T R U T H
B E Y O N D
K N O W I N G
MAY TO JUNE 2020 2 meters
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSIT Y OF ST. L A SALLE
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VOL 65 NO. 1
LIBERTY. Youth activist Kyle Anne Villariza holds up a placard in solidarity with the Independence Day rally. —KIARA NICOLE D. VILLA
YOUTH PROTESTS PERSIST ON PH INDEPENDENCE DAY
BY KYNAH RHEA B. FUENTES
Simultaneously with the country’s celebration of the 122nd Philippine Independence Day, several youth groups jointly staged multiple protests in areas of Bacolod, voicing out their call for the protection of freedom and democracy of the Filipinos. The protest, spearheaded by the Bacolod Youth Alliance, aimed to raise the following issues: (1) the administration’s prioritization of the AntiTerrorism Bill; (2) mass testing; (3) the shutdown of the country’s largest media enterprise, ABS-CBN; (4) neglect of essential workers; (5) delay of social amelioration due to government incompetence and corruption; and (6) students left behind due to the inaccessibility of “new normal” education. Moreover, it was focused on their “persistent call” for Bacolod City Representative Greg Gasataya to withdraw his ‘yes with reservations’ vote for the bill and uphold his commitment to human rights protection. “Amidst all the noise, we believe it is still of utmost importance to add our voices in this fight. When the government is threatening rights and
freedoms while neglecting the people in the middle of a health crisis, you simply cannot stay silent,” Hilway Youth Organization founding member Krishna Ariola asserted. An estimated 50 participants from different youth organizations including Hilway, Linghod, Youth for Climate Hope, Tribu Duag, Youth Empowering Youth Initiative, Negrosanon Young Leaders Initiative, and Project LNT joined the peaceful movement in five areas—Bacolod public plaza, Fountain of Justice, Rizal Elementary School, in front of the ABS-CBN station, and the office of Gasataya. “We made sure to practice social distancing and avoid mass gathering by limiting the participants to five protesters each site, excluding the legal observers, documenters, medics, and witnesses spread around in the vicinity,” Ariola explained. However, despite strictly adhering to quarantine protocols, protesters were ‘calmly forced to disperse’ by fully geared policemen after 30-45 minutes and were advised by the head organizers to return home immediately for their own safety and security.
“We did not anticipate heavy police presence on the day [...] We prepared for it by having lawyers, paralegals, medics, and witnesses on our end,” Ariola said. Along with their preparations were the challenges of the “new normal” which prevented them from having in-person meetings, and instead utilized text, Messenger group chats, video conference calls, a one-off socially-distant home meeting, workspace apps, and Google Docs. Additionally, Bishop Patricio Buzon of the Diocese of Bacolod read out the Diocese’s statement seeking for the President’s veto of the Anti-Terrorism Bill, prayed over the group, and acknowledged the youth protesters’ efforts for their participation, during the activity. Meanwhile, Ariola stressed that they wanted to ‘create a space for the youth’ to turn their rage into hopeful action: “If you can’t find spaces to create social change, make one. Find your stake and your voice in this struggle, while uniting under common goals. The youth are not apolitical nor apathetic— for too long, we’ve simply lacked spaces to make relevant social changes.” VA N TAG E POINT
E D I TO R I A L
NEWS
DAG WAY
DA K B A N WA
ANTI-TERRORISM BILL
ONLINE EDUCATION
COVID-19 SURVIVAL
FRONTLINER
The Spectrum deplores the passing of the Anti-Terrorism Bill as it supresses the country’s democracy and the human rights of the Filipino people.
Flexible learning finds its moment in the university as the Higher Education Unit pushes through with this year’s summer classes.
The overlooked struggles of the less-privileged Filipino families amid this health crisis due to unaddressed issues by the government—revealed.
A Lasallian nurse based in London prides herself in remaining devoted to her service for mankind—more so during the pandemic.
Still halfway through 2020, yet the world is already bombarded with numerous alarming tragedies and disasters.
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NEWS
MAY TO JUNE 2020
HEU pushes for online summer classes BY JOSHUA L. MAHILUM
To ensure the continuity of education amid the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic, the Higher Education Unit (HEU) went ahead with conducting this year’s summer term classes but shifted to an entirely new mode of teaching and learning. In a memorandum issued by Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Anabelle Balor last May 5, “Flexible Learning”, a pedagogical approach employed through different modes of delivery, was adopted by the HEU Leadership Council to address safety concerns and consider the students’ connectivity issues. “We are fully aware that not all students have internet access and resources such as laptops or desktop computers at home but we can establish a mechanism that will ensure that ‘no student is left behind’ due to connectivity issues,” Dr. Balor stated in the memorandum. Under the Flexible Learning strategy, students were divided into the following categories depending on their level of connectivity: Category 1 for those
with no internet access, mobile devices, or computers; Category 2 for those with at least a mobile device; and Category 3 for those with a stable internet connection, mobile phones, and computers. Students who belonged to Categories 1 and 2 were subjected to Distance Education, where students were provided with offline modules together with weekly consultations, while those who belonged to Category 3 were placed under the Online Education option, where an online Learning Management System was used as a virtual classroom. “We were confident that we could do it because we’re not continuing summer education by using fully online [education] only. We are actually catering to all the categories of learners and their realities,” Dr. Balor explained. Moreover, the vice chancellor hopes for improved implementation of the same guidelines during the re-
—PHOTO COURTESY OF IVEE E. MANGUILIMOTAN
opening of undergraduate classes on August 3. “Because we did go ahead in the summer, we have that classroom to learn from. We are really confident that we’ll have a better [Academic Year] 2020-2021,” Dr. Balor concluded.
GEC shifts to online USLS aims for COVID-free campus counseling asked to register entry to the campus in compliance with the DOLE requirement,” Cordova added. Furthermore, as enrollment for the next After classes were disrupted during the eruption of academic year is prioritized, transactions involving the coronavirus disease last March, the University the Registrar, Admissions, and Business Office are of St. La Salle immediately revised its protocols permitted on a limited-entry basis provided that to promote the safety of the students without parents are to coordinate online first. compromising quality education. “The Higher Education Unit and the Basic The university declared a campus-wide Education Unit have been putting in all efforts shutdown and work suspension last March 17 in campaigning and marketing to encourage until April 12 to mitigate the risks of the virus and enrollment in the new normal,” Cordova confided. sanitize the institution. Students are also encouraged to remind “Under the advice of the Brother President, a each other of the preventive measures and act as safety monitoring task force has informally been “unofficial safety monitoring assistants” to ensure organized to check on compliance with the physical a COVID-free campus. campus protocols implemented,” Vice Chancellor “We will need students to assist us in for Administration Charo Mae Cordova informed. promoting the school’s readiness for the online The guidelines released by the campus were learning platform and its commitment to continue consistent with the advisories released by the to improve this over the next months through a Commission on Higher Education, Department of system of consultation, feedback, and professional Health, and World Health Organization. development of all faculty and staff,” Cordova “All entrants passing through Gate 2 are subject concluded. to thermal scanning, handwashing and/or alcohol Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor for Academic spraying, and foot bath requirements. They are also Affairs Dr. Annabelle Balor shared that they were confident in conducting flexible learning during the summer term as they cater to all categories of learners. “We were the first school in the region that implemented flexible learning options because we wanted to really learn from the students, so every week we conduct surveys [...] on how they find the summer SAFETY FIRST. In compliance with the newly implemented protocols, a university guard scans classes,” Dr. Balor asserted. BY IVEE E. MANGUILIMOTAN
for the woman’s temperature upon entering the campus. —INOCENCIO JOHN KEITH B. FERRER V
BY DREXEL JOHN N. AMIT
To provide psychological support to the Lasallian community amidst the pandemic, the Guidance and Evaluation Center (GEC) pushed through with online counseling services. With the university imposing a campusshutdown on March 17, GEC Director Dr. Joselito Diaz, RGC took the initiative of temporarily suspending face-to-face counseling and announced that online counseling sessions will be done instead. “We know that the quarantine has caused confusion and anxiety to many, so it is our job to cater [to] the psychological needs of our students,” Diaz emphasized, adding that looking after the mental health of the students is a must during the coronavirus disease-19 crisis. Three months after going online, the GEC has conducted a total of 149 sessions for 82 cases, 43% of which are students. “Most of the concerns of the students involve depression and anxiety due to the situation, academic concerns, and conflicts within the family,” Diaz explained. Additionally, the center, in coordination with BALAYAN Social Development Office, rendered psychosocial support services to repatriates quarantined at Balay Kalinungan. Similarly, Diaz shared that guidance counselors have extended their help to Bahay Pag-asa Formation Center to ensure that the well-being of the residents is given attention by conducting face-to-face counseling sessions and enrichment programs. NEWS / PAGE 3
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOL. 65 NO. 1 ·MAY-JUNE 2020
MAY TO JUNE 2020
NEWS
USG preps for ‘new normal’ AY
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BY KYNAH RHEA B. FUENTES
“Just a normal semester for the new normal”—this is what the University Student Government (USG) wants the student body to expect from this academic year. Moderated by the Office for Student Affairs (OSA), the USG continues to plan out several activities for the whole first semester while adapting to the current situation brought about by the pandemic. With the theme “Animovement: Moving forward to go beyond our limits”, the USG aims to enhance the students’ skills and well-being as well as encourage them to freely express their opinions on certain matters. USG Executive President Nimrod Diaz explained that they’re closely working with OSA, councils, and clubs in looking after the students’ welfare: “For this year, we will first ensure the holistic health of our fellow Lasallians. We need not give a lot of activities but rather knowing first and [having] empathy on what they are struggling on, or hearing their needs.” As advised by the OSA, no face-to-face events will be held to ensure safety,, but Diaz assured that all activities will be done with extreme effort and preparation despite holding them online.
INTO A NEW MODE. The Office for Student Affairs, together with the University Student Government, holds a meeting to plan for this academic year’s activities and other adjustments despite the pandemic. —KARL BRIAN T. MARQUEZA
Furthermore, the Executive branch revealed the three biggest projects they will organize consistently for the whole year: Animokasiya which focuses on webinars and advocacy campaigns that promote social, political, and mental health awareness; Campus Clubs Response System and Club Convention Series which is intended for club members to keep in touch and collaborate with activities; and What’s Up USLS which will hear out concerns from the students through surveys, town hall meetings, kamustahanay,
e-kapihan, etc. Additionally, the USG is currently working on its proposal of the newly planned Assistance Program which will provide financial aid to the students through cellphone load and gadget loans from mobile phone companies. “Honestly, we are still planning and finalizing our calendar of activities. We need not rush because we first need to look over the pros and cons of every decision [that] we make,” Diaz expressed, adding that they are still adjusting to the online set-up.
Evergreen: Sharing La Salle’s Love BY ALAN S. VILLANUEVA JR.
Fruitful trees are not those that merely remain still—they are those that will never wither and continue extending their branches to nourish any creature with their fruits and shelter them from any harm with their leaves. Like these trees, the Philippine Lasallian community goes on as a generous tree for more than 1,000 families affected by the coronavirus disease-19 pandemic through “Kada-Uno Lasalyano”, an online live stream fundraising event in support of the “Isang Libo, Kada Uno” project. “This is the time to gather, pick up the pieces, and focus on who we truly are—Lasallians who are for the country and for the Church. We are a resource for everyone, especially those who are in need,” former De La Salle president Br. Armin Luistro stressed as he encouraged Lasallians into action. The seven-hour fundraising event held last May 24 via Facebook, showcased performances by Lasallians from 17 campuses under the De La Salle Philippines, Inc. “We just wanted to support our Lasallian frontliners, [...] but pretty soon, there were
many other requests nationwide for Personal Protective Equipment, alcohol, [and] face shields so as Lasallians, we thought, well, [if] there are needs, we respond,” Br. Luistro narrated. Br. Luistro indicated that they need 4,000 Filipinos to donate P1,000 each in order to feed 1,000 homeless families for one month. Among the Lasallian athletes, threetime University Athletic Association of the Philippines Most Valuable Player Enchong Dee of the Green Tankers, former Lady Batter Ria Atayde, as well as past and present members of the Lady Spikers have participated. Additionally, Gary Valenciano, Barbie Almalbis, and brothers Jett and Rafi Pangan displayed their musical talent. Along with this showcase of talents, the production featured stories supporting laborers, Overseas Filipino Workers, and the implementation of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression Bill, from which inspiration could be drawn amid the pandemic. The fundraiser similarly acknowledged the hard work of the frontliners who have dedicated themselves to the safety and security of the nation.
With the public’s warm response, La Salle’s goal was realized as proceeds of the show amounted to P4,009,241.59. “Lasallians, we’ll have to do this, not because we have planned for it, not because we have all the resources, but it’s just in our nature to respond to every need out there,” Br. Luistro imparted. GEC SHIFTS TO ONLINE
Meanwhile, counselors of every college are hosting webinars to ready the students in adapting to the situation while the GEC is coordinating with the Office for Student Affairs to facilitate future online conferences about staying effective during the “new normal”. When asked about his advice to the students, Diaz expressed: “You [students] should take this time to learn new things and discover new talents. You will only put yourself in isolation if you let anxiety and uncertainty devour you.” Furthermore, students seeking psychological help may communicate with the GEC through the contacts published on their official Facebook page and the University website.
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOL. 65 NO. 1 ·MAY-JUNE 2020
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MAY TO JUNE 2020
Editorial
Look who’s talking
-EARL JOHN T. PABULAR
While the pandemic had struck the country in March, Senate Bill No. 1083 or the Anti-Terrorism Bill was approved by the Senate seeking to repeal the Human Security Act of 2007, an older bill made for similar intents. Three months and more than 30,000 cases later, the bill was tagged as ‘urgent’, passed its final reading after quick legislation, and is now awaiting the President’s signature. As a publication that values critical thinking for the past six and a half decades, The Spectrum resolutely decries the Anti-Terrorism Bill as it seeks to further destabilize Philippine democracy, following the latest attacks on press freedom and freedom of speech. Despite its supposed safeguards and assurance from government officials, we believe the bill is unconstitutional and terroristic in itself, has an easily weaponized composition, and infringes upon human rights. Among the strongest notable rebuttals in
support for the bill is that possible violations of human rights are still protected by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. On the surface, this argument seems unquestionable, but one look back at the “festive” mañanitas during the pandemic, the long history of red-tagging, and the persisting antagonization of government critics proves that the law being weaponized, abused, and overridden is nothing new in the midst of subtle authoritarianism. The victims of Cebu 7 know this as much as Bacolod’s local protestors do as military personnel disrupted and intimidated peaceful and lawful demonstrations last Independence Day. Even our university itself laid witness to the red-tagging of progressive groups early last school year, showing that branding people and organizations that do not align with government ideals as “terroristic” is their way of gagging their opposition. Ironically, the bill’s terrorism charges and
provisions seem to be completely in line with its own definition of terrorism of “inciting fear and destabilization” as it has received backlash from left-leaning groups, student publications, media companies, and even the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers. Its enabling of warrantless arrests with surveillance and wiretapping directly violates the right to privacy and oversteps its enforcement with its detention. And with the proposed AntiTerrorism Council given power to label groups or individuals as terrorists, there’s no telling what atrocities may ensue. We must remember to remain vigilant and critical of laws that may harbor ulterior motives and never forget our country’s history of corruption. Expressing dissent and criticism will always play a critical role in pushing back corruption and hegemony. Silencing the opposition by tasteless intimidation and death threats does not mean victory—but rather shows fear and guilt.
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOL. 65 NO. 1 ·MAY-JUNE 2020
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OPINION
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What you do with what’s been done to you Admittedly, it’s difficult to fully comprehend our current reality after more than three months of social isolation—the coronavirus pandemic, the weeks of Black Lives Matter protests and riots in the US, and the destabilization of Philippine democracy all feel abstract as just words and numbers on our screen. It’s easy to brush these off as we feel far away from them—it’s easy not to care when we’ve been glossed with privilege all our lives. With the ever-booming social media landscape, it’s hard not to find anything political after a few scrolls. To most of the youth who’re surrounded by many of their outspoken peers, what’s right and wrong is made simple and self-evident. But when people who aren’t directly involved look in, the history, nuance, and gravity of politics are hard to grasp. “Why should I care?” Apoliticism and neutrality will benefit the oppressor. One look back at our history ridden with abused ideology shows that the status quo is never completely ethical and just. Since ideology and principle guide the decisions
of our leaders, it’s beyond paramount that we understand them in order to critique them. Just because something is unspoken doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Every political issue to this day extends its roots farther than the Biblical era. As soon as humans were capable of communication, politics spewed itself forth when people wanted to control other people. It is a facet of life that influences not just the sociopolitical landscape, but also our relationships with others and our perception of the world. “So what?” Our lives are never exempt from participating in socially constructed power structures. These skewed hierarchies are built to exploit those who are at the bottom and staying in line is all well and good until one’s autonomy is challenged and invaded. Politics will remain and continue to be complex as it encompasses the human experience. An individual does not have to be a decorated academic nor a woke intellectual to be educated and informed—simple empathy is all it takes. Whether it be in the silky fabrics of
Kratos
Lance Christian M. Juarez lancejuarez44@gmail.com
Whether it be in the silky fabrics of privilege or the stained rags of misfortune, no one asked to be born. privilege or the stained rags of misfortune, no one asked to be born. Remaining apolitical, most especially amid 2020’s barrage of crises, is directly linked to being ignorant and inconsiderate to the oppression perpetuated by flawed and immoral systems.
Selective justice is not justice I was randomly scrolling through the internet when I happened to read a passage from a certain Honoré de Balzac, a French novelist and playwright in 19th century France. The quote says: “Laws are spiderwebs through which the big flies pass and the little ones get caught.” Upon reading the citation, it made me think for a long while: Is this what has been exactly happening in the country? Is this the justice system that we, ordinary Filipinos, are bound to live with in the Philippines as long as the current administration reigns? Filipinos, with no exception, should strictly abide by all laws in order to keep peace and order. However, this system of rules and how it is being carried out by the government seem to be selective—depending on who violates it. On March 16, President Rodrigo Duterte imposed an enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon, a total lockdown that limits the movement of people to lessen physical contact with anyone that might be positive for the coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). Other regions also followed through with the quarantine guidelines and enforced social distancing. In a span of two weeks, the Philippine National Police recorded a total of 188,348 violators arrested across the country. From that, 107,794 were warned, 23,377 were fined, 42,465 were levied under regular filing, and 14,712 were arrested without warrant. Quarantine-related violators shall face a
Bel Fiore
Ma. Kristine Joy R. Bayadog tinbayadog@gmail.com
...this system of rules and how it is being carried out by the government seem to be selective...
corresponding penalty, but authorities should remember to carry out duties with respect to basic human rights and compassion to fellow Filipinos—not only to selected allies. Beyond just the numbers or even random arrests, I believe some of them have different stories to tell. Some evidence of inhumane arrests recorded were, but not limited to, the following: (1) Five youths were locked up inside
a dog cage after breaching curfew policies in Laguna on March 20; (2) 63-year-old farmer in Mindanao was shot dead after reportedly refusing to wear a face mask on April 3, which was two days after President Rodrigo Duterte released a blatant statement during an impromptu national address that orders police and military to shoot violators dead; (3) Three LBGTQI+ community members were publicly humiliated by a village official by ordering them to kiss and do a sexy dance in front of a minor in Pampanga on April 5. While these ordinary individuals face harsh penalties for meager quarantine violations, some particular personalities seem to get away from these. One of which was Sen. Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III who tested positive for COVID-19 on March 20. He was also supposed to be under home quarantine until March 28, but breached the quarantine protocols when he went to Makati Medical Center with his wife on March 25. Another issue that sparked exasperation was NCRPO Chief Major General Debold Sinas who, despite leading the strong enforcement of quarantine protocols, twisted the law by hosting his own birthday bash on May 8 where several attendees, mostly police officers, serenaded and celebrated with him, not observing proper social distancing. Clearly, despite the tight implementation of the law, authorities in power can easily manipulate and disregard justice, but those who fall short of influence—just ordinary Filipino citizens—are deprived of their rights.
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOL. 65 NO. 1 ·MAY-JUNE 2020
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OPINION
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Warning: Shameless plugging ahead!
As an innocent lass, I kept a long list of careers I have been eyeing—thinking I could be a Jane of all trades when the time comes. Surprisingly, never in my young life can I recall noting down the profession of teaching, a job most typical girls of my age would want to pursue. To be honest, I loathed such a profession. But, when I was further exposed to reality, I found myself inspired by my teachers and eventually gained passion for the profession. You got it right—I got eager to pursue it and now, I’m an educator in the making. Segue.
Shamelessly plugging a new-found not-sofriend I’ve met (virtually) during the Senate Sustainable Development Goals hearing on basic education in time of Covid-19, last May 27. Below is info you might wanna know about her: Profession: Senator Other Institutions Attended: Asian Institute of Management Princeton University University of the Philippines Diliman (all of which invalidated her claims about getting degrees) Interested in: Educational System and the Teachers
Cosmic
Kynah Rhea B. Fuentes kynahrheaf@gmail.com
...an urgent action is preferred rather than a baseless, insensitive remark.
This senator brazenly plugged her impression about the teachers—calling their profession the “cheapest degree”, blaming them for the incompetence of Filipinos in not having the necessary life skills, and trivializing their commitment. And as a future educator,
I was greatly disturbed by her insensitive pronouncements. Teachers play a key role as catalysts in the society, since time immemorial. Calling it cheap and treating it as inferior among others invalidates the nobility of the profession. Degrading their role is an underestimation of those who have pursued the career and an expression of ungratefulness for their efforts in nation building. Teachers are not culpable for the students’ incapability to possess these life skills. The senator should educate herself first on the different learning principles and philosophies in
Three months after our daily lives were upended, wearing button-downs with boxer shorts for an online conference and cursing the turtle net connection for preventing you from doing any real work became part of the widely-accepted “new-normal”. The COVID-19 pandemic has apparently casted our days in a loop-like setting. Stuck inside the comfort of our homes, we have yet to acknowledge that before this health crisis occurred, there was the decades-long climate crisis slowly eating up our Earth—the eventual global killer, climate change, is still upon us. There has been a worldwide economic recession which led to significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions as households are cautioned to self-isolate and mitigate the risks of the virus. Others have also claimed that the Earth is slowly healing since the lockdown but on the contrary, unemployed workers and their families are heavily reliant on natural resources such as forests, rivers, and oceans for their basic needs. There is also the possibility of increased illegal logging, mining, and fishing because of lax enforcement. Once the pandemic is over and economies are given a chance to rebound from their losses, drastic increase in production and operation can be expected, with capitalists utilizing all the remaining resources to regain profit at the expense of nature. The notion that attaining both economic and climate goals are impossible can be
disputed, as long as governments act resolutely with strategic actions that dissociate economic growth from greenhouse gas emissions while advancing behavior changes in work practices. The climate crisis has plagued the world ever since the Industrial Revolution, yet inaction persists in today’s time. If we put the same effort and tenacity into solving the climate crisis as we have urgently addressed COVID-19, we can ensure a sustainable life for generations to come. However in addressing the climate crisis, economies aren’t at a standstill unlike the current pandemic; the concerns are redirected on energy acquisition and consumption by shifting from fossil fuels to renewable resources—transitioning the process to sustainability. This plight takes unprecedented scales of global environmental actions incomparable to simply self-isolating; there is no way to hide once this crisis unfolds. Collectively, the countries are still far from meeting the climate crisis goals noted in the Paris Climate Agreement—an environmental accord that was adopted by nearly every nation in 2015 to address climate change. World leaders are also unable to act and address the issue, which makes things all the more frightening. The effects of the climate crisis are irreversible, so the severity and frequency of these extreme weather events will only increase—depending on whether we are able to move forward towards a zero-emission world. Undeniably, the rapid urbanization and
Education, and be familiar with Albert Bandura’s Social Learning Theory. Observational learning tells us that learners tend to observe and imitate behaviors of the people around them. But let’s not leave our reproach to the environment, as Bandura emphasized the fourth mediational process in his theory: motivation. It is the person’s will to perform the observed behavior—to decide whether or not to copy someone’s actions. In our EDCN103 class—Teaching as a Profession, Mission, and Vocation—there are certain reasons why educators choose this career path. When one considers teaching as a profession, one sees it as an occupation and commits to arduous preparation, striving for excellence. Others view it as a mission to touch the lives of their students, and accomplishing it resonates a sense of fulfillment within. While taking it as a vocation means heeding the call of God or another man and exemplifying dedication towards learners’ transformation and public service. Thus, teaching as a profession is not a place for half-hearted individuals who will eventually end up shifting the course, leaving the committed ones to pursue the career. Now, blame it on the teachers when you’ve contributed some efforts to improve the country’s educational system: higher fund allocation, upgraded facilities, additional public schools, welfare policies for teachers, and their long overdue plea for salary increase. Otherwise, keep it to yourself because an urgent action is preferred rather than a baseless, insensitive remark.
What’s the emergency?
Ivy Aguas
Ivee E. Manguilimotan iveeechinm@gmail.com
...the longer we delay necessary action, the more lethal will be the consequences. development have contributed to the unleashing of the coronavirus which makes it clear how humans impact the planet. In solving these crises, the longer we delay necessary action, the more lethal will be the consequences. This is a call to urge the youth and invoke responsibility upon the leaders that govern us. COVID-19 is but a window to how bad our future may be if we are only moved to act when cornered by a disaster. The blue sky and pink sunsets could only be a distant memory in the future if we fail to act now and build a resilientclimate world.
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOL. 65 NO. 1 ·MAY-JUNE 2020
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OPINION
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COVID-19’s Power Interruption During blackouts, people either cower in fear and stay still amidst the darkness or unknowingly trudge ahead in hopes of foraging some sort of light source. Either way, you will be reduced to a state of blindness. When someone shines a rod of light in the stretching blackness, even when only a fraction of the whole picture can be seen, you should trust them, right? So, when the government filters key information released to the public, it would be okay—at least we see the portion they want us to, right? Of course not. With the extent of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), governments worldwide have taken precautions to ensure public health and security through pulling the plug on media outfits. The Central European University of Public Policy recorded the rampancy of censorships and crackdowns on the press because of watchdog coverage on true stories regarding their country’s pandemic situations—the Philippines was no exception. President Duterte’s special powers under the Bayanihan To Heal As One Act include condemning ‘identified individuals or groups creating, perpetrating, or spreading false
Golden Apple of Discord Paula Mae E. Villarosa
villarosapau15@gmail.com
Ignorance and fear spring from the lack of knowledge. information regarding the COVID-19 on social media and other platforms’. With its vague wording and criteria—this is vulnerable to political abuse. Consequently, the shutdown of ABS-CBN deprived thousands of Filipinos of their right to information. Those relying on the network LASALLIAN CORE
for news and updates are left uninformed of the affairs during the pandemic since their devices could only detect the network’s frequency. Furthermore, in the span of three long months, the Department of Health released broad information on the increasing COVID-19 cases, recoveries, and mortalities until May 29. Given the daily snowballing positive cases in that period, citizens were alarmed since they were oblivious whether the cases were fresh ones or backlogs from the month before. Government sectors may be censoring information to avoid mass hysteria. However, keeping people in the dark causes more problems—people will continue violating laws because they are not given ample understanding on the current situation. Ignorance and fear spring from the lack of knowledge. Yes, there may be certain data that must not be made public. But in this time, people have the right to transparency and information that would safeguard their freedoms and protect their lives. The masses must be made aware (now more than ever) for them to apprehend the extent of the virus and the purpose of protocols. Thus, aid (not impede) the country’s mechanisms in flattening the curve.
Animated Television’s Covert Insurgence BY NIKITA AMISOLA
-NIKITA AMISOLA
Fifteen years following its initial release, Avatar: The Last Airbender continues to engulf the millennium’s mainstream with its recent resurgence. The show’s overnight revivification and consequent reintroduction to the orthodox can be attributed in part to the inherently perfect, or at the least, borderline perfect formula utilized by those spearheading the program—a formula complete with inoffensive but effective humor, riveting storylines, complex and 360-degree character arcs, and the careful yet tastefully galvanizing induction into
socio-political realities. The ardent fan base, embodied by an onslaught of both former and novice devotees, further abet the success of the animated show’s reemergence after over 12 years since the finale first aired. The most obvious success factor is the writing: an enjoyable show gambling among dramatic, fulfilling, suspenseful, or comedic plots compacted into digestible 20-minute or so episodes. But, it has a more subtle narrative, neatly tying all other elements (no pun intended) of the show together: war and the axioms thereof, a motif reiterated and recapitulated by the introductory theme. It tackles inequality, xenophobia, classicism, feminism, and trauma. The entire show is, in and of itself, a revolution against the system. The playful dialogue is the flesh hiding the meat into which the now-grown audiences have fully sunk their teeth. However, you don’t have to possess ripened maturity to grasp the essence of the show. A child of seven or eight years could easily understand that the delineation between good and evil is crystalline, though not necessarily permanent. It explains why people within that intended age range rooted back then for the “good guys” and detested the “bad guys”— an opinion they most likely bore throughout the cusp of and inauguration into adulthood. Prepubescent children began their exposure to
materials of the “real world”—pertaining to themes of death, genocide, heartbreak, and grief—through avenues like Avatar. The power this show grants its audience is an unrestrained extension of trust: bestowing upon the youth the belief that they are capable of changing the world, all while preserving their juvenility with interjectory witticisms. Characters such as Toph—a blind yet powerful earthbender who constantly cracks jokes alluding to her blindness—have a strong command of humor and sarcasm. The series gives its viewers a set of unfledged protagonists—all of whom undergo the passions, pitfalls, and sacrifices entailed by a revolution. With the advent of a deluge of issues, ranging from political to social, finding the youth at the frontlines should not come as a surprise. They have been deeply inculcated with the recognition of their sinew and capacities since late childhood, aptly conveyed by shows such as Avatar: The Last Airbender. It transcends the decade not only because of the sprawl of its rewarding narrative but also because it remains relevant amid these dark periods of terror, intimidation, and injustice. It proves that insurrection is the language of the youth. This generation is no stranger to revolution—they watch revolution unfurl while eating their mid-afternoon snacks.
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOL. 65 NO. 1 ·MAY-JUNE 2020
First Half of 2020: A Timeline
MAY TO JUNE 2020
BY HANA PATRICIA RAJ E. HAUTEA | ART BY EARL JOHN T. PABULAR
When the Mayans said 2012 would be the end of the world, they probably miscalculated. The crown of which-year-seems-most-like-the-apocalypse unmistakably goes to 2020. What with plentiful natural disasters, alarming international tragedies, and an unexpected global pandemic—this year makes us feel like we’re all part of a TV show or a simulation. And get this—we’re only halfway in!
02 FEBRUARY 2 – Somalia announced national emergency over severe desert locust infestations 3 – Davao Occidental went under a state of calamity due to African Swine Fever 5 – Trump acquitted by US Senate 11 – WHO named the disease COVID-19 18 – Rodolfo Salas, former CPP chairman and NPA commander, was arrested in Pampanga 19 – Beginning of 2020 stock market crash
01 JANUARY 2 – Australia bushfires 3 – Iranian General Qasem Soleimani was killed in US drone strike 6 – A rare, circumbinary planet called TOI 1338-b was discovered by 17-year-old Wolf Cukier 8 – Iran launched missiles at Iraq bases with US troops; Iran mistakenly shot missiles at Ukrainian jetliner 12 – Taal Volcano eruption 14 – Avalanche in Pakistan-administered Kashmir 16 – Donald Trump’s impeachment trial began 17 – Himalayan avalanche 24 – Turkey experienced a 6.7-magnitude earthquake, leaving 32 dead and over 1,600 injured 26 – Kobe Bryant, along with daughter and seven others, died in helicopter crash 28 – A magnitude 7.7 earthquake hit the Caribbean, the largest recorded since 1946 30 – WHO declared the virus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern 31 – UK withdrew from the European Union
03 MARCH 9 – Public health emergency announced in PH over increasing COVID-19 cases 10 – Italy became the first country to implement nationwide quarantine 11 – WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic 17 – PH placed under a state of a calamity due to the pandemic 24 – 2020 Summer Olympics are postponed to 2021 24 – Bayanihan to Heal as One Act of 2020 got signed by President Duterte, granting him special powers 26 – Local militant groups and government agreed to a ceasefire 31 – Prince Harry and Meghan Markle officially stepped down as senior royals
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOL. 65 NO. 1 ·MAY-JUNE 2020
MAY TO JUNE 2020
04 APRIL 1 – Mayor Vico Sotto was summoned by NBI after alleged violation of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act of 2020 2 – Worldwide COVID-19 cases passed 1 million 10 – Congo reported first case of Ebola since February 15 – Worldwide COVID-19 cases passed 2 million 21 – Former Army Cpl. Winston Ragos was shot by a police officer in Quezon City 27 – Worldwide COVID-19 cases passed 3 million 28 – A fast radio burst was detected for the first time inside the Milky Way
06 JUNE 1 – Democratic Republic of Congo declared its eleventh Ebola outbreak; Terror Bill certified as “urgent” 3 – Rare Cyclonic Storm Nisarga hit south of Mumbai 8 – Worldwide COVID-19 cases passed 7 million 15 – Rappler CEO Maria Ressa and former researcherwriter Rey Santos Jr. was convicted of cyber libel 16 – Worldwide COVID-19 cases passed 8 million 22 – 136 volcanic-tectonic earthquakes recorded around Mt. Kanlaon; worldwide COVID-19 cases passed 9 million
05 MAY 1 – Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle was promoted to cardinal-bishop by Pope Francis, making him the first Filipino to do so 5 – ABS-CBN cease and desist order was issued by NTC 6 – Discovery of first black hole in a star system visible to the naked eye 9 – Worldwide COVID-19 cases passed 4 million 13 – Mocha Uson probed by NBI for COVID-19-related fake news 14 – UN warned of a global mental health crisis due to the pandemic 21 – Worldwide COVID-19 cases passed 5 million 22 – Flight PK8303, a Pakistan International Airlines passenger aircraft, crashed 24 – Western Australia battered by a “once in a decade” storm; Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi pardoned 3,157 prisoners to celebrate Eid al-Fitr 26 – The killing of George Floyd sparked protests after reports of police brutality 29 – 20,000 tons of oil accidentally leaked in Russia 31 – Worldwide COVID-19 cases passed 6 million
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOL. 65 NO. 1 ·MAY-JUNE 2020
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Beating COVID-19 Made Easy BY CARL HASON T. GERALE AND HANA PATRICIA RAJ E. HAUTEA
From media reports to Aling Nena’s morning chikka, the unceasing influx of updates about the pandemic are enough to make anyone queasy. Concerns about acquiring basic necessities and lost livelihood do arise, but really, they hold little significance in the realities of cancelling night-outs and missing the fix of a Starbucks frappe. Surely surviving through this pandemic shouldn’t be that difficult, right? Yes, there is a need to address the struggles of the underprivileged demographic in a frozen economy, but more importantly, one must know what is needed to get by comfortably amidst this health crisis. Here’s a list that (hopefully) helps: 1. Money To obtain this, you have three options. Plan A: go to an ATM and withdraw some cash! If this won’t work, try Plan B: breaking open the piggy bank that contains your life savings, insurance money, and what was supposed to be your tuition fees. Still got nothing? Okay, here’s Plan C: wait on the government’s Social Amelioration Program. Unfortunately, the arrival of the said assistance is quite ambiguous as over 300,000 Filipino families are still waiting on their expected financial aid from the government’s first wave of distribution. 2. A support system We all need social interactions to keep us grounded in reality. You can do this through enjoying Netflix parties or visiting each others’ islands on Animal Crossing! Or just bonding with your loved ones. However, it’s not as straightforward for some, especially frontliners who save lives while needing to keep their sanity intact. They are just a portion of the population who can’t afford a respite while bearing witness to what transpires in the grave “new normal”. 3. Food For some, it’s as easy as heading to the nearest store and picking items off shelves. You can even get someone to do it for you if you’re feeling extra lazy! But for others, it’s not as simple. Demographics like indigenous people are especially affected since their mobility is now restricted, thus leading to a serious lack of food and other resources that they can’t obtain anymore. We stand corrected—it turns out this pandemic isn’t something to be underestimated. For so many less-privileged Filipino families, it’s even a nightmare. People often shun those grovelling along sidewalks for a morsel of food or for just a few pesos
-ANNA THERESA S. PARAYNO
because they assume it’s the consequence of the latter’s indolence. Unfortunately, the often overlooked reality in surviving this global health crisis is the incapability of some to be “prepared enough” for a pandemic. It’s not that they’re unprepared, it’s that the less fortunate are actually experiencing the consequences of systemic problems: how our country fails to address inaccessibility and poverty. During these trying times, empathy goes
a long way. Let’s understand that some do not have the digits in their bank accounts to last them months under a lockdown nor the time to take a break in order to keep their overall wellness in check. To act upon their struggle is to empathize with them. We can do this by uplifting each other—being kind and supportive of one another. Let’s reach out to those with outstretched hands, because the best way to survive this pandemic is doing so together.
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOL. 65 NO. 1 ·MAY-JUNE 2020
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Philippine Internet Lags Behind BY ADRIANNE H. SAPLAGIO AND CHRISTIAN DOMINIC L. LEDESMA
The age of technology is upon us and with it, the need for a stable internet connection. Not only does internet access provide us with entertainment, it has also become a vital instrument that fills the physical void left by our lack of interpersonal relationships for the sake of social distancing. However, when our links to the outside world remain as unreliable as they currently are, being patient with the service becomes incredibly hard. Internet access in the Philippines first became available on March 29, 1994. Since then, the development and quality of the internet in the country have been far behind compared to most countries. In April 2020, Ookla, a company that analyzes internet access performance metrics, published a global index that put the Philippines in 110th place out of 176 countries in terms of our fixed broadband internet speed and 121st in terms of mobile internet speed ranking. The Philippines, averaging 21.00 Megabits per second (Mbps) for broadband and 12.09 Mbps for mobile, sets the country’s internet speed well below the global average of 74.74 Mbps and 30.89 Mbps. In contrast to ASEAN countries (excluding Brunei) that have an average of 66.55 Mbps for broadband and 24.54 Mbps for mobile, the Philippines still lags behind. Ironically, even though we belong to the lower half of the index, Filipinos have been
dubbed as the most active internet users with an average of nine hours and 45 minutes a day spent online as compared to the global average of six hours and 43 minutes. Another staggering statistic is that 67% of Filipinos with internet access are continuously plagued with internet slowdowns, disconnections, and poor signal in some areas. With the aforementioned data, it’s difficult not to speculate that our excessive hours on the internet are spent more on waiting for our websites to load rather than actually making good use of them. Given the recent rise of the coronavirus disease 2019, internet connectivity issues remain an issue all the more with the push towards online solutions to problems, the most notable being online classes. It’s understandable for the education sector to push for online classes, but given the economic state of our country, it is also understandable for people to air out their concerns about how they would cope with the “solution” presented to them. Connectivity might just be a small inconvenience for some, but the same cannot
-TRIZIA C. HASSIM
be said for those who might have to choose between being able to feed their family or being able to give their children an education.
ECOBOX
Bayanihan through screens BY PATRICK N. BILLOJAN
Matibay ang walis, palibhasa’y magkabigkis. This Filipino proverb summarizes how Bacolodnons faced the pandemic as they kept the bayanihan spirit alive through an online barter community. Founded by former Bacolod City Councilor Jocelle Batapa Sigue along with 24 moderators, the Bacolod Barter Community, as of June 19, has reached 220,000 members. “The pandemic has triggered a mode of exchange of goods and services to resurface and now has been resurrected with a more meaningful dimension, triggering the Filipino bayanihan spirit of giving,” Sigue said in an interview by Sunstar. Across the plate of this group are stories of kindness and generosity as Bacolodnons, amid the pandemic, still find ways to plaster smiles across each other’s faces and live up to the town’s nickname—the City of Smiles. Stories of people who give out gadgets to
deserving students, people who attend to the needs of the elderly and the sick without asking for exchange, and people who turn the birthday wishes of kids to reality became the page’s norm. But among these, one story stood out—a story of a brand new electric fan bartered for a handful of iba. Nanay Aurora’s daughter posted on the online community, asking for food in exchange for their defective electric fan. The post did not only touch the heart of Dr. Jessica Atas, who bartered a brand new electric fan to a handful of averrhoa bilimbi or iba with 62-year-old Aurora Sarcos Dela Torre of Barangay Estefania, but the hearts of netizens as well as they responded positively by giving Nanay Aurora and her family kilos of rice, food products, and other necessities. “They offered stuffed toys in exchange for the electric fan but I refused because they have children in their house and they can still use
those toys so I suggested that they could just give me a plant or anything that they could pick out outside their house, and luckily they have an iba tree in front of their home,” Atas explained. Atas personally delivered the electric fan to Nanay Aurora last May 27 and she was able to receive roughly 70 pieces of iba in exchange. “All material things will become useless in the long run and we’ll get less interested in them, but when you help a starving family, you extend lives. Pay it forward,” the doctor concluded. This act only reminds us that we don’t need to have everything in life to be happy and to spread kindness towards other people. Kindness knows no boundaries if our true intent is to really help one another. Just like a walis, we become sturdier, if we band together.
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOL. 65 NO. 1 ·MAY-JUNE 2020
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Mga Tagpong Peque sa Takilya NINA SHAN MARC O. JABAGAT AT PAULA MAE E. VILLAROSA
Bumaling ang kuha mula sa kumikislap na muwebles papunta sa nagniningningang palamuti ng mansyong nasa gitna ng malawak na hacienda. Ang tagpo’y nakalagak sa isang magarbong piging ng mga haciendero’t hacienderang nagmistulang mga dugong bughaw sa kanilang mga saya’t amerikana. Sa kasagsagan ng pagsasalo’t sayawan ay nagulantang ang lahat— sumiklab na ang giyerang gagambala sa kanilang nakasanayang pamumuhay. Ang kulturang Negrenseng bakas sa mga pelikulang pumatok sa takilya, ang siyang tatak henyo ng isang Peque Gallaga. Tulad ng mga tauhan sa Oro Plata Mata, tila nagimbal ang kapwa manunuod at kasamahan sa industriya nang yumao noong ika7 ng Mayo, si Maurice Luis Ruiz de Luzuriaga Gallaga o mas kilala bilang ang batikang direktor at gurong si Peque Gallaga. Dumating man ang kodang pinangangambahan, bakas pa rin ang mga kwentong kanyang “pinaindak sa pangil” ng imahinasyon at katotohanang hinaharap ng mga Pilipino, lalonglalo na ng kanyang mga kababayan sa probinsya ng Negros kung saan ginanap ang mga tagpo ng kanyang mala-sinematikong pakikipagsapalaran. Dumayo man sa Maynila para mag-elementarya at sekondarya sa De La Salle University, bumalik pa rin si Peque sa nakagisnang ektaektaryang katubuhan ng Negros. Nang mag kolehiyo sa University of St. La Salle (USLS), nahumaling siya sa teatro at direksyon. Una niyang ipinamalas ang husay sa munting entablado ng dating Speech Lab ng unibersidad (na ngayo’y nakapangalan sa kanya) kasama ang grupong binuo ng Lasallian brother na si Bro. Alexis noong dekada ’70. Pinagpatuloy niya ang karerang ito nang siya’y lumuwas pabalik ng Maynila. Dito’y nagtuloy-tuloy ang mga alok ng malalaking proyekto—unti-unti ngang nakilala ang Negrenseng si Peque Gallaga sa takilya.
Mula nang matanghal na Pinakamahusay na Direksyon sa 1983 Gawad Urian ang kanyang tinaguriang obra maestrang Oro Plata Mata, umani ng samu’t-saring parangal at nominasyon si Gallaga. Iilan dito ang Best Production Design sa 1977 Gawad Urian para sa Ganito kami noon...Paano kayo ngayon? at Best Director kasama ang kapwa direktor na si Lore Reyes para naman sa Magic Temple noong 1996 Metro Manila Film Festival. Sa
inamin niyang pinanghinaan siya ng loob nang masaksihan ang pagkakampante ng mga kasamahan at kawalang-usad ng mga produksyon sa industriya. Sa pauulit-ulit na paglalahad ng mga pangyayaring ipinakita ng industriya’y nabigo nito ang direktor. Gayunpama’y itinuon niya ang pansin sa pagbigay-lunas sa degredasyong ito nang sinimulan niya ang mga workshops sa kabataang Negrense na ngayo’y kalat na
RECOGNITION. After sharing his sentiments, Peque Gallaga is greeted by President —PHOTO COURTESY OF INQUIRER Joaquin Severino Martinez, FSC, during the soft opening of the Gallaga Theatre.
kabila ng narating na tugatog, baon-baon niya ang kanyang tinubuang-lupa sa bawat sineng kanyang pinanguluhan. Sa isang panayam ni Jessica Zafra ng CNN, inilahad nitong inihalintulad niya sa nakalakihang kultura sa mga hacienda ng Negros ang mga tagpuan at gawi ng mga tauhan sa Oro. Bagama’t nasilayan niya ang tuktok ng katanyagan, abot-tanaw din niya ang kulimlim ng industriyang kanyang kanlungan. Sa isang panayam sa Philstar noong 2008,
sa buong bansa. Sa loob ng apat na dekada’y naging Artist-in-Residence at guro ng teatro at pelikula siya sa USLS—at permanenteng namalagi sa Bacolod. Halintulad sa mga tauhan ng Oro’y inukit niya ang balintataw ng Negros sa mga kwentong kanyang binigyang-buhay at mga buhay na binigyang-kwento. Sa huling sekwensya’y dinala niya tayong muli sa simula—kung saan rin pala magtatapos ang salaysayan niyang ito.
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOL. 65 NO. 1 ·MAY-JUNE 2020
MAY TO JUNE 2020
DAKBANWA
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Isa ka baganing tunay sa bahin sang kabudlay
NI MA. KRISTINE JOY R. BAYADOG
Sa pagsulod sang tuig 2020, nagkalain-lain nga mga hitabo ang naagyan sang tagsatagsa apang ang pinaka-indi malimtan sang tanan amo ang pag-igo sang Novel Coronavirus gikan sa Wuhan, China nga amo ang ginhalinan sang paglapta sang Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) sa bilog nga kalibutan. Dako nga kahadlok ang ginhatag sini sa mga tawo tungod nagdumala ini sang pasakit, kabudlayan, kag kamatayon sang kadam-an. Apang sa piyak sini, nagbutlak ang mga gawi nga nagpukaw sa paglaum sang kada isa—bayanihan kag pag-ulikid. Naghiliusa ang tanan agud mapadali ang pagkadula sang COVID-19 paagi sa madinalag-on nga pagpatuman sang mga mando. Halos tanan nga mga syudad sang kada pungsod amo ang ginpaidalom sa community quarantine kag intensive precautionary guidelines agud mauntat ang paglapta sini. Dugang pa nga pagpanikasog ang ginahimo sang gobyerno paagi sa paglimita sang paghulag sang mga tawo sa mga pang-publiko nga lugar. Sa amo nga tion sang pandemya, lubos nga ginkilala ang pagka-bagani sang mga frontliners sa bug-os nga kalibutan. Sila ang mga doktor, nars, food delivery drivers, pulis, kag iban pa nga nagapanguna sa hanay agud magbulig sa mga kasimanwa. Isa si Mariel Antonette Juarez, Lasallian nurse nga naka-base subong sa St. Thomas Hospital sa London, ang ginakilala nga modernong-adlaw nga mga bagani. Antis mag-abot ang pandemya, ara siya sa High Dependency Unit kung sa diin siya nagapakigbahin sa mga critical care nurse nga naka-assign sa mga pasyente nga ginapa-idalom sa post-cardiac kag vascular surgeries. Tungod sa pag-abot sang pandemya, siya kag ang iban ya nga kaupod amo ang gin-reassign sa Intensive Care Unit agud tatapan ang mga pasyente nga nagpositibo sa COVID-19. Lubos nga kabudlayan kag kakapoy ang nagaka-agom sang isa ka frontliner pareho kay Nurse Mariel. Suno sa iya, may tion nga sila man ginakubos sa tinawo tungod sa kadamo sang mga pasyente—bilog nga adlaw nga kinahanglan magsuksok sang Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) biskan indi sila komportable, temporaryo nga magtinir sa mga gintanyag nga mga ilistaran kag malayo sa pamilya, kag magdala sang masubo nga balita sa pamilya sang mga nagtaliwan nga pasyente. “It was very overwhelming to say the least.
—PHOTO COURTESY OF MARIEL JUAREZ
It was very stressful—physically, mentally, and emotionally draining... We saw deaths almost everyday,” siling ni Nurse Mariel. “It was also very sad and even more heartbreaking to see fellow healthcare workers being in ICU because of the virus. Everyday, you think ‘Is it me next?’ It was a difficult time for all of us,” dugang pa niya. Sila mismo nga bilang kabahin sang frontliners amo ang ginasaligan sang responsibilidad nga magtatap kag magsiguro sa ika-ayong lawas sang ila pareho. Mabug-at
kag makapoy nga risgo ang ila gina-atubang sa kada adlaw apang para sa isa ka frontliner nga pareho kay Nurse Mariel, isa ini ka dungog. “The pandemic made me even prouder of being a nurse… [It] has been a true test of our calling and service for mankind. If anything, it made me appreciate life and my profession even more,” bugal niya. Para kay Nurse Mariel, indi pa tapos ang pakigbato kontra sa masakit nga indi makita apang iya ginapangabay nga maga-abot ang tion sang kahilway.
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOL. 65 NO. 1 ·MAY-JUNE 2020
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MAY TO JUNE 2020
The Gods, the Plague, and those Under By Carl Hason T. Gerale
As crisp as crops under the unforgiving drought, people wither—famished, far from their ivory temples. Now, who is to be persecuted for the lost granules of rice that failed to touch their vessels? Is it them—the townsfolk for being kept inside the walls of their dwellings, away from the plague that the gods have divined, but failed to lift their fingers to? Or the almighty deities themselves, whose winds wavered and wafted the grains back to their plots by a wrinkle in fate or so they erred? Your orbs are those of barn owls, concealed partly by your weary lids in a sunlight beam. Do not attempt to obscure them. Why aren’t you livid? If you desire to curse the gales, then blaspheme the ones who blew them as well. The banes shall persist but our patience must wilt. See no blossoms in those who count the last bottles of their oil and remnants of their flour. Be livid. The fist that you kissed with your prayers, forged from faux iron, offers no more than a mustard seed and no less than a bloody war. See for yourself, they are no more than golden calves from your brothers and sisters’ meager possessions—unearthed from graves and rubicund puddles. Be livid. -CHRISTIAN DOMINIC L. LEDESMA
Nang Minsang Mapadpad sa Parang Ni Drexel John N. Amit
“Tay, indi ko sing pula” Ni Alan S. Villanueva Jr.
Ako ngayo’y naglalakad dito sa parang at di kalauna’y napagpasyahang umupo, pinagmasdan ang paligid nang walang harang, at tinamasa ang rikit ng luntiang mga damo. Kalauna’y siningil din ang aking katawan ng walang-habas na paglilibot, pagkahiga ay tinamasa ang tila saping bulak sa aking likuran, sa sandaling iyon ay ‘di muna pinikit ang mga mata, kaya’t tinanaw na lamang ang mga pumapagaspas sa kalangitan. Kinain na rin ng pagkapagal ang aking katawan, pinagpahinga ang dalawang bolang nakasaksi sa panggigilalas, at itinigil muna ang pagsilay sa pagpapasikat ng kalikasan, kinain na rin ng karimlan ang kamalayan—sa wakas. Pagkagising ay sinalubong ng gintong sinag na hatid ng paglubog ni Ama, naglaho na ang bughaw na kalangitan at luntiang damo, kaya’t napabalikwas mula sa aking kinahihimlayan, kinusot ang mga mata sabay pagsapo sa noo. Agaran akong sinampal ng katotohanan dahil nakalimot, matagal na pala akong nakahimlay na tila may sakit, ngunit ang karamdamang iniinda ay tila walang lunas, kamangmangan—dapat pa bang alamin kung bakit? Ngayong namulat na ang mga mata’t natuto nang tumayo, hindi ba’t kasalanan na ang pumikit at magbulag-bulagan? akin nang dapat pagtibayin ang tindig at prinsipyo, kaisa ako sa muling pamumukadkad ng mga halaman. Kaya’t ako ngayo’y tumitindig upang maging mitsa, tutulungan ang kapaligiran anuman ang humadlang, umaasang muling mararanasan ang ginhawang dala ni Ina, tulad na lamang nang minsang ako’y mapadpad sa parang.
Pula ang duag nga akon subong naandan. Halin sa akon ulo pakadto sa dapa-dapa napintahan na sang pula kay sadto pa sang naglinigad nga mga tinion, amo na ini ang pilit nga ginapasuksok sang akon amay, kung siya pahambalon, ini ang sa akon nagakaangay. Akon natalupangdan nga nagalain ang panulok niya sa akon. Sa tagsa ko ka giho, nagadalom ang iya paginhawa nga daw wala sing tsansa nga makapalagyo ko. Tanan ini—ang iya gabiti kag matingil nga pamuyayaw kag ang mapintas nga pagbakol sa akon magahod nga bibig, nagsugod sing makaisa nga naglalis ko sa iya tungod ‘di ko mabaton ang iya mga ginabuhat sa amon panimalay.
Tay, ngaa paha kag silhig permi ang imo ginapa-atubang sa amon? Ngaa indi mo kami maistorya sing malinong? Amo ini ang akon masami nga pamangkot, mga pamangkot nga ginapataasan kilay kag ginapabungulan. Wala man ko nagakalipay sang imo ginpasulod ang aton mga katupad balay nga gikan pa sa butkon sang nagakatulog nga higante, mga tawo nga nagapanag-iya sing mga mata nga wala pa mayo nakamuklat, mga dumulu-aw nga nagapang-agaw sang magutok na nga puluy-an sing imo kabataan.
Hipos! Nagakaisa nga tinaga nga nagapangilo sa’kon mga unto kag nagapamala sa’kon tutunlan pero kapila mo man hambalon, na ini imo ginbuhat para kami atipanon, nagapabilin sa akon ang kahadlok sa imo paghakos. Akon lang ginapangadi— nga kami nga mga bata mo indi na madaplisan sing pula. Kabay pa nga ang amon nagapula nga nawong kag kalawasan, indi na padayon nga magpula.
-ANGELA A. CORONEL
-ALEXANDRA V. BACHOCO
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOL. 65 NO. 1 ·MAY-JUNE 2020
MAY TO JUNE 2020
“King of—”
“Issa Prank”
LEISURE
S15 -Angela A. Coronel
-Anna Theresa S. Parayno
“Priorities”
-Kiara Nicole D. Villa
“Roadtrip”
-Trizia C. Hassim
THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · USLS STUDENT ACTIVITY CENTER, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOL. 65 NO. 1 ·MAY-JUNE 2020
MAY TO JUNE 2020
VOLUME 65 NUMBER 1
PSC DROPS ALL SPORTS EVENTS DUE TO COVID-19 BY EZRA CHRISLAINE L. ORTEGA AND PATRICK N. BILLOJAN
—PHOTO COURTESY OF RAPPLER
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) suspended almost all events in the country this year—sporting events are no exception. The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has decided to cancel all its sports activities until December as announced after the organization’s virtual meeting last April 29. The decision came following the mandates of the Department of Budget and Management and Inter-Agency Task Force on Emergency Infectious Diseases as part of their “belttightening measure”. No Vaccine, No Sporting events After a virtual board meeting, the government sports agency has decided to cancel all sports events this year, emphasizing that there will be no sports competitions as long as there is no vaccine available. “For as long as there’s no available vaccine, no sports competition activities [can be held]. But for individual physical fitness, it’s alright,” PSC Chairman William Ramirez said in a text message sent to Rappler. Consequently, some sports facilities such as the Ninoy Aquino Stadium and the Rizal Memorial Coliseum have been converted into
COVID-19 quarantine centers. Budget Cut “We heed the call of the national government to cut expenses as we reroute the majority of our resources to fight the pandemic, but we also stand by our commitment to keep supporting members of the national team,” Ramirez said in an interview with CNN. The PSC is directly funded by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, but the Commission is anticipating the impact of the health crisis on future remittances. “We continue to study projections and proposals, and the board is ready to take necessary actions should they be needed,” Ramirez added. Furthermore, the Commission already withdrew further financial support for the 10th ASEAN Para Games (APG) as part of its “belt-tightening measure” in response to the coronavirus pandemic. “The hosting of the APG by the Philippines is currently not feasible without government support,” Philippine Paralympic Committee President Michael Barredo said in a statement. Barredo also added that the PSC’s decision
was disheartening for para-athletes, but they recognize that sports had to come second to address a larger concern. Cancelled Sports Events As of March, these are the sporting events that were cancelled and postponed: 10th ASEAN Para Games, Palarong Pambansa, International Basketball Federation, Federation Internationale de Football Association World Cup qualifiers Philippine Basketball Association Season 45, University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 82, National Collegiate Athletic Association Season 95, National Basketball Training Center, PruRide PH 2020, Philippine Sports Commission/Philippines Sports Institute Visayas grassroots programs, and 2nd Philippine International Open Rhythmic Gymnastics Championship, Rugby, Beach Volleyball, and Chess. Aside from that, the following leagues and tournaments were also cancelled: Philippine Superliga, Asia Cup qualifiers and 3x3 Qualifying Tournament, ASEAN Basketball League, and Philippine Football League, and Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.