The Official Student Newsletter of JBLFMU-MOLO 2021

Vol. XXVII NO. 1 • Aug-Nov 2021

TheSeagull (Official Student Publication of JBLFMU-MOLO)

theseagull.jblfmu.molo@gmail.com

Issuu.com/The Seagull

L e a d i n g t h e Wa y, Un f o l d i n g t h e Tr u t h

THE SEAGULL The Seagull - The Official Student Publication of Jhon B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-MOLO)

JBLFMU-M staff and faculty call for end to violence vs women

By Mdpwn.Jessiea B. Flores

In line with the stipulated 1987 Philippine Constitutions of the government to protect the human rights of women and children, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University- Molo (JBLFMU-M) joins the 18-Day consecutive campaign to End Violence Against Women (EVAW) 2020 last November 25 to December 12, 2020.

Mr. Donie Alvon M. Mañosa, Gender and Development Officer of JBLFMU pointed out that the campaign to end violence against women primarily aims to protect the human rights of women by upholding its commitment to address all forms of gender-based violence through advocacies and activities. It underscores the valuable role of each individual especially the youth in the fight to end gender-based violence.

JBLFMU-M Faculty and Staff vow commitment to support VAW campaign.

With the theme, “VAW Free Community starts with Me” with a hastag, #VAWfreePH wherein it highlights the personal commitment and contributions of the general public and every individual on supporting the campaign and to take actions regarding the rampant cases of violence in women especially during this pandemic.

. . . Continued on Page 5

Songcuya secures spot in No Exit Grant for Unpaid Artistic Labour- Ph

by Mdpwn. Erica F. Opinion and Mdpwn. Audrey Meriel B. Fernando

Joar Songcuya, a 2011 graduate of Bachelor of Science in Marine Engineering of John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University- Molo, was selected as one of the grantees of this year’s edition of No Exit Grant Unpaid Artistic Labour- Philippines grantees.

Out of 27 grantees, Mr. Songcuya has earned a spot with his entry entitled “The Seamanship Project,” which is a continuing series of his marine-themed narrative, that is from his biographical perspective with a mission to present new bodies of work about people and seamen -- the sea, the man, and the ship.

“My familiarity and background with seafaring have become my entry point to establish a footing in the art scene.

I think to pursue a career in art one has to consider a concept or artistic language, which you knew by heart. I worked at sea for a decade so I think the immersion with the water world has provided me with enough concept for my creative expression. I paint seascapes, bodies of water, and my sailing days- this is where the Seamanship Project is rooted”, Mr. Songcuya said. . . . Continued on page 4

Songcuya portraying his artwork for the Seamanship Project.

pg 2. NEWS

pg 7. FEATURE

pg 8. OPINION

pg 14. SPORTS

IConEx Recognizes Dr. Alimen as Best Research Presenter

Curbing hesitations: breaking away from fear on the covid-19 ...

Against the Tides: Sailing Forward Amidst the Rough Seas Kaya FC-Iloilo reclaims the Copa Paulino Alcantara championship

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2 .. NEWS

Vol. XXVII NO. 1 • Aug-Nov 2021

CHED hails JBLFMU-M alumnus as 2021 outstanding scholar

By Mdpn. Franklin Kyles M. Matricular & Jessiea B. Flores

John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University- Molo (JBLFMU-M) alumnus, Mdpn. Christian Rey J. Santiago was awarded as one of the Ten Outstanding Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Scholars of 2021 in Western Visayas at CHED Regional Office 6, Magsaysay Village, La Paz, Iloilo City, May 20.

According to Mdpn. Santiago, as a seafarer with big dreams and big hopes for the future, he could not be the achiever of today if it was not for the people who continue to support and believe in him throughout his journey, he was humbly proud to be able to raise the banner of JBLFMU-Molo as one of the outstanding CHED scholars here in Region 6.

This awarding ceremony is part of the week-long celebration of the CHED 27th Founding Anniversary and in corresponds with the declaration of the 1st National Higher Education Day of President Rodrigo Duterte by virtue of Republic Act of 11522 to celebrate the noble pursuit of prosperity and development of Philippine higher education in the country.

“Often we are asked to what is the recipe of success, and the answers are always hardwork, patience, grit, diligence, etc. But to me, I have succeeded in my endeavors because there are marvelous people at my side. I could never be the Christian Rey Santiago I am now, without those amazing individuals. This award is not only for me, but for the entire Laconian community.”

CHED continues its pursuit to support under privilege but qualified and deserving college students through scholarships, grants, loan programs and financial assistance.

With the theme, “PADYAK! Moving Forward, Claiming Victory for Philippine Higher Education, (Pamantasan: Pandayan Tungo sa Kaunlaran)”, the said event commemorates the significant milestones and accomplishments of CHED amidst the challenging circumstances brought by COVID-19 in the shift of the new normal education landscape in the Philippines.

Moreover, CHED is a government agency which caters to the needs of the students and teachers in terms of quality, integral formation and holistic learning approach.

IConEx Recognizes Dr. Alimen as Best Research Presenter

By Mdpn. Jan Christian Altamia & Mdpn. Jan Reynard Galilea

Dr. Alimen delivering his talk during the presentation.

Dr. Rolando A. Alimen, Research Coordinator of JBLFMU- M, was hailed as “Best Research Presenter in Environment and Science and Sustainable development” for his study “Adopt-A-Tree Program of

the Maritime University: Learnings and Challenges Towards Environmental Education (EE) and Global Warming Mitigation (GWM)”, during the virtual International Conference on Extension (IConEx) which was hosted by Philippine University of the Philippines, August 20, 2021.

Results of the said study include enhancement of environmental education awareness. Also, the different stakeholders attitude and perception, and this project significant role towards global warming mitigation initiative.

This ASEAN extension framework which was drafted in 2017 and was further improved in 2018 have been very useful especially in the academic communities. For this year, the ICONEx 2021 envisions to incorporate the ASEAN Extension framework with the well-meaning extension programs and projects that are being practiced by private and government institutions in the Asia Pacific Region.

According to Dr. Alimen, before he was given the opportunity to present this

research study there is a selection process first to shortlist more than 600 entries. After the selection, research papers were categorize and luckily they made it to the cut of Environment Science and Sustainable development category.

“The presentation is limited to a total of 20 minutes: 15 minutes

for the discussion of Introduction of the study, objectives, method, results and discussion, conclusions, and references and 5 minutes for panel discussion.” Dr. Alimen added.

The research colloqium was set to gather the individual from various institutions from all over the world to share their knowledge and expertise in developing communities through well-meaning research extension programs and projects.

Dr. Alimen's study was co-authored

by Robert O. Parcia, Administrator of JBLFMU-Molo.

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NEWS .. 3

Vol. XXVII NO. 1 • Aug-Nov 2021

Dr. Jaleco makes it to the list of 2021 TOME awardees

By Mdpn. Jan Christian Altamia

Dr. Victor Jaleco, Faculty member of College of Maritime Education was one of the awardees in this year’s search for The Outstanding Maritime Employees held at Philippine Coast Guard Office, Lapuz, Iloilo City, September 25,2021.

TOME aims to recognize employees who have exuded exemplary dedication and substantial contribution to the maritime industry will it be in academe or other maritime fields.

“I am thankful to JBLFMU for considering my qualifications.

Although, at first I am quite hesitant and pressured at the same time due to the success of previous nominees from this institution and also for the fact that you can only be nominated once in this search.” Dr. Jaleco said.

Furthermore, the said search is in line with the celebration of 22nd National

Maritime Week with a theme “Seafarers: at the core of shipping’s future,” wherein Philippine Coast Guard Region 6 co-sponsored

by Maritime Industry Authority Region 6, and WIMAPHIL serves as the leading department, that encourage participating schools and agencies to nominate their qualified employees whose commitment and beneficence in the maritime industry is outstanding.

The selection process was based on school nominations, nominees must submit bid book containing their endeavors that fall under the criteria of TOME namely: outstanding accomplishment 40%, Personal Factor 10%, Community and civic involvement 30%, and previous awards 10%, and Education/ trainings 10%.

“This award is a product of hard work, it is a reminder to always do your best in everything that you do.” Dr. Jaleco concluded.

Dr. Jaleco during the TOME awarding.

Dr. Sebastian assures positive feedback on the PACUCOA Level III

By Mdpwn. Rose Antonnette Ramos & Mdpwn. Monica Refol

Dr. Angeli N. Sebastian, Dean of the College of Business was confident that the PACUCOA team will have positive feedback as PACUCOA conducted a Level III Virtual Re-Accreditation, October 11.

PACUCOA's Level III re-accreditation aims to examine whether the College of Business complies with and exceeds the minimum quality standards and to ensure that the institution is capable and for the students to have a choice that can meet their individual needs, also to achieve the maximum educational effectiveness through self-evaluation and self-discipline.

"I believe that levelling up the accreditation of College of Business is essential for ensuring quality in the delivery of instruction, research and extension likewise it creates goals for institutional improvemen", Mrs. Angeli N. Sebastian, CPA, Dean of College of Business said.

Moreover, the accreditation reviews the institution profile of the program, faculty profile—100% of the faculty must have at least a Master’s Degree with updated license, class schedule, enrollment data, government recognition, level II accreditation of the program being visited, compliance report and executive summary.

"The preparation involves the administration, staff, faculty, students, graduates and advisory boards in institutional evaluation and planning. Committee chairs and members were assigned to the 10 areas and 4 criteria of the PACUCOA Accreditation. Program Heads identified student and parent counterparts for the various areas and students who joined the focus group discussion (FGD) with the Accreditation

Team were oriented", Mrs. Sebastian added.

Furthermore, Dr. Maria Luz Macasinag, Dr. Marilou Tolentino, Dr. Ligaya Braganza, Ms. Maribel Estepa, Engr. Ian Kit Nehemiah Dap-og and Mr. Aldwin Jose, accreditors from PACUCOA spearheaded the two-day series of Level III remote virtual accreditation (RVA) which covers the three programs of College of Business namely BS Customs Administration, BS Tourism Management, and BS Cruise Ship Management.

The Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (PACUCOA) is a private accrediting agency that gives formal recognition to an educational institution by attesting that its academic program maintains excellent standards in its educational operations in the context of its aims and objectives.

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4 .. NEWS

Vol. XXVII NO. 1 • Aug-Nov 2021

. . . Songcuya said. from Page 1

The 2021 edition of the No Exit Grant for Unpaid Artistic Labour aims to continue the spirit of the previous edition, acknowledging the precarious nature of artistic labour prior to the pandemic, and the crucial parts of the artistic production process that went unpaid and unacknowledged.

According to Mr. Songcuya, artists, curators, writers, filmmakers, and choreographers currently living in the Philippines without commercial and academic sources of income may apply for the grant wherein the jury will determine the finalists based on their assessment of merit and need.

Furthermore, the grantees were determined through an open call and selection by a jury composed of Para Site team members headed by the Para Site Hong Kong and Filipino artists, namely Eisa Jocson, a choreographer and dancer, Moira Lang, a filmmaker and writer, and Gary Ross Pastrana, a visual artist.

The said edition seeks to award HKD 20, 000 for unrestricted use to 27 artists in the Philippines at any stage of their careers and not current recipients of stable income from the market or academic work wherein 25 grants are made possible by an anonymous donor while Jam Acuzar and Mercedes Zobel supported the two additional grants.

JBLFMU-M celebrates N'tl Maritime Week

By Mdpwn. Ma. Heather Bacera & Mdpn. RV John Fortaleza

John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University- Molo Inc. celebrated its annual National Maritime Week with the theme "Seafarers: At the Core of Shipping's Future." September 20-25.

A six-day event was organized by the College of Maritime Education (CME), a mass, which was held at San Jose Parish Church attended by a limited number of faculty and staff.

Moreover, a series of webinars were attended by the students and activities such as the welding contests and League of Legends tournaments.

“The objective of the celebration is to highlight that, despite the COVID-19 Pandemic, a sense of brotherhood and camaraderie exists among students at mari-

time colleges. The maritime week celebration was virtually a success, demonstrating the Ilonggo’s' hope and resiliency.” C/E Agustin D. Bedia, Dean of College Maritime Education (CME) said.

Furthermore, Mdpn. Febrey Cabatbat, Governor of the CME-SEC emphasized that despite the challenges of this year’s maritime week celebration, it was conducted successfully.

“ We are engaging into different dimensions of celebration. The virtual platform is the center of the celebration and it was a great success for both ends. This would imply how the maritime sector has persevered towards success” he said.

“Maritime Week is important because it engages maritime students and instructors to practice themselves as competent individuals. Being one of the maritime students, it is a privilege to be chosen as a representative of the school” Mdpn. Cabatbat added.

Lastly, the maritime week celebration aims to contribute to and demonstrate the mentality of Filipino sailors in conquering the challenges of the marine industry. The theme for this year’s maritime week celebration is anchored to extend the visibility of seafarers by highlighting the important roles they play now and in the near future.

This year's theme focuses on: Diversity, safety, crew relief and environment.

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NEWS .. 5

Vol. XXVII NO. 1 • Aug-Nov 2021

Mdpn. Arroyo, Caballero, & Sombong shine in TOSIA Awards 2021

By Mdpwn. Ma. Heather Bacera & Mdpn. RV John Fortaleza

John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University - Molo (JBLFMU-M) Mdpn. Jan Alexis J. Arroyo, Mdpn. Ian J. Caballero, and Mdpn. John Henry S. Sombong altogether embraced the spotlight as they received their Plaques of Recognition as one of the 21 stars of The Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards (TOSIA) 2021 constellation at Eon Centennial Resort Hotel and Waterpark, Iloilo City, October 3.

According to Mdpn. Arroyo, TOSIA has been a platform for him to tell the world of his story and to strengthen his purpose. It gave him a new found family that share the same goals and same vision for the community.

He will always be grateful for TOSIA for offering him a whole new experience of being a light for others.

Together as The Maritime Vanguard, they successfully gone through a rigorous

“TOSIA for me is a great avenue to be a person worthy of emulation as well as to empower myself and others through various ways. I want to radiate my light given by God especially the skills and knowledge I gained to the youth, and voluntary service to the people in dire need,” Mdpn. Caballero stated.

selection process, from bid book screening, essay, and interview rounds, and have showcased their achievements and prowess in line with the 4 Pillars of TOSIA: Academic Excellence, Leadership, Community Involvement and Faith.

Besides, these trio achievers won in several categories of the competition as Mdpn Arroyo is the recipient of the Top

. . . pandemic. from Page 1

“There is still violence against women today because of the defined gender roles and identities on what it means to be masculine and feminine or a member of the LGBTQ+. We should respect not only women but all genders. This advocacy and its activities encourage everyone to contribute in the efforts to end violence against women,” Mr. Mañosa added.

The full hand open symbolizes contribution and commitment. Orange symbolizes brighter future and to attract everyone to join the campaign.

Circle Winner, TOSIA Writer and TOSIA Worker. Also, Mdpn Caballero as Top Circle Winner and TOSIA Scholar, and Mdpn.

Sombong for TOSIA Awardee and TOSIA Speaker.

Moreover, Sir Benedick Brillantes, JBLFMU-M Guidance Counsellor and personin-charge of the TOSIA participants expressed that he was elated by their success and witnessed himself how they all worked hard for this. As well he hopes that their success would inspire more Lacsonians to do more and be more.

Furthermore, JBLFMU Molo also received the TOSIA Elite Award. This distinction is given to schools who have been consistently producing student leaders and awardees in TOSIA for 5 consecutive years.

JBLFMU-M is the only school to be a recipient of this since 2014.

In addition, during this campaign, JBLFMU-M conducted an online forum and wore orange EVAW face masks that symbolize a brighter future and a future free of violence.

Moreover, Mr. Mañosa firmly believes that we would finally achieve a world free of violence, especially for our women living a peaceful life with equal privilege and rights same to men as long as we have love and respect for one another.

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FEATURE .. 7

Vol. XXVII NO. 1 • Aug-Nov 2021

Against the Tides: Sailing Forward Amidst the Rough Seas

By Mdpwn. Ma. Heather Bacera & Jessiea Flores

Through his perseverance, he earned a spot as one of the Model Cadets of 2020, a JBFLMU-M competition in which candidates show leadership and excellence in both academic and co-curricular endeavors, including community services.

He also won 1st runner-up when he joined Mr. JBLFMU-Molo last 2018.

Moreover, with his constant hard work, undying perseverance and his positive vision for the community, he was hailed as the 6th Lacsonian to make it in the Ayala Young Leader’s Congress (AYLC). AYLC is a student leadership summit designed to build confidence, hone leadership skills, nurture commitment, foster nationalism and idealism, and encourage faithful stewardship.

“Through AYLC I could have a greater chance of transforming our visions and aspirations into reality. I hope that I could bring a long and lasting impact for the community, to promote the common good and to raise awareness such as mental health which is one of the most prevailing concerns faced by the Filipino youth of today,” he highlighted.

Eleanor Roosevelt once said,

"To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart." Indeed

in life, not all people constantly evolve and grow, but all those who strive to be better—leave footprints worthy to be followed. In essence, if we want to improve our lives, we must take control of our consistent actions—a clear perspective that Mdpn. Roen Arana would always bear in his mind.

They say good leaders are not born—they are made. Undoubtedly, being a leader is a journey that starts with a positive mindset that weighs and thinks of the common good. Mdpn. Arana always had the goal to look after the community that surrounds him, may it be outside or inside the school campus, which is why he is an active member

He emphasized that there is no such thing as coincidence because everything happens for a reason—and that we of the JBLFMU-M Peer Facilitating Program, need to remember to dream and have the an organization with the initiative in helping willpower to work and make it happen.

“Pray and ask for guidance because every students through various programs.

Mdpn. Arana also participates in dream is valid. God knows and he always various external community involvements listens to your stubborn heart. But most such as mangrove planting and gift-giving of you need to remain humble, because activities. truly when your heart is pure and intentions sincere, the Almighty has a way of making sure that everything works out

“I am thankful to my PEER for you.” He firmly stated.

Family for giving me the opportunity

Indeed, to find success is to to become one of the lead implecontinue on the right path with a hummenters of the Life Coach Seminar ble heart— because the world’s great(LCS) 2018 and participate in est leaders are those who have always programs such as Adolescent Congress stayed focused on their goals and have which aims to spread awareness been consistent in their efforts and good and concerns to issues such as mental deeds.

Furthermore, Mdpn.

Arana is health, HIV/Aids, Teenage Pregnancy currently the President of the Supreme and Alcoholism,” he said.

Student Government.

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8 .. EDITORIAL

Vol. XXVII NO. 1 • Aug-Nov 2021

Curbing hesitations: breaking away from fear on the covid-19 vaccine

There’s no doubt that this pandemic has never ceased to bring about a lot of adversities. And, while it seems as though we’re starting to settle back into some semblance of normal, COVID-19 once again showed no sign of slowing down as the country is still on the top list in Southeast Asia with the highest record of active cases and a large number of fatalities.

Worldwide, the year 2020 was dominated by the health and economic harm caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. That year ended with a ray of hope, as regulators began to approve COVID-19 vaccines and governments around the world began to administer them.

Earlier this year, the Department of Health (DOH) initially targeted the age group of people aged 60 years old and above as a priority for vaccination, people at high risk due to serious medical conditions, and front-line health care workers. In October, Malacanang announced that a total OPINION

-The Undercover “Duterte allows more schools to hold face-to-face classes.”

It has already been two years since all of us are locked down within our homes and students are reluctant to go to school.

After a long wait, finally, Pres. Rodrigo Duterte had given his approval with the pilot run on resuming the face-to-face classes starting November 15 and officially welcoming it next school year 2022. However, students who go to a university or college, are still questioning this scheme. Is it for better or worse?

Pulse Asia Research Inc., a public opinion polling body in the Philippines conducted a survey that asked 1,200 parents and guardians nationwide whether or not their children are learning under the distance learning system being implemented amid the novel coronavirus disease

of around 8.3 million residents in Metro Manila have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, translating to 85 percent of the target population to be vaccinated. Despite the rising readiness of others to be vaccinated, the Social Weather Stations (SWS) indicated that 19 percent were still unsure and 18 percent were hesitant to get vaccinated as of November. Among the 18 percent who refused, 14 percent indicated they would "certainly not" be vaccinated, while 4 percent said they would "probably" not get vaccinated.

‘Chismis’ can lead to group thinking, and people start discrediting information from someone outside of their group, even if it’s true, spreading vaccine hesitancy within the community. As for social media, believe half of what you see and nothing you read online because as much as covid-19 is alarming, fake news is causing more problems in society. Similarly, much has been made about the politicization of the vaccine, and several voters believe that

politics have influenced the development of the vaccine. DOH Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje said that health officials have sought to address this through communication campaigns that start with persuasive messaging, sharing nudges for vaccination, and informing the public of the benefits of getting vaccinated.

Scientific literature indicates that vaccine hesitancy has increased since the influenza pandemic in 2009. Vaccine hesitancy may exist even among people who believe in the importance of vaccinations, and in 2019 was declared as one of the top ten threats to global health by the World Health Organization (WHO). The hesitancy has multiple causes including lack of knowledge, lack of awareness, past experiences, perceived importance of vaccinations, subjective norms, religious and moral convictions, mistrusts of those involved in producing and selling vaccinations, and risk perception. Hesitance may be also waiting until claims about safety and effectiveness become more robust and credible. Such factors play a crucial role in the general public.

Moreover, according to a news article published by Manila Bulletin, there is evidence-based science that proves that individuals who experience adverse side effects due to the COVID-19 vaccine

Face to face in 2022: For better or for worse?

By Mdpwn. Jessiea B. Flores

(COVID-19) pandemic. The study reveals that only 46% of the parents or guardians with children in basic education said that their children are learning, while 55% are either unsure or believed that their kids are not learning. This result only shows that distance learning or online class is not that effective. Hence, having face-to-face classes must be resumed.

What is worse than having this situation is that most parents claimed that their children are encountering difficulties in answering their respective modules.

Erroneous and unclear instructions, poor internet connection, lack of gadgets to use for online learning, and behavioral problems to name a few. This pandemic has brought so many changes in our lives most especially that students are not getting the quality of education that they rightfully deserved.

As a student, I strongly believe that face-to-face classes are a lot better and worthy of our time, effort, and money rather than online and modular learning.

Students must be back to school to have actual lessons and practical laboratories for us to be fully equipped with the learning that we need. Face-to-face provides learners a higher chance of attaining a greater understanding of the topics as well as experiencing social engagement with their classmates and teachers.

Furthermore, face-to-face classes must be implemented because the learning environment in a physical classroom allows the learners to focus more on their studies with fewer distractions and have adequate study spaces like school desks, libraries, and school laboratories and facilities. Consequently, the general quality of education

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OPINION .. 9

Vol. XXVII NO. 1 • Aug-Nov 2021

remain to be rare cases, affecting only 1 in 100,000 for AstraZeneca and 1 in 122,000 for Johnson & Johnson. Likewise, no report from the WHO and the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that COVID-19 vaccines are either fatal or dangerous.

Given these challenges, it has become clear that managing the COVID-19 pandemic demands a multi-organizational response based on rapid decision making in a setting of uncertainty, risk management, coordination, and continuous flexible adaptation. A decisive factor in pandemic management is vaccinating the population.

An effective vaccine might allow for a quicker return to normalcy.

Considering the newness of the COVID-19 pandemic, people have varied reasons for not getting vaccinated and it is more difficult to get everyone on board, and that affects us all. Without sufficient numbers of people becoming vaccinated, we won’t reach herd immunity. That means the pandemic could continue indefinitely.

Yes, we are all free to not get vaccinated.

But If we choose to not get vaccinated we put others at risk, particularly the elderly, unvaccinated children, and those with compromised immune systems. Let’s face it, it became clear that the COVID-19 vaccine would be the ultimate solution for containing the pandemic and mitigating its distribution.

would not continue to deteriorate after the two consecutive academic years of online, modular, and blended learning throughout this pandemic. This will again, enhance our education system and will empower every student to study without procrastinating and not too much dependent on the usage of the internet.

On the other hand, as a student who wants to resume face-to-face classes, we should also do our part by being fully vaccinated and practicing proper health protocols. This must be attained to avoid risks and secure the safety of each student at the beginning of the expansion phase and onward transitioning to the new normal of face-to-face of all schools and universities around the Philippines. After all, all lives matter, as well as our education and I, firmly believed that face-to-face by 2022 would be for the betterment of every Filipino student towards high-quality education for they are the future of our nation.

-The Scribbler

JEL: A Driver to the Revolution of Education

By Mdpwn. Fatima Louise L. Pumaren

Online learning has shown significant growth over the last decade, as the internet and education combine to provide students a new way of learning. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, online learning has become more centric in people especially in student’s lives. The pandemic has forced schools and universities to remote working and this booms the usage of online learning.

The development of technology has introduced many changes into the educational field. Although still popular, the traditional classroom with a blackboard and chalk is slowly becoming a thing of the past. School workrooms are now equipped with laptops, projectors, interactive boards, electronic textbooks and access to the Internet. Such are the requirements of the new educational standards.

Moreover, universities are also democratizing the learning by making courses accessible via online, thus come up with eLearning portals. According to Science Soft Professional Software Development, An eLearning portal is a website that offers learners interaction and collaboration on eLearning content like courses, presentations, podcasts and tests as well as content management for eLearning providers.

Educational portals equipped with synchronous (chat, video conferencing) and asynchronous (e-mail, forum) communication tools that have mechanisms for creating and supervising project groups and tools for co-creation of educational content.

The built-in functionality of these applications allows evaluation of students’ knowledge and the teaching process. It is also possible to track students’ progress and provide feedback (Kołodziejczak, Roszak, Ren-Kurc, Kowalewski, Bręborowicz 2016).

Furthermore, being a Lacsonian, JEL (JBLFMU eLearning) is our learning environment, our partner in education, our source of understanding, thus, holds a significant role in our future. JBLFMU have started using JEL as a multipurpose solution to meet the University's goals. It helps the student not to go to school and just access the portal from there desired places. Adoption of school portals brings an easier connection between the university and the student, thus growing an endless

connection between them. But if summer has rainy days, JEL has drawbacks.

According to Mrs. Christine Arante, Focal Person of JEL, the common problems of the said portal was frequent website downtime, due to high connectivity demand to the servers as huge volume of users specifically students from the 3 units are concurrently connecting for the exam. Also some glitches due to the plugin incompatibility as courses were migrated from JBLFMU Arevalo Blackboard e-Learning platform going to JEL.

Graduating from a public school wherein the mode of learning is purely modular, I am quite unfamiliar of the new normal way of education and such scenarios (Portal Errors). But I do believe in Alice Hoffman’s quote “In every problem there is a solution”. I understand that technical problems are inevitable especially in today’s mode of learning, thus, trusting the University in resolving such problems, is I guess the best thing that I as a student can do.

As stated by Mrs. Arate, adding additional servers to stabilize server demands was the solution made by JBLFMU. With this, JBLFMU just proved that with all the odds and challenges in this so called "New Normal" the resilliency of JBLFMU prevails and justify the quote "every problem has a solution".

In conclusion, Education similarly have gone through a revolution, and online platforms such as portals, though have complications, are the driver towards the said uprising.

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10 .. EDITORYAL

Vol. XXVII NO. 1 • Aug-Nov 2021

Halalan 2022: Pagpapasya huwag iasa sa Social Media

Ang paggamit ng “social media” bilang isang mabilis na plataporma upang maihatid ang mga maiinit at napapanahong impormasyon ay patuloy na namamayagpag.

Ngunit sa paglipas ng panahon, hindi lamang ito nagbigay daan para maghatid ng mga nagbabagang balita datapwat ito rin ay naging tulay sa pagpapaunahan at pagpaparamihan ng mga tagahanga at tagasubaybay ng mga piling indibidwal kabilang na ang mga pulitiko. Dahil dito, hindi maitanggi na ang lahat ng impormasyong maaaring makalap mula rito pahinggil sa kanila ay nangangailangan ng isang masusing pagsusuri kung ito ba ay may katotohanan o pawang kasinungalingan lamang.

Kaya mas lalo pang uminit ang mga usapin sa “social media” noong unang araw ng Oktubre hanggang ikawalo dahil sa pagsumite ng “Certificate of Candidacy” o COC ng mga tatakbong pulitiko para sa halalan 2022. Sa oras kung kailan mas higit na nangangailangan ang bansa ng isang

mahusay na mamumuno sa pagharap ng pandemya at iba pang suliraning panlipunan, nararapat ba na maging basehan ng ating pagpili ang mga makikita sa “social media” lalo na sa ating mga kamay nakasalalay kung sino ang mahahalal bilang mga bagong pinuno at ang kinabukasan ng ating bansa?

Ayon kay Gerardo Eusebio, isang “campaign strategist” ang “social media” ay mapaglinlang. Hindi ibig sabihin na marami kang tagasubaybay ay tiyak na ang iyong pagkapanalo. Ito ay nagpapatunay na may kaibahan sa pagitan ng isang tagapagsubaybay lamang at totoong boboto sa iyo. Kaya hindi magiging sukatan ang kasikatan sa “social media” sa magiging posisyon ng kahit sinuman sa lipunan.

Sa kabilang banda, ayon sa ginawang pagsasaliksik ng Statista Research Department noong August 21, 2021 ang Pilipinas noong nakaraang taon ay nakatala ng halos 80 milyon mula sa 108 milyong mga naninirahan ang may

mga internet access. Kaya nagpapakita lamang daw ito na may mataas na porsyento ng mga tao ang gumagamit ng social media.

Ngunit ipinahayag naman ni Joyce Ramirez isang creative communication at branding expert na ang ang social media ay behikulo lamang para maipakalat ang mensahe ng isang kandidato. Ang kuwento at plataporma ng isang politiko at hindi ang bilang ng social media followers ang tunay na nakaakanengganyo sa mga boboto.

Dagdag pa dito, ang social media ay maaaring lumigaw sa mga tao. Ito ay naglalaman ng iba’t-ibang mga impormasyon na hindi nasuri at nabusisi. Ayon kay James Jimenez, taga-pagsalita ng COMELEC, huwag ibatay sa kasikatan ang pipiliing kandidato sa nalalapit na halalan dahil hindi lahat ng nakikita sa social media ay katotohanan.

Sa nalalapit na halalan, huwag nating hayaan na tayo ay alipinin ng ating nakikita sa social media. Mas maigi na ating busisihin nang maayos at magsagawa ng pananaliksik kung hindi lubusang kilala ang isang kandidato. Alamin din ang mga isinusulong na plataporma at kung ano mga naimbag sa Pilipinas. Maging responsible, mapanuri at gamitin ng maayos ang karapatan sa pagboto.

Ang “social media” ay naglalaman ng mga iba’t-ibang pananaw na bukas din sa iba’t-ibang interpretasyon ng bawat indibidwal. Maaaring ang iyong pananaw sa isang kandidato ay hindi sasang-ayon sa kung sino ang nais niyang iboboto.

Dahil sa mundo ng social media, maliit lamang ang pagitan ng katotohanan at kasinungalingan. Huwag gawing basehan ang kasikatan sa social media sa pagpapasya sa darating na 2022 halalan.

OPINYON ...11

Vol. XXVII NO. 1 • Aug-Nov 2021

"Kabataan: Sa panahon ng pandemya”

-The Instigator

Ni Mdpwn. Monica Refol

“Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan,” ito ang mga katagang iniwan ni Dr. Jose Rizal na magpahanggang sa ngayon ay dinadala pa rin ng karamihan. Kaya naman naniniwala tayo na kahit anong hirap ng sitwasyon, maraming paraan upang matugunan ang pag-aaral at edukasyon ng mga kabataan.

Bunga ng pandemya, malaking pagbabago ang hinaharap at nararanasan ng mga kabataan tulad ng pag-aaral ngayon na ngangailangan ng sapat na gadyet at magandang koneksyon sa internet upang makapasok sa online class. Patunay nito ay ang mga ibang kabataan ay pumupunta pa sa bayan o di kaya ay umakyat sa mga matataas na lugar upang makakuha ng magandang koneksyon. Mayroon namang maagang nabuntis dahil sa kakulangan ng gabay ng mga magulang. At ang malala pa dito ay marami din sa mga kabataan ang tinatapos ang buhay dahil sa depresyon.

Masakit isipin ang katotohanan na kayraming mga kabataan ang mga naligaw na landas dahil sa pandemya.

-Ang mangangaral

Ayon sa Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM), isang ahensya ng gobyerno sa Pilipinas, ang bilang ng mga nabuntis na batang wala pang 15 taong gulang sa kapuluan ay dumoble sa nakalipas na 10 taon. Ayon sa POPCOM, sa pagtatapos ng 2020, mahigit 70,000 pamilya ang pinamumunuan ng mga menor de edad. Gayunpaman, nagbabala ang ahensya na ang bilang na ito ay kapansin-pansing tataas sa 133,265 sa pagtatapos ng 2021.

Lalong dapat paigtingin ng mga lokal na pamahalaan ang pagpapatupad ng kanilang mga programang pangkalusugan at tutukan ang pagsugpo sa maagang pagbubuntis. Tulad ng pagpapatatag sa comprehensive sexuality education para sa mga mag-aaral na isang mahalagang hakbang upang labanan ang maagang pagbubuntis. Bago pa tumama ang pandemya ng COVID-19 sa bansa, itinuturing ng isang national emergency ang teenage pregnancy sa bansa.

“Depression,” isa rin ito sa mga problemang hinaharap ng mga kabataan.

Para sa iba ay isa lamang itong simpleng

sakit sa pag-iisip o “mental illness” ngunit nakakarimarim isipin na maaari itong maging sanhi sa pagtapos ng isang buhay.

At ang kabataan ang madalas nakakaranas nito dahil sa iba’t-ibang kadahilanan tulad ng mga problema sa pamilya, sa pag-aaral at iba pa.

Pandemya ay waring bangungot sa nakakarami lalong lalo na sa mga kabataan.

Hindi man natin ito ginusto pero kailangan tanggapin. Maiiwasan ang mga ganitong problema ng mga kabataan kung gagabayan at maayos ang pakikitungo ng pamilya, may sapat na pagmamahal at atensyon na natanggap ang bawat bata.

Malaking bagay ang mga ito upang maramdaman ng mga kabataan ang kanilang halaga, na may mga mahahalagang tao sa kanilang tabi at maramdaman hindi sila nag-iisa may tatakbuhan kapag sila ay may problema. Maraming pamilya ang nawasak, maraming buhay ang naghirap at higit sa lahat, maraming buhay ang nawala. Kailangan nating bumangon para sa kinabukasan ng mga kabataan upang mabigyan sila ng sapat na kaalaman, patnubay, at halaga.

"Most Bike-Friendly City" nararapat lamang sa Iloilo City Ni Mdpn. Jan Reynard Galilea

Bago pa man nagawadan at tinaguriang “Most Bike-Friendly City” ang Iloilo City, ay nakitaan na ng pagkahilig ang mga Ilonggos dito. Sa katunayan ang lungsod ay nagdidiriwang na taunang “Bike Festival” magmula pa noong 2013 hanggang 2018.

At mas lalo pang nahumaling ang mga tao dito ng nagkaroon na ng pandemya. Kumakailan, nagdaos ang More Power ng isang Fun Ride, Fund Drive sa lungsod kung saan nakapagtala sila ng 1, 407 na kalahok, pinakamadaming bilang ng mga sumali sa lungsod.

Kaya hindi na nakakagulat kung bakit ginawaran sa magkasunod na taon ang lungsod bilang “Most Bike-Friendly City”.

Ang kakatapos lang na parangal ay iginawad noong “Mobility Awards 2021” kalahok ang 29 na ibang pang mga lungsod. At noong nakaraang taon naman ginawaran din ng kaparehong parangal ang Iloilo City ng PhilBike Awards. Ngunit bakit nga ba tinaguriang “Most Bike- Friendly City” ang lungsod?

Ang lungsod ay may sarili at protektadong bike lane para sa mga nais

magbisekleta. Ang nasabing bike lane ay may habang 11 metro na nagmumula sa Diversion Road at kumukonekta sa mga piling daan ng lungsod. Mas lalo pang pinaganda ang bike lane dahil sa mga halaman na nilagay sa gilid nito na naging proteksyon upang maiwasan ang mga siklista na mahulog sa “main road”. Gayundin nakakatulong din ito upang mapabuti ang kapaligiran dahil nababawasan ang “carbon footprint” na dulot ng mga ibang sasakyan.

Dagdag pa dito, ang Iloilo City ay hindi tulad ng nasa ibang lungsod katulad ng Maynila na may masisikip na daan dulot ng matinding trapiko at limitadong espasyo.

Sa lungsod, mas madaling maipatupad ang mga imprastrakturang tulad ng bike lanes dahil sa hindi pa ito gaano kadami ang populasyon kung ihambing sa iba. Ayon kay Dutch Ambassador H.E. Saskia Elisabeth De Langsaw, may malaking potensyal ang lungsod na maging “Biking Haven of the Philippines”, dahil sa may imprastraktura na dito at likas sa mga Ilonggos ang pagbibisekleta. At mas mapaunlad pa ito kapag

patuloy ang suporta na binibigay ng lokal na pamahalaan at ng mga tao.

Sa katunayan, pinaplano na ng lokal na pamahalaan ang pagkonekta ng mga bike lanes sa lungsod upang mas mapadali at ligtas ang mobilidad ng mga tao lalo na ang mga naghahanap buhay na gumagamit ng bisekleta. Ayon kay Mayor Jerry Treñas nakikipagpulong na sya sa sa City Engineer’s Office at sa Departamento ng Public Works and Highways- Western Visayas para sa pagpapatupad ng naturang plano.

Kung inyong matutunghayan ang Iloilo City ngayon, makikita talaga natin kung gaano kadami ang nakikiisa at nahuhumaling sa pagbibisekleta. Ang pagkakaroon ng malawak at ligtas na bike lanes katuwang ang suporta mula sa lokal na pamahalaan at mga tao sa patuloy na pagpapaunlad nito ay ang pinakadahilan kung bakit nararapat lamang na tawagin ang Iloilo City bilang “Most Bike-Friendly City”. Kaya ang paggawad sa Iloilo City sa magkasunod na dalawang taon sa naturang parangal ay nararapat lamang talaga.

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12 .. BALITA

Vol. XXVII NO. 1 • Aug-Nov 2021

Mdpn. TONATO nasungkit ang ikatlong pwesto sa ginanap na National Seafarers Day Ni Mdpwn. Rose Antonnette Ramos & Mdpwn. Gessa Evonne

Sa pamamagitan ng determinasyon, pagpupursige at angking talento, nasungkit ni Mdpn. Glenn Tonato ang ikatlong pwesto sa ginanap na On-the-spot Art Contest na may temang "Marinong Filipino: Nasa Kaibuturan ka ng Hinaharap ng Industriya" sa pagdiriwang ng 26th National Seafarers Day, Setyembre 9.

"To my fellow Lacsonians, hikayatin natin ang paggawa ng sining para sa simpleng kagalakan nito, at huwag tayong mahiyang ipakita ang ating galing, hindi lang sa larangan ng sining kundi sa iba’t ibang sektor, dahil ang importante ay kung ano ang natatanging mensahe sa likod neto, kung paano ito makakatulong sa ating lupang sinilangan at sa ating sarili,” Mdpn. Tonato habang hawak-hawak ang waging obra.

pahayag ni Tonato.

Mdpn. Lising tinanghal na kadete ng taon

Ni Mdpn. Franklin Kyles Matricular at Mdpwn. Fatima Louise Pumaren

Ginawad ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) ang kadete ng taon kay M/LCDR Xytorr Neil M. Lising at binigyang parangal din siya ng Philippine Navy bilang Naval Reserve Command (NAVRESCOM) ROTC cadet, ika-walo ng Disyembre.

“Ang matanghal bilang Naval Reserve Command (NRC) cadet ng taong 2020 at Armed Forces of the Philippines ROTC cadet of the year ay isang sorpresa at hindi inaasahang pangyayari sa aking paglalakbay bilang Cadet Officer.

Isang malaking karangalan at pribilehiyo ang mairekomenda at sa wakas ay napiling kumatawan sa Hukbong Dagat para sa Armed Forces of the Philippines Cadet ng taong 2020. Nakatulong din sa akin ang aking mga dokumento at aking mga nagawa, kung kayat naging kwalipikado ako para sa parangal na iyon,” sabi ni G. Xytorr Neil Lising,

O-1CL Vice Corps Commander.

Nagtapos si Tonato sa mataas na pwesto at nag uwi ng cash prize na P2,500 sa pagtatapos ng patimpalak na dinaluhan ng 20 na mga estudyanteng marinong mula sa iba't ibang unibersidad sa bansa.

Ayon kay Tonato, bilang isang estudyanteng marino, malaki ang kanilang ginagampanan sa bansa dahil mahalaga ang Industriya ng Maritime sa pag-unlad ng bansa lalo na sa sosyo-ekonomikong aspeto.

Gayundin, naging inspirasyon ni Tonato ang kanyang mga magulang at maging si G. Raymund Benedick S. Brillantes na nag alok sa kanya at nagbigay ng opurtunidad na makalahok sa nasabing patimpalak at lalong-lalo na sa John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Molo (JBLFMU-M) para sa suportang ibinahagi sa kanya.

"Sa pamamagitan ng pag-aaral ng mabuti, pagtitiwala sa Panginoon at tamang gabay mararating din natin ang ating pangarap na maging isang successful Mariner" dagdag pa ni Tonato

Bago paman mabigyan ng parangal si Lising, siya ay dumaan muna sa isang matinding proseso para maging kwalipikado sa pagka kadete tulad nang pagsumite ng mga dokumento na naglalaman ng kanyang mga pagsasanay sa iba’t-ibang organisasyon, grado, pagsabak sa mga pagsusulit at pagsagot sa mga panayam.

“Sumailalim ako sa mga serye ng paghahanda. Iniisip ko ang mga posibleng paksa para sa pagsusulit at panayam. Sa tulong ng aking mga supportive batch mates, seniors at juniors mula sa iba't ibang NROTC Units sa Western Visayas, nakakolekta ako ng mga ideya, mungkahi at inspirasyon na nagamit ko para manalo sa kompetisyon,” dagdag ni Lising.

Bilang bahagi ng pagdiriwang sa ika-38 anibersaryo ng NRC, ginawaran ang 802nd Naval ROTC Unit ng John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU) bilang NROTC unit of the year.

Dagdag pa dito, kaisa rin ang JBLFMU-M sa tagumpay na tinatamasa ni Mdpn. Lising at sinisiguradong patuloy ang pagsuporta para sa mga mag-aaral na sasabak sa anumang kompetisyon.

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BALITA .. 13

Vol. XXVII NO. 1 • Aug-Nov 2021

Entry ng JBLFMU-M wagi sa paligsahan sa pagsulat ng kanta’t interpretasyon ng CHED VI Ni Mdpn. Franklin Kyles Matricular

Nakamit ng “Padyak: We Will Lead” ng Kinaadman Chorale ng John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University-Molo ang ikalawang pwesto sa paligsahan sa pagsulat ng kanta at interpretasyon ng Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region VI bilang parte sa pagdaos ng ika-54th na anibersayo ng ASEAN, Agosto 14.

Mula sa dalawampu’t siyam na sumali sa 2021 na kompetisyon, nakuha ng “Law of Attraction” ng Filamer Christian University ang unang puwesto, “Padyak: We Will Lead” ng JBLFMU-MOLO sa ikalawang puwesto at “Aangat” ng STIWest Negros University para sa ikatlong puwesto. Nakamit naman ng “Padyak na!” ng University of Iloilo ang people’s choice award.

“Mahalaga na nahuhubog din ang kakayahan at kaisipan ng mga mag-aaral hindi lamang sa loob ng paaralan bagkus ay maging sa labas din.”

Ang nasabing kompetisyon ay may temang “PADYAK! Moving Forward, Claiming Victory for Philippine Higher Education in the ASEAN Community” na naglalayong mabigyan ng malaking oportunidad ang mga estudyanteng manunulat ng kanta at mang-aawit upang maihatid at maipakita nila ang kanilang talento habang pina-uunlad ang pagkakakilanlan at pagkakaiba ng ASEAN.

Samantala, ang nagwaging kanta na “Padyak: We Will Lead,” ay isang komposisyon at ubra ni Paul Ashley Enriquez, miyembro ng award winning Choral group na Kinaadman Chorale kung saan, kasama din niya sina Alexandrea Beatrize Gaitan, Cedric Regalado, Daphne Grace Alegroso at Klyde Tember Cabaobao, na kapwa’y miyembro din ng Kinaadman Chorale.

“Tatlo araw ko nabuo ang kantang ito, nahirapan ako masyado sa pagbuo ng kanta kasi kinakailangan ang tono ng kanta ay dapat may galak at tagumpay na hango din sa tema, pero sa huli nabuo ko naman siya ng maayos,”

sabi ni Paul Ashley Enriquez.

Nagpapasalamat din si Mr. Rox Magsipoc, choir director ng Kinaadman Chorale sa mga taong sumuporta sa kanilang grupo, sa mga nagbahagi at nag react sa video, at sa lahat ng videographers at editors nito.

Mga kuha mula sa aktwal na pagtatanghal ng Kinaadman Chorale ng kanilang awitin.

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14 .. ISPORTS

Vol. XXVII NO. 1 • Aug-Nov 2021

Kaya FC-Iloilo reclaims the Copa Paulino Alcantara championship Ni Mdpwn. Monica Refol

L e a d i n g t h e Wa y, Un f o l d i n g t h e Tr u t h

THE SEAGULL Staff

Shaira A. Agregado Editor-In-Chief Erica F. Opinion Associate Editor Ma. Heather C. Bacera Managing Editor Jan Christian Altamia News Editor Jan Reynard Galilea News Writer Monica Refol News Writer Jessiea B. Flores Feature Editor Jessa Yvonne E. Villaruel Feature Writer Mairel A. Gerzon Literary Editor Franklin Matricular Sports Editor RV John Fortaleza Sports Writer Fatima Louise Pumaren Filipino Writer Jose Arron Franz Suoberon Lay- out Artist Audrey Fernando Cartoonist Rose Antonnette A. Ramos Senior Photojournalist Syrus Miguel Santamena Photojournalist Febe Rose L. Torres Adviser

The articles contained herein are personal views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official vies and opinions of the staff. Comments and suggestions regarding our issues are warmly welcomed.

Articles submitted must be typewritten with sufficient space and margin

Kaya FC-Iloilo completed its mission to recapture the Copa Paulino Alcantara title with a 1-0 victory, after defeating the young guns of Azkals Development Team (ADT) in the finals game at the Philippine Football Federation National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite, Nov. 19.

Following a scoreless first half for both teams, winger Kenshiro Daniels converted the game-winning goal in the 47th minute off an assist from Simone Rota as Kaya established a 1-0 lead despite Mar Diano's defense to end the scoring drought.

Moreover, Kaya nearly took the lead in the first half when team captain Jovin Bedic received a passing attack and delivered a high-curved kick in the midfield that went past ADT goalkeeper Quincy Kammeraad.

Meanwhile, ADT, who had just defeated Mendiola FC 9-0, couldn't find an equalizer as Kaya’s pressing defensive formations prevented ADT from executing any threatening offensive set-pieces following Daniels' goal.

In their semifinal match, the Yu Hoshide-mentored club crushed the debutants Dynamic Herb Cebu 1-0, with team captain Jovin Bedic’s penalty kick scoring the lone goal.

Furthermore, Jovin Bedic, a native of football powerhouse in Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo, won a Golden Ball award for the Copa Paulino Alcantara's third season and goalkeeper Louie Casas clinched the Golden Gloves trophy for keeping a clean sheet all throughout the Copa Paulino Alcantara.

While on the other hand, Stallion Laguna FC came in third after a spectacular victory over Dynamic Herb Cebu FC 5-4 in a thrilling penalty shootout.

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SPORTS .. 15

Vol. XXVII NO. 1 • Aug-Nov 2021

-The catalyst

Where The Athletes Stand in This Pandemic?

By Mdpn. RV John E Fortaleza

“With no clear route ahead in terms of personal health or public health in our country, we must all do our part to prevent future cases and limit the spread of this deadly disease.”

Fear, anxiety, loss, confusion, disappointment, exhaustion, frustration, and anger. These were the feelings of each and every athletes across the globe.

According to pubmed.ncbi.nlm. nih.gov ,given this alarming scenario, a strategy to effectively combat COVID-19 pandemic is to maintain physical distance from other people, a term commonly referred to as social distancing. Aside from containing the outbreak to prevent further spread of the infection, which would result in more deaths, recommended interventions include increasing the volume of tests performed on individuals suspected of having the disease, canceling events that generate agglomerations (mass gatherings), and restricting human mobility, the so-called sanitary cordon.

Individual and team athletic activities around the world, such as swimming, badminton, basketball, football, tennis, and volleyball, have been canceled, demonstrating that the sport world is a major component of this situation and plays a critical role in managing this pandemic. A significant number of athletes' training regimens around the world have been abruptly disrupted in this scenario. As a result, those directly and indirectly involved in these events have suffered as a result.

The JBLFMU's basketball varsity team, The Dolphin, is one example of how this global challenge has influenced them.

This adjustment has a significant impact on the quality and quantity of training, as well as further distancing the athlete from the reality of their everyday training in traditional preparation. Significantly reducing training and weakening physical performance potential may result in a loss of competitiveness when the athletes return to competition.

As a result of these issues, people become less physically active, spend more time on gadgets, have inconsistent sleep patterns, and consume inferior diets, leading in weight increase and a loss of fitness.

According to World Health Organization (WHO), absence of access to exercise and physical activity can have a negative impact on mental health, worsening tension or anxiety that many people experience as a result of being cut off from normal social life.

See, the result spoke itself. The COVID 19 pandemic has a great impact in the lives of an athlete and can bring not only physical but also mental and psychological distress.

Where Do Athletes Fit into This Pandemic? Maintaining a training schedule is critical for an athlete's physical health at this time. Numerous athletes create a training routine for themselves based on the present options. Basketball and volleyball varsity players, for example, keep their training routines going by practicing physical activities and training techniques like squatting, pull ups, and lift exercises in their own households.

It is critical that athletes attempt to perform the technical motions of their activity, albeit this is often limited due to the necessity for equipment, practice site, and, most importantly, safety.

Should athletes' varsity training in school resume? Considering the possibility of a quick return to competition, the country’s Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has given the go-signal for collegiate varsity teams to begin practices under strict health and safety protocols. The following steps must

be followed by the school, HEI Self-Assessment Report Forms, CHED Letter of Intent Resume Training and Competition, Submission of Requirements and Onsite Inspection and lastly CHED Acknowledgement Certification.

Well, how about the Department of Health, Philippine Sports Commission and Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases Resolutions? According to www. rappler.com, in the event of an outbreak the final draft will incorporate IATF adjustments, such as the establishment of an isolation area or room in the school or bubble. Before finalizing the document, which was created in collaboration with the PSC and the DOH, public discussions were held. While the return of varsity sports training may be on the horizon, it will be up to each HEI to decide whether or not to adopt it. One concern is that some schools may refuse to continue training due to the difficulties of adhering to CHED requirements, the risk of accruing liabilities, and the necessity of maintaining appropriate academic programs. But, despite this optimistic outlook, why are we still trailing in Covid- 19 virus containment?

According to The Bloomberg’s Covid-19 Resilience Ranking of the best and worst places to be amid the pandemic, Philippines fell to last place in capping a steady decline over the course of 2021.

The Philippines' drop to No. 53 reflects the challenges it's facing from the onslaught of the Delta variant, which has hit South-east Asia particularly hard amid difficulties containing the more contagious strain and slow vaccination rollouts.

It is ludicrous to be disappointed with such a result from every aspect. It has simply resulted in a lack of credibility, as well as procedure and regulatory miscalculations. Despite doing its best, the Philippine government is unlikely to fulfill its objective of immunizing all adults, or 70% of the population, this year. To further reduce the correlation between cases and deaths, the Philippine government must guarantee that immunizations are targeted first at the most vulnerable groups. I believe that the government's efforts can benefit not only athletes, but also the people of one country by easing the transition back to normal life.

Maintain your vigilance and brace yourself for a long battle against this formidable foe.

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ISPORT .. 16

Vol. XXVII NO. 1 • Aug-Nov 2021

Hidilyn Diaz: Karga ng tadhana, buhos ng pananampalataya Ni Mdpn. Franklin Kyles Matricular

Diaz buong pusong binuhat ang barbel para sa gintong medalya.

Halos isang siglo ang nagdaan na walang katapusang siklo ng panaghoy at dasal bago umangat at lumiwanag mula sa kaibuturan ng karagatan ang Perlas ng Silangan.

Hindi naging madali ang pinagdaanan at paghihintay, at lalong hindi magaan ngunit sabi nga nila .

May isang Hidilyn Diaz na umangat at kumarga sa buong Pilipinas tungo sa kauna-unahang gintong medalya sa pinakamalaki at pinakasikat na tanghalan ng palakasan matapos ang 97 na taon.

Hindi naging madali ang mga dinanas na hirap ni Diaz bago nito magawang umukit ng kasaysayan sa Pilipinas at maging sa buong mundo sa larangan ng weigthlifting.

Sangkatutak na dugo`t pawis ang kinailangang ibigay ng Pinay weightlifter upang makamit ang rurok ng tagumpay.

Mula sa isang munting paslit na may malaking pangarap sa simpleng bayan ng Mampang, Zambaonga City, ilang taon ang ginugol at hinarap ni Diaz bago nakarating sa taluktok ng pangmundong palakasan.

Buhat ang sanga ng puno, lalo pang nagpursigido si Diaz para sa sarili nito. Karga ang maliliit na lalagyan ng tubig tungo sa malalaking balde, dito na nasubok ang lakas ni Diaz hanggang sa sumama na din siya sa mga training sessions ng kanyang mga pinsan at kaluna’y nakikipaglaban na siya sa loob at labas ng bansa. Malaki ang naitulong ng naturang isport kay Diaz dahil sa katunayan, ito ang naging daan upang makapagtapos siya ng pag-aaral sa elementarya at sekondarya. Hindi tinapos ni Diaz ang kursong Computer Science pero pinagpatuloy parin nito ang weightlifting.

Halos kulelat si Diaz noong 2008 Beijing Olympics, hindi nakatapos noong 2012 London ngunit patuloy siyang

lumaban at kalaunay nasungkit ang pilak na medalya sa 2016 Rio De Janeiro. Sa gitna ng paglalakbay na iyon ay sangkatutak na dugo’t pawis, pagod, sakripisyo, dedikasyon at panahong malayo sa pamilya ang hinarap niya at sahog noon ay hindi mabilang na mga dasal at kahilingan.

Hulyo 26, 2021 sa Tokyo, Japan halos 2,000 milya ang layo sa Maynila.

Malawak, malalim, napakagandang karagatan at walang dulong himpapawid ang pagitan.

Dito’y hindi akalian ng milyon-milyong Pilipino na magaganap ang makasaysayang pagbaha ng luha. Mula sa palyado, puno ng paltos at sugatan ang kamay ay umakyat si Diaz sa entablado- matikas ang tindig, kumpyansa, buo ang puso at dala ang matibay na

pananampalataya. Huminga siya ng malalim, bumuwelo tsaka buong puwersang kinarga sa balikat ang 127 kilo na barbell, tumunog ang hudyat, at dito na tumulo ang luha ni Diaz.

Sa pagkakataong iyon, hindi lang pala ilang daan kilo ang nabuhat ni Diaz, sa pambihirang saglit ay nakarga niya din ang buong bansa.

Inulan ng papuri si Diaz ng mil-yon-milyong Pilipino para sa kanyang kahanga-hangang gawa. Hindi binigo ni Diaz ang bansa, at dahil sa kanyang katuparan, tatanggap siya ng incentive mula sa gobyerno at sa kaliwa’t kanang pribadong kompanya na nagbigay ng regalong salapi at pabahay.

Kagaya ng nakaukit sa tatlong bituin at isang araw, itatayo ang mga monumento at estatwa sa pangalang Hidilyn Diaz. Ilalathala’t itatampok ang kanyang buhay at kwento sa mga dyaryo, libro at pelikula.