang, Annalyn Fe Navelgas, Erica Reosora, Mariah Camille Villanueva, Christian

Johannes Rivera Jonathan Joseph Cacdac Christian Villanueva HR AND DEV’T OFFICERS

Annalyn Fe Manalang

OPINION WRITERS Avila, Rachel Louise Borja, Justin Cacdac, Jonathan Dela Cruz, Bianca Yllana dela Torre, Alyssa Jade Garcia, Angelica Moldez, Jasmine Sango, Lovely Bianca Ysabel Policarpio, Maria Nicole Quintos, Achilles Policarpio, Maria Nicole LITERARY CONTRIBUTORS Leonor, Kate Pauline Tuazon, Jessel

EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Jessareth Baguhin HEAD LAYOUT & PHOTOJOURNALIST

LAYOUT SPECIALISTS Altares, Thea Monique Garcia, Angelica Matias, Kyle Manalang, Annalyn Fe Mendoza, Patricia Neri, Carlos Benedict

PHOTOJOUNALIST Baquero, Stephanie Rhey Buban, Joshua Carlo De Jesus, Jessica Dizon, Sharlot Marie Gali, Ava Princess Gimeno, Jim Marie Hirao, Kisha Daniezel Javellonar, Maynard Lenor, Kate Pauline Rivera, Johannes Salvador, Angelika Villanueva, Christian Jay

Photo Gallery

Scrutinizing the Exchange Rate System

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NEWS

OFF THE CAMPUS: Bookworm’s Unite Year 4 By: Karina Miranda

started on 9:00 a.m. and the program started around 10:00 a.m. Attendees were welcomed by the opening remarks from the hosts and introduction of the Bookworms Unite PH committee including JM, Miel, Bianca, Hazel, Inah and Danica and attendees stating along their current reads. Then it proceeded with its first game called “Truth and A Lie”, then a preview of Fall 2018 titles from different publishers by the host JM. Not long after, attendees were surprised by a video message from Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda – which was adapted into a movie now known as Love, Simon – author Becky Albertalli. Before having a lunch break, the attendees then played

another game called “Do it for the Gram” where the winner instantly won 5 new books.

Bibliophiles around the Metro gathered yesterday, July 21, 2018, in an annual event called Bookworm’s Unite: Year 4 at Rizal Library, Ateneo de Manila University hosted by Bookworms Unite PH in partnership with Rizal Library and Rizal Library Ambassadors. It was sponsored by National Book Store, Hachette Book Group, Penguin Random House International, Marauder’s Dispatch, and PanDam PH. The Bookworm’s Unite (BU), is an annual gathering of Filipino bookworms who loves Young Adult literature. Since it was established 4 years ago, it has been attended by readers, authors, book bloggers, booktubers and people from the publishing industry in the Philippines. It serves as an avenue for readers to know other readers and make new friends, to discover new titles, and to go home with a bag or bags full of bookish swags, and of course, books.

The registration where attendees were given personalized registration kits including a tote bag, pins, bookmarks, a pen, a notebook and 2 ARCs,

After the lunch break was a raffle draw where the winners got to choose a book from a pile consisting mostly of Advance Reader’s Copies (ARC) from the sponsoring publishers and readers were again surprised by three more video messages from authors Arvin Ahmadi of Down and Across, Kara Thomas of The Cheerleaders and Randy Ribay of After the Shot Drops, in between the games. Eli Erquiza, an attendee, then performed a spoken word poetry. Attendees played more games such as “Young Adulting: A YA Trivia Game” and “Guess the Cover Vol. 2”.

The Bookworms Unite PH committee also had a talk entitled “Sharing the Love of YA Since 2015” where they looked back to where they started, discussed why they started, and shared their experiences and possible future plans. Another raffle draw was held followed by the anticipated book blind date. After the open floor and just before the attendees went home with their bags full of swags and books, the attendees once again got a free bookmark sponsored by Pandam PH and The Royal Polar Bear Reads.

NEWS

32nd Economics Week By: Erica Navelgas

Ati-atihan? Panagbenga? Maskara? Sinulog? You need not go far to have a taste of these festivals!

You can have all these, all-in-one for the celebration of the 32nd Economics Week (EconWeek), The Economics Research Society with the Department of Economics brought together Ati-atihan Festival played into perfection by BSE 1-1; Kadayawan Festival brought to life by BSE 1-2, Sinulog Festival performed gracefully by BSE 1-3, Masskara Festival executed stylishly by BSE 4-1; and Panagbenga Festival charmingly danced by the lovely girls of BSE 4-2. The colourful and grand celebration started with a parade and festive performances of the students that showcased the different festivals assigned to them. The aspiring Ekonomistas have really gone extra miles to prepare for the celebration while utilizing their creativity and the resources for the success of their performances. In the afternoon, to keep the festal vibe going, the Ekonomistas reminisced their childhood days as they participated in the fellowship games themed Larong Pinoy such as 10-20, Luksong Tinik, Kadang-kadang, Pinoy-Henyo, and Sack-Race.

On the second day a thanksgiving mass was held followed by the academic contest in which Ekonomistas have shown their wits through various categories such as Family Feud, Absolute Advantage, 4 pics 1 word, and Quiz Bee. During the last day, the Ekonomistas have unveiled their athletic

PEERS CAMP 2018 By: Bianca Yllana Dela Cruz

The Action for Economic Reform (AER) organized a camp entitled “Policy Engagement and Economic Reforms� or simply PEERS Camp which was held on July 20-22, 2018 at Estancia Resort and Hotel, Tagaytay City. The said event was participated by a diverse set of youth ranging from PUP- Economics Research Society, PUP- The Oikonomos Nexus, PLMAlliance for Economic Development, PNU-Unesco

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side as they played volleyball, basketball, and badminton.

The celebration will not be complete without the most awaited Economics Night that brought everyone back to the luxurious Great Gatsby vibe. It was a night that everyone deserves after a week of long and tiring preparation. The most awaited search for Miss Econ 2018 led the night in which Ms. Cyramae Cantillana from BSE 4-2 won the crowned for Miss Economics 2019, followed by Ms. Charizze Villaruel from BSE 1-1, then Ms. Lovely Bianca Ysabel from BSE 4-2. For the overall champion BSE 4-1 bagged the trophy followed by BSE 4-2 as 1st runner up and then by BSE 1-1.

"It was overwhelming to witness everyone unite for the success of Econ Week. Everyone gave their best. It was grand, festive and remarkable," says the dynamic and hard-working President of Economics Research Society, Patrick Aljon Acupan.

Photo: Kisha Hirao

Club, National University of Singapore, 2030 Youth Force of the Philippines, UST-Artlets Economics Society, University of the Philippines, Youth for Sin Tax Movement, and Sigaw ng Kabataan Coalition who were brought together with a common goal - change for a better Philippines.

Photo: Friane Gaitan

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NEWS

BBB Update: How Are You, Philippines?

By: Kate Pauline D. Leon “Human rights to me means giving Filipinos, especially those at the society’s fringes, a decent and dignified future through social and physical infrastructures necessary to better their lives,” President Rodrigo Duterte said in his State of the Nation Address on July 23, 2018.

The Build, Build, Build program was implemented to improve public infrastructures, which greatly affect the unemployment rate and poverty.

From a study conducted by Forbes in 2012, the poor infrastructures decreased Filipinos' productivity and from the data gathered, Filipinos' lose P2.4 billion while stuck in traffic congestion. In accordance with this, the government created a solution by implementing the Build, Build, Build project. Some projects include NLEX - SLEX Connector Road, Cebu Bus Rapid Transit, Clark International Airport Phase 1, Luzon Spine Expressway, etc.

The Asian Development Bank scored the Philippines' fast-growing economy, expanding the population, growing urbanization and government's plan to raise infrastructure investments to 7.4 percent of the gross domestic product and approved a $300 million (P16 billion) loan for the Build, Build, Build program.

According to Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar, by 2020 almost all of the projects will be half-finished and by the end of President Duterte's term, we will see the 80 per cent of the projects being done. To date, Villar reported that a total of 1,908 kilometers of roads have been widened, 328 kilometers of diversion roads have been constructed, 1,316 kilometers of access roads have been upgraded, and 393 kilometers of missing gaps between national roads have been connected.

The Build, Build, Build program also said to aid the number of unemployed Filipinos. In 2017, the Philippine Statistics Authority stated that 2.4 million Filipinos were unemployed. According to PSA's Labor Force Survey in 2017, 420,000 jobs were open for construction workers. The number of available jobs boosted on 2018 according to the National Economic and Development Authority rounding it off to 820,000.

“To fully maximize gains from Build Build Build, the Philippine labor market should be ready to meet the infrastructure program’s requirements. Bodies governing the education and labor sectors have a

crucial role in this,” Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said. In order to qualify for the jobs, NEDA stated that the laborers' skills and competencies should match what the industry needs.

From this, sectors like Commission on Higher Education, Department of Education, Department of Labor and Employment and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority should produce construction-efficient workers to be properly skilled in jobs offered by the Build, Build, Build program.

The issue of corruption from this type of project, which involves money from public funds, private monies and loans estimating to Php 8.4 trillion, would understandably be inevitable. This year, the Top 10 contractors under DU30 run record of fraud, delays, blacklisting. Contractors with checkered histories have emerged as the Top 10 winners of the biggest civil-works contracts awarded from July 2016 to December 2017 under President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Although these contractors are now under investigation by the DPWH, the action of the investigation is still working slowly and by this, these contractors can still operate and continue their businesses and corrupting the project funds.

The Build, Build, Build program might have a great and positive vision for the Philippines, but no one can fully state its success until it is finished. It had only been two years after the administration’s tenure and the citizens should be expecting more from it. The Duterte administration aims for a better life for the Filipinos from the Build, Build, Build program, however is waiting 4-6 years and being stuck in the traffic is worth the wait? Most importantly, is investing billions of money will really make one of the considered worst Filipino dilemmas be efficient after the administration’s tenure? The positives and negatives are normal and it strengthens and betters the creation of programs. May all of these be fruitful and efficient to every Filipinos.

Photo: MoneyMax.ph

NEWS

Philippines Have The Highest Inflation Rate Among ASEAN Countries in Year 2018 By: Danica Joyce Lunario The private sector economist survey for June 2018 showed the mean inflation forecast for 2018 rose to 4.5 percent from 4.1 percent in the March 2018 survey. However, the inflation that happened in the third quarter of 2018 was beyond the forecast and target range of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

The Philippine’s inflation rate surges to 6.7 percent in the month of September which is the highest among ASEAN countries for 9.4 years according to the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA), the announced inflation rate remained steady until the month of October.

BOL, Ratified and Signed By: Kyle Matias President Rodrigo Duterte led the ceremonial signing of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) in MalacaĂąan last August 6, 2018, about two weeks after its signing was delayed due to the unceremonious change of leadership at the House of Representatives.

The president expressed his hopes that the implementation of the BOL would put an end to the conflict in Mindanao. The law will abolish the Autonomous Re-

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This pressure in inflation was caused by an increase on food and non-food inflation. For food inflation, the price of rice has increased to 4.4 percent from 2.6 percent on the first quarter of 2018 and 0.9% on the last quarter of 2017. For non-food inflation, the heavily-weighted CPI commodities contributed positively to the higher inflation in second quarter of 2018. Moreover, it remained elevated for the prices for domestic petroleum products for the quarter due to rising international crude oil prices. The prices of other non-food commodityies had increased faster during the quarter. On the other hand, the excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages and tobacco products became larger due to the implementation of the TRAIN Law. The alcoholic beverages and tobacco items continued to post double-digit growth of 20.5 percent from 15.9 percent in the previous quarter and 6.5 percent in the fourth quarter of the previous year while the non-alcoholic beverages continued to increased up to 9.9 percent from 4.6 percent on first quarter of 2018 and 1.2 percent on the fourth quarter of 2017.

Analysts noted the possible upside risks to inflation, and these possibilities are higher due to the volatile global oil prices, weakening peso, effects of the TRAIN Law after its implementation to the prices of domestic goods, higher government spending on infrastructure for the Build, Build, Build program, potential rise in wages, adverse weather conditions, higher utility rates, and the rising global inflation.

However, the key downside risk to inflation was the removal of tariff on rice imports which could reduce domestic rice prices.

gion in Muslim Mindanao (A.R.M.M.) and creating instead a Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (B.A.R.) with more powers and intends to bring peace and development in this part of the Philippines.

Duterte said in his speech, "Ten days ago, I signed into law the organic law for Bangsamoro Region for Muslim Mindanao which I hope will finally end the decades of conflict that is rooted in the Bangsamoro's pride for self-determination and recognition for their unique identity.�

The Bangsamoro community, as well as the indigenous communities and Christian communities in Bangsamoro areas,

was urged by the President to participate in the upcoming plebiscite in the region.

"Let us give this law a chance to address the Bangsamoro peoples' aspiration for genuine autonomy while preserving our bond as a single nation and affirming the sovereignty of the indivisible Republic of the Philippines," Duterte said.

The president also expounds his gratitude to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (M.I.L.F.) and the Moro National Liberation Front (M.N.L.F.) for their cooperation in pursuing the passage of the BOL as the Bangsamoro Transition Commission.

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NEWS

World Bank: Philippines To Stay Fastest Developing Economy in ASEAN

2022. The implementation of the Tax Reform and Acceleration Law (TRAIN) signed

by President RoBy: Jane San Mendoza drigo Duterte last The Philippines will remain December 2017 may be one of as one of the fastest growing the reasons for the country’s economies in the Southeast growth. This law allows more Asia this year until 2020, the infrastructures building in the World Bank stated in its latest country, allowing an increase of report. jobs and opportunities for Filipinos. Also, the TRAIN law will The World Bank projected have a possible impact on the the Philippines’ gross domestic country’s inflation. product (GDP) to grow 6.7 percent in 2018 and 2019, before Philippine projections are growing at a slightly slower rate better than those for East Asia of 6.5 percent in 2020. The and the Pacific (6.4% in 2017, World Bank’s forecasts for the 6.2% in 2018, 6.1% in 2019 and next three years were nonethe6.0% in 2020) and for the world less below the government’s (3.0% in 2017, 3.1% in 2018, target range of 7-8 percent an3.0% in 2019 and 2.9% in 2020. nual GDP growth from 2018 to

The forecast of World Bank for Philippines matches the forecast for Vietnam and Laos for last year. While Cambodia, up until 2018 will still seen consistent to top Southeast Asia with 6.9 percent, Myanmar will match the Philippines’ growth, following Laos’ 6.6% and Vietnam’s 6.5%.

To compare with other multinational lenders, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) likewise estimated a 6.7% forecast for 2017; while the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development have a 6.6% projection for this year.

Ethiopia-Eritrea Twodecades-long War Finally Comes to an End By: Karina Miranda Ethiopia and Eritrea finally put an end to 20-years-long conflict.

Ethiopia’s young prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, and Eritrea’s President Isaias Afwerki released a joint statement, in July, stating that the state of war between Ethiopia and Eritrea has come to an end and “a new era of peace and friendship has been opened”. The joint statement has been released later after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed traveled to Eritrea’s capital, Asmara, to meet with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki on the airport tarmac where the two even embraced.

The two leaders said that the countries would resume trade, economic and diplomatic ties, including reopening embassies and restarting flights. Prior to this, on July 21, Eritrea appointed its first ambassador to Ethiopia after 20 years.

Ethiopia further asked the visiting secretary general of the United Nations, António Guterres, to lift sanctions against Eritrea, Mr. Abiy’s chief of staff said on his Twitter account. The United Nations had imposed an arms embargo and a partial travel ban on

Photo: topimages.com Eritrea, citing its quarrels with neighboring countries.

Ethiopia and Eritrea’s relationship have been characterized as a “no war, no peace” situation.

After Eritrea won independence from Ethiopia in 1991, the two African neighboring countries resumed to battle in 1998 – 2000. This resulted to a two-year brutal border war where an estimate of 80,000 people died. Since then, the two remained bitter enemies, with their troops eyeing each other in the frontier. The tension never left. In 2012, Ethiopia bombed three military camps in Eritrea used by the Ethiopian opposition, while in 2015, it bombed an Eritrean mine and weapons depot, and in June 2016, Ethiopian and Eritrean troops came to blows, causing many casualties.

This historical peace agreement and restoration of ties between the neighboring African countries ends a long cold war that separated families, caused loss of economic resources, displaced half a million people and ended tens of thusands of lives.

NEWS

Japan's Economic Growth Streak, Ended By: Kyle Matias Japan's economy suffers contraction with its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) declining by an annualized rate of 0.6% during the first quarter of 2018 that happens for the first time in the past two years of its consecutive economic growth.

Despite the unanticipated nature of this setback, economic experts and Japan's government leaders are at ease that the shortfall is a sign of any further significant declines to come in the near future.

Exports, capital expenditures, and wage growth are all expected to grow once the figures from the second quarter emerge.

The unexpected contraction was bigger than economists had forecasted, but it may still dodge a recession – two consecutive quarters of negative growth. Marcel Thielient said that he expects Japan's economy rebound in the second quarter.

Economists say that the contraction will be temporary, but there is a risk that trade friction with the United States of America (USA) will hurt export demand, meaning a strong recovery is not yet assured.

In addition, Takeshi Minami, chief economist at the Norinchukin Research Institute, simply told the news provider, "This will not be a turning point — but it is temporary."

"Globally, IT-related items have been in an adjustment phase, which weighed down Japan's exports and factory output," said Yoshimasa Maruyama, the chief market economist at SMBC securities.

The fall of 0.1% in capital expenditures is directly opposite to the median estimate aiming for a 0.4% increase. This suggests that corporate investment is not as strong as many economists had forecast.

"We project an economic recovery driven mainly by private consumption and capital expendi-

Photo: pixabay.com

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tures, but we need to be mindful of the impact of overseas economic uncertainty and market volatility." said by Japan's Minister of Economic Revitalization, Toshimitsu Motegi.

The rise in wages is not prompting consumers to spend more. Japanese households are saving extra income, which suggests what Jesper Koll said, "A fundamental lack of confidence in the future."

Consumer spending fell marginally, registering a decline of less than one percentage point in the first quarter. The median estimate was for consumer spending to remain unchanged.

Koll also stated that the disappointing economic data means the central bank will not be turning off the money spigot anytime soon.

In addition, the rapidly aging population, lack of women in the workforce, and stubbornly low inflation brings alarm to Japan’s economy.

While the economic growth is on hold to resume, it is expected to be slower than the 1.7% achieved in the year preceded and the reliance on external demand will leave Japan vulnerable at a time of escalating trade battles.

The main roadblocks to continue Japanese economic success would be slowdowns within major trading partners including China, the U.S., and the European Union, as well as the escalation of any trade disagreements stemming from the American tariffs on metal imports.

"I expect exports will continue to be the driving force for Japan's recovery," said Norio Miyagawa, a senior economist at Mizuho Securities Co., who pegged second-quarter growth at above 1% on an annualized basis. "That is why anything Trump tries to curb Japan's exports to the U.S. could cloud the outlook for the economic recovery. We have to closely watch how the U.S. and Japan will negotiate."

However, Japan's government is preparing for its announcement of guidelines for economic and fiscal policy, but the government has been detracted by such allegations of cronyism that have hurt Shinzo Abe's approval ratings.

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NEWS

Distortion of Venezuela’s Economy Due to Hyperinflation Crisis By: Jamaica Soriano As of August 2018, Venezuela reported to have 200,000 inflation rates. It doubled the rate from the previous month with 82, 766 percent. The crisis now affected the whole country leaving them with scarcity of food and medicine, crime that continuously increases extreme poverty and migration of Venezuelan citizen to neighbouring countries like Peru, Brazil and Ecuador. International Monetary Fund reports that at the end of the 2018, the county’s inflation rate will surge up to 1,000,000%.

Venezuela is one of the largest oil and mineral reserves and most of its export revenue comes from these products. It is dependent on importing food and other necessities resulting in low domestic production. Venezuela being dependent on its oils exports suffered in 2014, when the oil price in world

North Korea and South Korea Agreed to Strengthen Their Relation Towards Peace and Order

market started to drop causing a big loss in Venezuela’s economy. According to the World Bank, Venezuela’s economic and social performance was greatly affected by the collapsed of oil price with insufficient macro and micro policies. The shortfall against from foreign currency has led the Venezuelan government to increase the printing of its money resulting to currency devaluation, decrease of imports, and basic goods also became expensive. The Government also made a crypto currency named Petro as link on the Sovereign Bolivar (new currency) to speed up the transaction in purchasing goods and services.

The boom of oil in the global market before had greatly benefited Venezuela’s economy and also its citizen, base from the World Bank report there is a significant decline in poverty from 50% to 30%. Former President Hugo, being a socialist, distributed most of the wealth through an ambitious social programs and nationalizing some of private businesses such as oils and gas, mining and metallurgy, banking and taking control of the price in the market. Also during this economic boom, the country did not accumulate much of savings to reduce the needed macroeconomic adjustment.

dent moon Jae-in, he agreed to work on a permanent peace agreement and work towards the denuclearization of the Korean By: Marinella Zambo Peninsula.

“We talked about peace On April 28, 2018, the and prosperity,” Moon said. “A leaders of North and South Korea bold decision has been made. Big made a history, shaking hands on applause should be given to Kim the heavily fortified demilitarized Jong Un.” zone separating the two countries Moon called the meeting in the first summit in more than a “historical and valuable in time.” In decade. achieving a complete peace, the After many years, the two two nations will work together to opposing leaders, agreed to pur- change the order of the Korean sue a proper peace agreement Peninsula. about common good and denucleThe event was well chorearization of peninsula and formally ographed. They plant a pine tree end the war between the two natogether and shares a walk in the tions that began in 1950.

Demilitarized Zoned and talked The leader of North Korea, privately. The two men spoke for Kim Jong Un has pledge a “new more than half an hour as media history” with the south Koreans. watched from afar.

Together with South Korea Presi-

The biggest highlight of the event was when the leader of North Korea walked from the North side of the Demilitarized zone to meet Moon Jae-in at the border with the South. It was the first time a North Korean leader stepped on South Korean soil.

Shortly thereafter, Moon said to Kim, “You’ve come to the South today, when can I go to the North?” Kim responded: “Why not try now?”

While holding their hands, with more than 3,000 journalist, North Korean and South Korean presidents walked through their countries border.

Both nations have agreed to expand civilian exchanges and will join sports and cultural events.

Family reunions may happen in mid-August, an anniversary for both nations’ celebrating liberation from Japanese colonial rule after the end of World War II.

OPINION

Endo-Niably Still Extant By: Justine Borja "Your days are numbered!"

The resoundingly convincing statement professed by President Rodrigo Duterte aimed at those non-compliant and abusive employers who incessantly participated in a contractual type of employment and exploitation of Filipino workers. Perhaps, the statement fired by the President to the perpetrators of endo compendiously summarizes the longlived plight of our workers in the country's labor structure. The very well-known end-of-contract is still the endless compelling life drama that pauperizes most of our Filipino laborers. Simply put, akin to what the President had said, their days as workers, more notably as agency-hired workers and subcontractors, are numbered.

In light of the celebration of Labor Day on May 1st and as part of the fulfilling steps of Duterte's regime auspicious plans to completely obstruct the growing cases of illegal contractualization in the Philippines, President Duterte finally signed the longcoveted Executive Order No.51, which primarily aims to strengthen the security of tenure of the workers and prevent circumstances of unjust dismissal.

However, the freshly inserted EO seemed to unleash a more inflamed workers' rights advocates, calling the new EO as pro-employer and is simply just one of the many cosmetic change policies of the current administration that would still prolong the agony and aggravate the already miserable lives of the Filipino workers.

Furthermore, the call of the labor sector to proscribe all forms of contractualization and make direct hiring of the employee as the general norm in employment relations were not advertised by the new policy, rather the already written labor arrangements in the Labor Code and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) orders were reiterated in the EO, such as the stated imposition on prohibition of illegal contracting and subcontracting in Section 2.

On the other hand, Digong repeatedly acknowledged that newly passed EO would not be enough to ease the suffering our Filipino workers and that he would need to tap the legislators to pass certain provisions and enact a law that would supplant the outdated Labor Code.

The existence of contractualization in the

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Philippines could be attributed to the country's membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO), as this type of labor scheme is designed to attract foreign investors with a huge benison of cheap and compliant labor waiting for them. This paves the way for the businesses to easily exercise their capitalistic pursuits and use their influence to exploit the working sector.

However, in order to operate continuously with this kind of motive, capitalists would need to widely proclaim and let everyone know that with the establishment of their business, comes the increase in employment, investments and overall economy of the country. The government and the portion of incognizant Filipinos are hushed by this deceitful ratiocination of the capitalists. It is true that foreign investors help to generate more jobs but looking at just one side of the scene and headlined it as the main argument to deny the abolishment of endo do not hold water of a reasoning at all.

Hearing this kind of self-serving argument is not just the capitalists' way to protect their ulterior motives, but also it is a part of their Machiavellian plan to oppress continually the less powerful group of labor sectors. As they are incessantly obsessed with making more and more money, they would continue to get the most work out of their laborers, in exchange for very low wages and not granting them the work benefits they are entitled to.

But one would bother asking – how are the capitalists able to exploit the workers in this kind of system for so long? The no armchair critic of capitalism, Karl Marx, had answered this by introducing the idea that the society is composed of two classes, namely; the capitalists and the proletariat. According to Marx, with this kind of uneven distribution of wealth and arrangements in the society, the capitalists are able to take advantage of the laborers, treating them not as workers but mere objects that would help them sustain their monetary profits.

The newly passed Executive Order of the government is absolutely just one of the face-saving measures of Duterte's regime. The promise was made finally, but still, it was a change heavily influenced by the capitalists. We deluded ourselves into thinking that our country would not and could not progress without bowing to these giant businesses. We are preoccupied by the good numbers our country is displaying in the national and international context, which in turn, most of us have become a prisoner of the moment and that we forget to look for a more stable and comfortable future, (Continued on page 12 )

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OPINION

where our future workers, would not need to bear any more the repression and violence that have plagued the labor sector for a number of decades.

Furthermore, it is also worth mentioning that what we are sacrificing with this kind of labor scheme are the skills of our very own Filipino laborers. Endo does not allow the promising skills and potentials of our workers to grow; rather it provides the businesses greater opportunities to prosper. As what the President had mentioned, during the time of the campaign where he needed to look convincing and appealing to the masses, 'endo will kill the Filipino skill.'

However, how about we look this time into the idea of providing these workers the right wage and much-needed work benefits, which in turn, would result to an increased productivity of the laborers in their work. Higher productivity is good for the business's aim for more profit and looking at the bigger picture, implies a better economy with its economic actors attaining a higher standard of living. With this kind of set-up, perhaps a healthier economy and a balanced situation for the employers-workers is not a far-fetched thing to achieve. Simply put, it is a winwin situation for both sides.

Karl Marx had already told us that there would come a time where the proletariat would become cognizant of their current situations and feel resentful to the business owners. The infancy of their class-consciousness would ignite them to start a revolt, which according to Marx would bring the destruction of capitalism. This is what we are currently seeing in our local society. The clashing of interests and pursuits of the employers and workers has led to a society that is formed by domination and power, rather than consensus and conformity. Taking on the issue of endo needs an exacting effort and great understanding of the requests of both sides. Perhaps, the government has to bite the bullet in order to keep the employment rate and foreign investments in the country at a stable level. Or maybe this administration has realized that since the Filipinos have long endured this kind of situation, passing this proemployer EO would be nothing of a new burden for them. Perhaps, the labor groups just need to keep on protesting and organizing social movements because time would come where finally their collective efforts would bring the fall of capitalism. Alternatively, maybe the Filipino workers have become aware that it is not okay to earn just an income at all when in reality they could access and achieve a much better and just working conditions, in which they are able to exercise their skills and most importantly their rights. Many probabilities, but there are no pure solutions. As eco-

nomics taught us, there are only trade-offs. However, one thing is for sure, end-of-contract is still undeniably extant in our labor structure. To end, let me say that in this country, the Philippines, nothing can be said to be certain except death, taxes, and ENDO!

When Will A Third Party Build Stronger Connections?

By: Lovely Sango

Since 2011, Philippines’ Telecommunications market has been under the duopoly of Globe and PLDT/Smart Communications Inc. As far as netizens can remember, the telecommunications services in our country have been performing badly and it’s making everyone furious. Who can never be mad about the costly rates and slow internet connection?

Imagine yourself playing your favorite online game and getting on that killing spree, then all of a sudden you get disconnected—that literally sucks. President Duterte thought of a solution, and that is opening the market for a third telco player. Adding another telco is necessary in times like this.

Even before President Duterte took an oath to the office, he has been talking about the poor performance of the telcos in the country and how he would like to dismantle PLDT and Globe’s duopoly.

His goal is to find a telco that offers reliable, inexpensive, and secure service to provide more options to the customers. Adding a new player in the telecommunications industry will threaten the two firms because many will try the new one knowing that they will offer less expensive and stronger connections. In that case, older firms will also have to compete, by either lowering their rates or improving their services.

The DICT’s basis of selecting the third party telco would be the quality of coverage, internet speed, and investment also known as the highest committed level of the service model (HCLoS). The competing party must provide at least 5 Mbps speed of internet, should cover at least 30% of the total population and must also have at least P40 Billion capital and operational expenditure per years for a 5-year commitment period. Essentially, we need a new telco player that has a huge amount of capital, so that bigger firms will not be able to buy it. We have had Sun Cellular before that offers services at low prices and after some time, Smart Communications bought its operator, Digital Communications Philippines.

OPINION According to a report released by the Internet World Stats’ ranking as of June 2018, 63% of the total population is using the internet regardless of its slow speed, and this makes the Filipino netizens rank on the 12th spot out of 20 internet users around the world. This is definitely an advantages for the two incumbent players but an entry of a new competitive firm will greatly affect a great part of their profit.

In a market with a strong duopoly, adding another competitor would be a big help especially now that the government will intervene and set standards so that PLDT or even Globe will not be able to eat it up. We have seen big firms eat up the smaller and newer firms and hopefully, we learn from that. We deserve the quality of service that we are paying for.

We need stronger connections because telecommunications’ products and services are vital to the lives of many.

Federalism: Concept vs Reality By: Angelica C. Garcia

One of the most debatable issues under the regime of President Duterte is Cha-Cha or Charter Change that aims to shift the country’s constitution to Federalism. In May 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte stated that a vote on the proposed replacement of the unitary state with a federal one would be held in two years. In December 7, 2016, Duterte signed Executive Order No. 10 creating a consultative committee to review the 1987 constitution. And in June 2018, a special consultative committee made up of leading jurists and political scientists who were selected by the president himself finalized the draft of a new constitution.

The common words we heard when Duterte’s political party expose the idea of federalism in the Philippines was diversity and unity. In theory, federalism supports the idea of unity by recognizing diversity, redistributes fiscal and legislative powers to different regions. They say that the Philippines is geographically and culturally-diverse and the needs of people may be different from one region to another so they propose that under this new constitution the Philippines will promote specialization and friendly competition between states that will help raise the economic development of everybody.

According to Robert Maulana Marohombsar

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Alonto, a veteran of the peace process between the government and the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), federalism is “still the best option for a country stuck in cul-de-sac and unable to forge ahead to a more progressive and developed state because it is mired in the unitary status genetically bred in the womb of colonialism”. This statement of Mr. Alonto provokes the idea that the key in solving the slow progress in the Philippines is to drop the unitary government and support the federal government wherein the states are empowered to make their own decisions.

Let us look at the pro side of this federal government they are proposing. Since the current situation in the Philippines is the over-centralization of real economic opportunities in the capital and the rest of the country lacks such opportunities, federalism would allow each of the regions to be autonomous and be able to manage their economic policy-making.

It would allow each region to budget their own money instead of sending most of it to the capital, Manila. In addition, they also connote that federalism will promote the “friendly competition” between regions wherein the regional governments will set up their own economic policies that would attract investors to come over and create opportunities for their citizens.

In other words, the regional government will have to compete against each other in developing their economies and with this, they believe that the whole country would benefit because the regional governments would do their best to come up and bring investors.

The statement, “it would lead to entrenchment of political dynasties.” does not pose concern among the political reforms proposed by the study groups, the draft constitution is a self-executory ban on political dynasties.

As we look at these positive insights, you could see hope and change and as a Filipino, we are hungry for political transformation, however is federalism really the answer? According to the latest Pulse Asia survey, almost 7 out of 10 Filipinos opposed a shift to the federal government, with this, it implies that clearly there is no public clamor for Cha-Cha. Moreover, 69% said they have little or no knowledge about the propose constitution. The proposition that they are implying also sound so simple and casual.

Looking at the proposed “friendly competition”, they are promoting. In the constitution, they imply that to promote growth, each regional government will have to boost investment, either through tax revenues or by attracting private investors however, the reality of this is that, poor regions are doubly at a disadvantage.

(Continued on page 16)

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OPINION

The poorer regions have small economies, to begin with, while the richer regions already have large economies. They counteract this with the idea of “intergovernmental transfers” wherein the rich regions’ taxes would be transferred to poor regions that are in need of financial assistance but according to many studies “fiscal equalization” doesn’t encourage poor regions to be productive but rather it makes them more independent on richer regions. These are only a few of the concerns about this proposed federalism. The bottom line is that this kind of government might not even work at all and can lead to more problems.

There are so many positive statements about this proposed federalism government. Yes, federalism is good, the concept itself is clean in paper or in theory but, the majority of Congress are from political dynasties and most of them are notorious for corruption. Our voters are uneducated; our politics is atrocious, minding that the beauty of the federal form of government lies to the constitution and its implementation. Truth to tell, if you carefully read the proposal there are some thoughts like it looks like a ploy to concentrate political power for the next years. Let us all read between the lines.

The Feeling of Being a Lab Mouse: A K-12 Student Perspective By: Achilles Quintos

The K-12 program has been a hot topic seen to be a burden for students who must study additional 2 years in high school and for their parents who has to support them financially. The program was implemented under the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 or the R.A No. 10533 which was signed by former President Benigno Aquino III with the goal of making high school graduates be able to easily apply jobs and be internationally competitive.

The Program covers Kindergarten and 12 years of basic education (six years of primary education, four years of Junior High School, and two years of Senior High School [SHS]) to provide sufficient time for mastery of concepts and skills, develop lifelong learners, and prepare graduates for tertiary education, middle-level skills development, employment, and entrepreneurship however, with this astonishing

goals it cannot be disregard the fact that the program was implemented too soon for the cultured system and for DepEd to adjust.

The first batch of Senior High School who graduated in SHS last 2018 is either taking up tertiary education or working. This batch became an experimental subject who has experienced the burden of lack of preparation for the program. Starting with the place where students go to study, DepEd had a shortage of 66,000 classrooms as of June 2016 when the first batch started entering SHS making students in Public High Schools share rooms alternatively for different sections and fitting around 50 students for a room that was created to handle around 30 students.

There is also a shortage of teachers which seems to be contradicting, who will teach the students when there is no one available?

There have been cases of conflicts between college students and senior high school students before until today. A simple social media post can lit up the rage inside of countless. Some of the SHS would post how hard it is to be part of the program and one even said that it is harder to be in SHS than college.

The post garnered negative reactions from the college students that became a social media “brawl”, what’s harder than college anyway?

Things have pros and cons, on the other hand, it can be denied that SHS have contributed in a good way as well as those entering college have a clearer view on what they want to pursue, they are also more aware of their surroundings and are more active participating in activities, in addition, compare to those 15 or 16 years old who have graduated high school entering college in the past, these 18 or 19 years old freshmen are more matured and can adapt more on their environment. Hence, SHS can be considered to have contributed on the personality and self-development of the kids.

The program have still a long way to go, its impact will be felt not today, but on the few years to come, sacrifice has to be done to achieve a greater good. The governments should also do its best to better implement the program so that it can utilize its purpose. It is sad to think that without the program we should have been juniors now in college, however, we must always look on the bright side, new experience is not bad after all. Enjoy the years of studying after all, we have more years to spend being an adult in the workforce.

OPINION

Scrutinizing the Exchange Rate System

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from the same period last year. Meanwhile, exports of goods such as ignition wiring set and other wiring sets used in vehicles, aircrafts and ships, and electronic equipment decreased by 5% to $US 26.91 billion.

By: Bianca Yllana Dela Cruz IV. Foreign Debt

Every country has its own currency, the Philippines has Philippine Peso, Japan has Japanese Yen, US has US Dollars Korea has Korean won, and the list goes on. Ever wonder how people all over the world make purchases even they have different currencies? How can a tourist from Korea visiting Philippines can buy souvenirs and pay for its food and lounging? How will Philippines pay for rice imports from Vietnam? The answer is Exchange Rate.

I. Inflation Rate On July 6, 2018, the Philippine Statics Authority (PSA) released the inflation report for the month of June which soared to 5.2% the highest in 11 years. It is 1.2% higher than the inflation target of 2%-4% for 2018 and 0.6% higher compared to the 4.6% inflation rate in May. This affects the exchange rate in a way that Philippine exports will be more expensive for other countries to import. For example, an American consumer will find the food products from the Philippines costlier compared to the food products from Korea, based on the law of demand (as the price increases the demand decreases) the consumer will choose to buy Korean food products than those that came from the Philippines. Taking this into the overall demand of American consumers, demand for Philippine products will decrease if this happens, supply of US dollars will decrease relative to the demand hence, Php will lose its value against $US. II. OFW Remittances The Overseas Filipino Workers supplies foreign currencies in the Philippines through their remittances.

The remittances for the month of April hit 2.35 billion or 12.7% higher than the same month last year with $US 2.1 billion this eases the continuous Php depreciation. However, taking into account from January 2018 with $US 2.37 billion the remittances have decreased by $2 million which may because of the deployment ban of Filipino workers to Kuwait.

III. Balance-of-Trade The trade deficit in May 2018 has widened to $US 3.70 billion, the largest in 5 months. It has increased by 11.4% from the same month last year. This means that the Philippines spends more dollars on imports than it receives from exports reducing its supply relative to the demand. The widening trade deficit can be attributed to the increasing imports of mineral fuels, lubricants, iron and steel, telecommunications equipment and electrical machinery, electronic products etc. with $US 9.46 billion or an increase of 11.4%

The foreign debt of the Philippines have increased to $US 80.88 billion from $US 77.47 this may be attributed to finance the Build,Build,Build project. As the Philippines borrows more money from other countries its demand for foreign currency also increases because, it is needed to pay-off the incurred debts outside the country and the debt servicing (paying the interest of the debt). Investors may also see this as a risk hence, they may pull out their dollar denominated investments thus increasing the demand of dollar relative to the supply.

V. US Federal Reserve Interest Rates Hikes The United States of America have been an economic power since then, hence, a little change they do on their economic policies will always affect developing countries like the Philippines. Since, 2015 FED started little by little increasing its interest rates by 25 basis points to ease inflation from 0.25% to 1.5% in 2017. This year FED had announced that they will have 4 interest rates hikes, the first one was on March 21, 2018 bringing to 1.75% and the latest was on June 13, 2018 that results to 2%. Because of these, investors eyeing the US Market to invest in, resulting to an increase of turnover on local shares in the Philippine market because investors might transfer their investments from the Philippines to US. The increase of demand for dollars vs. its supply and increase of supply of Php vs. its demand pushes the Php to lose its value to $US. The continuous depreciation of Php may not always have negative effects, it can be an advantage as well for the families that receive remittances abroad as it increases their purchasing power, domestic demand for goods will increase as well; since our exports will be cheaper to other country thus it attracts consumers from other nations, this will increase the demand of Philippine products and will create jobs, it will also improve the balance-of-trade as exports boost while, imports are getting more expensive; tourist as well will be attracted to visit the country which will contribute to the economic growth; however, the problem is that the inputs used in the production of export products such as machineries and oil are also imported. To minimize the price of imports the government may lessen or lift the tariffs imposed for imports that are used in export production, they can also provide subsidies to exporting firms and pursue an export-led economic growth taking the example from Korea. It may seem a bad situation but we can create an opportunity to grow out of that.

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FEATURE

Orgs in the Philippines Where You Can Join By: Erica Navelgas Have you ever felt that strong thirst for doing something that is of worth or probably something that fills you with great passion and such feeling of self-actualization? For a time you crave for that and slowly, you let that define and stroke your dreams and realizations in life.

We all have a thing for volunteerism. We can hear that calling in our head. It is loud and intense. It is the sound of our hearts’ desire to send pieces of help in improving the lives of the less fortunate and underprivileged and be part of the change that could bring more colors in this world that we live in.

High grades are just one of the many things that give smile to our hearts as a student. Looking at the general aspect of life, it is not just about aiming a grade or putting our worth on the line. We can very well do more in life like giving portions of our time and resources to others and sharing happiness to those who have long forgotten it, giving light to those who have stayed long enough in the shadows of their nightmares, fighting the battles of poverty and sickness just so others won’t feel they’re not alone, and be a soldier in our own wonderful ways in conserving and protecting this beautiful world we are living in.

Don’t sit there and let the fire in you burn out here’s a help to unleash that hero in you, a rundown of some organizations in the Philippines with respective advocacies that you may find parallel to yours.

ANIMALS/ENVIRONMENT: Greenpeace PH Highlights of Greenpeace PH’s green mission to save the environment in a peaceful and sound manner include environmental campaigns such as crying for climate justice, fighting climate change, eradicating harmful and toxic chemicals, and lastly, preserving our ocean. They actively engage youth to their environmental campaigns and use them as catalysts of green movements.

Haribon Foundation Haribon Foundation is unwavering in its commitment to conserve sites and habitats, save species, encouraging sustainability and empowering people.

Its latest stories revolves on spreading awareness about mining, educating people on harmful causes of

greenhouse gases, and launching movements for forests in various communities in the country.

Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) Animals could be family too. And so PAWS has always aimed to provide protection to animals through preventing cruelty, easing their pain, fear and suffering. It mainly initiates campaigns on animal welfare and aiming for the Philippines to be a nation not just for people but for animals as well.

Save Philippine Seas (Because Our Seas Saves Us) As its name suggests, Save Philippine Seas is focus on protecting this world’s largest marine resources by utilizing social media as their primary platform for promoting strict implementation of environmental laws and bringing together concerned individual in saving our rich marine biodiversity.

World Wild Fund WWF has managed to stay true to its work in saving species and landscapes and most importantly securing the future for the people and the nature. Its work is focused on climate, food, forest, fresh water, ocean and wildlife.

HEALTH: Volunteer Youth Leaders for Health PH VYLH puts emphasis on mobilizing the youth towards a healthy Philippines. It brings together young health advocates from different community to build a network of leaders who will campaign public awareness on existing health programs, and on the importance of a healthy lifestyle at an early age.

World Food Programme World Food Programme has long been a charitable organization that delivers food assistance in emergencies and working with communities to improve nutrition. One of its priority areas is Nutrition where they make sure that they are not just providing food assistance to those in urgent need but also sees ways to fight malnutrition by improving the accessibility of nutritious food and addressing the barriers that people face in consuming healthy diets.

HUMAN RIGHTS: Love Yourself Love Yourself Inc. has a simple yet profound mission all over the Philippines – to promote selfworth. It is a community that emphasizes and encourages loving oneself. Its ongoing project is the Love

FEATURE Yourself Project that provides awareness, counseling and education about HIV/AIDS among the youth.

Gentle Hands Gentle Hands is actively seeking for volunteers that will help them carry out their mission to provide a safe, happy and healthy Christ-centered home for babies and children of the Philippines.

ChildHope PH One of the ChildHope PH proudest projects has been the Street Education and Protection Program (STEP). This project was in line in its objective to reduce the number of street children and prevent their proliferation. Since 1986, ChildHope PH was empowering street children and their families and helping them gain more developmental future.

HUMANITARIAN: Philippine Red Cross PRC carries an insightful mission all over the globe - to provide quality life-saving services that protect the life and dignity especially of indigent Filipinos in vulnerable situations. It’s a mission that PRC has sought to undertake starting way back 1947 to become the leading humanitarian organization in the country. Its volunteers are firm in their commitment in providing services on disaster management, national blood, safety, and health services.

Care Philippines Since 1949, Care Philippines has been helping individuals and families in terms of disaster response, emergency preparedness, livelihoods recovery, and risk management. Its advocacies include Women Empowerment, Climate Change Adaptation, and Governance.

Gawad Kalinga For many years, Gawad Kalinga has been a constant fighter or poverty in the Philippines. Gawad Kalinga, which means “give care” in English, has been in frontline in eradicating poverty in the country.

WOMEN: Likhaan Center for Women’s Health Promoting and pushing for the health and rights of marginalized women and their communities is truly something that Likhaan can be proud of.

Since 1995, it has been strongly working on women empowerment, more accessible standard of health care, primary health care, maternal mortality, contraception, and unsafe abortion. Even from its early

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years, Likhaan has been marking itself out as an organization that fights for protection of women in all aspects of their lives including their sexual and reproductive health and rights.

World Vision 24 babies are delivered by teenage mothers every hour according to the data of Philippine Statistics Authority. That is why World’s Vision primary concern is to foster childcare and building sustainable communities. For 60 years, it has helped over 100,000 poor children and their communities and families under its teenage pregnancy advocacy. It aims to provide protection and support to teen mothers, who suffer not just from limited employment opportunities, but also social stigmas that can leave lasting impacts on their lives and their children.

I Can Serve ICanServe provides home to survivors, patients, and people around them inclusive with strength, support and purpose. Since its inception in 1999, it has gained a glowing reputation for providing screening programs such as Ating Dibdibin, educational for a like the Silver Linings, and means of volunteering. It used a pink ribbon as symbol of empowering everyone to do anything they can to help combat widespread diseases.

Women Involved in Nation Building WIN made a name for itself by encouraging and supporting women to contribute in the national development. WIN President Victoria Aragon said the organization has been implementing ways to help Filipinas, especially those oppressed, to improve their way of lives through various congress it organized since it was founded in 1987. WIN has organized various conventions themed Women in Electoral Politics, Gender and Climate Change, Framework Plan for Women and Women Working Out a Sustainable Partnership Business and Politics which discussed the significant role of Filipinas in the society and government.

Those are just some of the many organizations in the Philippines that may cater your desire to help. You can very well do your own research and expand your choices. They are all just within our grasp so why not support an org, follow your legend and do something worthwhile.

There is a hero in every one of us. I wish that you find it rewarding to live with enthusiasm and pleasure for being an intrepid fighter for human rights, or be part of a magnanimous action, befriend with the nature and the environment and find the hero in you. May you have a purposeful life!

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FEATURE

A Bird's Eye-View on Tax Reform By: Erica Navelgas

I was once an indifferent citizen of this country. I was getting tired of myself for being an amateur individual. I would always fall back to my old excuse: "Oh well, I didn't really want to be involved on the issues of taxes, anyway." Life is yet light and simple.

Amazingly, this world has its way in crafting my fate. I felt a profound desire for something that has a significant impact on today's generation and likewise on tomorrow's. In the process of redefining my purpose, the Student Advocates for Reforming Tax (START) Now opened its doors for me. It was then that I found a home for my advocacy and I have been strangely fortunate to witness with my own very eyes how our legislators and policymakers debate and discuss their in-depth analysis of the Comprehensive Tax Reform in the halls of Congress and Senate. A lot of things were happening there that have given the opportunity to grasp their expressive intentions to our countrymen.

There is no way I could turn my back to a reform that aims to free my countrymen from abject poverty, serves to redistribute the tax burden from the poor to the rich, achieving a more equitable distribution of income – a reform that was decades-in-themaking amendment of our complex tax system.

Today's reform requires us to be more critical, where the entire tax reform package affects people of all walks of life. There is no reform without benefit, and no benefit without costs. These costs are transitory relative to the positive changes that we strived to introduce. The youth's participation in the discussions involving tax reforms is a necessary impetus for us to reach our economic goals.

More than the revenue -generation scheme, the tax reform is pursued to rectify the inequities in the tax system.

In the Philippines, we have over 800,000 Filipino small and medium enterprises who pay the highest rate of corporate income tax in the ASEAN region compared with

4,000 large business enterprises, most of which already belong to the top 1,000 corporations who enjoy the perks of receiving investment tax incentives or subsidies from the government amounting to 300 billion pesos. It is the high time that we amplify our support to small Filipino enterprises and update the criteria for the grant of fiscal incentives to make it fairer and more transparent.

We call for our legislators to consider the expedient passage of the Tax Reform Program or the Tax Reform for Attracting Better and High-quality Opportunities (TRABAHO) bill. It is our greatest desire to see the accrued cost of investment tax expenditures translating into the essential technology and skills transfer for our future workforce and industries, decent and high-quality employment, as well as, competitive salaries and wages, in return. This is critical to effectively boost the employment landscape, by attracting industries that will be sustainable for the decades to come – a lasting legacy that will benefit the youth today and that of the next generation.

As the election nears, we will be using bigger lenses to see who among legislators have transparent intentions and with heart to serve the people. Is it for the benefit of Filipino mass or purely self-interest?

We will continue to take heed of the personal business- agendas of some candidates. Are we going to see the latter continually deprived of government support since the revenues that could have long been collected were funneled instead to the grant of incentives we perpetually give away to companies who do not really deserve them?

Applauses may echo down the halls, but young people like me is not deaf to the rhetoric of certain politicians who shamelessly fan out their grievances, as if they are the ones who are deprived of the many benefits handed down by the government.

Today’s plea revolves on setting performance standards, prioritizing economic activities that are truly relevant and benefits the most who need it. And in the long run, we will be putting our feet on settle after this hard days’ work on these reforms and we will be able to enjoy a wellearned relief.

Erica Navelgas is an economics student of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines.

FEATURE

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TAKING A LEAP: A Step Forward Into Life’s Endless Possibilities By: Ralph Bernardo

There’s a voice that whispers sending a cold feeling throughout our bones. We have this one thing that makes our hearts race and brings forth anxiety from the depths of us. Some carry serious fears that amount to phobias while some brave most of them.

Despite this fear, we came up at some point in our lives that monsters underneath our beds are nothing but shadows of the night. That we do not need to hide under the thin blanket that separates us from the outside world. Eventually, we thought to ourselves that there is nothing to be afraid of.

Perhaps, the only thing we are afraid of is fear itself and the refusal to dare.

As we grow and develop, we learn the art to rationalize. We started thinking how to fear the unknown a little lesser than before, until rationalizing and thinking ahead turn into the hero that saves us from our childhood fear. This becomes our saviour from the villain that roots us into the anxiety, paralyzing us to the contentment of comfort and ease, and never daring to let go the blanket of darkness. That instead of learning to walk to the light, the blanket stays on, promising a comfort that never leads to betterment.

Paulo Coelho once said, “Be brave, take risk.

Nothing can substitute experience.” It will never be earn unless we take the risk of going out. The world can be a monstrosity harsher than the one our imaginations once taught us with. It can be darker than an abyss, in such that we start feeling so lost and helpless. However, his world also suggests that we need to be capable of taking risks and mustering bravery. Be capable of reaping enough courage to reach great heights, and be wilful enough to never forget to enjoy the ride of our lives. The journey will be a roller coaster ride, it will have ups and downs but these two inculcate us the inspiration to break the barricades that hinder our lives. It sets us all free and happy.

Chasing through the barricades of our comfort zone would be a big leap on the way to maturity. When we take risks, we face our fears, uplifting and developing our individual characters. We have our own freedom and one should make use of it. One should take these obstacles as a motivation to discover and heighten our knowledge because of these curiosities. Let us all face change in a positive way, and experience how it could greatly enhance our confidence and boost our morale.

It takes time for an egg to grow inside the safe haven and come out from the shell. It takes time for one to learn that the world is just lying on the other side waiting to unfold before its new born. That no one could stay inside his or her safe shell forever. And when that moment comes, the egg hatches, the door to more of life is opened. So slowly explore your curiosities, maximize your potentials and never be afraid of the changes it could bring. The unknown may be unknown now, but it would not be any more once you take a deep breath and take a leap.

Every day is a new day of possibilities. To live an exceptional life, one has to come forward and accept that we are in a diverse world. Thousands of opportunities and endless possibilities wait outside your comfort zone. You only have to choose to take it. The zones of comfort are not always negative for our lives. However, if we did not attempt to free ourselves from them and stay, the effect of it on us would not be positive and we will miss a lot of potential that is in store for our future.

Take a deep breath and exhale all your worries away. Believe in yourself and your capabilities to do anything. Ready yourself with changes and at the same time, enjoy every ride. Live it in the best way without harming anyone. Lastly, trust yourself and especially Him. It may prove to be a difficult decision and a slow process, but the experience, I guarantee, it will be worthwhile. You are still unknown unless you explore the extent of your capabilities.

Zig Ziglar once said, “Fear has two meanings; forget everything and run, and face everything and rise.

The choice will, and always will be yours.”

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FEATURE

“Cause we are the helpless, selfish, one of a kind millennium kids that all wanna die, walking in the street with no light inside our eyes. We are the worthless, cursed with too much time, we get into trouble and lose our minds–something that I've heard a million times in my life. Generation Why.” The chorus to Conan Gray’s song “Generation Why” uploaded last October, is a witty play on the words “why” and Y, as in, generation Y. To any individual who has listened to this song before, they might agree that it accurately depicts millennials.

How so?

For starters, people tend to view Generation Y and Z as one and the same. Though they may be quite similar in terms of attitude, there is a difference.

Generation Y was born during the years 1977 -1994 while Generation Z was born from 1995-2012.

Not much is known about Generation Z yet but a lot have predicted that they’d be the same as their Gen Y forerunners. Both generations were described to be driven, tech-savvy and, quite possibly, the pioneers of call-out culture. This stems from the fact that millennials are more cautious and aware of the things surrounding them. Ultimately, more passionate, empathic and will go through lengths to get their ideologies across.

Published in the journal Psychological Bulletin, UK researchers stated that the reason why millennials are so driven is perfectionism at levels even higher than past generations. Millennials were also described as weak, emotional and vulnerable – though this is not anything to be ashamed of. The emotional aspect of their personalities can be linked to a strong sense of empathy. While it sounds admirable, those emotions are actually effects of mental illnesses.

Utilizing the "tech-savvy" personality of millennials, one would agree that multiple thoughts and opinions permeated throughout Twitter regarding those mental illnesses. A number of users – mainly senior high school and college students – express their mental and emotional exhaustion daily. The tweets stated recurring factors such as toxic relationships both romantic and platonic, family ties, and different forms of abuse, bullying, financial problems and extreme academic pressures.

All these factors affect a millennials' way of life and thinking, so much that it causes and worsens mental illnesses.

According to the World Health Organization, a mental illness/disorder comprises a broad range of problems, with different symptoms. However, they

Getting to Know Today

By: Mariah Cam

are generally characterized by some combination of abnormal thoughts, emotions, behavior and relationships with others. These disorders affect a person's thoughts, emotions, behavior and their interaction with people. There are numbers of mental illnesses but the following are commonly found in millennials

FEATURE

y’s Anxious Generation

mille R. Reosora

such as depression, anxiety, bipolar and body dysmorphic disorders.

One would be surprised at the number of people they know who have any of these mental illnesses and others that haven't been mentioned.

World Health Organization states that more than 300

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million people of all ages suffer from depression worldwide. With this in mind, what are the chances that a close friend or a family member suffers from it too? And what can you do to help them?

Educate yourself. Mental disorders are a serious topic and is not something one can easily grasp.

Thankfully, it's not as taboo as it used to be. With this in mind, there are plenty of resources to choose from which studies explaining the illness, articles sharing a person's experience and guidelines to help you reach out to them.

Let them talk about it as much or as little as they want to. Everyone hates it when someone forces them to confess. A lot of individuals who struggle with mental disorders usually have a hard time voicing out their feelings. Should you be aware of their situation, don't force them to talk thinking it would be the right thing. If they want to talk to you, they will, and when they do, don't give them advice or to look on the brighter side, simply listen and tell them you support them every step of the way. You can even ask them what you can do to help.

Treat them normally. Those people often feel withdrawn and would rather spend time alone, blocking out the rest of the world and probably already rejected a plethora of invites to parties, movie dates and any social gatherings. Still, you should never get tired of asking them to hang out but don't force them either. A small gesture of wanting to spend time with them simply means that they matter to someone.

One of these days, it could get them out of their shell.

Encourage healthy habits. A lot of them don't take good care of themselves. Remind them to drink water, eat three times a day or subtly influence them to living a healthy lifestyle.

Never put pressure on them. Some of these people may already have professional help. Never assume that just because they're getting treatment means they'll get better soon. Relapses could happen and when it does, you should never get frustrated or even think you're wasting your time trying to support them.

Older generations may look down on millennials for being social media-obsessed, lazy, sensitive and fragile but with regards to mental health, generation Y and Z are doing a much better job than generation X and the baby boomers. Millennials are more open-minded to these once taboo topics, freely sharing their struggles and ways to cope and heal. With the need for better mental health care, we can do our parts as friends, family members and a better member of society by helping those in need.

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FEATURE

How to be Graceful under Metro Manila’s Heavy Traffic?

By: Christian Jay F. Villanueva A goodnight rest is needed to earn the strength we need to face a brand new day however, most of us has to sacrifice it by waking up early just so we won’t be caught up in the burden of the rush-hour traffic of Metro Manila. A new day should be started with a good mood but how can we keep our cool when it is just 7am yet we are looking haggardness? I am sure we all can relate, and as days goes by, this dilemma have been a test of patience for all of us.

So how can we keep our cool and still be fresh? Here are some ways on how to handle that heavy burdening traffic.

Learn to let go of other motorists/passengers mistakes. According to Marcus De Guzman of AutoIndustriya.com, one way to keep you at bay is to be patient enough to let go of other people committing mistakes on the road/public transportation vehicles. We should accept that not all drivers are inept in manoeuvring their vehicles and not all passengers are well aware of commuting etiquette such as the falling in line properly and following the escalator etiquette etc.

Entertain yourself.

Celebrity Gabbi Garcia said that one way of keeping a good temper in a very stressful situation is to keep yourself entertained by maximizing your phone’s data. Listen to music, watch vlogs on youtube, play games, scroll through your Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or talk to your friends or relatives through call or text. Alternatively, if you do not prefer the use of your cell phone during travel times, you can also read a book or newspaper. In that way, you will be able to forget the idea of the agonizing trip you are in, since you are being entertained by something that interests you. Reviewing notes for your class or checking to-do-lists for your work are great options too.

Have snacks with you.

Another way of keeping your calm is to keep your stomach full. In this way, you will avoid being ‘hangry’ a handy portmanteau for hungry and angry. According to Dr. Brad Bushman, a professor of psychology at Ohio State University, “People commonly feel an uptick in anger or aggression when they’re hungry. The brain needs fuel to regulate emotions, and anger is the emotion people have the most difficulty regulating.” That is why it is recommended to have a pack of biscuits, nuts, or other snacks that you can consume handy.

Breathe and Stretch.

Experts say that it helps when you move your fingers, stretch your legs, and do the usual inhale-and-exhale process of breathing to increase relaxation.

Bring some stress relievers.

Bringing with you a stress ball, a fidget spinner, a fidget cube, or a bubble wrap through your travel is a good option on how to control your temper; these things will receive all the beating instead of venting out your anger to other motorists.

Take a nap.

If possible, give yourself a favor by taking a nap on your long journey, if commuting, take a nap but do not compromise your belongings’ security. Position your belongings of your reach so that risk of being victimized by pickpockets will be lessened.

These tips are not only meant to be beneficial in keeping your temper, but it also reduces the risk of incidents, and road rages. After all, if we cannot find a solution to the heavy traffic flow of Metro Manila, then giving ourselves a favour of keeping away from stress can be the best for us, for now.

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20th Century Breakdown By: Khenneth L. Balceta There were more things done in the twentieth century in almost every area than in any other century in history. In the twentieth century, we witnessed some of the most vicious wars in history, the launch of air and space travel, the colonization and political independence of the third world, the advancement and abasement of communism, intense progress in the standard of living, the population burst, incredible developments in science and technology, and hundreds of historically unmatched changes.

The amount of money needed to buy a whole chicken in Venezuela. Photo from Investing.com

The twentieth century also created more inflation than any other period in history. Inflation is nothing new. China writhed inflation in the fourteenth century when the emperors changed coins with paper money.

In the sixteenth century, Europe and the rest of the world sustained inflation when gold and silver began flowing into the old world from the new world.

Although the nineteenth century went through periods of moderate inflation and deflation the twentieth century was a period of continual general inflation, with some periods worse than others were. Prices only fell on the period right after World War I and the Great Depression of the 1930s however, throughout all other periods, prices mostly jumped up.

Various nations suffered the highest rates of inflation in the Twentieth century and endured one or more stints of hyperinflation – a price-level increase of at least 50% per month. In 1946, the worst case of hyperinflation ever recorded occurred in Hungary. At the pinnacle of Hungary's inflation, the CATO study estimates that the prices doubling approximately every 15.6 hours, a monthly inflation rate of 13.6 quadrillion percent. The situation was so awful that the regime takes on a particular legal tender that was pro-

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duced for tax and postal payments and was attuned each day thru the radio.

The second highest hyperinflation happened not in the twentieth century, but on the twenty-first. In 2008, Zimbabwe’s currency woes hit a peak in November 2008, reaching a monthly inflation rate of approximately 79 billion percent with prices almost magnifying every 24 hours. The price for a loaf of bread rocketed from $2 million to $35 million overnight, and the government even professed inflation illegal and detained the executives of businesses for hovering prices on their products.

The governmental mismanagement caused the eventual uncontrollable inflation. It began in the early 1990s when President Robert Mugabe instigated a series of land reallocation programs that seized land from the country's ethnically European crofters and passed the area to ethnic Zimbabweans. The hasty removal of an ingrained and experienced farmer class rigorously damaged the country's ability for food production, plummeting supply far below demand and raising prices as a result.

Although the second highest hyperinflation occurred in 2008 at Zimbabwe and the only case so far in the twenty-first century, there is no denying that most countries some of which are Greece, Germany, Yugoslavia, and the Philippines worst hyperinflation occurred in the nineteenth century. Yes, you read it right. Another mostly unreported hyperinflation episode happened in the Philippines, on World War II. During the Commonwealth of the Philippines in 1942, Japan changed the Philippine peso with Japanese war notes, and their excess issuance eventually resulted in hyperinflation that peaked in January 1944 with prices doubling approximately every 45 days, coming out to a monthly inflation rate of 60 percent.

According to the 1958 study of Hartendorp, the U.S. Army, under orders from General Douglas MacArthur, contributed a relatively small amount of fuel to the Philippine hyperinflation fire by slyly hand out of fake Japanese war notes to Philippine guerrilla troops.

The political and economic uncertainty is not the chief cause of inflation. Although most nations that had increase did so during a period of political and economic uncertainty, countries suffer inflation for they are reluctant to deal right away the economic problems that craft inflation. Using the printing presses to elude these hitches only bog down the unavoidable and exacerbates the economic costs of dealing with inflation. Government and central banks must learn that the economic problems that lead to high inflation must be taken care of immediately.

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FEATURE

Women: Gracefully Making History By: Annalyn Manalang Someone once said, “The strongest action for a woman is to love herself, be herself, and shine amongst those who never believed she could.”

This is indeed true for all the women who have fought and won the battles of loving one’s self and embracing self-worth. Reminiscing the past, it is an unassailable fact that women are being degraded by the society. They were labeled as persons that should just stay home aiding for their husband’s and children’s needs. Moreover, women were deprived of many opportunities in this world. They were prohibited to vote and run for leadership positions, their thoughts and opinions were being invalidated, they were being rejected in work, and stereotypes are everywhere saying men are a lot stronger than them.

It seems that the society are not batting an eye to women’s value, capabilities, and potential.

Due to this despising social construct, women decided to rise up and fight for what they deserved. Various women empowerment organizations have emerged and many women have been known in various field and industries. Women made names in various fields and the advocacies that they are fighting for are not just for women’s sake but for the the world as a whole. Women are now breaking barriers in world-advocates and shattering the stereotypes. Yes, women, like men, could stand out in numerous fields.

Women are making history in the fields of medicine, sports, politics, science, technology, and many more. Name it, and women can nail it. In the past generation, people highly believed that only men can be doctors and women have no place in medical field. However, Rebecca Lee Crumpler and Susan La Flesche stood up for the idea that women are capable of doing jobs that people think only men can do, and women also deserves to pursue their passion regardless of the rocks that others are throwing. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, the first African-American woman physician in the United States, was told that medical matters were too sensitive for women. Nevertheless, those belittling words did not win over her determined and courageous heart. She pursued medicine at New England Female Medical College in 1860 and gave physician care especially to those sick people who are experiencing poverty. Susan La Flesche, the first American Indian doctor on the Ohama Reservation, exhibited the same determination, courage and

excellence. She broke barriers in racial and gender inequality in the field of medicine. She did not only uplift women and Indians, but she was also able to help numerous people who needed her service as a doctor. These two women greatly contributed in the field of medicine and prove that a SHE is also capable in this field.

Aside from the erroneous thought that women cannot do medical works, it was also a fact in the past that, people see sports as a field that is only exclusive for men because they were labeled as the strong ones and women are too weak to participate in sh aactivities. Men dominated sports during those days, until women tried to obliterate the said misconception by proving that they are strong enough to soar high and take pride in numerous sports through their undeniable skills and capabilities. Mildred Ella Didrikson Zaharias, an American athlete, proved that women could standout in sports. She is known as one of the greatest female athletes of all time for his stellar performance in golf, basketball, baseball, and track and field. She garnered numerous medals in the said fields and she became the first woman to compete against men in a PGA tournament. She is an epitome of a strong woman who could greatly standout in a field dominated by men.

Women also disproved the perception that only men can be stellar leaders. In the field of politics, women broke barriers as they are now allowed to run for government positions and be one of the leaders of the nation. Sandra Day O'Connor and Eleonor Roosevelt showed that women could also be great leaders through their wit, excellence, and heart for service that they also possessess. Sandra Day O'Connor was the first female associate justice on the U.S. Supreme Court and Eleonor Roosevelt was the first to create the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a common standard for all people and all nations.

Their undeniable impressive service in the field of politics just proves that women are also capable in handling huge responsibilities for the nation.

Women also excel in science and technology.

Dana Ulery, the first female engineer in National Aeronautics and Space Administration, used her skills and knowledge to develop algorithms for NASA's Deep Space Network. This Deep Space Network uses antennas around the world to communicate with spacecraft. She made a history with this project and she’s one of a living proof that women are also competent in the field of science and technology.

Aside from the skills, perseverance, and knowledge that women possess, women also have a good heart that is shouting plethora of advocacies

FEATURE with numerous purposes. Our world is facing numerous societal issues and it is so heartwarming that women are now taking part in giving solutions to these said issues or problems. There is no doubt that many women are making stellar contributions in raising various advocacies. Pia Wurtzbach, a Filipino pride, won Miss Universe 2015 and spread her advocacy towards HIV/AIDS awareness, gender equality, and women empowerment. She has worked with Smile Train, Project Sunshine to Aid for AIDS, and United Nations Women for Peace in fulfilling her advocacies. Due to the said matters, we cannot deny that women are now breaking the stereotypes labeled to them in the past and they are now outstandingly taking actions to help end the numerous problem or issues that our world is encountering. It is just a proof that women should not really be degraded in the society because just like others, they have the potential to change the world for the better.

Every person has a purpose in this world.

Thus, we should not look at women as people that do

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not have much importance, but instead we should look at them as people who could contribute for a better world. Gone are the days that they still have to prove their worth. The histories that they have made in various fields are spectacular, just like their value and capabilities. They are also breaking barriers in world-advocates, and now it is time to break barriers on despising stereotype and misconceptions towards women. Let us expunge the erroneous perception that women are inferior and let us zealously take part in uplifting women so that people would be more aware that they shouldn’t say “Women are inappropriate for this job.”, “You must just stay home because you’re a woman”, “You can’t do this because you’re a woman” and alike. Instead, we should look at women as persons that are capable of doing things that people think only men can do; we must give women our utmost support so that they will be more empowered; and we should be one with women in helping solve various societal issues to create a better future, hand in hand.

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LITERARY

Mirentior By: Jessel Tuazon There was a girl living in a simple town. The typical girl that goes to school, bond with her friends, watch her favorite series, read books, enjoying life to its fullest. However, deep inside of her, she knew that there is something in her that make her different from the rest of the girls in town.

‘I felt the cold of the morning winter, snow falls outside as I look at the window, our neighbourhood was covered in white, so pure yet so dull to see.

Here’s another new day with the struggle of a cold winter. Right before the sunrise I have to hurry so as not to be late for my 7:30 am class, wearing my dark grey skirt and white blouse, ankle-length white socks, and my new winter shoes which my mom bought yesterday from a local store, grabbed my double layered jacket, ready for school now. Oh! I should see myself in the mirror first, nice, I looked my favourite actress now.

I arrived at school just in time, the long corridor as always are filled with students waiting for their class to start, I just walk along confidently with the feeling of looking like my fave actress, a perfect copycat! Then I noticed that everyone is looking at me with a wide smile on their faces. I have no idea what’s going on, I’m like in a catwalk so I gave my sweetest smile back at them and continue walking. That experience somehow made me feel great, yes, this is the time of my shine!

The dawn breaks, my alarm sounds filled my room. It’s a new day with the same routine, just have to fix myself like I did yesterday and everyone will pay their attention to me again.

She confidently walk in the corridor with a smile on her face however, it was not like last time.

This time it was different. People just pass through her as if she is invisible.No one approaches her. No one noticed her. She is a total stranger to them. From Miss Somebody yesterday, she became Miss Nobody today. Far from what she's expecting.

"What's happening? What's wrong?" The anxiety is starting to build up in her mind. She is slowly losing the confidence she brought from home.

She reached her classroom, as she opened the door the teacher was already there.

No heads turned into her direction.

No pair of eyes looks at her.

No one noticed her.

No one cares.

"What's wrong with these people? They were all looking and smiling at me yesterday like I’m sort of a celebrity.”

The whole day ended without her being recognized. She went home immediately, locked herself in her room, sat down in the corner then hugged herself. Her heart beats faster than the usual. Her gaze was nowhere to be found. Her eyes were too heavy to bear. Tears are starting to fall down on her cheeks, the day was just so sad for her. The pain she has been holding all day is now ganging up on her, raging, trying to break the bars, she was drowning in tears. She was lost in it yet no one can save her except herself.

Almost an hour passed to calm herself.

When she found her strength again, she supports her body to stand and walks through her mirror. She intently looks at herself, examining each part of her from head to toe.

Her make-up was a mess from crying, the mask she wear every day, she look at her bare face.

She looks at her brown eyes, she thought it was full of happiness and hope but she realized that it was only a mask that hides the pain and sadness she has. Her pinkish lips that have been tired of faking a smile. Her ears tired of hearing fake laugh and praises. Her whole being was tired of all these things. None of these was true.

The reality is now coming to her, she doesn’t look like her idol, she doesn’t have a white skin nor a pointed nose. She does not have the ability and skills of her senior.

She is not them. She is more than they are. She is distinct.

"Yes, This is me."

Last night was hard for her, but realizations came to her. So does she wake up with a light yet thankful heart. Today, it’s a different routine. She doesn’t have to wear make-up nor smile like her favourite idols on TV. She doesn’t have to look like them anymore. She faced the mirror. This time she saw a different person. She saw herself, her real self.

No pretending, no imitations, just a pure Stella. She is overcoming her biggest challenge. Learning to be herself and believing in herself. Her life is changing.

She’s still in the process of finding herself, but her acceptance broke all the barriers built in her identity.

It became the key to finally embrace and love her real self without hesitations. She finally felt the real happiness that she deserves.

"I am Stella. I am who I am."

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Try Me By: Kate Leonor

"Think beyond the box" A line is often given to us when we are asked to do something creative.

"Go out of your comfort zone" What your teacher in high school used to say to motivate you, thinking it will magically give you the power to create something that will make her cry; Something that will inspire the youth of today and the youth of tomorrow; Something that will embed your name in books and statues.

1,3,5,7,9 I want to be one of these numbers, I want to be odd I have never been number one Or maybe I have But chose not to acknowledge it.

I want to create music that will unite us all, To create a painting that depicts everyone's situation.

To be exceptional, To be unique, To be recognized, To be loved, However, I am just no one.

When I was young I crave for their attention hence did my best, Yet no one noticed, Nobody blink an eye on me, Guess that was the start, to want to fit in the norms of many.

"Think beyond the box, but be yourself" So that night, I thought I'll try again.

Then I realized; How should I go out of my comfort zone?

When I never felt comfortable?

How should I go beyond the box, When I could not even love the box?

I know, I must do it, Therefore, I must give my best again.

To love myself.

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS VOL. 1 No. 5 June 2018 - March 2019