Leading the write path
The Official Newspaper of The PRISM
Beyond wearing Santi FEATURE I 02
Volume 29 Issue No. 3 | July - September 2021
NEWS UA holds 1st research colloquium
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UA system kicks-off new AY with virtual BUTLAK 2021
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On-boarding program begins
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UAeans urged to use e-skuela
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CLCMS to offer computers, internet for UAeans in Dao
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UA Youth Mentee shows off brilliance at YEP:ISEA
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2021 ASEAN celebration kicks-off
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UA enrollment 23% higher than last year
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EDITORIAL Faux Democratic Elections
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FEATURE Like a bamboo, they bent
but didn’t break
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theprismpub.wordpress.com
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FEATURE
Beyond PAGE 2
THE PRISM
wearing Santi
WRITTEN BY MARIANNE PALCAT
Aside from the pots intrinsically molded in Bari, Sibalom there was this woman who with the hardships thrown upon by life was able to conquer and personally design herself as a leader. A leader that hopes to be of service and give back to the institution who opened opportunities in her journey towards becoming who she is as of the moment and as to who she will become. The fact that she decided to run as the president of University of Antique Student Government (UASG) for personal growth and enrichment of her passion for leadership, made her more than being uncontestedly installed. “My platform is to work with everybody, with my fellow students and the institution in the podium of objectivity, productivity and respect. With diverse views, we can collectively stand, enlighten and project sensible decisions, craft and formulate vital and responsive policies, and implement timely and relevant programs,” Jonalyn stated.
Gran as the next student regent Sitting next to the board of regents is the challenging part when you individually represent the student body. As to Jonalyn who wants to break the stereotype, that student leaders do not fully come from the certificates received nor gold medals worn, not even on the physical attriy, fame and money, but on the commitment to lead and to serve. When asked as to what students can expect, she answered,
“I will use my voice to
convey to the highest level of governance, the sentiments and opinions of the students thus bringing the administration closer to the students, resulting further to the attainment of the vision and mission of the university.”
According to her, she will be a rational and objective partner of the university in the promotion of academic excellence, nurturing the core moral values and developing potential of students and engaging healthy social relationships with the community. “I observed that elections in the Philippines even in schools are focused on personal
characteristics and not on platforms being presented. People will always have comments placong between positive and negative spectrums. On this, I have heard such trivial stories that downplayed my capacity as a student leader. They would always say: Ah si Jonalyn Gran, ang nagasuksuk ka Santi?” she added. Once dwelled on doubts, worries and uncertainties, but Jonalyn Gran is more than ready and is really looking forward to this academic year to prove that she is more than their claims, and her capabilities as a leader molded by life experiences and by people who keeps on pushing her upward is beyond just wearing Santi, the official mascot of the university, as she herself will have her own recognition as to who she really is.
THE PRISM
NEWS
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UA holds 1st research colloquium The University of Antique (UA) together with the stakeholders, the Research Extension, Continuing Education and Training Services (RECETS) Research and Development Unit, as well as the different colleges and extension campuses showcased various research projects through a
morning and afternoon session via zoom and Facebook live streaming, in the month of September. This year’s very 1st Research Colloquium featured the theme “Bringing Research to the Stakeholders in the New Normal” which aims to encourage public dissemination and discussion
of research outputs pertaining the issues and concerns on Antique’s Cultural, Language, Gender, Psychological Studies and Mathematics Studies as well as Community Development, Media Studies and its impact on Antiqueno’s life and culture.
CAS: First to present WRITTEN BY IYEN BAUTISTA
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) hosted 10 presenters with 8 projects on September 1. Sharing a few words of inspiration and congratulations to the College of Arts and Sciences for saying “Yes” for the very first challenge of the college to present their own research colloquium, SUC President Dr. Pablo S. Crespo Jr. “This is a milestone in the University of Antique. The conduct of the Research Colloquium is the first in the University, because in the past, we have some instances where we have conducted a research Colloquium, but doing it online this time, is the first in the University of Antique” In particular, Dr. Reynald T. Ladera’s presentation of the research entitled with “BS Criminology Interns with Difficulty during the Internship Program in University of Antique: AY 20182019” in behalf of the student authors which are now an alumnus of BS Criminology Batch 2019, received a positive regard from Dr. Pablo S. Crespo Jr., the university president “This is good because research conduction should be an avenue in which we should present research findings not only by our faculty but also by our students” he said. Dr. Ladera’s presentation ended with a quotation “A difficult time can be more readily endured if we retain the conviction that our existence holds a purpose- a cause to pursue, a person to love, a goal
to achieve” John C. Maxwell. Meanwhile the afternoon session was only composed the community development and media studies by; Dr. Loyalda T. Bolivar with her research entitled “Vegetable Farming in Villa Ello, Patnongon, Antique Role of Women in Rice Farming, and Ms. Zendie S. Abraham also an alumnus of BA-Mass Communication Batch 2019, with her research entitled “Evaluation of 88.5 Nutrskwela Radyo Kaabyanan: A Community Radio”. Ms. Zendie S. Abraham said that it was indeed a privilege and opportunity for her to able to impart their undergraduate research. After her presentation she was asked about the stations which she has worked before where indeed Radyo Kaabyanan was one of its most welcoming partners. “We the communication students try to engage with the various radio stations during our internship, especially with Radyo Kaabyanan who was very open to accepting UA students with allotted time wherein we were able to exercise and utilize our skills that’s why it is close to our hearts” she said. She was then flooded with congratulations from her former professors and advisers as well as the stakeholders present especially from the representatives of Raadyo Kaabyanan “We are thankful, as recipients of the research study which is very relevant nowadays” they said.
BSED Science Strand outshined in the colloquium The College of Teacher Education (CTE) together with RECETS kicked off the first ever virtual research colloquium that highlights research studies both in undergraduate and graduate studies last September 4. Science Strand of the Bachelor of Secondary Education program bagged various awards during the conduct of the said colloquium. Kent Spencer Mendez awarded as the Best Oral Presenter. “When I was a student, I see colloquiums as avenues for learning more about researches. It can also inform the public of the latest discoveries in different fields,
PAGE 4 The College of Teacher Education (CTE) together with RECETS kicked off the first ever virtual research colloquium that highlights research studies both in undergraduate and graduate studies last September 4. Science Strand of the Bachelor of Secondary Education program bagged various awards during the conduct of the said colloquium. Kent Spencer Mendez awarded as the Best Oral Presenter. “When I was a student, I see colloquiums as avenues for learning more about researches. It can also inform the public of the latest discoveries in different fields, Mendez said. Seventeen well-crafted researches was presented highlighting studies on different programs in the College of Teacher Education. “I am totally grateful to God for what I received. The best presenter award was totally unexpected. When I recorded the presentation for our research, I just did it for the sake of complying. I don't know that an award will be given so when I learned that I got it, I was amazed”, Mendez added. Mendez’s study on “Psysicochemical Analysis of Sibalom and Mau-it River” was regarded as Best Paper. “The credit goes to the whole team for the best paper award. It is mainly due to the
College of Maritime Studies (CMS) together with the two campuses of the University of Antique, UA Hamtic and UATLMS joint forces as they held its 1st UA Online Multidisciplinary Research Colloquium from the Maritime, Fisheries and Agriculture, September 10. Dr. Genaro V. Japos a social scientist guest speaker reiterated the theme of the university as he discussed the four layers of stakeholder participation and its importance in a particular research.
NEWS
THE PRISM
CEA, CCS, COT, and UATLMC introduce technology advancement and innovative approaches WRITTEN BY RENAVI MAGUIDGAD AND BESTIN KARLETTE DE JUAN
“This is just a start. There are more to come.”- Dr. Pablo S. Crespo – University President On September 8th, the University of Antique (UA) held its first virtual multidisciplinary research colloquium, which was livestreamed via zoom on the College of Technology's (COT) Facebook page. The first session began at 9 a.m., while the next session started at 1 p.m. Dr. Christine C. Vegafria, Dean of the College of Engineering and Architecture, was the first to introduce the other campus stakeholders and to provide a message to all of the participants. Dr. Nelly E. Mistio, the university's campus director, welcomed everyone who participated in the university's first online academic conference. Dr. Susan F. Atienza then laid down the
House Rules and Mechanics that should be followed throughout the entire research colloquium. Presenters from College of Engineering and Agriculture (CEA), COT, College Computer Studies (CCS), and UA-TLMC introduced various study concerning technological advancement and innovative approaches to address matters relating to health, technology, agriculture, and virtual learning. After the formal presentations of the background of the study, objectives, methodology, results and analysis, conclusion, and recommendations, University stakeholders were asked to provide feedback and comments on the research studies that had been presented. After the presentation, certificates of recognition were awarded.
Bringing research closer to stakeholders WRITTEN BY SANDIE GED NHICOLAS MINAVES AND REA MARIE SEVILLA
“The stakeholders shall be able to give inputs on the instrumentation particularly in the data collection process. The role of research is essentially to support instruction and support extension.” Dr. Japos said. Moreover the university president Dr. Pablo S. Crespo emphasized the contributions of research to the community and what benefits they will going to get from this. ”This virtual research colloquium became special because of the presence of our varied stakeholders. Research is for the people, in research we discover something new. It’s always a big deal that research must be
published in journals but I have this contentment that impacts should be measured on how it change the lives of people.” Dr. Crespo exclaimed in his message. Moreover, there were 11 presenters in the said activity. Six were from undergraduate category and five came from graduate category. Meanwhile, every research presentations deals about multidisciplinary initiatives that mainly focused in marine and agricultural aspects. As what Dr. Japos stated in his message that research does not end with the completion of the study and the publication rather the research has to adapt a life of its own.
THE PRISM
EDITORIAL
Faux Democratic Elections The election is a time when leaders rise from the group of ordinaries and the student body has to make rational decisions in choosing their future. It is the time when voters practice their suffrage rights. It would have been a great period of democracy within the university if these characteristics of elections were met by the first virtual election after two years of waiting for national elections.
Due to the pandemic, the supposed election set on early 2020 was cancelled. The Student Government (SG) for academic year 2020-2021 resorted to appointing its own officers which is absent on the constitution and by-laws of the SG. The supposed democratic exercise had a year of preparation yet it lacked the nature of democracy.
While it is not the first time for UA, this year’s elections were uncontested except for the senatorial seats. Only a few students pledged commitment to the leadership organizations, so few that the then incumbent president and vice president switched positions for the new academic year. Another reason is the pressure among students to maintain their academic standing
while juggling academics and extra-curricular activities. Hence, it is important to motivate them to participate in activities that highlights leadership and organizational management. Furthermore, student development through their active participation on student affairs is also assessed to justify that a state university and college (SUC) and its programs are thriving during accreditation.
Badly Wanted: UAean Student Leaders
Failure in Building Connections and Vague Understanding of Fiscal Autonomy On the other hand, some student leaders eyeing for positions stood against fiscal autonomy and didn’t realize the consequences of re-aligning the funding of the student organizations to the student leaders like them. Even though the re-alignment will be utilized in strengthening the institutions, it doesn’t directly benefit the community that the fund is
supposed to support—the students. The implementation of well-oiled programs for the students comes with middlemen who has different approaches in instilling its essence to students. Unlike that the fund is under the authority of student leaders in utilizing it for leadership trainings and civic engagement that they experience and enjoy it in firsthand.
Democracy by Right, Compulsory by Practice What went questionable over the elections was the forced voting. The Google Form link which was chosen as the platform of the elections did not allow the students to under vote, uncontested seats or not. All fields were required to be marked to move to the next page. According to the electoral commission, they faced a technical problem on how then Forms should work and considering this, the Comelec should have delayed opening the poll. Though
the “required” feature to vote was removed in the senatorial options, it remained in other positions if it is Comelec’s decision to have all fields of the Google Form be required, the voters’ freedom of choice was violated. A well-planned activity cannot avoid shortcomings but it should not be a justification to repeat the mistakes. The flaws of the recently-concluded elections shall serve as a lesson so it will not happen in the future.
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EDITORIAL BOARD AY 2021-2022
Jorielyn Martizano Niña Rica Belmonte Editors in Chief Korina Aurelio Samantha Joy Quiman Associate Editors Bryan Zander Baconga
Reah Rica Marie Padroncillo
Managing Editors
Daryl Reginaldo Circulation Manager Louie John Servancia Marianne Palcat News Editors Francis Mission Jan Brian Siladan Op-Ed Editors Alden John Tubale
Ma. Stephanie Kate Balboa
Feature Editors
Sandie Ged Minaves Sports Editor Iyen Bautista Literary Editor Avelino Lagundar Jr. Reiser Verge Delfin Graphic Designers Renavi Maguidgad Al Dexter Mabaquiao Joevyva Mae Torre Justine Jane Abanto Dharlyn Mae Quibing Bestin Karlette De Juan Rea Marie Sevilla Rolando Ardenio Jr. Staff Writers Alfonso Samillano Jr. Adviser
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NEWS
THE PRISM
UA system kicks-off new AY with virtual BUTLAK 2021 WRITTEN BY MA. STEPHANIE KATE BALBOA
With 438 faculty and staff attendees via Zoom and more than 3,000 student viewers in the Facebook live broadcast, University of Antique launched its first flag raising ceremony to start the academic year 8:30 in the morning Monday, September 6. University President, Dr. Pablo S. Crespo Jr., led the activity and announced the activities that will take place in the week-long orientation for continuing students and the freshmen with their respective colleges. The president also laid out the schedule of on-boarding program such as the online orientation of eskUelA, Learning Management System(LMS) of the university. “After on boarding, first
Dr. Pablo S. Crespo Jr., SUC President, announces the activities set in the week-long orientation. During the livestream, he underscored the problems of connectivity and gadgets.
year (students) will have their organizational activities, join the group chats, organize the class, take connectivity survey, upload and download syllabi, (and) your synchronous class will start on the 20th (day of September),” Dr. Crespo explained. He also mentioned that this academic year, the conduct of weekly synchronous virtual classes will be implemented which meant that students enrolled in a class are required to attend synchronous virtual lessons with their teachers. “We understand your concerns about connectivity, we understand your concerns about gadgets that’s why, at least once a week, look for allowance wherein you could go to a place with a
signal, it could be a home of your classmate with good connectivity and you could share gadgets and you could have your classes with your teacher,” the president suggested. After the other announcements, Dr. Crespo officially declared the opening of academic year 2021-2022 as a conclusion of the ceremony. Continuing students, along with faculty members then proceeded to attend the Meet and Greet activities of their respective colleges throughout the day.
THE PRISM
NEWS
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On-boarding program begins WRITTEN BY JORIELYN MARTIZANO
The UA Student Regent, Isaac Joshua F. Cunanan, was present at the studio during the on-boarding program of the orientation activities of the University. | Photo by the MAC Team
The University of Antique (UA) launched the on-boarding program with a virtual presentation of essential information about the university and its Learning Management System (LMS) to the freshmen via Zoom and Facebook Live today, September 7. This year’s introduction of UA to its incoming first year students emphasized the institution’s venture as a bamboo university, its main theme for internationalization and in support to its vision and the essence of ant, its spirit animal to the UA community. University President, Dr. Pablo S. Crespo, with Vice
President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Jelyn O. Alentajan, spearheaded the first part of the on-boarding program for the new students as they discussed the essential information about the university. Aside from presenting the Board of Regents (BOR) and key officials of the university, Dr. Crespo also discussed the vision, mission, goals, and objectives of the university while Dr. Alentajan talked about the institutional outcomes and highlighting the notable alumni of the university who embodied the attributes of UA graduates. “Ang mga kasUbAy, aside from the fact that we are strong, hardworkers, nagabuligay(helping each other), ang mga kasUbAy, gapreparar para sa future… By starting (k)ang pag-eskwela sa University of Antique is already preparing for your future,” Dr. Crespo said. The first day of on-boarding program continued to the meet and greet of colleges to its freshmen until afternoon and the second part will start tomorrow with the orientation about eskUelA, the university’s LMS that would last until Friday, September 10.
FEATURE
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THE PRISM
Like a bamboo, they bent but didn’t break WRITTEN BY MA. STEPHANIE KATE BALBOA AND MARIANNE PALCAT
Trite as it may seem but it is
true that poverty is not a hindrance to success. This becomes truer when two graduates of University of Antique surpassed the tribulations of being raised in a poor family. One raised by a fisherman, another became a sailor. Nessie Kaye Cortejo, a daughter of a fisherman, decided to stop schooling after finishing secondary school. She took a job and supported her family’s needs. For two years, she did what she could to provide and through this time, the interest to go back to school diminished. Until one day, her former high school teacher persuaded her to go back to school; her teacher brought a torch for Nessie to clear her path. “Walang salitang mahirap, sa taong may pangarap (there is nothing difficult for a person with dreams),” these are the words of Nessie’s Filipino teacher who pushed her to pursue college. But she knew very well that in reality, the word “difficult” is an understatement. Fifty pesos. Everyday, she would eke out the fifty pesos allowance for her fare, lunch, and handout reproduction. Sometimes
she would borrow money from her classmates just to get by in a day. It was embarrassing for her but she did though. She was lucky enough to have patient and generous friends who helped her when she needed them the most.
“I thought I was going to stop schooling again because of poverty but my father did his best to support my needs. He put shame aside to find someone who can lend us money for our needs,”
Nessie Kaye shared while recalling another financial problem she encountered during her sophomore year in college. Nessie Kaye was a government scholar yet her assistance is just enough to pay off her debts. When Republic Act 10931 was enacted, she was full of gratitude. Tuition fees were no longer a problem. All she had to worry were the cost of her projects, researches, printing fees, internet. But despite the fact that she’s struggling financially, she did not allow herself to stop and give up. Nessie Kaye stood tall on her ground like a bamboo and chose to face the wind that tries to bend her. She fought hard. Every opportunity she sees, she grabs and makes a way to earn. She helped her father who is a
fisherman to earn the extra money she needed. “Pamaon” and “husay lugway”are ways of fishing. Pamaon is fishbaiting. In a wooden box, nylon strings are attached with hooks at each end. Husay lugway is a way of pulling the strings and getting the fish out of the bait. She was born in this kind of living so she embraced it. Pamaon was her way of earning which supported her college education. But COVID-19 pandemic happened and Nessie was thankful because as classes shifted online, she could have all the time in the world to focus on her livelihood. But it also posed another problem. She needs a smartphone to keep up with her teachers and classmates. Luckily, Nessie used her savings to buy a new phone for her online classes. Despite another challenge, she managed to crawl her way out and this year, she graduated her course, Bachelor of Science in Office Administration Major in Office Management with flying colors. “I was called by our dean’s office. I was nervous about it. I did not expect that they called me to tell me I am graduating Cum Laude. I did not expect it at all,” Nessie Kaye glared in excitement. It was her moment of validation of all her efforts. It was all paid off. She kept her distance from those who try to belittle her ambitions.
THE PRISM
FEATURE
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“
I managed to have high grades despite everything because I focused on my goals. I refused to acknowledge unnecessary habits like drinking and smoking. Above all, because I have faith in the Almighty God,” Jasper shared.
SAIL TOWARD YOUR DREAMS Aside from Nessie, another graduate who persevered through the challenges is Jasper T. Silava, 25, a resident of Bia – an, Hamtic, Antique who just graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Marine Transportation (BSMT) degree. He took BSMT because he saw it as an opportunity to rise out of the quicksand he’s in — poverty. He believed that being a seaman would help him improve his financial situation. “I chose to study BSMT not because of the common cliché, (to travel the world while earning dollars) or (to taste girls with different nationalities). My dream is to become a ship captain and provide a better life for my family,” Jasper said. Like Nessie’s his parents are separated. His father is financially unstable and finds it difficult to send him to school but he never surrendered.
“My father is a source of motivation for me. Despite his poverty and lack of education, it is his ambition for his son to complete his studies and obtain a better profession. The desire to enhance one’s life is what motivates me the most,” Jasper shared. He spent his childhood with his grandmother. His aunt financed his elementary education; his uncle, his secondary education; and another aunt, his college education. While struggling for money while in school, his cousin who’s an OFW supported him. He strived hard with all his might to make them all proud. He said that having excellent academic performance is a great advantage in applying for jobs. For him, based on experience, theoretical knowledge is very useful onboard ships. “Finding a job after receiving my completion of academic performance, my onboard training (OBT)is significantly difficult. I spent several months working on a domestic vessel. However, the
working conditions are difficult, and a trainee’s monthly income is low. I was fortunate enough to be hired by Anglo Eastern Crew Management Phil. Inc”, he added. After many years of completing his onboard training, it was this year when Jasper finally claimed his bachelor’s degree. “Never give up is my message to students who are still trying to finish college. Make an effort to go above and beyond what is required of you. You aim to be a better person, one who is better than you were yesterday,” Jasper said. These two success stories really dismiss poverty as an impediment. It only takes a brave soul. It requires resiliency. Like a bamboo, Nessia nad Jasper bent as rough winds blew their way. But the bounce back and stood up to keep reaching for the sun.
NEWS
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THE PRISM
UAeans urged to use e-skuela WRITTEN BY FRANCIS MISSION
Main campus director, Dr. Nelly E. Mistio, urged students to use the e-skuela app, calling it a “bridge” between them and the school in the delivery of learning content during the two-day orientation on September 9-10. “To use efficiently and effectively our e-skuela: the kasubay Learning Management System (LMS), it is a prerequisite to know the how-to[s],” she emphasized during the LMS orientation. Mistio affirmed that after the orientation, students will be knowledgeable of the utilization of the app. “We hope after these series of orientation, you will be equipped with knowledge and skills in manipulating our LMS because starting September 13, 2021, you will be officially part of the UA educational system journeying with the pilot of the kasubay aircraft, Dr. Pablo S. Crespo Jr. towards our destination to be the leading university in science and technology and in realizing our mission which we put in a mantra ‘Transforming Lives, Building Communities’,” she furthered.
Meanwhile, the Management Information System (MIS) and LMS Technical Support group taught the student-attendees on navigating the eskUela LMS and its mobile application through video tutorials as they answered the questions from the students who attended. Engr. Roger Mission, member of the LMS Technical Support team, shared one of the advantages of using the eskUelA. “[LMS] is beneficial to all the students of the university. With the use of the eskUelA application, you can access your learning materials even though you have no internet connectivity,” he explained.
Likewise, Institutional Planning and Development (IPD) director, Engr. Jacinto Valera, stated that first year students are tech-savvy and are considered “techno-natives” so all they need to watch are video tutorials to learn the navigation skills. The LMS Technical Support group shared that the video tutorials can be accessed also in the MIS Facebook page.
WHAT THE STUDENTS SAY ABOUT E-SKUELA For Francine Elaine Emar, a 4th year Bachelor of Science in Information Technology (BS InfoTech) student, the LMS helped her as a working student.
“Ang nabulig gid kang LMS sa pag eskwela ko
kaja nga pandemya is, as a working student, kapot ko ang oras ko anytime anywhere pwede ko ma answeran ang mga activities. Pwede ko ka answer kang exams kag in case madura ang internet connection sa balay pwede ako kaadto sa iba nga lugar kag pwede ko obrahon ang mga activities nga gin tugro kang amon mga instructors,” Emar shared.
Ma. Ellenor Loquinerio, a Bachelor of Physical Education (BPED) student, believed that the e-skuela app is student-friendly since she can access her courses offline.
“Bahol gid ang nabulig kanakon kang eskuela app,
when it comes to delivering quizzes and activities and also, it is easy to access in the sense mabuksan mo tana offline kag wara ako nabudlayan since student-friendly man ang app,” Ms. Loquinerio said.
THE PRISM
NEWS
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The computers will provide UAeans in Dao a hub to work on their learning materials and internet for their online classes.
CLCMS to offer computers, internet for UAeans in Dao WRITTEN BY MARIANNE PALCAT
‘SarayUhAn’, an e-learning hub joint project of University of Antique (UA), LGU-Tobias Fornier, and Concepcion L. Cazeñas Memorial School (CLCMS) was launched at the said school yesterday, September 16. Santi, the UAean mascot, appeared during the launching of ‘SarayUhAn’ at CLCMS. The said project will help UA students (graduate and undergraduate) and CLCMS faculty members in the conduct of their synchronous classes. “It is always with the thought and a prayer that we find ways and means to help the students. That’s why I’m very happy because we have this e-hub in Tobias Fornier housed in CLCMS,” Dr. Pablo S. Crespo Jr., UA president said in his speech. ‘SarayUhAn’ was a timely project following his announcement of having weekly synchronous
classes at UA. The e-hub is equipped with computers provided by CLCMS and UA, and internet connectivity provided by LGUTobias Fornier where e-skUelA or the Kasubay Learning Management System (LMS) can be accessed for student’s synchronous and asynchronous classes. The computers will provide UAeans in Dao a hub to work on their learning materials and internet for their online classes. “Our hearts in CLCMS are full of joy because of this collaborative SarayUhAn, e-learning hub. We did not dream of this before, because we are just simply an institution of learning, but it happened with the support of the stakeholders,” Mrs. Delia F. Sio, CLCMS Principal, expressed in a speech. On the other hand, Hon. Loren Legarda, Deputy Speaker
and Representative, Lone District of Antique gave a message through a recorded video stating that the e-hub will serve as a safe place for everyone to converge, study, to connect, work and learn. Vice Governor Edgar Denosta, SP Don Don Niquia, SP Majella Plamera, SP Fernando Corvera, Mayor Jose Maria A. Fornier, Vice Mayor Florante Cazeñas, SB Ma. Orchid Fornier, CLCMS faculty members, Abaca barangay officials, and UA key officials with its official mascot, Santi were see n in the event. ‘SarayUhAn’ is the second e-hub launched by the university following the launching of the first one in Laua-an, November 2020.
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NEWS
THE PRISM
UA Youth Mentee shows off brilliance at YEP:ISEA WRITTEN BY JUSTINE JANE ABANTO
Among the 40 Student Mentees in Western Visayas, Adrian Fillone, a 3rd year BS Entrepreneurship student, brought pride to himself and to the University of Antique (UA) after being announced as 3rd placer for the Best Business Proposal Pitch during the Youth Entrepreneurship Program: InSchool Entrepreneurship Academy (YEP:iSEA) 2021. According to him, aside from his perseverance, effort, and commitment, it was all thanks to the mentors that made him knowledgeable in the successful completion of his business idea entitled “BOLANTERO”. The program was launched by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) - Region VI last July 30, live on the DTI-Region Facebook page. This serves as a start-up among the In-School Youths as they traverse the business world and to heighten the advocacy of entrepreneurship education in schools, especially among the younger generation. Furthermore, written on its rationale, the YEP that goes with the official tagline
“Harnessing Our Own Resources for the Advancement of the Youth!” or “HOORAY!” aims to help young Filipinos develop their entrepreneurial skills by offering them a comprehensive package of interventions. Prior to the presentation of their business proposal, which was scheduled last Sept. 21-24, coaches from various participating HEIs within Western Visayas; University of Antique (UA), University of San Agustin (USA), Central Philippine University (CPU), Western Visayas (WVSU) to name a few, scheduled a 5-Module Mentorship every Mondays, from 9th of August until 6th of September to the qualified Youth Entrepreneurs or Would-Be Entrepreneurs called “Mentees”. It helped them translate their business ideas into a minimum viable product. On an online chat interview, Qualified Regional Level Mentor by the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship, Catherine Viesca, College of Business and Accountancy (CBA) Dean of UA, discussed that all Mentees are being mentored weekly during a
2-hour coaching session. “Mga small entrepreneurs tana ra nga gasalang sa series of trainings and seminars (They are small entrepreneurs undergoing a series of trainings and seminars.),” she explained. “Kag ang mga Mentees, may coach kara sanda to help them. Aside sa business counselors ka mga Negosyo Centers, ako ang coach kang Antique (And these Mentees, they have coaches to help them. Aside from the business counselors of Negosyo Centers, I am the coach of Antique [Mentees].) ,” she furthered. Start-up kits and gift certificates worth 10,000 pesos cash were awarded to the Top 5 winners to help them start or scale up their businesses. Marie Eugenie Ambay, Imie Marie Cabaya, Sarah Joy Elauria, and Mark Francis Mullet were the other Student Mentees from UA that proudly represented Antique in the Regional Level Business Proposal Pitching contest of the program.
NEWS
THE PRISM
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2021 ASEAN celebration kicks-off WRITTEN BY SAMANTHA JOY QUIMAN
Anent the 54th founding anniversary celebration of ASEAN, and to mark the commencement of the ASEAN and month celebration of the ASEAN community – the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office VI hosted a webinar via Zoom and broadcast Facebook Live through the CHED Region VI official Facebook page today, August 4.
“PADYAK! Moving Forward, Claiming Victory for Philippine Higher Education in the ASEAN Community.”
As the webinar promotes ‘fostering ASEAN relations through internationalization initiatives,” the Philippine Normal University (PNU) led by their president, Bert J. Tuga, Ph D. shared some of their experiences, insights and best practices of fostering through internationalization initiatives. “Crucial to a successful internationalization program is a well-established internationalization framework and strategies for every institution,” Dr. Tuga explained. She recommended that the framework should be nationally responsive, compliant to CHED policies, and aligned with the vision, mission, goals, and objectives of the institution.
Along with the two speakers, Raul F. Muyong, Ed. D., president of Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT U) and Ana May Y. Zerrudo, Ph.D., director of the Office of International Relations and Cooperation Central Philippine University shared as well some of their internationalization strategies and successes, and accomplishments regarding the internationalization. “Internationalization initiatives are truly expensive initiatives, that is why it would take a committed and dedicated leadership particularly from the president itself to support all these initiatives,” Dr. Zerrudo explained. Dr. Anna May Yap-Zerrudo was
one of the keyspeakers in today’s kick-off of ASEAN celebration conducted by CHEDRO-6. She furthered that if the university is willing to spend for this kind of initiative (bringing faculty members to attend in conferences,) that will make their faculty and staff fully equipped such that the benefits will definitely outweigh the cost. This month’s ASEAN Celebration activities will feature activities that promotes friendship, cooperation and solidarity among countries in the ASEAN region. The theme of this year’s ASEAN celebration is “PADYAK! Moving Forward, Claiming Victory for Philippine Higher Education in the ASEAN Community.”
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NEWS
UA enrollment 23% higher than last year Compared to last academic year’s record of 17, 866 Enrollees in the first semester, this year’s headcount rose to 21,992. The main campus recorded the large number of increased enrolees, from 5,469 to 10,007.
Meanwhile, the College of Technology (COT) in the main campus had the highest total number of increased in enrolment – 2, 945, which resulted in the hiring of new specialized faculty and the addition of 8 more sections.
THE PRISM