July August 2020 Newspaper

T R U T H

B E Y O N D

K N O W I N G

VOLUME 65 NUMBER 3 · JULY TO AUGUST 2020 E D I TO R I A L

COVID RESPONSE LOANS

As the country’s debt swells up to trillions with consecutive loans for the COVID-19 response, The Spectrum calls for the government’s just use of the nation’s wealth. read on page 4 DAG WAY

TIGWAHANON-MANOBO DOCTOR

Tigwahanon-Manobo Lasallian inspires fellow dreamers by becoming his tribe’s first doctor. read on page 11 DA K B A N WA

BACOLOD BIOLAB

Sa tubang sang kadulom, padayon ang pakigbato sang Bacolod paagi sa pagpatukod sang pinakauna nga Level 3 testing laboratory sa Pilipinas. read on page 13 VA N TAG E P O I N T

SONAgkaisang Bacolod

Sa paghiliusa para sa kinamatarung sang kadaman, gindul-ong sang aton mga kauturan ang ila pagpakighiugyon sa mga dalan sang siyudad para sa ikalima nga State of the Nation Address sang pangulo. read on page 8

Ber months are here na! Shivering na aketch. Wala gid ta academic freeze da? Chz!

ANIMORPHOSIS. Golden Champion 2008, Gerhard Krysstopher performs “Somewhere” by Barbra Streisand during the live online concert held by the USLS student government.—KARL BRIAN T. MARQUEZA

Lasallian community amasses over 100k in online fundraising concert

BY PAULA MAE E. VILLAROSA

WITH REPORTS FROM SHAN MARC O. JABAGAT

The University of St. La Salle (USLS) came together for ANIMORPHOSIS: Breaking Through the New Normal, an online benefit concert, raising an average of P100,000 in aid of

the disadvantaged members of their community during the pandemic, broadcasted live on the Official USLS Facebook page on August 14.

The fundraiser was the brainchild of the University Student Government’s (USG) flagship program USG CARES,

which seeks to create support programs for underprivileged members of the Lasallian community in the fulfillment of the founder’s mission, in collaboration with the colleges, USLS offices, alumni, Parents-Teachers Council, Liceo De La Salle,

Classes ensue in USLS

BY ALAN S. VILLANUEVA JR.

The bell has rung for the University of St. La Salle as the Academic Year 2020-2021 began on August 17 despite the health crisis with a total of 5,678 enrollees from the five colleges.

According to the university registrar, the enrollment data per college are as follows: 2,632 enrollees for the Yu An Log College of Business and Accountancy (YAL-CBA); 1089 for the College of Engineering and Technology; 859 for the College of Arts and Sciences; 755 for the College of Nursing; and 343 for the College of Education.

The data further disclosed that there are 166 enrollees for the College of Law and 282

enrollees for the College of Medicine.

Additionally, the university continued the implementation of distance learning primarily through online platforms.

“We cannot stop it. We cannot prevent it. We can just ride with it,” Brother President and Chancellor Joaquin Severino Martinez stressed in support of the “new normal” in education during the VCAA Conversation last August 4.

To elaborate, students are categorized into their internet connectivity status namely: category 1 for those without connection, mobile devices, and desktop computers or laptops; category 2A for those with limited connection and at least own mobile devices; category 2B for those with limited connection and own

mobile phones and desktop computers or laptops; and category 3 for those with stable connection, the stated devices, and other related resources.

Specifically, students who belong to category 3 proceed with the online classes through applications like Canvas and Zoom; those in categories 2A and 2B either utilize similar channels or use Facebook and Messenger, or anything accessible; and those in category 1 acquire modules monthly from the school.

“Both me and my students are adapting and adjusting to this new way of learning,” YAL-CBA Business Economics Chairperson Dante Gustilo described his experience during the start of the semester.

However, he recalled instances when students got disconnected from online meetings which he addressed by creating a Facebook group where the educational materials may be downloaded.

In line with this, according to Kenneth John Romantico, the University Student Assistant President and a secondyear college student under the modular program, his problems mainly include the heavy workload and the lack of stable internet

UNUSUAL SETTING. Online and modular learning is being offered to students from pre-school to college via the shiftED program.—INOCENCIO JOHN KEITH B. FERRER V

E-MAIL thespectrum.usls@gmail.com

NEWS / PAGE 3

FACEBOOK facebook.com/thespectrumusls

and the Artists’ Hub. “We distributed the solicitation letters and started advertising this event on our page in early July […] We asked for everyone’s help, especially those who have kind hearts, to donate any amount for this cause,” USG Executive

President Nimrod Diaz expressed, further sharing that the funds raised would be used to provide educational vouchers for students and financial assistance for school personnel.

ANIMORPHOSIS was preceded by a live Facebook

broadcast of a mass offered

by Rev. Fr. Jerryvel Celestial at the university chapel, and was opened through the university’s page with a prayer led by the USLS Chorale through a song rendition.

NEWS / PAGE 3

Negrense activists unite vs. SONA 2020

FIGHT. League of Filipino Students-Bacolod protesting to junk the Anti-Terrorism Act at Bacolod Public Plaza last July 27.—KARL BRIAN T. MARQUEZA

BY KYNAH RHEA B. FUENTES AND KIARA NICOLE D. VILLA

As President Rodrigo Duterte delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 27, various progressive groups and human rights organizations across the country protested and expressed their sentiments on the administration. #SONAgkaisa Joining the nationwide #SONAgkaisa held at the Bacolod City public plaza were the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines

ISSUU issuu.com/thespectrumusls

(NUJP), League of Filipino Students-Bacolod (LFS), Bagong Alyansang MakabayanNegros, Partido Manggagawa, Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap, and National Federation of Sugar Workers.

Rallyists gave Duterte a failing mark for his performance during his term in their speeches, emphasizing how Filipinos have been deprived of human rights and highlighting the prioritization of the recently signed Anti-Terror Law (ATL), despite massive opposition,

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disregarding the urgency to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Personally, there is no good that Duterte can do that can ever wipe out the 30,000 deaths [...] I think it’s very clear that he has no intention whatsoever of overturning the damage he has done for the past four years,” NUJP chairman Nonoy Espina asserted.

Representatives took turns in airing their organization’s grievances, voicing their disappointments with the NEWS / PAGE 3

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USLS to continue scholarship assistance amidst the pandemic, online classes

BY MA. KRISTINE JOY R. BAYADOG AND ADRIANNE H. SAPLAGIO

OFFERING ASSISTANCE. Student assistants continue to go on duty to help with office/administrative operations.—INOCENCIO JOHN KEITH B. FERRER V

Bacolodnons stand for ABS-CBN, press freedom

BY CARL HASON T. GERALE AND HANA PATRICIA RAJ E. HAUTEA WITH REPORTS FROM KIARA NICOLE D. VILLA

When the media is silenced, the people speak out.

Over 100 Bacolodnons demonstrated their support for ABS-CBN following the denial of the latter’s appeal for a new franchise through a solidarity rally in front of the network’s local station, a rosary prayer outside the Bishop’s House, and a noise barrage and motorcade from the Provincial Capitol last July 18.

Solidarity Rally Marchel Espina, president of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines-Bacolod Chapter, shared that their organization prepared the demonstration to show solidarity to their friends at ABS-CBN Bacolod.

“The denial of ABSCBN’s franchise is a big blow to democracy and freedom of the press. If the government can do that to a big network with

a wide reach, how much more to the small news outlets in the communities and provinces?” Espina expressed.

The protest followed the announcement that the network’s local stations across the country will cease operations on August 31, affecting 81 workers from its Bacolod station.

“Journalists must resist the further attempt of this government to shackle the press,” Espina continued, explaining that there is a crucial need for free access to information especially at this time and that journalists must be able to do their job without fear of being threatened and harassed.

Rosary for Democracy Furthermore, Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon and the ADSUM Diocese of Bacolod spearheaded the “Rosary for Democracy”.

In a statement issued by the bishop, he said that the denial of ABS-CBN’s franchise application has silenced a major source of

information for the people, thereby compromising the constitutionally guaranteed right to information on matters of public concern.

“We heed the call of the times and speak up.

We condemn that which undermines the common good.

We condemn that which disregards established rights,” Bishop Buzon declared.

Noise Barrage and Motorcade The final part of the event, which was organized by private individuals, was participated by an additional 100+ vehicles as they protested by honking and raising their fists while driving to ABS-CBN’s local station.

The decision to deny the network’s franchise application was imposed by the House Committee on Legislative Franchises last July 10, with 70 members adopting the rejection, 11 dismissing it, three inhibiting, and one abstaining.

Even when the university started off with the academic year shifting to an online mode of learning, the financial burden of university fees still remained the same.

However, considering the current uncertainty surrounding online classes and the existing health crisis, the Admissions and Scholarship Administrative Office (ASAO) assured that scholarship grants of the university’s current student scholars will still carry on.

After students’ queries, ASAO granted an interview in order to clear existing scholarship concerns like the continuance of the scholarship grant or if the school will provide additional benefits to scholars despite the pandemic.

“We will continue the scholarship of the existing scholars as long as they have maintained the retention policy […] For this school year,

we are still assessing if we will approve new scholarship applications,” ASAO Director Diahnne Debbie Diaz-Salud shared when asked whether scholarships will be provided by the school this academic year.

Salud also added that no new scholarship applications for varsity, cultural, and Student Assistantship Program will be catered by the university this academic year.

That being said, the situation does not bode well for incoming freshmen who were originally planning to apply for the aforementioned scholarships.

The university has been forced to put these programs on hold on account of the position the pandemic has placed them in.

As per Salud, online classes would not be easy for the students who rely on being student scholars as some of them do not have the required devices and stable internet connection.

OSA spearheads tuition dialogue, answers concerns

BY DREXEL JOHN N. AMIT AND LANCE CHRISTIAN M. JUAREZ

To address the inquiries of students regarding the tuition fees and discuss the ins-andouts of flexible learning, the Office for Student Affairs (OSA) live streamed CONVO: A Dialogue with the Office for Student Affairs last July 17 on Facebook Live.

The OSA also posted a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) infographic on August 10, highlighting key information from the event.

During the open forum segment, students asked about the retention of various fees in their statements of account including utilities and services, various student activity fees, and the tuition fee.

On library fees, Learning Resource Center Head Ma. Girlie De Guzman, MS, justified that it is for library maintenance and subscriptions to instructional and research materials for the students’ online resources.

Moreover, De Guzman also explained the audiovisual fee saying that it has been reduced by 10

percent and will be used for equipment maintenance, software subscription, and preparation for classroom instruction in the second semester.

When asked about the medical and dental fee, University Controller Director Vienna Isabel Gonzaga stated: “Some of the proceeds will be utilized to purchase sets of personal protective equipment in keeping the campus COVIDfree.”

With continued operations, the Parents-Teachers Council and community service fees were retained while, in striving to provide students quality service, the student publication fee increased by 12 percent.

On the other hand, laboratory, sportsfest, U-Week, and student handbook fees were halved, while the University Student Government and energy fees were slashed by about 33 percent and 38 percent of their original amounts, respectively.

On nursing students’ clinical affiliation fee, College of Nursing Dean Ivy Edemni,

MN, explained that as clinical exposures were converted to simulation activities, a simulation fee, which was cut down from P5,000 to P1,500, will take its place instead.

Similarly, the FAQ explained that classes with laboratory activities will be taught using pre-recorded videos for students to study.

The FAQ also elaborated on queries regarding flexible learning, explaining that category 1 and 2 students will be provided with printed modules and pdf files as teachers facilitate each student’s concerns and schedule pick-up dates for their materials.

Furthermore, the OSA addressed the possible power interruptions and connectivity issues students may face during their classes: “The faculty are tasked to work closely with students in order to provide the options and assistance they need.”

Lastly, they explained that the tentative plan for the second semester is to shift to Blended Learning, wherein online, distance, and in-person learning will be utilized.

Batch ‘20 to march this September

BY HANA PATRICIA RAJ E. HAUTEA AND EZRA CHRISLAINE L. ORTEGA

Face-to-face graduation rites for the academic year 2019-2020 will push through under Modified General Community Quarantine on September 22 and 29 for Undergraduate and Graduate Schools, respectively, at the University Coliseum.

The undergraduate colleges will be divided into

two ceremonies, one at 9 AM and the other at 1 PM, while the College of Law will join the Graduate School for a morning ceremony.

An estimated 500 undergraduates are expected to march, although the actual number of attendees is yet to be finalized as a survey will still be given to graduates regarding their decision to participate in the ceremony.

However, guests are not permitted to attend and may instead utilize the Facebook livestream that will be recording the entire program, akin to the College of Medicine’s graduation that occurred last July 27.

“We will relay to [the graduates] our request for understanding to their parents and their relatives—that it’s for the

health and safety of their sons and daughters that we will not allow parents and guests,” University Registrar Paolo Valladarez conveyed.

Furthermore, physical distancing and wearing of masks will be strictly observed, and graduates will be advised to come earlier to comply with security and health protocols at Gate 2.

Meanwhile, there will no longer be a Baccalaureate Mass due to the lack of time attributed to having two ceremonies in one day.

The University Registrar also emphasized that the decisions may change depending on the reevaluation of the quarantine statuses of Bacolod City and Negros Occidental. “[The administrators] will never cancel the

graduation ceremony— they will just postpone it, and they will plan for a ceremony which considers primarily the health and safety of the graduates [...] whatever the mode is,’’ Valladarez confirmed.

Expected dates for the graduation rehearsals are on Sept. 18 for undergraduate colleges and Sept. 25 for Graduate School and College of Law.

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 65 NUMBER 3 · JULY TO AUGUST 2020

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Liceo students raise 20k to help frontliners

BY DREXEL JOHN N. AMIT AND ANGELA A. CORONEL

Through Project BAYOnihan, four students from LiceoDe La Salle turned over Php 20,000.00 to Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson on July 14 to give aid to Negrense frontliners.

In confiding the money to the provincial government, John Christian Kho, Don Santillan, Jaren Kilayko, and Justin Villanueva represented the said project—mainly composed of Liceo students— which raised funds by designing, producing, and selling Hangawày shirts.

Project BAYOnihan Public Relations Team representative Ryle Kayden Sarmiento shared that social media posts showing the lack of PPEs in hospitals motivated them in establishing the project.

“Since [...] we did not have much things to do during our ECQ time, we decided to grab the opportunity to think of something that can help [...] our frontliners,” Sarmiento stated.

According to Sarmiento, more than raising funds, the message that the shirt brings is also important, explaining

PHOTO COURTESY OF PROJECT BAYONIHAN

that they called their product Hangawày shirt—Hangawày being a Hiligaynon term meaning warrior—to signify that frontliners are “fighters in the midst of the pandemic”.

Sarmiento added that what

made their project successful was doing it with purpose, utilizing their connections, and being practical about their decisions.

“We actually thought of many products [...] but

decided to stick with the Hangawày shirt since it would be easier to sell,” Sarmiento explained.

Furthermore, Sarmiento thanked all of their patrons, hoping for their support on

BCD dispenses 2nd tranche of SAP

BY HANA PATRICIA RAJ E. HAUTEA

The Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) in Bacolod City finished disseminating the second tranche of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) to 97,266 beneficiaries after distribution began last July 23.

Each recipient received P6,000 for one month or a total of P12,000 for two months, which left the budget for the second wave of emergency cash aid at P583.6 million for Bacolod City alone.

“We received the cash aid through the door-to-door process again, and this is convenient for me since I

don’t need to go and visit any alternative payment centers,” Ma. Jose Jerry Lipa, a beneficiary from Brgy. 6, shared.

Head of DSSD-Bacolod Pacita Tero explained that the cash grant was distributed per barangay and that barangays were required to provide one venue per 1,000 SAP beneficiaries.

However, those who have received grants from the Social Security System, Department of Labor and Employment, or Department of Agriculture were not eligible for the second tranche of SAP. Tero further elaborated that the city had 98,143 SAP beneficiaries during the first

tranche, but after validation conducted by the DSSD regional and central offices, it was reduced to 97,000.

Additionally, an estimated P188.5 million of the second tranche budget went to the 15,713 recipients who did not avail of the first tranche in April.

The digital distribution for the “left-out” beneficiaries covered both portions of the SAP grant and resumed on Aug. 5 after a delay last July 27.

Furthermore, Mayor Evelio Leonardia stated that with more than 113,000 family-beneficiaries in the city, the majority of more than half a million residents would benefit from

the government’s subsidy program.

“This is a tremendous help to our people at a time when our economy is feeling the effects of this health crisis.

This will go a long, long way in helping needy families,” Leonardia expressed.

The SAP, also known as the Emergency Subsidy Program, grants cash aid to families qualified as “lowincome households” and is headed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development under the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act. In Western Visayas, only Iloilo province, Iloilo City, and Bacolod City were granted the second tranche.

Project BAYOnihan’s future endeavors; and when asked of his message to the frontliners he expressed: “We are all very grateful for your hard work. [...] I hope we made you happy with this initiative.”

Meanwhile, Project BAYOnihan also plans to produce masks and tote bag designs aside from their shirts to widen the array of their products and help more people in the future.

FUNDRAISING CONCERT

with Brother President and Chancellor Joaquin Severino Martinez, FSC’s message.

The USG claimed that this was only the first of the many fundraisers they prepared for this academic year, as Diaz said that they will not be cancelling yearly activities and instead ‘reimagine’ them with compliance to the implemented protocols.

“The USG is here to support and help our fellow Lasallians in the midst of this crisis. We are doing our best to provide activities that would cater [to] the needs of the Lasallians especially in times like this where support and care for oneself, others, and the community is needed,” Diaz highlighted.

take the risk of exploring the new frontier with faith, and to brave all the odds of serving our fellowmen as we share and commune in the mission,” Office for Student Affairs Dean Rowela Chiu imparted in her opening remarks.

The opening remarks was succeeded by the colleges’ welcoming messages, various performances from the students and alumni of the college unit and Liceo De La Salle, Golden Voice champions, previous Lasallian events winners, and the Artists’ Hub. Furthermore, the program climaxed with the USG’s Animovement presentation and topped off

ACTIVISTS UNITE

administration, and calling on the government for urgent action with their concerns.

Father Chris Gonzales of the Diocese of Bacolod, who was also present in the said rally, expressed: “We should continue to uphold human rights and press freedom, and watch out for everyone’s health during the pandemic [...] We are the citizens here [and] this is our country, [so] we should be heard.”

United People’s Conference Prior to the demonstration, the United People’s Conference at the Negros Press Club was aired via Facebook Live hours before the president’s SONA, wherein representatives from different sectors convened to discuss the “true state of the nation”.

“This [ATL] is the law that is dangerous under any administration [...] even before OPENING OF CLASSES

PHOTO COURTESY OF ABS-CBN NEWS

connection for synchronous activities and research tasks.

As an assurance, assessment tools for an academic performance like quizzes will be classified as formative or are not graded and can be taken multiple times as stated in the aforementioned talk.

Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Annabelle Balor also highlighted the

its enactment; the government showed nothing but disdain for human rights as proven by the thousands upon thousands of extra-judicial killings, the bogus war on drugs, and the repressive campaigns against legal activists,” the coalition’s position paper read.

The paper further contested the ATL, as according to the coalition: (1) it violates the constitution and human rights; (2) it can be used by the admin to repress critics in the opposition; and (3) it threatens to arrest even ordinary people who express dissent.

“The greatest problem that the youth is facing right now is the opening of classes next month, despite still not having mass testing, clear health protocols, and contact tracing [...] the pandemic response should be prioritized, not other laws just aiming to stifle dissent,” LFS chairperson RJ Ledesma stated.

educators’ efforts in addressing the varying demands of every category as the faculty and staff have undergone formalized training in preparation for the incoming classes as early as June 16.

“We only have to see this time as what we have to respond to and hope that there is light [at the end of] the tunnel,” Martinez stated, urging students to embrace present-day learning.

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 65 NUMBER 3 · JULY TO AUGUST 2020

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Editorial

Making Sense of Cents

-EARL JOHN D. PABULAR

Almost exactly halfway down the terror-filled rabbit hole that is 2020, the total debt of the country has escalated to more than P9 trillion as reported by the Bureau of the Treasury in July. Despite this debt not being entirely made up of COVID-19 loans (only a tenth of it), the Philippines being the country with both the longest quarantine lockdown in the world and the highest mortality rate and number of total cases in Southeast Asia raises more than just a few concerns.

As both Filipino students and citizens, we believe that the problem is not the rising debt itself nor the loans intended to ease the crushing weight of the pandemic, but rather the questionable COVID response of the government despite these loans, the baffling priorities coupled with unanswered pleas, and the ongoing streak of corruption.

As unfathomable as the borrowed amounts are,

loans are necessary under emergencies and are vital for social and economic survival. In fact, the country is prepared to pay off these loans; to simplify, according to an ANCX article, our total debt-to-Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio has not been above 50 percent in the last two decades. GDP refers to the collective value of goods and services of a country, ergo we have fiscal room for even more loans if necessary. Regardless of this, it isn’t the amount that’s important but rather, the

THESPECTRUM FOUNDED 1956

facebook.com/thespectrumusls · thespectrum.usls@gmail.com VOLUME 65 NUMBER 3 · JULY - AUGUST 2020

Lance Christian M. Juarez EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Ma. Kristine Joy R. Bayadog ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Ivee E. Manguilimotan MANAGING EDITOR

Paula Mae E. Villarosa EXTERNAL AFFAIRS DIRECTOR NEWSPAPER EDITOR Kynah Rhea B. Fuentes MAGAZINE EDITOR Hana Patricia Raj E. Hautea ONLINE EDITOR Patrick N. Billojan LITERARY EDITOR Carl Hason T. Gerale PHOTOS & VIDEOS EDITOR Karl Brian T. Marqueza LAYOUT AND GRAPHICS EDITOR Alexandra V. Bachoco NEWSPAPER WRITERS

Alan S. Villanueva Jr. Drexel John N. Amit

PHOTOJOURNALISTS

Keilah N. Baldomar Angelo F. Despi Inocencio John Keith B. Ferrer V

MAGAZINE WRITER

Adrianne H. Saplagio

LAYOUT AND GRAPHICS ARTIST

Trizia C. Hassim

ONLINE WRITERS

Shan Marc O. Jabagat Ezra Chrislaine L. Ortega

ILLUSTRATORS

Anna Theresa S. Parayno Earl John D. Pabular

WEB ADMINISTRATORS

Angela A. Coronel Christian Dominic L. Ledesma

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Kiara Nicole D. Villa

The Spectrum is the Official Student Media Corps of the University of St. La Salle. Its editorial office is located at the Coliseum grounds La Salle Ave., Bacolod City, Negros Occidental 6100; it can be reached through the telephone number, (034) 432-1187 local 172 and e-mail address, thespectrum.usls@gmail.com. All rights reserved. No part of The Spectrum may be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the Media Corps. All contributions become The Spectrum property and the Editor-in-Chief reserves the right to edit all articles for publication.

utilization.

The 154,000 total cases (as of writing), the inadequate mass testing, the millions of families fending for themselves without their appropriate subsidies, the total disregard of overworked and underpaid frontliners, and the narrowminded blame on the poor all point to the fact that things have not been getting better after more than 150 days of quarantine.

The government’s justifications for their incompetence and the

delayed support for Local Government Units are shaky because of the former’s own lack of transparency and shifting the blame is not a substitute for taking accountability.

As reported by the Corruption Perceptions Index, the Philippines’ ranking has moved to the 113th spot in 2019, 14 spots below its rank in 2018. After all, swimming with dolphins during a quarantine and making a song and dance out of a pandemic is more than an insult when nurses

are working 18-hour shifts for the country.

The pandemic has brought a glaring spotlight on the worst of this admin—the indifference on human life and the stubborn, unshakeable egos of closeminded individuals. We can only do our part in the ways that we have control over: giving donations, staying informed, helping our local community, and remaining self-sustaining. For those in power, well, it seems that doing the right thing is as hard as it is obvious.

Wealth is health, apparently When there’s a will there’s a way.

It’s fascinating that this kind of empowerment also applies to corrupt authority figures in their abject disregard for human life despite a worsening pandemic.

August greets the nation with Former PhilHealth anti-fraud officer Thorrsson Montes Keith alleging that a crime syndicate made up of PhilHealth’s executive committee members were defrauding the company for about P15 billion.

These were from a multitude of deceptions during the insurance company’s operations before and during the pandemic. These include, but are not limited to: (1) the overpricing and re-purchasing of already bought Informations Technology (IT) equipment; (2) abuse of their P30-billion Interim Reimbursement Mechanism (IRM)—a special budget for emergency events such as COVID-19; and (3) multiple instances of ‘fake’ coronavirus patients. These were also backed by PhilHealth board member Alejandro Cabading as he supported Keith’s claims when the former questioned the proposed P2.1 billion IT project budget.

Despite PhilHealth’s official statement explaining their arguments against said IT budget, it does not remove the company’s shady history of corruption, the other instances of abuse with their IRM, and the need for transparency and accountability.

Other reports support these allegations as an Inquirer article states that whistleblowers reveal the company’s P154 billion loss in the past due to “reimbursements for ‘ghost’ dialysis patients, overpayments,

Prima Lonzogna Lance Christian M. Juarez lancejuarez44@gmail.com

It is beyond paramount that necessary legal action must be done to individuals who deliberately exploit the system using their power. false claims and ‘upcasing’ of common ailments.”

This trail of corruption leads back as far as almost two decades—shady cataract surgeries in 2015 which impeded on patient’s rights and proper procedure, an extremely bloated travel budget in 2017 for their former president, overpriced testing kits, and the odd 5,000 130-year-old patients in PhilHealth’s database. These points can definitely have a discussion thread on their own but the point is that PhilHealth has a long, continuous streak of suspicious activity.

While the recent fraud allegations have been going on, it seems that Health Secretary Francisco Duque—who

had been PhilHealth’s president from 2001 to 2005 and remains as their board chairman—chose to remain silent despite the criticisms raised against him. Senator Risa Hontiveros questioned this silence in a statement in early August, urging the need for detailed investigation on the company.

Duque’s response to these callouts is to do some “soul-searching” to reflect on his performance for the country’s pandemic response.

“There was never a time that I never tried my best but if my best is not enough, I just have to do some more reflection and soul-searching,” he said as hundreds of underpaid and overworked healthcare workers push themselves beyond their body’s limits to aid victims of the pandemic.

I believe Senator Panfilo Lacson’s response to this says it better than anybody else: “Soul-searching is only for people who have souls.”

Once again, the bottomline is to hold people of authority accountable for their abuse. I second Risa Hontiveros’ call for thorough investigation on one of the most important health organizations of the nation. It is beyond paramount that necessary legal action must be done to individuals who deliberately exploit the system using their power. Most especially when millions depend on their service.

Lance Christian M. Juarez, 20, is a narcissistic pseudo-intellectual who takes interest in the obscure.

He is in a continuous pursuit of knowledge and self-actualization as a means to find meaning in life.

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 65 NUMBER 3 · JULY TO AUGUST 2020

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A sudden shift was never easy

Bel Fiore

Ma. Kristine Joy R. Bayadg tinbayadog@gmail.com

Until now, I can’t even seem to agree with this online shift, but I can’t disagree either because this setup is definitely safer than having to go out and attend physical classes.

Amidst the rising COVID-19 cases across the country, academic institutions, especially those of the college units, have decided to push through with online classes this August despite the concerns, comments, complaints, and doubts of parents, students, and teachers alike.

As a student, I know where the complaints are coming from—it’s rooting from the worries, uncertainties, and unexpected events that online classes may cause while it is being implemented. I, myself, am hesitant to go through this setup because at times when luck doesn’t agree with me, I can’t even send a single message to my publication colleagues due to internet instability. But yes, work still goes on so I had no choice but to bear with the moody mobile signal.

I’m not much of a complainer, but I observe what other students like me are going through. I’ve been hearing

questions like: “How about the students who only rely on mobile data and don’t even have laptops or computer devices?” and “Can we still receive the same educational quality and give back quality-wise outputs and performances even if we shift online?”

What’s also concerning was the statement once thrown at me by a random person: “Indi gani kapamati kag ka-focus ang estudyante sa pisikal nga klase sa classroom, sa online classes pa ayhan?”

From that question alone, I get to posit a series of queries and statements that might trigger students and faculty: 1. What if students can’t participate well in class due to technical and social factors?

2. How about students that cheat because professors can’t even tell whether their students are 100% honest with their written tasks?

3. Students might get bored just facing their devices’ screens while barely grasping anything from the discussion.

4. Not only will we be listening to the lessons—we’ll also be hearing extra noises from the background: barking dogs, crying infants, squealing pigs, shouting neighbors, etc.

However, class performances and connectivity issues are not the only questions—school fees and expenses are also part of the matter. Scrolling through social media sites, I’ve read anecdotes on school fees remaining the same despite the shift to online classes. Of course, who would even make use of dental, library, laboratory, and computer fees at school if students are to attend classes at the comfort of their homes?

Additionally, parents were also concerned with weekly to monthly prepaid load purchases of their children who are only using mobile data. An average prepaid load costs 100 pesos for a week. However, can its data usage sustain all throughout a week with three to four subjects daily having one to an hour and a half discussion period? I think not, especially when classes are held via Zoom and Google Meet conferencing apps.

But even with the birth of online classes, the university made sure that no student is left behind through its learning categorization. Lasallian students are categorized based

on their device availability and internet connectivity: Category 1 is for students who do not have any means of internet connection and no mobile devices or laptops and computers, which means they have to get physical modules or handouts from their respective teachers. Students under Category 2 are separated to two: 2A is for students who have limited internet access with mobile phones but do not have laptops or computers while 2B is for students who have limited internet access with mobile phones, laptops and/or computers. Category 3 is for students who have stable internet access with mobile devices, laptops and/or computers. Students under categories 2 and 3 are required to attend classes through online platforms like Canvas, Zoom, Google Meet, etc.

It’s a good thing that the university understands the worries of students and provided this categorization strategy. Yet, I feel like this distance learning method could have been improved because still, some students under three categories are clearly having a difficult time coping with delayed and rushed discussions, and simultaneous piling up of learning tasks from different subjects day after day.

Learning can be as effective and timely as it can be if clear instructions are given prior to the opening of classes so that both students and teachers could go hand in hand towards a specific learning goal.

Until now, I can’t even seem to agree with this online shift, but I can’t disagree either because this setup is definitely safer than having to go out and attend physical classes. We are currently in a global health crisis and the last thing we should do is be outside the comfort of our homes and get potentially infected by an unseen and deadly enemy.

Kristine, 21, is a 3rd year Operations Management major and is the current second-in-command of The Spectrum—a writer and seeker of truth, a two-faced anomaly. She was a lone star in her past life—nobody dared trespass her abode.

Sakit na walang lunas

“Call center agent ka pala? Aba, asensado ah.”

Nang unang sumibol ang industriya ng Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sa Pilipinas, kinamamangha ng mga tao kapag ika’y makikilalang nagtatrabaho bilang isang call center agent—sa kadahilanang, bago itong industriya, malaki ang pinapasweldo, at may tanda ka ng kahusayan sa paggamit ng kompyuter at katatasan sa wikang Ingles.

Taong 1992, nagsimula ang operasyon ng pinakaunang call center sa bansa. Sa paglipas ng mga panahon, lumago ang industriya hanggang sa dumami ang mga kompanyang kagaya nito, kung kaya’t natawag bilang “Sunshine Industry” ng Pilipinas dahil sa kaunlarang naibibigay sa bansa—hanggang sa naideklara ito bilang BPO capital sa buong mundo.

“Ang talino mo para diyan lang magtrabaho.”

Kung gaano kabilis ang paglago nito, ganoon din katulin ang pag-iba ng pananaw sa mga call center agents.

Hindi ko mawari ang mga rason sa biglaang pagbaliktad ng opinyon laban sa kanila. Sa isang dahilan lang ako sigurado: ang paglalahat sa realidad na halos sa mga ahente ay hindi nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral. Napakalaking bagay rin, para sa iba, na may mga indibidwal dito na kahit nakapagtapos nang may akademikong karangalan at kwalipikado sa napiling karera, ay piniling manatili sa call center. Nakakalimutan man paminsan-minsan ang ganitong isyu sa lipunan, kita pa rin kung gaano punahin ng iba ang mga empleyadong karaniwan ay nakasuot ng dyaket at ID ng tinutuluyang kompanya ng BPO. Kamakailan lang, sinariwa ang isyung ito ng beteranong brodkaster sa kilalang istasyon ng radyo nang pagsalitaan niya ng mga negatibong komento ang mga call center agents. Sa loob ng ilang minuto, paulit-ulit niyang inalipusta ang mga ito, habang binigyang-diin na ang pagtatrabaho sa kompanya ng BPO ay gawain ng mga tamad. Hindi rin nakaligtas ang mga Mass Communication graduates mula sa pang-iinsulto ng brodkaster; ang sabi, madali lang namang magtrabaho sa call center sapagkat “pindot-pindot” lang sa keyboard ang ginagawa—walang kailangang “brain cells”. Nasangkot pa ang mga janitor, kargador, at barkero, nang ihambing ang utak ng mga MassCom graduates sa kanila; hindi daw kaya ng kanilang utak ang magtrabaho sa midya.

Cosmic

Kynah Rhea B. Fuentes kynahrheaf@gmail.com

Isang sampal ng katotohanan sa atin ang realidad na hindi lamang ang kanilang pamumuhay ang naisasalba, kundi pati na rin ang lumulubog na ekonomiya.

“Huwag kang makipaghalubilo diyan. Taga-call center yan.”

Mas umigting pa ang diskriminasyon ng mga taga-call center nang ibinalitang may mga nagpositibo sa COVID-19 sa ilang kompanya ng BPO, rason upang sila’y mas lalong maliitin.

Halimbawa na lamang ang mga ahenteng hindi pinaparahan ng mga pampublikong sasakyan kung mapapansing naka ID sila ng kompanyang ito.

Bunsod ng mga reklamong natatanggap, umapela ang mga ospiyales ng mga syudad na ito upang wakasan ang namamayaning diskriminasyon. Muling inilahad ang Article 286 of Revised Penal Code: ang sinumang mag-discriminate sa pamamagitan ng pagbabanta, karahasan, o pananakot, ay maaaring makulong ng anim na buwan hanggang anim na taon at pagmumultahin ng hindi tataas sa P6,000. Unjust vexation naman ang ipapataw kapag ang diskriminasyon ay nagdulot ng emotional distress, na may kaparusahan ng pagkakakulong ng isa hanggang 30 araw at pagmumultahin mula P1,000 to P40,000.

Normal na ang ganitong senaryo sa bansa—wari’y sakit na

patuloy na kumakalat at hindi mabigyan-bigyan ng anumang lunas. Kapag ika’y natatakan na, mahirap nang tanggalin ang marka ng pananaw ng mga tao. Walang masama sa pagiging call center agent, kagaya na rin ng walang masama sa pagiging janitor, kargador, at barkero.

Wala itong kaibahan sa katotohanang walang marapat na alipustahin sa kung ano man ang kalagayan ng kalusugan ng tao, lalo na sa panahon ng pandemya.

Sa patuloy na paglubog ng ekonomiya buhat ng krisis, patuloy ang operasyon ng industriya ng BPO na siyang ipinagpuputok ng butsi ng karamihan. Hindi rin nila mapipiling mag-work from home kagaya sa ibang okupasyon. May karampatang bilis ng internet sa pagtatrabaho na hindi maaasahan sa kung saang sulok lang, at hindi rin maiiwasang makagambala sa trabaho ang ingay sa paligid. Isang sampal ng katotohanan sa atin ang realidad na hindi lamang ang kanilang pamumuhay ang naisasalba, kundi pati na rin ang lumulubog na ekonomiya.

Para linawin, hindi lang sila kaswal na tumatanggap ng tawag mula sa mga kustomer at lalong hindi lang “pindotpindot” ang kanilang ginagawa. Bukod sa nagbibigay sila ng solusyon sa mga kustomer, nadadagdagan pa ito ng hindi mabilang-bilang na pang-iinsulto, reklamo, at hindi magandang pagtrato sa telepono. Gaya ng lahat ng mga trabaho, may lebel ng kahirapan ito. Mabuti ngang nabibigyan sila ng oportunidad na makapagtrabaho, imbes na lalong mag-ambag sa unemployment rate ng bansa.

Hindi man ito palaging maririnig, ngunit sila’y nagsisilbing inspirasyon sa mga tao. Kung ating tingnan sa malapitan, bawat isa sa kanila ay may kwento sa likod ng pamamalagi sa isang call center—may kwentong breadwinner, may kwentong single mom, may kwentong working student, at maaring may kwentong kapit sa patalim.

Walang sinoman ang nararapat na makaranas ng diskriminasyon, ngunit parang wala ring sinoman ang makakahanap sa sakit na ito na walang lunas.

Fortified by the burning enthusiasm for imparting lifelong lessons, Kynah Rhea Fuentes aspires to be an influential educator in the fullness of time. She is currently taking up Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English.

Parallel pandemic of pseudo-paracetamols Health is wealth.

The gravity of what used to be a mere saying proves to hold its ground during this COVID-19 crisis. The truth is, contracting the virus during these trying times would force you to either shell out money for the treatment or die trying to make ends meet. As harsh as it may seem, our health serves as our daily foundation to adjust and continue on with the new normalities. No one can afford to get sick in these dark days; to get sick is to might as well consider dying.

Brought about by this pandemic, while we continue to struggle against the crashing economy and neglectful government, scammers decided to ride the tide. There has been a surge in the circulation of fake and counterfeit products— from masks to kits. But the most alarming of all would be the onslaught of counterfeit medicines made available to the public. Inevitably, in this health emergency, we heavily rely on medicine.

Although it already poses danger during normal circumstances, the threats and risks it carries multiplies by a hundred-fold during this health crisis. With no approved vaccine or treatment, the spread of potentially harmful fake products and medicines should be dealt with utmost caution on both a macro and micro perspective.

The counterfeiting industry is soaring due to the unprecedented health emergency created by the pandemic. Counterfeiters prey on peoples’ fears while they flood the online networks with advertisements for supposed treatments, tests, and medical devices for the novel coronavirus. And in this age of misinformation and fake news, people are more susceptible to fraudulent acts since they have a hard time discerning which is true.

Recently, the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released an advisory against the purchase and use of counterfeit drugs. Counterfeit drugs are those with wrong or contaminated ingredients; those with the correct ingredients but wrong amounts; or those without the active ingredients. These drugs are not properly registered and validated by the FDA and can be mislabeled as both generic and branded products.

Among the most common counterfeit drugs is paracetamol. Seen in mostly huge advertisements, it is recommended to relieve mild pain or fever. Without much means and access to health facilities, some experts may suggest the use of fever-lowering over-the-counter drugs to aid us in staying healthy during these times but are advised to be extra cautious in doing so. As fear-stricken Filipinos, we tend to hog these supplies without thoroughly checking if it’s authentic and safe to consume—of which minor neglect could endanger our lives Consumers need to have the ability to distinguish authentic drugs from fake ones. Some of which include: physical signs like color, size, weight, and design of both the drug and its packaging; and details such as parts of the packaging in particular the logo, lot/batch number, expiration date, and security features. In most cases, they have no effect. But they may still contain toxic ingredients or potentially lethal impurities which can cause major adverse events and complications. This emerging problem does not only affect the individual but the whole of society as well. Studies show that taking wrong doses of medicine can enhance the survival of more resistant parasites and therefore the emergence of drug resistance.

In the predicament that we’re in, it always pays to be mindful of buying the medicine that will help us recover rather than further implicating our health. It

Ivy Aguas

Ivee E. Manguilimotan iveeechinm@gmail.com

Although it already poses danger during normal circumstances, the threats and risks it carries multiplies by a hundred-fold during this health crisis. is best to buy medication from licensed and FDA-approved establishments and omit from products with questionable lowered-prices. To avoid a parallel pandemic of counterfeit drugs, being able to identify authentic drugs from fake ones is your ultimate weapon for survival.

Driven by her passion to wield the pen for truth and justice, Ivee is a student journalist currently taking up BS Accounting Information Systems. She envisions a world ascending towards the path of genuine freedom—free from anything and everything else.

OPINION VAT to top it all off

5

Golden Apple of Discord Paula Mae E. Villarosa

villarosapau15@gmail.com

Instead of creating bills that can help us end this pandemic it would seem like our leaders have wielded it as a scapegoat to undermine their foes by seizing critics that they deem to be “enemies of the state” and further exploit the poor while we are disadvantaged.

In the five months of this pandemic plaguing our lands, the Philippine government has reaped feat after feat. From successfully shutting down the media giant ABS-CBN, passing the Anti-Terror Law, claiming the top spot for ‘most COVID-19 cases in Southeast Asia’ at 100, 000, to making history with a P9 trillion debt that none of us can ever pay back in our lifetime. But that is not the best part. Amidst the snowballing cases, dwindling economy, deteriorating healthcare system, and increasing unemployment; the government thought that what we needed at a time like this was a tax imposition on digital services and transactions. Now, that is the foulest cherry on top of one moldy ice cream.

Following Albay Representative Joey Salceda’s proposal of the Digital Economy Taxation Bill to the House of Representatives in May, the said bill was approved by the House Committee on Ways and Means, holding authority over the state’s fiscal, monetary, and financial affairs, at the end of July. House Bill 6765 will impose a 12% value-added tax (VAT) on digital transactions and services—online shopping sites like Shopee, social networks like Facebook, streaming sites like Netflix, and search engines like Google among others. It would garner a P10.66 billion revenue amidst the recession to hopefully bolster our economy. But as far as its provisions go, this proposition is like its many mid-pandemic-made cousins. It can potentially push the economic decline forward instead of pulling us out from the torrent.

How would it exactly tax huge foreign digital corporations when they are not obliged Philippine taxpayers? The House mended that flaw by proposing that foreign developers put up physical offices in the country to legalize their operations here—compelling them to pay taxes.

At first glance, this may seem like an ideal solution to our money problem. Seeing that Filipinos take up a bigger share of the digital-consumption-pie among other nationalities, they would submit to the requirements.

However, these are not normal circumstances and with the debacle of our reputation during this crisis, it is not far-fetched to assume that they might discontinue their services here instead. The hassle of building offices, exposing their deployed personnel in a heavily infected country, with an ever-distorting legal system, and a whopping P9 trillion debt—if that does not scream economically unattractive, I do not know what is. This band aid amendment to the previous National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 can further incapacitate us.

If these free online services and transactions were to be taxed, we are to suffer the biggest blow of all. Filipinos are already struggling to make ends meet because of salary cuts, layoffs, and loss of livelihood because of prohibitions. Majority of the poor did not even receive the financial aid that was promised—One News PH reported that over 300,000 households did not receive their share of the social amelioration fund back in June.

Prices for necessary goods have skyrocketed and now, they would charge us for our medium of communication, work, school, and entertainment—bribing us with “helping boost the economy”? With the debt we have, should we not have been able to mass test for free, build quality facilities, give raises to front-liners, and have alleviated the problem by now? If this is how the people’s money is allocated, what assurance do we have that this VAT would help the economy?

Yes, our Asian neighbors [Singapore and Malaysia] passed a similar bill into law but they have fared the global crisis better than we have.

Given our current state, we cannot really use them as a basis. Instead of creating bills that can help us end this pandemic it would seem like our leaders have wielded it as a scapegoat to undermine their foes by seizing critics that they deem to be “enemies of the state” and further exploit the poor while we are disadvantaged.

Paula Mae E. Villarosa, 19, is a 2nd year Liberal Arts and Commerce student—taking BA Communication and BS Marketing Management.

She may be a campus journalist for nine years but her heart has always been within the many facets of the literature she writes and reads.

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 65 NUMBER 3 · JULY TO AUGUST 2020

SPECIAL REPORT J U LY TO AU G U S T 20 20 | VO LU M E 6 5 N O. 3

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JPES confronts The Spectrum over column article

BY KYNAH RHEA B. FUENTES AND HEZRON G. PIOS

A slight shift of perspective works.

Last Jan. 16, the Junior Philippine Economics Society (JPES) arranged a formal meeting with The Spectrum to discuss an opinion article entitled Print is Dying in USLS published in the 2019 September-October newspaper issue of the media corps.

Former The Spectrum editor-in-chief Hezron Pios and moderator Ms. Jean Lee Patindol sat opposite JPES’ then club president James Escalante and then secretary Al Millen Miravalles in the YAL-CBA Discussion Room.

Unprecedented Friction Prior to the scheduled forum, Escalante had sent an open letter addressed to Pios and The Spectrum. The following excerpt has been lifted from the seventh paragraph of JPES’ written message: During the L-Week, some members of The Spectrum visited our animal exhibit at MM11 and 12, where the misprints were used as coverups to the windows and doors.

When asked why we used those papers, I replied, “I didn’t know that it’s not allowed” as I was not aware that we were violating any existing rule or guideline. This was followed up by the members of The Spectrum telling us to take them down, to which we complied respectfully and willingly. And so, The Spectrum team left immediately after giving the notice without giving us the opportunity to provide details of the acquisition of those papers.

The misprints referenced above were The Class 2019 magazine copies which were subsequently purchased by JPES from Ang Bata Hardware and Construction Supplies in Brgy. Bata.

Contrarily, here’s an excerpt quoted from the second paragraph of Pios’ column write-up: Albeit Campus Journalism Act exists, it is apparently dismissed by Lasallians, be it faculty or students. For some of them, printed issues of The Spectrum can be torn, vandalized, used as rags or covering like what Junior Philippine Economics Society did during the Lasallian Week. In short, our publication is defenseless against this inappropriate behavior. All the rigorous

cannot be considered as USLS property, did not approve the resolution which was seconded by the

training a n d polishing of skill set becomes f u t i l e because our intellectual property as journalists is instantly cheapened, if not disrespected.

According to Escalante, the highlighted paragraph was a characterization and accusation [against JPES that] came as a shock as they were blindsided with the publishing of the article without having them to explain their side.

“We take great pride in our reputation as an organization as our current and previous members have taken care of it so much throughout the years.

This article [Print is Dying in USLS] has already damaged this image,” he expressed in the letter.

As a result, JPES brought up five major questions from the missive which ought to be answered primarily by Pios during the meeting. Hence, the succeeding paragraphs include the final exchange between JPES and The Spectrum, quotations from external parties, and circumstances highly relevant to the case.

Guilty as charged?

Escalante interrogated Pios about the nature of the incident in relation to the policies cemented in the Student Handbook, guidelines set by the

c a m p u s level and to promote the development and growth of campus journalism as a means of strengthening ethical values, encouraging critical and creative thinking, and developing moral character and personal discipline of the Filipino youth.

Although RA 7079 did not specify the use of physical outputs a s

-KIARA NICOLE D. VILLA

Office for Student Affairs, or existing laws of the country, questioning if JPES had committed any form of violation against the school paper.

“No protocol that could prohibit any club or organization to reuse The Spectrum outputs is currently observed,” Pios explained. The action of JPES during the 2019 Lasallian Week was spared from sanction, thus absolving the club.

On the other hand, Pios stressed that he and his Editorial Board had proposed a resolution namely Resolution No. 1 or A Resolution Formally Protecting The Spectrum Publication Permanently Starting Academic Year 20192020 to the Office for Student Affairs Dean Dr. Rowela Chiu weeks before the conception of his column.

Chiu, resolving that The Spectrum printed outputs

Disclaimer: The Junior Philippine Economics Society’s open letter to the Spectrum could be accessed in the publication’s Facebook page.

Discipline Office. After a failed attempt to pass Resolution No. 1 which could have laid out preventive measures for the publication, Pios resorted to drafting an opinion article that would encapsulate his sentiments on print arts.

The Vulnerability of Campus Journalism Pios clarified that the citation of the Campus Journalism Act of 1991 or RA 7079 does not imply that JPES violated the law. The rationale behind citing it can be further illustrated by the following clause: Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy.

— It is the declared policy of the State to uphold and protect the freedom of the press even at the

a covering on the wall, Pios stressed that the growth of campus journalism is directly impacted because every physical copy that had been destroyed beyond recognition is equal to a squandered opportunity for enhanced learning and involvement in news and current affairs for the student body.

For The Spectrum, there is no specific way that they would want their misprints to be reused and recycled as the publication has always aimed for their outputs to be read while they are fresh and off the printing press.

Misconstrued intentions

At the time of the L-Week incident, Pios confirmed that The Spectrum was unaware about the process that takes place for their misprints. As for JPES, they strive to be an ecofriendly group thus reusing and recycling paper through the publication’s magazine issue seemed a harmless option.

Moreover, when asked by Pios over a phone call, Gen Conrado of IMPRESS Quality Printing confirmed that The Spectrum misprints were dispatched elsewhere after the factory had completed its job order.

In light of his opinion writeup, Pios stressed that he had no intent to deliberately malign the public image of JPES. The reason why he name-dropped JPES was in the service of accuracy.

“Instead of making it sound like a hearsay, a blind item or to throw shade, I chose to reveal the club’s identity because the article was not meant to shame them in the first place,” he explained. Since the writeup was penned in the form of an opinion article, not news or feature, Pios affirmed that gathering all sides was not imperative.

The crux of [Print is Dying in USLS] pertained mostly on the following: (1.) years’ worth of vandalizing and tearing apart printed issues of the publication, ridding chances of sustained reading and use of references; (2.) rejection of the resolution

by OSA; (3.) nomination process in the Corps d’Elite in the Field of Print Arts; (4). entitlement of Lasallian faculty and staff over the duty of coverage by The Spectrum staff; and (5). promotion of discipline in reading and literacy.

Patched Up Despite the indicated points, Pios understood Escalante’s concern that his article caused an impact incompatible with what he expected towards JPES. To reiterate the fact that no policy could penalize the club, both parties settled their concerns and mutually agreed that the consequence of this miscommunication would be to release an explainer.

As the world starts shifting to digital media, this issue of print arts may or may no longer be relevant in the future. After all, The Spectrum is open to the possibility of embracing digital platforms, promoting paperless journalism, and environmental sustainability

SONA 2020: Moving forward amidst health bind

BY PATRICK N. BILLOJAN AND SHAN MARC O. JABAGAT

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivered his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 27 at the Plenary Session Hall of the Batasang Pambansa Complex.

This year’s SONA was one of Duterte’s longest so far, lasting for an hour and 41 minutes.

Compared to his previous SONAs, the government implemented strict protocols to ensure safety among attendees; mandatory swab testing and rapid tests were conducted for those who are entering the venue.

Starting off with pandemic Duterte opened his speech by describing how the dreams of prosperity for the country were suddenly shifted. He mentioned that no one was exempted—everyone is affected from the disease.

However, he assured that the vaccine is “around the corner”, mentioning sooner that he made a plea four days before his SONA to President Xi Jinping of China, asking if he can allow the Philippines to be the first one who will receive it—buying it if

necessary—so the country can normalize as fast as possible.

Furthermore, Duterte said that the [economic] gains the country achieved in the first three years were put to a test, declaring afterward that the Philippines was able to withstand the impact of the coronavirus.

He also expressed his gratitude to the frontliners for risking their lives to serve and protect the people, and shared his grief of the families for their loss.

Unfortunately, he did not address specific plans or concerns against the pandemic.

Oligarch issue against Drilon After his brief mention about the pandemic, Duterte attacked Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon— particularly on the issue of oligarchy.

Drilon took the President’s attention after he stated that by banning political dynasty; oligarchy will be dismantled—a statement that does not sit well with Duterte, whose three children are elected in office.

“In an interview, he arrogantly mentioned among

others that oligarchs need not be rich. Then he linked the antidynasty system with oligarchy and the topic was my daughter and son,” Duterte said.

The statement was made after the denial of ABS-CBN franchise and after Duterte declared that he “dismantled” oligarchy without declaring Martial Law. New plans set for the rest of the term Although Duterte made no mention of any solid plan in battling COVID-19, he did tackle other plans that are laid throughout his last two years in office.

-TRIZIA C. HASSIM

During his speech, he made another push to reimpose the death penalty for violators of the country’s anti-drugs law.

“I reiterated the swift passage of the law reviving the death penalty by lethal injection for crimes specified under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002,” Duterte conveyed as he expressed his interest in reviving the death penalty.

On a better note, he has also fixed his eyes on recovering the country’s economy as he highlighted some of the government’s response in reviving Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises such as the enactment of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE Act) which aims to cut income taxes of businesses, and the Financial Institutions Strategic Transfer (FIST) Act which will allow banks to transfer non-performing loans to lend more to new borrowers.

Over P182.5 million worth of loans have already been approved to help small scale businesses stabilize and

recover due to the economic slump caused by the pandemic.

Duterte also gave emphasis on children and human rights. According to him, the government is amplifying its efforts in the protection of children and human rights, and put an end to discrimination of people based on age, ethnicity, gender, identity, and other character traits.

“We will not dodge our obligation to fight for human rights,” President Duterte conveyed.

Meanwhile, he also rocked the country’s leading telecommunication companies, Smart and Globe Telecom, with a threat to close them and seize their assets if they do not improve their services by the end of the year.

However, he did not mention the third telco player, Dito Telecommunity which is not operating commercially yet and is owned by Duterte’s friend and campaign contributor Dennis Uy. An attempt to seize independence One of the highlights of his speech is his rejection towards the idea of establishing

American foreign military bases in Subic Bay, Zambales.

“I have nothing against America. I have nothing against China. But if you put bases here, you double the spectacle of a most destructive thing just like Manila during the Second World War, during the retaking of this city. One of the most devastated cities in the world,” he said.

Moreover, he also admitted that he could not afford to go to war against China in asserting the Philippines’ sovereignty in the South China Sea. “China is claiming it, we are claiming it. China has the arms. We do not have it. So, it’s as simple as that. They are in possession of the property […] so what can we do?” he added.

He also suggested that we better just cool off and treat this as a diplomatic endeavor.

On the contrary, different progressive groups around the country also banded through SONAgkaisa rally to voice out their opposition against the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 and their dismay towards the government’s initiative in negating the COVID-19 crisis in the country.

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 65 NUMBER 3 · JULY TO AUGUST 2020

DEVELOPMENT

J U LY TO AU G U S T 20 20 | VO LU M E 6 5 N O. 3

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NegOcc gets swab mobile from biomass group

BY DREXEL JOHN N. AMIT AND SHAN MARC O. JABAGAT

PHOTO COURTESY OF BACOLOD PIO

With the aim of boosting the province’s COVID-19 testing capacity, BioPower with its shareholder and project sponsor, European-based firm ThomasLloyd, donated another mobile swabbing unit to the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental through Governor Eugenio Jose V. Lacson.

The swab mobile was blessed in a turn-over ceremony held at the grounds of the Provincial Capitol on July 8 attended by Board Member Agustin Ernesto Bascon, Negros Occidental Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II, and BioPower Stakeholders Senior Manager Jack Celdran, among others.

According to Lacson, the said swab mobile will be operational once disinfected and will be dispatched to areas across the province that needs collection of swab samples.

Prior to the said event, Bacolod City also received a mobile swabbing unit from BioPower and ThomasLloyd last May 19 through Mayor Evelio R. Leonardia.

Moreover, during the onset of the community quarantine, the group donated thousands of personal protective equipment sets, medical supplies, and food provisions to various Local Government Units and medical facilities across Negros Occidental with worth accumulating over P5 million.

In a statement, BioPower Group President Arthur Aguilar expressed support to the provincial government, saying that they will continue lending them and their local government partners a helping hand in going through this pandemic.

“We believe that the mobile swab units will aid [Negrenses] as the threat of COVID-19 transmission persists,” Aguilar stated.

Likewise, ThomasLloyd LTD Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer for Asia Pacific Michael G. Airey affirmed the Negrense people, saying they are proud to reinforce the province in the midst of crisis.

Lacson also thanked BioPower and ThomasLloyd for lending the province a “very timely” donation considering that the number of COVID-19 cases in the province is rising, citing the influx of repatriates locally and from abroad.

DSC Appoints New Lead: Onto the Next Chapter

BY ADRIANNE H. SAPLAGIO AND CHRISTIAN DOMINIC L. LEDESMA

Knowingly or not, technology dominates us. Regardless of how far it has come or how much it has given, humans will continue to seek more from it—more of it. The world of fundamentals has been outgrown and now we desire all the wonders the digital age offers. In the past, people talked about how far technological advancements would take the world in the future. In the present, no one does that anymore—for today the people understand that

technology is the future itself.

The Developer Student Club (DSC), a university-based community group for students interested in Google developer technologies, cultivates the desire of the youth to expand their knowledge in the field of technology. It seeks to ignite the spark of curiosity in the people who would one day lead the country. Every year, they open applications for the Lead, fundamentally the president’s position in their chapters. On July 23, this position was filled

by Juanito Jose Padilla—Jj to his friends—a third-year student taking up Computer Science, majoring in game

development.

Jj, like any other student, was hungry for accomplishments—eager to put his best foot forward in every opportunity he can chance upon. “DSC seemed to be the kind of community I was looking for in clubs.

One where anyone can join and where the goal is to grow as developers both through activities and working with other student developers,” Jj expressed.

As a Lead, he has the responsibility of directing the DSC chapter at the University of St. La Salle. One of those responsibilities is to

assemble a Core Team which is comprised of students that would provide support in handling events and activities—overall helping to build and develop DSC on the campus. The reach of DSC isn’t strictly limited to the university—Leads from different universities could potentially hold joint activities and events, making it more a community than just a regular club.

Jj encourages everyone to pass in their applications as soon as they call for members. Those interested are advised to check out the Developer Student Clubs -

USLS Facebook page and dsc. community.dev—the official DSC website. “Honestly, you just need to have the drive to be in the club. DSC aims to bring together people with a common interest in technology and development,” Jj explained. He has also hinted that he prefers to train first or second years for them to gain more experience and be capable of running the club in the future.

There’s a lot of benefits that come with joining the Developer Student Club. “You get to interact and collaborate with other student developers to create projects that could

help the community,” Jj said, adding that members also get access to Google Technologies, allowing them to gain relevant experience and build personal and professional connections.

He wishes to turn DSC to a community that nurtures the growth of its members—a society where one can push their limits and expand their horizons.

Regardless of one’s knowledge in programming or lack thereof, everyone is welcome to tighten their grasp on the craft and witness as the passion and dedication of the members take the club onto the next chapter.

Philippines’ Last Frontier: A Pristine Spot

BY ADRIANNE H. SAPLAGIO

Amidst all the havoc and despair brought upon us by the pandemic lies a sweet, radiant light. It is but a small beam, yes, but a spot of good nonetheless—something the world is in dire need of.

Last July 8, Travel+Leisure—a renowned travel magazine—declared the results of their annual survey, the World’s Best Awards 2020. On that day, it was announced that the ‘Best Island in the World’ was won by the Philippines’ very own archipelagic province of Palawan.

Pitted against a number of gorgeous places with their own unique charms from all over the world, Palawan emerged on top of the list for the fourth time with a score of 94.83 out of 100. Travel+Leisure readers rated the islands according to the activities and food they offer, the friendliness of the locals, physical magnificence, and overall value. Among the other winning contenders stand the beautiful islands of Mílos and Páros in Greece, Koh Lanta in Thailand, and Sri Lanka.

Dubbed as “The Last Frontier”, Palawan is a four-time winner of the award and an amazing tourist

destination of 1,780 untouched islands packed with pristine white beaches, wondrous rock formations, and fascinating underground spots that fill their visitors with boundless mystique and wonder. These locations also boast a teeming collection of wildlife, 33 percent of which is endemic to the country.

“Though it’s difficult to reach from many parts of the world, once travelers get there, they can dive in World War II wrecks, explore old-growth rain forests, and paddle one of the world’s longest subterranean rivers at Puerto Princesa,” Travel+Leisure writer Sara Clemence said.

As the survey offered diversity with a representative from six continents, emerging on top of 25 other beautiful islands brings great joy to the Filipino people. Unfortunately, as this achievement lives under the shadows of the pandemic, it is not given the recognition it is due. That, however, does not make the accomplishment any less special and neither does it make Palawan any less perfect.

With the world being bleak and dreary, it’s a great time to be reminded that we will always have Palawan— our country’s personal pristine spot that thrives amidst the chaos.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PEXELS.COM

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 65 NUMBER 3 · JULY TO AUGUST 2020

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Pag -atubang sang mga Kahangawaan Sa ikalima nga State of the Nation Address ni Presidente Duterte, naghiliusa ang aton mga kauturan sa siyudad sang Bacolod sa pag-pamatok sang mga garuk nga mga pagbuhat sang administrasyon sa tunga sang nagalala nga pandemya. Biskan pa pilit sila nga ginapahamtang sa ila nga mga panimalay, wala sing makapugong sang ila pagpangisog sa paghangkat sang mga lideres para sa ila kawsa. Dako man ang ila kakulba sa makalalaton nga masakit, wala na sing mas kahaladlukan pa kaysa sa padayon nga madulaan sing kinamatarung kag tingog ang kadam-an—nga wala sing kinalis sa hinali nga pagpang-utod ginhawa sang ining pandemya.

Photos by Karl Brian T. Marqueza

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BUYanihan: Patronizing Local, Reviving Economy

BY DREXEL JOHN N. AMIT

To know that the computer shop where you spend your idle time or the food place where your barkada usually ate has closed is just simply disheartening. For some, it is devastating. As the number of COVID-19 cases is aggressively rising in the country with the economy plunging drastically, not even small business entrepreneurs are spared.

With this, the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod approved a resolution requesting Bacolodnons to support the BUYanihan Program in giving aid to the country’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) that are severely affected by the pandemic during the regular session of the City Council on July 15.

The resolution was primarily authored by city Councilor Simplicia Distrito, and co-authored by city Councilors Al Victor Espino, Bartolome Orola, Sr., Ana Marie Palermo, and Dindo Ramos.

Supporting the Campaign The BUYanihan Program was primarily launched nationwide by the members of the private sector on July 10 to back the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI) “Buy Local, Go Lokal” campaign.

-KEILAH N. BALDOMAR

The said program was initiated by the Association of Filipino Franchisers Inc. and the DTI in partnership with Farmacia ni Dok, Go Negosyo, Globe My Business, PLDT KaAsenso, SM Super Malls, Security Bank, Sea Oil, Union Bank, Philippine Association of National Advertisers, and the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas.

Meanwhile, the resolution stated that it is necessary to promote local MSMEs as they

contribute to the economy, provide employment, and aid the local government through taxes.

“Supporting the program will positively improve consumer confidence and help the economy recover despite the crisis,” Distrito said, emphasizing that the residents can support the program by purchasing products and availing services provided by local businesses in the city.

Resuscitating Philippine Economy With more than half of MSMEs fully ceasing operations in the first month of Enhanced Community Quarantine implementation in the country as reported

by DTI, the cash-flows of these enterprises—which is a primary factor in business survival—were also drastically affected.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, there are

Canvas: On Surviving Online Class

BY HANA PATRICIA RAJ E. HAUTEA AND SHAN MARC O. JABAGAT

Welcome!

As the new academic year unfolds, all Lasallians— students and faculty alike—are embarking on a new journey through virtual plains. But fear not!

With the help of licensed psychometrician Patricia Marie Laporno, we’ll help you sail through online classes. With a little work, we can definitely reach our destination safe and sound.

MODULE 0 | What to expect First and foremost, it’s completely normal to be confused with how the system works, since it’s so different from what we’re used to. But according to Ms. Patricia, the biggest challenge isn’t online classes itself, but rather the transition and adjustment it entails.

For one, the internet connection in Bacolod City can be unpredictable due to its inconsistency.

This may result in a student having difficulty catching up if their connection is lost during synchronous classes. Noise and other physical distractions can also disrupt your focus and quality of learning.

To rub salt in the wound, Ms. Patricia added that since we’re now studying from home, it’s trickier to separate the role of being a student from being a family member.

MODULE 1 | Taking care of the self These uncontrollable factors, along with the added load of academic requirements, are sure to impact your mental health in one way or another. While we may be from a tech-savvy generation, we have our limits as well.

Ms. Patricia mentioned that online

to different places during vacant periods.

With this in mind, Ms. Patricia suggests to find what works best for you and to avoid comparing your pace and style to that of your classmates. Give yourself time to destress, manage a schedule to avoid

-EARL JOHN D. PABULAR

classes made some students feel more “alone” and “in the dark”. Although you can chat with your friends virtually, it can’t come

close to cramming for a quiz together minutes before your class or going

procrastination, a n d take good care of your physical health as well. According to her, we need to make a conscious effort in developing good mental health hygiene, just

like how we take measures to protect our physical health from declining.

MODULE 2 | Getting help Online class is definitely stressful, but we should be careful not to exert ourselves to the point of mental or physical exhaustion. In the end, keep in mind that you don’t have to do everything by yourself.

If it gets too much, feel free to talk it out with your friends and family.

Oftentimes, expressing yourself can help ease the burden and clear the fog in your mind. But if there’s no one around to turn to, the Guidance and Evaluation Center is always ready to offer their services and lend an ear. They can be contacted through their email (gec@usls.edu. ph), their Facebook page (USLS Guidance & Evaluation Center), their contact number ([034] 433 2175), or you can choose to visit their office in person.

Cong rat u lat ion s!

You have now completed the course.

This is a confusing time for all of us, but let Ms. Patricia leave you with a little message: “Challenges are opportunities to grow better and stronger.

Never forget that! However difficult, always trust in the process. You are capable of more than you know.”

With this, you have earned a badge as a strong, capable individual. You got this!

more than 990,000 MSMEs, making up 99.5% of all the businesses in the country by 2018—urging the DTI to create the campaign to improve consumer optimism, reinvigorate confidence of MSMEs, and eventually reopen the economy.

Likewise, MSMEs also provide for 63% of the nation’s employment and, thus, reviving the sector of small businesses means reviving the country’s economy as

well.

Meanwhile, the BUYanihan campaign comes with an eight-point program as follows: (1) communication campaign; (2) opening of an e-commerce platform; (3) individual recovery programs; (4) virtual expos; (5) exposure through onsite marketplace; (6) consultation with free mentorship access; (7) employee health monitoring; and (8) online forums.

ECOBOX

Imprinting on the Earth

BY ALAN S. VILLANUEVA JR. AND CHRISTIAN DOMINIC L. LEDESMA

We are the world. The light from the sun and the waste from creatures nourish the grasses; the grasses feed the goats; the goats fill our stomachs; and we release the nutrients the grasses require which repeats the cycle of life. Even in death, we remain with this world as we come into union with the land— giving life to generations to come. Amidst the pandemic, preserving nature and its cycle is still as important as it was before.

Recently, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson ushered the launch of the legacy park—a 17-hectare land area part of Federico Infante’s 55-hectare land—to be allocated for environmental development and preservation.

Its launching was held last June 30 at Mandayao Waterfalls in Brgy.

Mansalanao, La Castellana which also marked the conclusion of the 28th Provincial Environment Month celebration.

Accompanying Lacson during the launching was landowner Federico Infante Jr., La Castellana Mayor Rhumyla Nicor Mangilimutan, Provincial Environment Management Officer Danilo Amisola, and Provincial Tourism Officer

Jennylind Cordero.

The term ‘legacy park’ is a new model of Public Private Partnership in the establishment of Local Conservation Areas—areas protected and overseered by the local government unit due to its high conservation value; wherein landowners collaborate by allocating portions of their property for environmental conservation, protection, and rehabilitation.

“With this program today with the provincial government, we hope to see the preservation and the conservation of the future water site or the headwaters that could give life. I am so glad the opportunity came to work with the provincial government for the establishment of the legacy park,” Infante said during his speech.

Fed-Jul-Nine is the soonto-be name of the legacy park, given in honor of Infante’s mother, father, and nine siblings. Aiming for their goal of environmental development, clean-ups, and tree planting activities would commence after the signing of the memorandum of agreement. Still, as mentioned by Lacson, future development plans for the park are subject to availability of funds especially during these tough times in the pandemic.

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When an Eagle Soars

of struggles: having to transfer homes multiple times for job opportunities and trekking long distances to attend school. He also revealed taking part-time jobs as a student which included gleaning, weeding, and tree trimming.

The destination he was heading to was not at all mapped out from the beginning since he initially wanted to be a teacher.

His interest was only ignited when he joined the Overseas Missionary Stewardship, learning about the need for nurses in the medical ministry from his benefactors. Upon PHOTO COURTESY OF TIGWAHANON passing the Nursing Licensure Exam, he dedicated himself to serving his tribe from 2011 to 2015.

BY ALAN S. VILLANUEVA JR. AND CARL HASON T. GERALE Back then, being a nurse was already enough for Otit; however, as he witnessed numbers of A leap of faith, a firm determination, and a heart for his tribesmen ailing due to their community’s compassion became the tailwinds to get the first lack of hospitals, and with the persuasion of his Tigwahanon-Manobo doctor ascending towards fellow missionaries, he dove ahead with hopes of greater heights. aiding his people.

Earning his Doctor of Medicine degree at the De La Mambucon may have taken big strides Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute last June 30, closer to his dream but he does not let himself the 31-year-old Joeffrey Mambucon, known as “Otit” to be complacent as he currently makes the most his tribesmen, arose as the first doctor from his tribe. out of his personal study sessions. This is in On top of that, he became a beacon for dreamers as well. preparation for next year’s board examination He was also the recipient of two more distinctions: and his upcoming post-graduate internship this Dean’s Special Award for Research and Dean’s Special August. Following this, he will be joining the Award for Advocacy, Inclusiveness, and Equity as Department of Health’s Doctors to the Barrios the First Tigwahanon-Manobo Lasallian Doctor of program for three years, wishing he will be Medicine. assigned to San Fernando, Bukidnon, before On a Facebook post that had gone viral, Mambucon undergoing residency training. narrated how being ridiculed for his social status and The road Mambucon trod was neither a ethnicity did not deter him on his way to success. The cobblestoned pavement nor was the journey Tigwahanon-Manobo tribe, which was home to Otit, a stroll in the meadows. But the vision he eyes mainly lives in underdeveloped areas—tree houses for his tribe weighed more than the gravels that called batangan were built among the branches of a gathered on his soles. As for those people who growing tree with the tree trunk as its solitary post, caught wind of his story or stumbled upon his deprived of some necessary facilities. The tribe suffers Facebook post, he leaves a single Tigwahanon from being dispossessed of their tribal lands and their word: “Panaman-taman ki” which means “just voice in politics. Otit also shared that they normally keep on dreaming”. practice marriage at an early age of 12 and mainly He wishes for them to soar high like him; rely on farming, fishing, and hunting for livelihood akin to an eagle discovering the world on the and food collection to be shared with the community other side. Besides that, he tells of the need of according to their contribution, but he proved that they broadening perspectives and opening hearts can go beyond that with his accomplishment. in understanding the things that happen, Furthermore, on the same post, he showed his joy especially with the discrimination they are and gratitude for the support of his fellow tribesmen— experiencing. his mentors, his parents, and everyone who has been There is so much room for dreamers in the there for him since the beginning of his journey. They skylines to which Dr. Mambucon leaves a few became Otit’s sources of strength that prevailed over more words to bolster those who aspire: “Huwag the doubts some people had about him. tayong umiyak, lumaban lang—maging malakas Otit’s determination stood firm even in the midst ang loob!”

NEGROS TOURS

UNWIND: The Getaway Trip You Didn’t Know You Needed

-KEILAH N. BALDOMAR

BY IVEE E. MANGUILIMOTAN AND ANGELA A. CORONEL

One early morning, you wake up to chilly weather yet with the sun out—enough to savor its warmth from your bed. You get up and stretch out the sore muscles after a good night’s sleep, feeling placid and content—it was one of those good days.

You spend mornings with the usual routine: roll in bed, take a bath, eat breakfast, brush your teeth, check updates on your phone, and then finally step out of the house to check things off the to-do lists. Your days were customary to the point where you didn’t know what to do with the freedom you had. Beep! The only days you perk up is when your phone beeps and you get a text from a friend: “Teh? Lagaw ta?” You breathe in the not-so-fresh morning air and ready yourself for another hustle.

You and your friends meet-up by the near fast food chain and hop into one of the cars that’d take you away from the usual day. Your only escape from habitual reality are road trips to nearby cities and nature spots which luckily, are accessible from the city. Seated by the corner back seat, you roll down the window and see the sun peeking behind the clouds, wind rushing towards your face. Unbothered, you leave the window open and relish the scenery. What a good day indeed!

KUSINATA Brgy. Kumaliskis, Don Salvador Benedicto Settled atop the cliff overlooking the mountains and Malatan-og Falls, usually shrouded in a veil of mist, you arrive at the restaurant notorious for supporting the local Ata Indigenous People Community. Their Ata cook serves you a scrumptious uga, from the all-day breakfast section of the menu, and your every bite—with just the right amount of

saltiness—offers patronage to the social advocacy the restaurant supports.

To cap off your dining experience, the staff presents you a variety of premium yet affordable wines, from reds to whites, which you happily oblige. Having immersed yourself with a bit of the Ata delicacies, you head out to the next destination.

But not without promising yourself to come back again and revel in everything the place has to offer.

CAFE 1925 Ledesma St., Silay City A quaint and cozy cafe nestled near the heart of the city, you find yourselves taking a trip back to the past. Not much bigger than your average local carinderia, the place offers you unmatched fine dining experience coupled with a variety of specialties all for the right prices.

You order pasta from their wide array and while waiting, you can’t help but take notice of the canvas paintings as city scenes set as the backdrop with framed photographs that seem one or two generations ahead of your time. As your food is served, you get curious and ask the staff about the rich history the café prides itself in—having lived to see the wars in action. For dessert, you reward yourself with their homemade ice cream and succumb to the sweetness melting upon your taste buds, just like the cafe’s ambiance—mellow and intimate.

MACCAHILL CAFE AND SPORTS ADVENTURE Brgy. Minoan, Purok Magtahos, Murcia Now at this point, you and your friends are stuffed from all of the delicious food you’ve had from breakfast to lunch; why not spend the overflowing energy for a thrilling adventure?

Standing below the foot of Mt. Kanlaon, you are welcomed by an astounding view of the five connecting cities, from Valladolid to Silay. While adoring the view, you and your group decide to take a short trek to Kawa Falls. After a few minutes of hiking, you are greeted by an enchanting waterfall embraced by the green scenery; you decide to reward yourselves and take a refreshing plunge after the exhausting hike.

Your group decides to have dinner at the viewing deck by sunset. Even as the darkness loomed in the skies, the view still kept you in awe—the city lights emanating from the five cities made you feel at ease and you literally feel like you’re on top of the world.

As much as you want to hold on to the thrill and relaxation, it’s time to head home. You feel exhausted while you realize that you have to go back to your usual routine, yet you feel satisfied and euphoric from the unforgettable escapade that you’ve experienced today. You say goodbye to your friends, get fixed up for bed, and get a good night’s sleep—ready to conquer another day.

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MOVIE REVIEW

Aswang

BY PAULA MAE E. VILLAROSA

“Kapag sinasabi nilang may aswang, ang gusto talaga nilang sabihin ay—matakot ka.”

As Filipinos, none of us escaped the cautionary tales of creatures that came pillaging for naughty children, who refused siestas and sleeping early, to feast on. Among them, the aswang— shapeshifting, boogeyman-like beings lurking in the darkness searching for human prey, feeding on bodily organs, and leaving carcasses in their wake—seems to have always stuck with us. Like the creature, the story has been altered as it’s passed down from one generation to another—so much so that we believed the existence of these shapeshifters among us. Alyx Ayn Arumpac gives the old tale a new face—as premise to Duterte’s gruesome drug war in her 2019 award-winning documentary film Aswang.

The documentary delves into stories of the many lives reaped by the extrajudicial killings of the War on Drugs campaign. It opens with Kian de los Santos’ case which leads to following his friend, six-year-old Jomari, who has laid witness to poverty, class inequality, and various forms of violence. The narrative goes on to show scenes of bloody tokhang operations, wakes, and burials that became a common thing [at that time] for people living in the slums of the city.

Told from the perspectives of victims’ loved ones, the funeral home owner, journalists, and concerned individuals— Arumpac timely bared the harsh reality Filipinos are facing today through a portrayal of a myth in a bold and brutally honest 84-minute storytelling that no other Filipino film seems to have

succeeded in before.

Aswang skipped the usual blueprint for its genre as facts were shown in all nakedness and vulnerability. It gave faces to the statistics that we see on the news. More than to inform, the film moved us to care—to acknowledge what was right under our noses to the point that some may find its emotional appeal shrewd and calculating.

Tackling themes of human rights violations, inequality, and brutality, Aswang is a timelessly relevant cinematic experience. Despite being several years in the making, it found its niche in today’s current events—with the shutdown of ABS-CBN, the passing of the Anti-Terror Law, and the weak COVID-19 response systems of the same administration as the film revolved on. It may have dealt with the drug war but it divulged the administration’s constant flaws along with the people’s unresolved pleas.

It seemed like a myth within a myth—Arumpac’s play on allegories coupled with grim visuals helped deliver the story’s context. She enveloped the ghastly killings and its impact in localized allusions, clearly seen through the in-between narrations, reaching out to Filipinos who can relate to these stories better than anyone else.

Like the myth, the perpetrator of the extrajudicial acts remained a “mystery” because proof was scarce.

If scrutinized, it didn’t shift

from its cinematic scenes to hard-hitting infographics in the course of its screen time. The film stuck to the myth and relied on people’s unscripted dialogues and careful cutting to move the narrative along. Arumpac even included scenes of Jomari’s tales of “creatures that lurk in murky waters” to further mirror these legends to reality. The highly contrasted and intense lighting setting the film’s mystery and horror surged Aswang’s message forward.

Other than the impression of emotional manipulation that may throw some people off, Arumpac unshackled the truth of the myth tucked away under lock and key—human beings drunk with power are far more terrifying than the mythos powered by our imagination.

Aswang is indeed a documentary unlike any other—seeing these fictions unravel in real life is something no Filipino should miss.

MOVIE REVIEW

Through Night and Day: Flopping, Trying, Flying

BY EZRA CHRISLAINE L. ORTEGA

It’s better late than never.

For a movie set in a breathtaking place like Iceland, Through Night and Day, which premiered back in 2018, was unjustly underrated. Especially since it made a clever turn in including disastrous moments such as skidding off the lane after a clash and in pulling the lovers apart instead of filming their romance.

The film talks about Ben (Paolo Contis) who surprises his fiancée Jen (Alessandra de Rossi) with a trip to her dream destination, Iceland. At first, the couple fancy their first out-of-the-country travel, seeing the unique views the European country has to offer. What begins as an almost ideal holiday for the lovers transitions into an eyeopening discovery of their flaws and shortcomings that could mangle their plans in the near future.

There are three distinct ideas that turn Veronica Velasco’s Through Night and Day from a total missed opportunity movie into a mostwatched film this 2020.

Streaming Platform The film was originally aired last November 2018 in Philippine cinemas but was eventually pulled out after three days due to lack of viewers.

However, when it was published this July 2020 on Netflix, it skyrocketed to the streaming website’s number one trending movie spot in a matter of days, making the viewers appreciate Alessandra De Rossi even more.

De Rossi has always been

a versatile performer, armed with the timing and instincts to turn from comedy to drama to both. Surprisingly, Paolo Contis was an effective leading man as well, knowing that the former child actor has worked mainly as a television comedian.

Emotional Maneuver What made the film

both underrated in 2018 and overrated this 2020 is that it does its manipulation with all the plot conveniences possible—particularly in the second half of the story. After living in New York for a few years, Ben comes home to sell their estate and settle with his new fiancée in the United States. Throughout his visit, he discovers Jen’s condition after their breakup. Jen has an astrocytoma (brain tumor) and has undergone a brain surgery, which made her inexplicably irrational when they were in Iceland, particularly when she

kept on changing and insisting on places she wanted to visit.

What started out as a humorous portrayal of a strong yet imperfect relationship turned out to be another drama that relies on unfortunate instances all for sobs and sniffles.

Frankly speaking, no matter how successful the film is in its tear-jerking attempts (which made them trending this 2020), it still betrays the first half’s admirable endeavors to express the significant imperfections of even the most ideal romantic relationships.

Picturesque Scenery On the other hand, one of the factors that made this movie interesting is that they adopt the recent trend of romantic movies to make foreign lands and usually picturesque and touristfriendly locations as settings.

The movie highlighted the magnificent Icelandic landscape, the northern lights, and other tourist attractions that viewers would surely add to their travel bucket lists.

The film’s most poignant moment has this intent in full focus, with Ben and Jen finally seeing the full wonder of the spectacular geysers after a disagreement that tests each other’s patience, without any clue to their already collapsing relationship.

The movie bounced back from being a box-office flop into a top trending movie on Netflix, having the right mixture of timing and shift of approach.

Through Night and Day may have hit the mainstream late, but eventually, the film and its acting got the attention it deserved at a time when its themes of enduring love are more real than ever.

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Lakbay Buhay ni Juan NI MA. KRISTINE JOY R. BAYADOG

Malaking bahagi ng ekonomiya ng bansa ang pagtatrabaho ng ating mga kababayang Juan sa ibang bansa. Sila ang itinuturing nating mga makabagong bayani—ang Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

Ang OFWs ay isang katawagang madalas na ginagamit na sumasangguni sa mga migranteng manggagawa—mga mamamayang Pilipino na nakatira sa ibang bansa para sa isang limitadong panahon ng trabaho.

Ayon sa tala ng Philippine Statistics Authority, may humigit-kumulang 2.2 milyong OFWs na naroon sa iba’t ibang bahagi ng mundo mula Abril hanggang Setyembre ng nakaraang taon.

Malamang ay noong musmos pa lamang si Juan ay nakaukit na sa kanyang isipan at kasama na sa listahan ang makarating sa ibang bansa—kung hindi man ang manirahan ay para naman magtrabaho upang makamit ang mas matiwasay na pamumuhay.

Sa kabila ng modernong kabayanihang ito ng mga Juan, bakit nga ba mas pinipili ng ating mga kababayan na makipagsapalaran at isugal ang hinaharap sa isang bansang dayuhan sa halip na manatili at magtrabaho sa bansang kanyang sinilangan?

Sa bansang pinagmulatan man unang natuto at namulat sa realidad ng mundo, marami sa atin ang nangangarap ma ng iba ngbansa sa pagnanais na magkaroon ng maunlad na pamumuhay.

Narito ang iba, pero hindi limitadong, mga dahilan kung bakit nangingibang bansa ang ating mga kababayan: Hanap. Contract. Deal.

Nakikipagsapalaran si Juan upang matustusan ang pamilya at magkaroon ng mas mahusay na pamantayan ng pamumuhay. Ito ang pangunahing dahilan kung bakit ang isang Pinoy ay

pinipiling maging OFW. Kung ikukumpara, hindi hamak na mas mataas ang naibibigay n a

-ALEXANDRA V. BACHOCO

pa s we ldo ng ibang bansa kaysa dito sa Pilipinas.

Hindi baleng malayo sa

pamilya basta’t magkaroon lamang ng mas maginhawang buhay ang

kamag-anak.

Pinipiling mawalay at maulila ng isang OFW sa kanyang mga mahal sa buhay kapalit ng mas mabuting kinabukasan.

Skill mo, show mo.

Ang iba sa ating mga kababayan sa labas ng bansa ay hindi lamang nagnanais

ng trabaho at sahod subalit nais din nilang makahanap ng mas maganda at maraming oportunidad.

Nais din nilang mahasa ang kanilang angking galing, talino, talento, kakayahan, at diskarte na maaaring maging dahilan ng mas mabilis pang pag-unlad.

Ang ibang Pinoy ay nagtamo ng posisyon sa mataas na pamamahala ng isang dayuhang kompanya at dahil dito, mas nagkakaroon ng m a l a k i n g pagkakataon sa mataas na antas ng pamumuhay— bagay na mahirap makamit sa mga kompanya dito sa Pilipinas lalo na kapag hindi nakapagtapos ng pag-aaral.

Doble Kara: Dual Citizenship Mayroon din sa mga OFW ang nagnanais ng regular na trabaho at nagpaplanong maging permanenteng mamamayan ng isang bansa.

Ang paghahangad ng paglipat sa ibang bansa ng mga Pinoy ay naging katanggap-tanggap at pangkaraniwang kultura at diskarte na ng bansa upang matamasa ang buhay na sa tingin ni Juan ay hindi maaabot kung mananatili lamang siya sa Inang Bayan.

Ayon sa artikulong isinulat ni Maruja M.B. Asis para sa Migration Policy Institute, ang Pilipinas ang pangunahing bansang pinagmumulan ng malaking bahagdan ng mga manggagawa sa Asya at sa buong mundo.

Ang mga dahilang ito ay malalim na nag-uugat mula sa hangaring mapabuti ang buhay–bagay na mahirap makamit sa isang bansang may marupok na ekonomiya, mababang antas ng buhay, hindi maunlad na sistemang pampulitika, at kawalan ng oportunidad sa trabaho.

Hindi masama ang magnais ng matagumpay na buhay ngunit bago pa man ito makamtan, kinakailangan pang pagdaanan ni Juan ang hirap at tiyaga ng pagkawalay sa kanyang mga mahal sa buhay at tiisin ang magisang pangungulila sa isang bansang dayuhan.

Likas na Lakas ng mga Pilipino NINA EZRA CHRISLAINE L. ORTEGA AT IVEE E. MANGUILIMOTAN

Marami nang mga hamon sa buhay ang naranasan ng mga Pilipino. Mula sa diskriminasyon sa kamay ng mga dayuhan hanggang sa mga sakunang naidulot ng kalikasan, nananatili pa ring matatag na nagkakaisa ang sambayanan anuman ang delubyong kinakaharap; sagisag ng mga Pinoy ang pagpupunyagi.

Ano nga ba ang mayroon sa Pilipinas na naiiba sa ibang bahagi ng mundo? Ano nga ba ang katangian ng mga Pilipinong nagbibigkis sa bawat isa?

Saan mang lupalop ng mundo, hindi maipagkakailang may mga Pilipinong naninirahan o nagtatrabaho sa mga dayuhang bayan upang mairaos lamang ang naiwang pamilya sa Pilipinas. Ito ang reyalidad na kinakaharap ng isang tipikal na pamilyang

Pilipino. Ngunit kinikilala ang mga Pinoy bilang likas na masayahin anumang pagsubok ang maranasan sapagkat nagagawa pa rin nating tumawa, bumangon, lumaban, at magpatuloy.

Mula sa sinaunang konsepto ng bayanihan ng pagbubuhat ng bahay ng iyong kasamahan, sa paglago ng modernisasyon sa mundo, mas lalong umiigting ang pananalaytay ng hilagyo ng bayanihan sa dugo ng bawat Pinoy.

Sinisimbolo ng diwang ito ang pagkakabuklod-buklod at mapayapang pagsasama at sistema ng pagtutulungan sa isang bayan anumang unos ang humagupit: sakuna, giyera, o korapsyon man.

Katulad na lamang noong lindol na naganap sa Gitnang Visayas (Bohol) sa taong 2012 na naitalang pinakamamatay na lindol sa bansa sa loob ng 23 taon at sa kasunod na taon, nangyari na naman ang pinakamalakas na bagyong Yolanda sa buong mundo.

-EARL JOHN D. PABULAR

Napakalaking dagok ang naranasan ng mga Pinoy noong mga panahon na iyon ngunit naisabuhay ang lagyo ng pakikiisa ng maraming organisasyon at indibidwal na nag-abot ng tulong upang mabigyan ng pansamantalang pagkain, damit, at tirahan ang mga biktima.

Makikita ang labis na pighati ngunit mabilis na pagbangon ng mga Pilipino.

Kahit sa gitna ng delubyong nagdulot ng kawalan ng tirahan at hanapbuhay, nagagawa parin ng mga Pinoy na tumawa at magsaya.

Isa pang pangyayari sa bansa ang hindi malilimutan ng mga Pilipino—ang labanan sa Marawi. Limang buwan ang itinagal ng bakbakan sa Marawi sa pagitan ng puwersa ng Pamahalaan ng Pilipinas at ang mga kaakibat na militante ng Islamikong Estado ng Irak at ang Levant, kabilang ang mga pangkat ng Maute at Abu Sayyaf na nagsimula pa noong ika23 ng Mayo, taong 2017.

Ang labanang ito ay naging pinakamahabang digmaan sa pook na urbano sa makabagong kasaysayan ng Pilipinas.

Kasunod ng pangyayaring ito ay ang mabilis na aksiyon ng mga netizens upang mag bayanihan para makabuo ng listahan ng evacuation centers at hotlines na tutulong sa mga naapektuhan ng bakbakan. Aksyon ang naging daan upang mabigyan ng mga pang araw-araw na pangangailangan ang mga residenteng naapektuhan ng digmaan, kagaya ng mga kilalang unibersidad na nagbigay ng kanilang mga donasyon, mga organisasyon at mga personalidad na nagorganisa ng fund-raising, at iba pang mga aktibidad para sa benepisyo ng mga taga-Marawi. Higit sa lahat,

ang lahat ay nagkaisa sa pagdadasal na matuldukan na ang labanan.

Saksi ang mga mga lolo’t lola natin sa pakikipagbuno ng mga huwarang Pilipino— para sa ngalan ng kalayaan— laban sa rehimeng Marcos noong 1970s. Libo-libo ang namatay upang makamit lamang ang inaasam na demokrasya, at sa huli’y hindi naman nasayang ang mga dugong dumanak at mga buhay na naibuwis. Sa pagbabalik-tanaw, malalim pa rin ang sugat na iniwan ng martial law, ngunit hanggang ngayon, patuloy pa rin ang laban at hindi na muling papayagan ang paglago ng diktaturya sa bansa. Bunga ng pagkakaisa ng sambayanan, narito tayo ngayo’t tinatamasa ang kalayaan.

Sa paglipas ng panahon, ang mga tradisyong bayanihan ay unti-unting nababago at naiaakma sa panahon, ngunit ang kabutihan at intensyon nito ay nagiging mas dinamiko lamang. Dahil sa pundasyon ng bayanihan sa puso ng bawat isa, makakaasa ang ninuman na kahit gaano man kalalim ang unos, makakaahon pa rin ang mga Pilipino. Ito ang nag-uudyok sa atin na patuloy na lumaban upang mabuhay. Nakakintal sa puso, isipan, at dugo ng bawat Pinoy ang hilagyo ng unyon at kaunlaran. Saksi ang mga ninuno natin sa mga katiwalian at korapsyong laganap sa sistema—ilang taon pa man ang lumipas, hindi mawawala sa Pinoy ang rason na lumaban sapagkat naipapasa sa bawat henerasyon ang apoy ng himagsikan.

Walang maliligtas kung walang pagtutulungan; walang progreso kung walang adhikain; at lalong walang bayan kung wala ang pagbabayanihan.

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 65 NUMBER 3 · JULY TO AUGUST 2020

DAKBANWA J U LY TO AU G U S T 20 20 | VO LU M E 6 5 N O. 3

13

Pagtaub o Paghunas?: Paghimutad sa Baciwa Joint Venture NI ALAN S. VILLANUEVA JR.

Makahilidlaw ang naglinigad—sang ang mainit nga paghakos sa matugnaw nga gab-i kag ang mabugnaw nga paghalok sa mainit nga ugto, nga sa’ton adlaw-adlaw nagapapagsik kag nagapatawhay, ang gainawas pa sa mga suba kag sapa. Apang, mabalik pa ayhan ang tion nga ang tubig magadinaguso sa aton nagamala nga kalawasan?

Ang tubig matuod guid nga kinahanglanon sang katawhan pero nagapabilin man nga palaligban sang Bacolod City Water District (BACIWA). Siling ni BACIWA Assistant General Manager for Operations Engr. Jenelyn Yap-Gemora, 48 porsyento lang sang mga pumuluyo ang maserbisyuhan.

Para sabton ini, kaupod ang Prime Water Infrastructure Corporation, nagpirma ang nasambit nga katilingban sa isa ka 25-year joint venture agreement nga magasugod sa Nobyembre 1 pagkatapos sang three-month transition

period suno sa pag-anunsyo nina BACIWA chairman Atty.

Lorendo Dilag kag Prime Water Vice President Romeo Sabater sang Hulyo 17.

Handum sang kasugtanan nga kabulig ang korporasyon sang pamilya sang sadto nga Senate President Manny Villar nga mapauswag ang distribusyon sa 90 porsyento sang populasyon adlaw-adlaw.

Nasulat diri ang paghatag sang P6.3 bilyon na pamuhunan nga nagalakip sang P1.6 bilyon para sa pipe laying sa una nga lima ka tuig kag P2 bilyon para sa pagtakod sang mga bubon, pagdul-ong sang mas madako nga suplay sa tubig, kag kompensasyon sang mga empleyado pagkatapos sang lima ka tuig. Matapos ang kasugtanan, magapabilin ang mga namitlang nga pagkabutang kag iban nga madugang sa iya kadugayon sa BACIWA. Sa pihak nga bahin, gakontra si City Councilor Archie Baribar, ang Amlig Tubig nga isa ka alyansa ka water concessionaires, kag ang Baciwa Employees Union (BEU), bangud sang pagpati nga pagkapribado ini sang tubig.

“Paninghiwalaan man sang BACIWA Board kag mga dumaan nga opisyal, ginduhol na nila ang pagdumala kag operasyon sa isa ka pribado nga korporasyon,” hambal ni BEU president Leny Espina.

Suno kay Sabater, pakahawiran gihapon sang BACIWA ang pagmando, pagpatuman sang mga plano, kag paggarantiya nga mapatuman sang korporasyon ang mga nasaad base sa natalana nga oras.

“May mga pagsaka sa tariff sa idalom sang joint venture.

Indi gilayon sa Nobyembre 1, pero sigurado nga may ara sa dalagan sang tiempo,” gin-ako ni Sabater.

Sa pag-uporay sang korporasyon kag Marilao Water District sa Bulacan, nag-angkon ini sang P50.55 milyon water losses, nag-maniobra sang kasulatan para mapataas ang pagsukot kag makalikaw sa kontrol sang gobyerno, kag nagkulang sa paghatag sang mga nakolekta kag pagbayad sang franchise tax.

Tungod sang malain nga dungog sini, nagalaum naman si Baribar nga matuman sang Prime Water ang mga natug-an.

Biosafety Lab ginbuksan sa Bacolod NI PATRICK N. BILLOJAN KAG ADRIANNE H. SAPLAGIO

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE VISAYAN DAILY STAR

Nagpatukod sang pinakauna nga hospital-based Level 3 testing laboratory sa Pilipinas ang syudad sang Bacolod kaupod ang Department of Health (DOH), para mapabakod kag mapadasig ang pagtapna sang coronavirus disease (COVID) ligad Hulyo 11.

Ginpangunahan ni Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia kag ni Lone District Rep. Greg Gasataya upod kanday DOH-Western Visayas Regional Director Dr. Marlyn Convocar kag Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) Medical Center Chief Dr. Julius Drilon ang inagurasyon sang CLMMRH-Bacolod City Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) Molecular Laboratory nga nagabalor sang malapit P30 milyones.

Naghatag ang syudad sang P14 milyones para sa pagpatindog sang mga istraktura ka laboratoryo kag P4.8 milyones para magbakal sang mga equipment reagents kag COVID-19 testing kits.

“Ang amo ni nga biolab makonsiderar nga isa ka siyentipiko kag mas epektibo nga paagi para matapna ang COVID-19,” saad ni Leonardia.

Suno naman kay Convocar, ang molecular laboratory—nga amo ang ika-78 nga molecular lab sa bilog nga Pilipinas, ika-apat sa rehiyon, kag ika-duha sa probinsya sang Negros Occidental—makabulig para sa mas madasig nga pagkolekta kag pag-eksamina sang mga specimen, kag mas madasig nga paggwa sang resulta sang swab tests.

Ang CLMMRH-Bacolod City Biolab sarang makaobra sang 100 ka mga reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests kada adlaw nga may lakip nga tatlo ka-adlaw nga turnaround time.

Ang ini nga laboratoryo nakapasar na sa Proficiency Test ka DOH kag makabulig man ini para mabal-an kung positibo sa SARSCOV-2 ang pasyente.

Naghatag man sang pagtamod si Drilon sa lokal nga panguluhan sang syudad sa suporta sa regional hospital para mapatindog ang molecular laboratory, tungod para sa iya, ang pag-abri sang laboratoryo isa sa mga kinahanglan ka syudad para indi na maglapta pa kag sa dason masupna na gid man ang virus.

Dugang pa, magagasto ang syudad sang kapin P68 milyones kada bulan para mapadayon ang operasyon ka biolab.

BCD mayor ginbotar bilang presidente sang LCP NI MA. KRISTINE JOY R. BAYADOG KAG KIARA NICOLE D. VILLA

Ginakabig nga kasaysayan sang siyudad sang Bacolod ang pagpungko ni Bacolod City Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia bilang bag-o nga presidente sang League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) bangud siya ang pinaka-una nga alkalde sang siyudad nga magapungko bilang pinakataas nga opisyal sang organisasyon.

Gindeklarar si Leonardia nga nagbulos kay Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan para magapanguna sa liga para sa 2019-2022 nga panagon sa ginhiwat nga ika-68 nga General Assembly and Election sang National Executive Board sang LCP sa EDSA Shangri-La, Manila sang ika-19 sang Hulyo.

Kaupod ni Leonardio sa bag-o nga termino si Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte bilang Executive Vice President kag ang iban nga mga opisyales

sang Negros Occidental nga magabuylog man sa National Executive Board sang LCP: Silay City Mayor Mark Andrew Golez bilang regional representative sang Western Visayas, Bago City Mayor Nicholas Yulo bilang deputysecretary general sang Visayas, kag Victorias City Mayor Francis F r e d e r i c k Palanca bilang deputy PRO sang Visayas.

Ginakilala ang LCP bilang isa ka pormal nga organisasyon nga ginhimo ni anay presidente Corazon Aquino sang tuig 1987 sa idalom sang Executive Order No. 262 kag ginpasad sang tuig 1991 sa idalom sang R.A. 7160, Section 499.

Ang LCP amo ang

PHOTO COURTESY OF LCP.ORG

nagahandum nga mapauswag ang ikaayo sang 145 ka mga siyudad sang pungsod kung sa diin subong nagapuyo ang halos 40 milyones ukon katunga sang populasyon sang Pilipinas.

Nangin aktibo si Leonardia sa National Executive Board sang LCP sa anum niya ka termino

bilang alkalde, sumugod bilang bise presidente para sa Visayas sang tuig 1995, deputy secretary-general sang Visayas sang tuig 2004, vice chairman sang 2007, bise presidente sang 2010, kag deputy secretarygeneral liwat sang Visayas sang tuig 2016.

Sa iya nga acceptance speech, nagpabutyag si

Leonardia sang iya suporta para sa kampanya kontra ilegal nga droga sang karon nga administrasyon.

Dugang niya pa, dapat naga-ugyon ang LCP sa mga tulumuron sang gobyerno nasyonal pamaagi sa pagtulod kag pagsuporta sa mga plano sang administrasyon para sa pungsod.

Suno pa sa alkalde, dako nga pagtilaw ang pagpungko niya bilang presidente sang organisasyon tungod nakaangot diri ang responsibilidad nga pauswagon ang mga sangay sang lokal nga gobyerno agod makahatag sang kalidad nga serbisyo publiko.

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 65 NUMBER 3 · JULY TO AUGUST 2020

SLANT J U LY TO AU G U S T 20 20 | VO LU M E 6 5 N O. 3

14

Likido NI PATRICK N. BILLOJAN

Madumduman ko ang katahum sang pagpangabuhi sa mga likido.

Yara ini sa balhas nga gatulo sa akon nga lawas human sang pila ka oras nga paglibod sang taho sumugod sa pagbutlak sang adlaw.

Yara ini sa dugo matapos masamaran sang matalom nga kutsilyo ang kamot nga hinay-hinay nga nagahiwa sang lab-as nga mga isda nga wala pa naubos hantud magkari ang gab-i.

Yara ini sa luha nga nagtulo sa akon nga mga mata matapos magpuli bitbit ang bugas kag sardinas nga nabakal gikan sa ginansiya sa taguri nga paghimakas.

Sa amo to nga ti-on, matam-is nga yuhom ang naghaplak sa akon nga guya—kay pagkatapos sang madamo nga likido, nakatilaw man gid ang akon kalawasan sang maayad-ayad na tubig nga nagpadumdom sa akon liwat sang matuod-tuod nga kasadya sang pagpangabuhi.

“Tay, nakalampuwas na sa eskwela ang imo nga bata.”

-CHRISTIAN DOMINIC L. LEDESMA -TRIZIA C. HASSIM

Puluy-an

Na’san ka Juan?

NI PAULA MAE E. VILLAROSA

NI KYNAH RHEA B. FUENTES

Indi ka nagakaangay sa imo nga ginapuy-an.

Gakabalaka ako kung natak-an ka naman bala sang inadlaw nga pag-abang sang lunhaw nga hapin sa imo huyang nga likod.

Saksi ako sang paghimud-os mo nga muklaton ang mga mata.

Makita lang ang pagduaw sang kasanag sang hapon nga imo gina abi-abi sa hiligdaan.

Indi ko na matakos ang mga beses nga kita gapakadto pakari sa ini nga lugar— nagahupot sa paglaum nga aton gina-angkon hangtud sa kahangturan.

Akon lamang nahibaluan nga sa kada biya ta sa sini nga puluy-an, indi matungkad ang aton kahilwayan.

Sa sini nga ti-on, malawig-lawig ang aton pagtinir— akon ina gakabatyagan.

Apang, dira na ako nagsala.

Dali na lamang nga tini-on ang nabilin sa aton sa sini nga hulut.

Ilabi na gid sa imo nga nagapalanglapsi na, apang padayon nga ginabatu-an ang pagsira sang mga mata samtang pilit nga nagahawid ang imo mga palad sa akon nga butkon.

-KIARA NICOLE D. VILLA

Dati’y nakukuha mo pang ngumiti kahit hanggang bewang ang nilulusungang tubig bahang malagkit.

Dati’y nakukuha mo pang umindak kahit ang lupang kinatatayuan, anumang oras, ay maaaring gumuho’t bumitak.

Dati’y nakukuha mo pang humimig kahit dumadagundong ang pag-ulyaw ng mga bala’t bomba mula sa kanlungang ako’y iyong ikinubli.

Oh, Juan— ako’y nangungulila sa’yong yapos na siyang init sa lamig.

Nais kong muling masaksihan ang ningning ng ‘yong mga matang tila’y munting ilaw sa gitna ng karimlan.

Kahit maaninag ko man lamang ang tilad ng ‘yong anino’y papanatag na ang nababalisa kong puso.

Oh, Juan— hangad ko’y muling mapangiti, mapaindak, mapaawit sa kabila ng lagim at unos ng mundo— sa piling mo.

Kung tani kita gintugutan sang dugang pa nga adlaw nga kita makapuyo liwat.

Apang ako magabuya na, indi tungod nga gusto ko, kundi tungod kinanglan ko.

Taglagas sa Tag-araw NI CARL HASON T. GERALE

Manghang nakatuon ang dalawang pares ng mata sa taglagas, nakamasid sa paghalik ng kayumangging mga papel sa kalupaan. Nangungulila na si Mikoy sa kanyang mama. Ilang araw pa bago ito makakauwi mula sa trabaho nito sa ospital. At sa nalalabing oras ay plano niyang magbibingi-bingihan sa mga putak ng kanyang Tia habang nakatunganga sa mga sanga. At ayun nga ang kanyang ginawa, hanggang sa napukaw ang kaniyang atensyon sa dagundong ng puting kotse. Nakauwi na ang kanyang mama. Sumapit ang gabi at nakatanga pa rin si Mikoy sa balkonahe, sipat-sipat ang berdeng trapal sa bakuran. Malapad ito kung kaya’t walang mumunting mga papel ang lumulusot sa kanyang paningin. Nagpagpag siya‘t tinungo ang sala kung saan naroroon ang magkapatid, isip-isip pa rin ang narra sa bakuran.

Nadatnan niyang humahagulgol ang isa, samantalang ang isa’y tahimik na nagpapahinga sa lilim ng dilaw na ilaw. Siguro nalagas na lahat. Tahimik siyang umupo sa tabi ng Tia. -ANNA THERESA S. PARAYNO

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 65 NUMBER 3 · JULY TO AUGUST 2020

LEISURE J U LY TO AU G U S T 20 20 | VO LU M E 6 5 N O. 3

BY THE NUMBERS

1849

Gindeklara ang Bacolod bilang kapital sang probinsya.

Nobyembre 3-6

1898

Natabo ang kahimtangan Rebolusyon Negros.

mga sa sang

1890 1917 1980 Marso 10

Ang tuig sang gintunga ang Negros sa duha ka probinsya: Negros Occidental kag Negros Oriental.

15

How ‘Pinoy’ are you?

Complete the crossword puzzle below. This puzzle illustrates interesting Filipino facts and depicts what’s best of the Pinoy.

Opisyal nga ginhimo probinsya ang Negros Occidental.

Oktubre 19

Una nga gin-saulog ang Masskara Festival.

KOMIKSERYE “Buhay-t3rr0r1st4”

-Angela A. Coronel

To be continued.

“Kaya Today”

-Trizia C. Hassim

Kailangan niyo pa pong mag swab test bago maka uwi.

Maghintay po muna kayo.

To be continued.

“Online Lang, Wala Klase”

-Anna Theresa S. Parayno

Across 2. It’s a Pinoy celebration at its pious and riotous best either for a patron saint of the town’s charter day.

4. A beauty contest with religious overtones featuring St. Helena’s and Constantine’s search for the Cross that seamlessly blends both ritual and pageantry.

6. Love potions that help socially awkward Pinoys get a taste of love.

8. A pickpocket’s paradise and is usually smelly and crowded, but everyone’s goto shopping place because of rock-bottom prices.

10. Truly Filipino in origin.

Was once a hunting tool and weapon but is now a toy.

Every child learns the best way to “walk the dog” and “rock the baby,” using just a piece of string.

Down 1. The delights of the trip we bring home to our families, and a wonderful excuse to shop without the customary guilt.

3. Colorful public utility vehicles that serve as a symbol of Filipino ingenuity.

5.

Boiled egg with unhatched duck’s embryo that most outsiders almost never acknowledge.

7. Neither pale nor dark, typical Pinoy’s skin tone that embodies the color of a rich earth or a mahogany tree growing towards the sun.

9. Literally translates to “being a bayan”. Need help?

Every household has the spirit of communal unity and cooperation.

KEY: 1. Pasalubong, 2. Fiesta, 3. Jeepneys, 4. Santacruzan, 5. Balut, 6.

Gayuma, 7. Kayumanggi, 8. Divisoria, 9. Bayanihan, 10. Yoyo

To be continued.

Wikationary

BY CHRISTIAN DOMINIC L. LEDESMA | ART BY TRIZIA C. HASSIM

Given the archipelagic feature of the Philippines, foreigners flock and visit the country for its alluring landmarks and tourist attractions. But what makes their stay here unforgettable is the warm hospitality and friendliness that oozes out of Filipinos towards them.

Here are some of the usual conversational lines of Filipinos when talking to foreigners.

Sir/Ma’am/Boss - “Hey boss/ing!”, “Yes ma’am/sir”. Filipinos are known to be very polite— conversations and greetings are usually followed up with a “Sir/Ma’am” or “Boss/ing”, more so to foreigners. It comes off as a sign of respect and politeness towards others.

What is Your Name?/Where Are You From? - This is commonly the first question Filipinos bring up when befriending a foreigner as Filipinos are usually curious about foreign culture. It’s a good way for Filipinos to ease in and start a conversation, but after that, it’s all up to the person if they end up with a ‘nosebleed’ or not.

Nosebleed - Ever hear “Ay nakaka nosebleed naman”? That’s usually a Filipino having such a difficult time trying to communicate in English or understand what the foreigner is saying that they end up getting a nosebleed from being confused. It’s a carefree way of saying they enjoy the company but to communicate in a way that they could understand.

There/”Doon” - Paired with their lips pointing towards the same way, Filipinos tend to say these lines when foreigners ask for directions. It’s a simple way of guiding tourists when Filipinos have difficulty translating it to English.

Welcome to the Philippines! - A warm greeting Filipinos use to make foreigners feel welcome in the country. This is a phrase that stands for Philippine hospitality. A Next time you’re going out—once the pandemic is over—and happen to overhear a Filipino-toforeigner conversation, or if you’re just chilling during quarantine watching some foreigner’s vlog visiting the country, lines like these are sure to come up. Who knows, you might say these lines yourself!

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 65 NUMBER 3 · JULY TO AUGUST 2020

VOLUME 65 NUMBER 3

JULY TO AUGUST 2020

BACOLOD FOOTBALL CLUB REBRANDS

BY LANCE CHRISTIAN M. JUAREZ

In a press release last July 23, Ceres Negros Football Club, a Bacolodbased professional football club, officially announced its transfer of ownership to MMC Sportz Asia, a Dubai and Manila-based sports marketing agency.

This was the latest major development when the team released a statement last July 8, explaining that they were having conversations with investors regarding the club’s ownership and that their Club Chairman Leo Rey Yanson will not be involved with the club after the transfer.

“We would like to honor the legacy which Mr. Yanson created when he founded the Ceres Negros Club and we will try to continue the development of Philippine football, especially the professional league and the National Team,” Founder and CEO of MMC Sportz Asia Eric M. Gottschalk said.

An article by the Philippine Daily Inquirer states that Yanson let go of the club due to financial constraints brought about by the pandemic that affected the Yanson Group of Bus Companies.

“This is one of the toughest decisions made by Mr. Yanson, whose passion for football was reflected

in the way he poured his personal resources and steered the club to unprecedented heights since it was formed eight years ago,” the team shared in their statement.

As a result of the new ownership, Ceres Negros has been renamed to United City Football Club, retained 16 out of their 21 registered players with Ace Bright staying as their general

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Striving to Get Back on Track

BY ADRIANNE H. SAPLAGIO

manager, and planned on having Risto Vidakovic return as head coach.

“The aim is to keep the team and staff together as much as possible, and allow them [the] well-deserved change to continue to play football amid all the challenges that everyone has been facing,” Gottschalk expressed in the press release.

Amid this turn of events, the club is

Taking Action in the New Normal

BY SHAN MARC O. JABAGAT AND CARL HASON T. GERALE

In movies, varsity players are more often than not depicted as jocks whose lives revolve solely around their sport. What these movies fail to express is that they deal with just as many problems as regular students—they struggle with their academics, wrestle for balance in their social lives, and face the financial burden of university fees as well. One might even argue that they are faced with a few more dilemmas during this pandemic.

Meet Quin Aldrich Canapit, a third-year BS Biology student and a member of the track and field varsity team for over four years now. “It made me a more disciplined student because I needed to balance my studies and running,” he expressed, adding that winning gold medals in competitions gives him a sense of satisfaction.

As they deal with other problems similar to ours, they also had to deal with not knowing what to do with their time during our days of quarantine. His routine used to be composed of running and workouts, but he has ceased his running sessions in light of the community quarantine.

“Since online classes have just started, my routine changed and I’ve been trying to get back into study mode by doing my assignments immediately,” he shared.

Quin also reminds the Lasallian community to take good care of themselves in both the physical and mental sense.

“Do what you can do to cope with the possible anxiety over quarantine. Be productive and dive into a new hobby—most of all, spend time with your loved ones,” Quin said.

—INOCENCIO JOHN KEITH B. FERRER V He explained that though they are not allowed to participate in competitions this year, they still remain as members of the varsity team, and thus, they get to keep their scholarships—a small letup from all the negativity everyone is surrounded with right now.

Quin aired out his disappointment that they can no longer compete for the nationals this year. He added that nationals pose an excellent chance for promising athletes to get scouted and attain a higher discount in their school fees.

When the present is filled with complications and setbacks, one must remember that tomorrow is inevitable. We are bound to have a new day, a new chance—a new beginning.

Though it is by no means easy, like Quin, getting back on track is the first step we all have to take to survive this adversity.

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in preparation for the fourth season of the Philippines Football League (PFL) as well as the continuation of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Cup and, despite the transfer of ownership, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) is willing to negotiate with AFC. In an online press conference held by the PFF, secretary-general Atty.

—PHOTO COURTESY OF PANAY NEWS Edwin Gastanes assured the football club’s participation: “[The club’s slot] belongs to the country, to a particular club in the country. Considering the situation, the AFC will look at it with kind eyes.”

As PFL’s three-time defending champion, United City Football Club will make sure that Ceres Negros’ legacy is not ending anytime soon.

There are two kinds of rushes that spur champions into action: one is the onslaught of the adrenaline in motion and the other is the feel of the wind slapping against skin across the expanse they know too well. And for the mentors who primed thesewinners, the thrill lies in watching them own the field. With the pandemic sidestepping premade plans and turning cheers into the silent buzz of sports reruns, an emergency plan takes into action.

The sudden shift in routine is enough of a curveball to falter anyone on their feet. However, for the Institutional Varsity Sports Office, the work goes on as plans are already laid out to resume the varsity sports program for their continuing studentathletes with compliance to health protocols. The program aims to sustain student-athletes’ physical and mental conditioning on their own, with aid

from their coaches who volunteered their services.

USLS Sports Director Joseph Christian H. Fernandez expressed that they will try their best in adjusting the players’ mindset to one’s significance as a student-athlete—even without competition.

On assessing their players’ wellbeing, the office emphasized constant communication in any way possible as they continue to zero in on more formation activities like journal reflections to help them in spiritual and psychological aspects.

For varsity players Eri Ann Songaling and John Rey Delibios, who are finding ways to keep their drive running, the office’s initiative kept the ball rolling for them as this is what they are used to— being exposed to the action.

This year is different for them—no training or even competitions to look forward to. Both players are low in spirit for the loss of opportunity but the office offers a flare of reassurance

as they remain steadfast in researching modified training programs that would be useful during the current times.

When asked if the players still receive assistance, the office ensures they have their scholarships; but for John Rey, he finds himself in trying times as Ceres announced that they can no longer provide food, allowance, and dormitory for their players due to the losses caused by the pandemic. However, he remains grateful for the support given by the company.

The pandemic changed the kind of normal that both athletes and varsity officers are very familiar with. The office holds on to threads of hope that the crisis will not take away the beauty of sports. As for Eri Ann and John Rey, they hope like their fellow players: to become a better athlete and to finish with a degree. After all, everyone knows the action still exists—only this time, it’s in their home turf, waiting for the time to get that adrenaline into the fields once again.

PH Chessers to tussle in FIDE

BY PATRICK N. BILLOJAN

Six Filipino woodpushers are set to take kings and add another feather to their caps in the first-ever FIDE (Federation Internationale des Echecs) Online Chess Olympiad from July 22 to August 30.

One hundred sixty-three teams and over 1,500 participants from all over the world will make their chessmen move in search of the laurels on the 64-square checkerboard through the Chess.com server.

The Philippine team is headed by 36-year-old Grandmaster Mark Paragua, the first Filipino to lock an Elo rating, a method used to calculate skill levels of players in zero-sum games, of 2600.

“It is always an honor to be given a chance to represent the

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country,” Paragua, who bannered the Philippines in the Olympiad four times—in 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2012—told Philstar.

Besides Paragua, Grandmasters Joey Antonio, Darwin Laylo, and Rogelio Barcenilla as well as International Masters Paolo Bersamina and Haridas Pascua are set to play and jostle board 1 and board 2 that will feature seasoned woodpushers and the world’s A-list.

“The Olympiad is really a prestigious tournament so for sure all of them are really prepared and eager to qualify,” Pascua stated in a private message sent to the Philippine News Agency.

Pascua also stated that he is excited to face off against the country’s top players and that he expects nothing but he will just give his best to qualify.

Meanwhile, Julio Catalino Sadorra, INSTAGRAM @thespectrum.usls

the country’s current highest rated chess player with an Elo of 2564, conceded his participation in the qualifiers, saying that he is not in his competitive form.

The 33-year-old chesser along with Barcenilla, Laylo, Bersamina, Pascua, and Grandmaster John Paul Gomez were meant to compete in the 44th World Chess Olympiad in Moscow but it was scrapped due to the pandemic.

“Such gathering is not physically possible under the current circumstances but the Online Olympiad will serve the purpose of reminding us of these important concepts: the celebration of diversity, the exchange of ideas, the sportsmanship, and the mutual respect between people and cultures,” FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich conveyed.

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