TheSPARK Newsletter Volume XLII, Issue No.1

PH resumption of full F2F classes uphold

STORY BY SARAH JANE D. ARAGDON

The new education secretary, Vice President Sara Duterte ordered that full face-to-face classes shall be implemented in all public and private institutions beginning November 2, 2022. Full face-toface classes were contained in Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 34, series of 2022 that includes the school calendar and activities for the A/Y 2022-2023 amidst COVID -19 pandemic.

Vice President Sara Duterte stated in an interview with ANC on July 14, 2022 that schools should just maximize the transition period until October 21, 2022

before shifting to full face-to-face classes because private schools are appealing that they may be allowed to still use blended learning modalities especially to those enrolled students in the provinces or countries outside the Philippines.

She added that there was a study that had become their basis in saying that face-to-face classes are still the best effective learning method for students. Regarding health, she also said that there was research demonstrating that, covid infection was commonly not severe in children even though those who have not been vaccinated that is why she was insisting and uphold the DepEd Order No. 34, series of 2022.

LITTLE CRIER

On Monday, the first day of regular classes at a public school in San Juan City, a boy wept outside his classroom.

-JAMELA HAZEL B. TRANQUILO

Photo Credit: Eloisa Lopez/Reuters

AY 2022-2023 officially starts at CSPC

STORY BY GABRIELLE M. LOQUIAS

Number of Enrollees

ACADEMIC YEAR 2022-2023

College of Engineering and Architecture (COEA)

For the Academic Year 2022-2023, COEA had the most enrollees with a total of 3, 135, followed by CTHBM with 3, 080, CCS with 1, 681 enrollees, CHS with 1, 592, CTDE with 1, 024 and CAS with 792.

Prior to the start of classes, the CSPC-Student Affairs and Services Office (SASO) held the Institutional Virtual Orientation for New Students and Parents on August 10 via Zoom and Facebook Live.

Following that, the various colleges spearheaded organization seminars for the new batch of first-year students, beginning with the College of Health Sciences on August 14, followed by the College of Arts and Sciences on August 15, the College of Technological and Developmental Education on August 16, and the College of Engineering and Architecture on August 22.

Meanwhile, the College of Computer Studies held a virtual student orientation on August 15 and the College of Tourism, Hospitality, and Business Management on August 19. The students were informed as to what activities they may look forward to as the school year progresses.

Furthermore, 540 students enrolled at the CSPC Buhi Campus, which held a General Orientation for students and parents on September 8 via Google Meet where the rules and

regulations, memos from the President about online classes and limited faceto-face classes were discussed, as well as an Online Kumustahan before the event ended. It was also the first time this year for the BSOA Program to reach 5 sections for first-year students on campus.

CSPC greeted the new academic year, which began on August 15, with virtual and face-to-face organizing lectures and orientations for students and parents. Classes are no longer limited to online arrangements. READY,

College of Tourism, Hospitality and Business Management (CTHBM)

College of Computer Studies (CCS)

College of Health Sciences (CHS)

College of Technological and Developmental Education (CTDE)

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

DR. CHARLITO P. CADAG CSPC

Together, we will overcome challenges to ensure the best educational outcomes.

CHS spikes its population at 66% in the A/Y 2022-2023; the resurgence of mighty healers

STORY BY LOI VEE LEE C. AQUINO

The College of Health Sciences more than doubled its population as it spikes 66% rate of enrollees in both Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Bachelor of Science in Midwifery (BSM) programs in the first semester of Academic Year 2022-2023.

According to the recent breakdown of enrollees as of August 31, 2022, there were approximately 1,592 students enrolled in CHS Department, specifically, 1,431 students in BSN and 161 students in BSM. Compared to the last semester’s enrollees where there were only 837 nursing students while midwifery students have 120. It is evident that the present enrollees were almost twice as much in the preceding academic year.

The enrollment of freshmen students was one of the reasons that increased the population of the department. From the data gathered, it shows that there were newly enrolled 652 first year students coming from BSN with 14 sections and 52 in BSM with one section.

With the increased population, the CHS department already had 108 clinical instructors. They were working together to manage and create a strategy for the increasing

number of nursing and midwifery students.

As for the facilities, in the BSN program, the Related Learning Experience (RLE) and Skills Lab of nursing students were still and can be catered for. The challenge was when the lower levels have their face-to-face classes since they have the largest population. However, for now, the face-to-face skills lab and theories were still being managed and was also anticipated with the help of the school’s administration. For the BSM program, on the other hand, no problems have been seen because their facilities at the school and the affiliating agency were enough.

“I cannot answer a strong yes, but may kasabihan nga tayo, everybody works when the problem is there. Probably masimulan na yung project by 2023 and matapos by 2024 but for the mean time gumagawa ng strategy ang department para ma-accommodate lahat ng students,” Mrs. Marilyn Rivera, former dean of CHS, said when asked if the college will be ready if the CHS population triples by next school year.

“For sure pwedeng mag-target ng 15 sections by next year due to high demand of nurses, but it is also a big challenge for the CHS department,” Mrs. Abigail Monge,

BSN Program chair, enunciated, “I think we still need enough classrooms for that additional equipment and laboratories. But for now if the budget warrants, I think we could purchase different equipment needed. Actually, we are looking forward for a new building this forthcoming 2024 and it is already being planned,” Mrs. Alice Nuyda, BSM program chair, added.

“Another thing that is more challenging is the areas that will be conducting duty, but a good thing because there are many institutions welcoming the CSPC. Just like the training hospitals in the Bicol region specializing in Geriatric Nursing where CSPC is the first affiliating school that is currently having duty there,” Mrs. Monge indicated.

Meanwhile, the reason for accepting a huge amount of enrollees resulted in the almost doubled population of the CHS department. According to former Dean Rivera, nursing was not a priority of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) before. It was planned by the Institutional Planning and Developmental Office (IPDO) that only one section should be accepted even if there were many qualified students. But luckily in 2021, CHED has dropped a memorandum that indicates nursing and midwifery programs were now

included in the CHED’s priority program.

In IPDO and Performance Based Bonus (PBB), there is a formula to be followed which is required when you are in the priority program. As a criteria for SUC leveling, you must have a certain number of enrollees to be met. If it’s not a priority program, there is a cut off that will be accepted among the enrollees. That’s why the CHS department had a hard time increasing the population because of the SUC leveling and it must be followed. For example, 70% of those enrolled in CSPC should be enrolled in CHED’s priority program, while the remaining 30% is allocated to non-priority programs. Another reason for the increased enrollment is the criteria for being a state university or the transition of CSPC into Polytechnic State University of Bicol (PSUB). The school has a certain target of enrollees, so it needs to be met. If the institution fails to enroll that certain target, it will also fail in the criteria.

CSPC BSN Batch 2025 gets transition as full-pledge student nurse

BY MARK CYNRIC B. BERINA

The said event was started through a eucharistic celebration presided by the Rev. Fr. Albert S. Orillo, Parish Priest, Holy Cross Parish, Nabua, Camarines Sur.

Candidates for Class 2025, Faculty Members, BSN Level Chairs, Clinical Coordinator, BSN and MAN Program Chair, Dean and Principal, BSM, Vice President for Administration, Vice President for Academic Affairs, College President, and the Guest Speaker took part in the processional.

The entrance of colors was led by CSPC NSTP-NROTCU and the Philippine National Anthem was played via audio presentation.

Ms. Abigail F. Monge, MAN, BSN Program Chair, welcomed all who were present and explained the importance of caps, pins, and lamps as she gave her opening remarks.

The guest speaker was Kristoffer P. Obogne., RM, RN, MD, MPH, and Municipal

Health Officer at Mercedes, Camarines Norte and a proud alumna of CSPC Batch 2012, Cum laude. He was introduced by the college dean, Dr. Leni M. Malabanan.

“Hindi basta-basta ang nursing at hindi lang tagapag-alaga ng mga pasyente. Doon ko napagtanto nang maigi ang kahalagahan ng seremonyang ito na isa itong patunay na papunta na tayo sa susunod na kabanata ng ating propesyong kinuha. Lalabas na tayo sa apat na sulok ng ating silid aralan at actual na gagawin ang natutunan sa loob ng ilang taon,” Dr. Obogne said as he delivered his speech.

He also shared realizations during his time on hospital duty, “Never be late, never be selfish, mood swing sa duty, give your 101% best and lastly, set your goals.”

“Tandaan natin na lahat ng pagsubok ay magsilbing leksyon para sa atin; sa ikahuhusay, ikatatatag ng loob at nagbibigaytulong sa buhay ng tao at sa pamilya rin natin. Kailangan natin magtiwala sa ating sarili na kaya ko, kaya niyo; damhin n’yo mamaya at sabihin sa isipan, Good luck, kaya ko ‘to,” he added.

A plaque of appreciation to the guest speaker was presented by the SUC President III, Dr. Charlito P. Cadag, together with Dr.

The Miss Nightingale who walked in the aisle was Ms. Shanny O. Buenaventura., RM, RN, MAN; a CSPC Alumna, BSN Batch 2011; Dr. Lorraine I. Turiano, BSN II Program Chair, lighted the candle for Florence Nightingale’s Lamp.

The College Dean presented the candidates and confirmed them by the SUC President, Dr. Charlito P. Cadag.

The selection of clinical instructors, along with the College Dean, SUC President III, and their respective parents, guided the imposition of caps and pins to the students.

“Today marks the beginning of becoming a full-pledge nurse with commitment and determination to provide quality care and services in the region. This transition period of yours is a special moment in your life that signifies your hard work, discipline, and dedication to service. In the long run, you will be one of the people whom the world will

A total of 424 future nurses under the Level II Program of BS Nursing attended the 34th Capping, Pinning and Candle Lighting Ceremonies on Thursday, September 8, 2022 at the Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC) Gymnasium.

STORY

LIGHT OF PURSUIT.

The 2nd year level students of Bachelors of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC), performed their class hymn ‘Go Light Your World’ held on the 8th of September 2022 serving as their closing remarks for the 34th Capping, Pinning & Candle Lighting Ceremonies.

-KRISTINE FAITH P. ORTEGA

Amado A. Oliva, Jr., VP for Academic Affairs, Dr. Leni M. Malabanan, the College Dean, and Ms. Abigail F. Monge, MAN, BSN Program Chair.

CONNECTIONS FOR ALL Students of Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC) are among the beneficiaries of the Free Wi-Fi for All - Free Internet Access Program of the DICT effective on July 12, 2022.

-JHONEL M. LUHAN

DICT activates free Wi-Fi hotspots in CSPC

STORY BY JERICHO T. DAGAMI

Through the widened Free WiFi for All Program (FWAP) of the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), students, faculty, and guests of the Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC) can now enjoy free internet connectivity with their mobile and handheld devices.

The DICT said in a statement that the Free Wi-Fi for All - Free Internet Access Program was officially activated last July 12, 2022, in the municipality of Nabua, Camarines Sur. It seeks to increase internet access for Filipinos by offering free internet access in public settings such as the government’s national and local office spaces, public schools, state universities and colleges, public hospitals, Rural Health Units, public parks, plazas, and public libraries, and many more.

The department has installed a total of four access points inside the institution. They were located at the CSPC’s Ground Floor Building Left Wing, Ground Floor Rear Building, Ground Floor Building Right Wing, and at the MAC Building. The typical free Wi-Fi speed of each hotspot was 30 mbps. For every access point, a maximum

of 30 devices can simultaneously connect the Wi-Fi network at their maximum capacity. The restricted range each access point offers approximately 100 meter radius.

Rey T. Cortez, Head Network of Internet and Communications Unit, said the DICT’s free Wi-Fi is essential to students who utilize the internet to remain in touch with their classmates and families. It will also help them to attend online classes if they are currently stranded inside the institution.

“The security monitoring of the free Wi-Fi was regularly checked by DICT. They remotely access its controls and security configuration,” Cortez replied when asked if the free wi-fi network guaranteed students’ security from possible threats.

“For instance, if our free Wi-Fis have lost its internet connection, a DICT personnel will contact me and check what is the status of them,” he added.

Aside from the free Wi-Fis installed by the DICT, the institution also has its existing campus Wi-Fi networks. “Mayroon din tayong campus Wi-Fi. So kapag hindi na kaya ng campus Wi-Fi, sinusupport din ng free Wi-Fi. ‘Yong free Wi-Fi, wala ‘yong password. Samantala,

‘yong campus Wi-Fi natin, may password ‘yon,” mariing sabi ni Mr. Cortez.

The Free Wi-Fi For All program of the DICT, which was recently launched on campus, will be a huge help to the institution and CSPCeans, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, where blended learning is now used as a learning method for teaching students in the academe.

The department has pledged that more access points will be added as the region’s free Wi-Fi program expands.

CSPC now offers BS Applied Math

STORY BY MA. KATRINA P. OLIVEROS

After a year as a newly-established department, the Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC) College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) took a step forward in growth by offering a new program, Bachelor of Science in Applied Mathematics, starting this academic year 2022-2023 with a class size of 30 pioneers.

According to the Dean of CAS, Dr. April V. Zaballa-Luzon, the successful creation of the new program was a response to the growing population of CSPC, for the needs of the students and also taking into consideration the employment demand. Mr. Rowel Ramos, program chair of BSMath, together with Dr. Ilarde, Mr. Clarence Alib, the program chair of BS Applied Mathematics, and several math faculty, joined together and reviewed the curriculum.

In the initial planning, the proposal is to phase out BS Mathematics from the program offerings and just let the existing batches finish the program, offering instead BS Applied Mathematics for the incoming freshmen.

Dr. Luzon added that in the sub-committee meeting, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) said that BS Mathematics has adhered to the memorandum order given by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), so the board decided to offer both programs in the new academic year.

CAS was once remembered as a part of the CTDE department. Its successful separation was made possible by Dr. Charlito P. Cadag, SUC President III, together with Dr. Amado A. Oliva Jr., Vice President for Academic Affairs, members of the Administrative and Academic Council, the Board of Trustees chaired by Comm. Aldrin Darilag, Dean of CAS, Dr. April V. ZaballaLuzon, Dean of the College of Technological and Developmental Education, Dr. Arly B. Balimbing, and the faculty.

According to Dr. Luzon, the separation of CAS and CTDE does not mean a conflict between the two colleges, but rather a separation for the growth of two colleges.

ng may bagong bahay ang Arts and Sciences and considering also that education is pangeducation lang,” added Dr. April Z. Luzon.

Upon creation on June 1, 2021, CAS started academic year 2021–2022 with two existing programs, namely Bachelor of Arts in English Language Studies (AB English) and Bachelor of Science in Mathematics (BSM) that were originally under the College of Education, Arts and Sciences (CEAS), and was added by three more programs, which are Bachelor’s in Public Administration (BPA), Bachelor of Human Services (BHumServ), and Bachelor of Science in Development Communication (BS DevCom).

At present, CAS has a total of 780 students enrolled and still counting, which is close to their 830 target of enrollees.

To expand and create a bigger community, Dr. Luzon said that CAS will offer many programs in the future. “At present, I am currently conducting a feasibility study on the offering of a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management (BSEM) and then a Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW),” said Dr. Luzon. It is a contributor to the growth of the academe as a thriving college if these studies result in success.

“Considering that there is an expansion of different programs, we feel that kailangan na

Moreover, as stated by Dr. Luzon, this will only be possible with the support of the administration and with the strength and determination of the faculty.

PIONEER. Paul David N. Luna (right), one of the pioneers of Bachelor of Science Major in Applied Mathematics program, first year student, receives his gift for actively participating in a question and answer portion game by the CAS Dean, Dr. April-Zaballa Luzon (left) during the CAS Orientation Seminar last August 15, 2022, at Ground floor, CEAS Building, Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges.

-JAMELA HAZEL B. TRANQUILO

PH records 4 monkeypox cases from July to August, 2022 – DOH

STORY BY JOHAN ALVIE P. ABINAL

Starting from the month of July to August, the Philippines has now recorded a total of four monkeypox cases, each clarified as unrelated to one another, the Department of Health (DOH) announced in their press releases.

On July 28, 2022, the DOH confirmed the nation’s initial case acquired by a 31-year-old Filipino citizen came from abroad with emerging cases of the disease of monkeypox via a Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR) test done at the DOH Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

The initial case included 10 close contacts, according to a press release from the department dated July 29. The department then declared the case’s recovery and release from isolation on

Saturday, August 6.

Two consecutive cases, both Filipino nationals, confirmed positive on RT-PCR tests from August 18 to 19, according to a press release issued by the department on August 19. The second case involves a 34-year-old who has no close contacts, while the third case involves a 29-yearold who has 17 close contacts and is currently being identified.

Furthermore, on Tuesday, August 23, the department announced the country’s fourth case as a 25-year-old Filipino, detected and confirmed positive on a RT-PCR test done on August 19. The case, however, unlike the previous cases, doesn’t have any travel history from other countries with confirmed cases of the disease.

According to the department, all four cases are unrelated and were subjected to careful

isolation and surveillance in order to recover from the disease.

The agency now collaborated with members of the Philippine Inter-agency Committee on Zoonosis (PhilCZ), including the Departments of Agriculture (DA) and Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), to run the country’s multisectoral coordination mechanisms for readiness and response to the monkeypox virus, which is one of the World Health Organization’s Temporary Recommendations (TRs) (WHO).

The department added that the implementation of interventions and public awareness are still on the move to further avoid cases of the disease. These include minimizing close contact with the suspected cases and maintaining proper hygiene, such as washing hands and using proper respiratory etiquettes.

Monkeypox Cases

FROM

admire every single day. The true spirit of service and volunteerism from you as a future nurse will bring beacon of home”. Dr. Cadag stated as he gave his inspirational message.

Meanwhile, the college president emphasized, “Always follow and adhere to the commandments of giving care, expressing love, and the selfless act of thinking of other people over self. With dedication, commitment, and diligence, you will make it far and continue to bring honor to our institution, to your family, and most of all, do this for yourself. “

He ended his message with a quote from Carrie Latet, “A nurse will always give us hope and

an angel with a stethoscope.”

The Nightingale’s Pledge of Loyalty was led by Ms. Shanny O. Buenaventura, RM, RN, MAN A plaque of appreciation was presented by Dr. Charlito P. Cadag, SUC President III, together with Dr. Amado A. Oliva Jr., VP for Academic Affairs, and Dr. Leni M. Malabanan, the College Dean.

A closing remark was given by Mrs. Lea Anne A. Mediado, MAN and Clinical Coordinator.

“Long Live” by Taylor Swift was the chosen batch song, and students gave precious flowers as a sign of gratitude to their proud parents.

The event was hosted by Mr. Joseph Neil M. Dela Cruz., RN and Ms. Mary Ivy L. Malapo., MAN.

CSPC BSN Batch 2025

Photo Credit: NIAID/NIH/SPL

COVAX Facility to restore expired and expiring COVID-19 shots freely

STORY BY REGINE RICAFRENTE

By the Numbers

4 2 5 M

3 6 M

Moderna

Source: Statement reported by the former Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Jose ‘Joey’ Concepcion III

Due to declining vaccine protection, a low incidence of booster vaccinations, and the existence of rapidly proliferating coronavirus variants, the number of cases in the Philippines is currently on the rise again, this led the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) facility to exchange expired and expiring vaccines freely in order to offer good quality supply of immunizations which are both safe and effective to the Filipino people.

prevent recipients from receiving their second booster injection.

Concepcion added that the final tally of expired COVID vaccines in private sector warehouses reached a total amount of 4,252,830 vaccines, 3.6 million doses of Moderna vaccines have expired on July 27 while 623,000 AstraZeneca doses are now to expired on July 31 converting to a loss of $100.1 million, about of P5.1 billion.

have been fully-vaccinated while “Almost 6.8 million senior citizens are already injected.

Alongside, about 1.5 million have received their 2nd booster shots. Greater than 67.4 million Filipinos have completed vaccination against COVID-19. Of the figure, only a total of 12.9 million have gotten their booster shots.

NO PAIN, NO GAIN Girl squints her eyes as she was injected with her first dose of vaccine by a college volunteer from the College of Health Sciences of Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC), during the DOH’s Bayanihan, Bakunahan, vaccination drive that took place last November 30, 2021 at the CSPC Gymnasium.

-JAMELA HAZEL TRANQUILO

In a statement reported by the former Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Jose ‘Joey’ Concepcion III, the late approval of the Department of Health (DOH) and the Health Technology Assessment Council (HTAC) in allowing 50 years old and older as well as for 18 to 49 years old with extra diseases to get their second booster shot is the reason that

However, the Department of Health (DOH), Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire confirmed that they had already an agreement with COVAX facility in replacing the expired and expiring vaccines with a new one, she therefore cleared that there are scheduled dates of exchanging it from the private sector and the local government units since they still have an enough vaccines supply.

Meanwhile, Vergeire stated that more than 71.9 million Filipinos have been fullyvaccinated in August 8, 2022. Also, 9.7 million adolescents along with higher than 4.2 million children

Additionally, on the latest data released by the DOH, there are 16.6 million Filipinos are already done with their booster shots and 71.9 million are now fully vaccinated.

Furthermore, Vergeire concluded that the deliveries would begin in December and go on throughout the month of January and February, so the nation started to administer the second COVID-19 booster doses to those who have a good immune system.

Moreover, authorities have been urging unvaccinated people and those who are eligible for booster shots to get immunized in order for them to have their additional protection.

“Hitler massacred three million Jews. There are three million drug addicts. There are. I’d be happy to slaughter them.”

These words, uttered by former President Rodrigo Duterte during his term, have become a notorious line worldwide, sculpting him the image of a ruthless and violent leader. After such statement gained attention, Duterte immediately apologized for using the Holocaust as a reference to justify his War on Drugs. Was it out of respect to the victims of the heinous genocide or just for show?

A light was instantly shed on the question –whether the number in his statement was true. Are there really three million illegal drug users in the Philippines?

According to Duterte’s figures, “drug addicts” would make up 3% of the Filipino population. However, statistics indicate the opposite. In 2015, the Philippine Dangerous Drugs Board recorded 1.8 million drug users. 47% of these people were thought to be using shabu, also known as crystal meth, a drug of top concern in the country. A person who has used illegal drugs at least once in the past year is referred to as a “user” in this context.

The former president’s frequent use of the term adik – one with a very negative connotation in the Filipino language – is aligned with his belief that illegal drug users are beyond the chance of redemption. His claims include shabu users having shrinking brains and describing them as those who are “no longer viable as human beings in this planet”. These imply that rehabilitation is not an option.

This view is shared by many Filipinos, and had been the stigma on drug use for decades. In the early 1970s, drug users were described as “mental and physical wrecks”, calling them saboteurs who were worthy of the foulest punishments. It is also common knowledge that at some point, drug addicts either become useless or a danger to society.

Sentiments pertaining to religious faith were rampant in the widespread support of Duterte’s War on Drugs. Anti-drug posters with messages like “Get high on God, not on drugs.” are sprawled across towns and cities.

In line with the Christian commandment that thou shall not kill, many Filipinos think that drug addicts should not be killed. Contrary to this belief, many see that the extrajudicial killings perpetrated by Duterte and his goons in the police are a necessary evil that would get rid of a far worse menace in the society: drug addicts.

Despite the Filipino population being a conservative and religious society, 78% of adults said they were pleased with Duterte’s declaration of war on drugs and its results. It goes against the popular norm of helping hands and the famous Christian campaign on forgiveness when people believe that eradication is better than rehabilitation.

places into cemeteries where mourners convene, each carrying a memento of a loved one who had fallen victim to a so-called war.

Since Duterte explicitly declared the call for police to kill drug users and drug dealers, vigilante purges had been rampant. In his first year as president, over 9000 people had been accused of drug use and dealing, and had been killed. About one-third of this number was by police during anti-drug raids and operations. Although portrayed as acts of selfdefense, these police killings are believed by many to be staged and planned. Most incidents involve unplugged street lights and security cameras, and drug packets and rusty pistols planted on the accused drug user/dealer after the shooting. What’s more off-putting is the statistic that most War on Drugs victims come from marginalized sectors.

While leaders are supposed to serve the people and provide them with a peaceful life, the exact opposite happened. Sudden gunshot sounds being heard in the dark of the night became a common occurrence, and people had no choice but to stay silent in confines of their homes because the streets felt like the most dangerous place to be in. No volume of scream is heard for the roles had turned upside down, and the ones who are supposed to protect the people had become the ones hunting them down.

9,000+

people had been accused of drug use and dealing, and had been killed

The war that the president promised to cleanse the land had tainted the way of life instead –strengthening injustice while falling deaf to the cries of the oppressed. Ranks define absolute power. Badges determine rationality and innocence. Duterte saved his men while thousands of women lost theirs – husbands, fathers, and sons.

A few years since the War on Drugs peaked, justice remains far from the outstretched hands of families left behind. Poor families – which, without a shock, have been where most extrajudicial killing victims came from – have long since been seeking for some sort of penance or atonement on the side of the authorities as mere compensation for the crimes they have committed against the citizens. Still, the perpetrators show no remorse for the violations of human rights they committed, no matter how legally and morally unjustifiable they are. The large-scale and egregious violations of human rights amount to state-sanctioned murder, yet no one is held accountable.

In the 6 years of former President Rodrigo Duterte’s term, it seemed like crying women on television had been a casual sight at dinnertime. Grieving families are all over the news – hands trembling, eyes red – screaming for justice.

Duterte’s promise of hope – ridding the nation of illegal substances – had turned into darkness that crawled over the land, making the most peaceful of

Families of slain victims are left with no choice but to relive the happy memories of their loved ones and try to use them to mask their gory end. Out of sight but never out of mind, the bereaved cope up with the loss through cemetery visits – heading into a landscape of niches and crypts while whispering apologies to each gravestone they hop over – to light a candle and give a silent prayer to the ones they miss.

The philosophy of illegal drug use

Extrajudicial killing: A necessary evil? Violence through and through

The hopeless and endless search for peace

“

Behind cheerful smiles hide the most pain. The uncontrollable feeling of sadness and emptiness. From the brightest light comes the darkest shadows. Moments of doubt lurk in the corners of a box full of happiness. It is those hidden in a more dangerous form. The smallest sparks cause fire to burn those trying to conceal it in.

The life of an academic student who is lively, active, and restless outside seems unstained. Academic achievements left and right as he pushes himself to his limits. His energy wasn’t seen to lessen as he tries to earn money through a business. He was living his life as others say. No one knows what’s behind him and even his eyes don’t seem restless.

He has a healthy social life. Travelling to different places with friends whom he considers family. Going on trips to loosen up after weeks of academic workload and catching up with his circle. As a good friend he wants to be, tries to be there for everyone. His business was doing great. Able to help him pay for the enjoyment he wanted but not the illegal ones. Though it went through ups and downs, it was able to stand after a year. It then closed as time management wasn’t enough.

He has a bright future ahead but its light created his own shadow. The overwhelming tiredness as the darkness creeps in. The energy has reached its minimum. Feelings surpassed for the day, trying to escape from his eyes and silent cry wanting to scream. He’s one of the 3.6 million Filipinos who experiences mental health issues.

One of Many but Luckier than Others

The COVID-19 made mental health crises online. According to the National Statistics Office, it is the 3rd most common morbidity and cause of death among Filipinos. This cannot be further from the truth as 16.8% of ages 13 to 17 attempts suicide. Luckily for him, it was never imagined. He instead overthinks of the future as he builds it causing anxiety which is also experienced by an estimated number of 6 million

of his countrymen.

Not being able to open up to his family, he carried the weight alone. Fortunately, even shared, familial problems will not cause his mental health status to worsen. This is not new to them as his youngest brother has autism. Mentally-ill Filipinos are subject to rejection and disownment from their families as they believe that mental disorders can be inherited. This causes them to not seek psychological help.

In the Philippines, the top most barrier for people to seek help is the stigmatized attitude towards mental health and illness based on studies. Even fighting to break that stigma, he tries not to consider asking help as he views it as a weakness. Competitive academically and in life, there is no room for vulnerability in him. He becomes an unrealistic pessimist and optimist.

Not only him, many are auspicious. Mentally ill people would either need help if they suffer severe functional impairment or overcome and recover from it. They are expected to recover fully in a short period, even if only the acute illness model is applied thus, oversimplifying mental illness.

Albeit being part of the society where high expectations results to aggravate the mental

health crisis, he does not divulge into others’ but of himself. He opts to always beat himself to further satisfy his academic validation which is just indirectly from others. Both egotistic and needy at the same time.

How He Handles while Should Be Handled

He is not professionally diagnosed but, with what he’s experiencing, he tries to mend it through social relationships as he opens up to his closest friends. It helps lessen the carried weight and gives assurance of support. A similar treatment is given to those diagnosed through psychological evaluation depending on their cases.

Different classes of mental illness call for different types of treatment. There are psychiatric, medical, and social treatment. The psychiatric and medical treatment comes from psychometricians which involves medications not to cure but improve symptoms of mental health illness. Social treatment can come from family members, friends, and most importantly psychotherapists for counseling.

STORY BY FERNAN MATTHEW A. ENIMEDEZ

Even with the need and want to recover, it is still not accessible to everyone. Rural areas lack the services. Treatments come with a large payment thus, the economically disadvantaged and those affected with the increasing inflation rate are left to suffer and disregard this.

Mental Health as a Public Issue

The Department of Health (DOH) Mental Health Unit launched the “Lusog-Isip App.” It is a software application that provides a toolkit which will aid and improve mental health conditions. Workbooks, exercises, journals, and self-care reminders are included in the said toolkit. Even with these types of programs, the government still lacks the support to fight against the mental health crisis.

The government only spends 0.22% of its budget for mental health expenditures. It increased to 5% as Mental Health Care Law and Mental Health Act were approved and established even without the economic support to organizations who formulate and implement mental health legislation and policies. The budget augmentation still can’t provide to many, especially that the pandemic has increased the risk of mental health due to its militaristic approach in

dealing with COVID-19.

Condemned by the United Nations, the Philippines still continues with militarization as it tries to revive the mandatory ROTC. This will alleviate the mental health crisis as potential violence is implied. Studies show that police are viewed as figures of impunity that needs to be feared. It does not only affect those who have but children who may develop mental health illness as it impacts their psychological development.

He who experienced and has the same sentiments with those who destigmatize and raise awareness about mental health strive for the bright light as they battle their own shadows. They ignite the call for accountability to those who should and must fight with them. The illumination of that light will help people see the importance of mental health and how it affects the society.

INNOCENCE

BY SARAH JOY DOLON

This is my inner child

Every idea in my mind is still mild, I don’t mind.

Sense of ideas are fresh, When all I know is to wash the dish.

I preferred reading a book, And look, I know how to cook, Than being in love and feeling broke. This is my blind eye, Just watching people passing by. I don’t understand anything, They say it is exciting, I find it boring.

BUSY BUT NOT EASY

BY SARAH JOY DOLON

Growing up is exhausting, Every responsibility is demanding. The forward and tick of the clock, You can’t make it backward, time is being locked.

Taking a journey is fun. You will stumble if you run, Just walk and don’t carry the bulk. Being faster can’t guarantee you becoming a master.

Imagine driving a car, speed is a risk. It brings you inside a bar and every step is stumbling on a brick. Your work is not in a rush, You can sit for a while and stare at the flowers in the green bush.

In this world full of “I am busy”, Be a person that believes in “Just take it easy”.

INK LIES

BY MARY FRANCE ZARATE

The burning passion ignited, when your tip rubbed my surface. Whispering words of delight, in perfect syllables and rhymes.

The friction between, making scribbles. Pounding hearts, beating in doubles. Rising and falling, the rhythm’s in trouble. Thoughts in great thirst— uncontrollable.

Brought me to a place, and I know not a phrase to give the best description, for the ease of this explosion.

But then, I realized. That a poet’s wonderland, is a place, where the Ink lies.

ARTWORK BY JANICAH PAULA JANE

MY SHIP

BY NOEMI VALENZUELA

To hold and fight, In darkness there’s always a light, No matter what’s wrong or right, Possibilities or what it might be.

No matter how highOr in downfall, Is it true or lie, I can’t recall.

I only know that this is mine, While sailing here I am fine, This is my ship, No one can reap.

I will protect at all cost, No matter if I am lost, In this sea we’re out of post, To travel is what I love the most.

I would not let go, Or surrender this, I can fight the foe, For father that I miss,

I only know that this is mine, While sailing here I am fine, This is my shipNo one can reap.

MY SAFE PLACE IS NOT MY DREAM PLACE

BY SARAH JOY DOLON

I don’t want the glimpse of light over there, But, it’s dark here.

I love being quiet, But, noise is exciting like a drum sound made by a bucket. Only the four corners of my room hear me singing from my heart, How does it feel when the crowd starts hearing me out?

I’m safe with my own way, But it drowns me day by day. I want to step out, Can someone help me to fill my selfdoubt?

I’m feeling alone, I’m in my comfort zone.

LOSING BUT GAINING

BY SARAH JOY DOLON

You’re losing something But, you are slowly winning. You’re carrying a pail of water, Every forward, there’s a spill after. Those drops that are taken away, Help to lighten the burden.

Have courage in taking the risk, Even if it’s painful like stepping on a brisk.

Challenges will surely cause you pain, But always remember that your efforts will not be in vain.

ARTWORK BY JANICAH PAULA JANE

ALICE FELL FOR

HER: Wonderland

BY MARY FRANCE ZATE

Not a story of once upon a time; unlike your cliche storylines. Neither does it begin with a long time ago, It’s a completely different show.

This is not an old tale where a knight in shining armor prevails. Not a moment where Princesses in Distress, will be saved by knights in shining armor.

Revived with a kiss that’s Snow White. Ever heard of a supposed wonderful moment stolen by midnight? Or the Beauty that softens the heart of the grumpy beast?

Well, for Alice that’s not the case.

There’s more for Alice the wonderland, many times she heard that, maybe thousands. There’s a lot out there, it might be true.

Hence, wonderland is the place where her heart belongs.

Places dressed as fine as tuxedos are not for her, bold as rocks but she can be bolder. Tough and strong as they describe, but in Wonderland she was deeply divided.

Wonderland: often mistaken for its weak foundation, when observed outside without further speculation.

Surpassed many storms but they didn’t know, debris of these challenges never show.

Princesses were for Princes and stay in the castle, with these stereotypes she might have settled.

Shall the Queen of Hearts behead the matchmaker, if She, her Wonderland is Alice’s happy ever after?

ENCHANTED

BY SARAH JAY DOLON

Welcome to my world,

My story will unfold. Nobody told, but inside my memory, fancy it holds. I love fantasy that makes my sense happy,

Though, I know it is just imaginary. You can’t blame me in imagining things, For me, the pleasure it brings. In my own mind I found my solace. It’s exciting, like a kid learning how to tie a shoelace. It’s fun here, It’s tiring to run from problems over there. I want this reality to be fantasy. I want this imaginary, to be reality.

THINKING ‘BOUT ALICE

BY LOUIE JAY CORPORAL

I should be thinking about Alice in Wonderland

Little did I know it wasn’t her I was thinking of I kept on pushing this mind to write about Alice

But why should it be you to take this space, Chine?

WONDER THIS LAND

BY LOUIE JAY CORPORAL

Blue skies turning white, gray, then black?

Felt and seen by those naked blind eyes Come, let’s wonder this land together Ain’t an adventure, but a trip of truth or lies

First stop, we’ll look on a fabulous throne Crafted and shined by a hand from the past

Thinking it was stolen from them, sure it wasn’t Making him [them] eager to take it back, so he did

We’ll continue, a destination not so far from here Group of well-known people we will see; deceivers

They play this POLY[i] that TIC[K]S you around Ending we are the toys of these puppets of him

Keep a good grip and a massive fall is ahead of us

We don’t call it slums, this is the normality of life People starve, cry, and suffer; he’d never see them That’s how his throne shines and blinded him, or us?

YOU ARE NOT YOU

BY NOEMI VALENZUELA

In this world of thousand ones, Pleasing others is always fun, But the reality might be none, If you are true to no one.

Dearest folks, or friends, or you who joined This trip ends for a while right here There’s so much more to see and know And it’s up to you to Wonder this Land.

Hear ye! Hear ye! Hot issues, bombarding the campus! Put together, ready to lash you, Striking the stars, seeking for truth.

Never be disheartened, In lieu be enlightened, Tighten the grip, Truth knows no limit,

Rumors are compiled, Fact-checked and newly-wired. The Ispay has come; Want to experience one hell of a ride?

Students with grievances, Ranting here and there. Are they really backstabbers? Or simply melancholies?

Whilst some are super excited, Regardless if commuting can be costly. Face-to-face class returns. Finally, OOTD is alighted, Can be clothed drastically, aesthetically. Not just white and blue, bedighted.

But have you heard?

This young lady was forcely stopped, Because she was wearing a crop top, Outside the gate she awaits and kaboom, was flopped!

Oh, should she go home? Should she wait? Then she saw this other girl, Could this be, she passed through, Eyes widened, was she wearing crop too?

And as we walk by, and passed the cafeteria, It was like a crawling wisteria, For a full seat, we suggest, lunch at, one zero slash zero one.

Delicious foods are mouth-watering, really, But the price can be even worse, eerie. It can make your head dizzy, Because even noodles and water, Can make your pocket illy.

Fortunately, student meals, are student-friendly Our advice, however, is to bring your own water, Sodden. Never drink by the faucet! So you won’t be bed ridden.

Cameras are everywhere, Photographers passing by, Just shout “papitik!”, And be in your full smiles.

Just a friendly prod, To be kind and never be mad, If your picture was not posted. They are not paid. Pretty sure, we don’t want, Our personal space invaded.

Look around, cause you might just be, their next stunning subject, see. Sessions could make you look disheveled, But when you step out the room, Go and be on your next level!

Have you heard about this department? Their population is much higher this acad year. Intramurals champions, might we foresee? You reckoned it right!

Most of them have T-square and tube, crutching on their shoulder.

Their costly calculators are prepared,

even if knowledge is lacking. In their quizzes you might shed, Foreheads furrowed, and eyebrows meet.

Slowly getting back to normal, scared. Our mind seems to have undergone hiatus as well, Catching up is doubled, You might just pray tell.

Good thing some instructors are willing, For considerations are unending. You may ask questions repeatedly, and they may still explain calmly. Thus, it may be unlucky how, some reply might be, “It’s an old topic; you ought to be, aware of this topic, shouldn’t you be?”

Maybe the coffee company is overjoyed, For students who review thoroughly, and for the courage of those who always rely on their classmates; We’re reminding you, “Aral-aral din mga bhie!”

There is, nevertheless, a salute, Instructors are also adjusting. Burn out the institutions as cool as their performance be, The month of October meets the heroes of normalcy.

We know our teachers aren’t perfect, And college studs are often nervous, So forgiveness and understanding is the secret, For quality education and service.

The first semester haven’t reached its peak, And In terms of officerships, Some had became statues, Might we ask, “Where might you be?”

No spot, no nothing, Not even a progress, Seems like your positions, are just for acting.

We have wound up some departments, Posting neatly their meetings, Or if not, Aesthetic at its finest, But where’s the agenda, was it all for show?

F2f classes is back, So are our activities and events, To officers in charge, Be sure you know your responsibilities.

But wait! Pls’ and Dls’, are posted, Exclusive for this one department, Was a staggering event; Achieved and awarded.

Other depts however, Could only cheer, “Sana all.”

Congratulations! Nonetheless, not having honors, Won’t be making you any less.

We have arrived at the conclusion. Thank you, for you made it to the end. The flower’s odors and fragrances have faded. Truths, whether painful or blissful, Never forget, No secrets can be ever kept a secret.

Make sure you’re prepared for the next Ispay! Our eyes and ears are never closed. We’ll be ending this for now, And thanks for passing by.

LIFE BEHIND THE SCENE

STORY BY JHEA MAE COMANDANTE

“Padagos na pagbulos ag para sa mas urog pang mauyay na buhi”. Padagos na ipipakita ag ipibulos ana obra ag talento niya sa kabilogan nin medya ag arte; serbisyo di sana sa pagbulos nin obra pati serbisyo sa banwaan bilang usad na Cultural Worker na nagibuo nyana sakanyang pagkatawo.

It was a long journey before he embraced that his life was already dedicated to serve and create art through multimedia; meaningful contents and originates a story that has culture and narrative behind it. The never-ending process gave him the opportunity in order to mold his true identity through his creations. Pibansagang “Esad sa PRIDE nya mga BUHINON”; he is the reflection of true passion and was seen as one of the notable individuals’ that brings a ray of hope in the small town of buhi.

Sir Ryan C. Cuatrona, 27 years of age, was born at the foot of a non-existent hill that they call Besay at Barangay Sta. Elena, Buhi, Camarines Sur. He refers himself as a Cultural Worker. Someone who facilitates culture and arts related activities and projects in order to establish cultural education, awareness and appreciation among members of the community. He already participated a lot in projects such as film making, theater show and short animated films that was recognized and appreciated by many. He is also the head of Project Susog, a cultural organization in Buhi that uplifts the ideology of preserving the towns’ culture.

The Making of HINULID

The film was all about a mother who lost her only son and travels back home via train. During the long and sad journey, she reckons and

reconcile with the things that happened in the past, reflecting deeply on their experiences as mother and son. Hinulid was a very unexpected and nostalgic film you would ever see. The film was a drama but it was said that it is mostly associated as a Regional Cinema. Sir Ryan was part of the making. He worked as a production designer together with Ms. Celine Belino. It was a tough experience because his responsibility is all about the over-all aesthetics of the film. Majorly begins from ranging the locations to be utilized, the costumes that is to be worn, and the items or props that are needed for the set. “Becoming part of a full-length film production is new to me during those times in 2015. Although I am familiar with the rigors of a film production, my existing experience is only limited to 3D animated short films. Hinulid is a different thing” he said. It was a new step to him as someone who creates film through 3D animated films and was given a chance and was exposed to work on a real-time film production project. There is no playbook or guidelines to follow, only the existence of the script and the instinct to design, he mentioned.

“Hinulid is an independent film, it is indeed challenging for we have only a limited budget to use. We need to be resourceful with the utilization of props and the set itself, Logistics is also a big challenge since we shot the film in different locations which means we need to transport all of our costumes, props, and other set designs from one point to another. We need to plan it very carefully making sure that nothing is left behind. I remember one instance where Ate Guy decided to take a ride on the jeepney where the props are loaded. We were the last one to leave the HQ. Delaying our preparation time, Nonetheless, Ate Guy enjoyed the ride”. Even though there were encounters of hindrances and difficulties, Sir Ryan kept giving all his very best to make sure that his role and responsibility will be reached. He also shared that there was this one time where he must make sure that the needed things for the set must be secured and safe at the back of the truck on the way to pasacao; in that reason he needed to seat at the back of the truck to monitor the things for security and safety. The film was nominated along with some of the higher and equally good films, it was surely a feeling of fulfillment and a memoir to hold on. He was also in joy when they were told that during the deliberation at the category for the Best in Production Design, Hinulid and the other film entitled Saving Sally was just par from each other. As his first time in real-time production ended, he said, “There are many hardships in a production, nevertheless it is always satisfying to see your work on the big screen. There are so many new things that I learned during those days. But one thing for sure is that I was never the same person in terms of my perspective in looking at films after we finished our production. From then on whenever I watch film, I usually think at the side how the production of the particular film was done. Also, it gave me motivation to do my own film in the future.”

“Sa Ikapitong Aldaw”, a 2-days Theater Show that was shown publicly and was held at Buhi, presented last 2019, May 21-22. The show is all about three sinarapans; about how a lot of changes happened in the “Banwaan”, or in the town of Buhi, the home of the smallest fish the sinarapan. From the very first day, everything was bountiful and the three sinarapans were doing great yet in the coming days people started to destroy the eco-community, reaching climax, the sinarapans were perished and only one survived. Sir Ryan arranged the show together with his existing organization, the Project Susog. He was the Creative Director and the Main Producer of the show and he also took part in writing and translating the script. Taking up the summary of his role, behind the scene, he was the center mind of the creative show. “Generally, I was the over-all idea of the community theater [Sa Ikapitong Aldaw].”

The inspiration behind is that since Buhi has its own tradition or culture of doing theaters during late 70’s and 80’s era, he wanted to bring back again these kind of activities, not just the goal for entertainment but also for giving an eyeopener show and stories about Buhi. “I though it is great to revitalize it in a contemporary way”. The experience he had was unforgettable since everything went smoothly as planned. Everyone who was behind the show really helped him a lot throughout the process. From the technical side; music; dancers and actresses; costume and props making; everything was done by hand and all the sacrifices for practicing and directing every day without rest but it was a success that is to be remembered. “I asked for help from my friends in Sining Banwa and also from Mr. Arnold Zaballa to help me put up this community theater. To

be honest, I was not expecting for a grand show. But with their help and the help of our PSusog volunteers, with a very short time that we had, we were able to deliver a memorable show that town has never seen.”

Other Works and Achievements

Living his life from behind the scene, every project he do does not only limits his consistency from contributing such a small effort but it takes both time and effort before he creates a new work and be successful. It took him years before he achieved so many great results. Aside from Hinulid and Sa Ikapitong Aldaw that are his existing successful “obra”, he also created a lot of short animated films and was involved in various creative projects in the past 4 years. He also created virtual shows during the pandemic. He was part of the biggest collaboration and project amongst artists where they need to create a virtual show. Last year, 2021, the Annual Anyagan Festival in Buhi was successfully done despite having a lockdown. Gathering into one project, all of the talented Buhinon Dancers and Choreographers will be attending a special 10-day Christmas Dance Drama Show. It has episodes that is uploaded each day and also has different plots and stories.

Recently, he was also named by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) as one of their finalist for the Sine Kabataan 5 for his new work, a 2D-3D animated short film entitled Kalumbata. He is still pursuing and continuing his passion through the field of film and art. He is currently working also as a resident artist in Savage Mind: Arts, Books, Cinema [the creative heart of Naga]. He design books for them and other universities and independent presses in both inside and outside of the region. In terms of talking about embodiment of dedication and an inspiration in embracing such passion that

became his greatest endeavor in his life, Sir Ryan is surely that person.

Having all those experiences in different fields that he had taken, the sense of fulfillment was the representation of his unending accomplishments.

“

I make it sure that whenever there is a chance for collaboration or partnership that will benefit my cause as a cultural worker or me as an artist, I always grab it. For me these projects gave me the necessary values and skills that I need to have in order to be better in this field that I chose. I never get tired, I think, emotionally whenever it is for the promotion of culture and the arts.”

Ending the interview with Sir Ryan, he left us his two quotes that he always speak for everyone. There are two phrases that I use whenever I end my talks or speech. It is “Padagos sa pagbulos” and “Para sa mas urog pang mauyay na Buhi.

For the first phrase it poses a challenge to everyone to always continue the works that they are doing may it be on their chosen field of interests or in the arts. That they should never stop like the waters in the rivers, unceasingly flowing. Do not yield for the things that you love. The second phrase serves as a prayer to everyone, to always aspire for a better society. For us to participate in building a just and beautiful life for everyone.”

Sir Ryan’s story doesn’t just end here but rather it is the continuation of his story that unfolds the new chapter of his life behind the scene. Padagos.

The first Community Theater: Sa Ikapitong Aldaw

It is always tiring (physically) yet fulfilling. I actually never asked myself when to stop or when do I rest

Stifling the Greatest Storms

STORY BY ALYSSA FRANZ A. UVERO

Sierra Madre spans over Northern Luzon

Being great sources of food, medicinal products, fresh water, energy, and biodiversity, mountain ranges prove to be beneficial to people living in lowlands. They bring life small and large rivers and play a vital role in the water cycle which is essential to activities of settlements downstream.

The Backbone of Luzon

Proudly dubbed as the Backbone of Luzon, the mountains of Sierra Madre is home to a huge number of species – both abundant and threatened ones. The Sierra Madre is Luzon’s greatest defense against typhoons. It is a 500-kilometer-long mountain range that stretches along the east coast like a strong spine keeping the Philippines upright.

Aside from serving as home to humans and wildlife, it’s most notable function is acting as a natural shield against storms about to slaughter the country. It is considered to be the best hope of Filipinos in surviving many natural disasters. Spanning 10 provinces, the Sierra Madre protects 50 million lives in Luzon.

Patching Up the Damage Threats to the forests

Humans have always been the greatest threat to this planet. The Sierra Madre is no exception to this environmental onslaught. Human activities such as mining, deforestation, and construction are slowly chipping away at Luzon’s natural shield.

In 2010, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reported a total of 161,240 hectares of loss in the forests of Sierra Madre starting from 1988. This land area is equivalent to three quarters of Metro Manila. Geographic information revealed that notable areas with huge forest loss can be found along the edges of the mountain range, in the provinces of Cagayan and Isabela. These losses were mostly caused by illegal logging.

Many portions of the mountain range were also converted to open forests to make way for the construction of roads and mining activities, mostly in Nueva Ecija and Isabela. Projects of infrastructure along the edges of the mountains destroy virgin forests, result in widespread fires or slash-and-burn farming, ruin protected areas, and displace indigenous tribes.

Wastes from mining activities also pollute the oceans when there is heavy downpour on the mountain side.

Mountains have always been prone to land degradation, deforestation, and climate change.

The Revised Forestry Code was passed in 1975. This is a legislative code for forest management and utilization that remains as the basis to this day. Current laws only address issues on extraction instead of forest protection and conservation.

While there are laws made to protect our forests, they can only do so much against the shameless mining companies, illegal logging operations, and armed men that are common guards in places far from the public’s eye.

Due to the worsening impacts of climate change, numerous environmental groups advocate for the inclusion of strengthened and more critical provisions to forest governance. Such provisions are deemed to be essential to protecting one of our greatest shields against calamities.

However, environmental advocates, no matter how willing and dedicated, can only make so much noise before their voices of reason are drowned out by the sound of bulldozers, chainsaws, and the money these harmful human activities are meant to make.

This is where the ultimate question comes in. Is the environmental damage worth the cost of modernization?

While there are laws made to protect our forests, they can only do so much against the shameless mining companies, illegal logging operations, and armed men that are common guards in places far from the public’s eye.

THE BUFFED: PHILIPPINE ESPORTS’ JOURNEY TO NEXT LEVEL

STORY BY RODELLE HUGO

Heroes in every game always start with level 1 and as the game progresses, they level up, defeat more powerful enemies, upgrade their equipment, and acquire new buffs until the game ends. However, no games are ever remarkably similar, there will always be alterations to be made in every game strategy, adjusting the skills it can emanate and the role that it has in a team battle. Esports’ journey can be paralleled to what a hero started in every game, experiencing various changes and gaining different buffs until it reaches to the next level. Being a dynamic invention that has evolved into cultural phenomena that draw thousands of enthusiastic viewers, its existence has been multinational since their inception.

As time continuously marches towards the future, changing everything that it touches and creating a space for new various things a thousand people to be experienced. Living in an ever-evolving world that changes daily. Innovation affects the present and defines the future. Esport is part of this transition. Esports, an acronym for "electronic sports," elevates online gaming to the level of a spectator sport. While watching video gamers

compete in a virtual setting, spectators can have an experience that is similar to watching a professional athletic event. Consider how exciting it is to watch volleyball stars like Alyssa Valdez and Michele Gumabao if it is hard to see why someone may love watching someone else play a video game. Just as normal sport focuses on physical capabilities that most of the fans prefer watching great athletes compete at the pinnacle of their profession, this is somewhat accurate for those who enjoy watching top video gamers compete.

Esports are video games where people compete against one another virtually in a competition. Practically any game can be used, provided there is a performance metric. Athletes in esports compete in events either individually or as a team. Consisting different variety types, such as fighting games, which became the most popular, racing games, which enables esports athletes to become a driver virtually and compete against other drivers at once, sports games, which based on professional sports like badminton, basketball, and many more, digital card games, which enables players to attack,

cast spells, and perform other actions with cards. First-person shooter (FPS) games are characterized by a first-person point-of-view camera of the character being controlled. Third-person shooter (TPS) games use a camera angle that allows players to see their entire character, instead of just their weapon, and lastly, multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games with two teams against each other on a set area or battlefield.

A further characteristic that makes esports distinct is the fact that an athlete's triumph is unrelated to their weight, height, power, or agility. It is essentially irrelevant whether the gamer is 4'9" or 5'7'' tall, despite the fact that there is unquestionably useful data linking physical health to improved gamer performance. They are both capable of reaching the pinnacle of any game, whether it be Arena of Valor, Dota 2, or another. Esports can even be the playing field for things like region, culture, and gender. This democratization of participation enhances the appeal of esports and creates a fan base that is active across the world. Esports is more scalable and quick-paced than traditional sports, which have physical and space

limitations, because of its focus on digital networks. For instance, because the court could not hold 100 players, volleyball could not be played 50 to 50, new games can be created with indefinitely scaled dynamics, variations, and players thanks to esports. In fact, a new game or update to an established title can make a big difference.

Although the field has its origins in the 2000s, professional players' participation, the introduction of live streaming, and sponsorships did not gain considerable traction in the international eSports industry until the beginning of this decade. The Philippine esports market currently boasts more than 43 million players, and since 2017, this number has been steadily increasing by 12.9% annually. The increasing availability of smartphones and mobile internet contributes to its rise. Mobile Legends, one of the most played Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) games in the nation, is the leading gaming industry. Its daily active user count peaked at 2.65 million in April 2019 and has steadily increased at a CAGR of 8.78% over the previous five months. Other esports games like League of Legends, Tekken 7, Dota 2, and Player Unknown's Battleground (PUBG) contribute a big impact on the developing Philippine esports industry. However, the enthusiasm in domestic esports leagues from the local gaming community has not yet materialized.

The bulk of gamers in Southeast Asia countries, particularly in our nation, use mobile as their preferred gaming platform. However, PC and, to a lesser extent, console games are also well-liked in the Philippines, where 74% of internet users play games on their mobile devices, 65% play PC games, and 45% play games on their consoles, proving that the majority of men and women who access the internet in big cities use their PCs and mobile devices to play games. Yet, just 40% of women play video games on consoles compared to men players.

In the Philippines, a survey by Rakuten Insight found that as of April 2022, 78 percent of female respondents and 85 percent of female respondents reported playing online games. According to the same survey, 80% of Filipino respondents enjoyed playing online games. With more options for participants to compete in both competitive and recreational settings, the esports business has experienced significant expansion over the past ten years. As a result, the sport business has taken note of the rise of esports' exposure and popularity. The study of esports and its environments should be incorporated into sport management research projects, according to a new call to action by academics in the sector. To that aim, this study is one of the first to look into how esports players actually compete, with an emphasis on

whether or not there is antagonism and prejudice between male and female rivals in the gaming community. A research example used the frameworks of normative gender and treatment inequality to examine how male and female esports competitors faced prejudice and hostility in esports playing conditions. The results revealed that male esports respondents reported more incidences of antagonism, whereas female competitors reported more instances of treatment disparity. The results are meant to guide new regulations to promote inviting environments for esports fans, job aspirants in the esports industry, and sport management academics. Homegrown athletes have recently begun to rule their respective esports leagues. Top Mobile Legends Bang Bang player, Jonmar "OhMyV33nus'' Villaluna, is one of these players. OhMyV33nus, a Blacklist International player, defied all expectations to be among the top Filipino e-sports athletes of all time. He, like the majority of e-sports competitors, developed a liking for the activity as a young child. He had an early interest in MMORPG and MOBA games while playing PC games as a child and made the decision to join the local esports scene. “Since I was a child, my dream has always been as simple as playing for a team,” OhMyV33nus shared. “Before, I just used to watch a lot of League of Legends international tournaments. Watching their struggles and winning moments motivated me to become who I am today and inspired me long before esports became popular in the Philippines,” he added. OhMyV33nus, sharing her own struggles and heartbreak, admits it hasn't been an easy road. His achievements were the outcomes of a decade of triumphs and losses. OhMyV33nus is now an International eSports Champion after winning the MLBB M3 World Championship as the team's mid laner. With this success, he gives inspiration to the new generation of Filipino gamers, especially members of her LGBTQ+ community. OhMyV33nus encourages any prospective LGBTQ+ esports athletes to prepare intensely, both physically and mentally, because this sport surpasses all the characteristics we typically see in other sports, including height, race, socioeconomic standing, and sexual orientation. Don't let someone treat you poorly because of your gender or sexual orientation.

The Philippines' ability to fund tournaments and other esports-related activities will depend on how both private players and the national government participate in these initiatives. Competition, production value, and accessibility have been recognized as the three key factors that will propel the sector out of its infancy. All three of these important factors emphasize that cooperation and a significant amount of work are required in order for the Philippine online

gaming market to overcome its difficulties and achieve wide-scale success. This study looks at how the government and industry participants may overhaul the Philippine esports ecosystem, maximizing potential and setting the sector up for future success.

Esports has been one of the first segments of the business to be impacted due to its dependency on live events. Although some esports events are taking place without spectators, the majority have been postponed or canceled. In the short term, it was anticipated that little will change for esports. Even though advertising and broadcasting account for about 75% of esports revenue, the majority of these agreements were made prior to the pandemic. Esports-related revenue would undoubtedly decline if limitations on large gatherings were to remain in place. However, this would not pose an existential threat to the larger industry, as esports make up less than 1% of the gaming market. Despite this, COVID-19 may be helping esports gain popularity. The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang squad, made up of players from the gaming group Blacklist International, won a gold medal at the most recent Southeast Asian Games, while the Philippine Team Sibol took home silver in both the League of Legends and Crossfire competitions. At the mobile League of Legends: Wild Rift competition, GrindSky Eris, an all-female Philippine squad, also won the gold prize.The field has caught the interest of sports leagues from all over the world that are seeking novel ways to engage fans. Several esports contests are being featured on live broadcasts to various social media applications and on TV as broadcasters attempt to replace hours of scheduled sports content that were canceled in the aftermath of the epidemic. Finally, the pandemic might cause esports to become more commonplace. Due to the unusual (and unintentional) adoption of esports by broadcasters, leagues, and sportsmen looking to attract viewers, analysts have referred to esports as being "popularized and legitimized in an unforeseen and deep way."

Esport will probably develop, perhaps even offering something entirely new, much like how heroes develop to their maximum potential until the game ends. Streaming services are widely known, and esports are increasingly televised on television on par with conventional sports. There are no outward indications that the evolution will halt soon. On the other side, esports betting has gone above and beyond by establishing new esports markets in well-known bookies. We may already agree that the decade looks promising. Undoubtedly, new games will be created, new sponsors will show up, and the leading players in the industry will continue to innovate.

MODERN TRAITORS

DANICA ANGEL B. REVILLA

BAYAN O SARILI PUMILI KA

ambitions.

Some sports were left insignificant and not given proper coverage like chess, badminton, bowling, biking and many more where less engagement was generated and events were held occasionally.

participation which may lead to disqualification.

The benefaction of the government for Philippine sports is far more difficult than the journey toward clinching a gold.

The Philippines has a large number of exceptional and skilled athletes but many dexterity have been squandered and ignored for years as a result of succor paucity coming from the society and the authorities. Absolutely, hardship will always be along the road with Filipino athletes facing many of the same difficulties–less attention, scant accessibility, and limited financial aid.

Furthermore, Philippines sports is not an inch headway compared to other countries. Insufficiency is already observed in the athletes. Spaces to be filled in PH sports have been raised but the progressiveness remains invisible. Giving up one’s ethnicity became the solution of some Filipino athletes to escape the penurious treatment they do not deserve.

Naturalization is no new to the sports industry. Since then, it has become customary for one athlete to represent two nations if they hold dual citizenship or decide to alter their nationality in order to raise the flag of another nation.

Disheartening, it is, to see Filipinos giving up their nationality just because of a mediocre need that their country cannot provide. A loss that cuts many opportunities for our country and its people to be known in the field of different sports.

A choice between dream and dignity

Nationalism and patriotism, these two values made us do heroic sacrifices for our country, which became the national spirit to succeed in gaining our own liberty. Thus, our country is one of the 10 patriotic countries in the world.

Like our ancestors, Indios who fight along with invaders are disgraceful. It is a shameful act of treachery and negligence of one’s own origin. These individuals were referred to as “traydor”, a national disgrace. The act is nothing different from the athletes who changed their nationality for fame and honor. But do they merit the moniker “traydor”?

The majority of Filipinos only enjoy basketball, volleyball, and boxing as sports. It is clear from social media views as well as from local and international television companies’ sponsorship and marketing. The majority of opportunities to receive funding and partner with sponsors are offered to the sports with the broadest appeal. Unawarely, major industries and businesses use these sports to unite sister corporations in profitable ventures. It just serves to impose that our nation’s sports system is tarnished by obscene political and business

With this matter, the country lost Wesley So, who is now one of the greatest chess players in the world representing the United States. He is the country’s youngest Grandmaster at the age of 14 and presently ranked fifth overall in the chess world. Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, the no.1 chess player alive, was already defeated by him. The naturalization of So brought him good opportunities abroad. So wanted more tournaments and challenging games that would mold him into a competitive player which cannot be satisfied if he stays to represent the Philippines.

Although business and sports will always be correlated, at some point, it alters the real essence of what the sport is.

Further, sports are allegedly being used as wholesale markets where skill is exchanged for citizenship. For power and pride, other countries are willing to hire skilled alien athletes to be their own puppets just to gain their sport dominance. These countries buy athletes for the distinction of their own state through providing the needs of the athlete in exchange of their nationality –marketed naturalization. Alex Pagulayan and Yuka Saso undergo the same process.

Alex Pagulayan is a professional pool and snooker player who once represented the Philippines and now holds Canadian citizenship. Ugly politics in the local billiards scene is the key master that drove him out from the team. He also admitted that the decision is business related. On the other hand, Yuka Saso, who had dual citizenship before, Filipino and Japanese, decided to keep her Japanese citizenship. Yuka Saso once became 6th best female golfer when she represented the Philippines and won 2 gold medals in Asian games 2028. It was also a business related decision why Yuka Saso kept her Japanese reign.

Wesley So, Alex Pagulayan, and Yuka Saso, among other athletes, are experiencing similar problems as OFWs, seafarers, and medical professionals who have opted to work abroad for higher wages. It simply suggests that athletes need a greener buck to meet their needs and requirements during training sessions and local or international tournaments.

Small-sector athletes who’re having a problem financially are a common prospect of marketed naturalization. Even mentioned in RA 7277 that the use of recreational or sports centers owned or run by the government is free of charge, this does not alleviate the problem of money for marginalized athletes during their social, sports, or recreation activities. These athletes require basic sports equipment, as well as training, which is too costly to add to their everyday expenses. They may also require their support staff, accessible accommodation and training facilities, and specialized training and travel arrangements, making domestic and international travel more difficult and costly. Due to lack of sponsorship, this creates a devastating impact on their

At this point, these athletes have a higher chance to approve other country’s endorsement to be part of their team. With the government’s inconsistent support, some athletes ask sponsors from other countries like Hidilyn Diaz. Diaz admitted that she asked private companies in Tokyo to support her Olympics tournament from 2019 reiterating that the fund solely for Filipino athletes is limited and insufficient.

“At yes, ‘yong budget ay limited din so syempre as an individual na may pangarap para sa Pilipinas, gusto ko makamit ito. Baka pwede ko ‘tong makamit — makamit ang gold medal with the help of private sponsors also with the help din ng PSC. Pero alam naman natin na limited ang funding”, said Diaz in an interview.

Moreover, EJ Obiena, the third-ranked vaulter in the world and the current best in the Philippines, exhibits a strong sense of nationalism. He was offered several passports so that he could play and represent other nations, but he declined and insisted to keep bringing honor and dignity to his country in spite of his financial issues. A volleyball player named Jaja Santiago was also offered a position in the US but turned it down. Four years later, Japan also extended an offer but she declined.

The government should put more emphasis on developing Filipino athletes to be like EJ Obiena and Jaja Santiago. Train athletes not only in physical and emotional skills but also ethically. The Philippines is not just a training field, but also their motherland.

The traitor is no one, neither the athlete nor the government. And so shame is entitled to none.

The PH sports system needs to advance. Pay attention to and promote participation in sports besides basketball, volleyball, and boxing. There is a need to open more competitions for our athletes to be competitive individuals with exquisite skills. Shortcomings of the government should be tampered through equitable funding through building good political relations and business to accommodate the increase of athlete’s salaries - a corruption free arbitration.

In addition, develop quality policies for athletes undergoing naturalization considering that to become a naturalized citizen, one must embrace and become accustomed to the culture, ethnicity, and history of that nation. Naturalization of foreign athletes to Filipino citizens must be further studied as the country has many treasured athletes waiting to be recognized. Give opportunity to fellow countrymen in representing the Philippines. Thus, sports involved in the commercialization of citizenship should receive special attention.

Athletes like So, Pagayunan, and Saso, on the other hand, train hard and have made lots of sacrifices for their aspirations. They serve as excellent examples of inspiration, hope, and optimism. Let them represent other nationalities, if being a Filipino is the only torment in the way of their success. As fellow Filipino all we need to do is to support their flaming passion and heart for what they do because for once they have raised the Philippine flag to the world.

Bicolano para-swimmer Bejino freestyles to gold in the 11th ASEAN Para Games 2022

STORY BY RHOEJ CHRISTOPHER PARCO

Paralympian swimmer Gary Bejino adds another gold medal to his collection after winning the Para Swimming Men’s-100m Freestyle S6 final in the 11th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Para Games last August 5, 2022, in Surakarta, Indonesia.

The swift Bicolano para swimmer notches a record of 1:13.80, grabbing the gold against two Thai para swimmers, Channi Wongnonthaphum, who finished with a period of 1:18.29 seconds, and Boonyarit Payungsakul at 1:27.73 seconds.

The day before the event, he previously clinched the silver medals in the Para Swimming Men’s 50m Freestyle S6 and Men’s 50m Butterfly S6 competitions on August 4, 2022, respectively.

This is Bejino’s third gold all throughout his career, adding the chip to his previous ones from the 2015 and 2017 ASEAN Para Games, both in the 400m Freestyle S7 event. He now has three bronzes, two silvers, and three gold medals from different paraswimming events in the APG.

Meanwhile, the Philippines is coming home victorious after securing the 5th spot overall, earning a total of 104 medals—28 golds, 30 silvers, and 46 bronzes. With this massive haul edition of the National Team, their current performance prodigiously surpassed their last year’s APG participation, creating history itself.

CHARYOT! CSPC Blue Stallion Taekwondo Team hauls medals in Regional Meet

STORY BY RODELLE HUGO

The Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC) Taekwondo team proved once more that its athletes are of a different caliber after bagging several medals in the recently concluded 2022 R5 Regional Kyurugi, Poomsae, and Speedkicking Championship last August 13–14, 2022 at Robinsons Mall, Naga City.

Given only three weeks of training, the Blue Stallions showcased impressive performances in the two-day run event striking three gold, two silver, and five bronze medals across three different categories: Poomsae, Speedkicking, and Kyurugi.

“Happy kami kasi nung 1st day halos lahat nag-gold nung 1st day, tapos nung 2nd day halos lahat naman kami nag bronze medal” said Santiago. “Kahit konting oras lang ‘yong preparation, still, we did our best naman po…Yung goal po talaga namin is experience and yung medals bonus nalang po,” Bayrante added.

The unprepared Stallions bagged three gold medals under the aegis of Rod Joshua Saberon in Senior Speed Kicking (Yellow belt), Arth Emanuel Advincula in Senior Individual Poomsae (blue belt) and Mistyblue Saldo in Senior Individual Poomsae (brown belt).

Taekwondoins Hanie Angel Tanay and Arlan Imperial picked up silver in Senior Individual Poomsae (advance black belt) and Senior Advanced

Kyorugi (yellow belt) respectively.

Adding glints in the bucket, Ma. Rebecca Bayrante, a contender for Senior Advanced Kyorugi (brown belt), Nikolai Alexis Santiago in Senior Advanced Kyorugi (black belt), and Gerald Ariño in Senior Advanced Kyorugi (blue belt) showed off and kicked in bronze medals.

Moreover, Giovanni Froi Quitevis, a representative in Senior Advanced Kyurugi (Red belt) and Peter James Montejo doing his best in Senior Advanced Kyorugi (yellow belt) contributed bronze in the team’s sweet victory.

The squad led and trained by Coach Rolly Bayola and assistant Coach Jobimar Coralde was featured in senior event categories headed by Team Captain Nikolai Alexis Santiago.

“Next tournament we will come back stronger… ’yong goal namin ngayon is yung sa regional, sana mag 1st runner up or 2nd runner up kami”, said Santiago.

However, the team anticipates strong future matches nationally and internationally. Filling the previous practice gap, Blue Stallions is having rigorous training for their upcoming tournament in Daet in November and for Regional SCUAA Meet in January.

“Siguro by March or April, we will try na makanational kami…pero sabi ni Sir Rolly kahit face-toface na, we will try to join internationally through online lang muna,” concluded Team Captain Santiago.

CHEERS FOR GOLD.

Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC) Blue Stallions Taekwondo Team cheers themselves before the competition began in the recently concluded 2022, R5 Regional Kyurugi, Poomsae, and Speedkicking Championship on August 13–14, 2022 at Robinsons Mall, Naga City.

-JHONEL M. LUHAN

BEYOND COMPARE.

Physical disability is not a hindrance for a Bicolano Paralympian Gary Bejino, who won gold medal during the Para Swimming Men’s - 100m Freestyle S6 final in the 11th Para Asean Games last August 5, 2022 at Surakarta, Indonesia. His prowess is indeed beyond compare.

-ARJAY VIBAR

KATHLEA JOY B. BATAN

Meta’s Gambit

It is accounted that the pandemic paves way for people to take vantage of social media, especially Facebook in coping with the economic crisis. Business owners who were forced to close due to health restrictions and sales hitting the rock bottom seek refuge in online marketing. With online classes making students’s schedules a little loose, working students made mileage of live streaming mostly selling preloved clothes.

2022. The company said that the “Live Shopping” tool was not made available in the Philippines and was only available in selected countries as an alternative. They suggested experimenting more with Reels and Reels Advertisements on Facebook and Instagram. They clarified that Filipino live sellers can still do live selling as the comment “mine” basis is different from the feature that Facebook will remove. It brought confusion rather than heeding.

doing Livestream shopping through Facebook may even appear in the company’s perspective as a petty issue, to begin with. Thus, attending to a tiny hole could be done in a jiffy than patching a bigger responsibility or just pretending that an alarming contemporary issue does not exist.

Cybercrime where live selling is somehow connected is way more worthy of their restrictions.

Meta made a swift strategic maneuver in scaling back live shopping as its hype did not reach globally. Although the company is profiting big time in Asia, specifically in China, they are pulling back this business feature as it is appearing that they are modifying their game plan to be more profitable by not settling for less in only one continent. Could this be a sign for Meta to put more advertence on their obligation and responsibilities to their users as notable cybercrime rates spike up higher this time?

NATHANIEL DE JESUS

These were made possible by Facebook when it introduced the Livestream video shopping feature in 2018 and made it available to the public in 2020 after a series of smaller trials and beta testing. It became then a convenient platform for sellers and consumers to interact without any health risk. It will be a large loss, pulling out Livestream shopping in the Philippines only on the ground that they cannot gain popularity outside Asia.

As an update, Meta posted on its blog notifying Facebook users that they will no longer be able to host any new or scheduled live shopping events on Facebook starting on October 1,

In the Face of Peril

Before the coronavirus spread, the administration sought activists, civil rights campaign groups, critics, and journalists who dared to oppose the administration. They were all in for a rough fall, as the government has reprimanded anyone who dares to speak against them.

As they shift their focus to reels or short videos rather than keeping up longer ones like live shopping realizing users find convenience in watching them. It is evident how big the company could gain if advertisements and products are posted here. A user could finish a one full length video if it’s entertaining, however patience is needed if it does not appeal to their taste thus leading them to search for another one which takes longer time than watching. It is just simple as, ‘the shorter the video, the bigger the profit.’ A very wise mindset, could have been better if used for greater goods.

Restricting the Philippines from

Taking down the feature instead of eradicating rampant cyber abuses showed their priority clearer.

Facebook, at the end of the day is still a business for them and us, social media users, well, we are just being used to flourish their banks.

In addition, Facebook has also come under scrutiny due to their failure to control disinformation during the 2022 election. Meta, as the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp and other products and services was known with an aim of helping people, communities, and businesses might

Journalism and the media have undergone a catastrophic transformation in the past decade, upending many facets of how news is made, digested, and transmitted. These digital and societal shifts have ramifications for journalists’ safety. These threats have an effect on society as a whole, as intimidation, denigration, and violence against journalists have repercussions for freedom of expression, democratic principles, and access to information in general. The load borne by Filipino campus journalists in the Philippines is truly staggering. Society continues to disregard these journalists’ cries, despite the fact that they confront ongoing attacks on press freedom and daily threats for transparently reporting the truth.

Rappler, one of the Philippines’ most well-known and prominent news sources, has been skeptical of President Rodrigo Duterte. They investigated extrajudicial killings and broke news about the president. As a result, the site has infuriated Duterte. Maria Ressa, the CEO and Co-Founder of the media organization, was harassed and jailed for libel. Ressa has been detained and has been the target of a continuous campaign of gendered online abuse, threats, and harassment, which resulted in her getting an average of over 90 abusive messages per hour on Facebook at one time. These lawsuits, which are frequently based on meritless or inflated charges, are filed to put pressure on a journalist or human rights advocate rather than to protect a right. Prosecutors and judges have a crucial role in safeguarding journalists against threats and harassment, as well as supporting timely and effective criminal proceedings in the event of an assault.

ABS-CBN, the country’s

largest television network, was also threatened. Worse, they were compelled to close their doors due to media pressure and outrage. Before they could renew their franchise, they were threatened with termination. These attacks came as no surprise to the general population. It has happened before, most notably under the Marcos regime, when the manipulative system resulted in the deaths of countless reporters and journalists. Notwithstanding, the public’s cries continue to go unheeded.

Atrocities against journalists and media workers have a massive societal impact as they impede people from pursuing effective and accurate decisions. What we are witnessing is the death of a slim margin of democracy and freedom. It adds to the message spread on social media that “journalists are criminals.”

Although

Philippines

places in the world for journalists to operate. The Philippines ranks 136th out of 180 nations on the World Press Freedom Index. This clearly indicates how the situation of Filipino journalists is about to change. As a result of

witnessing these attacks on veterans, college journalists increasingly receded from their intentions to pursue journalism in the future, as indicated by a reduction in the number of students enrolling in journalism-related courses.

Campus journalism infringes in their schools and colleges. Despite the urge for students to self-publish their work, administrators frequently interfere and limit their pieces to filtered reports. However, it does not end there. The government administration also throws intimidation at student journalists and even brands them as terrorists and journalism as a crime. Redtagging is prevalent and a significant facet of the human rights crisis in the Philippines, especially in state schools that incentivize reporting along with social activism.

Under Duterte’s tyranny, killings and attacks have become commonplace. The University of the Philippines (UP) slammed redtagging and harassment of media groups at schools. They remain firm in their beliefs and speak out in reaction to the attacks.

It will be in the essence of

the constitution guarantees press freedom, the

still remains one of the most unsafe

Meta’s Gambit

LOI VEE LEE AQUINO

The Untold

There’s no such thing as being “prepared to die”. Everyone is unprepared for death, but there are a lot of professions practicing how to be prepared when someone dies. Here’s one. This is the untold story of student nurses.

It has been two years since the pandemic began, a lot has changed and a lot has been lost. Shifting from online, face to face, to clinical duty real quick, it seems so easy if you think about it. That adrenaline-fueled

NATHANIEL DE JESUS

exhilaration appears to be so simple that you are unsure of how you should feel.

Nursing students are filled with lectures and theories just to fill the time when they should be on clinical duty due to the pandemic, and now is the right time to experience all the lessons and skills in the clinical areas. When it comes to theories, nursing students are beyond prepared. They knew what they were getting into. When it comes to skills, practice makes perfect, but are they all emotionally ready?

Dying is a process. It involves the cessation of physical, psychological, social, and spiritual life here on Earth. What happens beyond death is unknown to those reading this book. Typically, before a person dies, there is a cascade of events that are collectively known as the dying process. The dying process is the transition that a person goes through that ultimately ends in death. Each person’s dying process and death is individually unique to that person. Dying is an individualized experience

Mitigation in Disguise

and each person dies in their own way and time (ELNEC, 2010).

It is common in the hospital to see a corpse wrapped in a blanket being passed in front of you. It is also common to hear significant others sobbing because they have lost a loved one. Student nurses, however, are still in a state of shock and fear of what is happening and what to do next. They still have to go through stages just to regulate their emotions. Most importantly, to control their reaction because, as a future healthcare provider, you must be stronger and tougher. Student nurses are expected to be emotionally intelligent; they need to train themselves and to learn to be prepared for unexpected events.

Prior to beginning clinical work, student nurses should be well prepared and confident. They are tasked with taking patients’ vital signs, monitor patients’ conditions, administering medications, helping doctors with procedures, determining patients’ needs, and educating patients about their health. Those

were the typical functions of student nurses on clinical duty, but little did we know, while we were aware that patients might die in front of us, we were not yet prepared. We are not prepared for this emotionally.

Every time the nurse shouts the code, it sounds like having tinnitus. They are all busy. Everyone has a certain role in reviving the patient. A lot of what if’s are running through, but presence of mind is still needed in these situations. With the number of contraptions on the patient, you seem to have pity. Seeing a lifeless body whose chest was fractured but whose pulse was still fighting, what a realization it gives.

It’s really hard to see patients struggle. You know from just seeing their eyes that they still want to

The public’s reaction to the concept of putting cable cars across the country as part of the attempt to alleviate the traffic issue and enhance the country’s transportation system astounded us. Others were in disbelief knowing that cable cars are just for tourists and entertainment but not as a mass transportation. The idea was welcomed with skepticism, severe criticisms, and hilarious memes on social media. Not everyone, though, thought the notion was amusing. The concept of utilizing cable cars to transport people in our country garnered opposition from various internal and external sources.

Traffic, being one of the biggest problems in the Philippines, particularly during rush hours in metropolitan areas, causes inconvenience and delays. One of the first declarations made by

then-newly appointed Secretary Arthur P. Tugade during the Duterte administration was the proposal of cable cars to assist alleviate the country’s transportation and traffic concerns. Many individuals, including some of our most distinguished transportation planners, reacted with incredulity and, in some cases, scorn. Instead of shelving it, the department thankfully continued forward, and two years later, cable cars as part of the government’s transportation solutions may soon become a possibility.

Though cable or gondola cars were used before railroads around the start of the 18th century for mining and hilly communities, they did not become a viable mass transportation alternative until the 20th century. This happened in Medellin, Colombia, a city noted for its out-of-the-box transportation and traffic solutions, such as the Bus Rapid Transit System which, like the cable cars, has gained popularity in China, South Korea, Indonesia, and nations in South America, Africa, and Europe.

“An aerial cable car system would not only aid and reduce traffic congestion in Metro Manila and other Philippine cities; it will also improve security and benefit the environment,” Arch. Felino Palafox stated in a news release by

Padilla’s office. He went on to say that developing such a system, which he described as a “global trend,” would be equivalent to “future-proofing” the country’s major cities against the persistent problem of traffic. As meant, cable cars are floodfree, quieter, and less expensive to install, as well as requiring less time and resources. While the trip may be picturesque for the commuter, crossing across barangays and buildings would make the structures an eyesore and hazardous for everyone else below.

Cable cars are ideal mass transit options, especially in developing nations like the Philippines where the necessity to have an instant and lowcost solution is evident. Cable vehicles are quick and simple to construct. If all criteria and needs are satisfied, it will be operational in a year after a full engineering study is completed. One reason is that cable cars require a smaller infra footprint than rail or even subways because the space they mostly occupy is the airspace above, which is less disputable than ground properties or the muchcontested rights-of-way that plagues the implementation of most of our major transport infrastructures in the Philippines. This contributes to cable cars being among the cheapest to construct.

as a student nurse, it is important not to let emotions overpower you, or else this profession is not for you.

heartbreaking

These are less expensive, costing slightly more than P50 million per kilometer. Carriage is also equivalent to larger cable cars, or “gondolas,” which can carry up to 6,000 passengers every hour or reach 100,000 passengers in the same time frame as the Light Rail Transit (LRT). Cable cars are particularly useful in regions where trains and even standard road highways are impossible to construct, such as connecting villages over mountains and large bodies of water.

Although it was mainly for tourists, cable cars were used to transport people across steep locations in Hong Kong. The same technology is rapidly catching up as a genuine means of mass transit in Latin America and China. Are we prepared for cable cars in Philippine cities? Most likely not. We now lack legislation governing “air rights,” which would be required to safeguard the area above private homes while allowing the cables to pass through. Otherwise, the lines would have to follow existing roadways, undermining the entire purpose of a cable car system in NCR or any big city.

Some have raised concerns about

live, but their bodies are giving up. It’s really a

scenario. But

Meta’s Gambit

have nonchalantly forgotten their purposes’ additive liability to their users.

Instead of wasting resources on something that would not meet their expectation just like how Meta changed its marketing strategies due to a lack of support from other countries, why don’t they just extend awareness to their users the humanitarian way of using their application and provide effective ways of raising a safer online environment for everyone. And if they will continue to ignore our concerns aside from online shopping issues, are we still going to play dumb wasting our time and risking our safety to a negligent company?

“Social media is about the people! Not about your business. Provide for the people and the people will provide for you” Matt Goulart quoted. Social media reform is what we need. Relive the true essence of social media’s role in society.

In the Face of Peril

FROM PAGE 30

the young and persevering sector, particularly journalists, to inculcate new concepts and perspectives. The more societal inequalities open their eyes to issues affecting ordinary people, the more they will crave critical knowledge and social progress. Journalists are growing increasingly upset, especially in these times of tremendous difficulty where they are directly targeted with threats and abuse. As a corollary, the system would fear educated individuals because they are just as afraid

Mitigation in Disguise

FROM PAGE 31

the hazards associated with using cable cars as public transportation. We are certain that people designing the system will consider the hazards. The truth is that all means of transportation have hazards. Man’s brilliance has been put to good use in almost completely eliminating such hazards.

Money is not everything. It may be humanity’s necessity but it is also one killing humanity’s amity. If money is worth investing in than posterity’s safety, then the incorrigible precedent is unquestionable. Anyways, who are we to tell what Meta should do, the company’s smart right?

Taking down the feature instead of eradicating rampant cyber abuses showed their priority clearer. Facebook, at the end of the day is still a business for them and us, social media users, well, we are just being used to flourish their banks.

In addition, Facebook has also come under scrutiny due to their failure to control disinformation during the 2022 election. Meta, as the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp and other products and services was known with an aim of helping people, communities, and businesses might have nonchalantly forgotten their purposes’ additive liability to their users.

Instead of wasting resources on something that

of criticism and rebellion— those who can unveil their heinous crimes and disseminate the truth to the public.

These frightening aspects of the government’s complicated structure are the consequences that citizens may suffer if they speak up. Student journalists are encouraged to be courageous and bold since the country’s survival is challenged if no one dares to combat. Journalism has the power to bring marginalized populations to light. They have the ability to destabilize a society that prioritizes wealth and power over everything else. They must speak up because disadvantaged groups will remain imprisoned and oppressed if no one does.

would not meet their expectation just like how Meta changed its marketing strategies due to a lack of support from other countries, why don’t they just extend awareness to their users the humanitarian way of using their application and provide effective ways of raising a safer online environment for everyone. And if they will continue to ignore our concerns aside from online shopping issues, are we still going to play dumb wasting our time and risking our safety to a negligent company?

“Social media is about the people! Not about your business. Provide for the people and the people will provide for you,” Matt Goulart quoted. Social media reform is what we need. Relive the true essence of social media’s role in society. Money is not everything. It may be humanity’s necessity but it is also one killing humanity’s amity. If money is worth investing in than posterity’s safety, then the incorrigible precedent is unquestionable. Anyways, who are we to tell what Meta should do, the company’s smart right?

Nothing will happen until everyone permits these threats to their democracy and human rights to continue.

Their roles and responsibilities as student journalists are focused on engagement and zeal. They serve the student body at school by providing factual information. They contribute to the development of their communities while also beginning to assist their countrymen. They are the cornerstones that can bring neglected areas to the forefront in these changing times. Most likely, the mouths of the downtrodden.

Accidents in cable cars can also occur due to human mistake, a lack of structural system maintenance, and mechanical and electrical component failure. Other factors, such as volcanic outbursts or severe weather, also contribute to accidents. This means that necessary care should be taken when operating cable cars to avoid problems.

We do not know whether a cable car system would be feasible. We do not know if the government will build it if it becomes practical, and if so, when?

What we do know is that we must explore all alternatives. Chronic critics’ pathological pessimism will not address the traffic problem.

And now, the million-dollar question is Will this be another episode of a worthy-built project or will this become progressively worse and fuck up?

I would like to describe my situation right now as “the sweet burden of being a student leader.” Maybe you will ask why. Well, let me tell you a brief story of how I became the President of one of the most active organizations in Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC). Before I stepped into this institution, I told myself that I would only focus on my studies and no more extracurricularrelated activities like I used to do or participate in my junior and senior years in high school. But since the moment I enrolled in my program, I think the door of being a leader is always waiting for me to open it. I thought it was okay because I had just been chosen to be a Class Mayor and I thought maybe this might also help me to get close to my classmates. But at that moment, the moment I accepted the challenge, I think it became a domino effect. My service has become quite noticeable in our program and then a certain person hit my messenger with a direct invitation to be a part of their committee.

That invitation became the key to the door I was talking about. As a result of my participation on the committee, I was invited to apply for a position in a certain organization. During this period, I think I did my part and became one of the most active members of the said club. That is the reason why I became the president of this current organization. It is a huge responsibility that I need to manage well along with my co-officers.

It would be great if you acknowledged this concern through your mighty newspaper to efficiently motivate aspiring leaders of the campus. It would also help students in the future who want to study in this institution.

Before we start this, allow us to appreciate you for stepping up and for always choosing to serve. Being a student leader is truly an honor but will always be affiliated with great responsibility. Being one requires a lot of sacrifice and dedication. There comes a point where you need to have tight time management in order to make your schedules meet.

As a leader, there’s a time where you also need to think and prioritize your constituents before you. In times of doubt, you may also have unwanted thoughts if you even chose the right path. The road will never be easy. In fact, you’ll most likely to face bumpy ones ahead. I said these not to discourage you, but instead to stimulate and inspire you for what lies ahead. Great things happen for those who has a heart for service. Take courage and be firm; bright days are ahead of you!

COUNTRY COLLEGE CRISIS

The fight for quality education is far from ending. Accessible tertiary education is still a battle cry. The loud voices that creep across the academe scream quality and equity as the new normal education takes effect.

The Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, or RA 10931, has been signed since 2017 by then president Rodrigo Duterte. It pledged to provide underprivileged Filipino students the opportunity to pursue college degrees through free tuition and exemption of other fees at state universities and colleges (SUCs). Students enrolled in private institutions due to the geographic location of SUCs were given a Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) to support their education.

Even with TES and RA 10931, students still struggle with financing their studies as schools differ by needs and thus differ in funding. With different admission processes in different schools, students are unable to enter institutions that their financial status can afford. The competition for SUC admission slots

among both the needy and wealthy has become unfair and leans toward inequity.

Grades and interviews are some of the requirements to qualify for SUCs’ admission. Some, like at the University of the Philippines, require family income evaluation. In comparison to pre-pandemic admissions, students are chosen based on their previous academic performance rather than their current knowledge, which is assessed through entrance examination.

Grade-based admission may be inept to justify a student’s academic capabilities. Schools differ in grading systems, especially in private schools. This results in unscrupulousness as they undergo similar evaluation processes. It is also questionable in the new normal education, as students are at home and their performance is not wellassessed.

Interviews, on the other hand, supersede the notion that students have superior and inferior skills. Only the social and verbal aspects is surveyed in this manner. Though

it is an important factor as the same procedure is done during job applications, the idea of using it to evaluate students for SUC entrance is flawed. A quiet yet skillful student can lose the chance to be provided with a quality education.

With both grades and interviews being used, more students from the middle class are admitted to SUCs. The lower class, which should benefit from SUCs, is overthrown. Even if they avail of the TES as they enroll in private institutions, they are still left with student expenses. Students from private institutions have the upper hand as they have a better education compared to public schools, where most of the lower class are enrolled.

Since private schools are not under state supervision, they can offer a curriculum that suits their students’ focus. Students are prepared for college through a wide array of advanced placement courses and extracurricular offerings.

COUNTRY COLLEGE CRISIS

EDITORIAL BOARD & STAFF

MARY MARJORIE GAMBOA Editor-in-Chief

ALYSSA FRANZ UVERO JAMELA HAZEL TRANQUILO Associate Editors

JHONEL LUHAN Managing Editor

NATHANIEL DE JESUS Circulation Manager

RAFAEL ANGELO MORALES Art Editor

JEROME IBARRETA Assistant Art Editor

JERICHO DAGAMI Copy Editor

KEN HORLADOR Layout Editor

MARK ANGELO PIACA FERNAN MATTHEW ENIMEDEZ KENYON WAYNE FORTUNO Editorial Writers

REGINE RICAFRENTE GABRIELLE LOQUIAS

LOI VEE LEE AQUINO MARK CYNRIC BERIÑA News Writers

JHEA NICOLE COMANDANTE Feature Writer

LOUIE JAY CORPORAL MARY FRANCE ZATE ZIRAH MAE GUADALUPE NOEMI VALENZUELA SARAH JOY DOLON Literary Writers

ROI JOSHUA BAETA DEVCOM Writer RODELLE HUGO DANICA REVILLA Sports Writers

JOHAN ALVIE ABINAL MA. KATRINA OLIVEROS RHOEJ CHRISTOPHER PARCO Copy Readers

JEANIE MAE ISAAC Editorial Cartoonist

JANICAH PAULA JANE JENNY TALAMOR Graphic Designers

ARJAY VIBAR Photojournalist

PAUL DAVID LUNA JUSTIN JUDE AZUR Layout Artists

KATHLEA JOY BATAN SARAH JANE ARAGDON MA. ARABHELA BARRAMEDA

RISSA MAE BASAGRE

SYBIL JEKY CORALDE ABEGAIL GARAIS

KATHLEEN TOMENIO KRISTINE FAITH ORTEGA Apprentices

VISION

Our Mantra MISSION

Transforming lives

Polytechnic education at its best for the Bicolanos

Publication Moderator

GIGI SEVERO

“CSPC: Pivoting towards Excellence & Transformation in Polytechnic education”

to be free of poverty by creating a better future through world class polytechnic education and technological innovation.

On the other hand, public schools have a standardized learning curriculum. As the Philippines is under an educational crisis, the lower class is given the most disadvantages. With students not given much attention by teachers who are given more paper work, they are left hanging with inadequate learning to enter college.

As gaps between the education of the middle and lower class widen, so do their chances of entering SUCs to have a quality tertiary education. Certain solutions were given to this pre-pandemic, such as college entrance examinations that were put on hold due to the onset of the global pandemic. This solution has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Entrance examinations assess students’ current knowledge. It gives an opportunity to students who didn’t excel during their senior and junior high school years, who tend to use it for a shot of redemption. As a similar test questionnaire is given to each student, everyone has an equal chance to qualify depending on how well they answer. It is a fair game until everyone realizes that only the prepared ones will be able to pass.

The wealthy always have the capacity to take review sessions and buy review materials. The needy, on the other hand, have only the knowledge and references from the same institution from which they came.If lucky, they can only borrow books. The lower class still struggles to obtain the free and accessible tertiary education they deserve.

State Universities and Colleges cannot disqualify students from enrolling since the very money used in these institutions comes mostly from them. The government can address this inequity in access to tertiary

education by establishing more SUCs in rural areas, so students need not to compete for slots in those located in urban areas. It will also help students to lower their expenses as they won’t need to rent just to cope with the distance.

Almost 20% of the taxpayers’ money is corrupted. If the government is able to solve the corruption problem in the country, more funds may be allocated for tertiary education. With an increase in the rate of graduates, comes an increase in the employment rate. Thus, it will contribute to increasing the country’s economic status. The equity of quality tertiary education will give way to a country’s success.

As the current government starts, there is no clear vision of a corruption-free country. It will affect every sector, especially education, which is where the root problem is. College admission is only one of the many factors why tertiary education is not accessible to all.

Free education need not be achieved through a needle path. Should we abolish this? If not, how could we achieve equity in educational quality?

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