Leading the write path
Volume 29 Issue No. 2 | April - June 2021
The Official Newspaper of The PRISM
CMS gets gov’t recognition INSIDE 8 years after closure order STORIES BY JORIELYN MARTIZANO
NEWS
UAeans live by, exemplify core values
OPINION
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Breaking into the pandemic : Students’ life in the new normal
Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) graduates in their type A uniform during the University of Antique’s (UA) 62nd Commencement Excercises.
Approximately eight years after it received a recommendation for the closure of its programs, College of Maritime Studies (CMS) acquired its Full Government Recognition through Commission en banc (CEB) Resolution 250-2021 on April 30. UA president Dr. Pablo S. Crespo Jr. announced on June 24, that Commission on Higher Education (CHED) approved and granted the said recognition of Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) and Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering (BS Mar-E). The university president described the journey to government recognition as ‘rough sailing’ as the university procured world class, state of the art maritime equipment and facilities, hired qualified faculty, stringently selected midshipmen to satisfy all of the requirements. According to Dr. Peter Ralph B. Galicia, OIC-Dean of CMS, the lack of equipment and qualified faculty were the reasons why CMS was not able to comply
with the requirements, thus, the university spent millions for equipment and hired faculty with master and doctorate degrees aligned to maritime education. When CMS stopped offering the BS program temporarily due to noncompliance of minimum requirements, the college offered the Enhanced Support Level Program (ESLP) as an alternative course which was later phased out by the CHED. Amidst the drastic steps to save the college programs since 2013, about 62.75% of graduate cadets are on board as of 2018, which is considered as a good achievement for the college. It can be recalled that in 2019, the college elevated its course offerings where the programs were changed from a non-officer 2-year rating course ESPMD/ ESPME (Enhanced Support Level Program- Deck/Engine) to BSMT and BS Mar-E Continue to page 4 @theprismpub
FEATURE
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Community Pantry: Ignites the spirit of Bayanihan of every Daonhon
theprismpub.wordpress.com
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NEWS 1st HEI day held; TES grantees thank De Vera
THE PRISM
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BY JORIELYN MARTIZANO
UAeans live by, exemplify core values BY LOUIE JOHN SERVANCIA
UA’s participation in the weeklong celebration of the 27th Founding Anniversary of CHED and the 1st National Higher Education Day continued by highlighting its Vision, Mission, Goals, Objectives (VMGO) and its Core Values via Zoom and Facebook live on May 2021. “All stakeholders of UA should have a clear understanding of its VMGO, not only its executive groups, teachers, and other personnel but also each student and their families, the community that UA serves, its partner agencies, and future partners because all of us are working together towards its attainment,” Dr. Nanette V. Dionisio, vice president of RECETS, remarked. During the virtual event, Dr. Dr. Nelly E. Mistio, director of UA Main Campus, was present with university president, Dr. Pablo Crespo Jr. and kasUbaykers, during the kick-off activity of the 1st National Higher Education Day in UA. | Photo by Floriette Ann Arnaiz Pablo S. Crespo Jr., university president, Commemorating the 27th founding campus has 1,888 TES grantees while spoke in the “Kilalaha ang UA” segment, anniversary of CHED, UA participated Hamtic Campus has 270 beneficiaries for a presentation about understanding UA’s in the 1st National Higher Education AY 2018-2019 and for the next academic VMGO. Upon the discussion of UA’s Day through a week-long virtual activity year, AY 2019-2020, the total grantees in from May 17 until May 21 via Zoom and UA Main Campus 1,833 (1st semester) and vision, Dr. Crespo elaborated that a leading Facebook live. 1,708 (2nd semester) as Hamtic Campus university in science and technology This year’s event featured the total grantees were 658 (1st semester) and possesses strong and vibrant academic and research programs in the sciences and theme “PADYAK! Moving Forward, 279 (2nd semester). Claiming Victory for Philippine Higher Meanwhile, according to Dr. Jose its application which is supported by rich Education Pamantasan: Pandayan Tungo N. Magbanua, coordinator of SAS in UA and strong programs in humanities geared sa Kaunlaran” citing the stories of success TLMC, the campus has 843 grantees for towards critical and creative thinking. Recently, UA identified one of its from the students who benefited from the the pioneering year of free higher education free higher education, thus, UA kicked-off implementation with 776 grantees for first niche in science and technology in the the celebration with a biking activity that semester and 739 grantees in the following area of “KKK Revolution” that stands for Kawayan, Karan-an, and Koron. took place in nearby barangays in Sibalom academic year. Moreover, Dr. Crespo conveyed for the UA Main Campus and Tibiao town Student grantees of the UA proper for UA Tario Lim Memorial Campus system expressed their gratitude to CHED, that “the most significant activity in UA is (TLMC) with the participation of the particularly to Chairman J. Prospero E. De always its graduation” because according university stakeholders. Vera III, for the gift of free higher education to him, in graduation we could say that For Dr. Pablo S. Crespo Jr., to achieve their dreams despite their we are true to our mission.“This is our university president, the implementation of poverty and and further support their family purpose, to help the Antiquenos so that they can help their families as well,” he Free Higher Education is just like in learning through it. the skills in biking that initiates with a slow “(After working in Manila for three said. The activity also featured the UA start, but with dedication and keeping in years, I was given a chance by UA to place the policies and procedures, the pursue schooling because of its free tuition visual identity in the image of the Statue delivery of Free Higher Education has for financially challenged students like of Progress and the spirit animal, Santi, been more inclusive and have reached me),” Melvin Agustin said, a TES grantee that exemplifies the code of conduct of many students not only in public but also in said in one of the video messages about UAeans. private HEIs. the success of the free tertiary education in In UA, virtual events officially the university. Core Values Exemplified, started on the second day, May 18 which Agustin added that when he was declared as National Higher Education received his subsidy for the second time, Lived On May 21, the activity Day by virtue of Republic Act (RA) No. he put up a barber shop business in front focused on concretizing the four Core 11522, where the university highlighted the of their house. Values of UA which are integrity, stories of Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) This academic year, UA Main social responsibility, excellence, and grantees. Campus has 1,481 grantees while UA commitment, led by Dr. Jelyn O. Alentajan, According to Dr. Wilfredo N. Muhat, Hamtic Campus has 241 beneficiaries, and vice president for Academic Affairs (VPAA). director of Student Affairs and Services UA TLMC has 645 scholarship recipients. (SAS) of UA Main Campus, the Sibalom Continue to page 4 April - June 2021
THE PRISM
NEWS
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PADYAK culminates in an alumni kamUstAhan
BY MARIANNE PALCAT
UA who have proven themselves in their chosen field and upheld UA’s core values. Likewise, Dr. Pablo S. Crespo Jr., university president, said in his video message that “we are tracing our alumni and more than just tracing the alumni, we would like later on to engage [them] to many activities, especially telling [them] kamusta na ang UA kadya (how is UA doing now). “Despite the pandemic, I would like to believe that we are doing good in UA, in the area of instruction, in our flexible learning modalities, in our research, in our extension, in our engagement with different funding agencies, and of course in the production side of UA,” Dr. Crespo said. Aside from the short greetings and Prof. Jeselyn O. Gambi, Alumni Affairs director, led the online alumni kamUstAhan on May 22, 2021 at 3:00 messages of the alumni, there were select pm via Zoom and Facebook Live. alumni from the colleges who were given “Our alumni are the concrete Alumni KamUstAhan culminated airtime to talk about being an alumnus or the 6-day PADYAK which was a co- manifestation that this university is true alumna. celebration of the 1st National Higher to its thing as Antique’s pride. Each of One alumna who gave a message Education Day and 27th Founding the thousands UA graduates who has was Lorgie Mae Inocencio-Tagmon, from made an impact wherever they are, is Anniversary of CHED. the College of Business and Accountancy. This online kamUstAhan which an affirmation that UA is true to its vision, She expressed that the alumni should look was held via Zoom and Facebook live mission, goals and objectives of producing back to their university, by attending these on May 22, 3:00 pm, featured the virtual graduates who are not just globally kind of activities and providing anything reunion of UA alumni while each college competitive but compatible as well,” Prof. they could offer; she believed that UA presented their recent achievements, Jeselyn O. Gambi, Alumni Affairs director, played a huge role to whoever the alumni program offerings (undergraduate remarked. become and wherever they are right now. Prof. Gambi added that this online and graduate), Certificate of Program Compliance (COPC) status and level of kamUstahan does not only acknowledge outstanding alumni, but all graduates of accreditation.
Alumni success stories told on HEI day
BY MARIANNE PALCAT
Part of the week-long celebration of the 27th Founding Anniversary of CHED and 1st National Higher Education Day, (UA) joined the celebration by showcasing UAean graduates’ success stories via Zoom and Facebook live on May 19 at 3 pm. This activity highlighted videos of inspiring and successful selected UA graduates coming from UA-Tario Lim Memorial Campus (UA-TLMC), UA Hamtic Campus (UAHC), UA Caluya Extension and the nine colleges of UA-main and was spearheaded by Dr. Nelly E. Mistio, the campus director of UA Main Campus. “As the only state university in Antique, UA celebrates its success in producing quality graduates since its foundation in 1954. In 67 years, UA has produced competitive graduates, not only locally but also globally. Let’s all be grateful in our triumphs of realizing our mission toward the attainment of our vision and of living up to the expectations
of the community. We will never get tired of supporting the noble pursuit of quality education,” Dr. Nelly E. Mistio, campus director, remarked. One of the graduates highlighted was Mr. John Wilbert Raymundo Aretaño, currently a Math teacher in United States’ Department of Education (DepEd), he shared a bit of his life and how UA had been life-changing to him for giving him opportunities to win regional and national championships, where with all the expertise equipped to him by the UA professors, he was able to go to USA and took the position offered for a greener pasture. Also, Dr. Pablo S. Crespo Jr., university president, stated that “the mission of UA is to transform lives and build communities, and the real measure where we could say that we are true to our mission is through our graduates, through our alumni. (To the graduates) Thank you for living the ideals of UA, you are the true measure that we are doing fine and good
Mr. John Wilbert Aretaño, an alumnus of the College of Teacher Education, is now teaching in the United States of America.
in the University of Antique.” At the end of the virtual activity, Dr. Mistio thanked the parents for striving to let their children finish their study, because if not for the students, graduates and alumni, UA has not realized its mission, she also pointed out to the graduates, to not forget the core values of the University: Integrity, Commitment, Social Responsibility and Excellence. Moreover, according to Dr. Crespo, this activity is just a beginning, for UA will make it as one of its institutionalized activity. April - June 2021
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NEWS
THE PRISM
CMS holds UlayAw for faculty, students
BY MARIANNE PALCAT
To support the international day of the seafarer, CMS conducted a virtual activity – UlayAw 2021: Day of the Seafarer, with a theme “Fair Future for Seafarer” on June 25. The virtual event hosted series of webinars to be conducted by Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Main and Region VI Offices, showcased the talents of UA maritime students with two virtual contests: Marino Got Talent and Marino, ano ang COVID story mo? Among the classes that participated, Clarence Aaron Almonte of BSMarE 1E aced the “Marino, ano ang COVID story mo?” who emphasized the importance of having good mental health in the time of pandemic. “As one of the midshipmen who [joined] in the event of UA-Marino Got Talent, it overwhelmed me a lot knowing that most of my mates in the different sections of different levels had their own unique talents to showcase, and are also competitive in a positive way. This shows that [maritime] students are not only excellent when it comes to workloads but are also gifted with different artistic skills,” Brent Oliver Abucejo of BSMT 2A, champion in Marino Got Talent, said. Gracing the activity was Dr. Pablo S. Crespo Jr. university president, who shared that the communication received from CHED granting government authority
to operate for the BSMT and BSMarE was the best gift UA have received. “So to the students of University of Antique, this is what I say, do your best, ipakita ang kwalidad kang mga Marino galin sa University of Antique ( show the quality of maritime students from University of Antique),” Dr. Crespo added. Meanwhile, the CMS faculty and students attended beforehand the virtual activities prepared by MARINA Region VI: Usapang STCW, Webinar Conserving Philippine Biodiversity with Coastal and Marine Environment, Prostate Cancer Awareness: A Health and Wellness Webinar for Seafarers and Virtual Concert: Tribute to Seafarers. “I believe that this activity helps build camaraderie, gain confidence and establish relationships among maritime students. It will also help promote their overall well-being. Remember as long as we have each other, we can help each other, cheer each other up and comfort each other. This pandemic will not stop us from moving forward,” stated Dr. Peter Ralph Galicia, OIC Dean of CMS. UlayAw means “paglilibang” or enjoyment and is an activity that draws the interests of seafarers during their free time onboard, it can be in aform of games, singing, and different kinds of entertainment that lessen their homesickness.
CMS gets from page 1
the operational level. “The government recognition means so much to all UAeans especially to Dr. Pablo S. Crespo, Jr. and CMS family. Our collective efforts and strong support system are our foundation for safely arriving at our final port of call and, finally, providing the best services we can offer to our stakeholders,” Dr. Galicia said. He added that to be recognized by the CHED, we ensure our stakeholders the best quality education we could possibly deliver to them. Now that the government recognized the programs of the college, Dr. Galicia believed that the university has the right machinery to propel the ship and reach its final destination and that is to provide quality services to the stakeholders, as long as the UAeans embody the traits of kasUbAy, these programs will sail against
as CHED permitted the college to offer these programs after passing the qualifications and requirements and upon recommendation of the Maritime Industry Authority, making the college comply the requirements for three years until its recognition was granted this year. As stated in Joint CHED - Marina Memorandum Circular No. 1, series of 2019, BSMT program covers the study of navigation, cargo handling and stowage, and controlling the safe operation of the ship and care for persons on board the ship at the operational level while BS Mar-E covers electrical, electronic and control engineering, maintenance and repair, controlling the operation of the ship and care for persons on board the ship at
Former dean of College of Teacher Education, Dr. Ninfa D. Coronado, was present in the virtual activity to talk about living by the core value of integrity as a member of the UA academic community.
UAeans live by from page 2
Invited speakers and alumni were given airtime to talk about each core value, speakers who served as living testimonies to the ideals of the University. “The type of choices we make and the actions we do especially if no one is watching us shapes our integrity,” Dr. Ninfa D. Coronado, 2020 Integrity Awardee and a former dean and principal, respectively, of College of Teacher Education (CTE) and Laboratory High School (LHS), said. This activity also featured a segment called “The Posters Speak” where students, faculty members, alumni, and parents shared their stories, own quotations, and insights about the four core values. “As a student and the oldest among my classmates, I make sure that all of them are updated with the lessons by sending them uploaded soft copies of our topics in their emails and telling them about activities and quizzes,” Jesus M. Obliga, BSBA Marketing Management 2-A shared.
the strong currents at sea and join the rest of the best maritime schools in the world and it is his vision, with the unwavering support of UA administration led by Dr. Pablo S. Crespo, Jr., to put CMS on the international map. He further stated that the new challenge for the college is the onboard training of maritime students who completed the classroom instructions, how to install them in ships and vessels by establishing more linkages with local and international shipping and manning agencies. According to Dr. Crespo, to date, UA is the only state university and college allowed to offer the BSMT and BS Mar-E in Western Visayas and the university’s next target for CMS is the UA Maritime Center.
April - June 2021
OPINION
THE PRISM
Breaking into the pandemic : Students’ life in the new normal
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EDITORIAL BOARD AY 2020 - 2021
Brent Thomas Salvaleon Marianne Palcat Louie John Servancia Last year when the pandemic started, our world took a huge turn. A major change happened and it has affected almost everything. As a freshman, it has been a huge disappointment that I was entering college virtually. People thought that this would only be temporary since the students expected our government to handle this pandemic wisely but what can they expect from unconscientious officials? Recently, CHED commissioner, J. Prospero E. de Vera III announced that “flexible learning will be the norm. There is no going back to the traditional, full packed face-to-face classrooms”. What is flexible learning though? Flexible learning is a way of studying in which college students are given freedom in how, what, while and in which they learn. Flexible learning for higher education institutions, according to CHED, involves a combination of digital and non-digital technology, which doesn’t necessarily require being connected to the internet. In other words, modular learning where selfdirected learning guided by modules can be an option. However, the Philippines ranks the lowest in reading comprehension among 79 countries. Students were already struggling to learn back then when faceto-face (f2f) classes were still normal, imagine how much more they will struggle if they remove f2f classes indefintely. De Vera said that universities and colleges have the freedom to choose what mode would be effective for them. Some have been using the pure online mode, others pure modular, and there are those using a combination of the two. Flexible learning is not effective if the students are only complying with requirements that are not even discussed by most professors. De Vera also said that going back to the traditional face-to-face classes would waste the “investments in technology, teachers’ training, and retrofitting of our facilities.” How would the investment in technology be wasted if it will still be used by teachers and students in f2f classrooms? How the teacher’s training would be wasted when they have
the chance to reach their potential in a controlled environment. The 2020 Rappler statistics on readiness of teachers showed that 93% have smartphones, 43% have laptops or desktops, 79% have internet connectivity, 50% have ICT gadgets and internet access sufficiency, 64% have private space at home, 29% are able to do ICT troubleshooting with competence and 79%-93% are able to use web’s browser, telecommunication platforms in messaging, social video platforms, video streaming platforms. But these numbers tested on a sample population do not describe the whole population. Even the teachers are struggling in teaching the students using this system. How would the retrofitting of the facilities be wasted if they will not be used by the students? All of the things that De Vera mentioned will be wasted if f2f classes, even gradually, will not resume. There are a lot of ways on how to bring back f2f classes. Japan has f2f classes but on alternating days, so classrooms are not full and social distancing can be done. Japan implemented this because they listened to the survey that students made. They wanted clearer and detailed information and Japan gave that to them. In Uruguay, they started sending students back to school in small portions first. They prioritized students that are struggling to access online learning. Since the cases in Uruguay decreased, they started to bring more and more students but they also have an alternating schedule. College students are required to have a medical chekup whenever they enroll and why not add a test on whether a student is positive or not. Also, the vaccine is now available. Get the students vaccinated because it serves as a protection from Covid. Even though vaccines do not make an individual invulnerable to Covid, it will make them catch symptoms less. The officials may have heard this constantly but it is true that the students are not learning effectively. An article from
Editors in Chief
Jorielyn Martizano
Associate Editor
Reah Rica Marie Padroncillo
Managing Editor Iyen Bautista Daryl Reginaldo
Circulation Managers Shaina Rose Ayupan
News Editor
Daven Luis Aragon Bryan Zander Baconga
Op-Ed Editors
Samantha Joy Quiman Sandie Ged Nicholas Minaves
Sports Editors
Alden John Tubale Korina Aurelio
Magazine Editors
Niña Rica Belmonte
Literary Editor
Ma. Stephanie Kate Balboa Brent Thomas Salvaleon Jan Brian Siladan Francis Mission
Staff Writers
Alfonso M. Samillano Jr.
Faculty Adviser
Continue to page 7 April - June 2021
OPINION
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THE PRISM
“Kayo ang boss ko.”: Let this be a reminder from Pnoy Ma. Stephanie Kate Balboa
“We all die. The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will,” Chuck Palahniuk, a freelance journalist ad novelist, once said. As news of his death surfaced all over the country, politicians, close friends, people of influence and his countrymen started to bring up what he has done for our country. He died, he did not live forever but he made something that will, his legacy. Benigno Simeon Aquino III was the president who boosted the gross domestic product to an average of 6% annually for the last 40 years. Annual direct investment rose to $8.3 billion in 2016 from just $2 billion before his presidency. The country’s credit ratings went up. He also strengthened the old defense alliance with the U.S. In 2013, he challenged China’s expansion claims in the disputed South China Sea. "I had no ambitions to run in the 2010 elections but I responded to the people's clamor. I am but the face of what we believe is the overwhelming demand of our people to repudiate everything wrong in this administration," Aquino said in a speech the same year, referring to the government of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. After years of administration with graft and corruption issues, he decided to take “Daang matuwid” to ensure and assure that the Philippines governance in his reign will be far from what his predecessor had done with the country and the people’s money. "Kayo ang boss ko, kaya't hindi maaaring hindi ako makinig sa mga utos ninyo. We will design and implement an interaction and feedback mechanism that can effectively respond to the people's needs and aspirations," he said in his inaugural speech. And indeed, he had made his countrymen foster despite the fact that he was criticized and questioned in his rulings that even after his presidency, he was accused of graft and usurpation with regards to the Mamasapano case because there was no sufficient grounds and evidence for that case. But what made PNoy an exceptional president? April 12 of 2012 when the dispute between China and the
Philippines started in Scarborough shoal. The administration headed by Aquino directly resorted to diplomatic approach and tried to resolve the conflict but sadly, both sides had not been able to submit to each other’s conditions that the dispute worsened .It is with courage that they did not want the involvement of United States at that time until they decided to take a third party for arbitration and appealed to Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). With President Aquino’s administration, he decided to confront China in the International court. He did not only confront them but he won the case against China and he had proven that the disputed island is ours. Sadly, China did not recognize the decision of the court that their 9-dash line basis of claiming the said territory has no legal basis, July of 2016. He chose the court to rule over China instead of resorting to violence. The Scion of democracy, as he is known to be. Most of the famous politicians, news and media platforms hail the former President, Aquino for bravely confronting China with their vast claims in West Philippine Sea in the International Tribunal January of 2013. The move to seek arbitration is Aquino's "lasting legacy to the Filipino people," retired Supreme Justice and former Solicitor General Francis Jardeleza said on Thursday. But it seems that this legacy had been set aside since our current president had decided to put up with China in a “friendlier way” and considered the decision of the court as a mere piece of paper. The mere piece of paper served as protection for the fishermen who makes their living in those seas endangered by Chinese vessels. It brought them safety and assurance that they could go back home, safe to their families without experiencing harassment from Chinese people who roam around in that part, claiming it as theirs. He fought for what is ours and claimed it in the most diplomatic way possible because he knew, violence will just worsen the case and he did not want to harm his people further more. But sadly, our current president had different things in mind. Seeing the
situation in the territories that was fought by the late president become the nest of Chinese people. The worst-case scenario. What the former, late president protected is now an artificial island nest for Chinese people. Chinese vessels roaming on areas where Filipino fishermen find their living, endangering them and refusing to give them what they sought the most, the resources of the sea they are claiming. President Aquino’s greatest legacy is winning against China in that territorial dispute. He may have brought the country to its betterment but the greatest victory he had given his countrymen was when he claimed the Philippine seas from crocodiles still wanting to devour what’s meant for others. What he has done for the Philippines, for his bosses, are to be remembered beyond his death, June 24 of 2021 due to renal disease, secondary to diabetes. A president should always put his people first, protect what his people own and give what is due to his people and President Aquino have given us what is due for us but sadly, what was considered to be his legacy was not recognized by many as they have been already blinded by false ideologies shown to them by the current administration. Filipinos are stubborn and refused to listen. I have been seeing too these days what the late president had said on that day. “All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” He quoted from a British statesman, Edmund Burke. On his death, may people remember what he had lectured and learn on the incoming election on 2022. A good president puts importance for good democratic governance. People should choose someone who’ll make us, countrymen his boss, fight for our rights and not take them out of our grips and give us not less of what we deserve. May the Filipinos realize that words aren’t important. Once, there was one person who said he would jet ski to the West Philippine Sea, Spratly Island and place our flag there to claim it, ended up as friends to these Chinese men, ironic as it my seem but actions will be the one to always count. Actions that at the end of the day, will count. Former President Aquino did not brag too much about anything but he did his duties with the best he can. Please remember to be vigilant. Anyone can say things and make it a joke, leaders walk their talk, real leaders, walk before they talk. April - June 2021
THE PRISM Breaking into the pandemic from page 5 The Daily Guam Post featured the struggle of students to take online classes and they said that the shift to online classes, self-learning modules and television and radio programs has proven extremely challenging in a country of 108 million where less than a fifth of households have internet access and many lack mobile devices. Manila Bulletin said that the use of alternative teaching methods is not a new concept in the Philippines, but it has been used by the Department of Education in the Alternative Learning System Program, a parallel learning system that provides students with opportunities outside school. However, this is the first large-scale implementation of such training settings for men, women and children, and this makes the transition a major challenge for everyone. Although the Department of Education took action to promote education in October, many of them are still keeping up with the pace of distance learning. Last May 25, The Philippine Star conducted an interview on students of 2020-2021. A third year college Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) student who insisted to keep his identity hidden said that the online classes are not effective as expected. She stated that it is “emotionally draining” not only for the students but also for the instructors. She has a part-time job and works for six to eight hours from Monday to Wednesday and have their online classes every Thursday to Friday. She also said that their home is not conducive to learning because there are a lot of distractions around her. Noises can be heard around the house or outside and people are moving around often, making it difficult for her to maintain her focus on her classes. While a student from a private school in Bulacan shared that their school gives too much tasks with synchronous deadlines. This makes it difficult for them to meet the requirements of flexible learning. How many more students should we interview to know that these methods are not working in our country? How many more students should rant about how they are struggling with this system? If our officials will not hear the sentiments of the students, then we will we be forced to adapt with this system. How can we adapt to flexible learning? If the University of Antique adapts to flexible learning, they need to consider what Uruguay did. The reopening of schools in Uruguay is considered voluntary and gradual. First, they made sure that people are willing to participate. This
OPINION voluntary nature is consistent with the central government’s approach to urgent action, which is to encourage rather than force the people. Second, in terms of health, it focuses on analyzing the impact of returning to school on displacement and the different effects of the pandemic across the country, prioritizing schools in fragile socio-economic conditions, and completing the compulsory education cycle. Bringing back f2f classes is at the core of the country’s education authorities’ primary efforts. Making the restoration of face-to-face learning a priority is to maintain the communication between the student and the system and the basic elements of the educational pathway, which seems to be the key to solving the problem. Lastly, from the perspective of business continuity management in an environment of extreme uncertainty, education is a top priority. The authorities coordinate with other government agencies to grant children the right to return to school, which is seen as an important factor in the early decision to return to full-time education. According to UNICEF, “It was important to establish an outline management plan that allowed for quick and strategic decisions in the context
PAGE 7 of a dynamic health energy emergency. One aspect that is key to creating timely responses is monitoring the outcome of actions in real time and making adjustments as necessary”. It worked in Uruguay because their government is competent enough to control the cases of the virus but that does not mean the Philippines could not try it. If the Philippines considers to do this, they should start at low risk areas. They should have a survey to find groups of students who are struggling with the online class and send them back to school but on alternate days. And if the university decides to do this, they need to make necessary adjustments if it is starting to be ineffective. Also, the university should encourage the students, especially students who are less fortunate, to use the provided facilities in the campus for their classes. A lot of students need help but most do not ask for it because they are scared of being turned down. Disclaimer: The opinions stated herein belong to the writer and do not reflect the stand of the publication and of University of Antique.
ATTENTION
April - June 2021
PAGE 8
FEATURE
THE PRISM
Community Pantry ignites the bayanihan spirit of Daonhons BY CARLA CHIN DOLLOPAC
Photo courtesy of Kabataan Kontra Droga at Terorismo (KKDAT)
From each according to his ability, to each according to his need – community pantries pop up in different regions of the country in response to famine and unemployment amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Small food booths with the slogan
“Magbigay ayon sa kakayahan, kumuha batay sa pangangailangan”,
(Give what you can, take what you need) appeared in different towns in Antique. The first in Antique, the Calle Onse pantry, a joint project between Renalyn Valenzuela, an elementary teacher in Sibalom and her cousins from abroad, started operations last April 18. After the town of Sibalom, community pantries in nearby municipalities started to operate to extend help and give individuals necessities in their respective community. In the town of Tobias Fornier, the
spirit of Bayanihan ignited the heart of every Daonhon to put up the pantry where it allowed people to donate and get food for free. In an interview, Jenilyn Sayton Tarroja, one of the minds behind the community pantry concept, explained the context and purpose of their project. “It was my own will to share the blessings I have. I am not going to take the
credit because this is actually a community effort. It is just a simple way of sharing”. Jenilyn conducted feeding program yearly but due to the pandemic she was able to alternate her projects in putting up community pantry. “Until now, I am continuously sharing as much as I have with the families who undergo 14 days of quarantine. I joined the police forces together with youth organizations in order to lead pantries in nearby barangays”. She added Traditional exchange of goods or barter is highly encouraged. Items such as vegetables can be exchanged for rice, noodles, and canned goods they received in order to sustain the pantry in the long run. John Eric Dalumpines Saymo, a third year college student in University of Antique, benefitted from the community pantry. He thanked the humble sponsor who donated a Wi-Fi to help him cope with his online learning. “I am overwhelmed and very much happy to receive Wi-Fi. This will be a great help in accessing my online class. To whoever donated this, thank you so much and may you receive a thousand fold of blessings. I promise to make good grades this year despite of pandemic in order to pay your generosity to me.” John says. The barangays of Opsan, Villafor, and Arobo have also put up their own community pantry through the initiatives of the SK chairpersons together with
barangay officials. The camaraderie of every individual manifested through donations in the form of goods such as vegetables and groceries. Farmers from barangays have been selling their produce to them. A big help to the farmers who could not sell their produce before it spoils. For Ken Bernilou Sasi, president of KKDAT – a combined police and youth organization, the community pantry represents the compassion of every member of the community. “This community pantry was created to create unity for all to help everyone who is in need. Because in the times of pandemic or any crisis, there is no rich who doesn’t need help, and there is no poor who cannot give help,” he explained. Organizations like Psi Sigma Phil, Alumni Corporation, and PNP Dao have been inspired to put up their own “bayanihan” pantry. This is to encourage and inspire other organizations to extend their helping hands within their capacity to help others.
Daonhons line up to get free food while adhering to government protocols | Photo by KKDAT. April - June 2021