September-October 2021 Newspaper

NEWS

EDITORIAL

SPECIAL REPORT

DEVELOPMENT

DAGWAY

PHYSICAL LEARNING

RESSA’S DEMONIZATION

VACCINATION EFFORTS

UNIVERSITY MACROPLAN

RISING BUSINESSES

After two years of online learning, CHED considers resuming limited face-to-face classes next semester.

Despite the Duterte administration’s blatant attacks against her, Maria Ressa claps back with a Nobel Prize medal.

With numerous vaccination projects underway, the city aims to inoculate at least 55 percent of the population before 2022.

Three years into the project, the university’s 10-year macroplan on capital development carries on.

These businesses went against the odds and flourished during the pandemic, all while observing proper health protocols.

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T RU T H

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BE YON D

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VOLUME 66 NUMBER 3 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2021

K N OW I N G

TOWARDS A BETTER FUTURE. Citizens hoping for change throng the USLS Coliseum for the extended voters’ registration for the 2022 elections. - KARL BRIAN T. MARQUEZA

USLS OFFERS GROUNDS AS COMELEC SATELLITE VOTERS’ REGISTRATION SITE “Boto Lasalyano, Sulong Pilipino” initiative persists for nat’l election 2022

By Alyssa Nicole T. Maquiran

The University of St. La Salle’s (USLS) BALAYAN Social Development Center accommodated a total of 6,865 registrants during its satellite voters’ registration site initiative under the “Boto Lasalyano, Sulong Pilipino 2022” program at the USLS Coliseum from August to October.

The site was a collaboration with the city’s Commission on

Elections (COMELEC), the USLS student government, and the USLS Political Science Society with the assistance of the Bacolod Youth Coalition for Democracy.

Established in 2010, “Boto Lasalyano, Sulong Pilipino” includes all schools under the Philippine Lasallian family and is active during every election, De La Salle Lasallian Justice and Peace Commission National Coordinator Gladstone Cuarteros noted.

Looking back, BALAYAN’s

ENHANCE IN PROVIDENCE

Ecozone underway in BCD

point person Randy Saplagio revealed that the initiative was already planned since December 2020 but was only carried out last August due to the pandemic.

Unprecedented events then prompted USLS to further move the Lasallianexclusive voters’ registration to Aug. 31 from the original Aug. 27, leading to a decrease in the number of participants as the university could not excuse the student voters from their classes because of conflicting schedules.

To reach their quota of 400 to 500 registered voters, the organizers opted to welcome non-Lasallian walk-

in registrants by 2 PM as well, which allowed them to serve 463 voters at the end of the day.

In anticipation of the surge of participants during the registration’s final week, USLS once again opened its doors to accommodate Bacolod City voters on Sept.

27 to 30, where it served 2,651 voters in the duration of four days.

With the deadline extended from Oct. 11 to 30 after the lawmakers’ deliberation, the university held its final voters’ registration site on Oct. 25 to 30 from 8 AM to 5 PM, registering 3,572 additional voters.

In terms of preparation,

Saplagio shared that BALAYAN coordinated with the city’s safety officers as well as the university’s internal security office, clinic, and administration.

“We walked through the whole process of where the registrants will go, starting from the gates. Unfortunately, the problem lies beyond the gate and during the actual line -up,” Saplagio noted, assuring that proper health protocols were observed complete with BaCTrac scanning and temperature checks.

Cuarteros also disclosed that they initially planned a semestral voters’ registration throughout Lasallian schools

after the community’s low voter turnout last election but struggled to comply with the health requirements.

Although the voters’ registration period is over, the coordinator elaborated on the program’s other plans for the community, including informative videos, a national presidential debate, a Lasallian electoral agenda, and “Suri Kandidato”, a candidate profiling.

“USLS is the only school that has been successful in doing the satellite registration within our campus,” Cuarteros announced, pledging that Lasallian schools will continue being resources for the community.

P100-M hub to boost NegOcc healthcare Infectious disease hub underway in Silay City

By Alyssa Nicole T. Maquiran

LAYING THE GROUNDWORK. Construction workers atop the scaffolding build the city’s first ever Ecozone. - KEILAH N. BALDOMAR

By Krizzia Ricci T. Nepomuceno

The House of Representatives has finally approved the legislation for the establishment of economic zones (ecozones) in the City of Bacolod on its third and final reading in Congress during the second week of October.

House Bill (HB) No. 5440 or the Bacolod Economic Zone Authority (BEZA) Bill was authored by Lone District of Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya to provide an institution for stable employment in the locale as well as foster economic growth through the

attraction of both local and foreign investors.

“The establishment of special economic zones and a governing body would generate employment for our people and allow our skilled workers not to seek employment in other urbanized cities in the country,” Gasataya said.

He added that the city has apt resources to cater to local and foreign investments, while the ventures of NEWS / PAGE 3

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A P100-million Center for Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases (CEMREID) is underway as the Negros Occidental provincial government participated in its groundbreaking ceremony on Sept. 13.

Featuring its own emergency room, operating room, delivery room, and intensive care unit, the facility will serve as an extension of the Teresita L. Jalandoni Provincial Hospital (TLJPH) in Silay City.

The CEMREID was jointly funded by the Department of Health’s (DOH) Health Facilities Enhancement Program through the Office of Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go and the provincial government’s allowance from the “Bayanihan” fund.

“We extend our sincerest appreciation to the good Senator Go for his solid support to this ambitious and progressive project,” Negros Occidental Provincial Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson expressed, assuring that the facility will bridge critical

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gaps in the province’s hospital and emergency services.

Both the medical professionals and current administration c o n s i d e r e d establishing another emergency room where patients can be efficiently treated without endangering the safety of both parties, as patients were initially examined in tents outside the hospital’s main emergency room.

According to Lacson, the CEMREID will also grant the province’s healthcare system the opportunity to simultaneously assess both sterile and infectious diseases.

“Responding to this public health emergency and minimizing its impact require[s] every health resource to be maximized,” the governor noted, recalling the challenges the TLJPH and other provincial

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PHOTO COURTESY OF PIO-NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

hospitals faced during last year’s influx of COVID-19 cases.

Moreover, Lacson also assessed the provincial hospital’s improved oxygen plant, considering the anticipated demand for oxygen among COVID-positive patients.

Furthermore, as chairman of the Senate health committee, Go urged the DOH for an additional

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allowance of P50 million for the CEMREID’s construction.

“This is another great step towards our collective goal of providing high-quality and accessible healthcare for our kababayans,” Go assured, commending the provincial government for their efforts in combating COVID-19 through the infectious disease hub.

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NEWS

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2021 | VOLUME 66 NO. 3

AN ATTACK ON DEMOCRACY

Lasallians against Marcos’ 2022 prexy bid

By Elizabeth D. Fernandez

Multiple Lasallian schools united to denounce Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s presidential campaign for the 2022 National Elections in a joint statement posted on the De La Salle University Student Government (DLSUUSG) Facebook page on Oct. 8, three days after Marcos declared his candidacy.

Aside from criticizing Marcos’ attempts in “historical revisionism” to aid his quest for presidency, the statement acted as a manifesto condemning his close involvement during the era of Martial Law in the Philippines, which brought about “thousands of human rights atrocities” and deaths to notable Lasallian activists such as Sen. Jose Diokno,

Immanuel Obispo, and Bishop Felix Perez.

“Marcos’ presidential bid is a blatant attack [on] the activists who brought back the freedom of democracy and it is our responsibility to ensure that it stays,” Carlo Bais, executive president of the University of St. La Salle Student Government and acting representative of the Samahang Lasalyano Alliance, explained when asked about his motives of signing the unity statement.

Spearheaded by the DLSU-USG, the proclamation was a joint effort among participating members of the Samahang Lasalyano Alliance of De La Salle Student Councils, including student governments from Lasallian schools in the cities of Dasmariñas, Ozamiz, Malabon, and Bacolod.

“A united voice from the Lasallian community is louder and more impactful, as it allows our message to be heard by more people,” Bais reasoned, acknowledging that synergy among the different schools would strengthen and widen the significance and reach of the message.

Bais further highlighted the importance of this consensus, stating that the university’s decision to sign was a consolidated agreement among the legislative, judicial, and executive branches, along with the college councils.

However, he also emphasized that not all Lasallian schools participated in the union.

Nonetheless, with the youth’s votes estimated to control the tides in the

Negrense top notcher brings hope home Everyone aims for the top, which is probably why our eyes are stuck looking above, but for Negros Occidental that is ironically shaped like a sock, a Negrense’s rise to Top 1 in the national Physician Licensure Examination (PLE) is a symbolic declaration that no height is unreachable.

Maria Inez Benedicto’s success alongside 1,084 PLE passers is truly a decisive moment that can help turn the tide of the battle against COVID-19 in our favor.

With an 87.83 percent

rating, both Benedicto of West Visayas State UniversityLa Paz and Cebu Institute of Medicine’s Jude Philip Cebrecus claimed the top spot in the September 2021 PLE. Before passing, however, Benedicto told of her anxiety: “I wasn’t really confident because we only had 40 days of exclusive preparation.”

This time constraint lowered her expectations because the previous examinees had about three months to prepare.

Additionally, the tiresome application process and health protocols, like the 14-day quarantine posed a challenge for her.

But although she was only sure of around half of her answers, her faith and her determination in following a strict schedule earned her the top spot.

Her tight schedule specifically ensured that she would be able to read her notes twice with comprehension as her priority.

Apart from her efforts, she also thanked her parents, especially her mom who ingrained into her good study habits from her youth.

Furthermore, she gave credit to her boyfriend and classmates: “We were very

supportive of each other because we all knew [that] what we were going through—we were going through it together.”

With respect to her roots as a state university graduate, she carries the resolve to help people in government hospitals and serves as a medical officer in her hometown La Carlota City which exhibits a doctor’s attitude within her. “[W]hat guides me as a doctor is to really look at my patient not just as a medical case, but as an entire person—a person who worries not just about his physical condition but a person who has family members [and] problems outside of medicine,” she emphasized.

Moreover, she expressed how enrolling in review centers helped her before the exam and her plan to continue serving in her hometown.

By next year, she would be undergoing residency training, for which she prefers working in provincial hospitals.

As a Mangkasanon of La Carlota, she is grateful that her achievement is a source of pride for Negrenses and is urging them to be brave in striving for a medical career. “To all Negrenses, I hope that I was able to inspire you that we are all capable of achieving [this success],” she concluded.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PJ NACIONALES

USLS is 2022 bar exams venue USLS offers its facilities for bar exams

By Immalie Rose E. Cafifge

Alongside 24 other colleges and universities in Visayas, the University of St. La Salle (USLS) offered its campus facilities for the 2022 bar examinations soon after the Supreme Court’s announcement of its regionalization in 2020.

While the university offers three buildings with about 20 students per classroom to accommodate a total of 1,346 bar examinees, College of Law Dean Atty. Rosanne Gonzaga remarked that what matters is the assurance of safety and protection for the bar takers and their families who will choose USLS as their exam site.

She explained that having a local bar examinations site such as USLS can mitigate

the supposed expenses for transportation, food, and accommodation in Manila, where they would have been held.

“Everybody is very thankful that USLS has opened its doors, offered facilities, and invested in the necessary equipment to enable us to accept students,” she conveyed, further explaining that examinees also include USLS alumni and all other applicants who were approved by the Supreme Court to take the bar exams this January.

She also stated in an interview that the scheduled bar examinations in November 2021 were postponed to January and February 2022.

“The postponement of the bar examinations has to do with ensuring the safety

BY JAZIEL ANN V. SEBALLOS

CET hails new REEs, RChEs Passers recount exam struggles, express gratitude

NEWS FEATURE

By Alan S. Villanueva Jr.

upcoming elections, Bais urged voters to ignore “political trolls” and instead focus on informing themselves with factual truths about the candidates and educating those who do not have the privilege to access accurate knowledge.

“The youth right now should pour out their energy into educating and engaging the community, so that we may be equipped to vote with responsibility and candor for a better future,” Bais implored.

and health of [the bar takers, university staff, and proctors] given that there is the danger of our vaccines not being able to cope with the new Delta strands of the virus,” she explained.

Moreover, the exams will be conducted online through typewritten answers using the Supreme Court’s prescribed software and will cover four Sundays starting on Jan. 16 to Feb. 6, 2022, from 8 AM to 6 PM. As to having virtual bar examinations amidst the pandemic, Atty. Gonzaga advised aspiring lawyers that they should not lose sight of the dream of becoming the lawyers that they are, adding that: “Resilience and diligence is key to surviving the bar examinations.”

By Anna Maria J. Villanueva

The University of St. La Salle’s College of Engineering and Technology (CET) declared a new batch of registered engineers under its name.

After the Professional Regulation Commission conducted the Registered Electrical Engineer (REE) and Chemical Engineer Licensure Examinations on Sept. 5-6 and Oct. 3-5, a total of 11 Lasallian electrical engineers and 14 chemical engineers passed the board exams, garnering a passing rate of 78.57 percent and 50 percent, respectively.

Among the 1,668 passers from the 2,590 REE takers were Dale Anfernee Cacho, Earl Joseph Carballo, Renier Sean Debuyan, Sue Ann

Fabela, Jon Ercy Frias, Karl Kevin Manojo, Timothy Marin, Kenneth Matti, Glen Carlo Naranja, Paolo Sanchez, and Earl George Veloso.

Meanwhile, out of the 679 Chemical Engineer Licensure Examination takers, the 321 passers included Beverly Balunon, Rauchen Burgas, Reynaldo Calitina Jr., James Carl Garsula, Ynickho Gensoli, Neil Andy Jandoquile, Chabelita Jocson, Jan Harry Jondanero, Aimee Joy Mangubat, Messy Muñoz, Leovy Palomar, Daniel Salgo, Neil Joseph Sarmiento, and Erasmo Tan Jr. Board passers Marin and Mangubat looked back on their board exam strategies such as recalling the basic concepts and studying during their free time, while mentioning the

difficulties intensified by the pandemic, namely traveling for the exams, swab-testing, and adjusting to the virtual set up.

“The most important thing in learning is to know the basics. Develop and train your necessary foundations to prepare you for what is out there,” Marin shared to aspiring electrical engineers.

Additionally, they expressed their gratitude to their college for the support, prayers, and shared knowledge to ace the exams and to prepare them for their future as professionals.

“If along the way you feel discouraged, always go back to this question: ‘Why and for whom are you fighting for?’

Just enjoy the process and lift everything [up] to Him,” Mangubat concluded.

PHYSICAL LEARNING ENSUES

CHED eyes limited F2F classes

By Patrick N. Billojan After two years of flexible learning, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) now plans to allow limited face-to-face classes for all degree programs in low-risk areas by January next year.

In a virtual press briefing with Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque on Oct. 11, CHED Chairman Popoy De Vera stated that the commission, along with other concerned agencies, is currently looking into the possibility of allowing limited faceto-face classes in areas with low coronavirus (COVID-19) cases and high vaccination rates.

According to De Vera, the risk level and vaccination rate of students, faculty members, and other local residents are being considered in the opening of physical classes for all courses.

“We are aiming to finish the guidelines maybe in November [or] December and we will see the status on the ground if we can allow that in January,” he shared.

Apparently, face-to-face classes are only permitted for medicine and allied health sciences as well as degree programs such as engineering and technology, hospitality, hotel and restaurant management, tourism and travel management, marine engineering, and marine transportation in areas subject to Modified General Community Quarantine.

Meanwhile, the University of St. La Salle is also taking steps and planning necessary courses of action for the possible in-classroom classes next academic year as the university has completed the requisite preparations to conduct face-toface classes in the said programs.

“We have already submitted our application for limited faceto-face [classes] for the College of Nursing and College of Medicine last October,” Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Annabelle Balor shared.

Balor also added that they are hoping for CHED’s grant of the Certificate of Authority after the virtual inspection scheduled on

Nov. 4 and that the city’s quarantine status will allow physical classes.

Furthermore, the Crisis Management Committee is working on the readiness of the campus while the Higher Education Unit academic administrators are updating the learning plans for the recently-approved programs— Engineering and Engineering Technology, Tourism Management, and Hospitality Management, compliant with the CHED-DOH JMC 2021-01 guidelines.

The target date for the earliest implementation of physical classes in the aforementioned programs is in Summer 2022 which is still within the academic year 20212022, in compliance with the CHED-DOH-LGU guidelines.

“The university commits to quality university education and its continued improvement, with [students’] honest feedback essential to the ongoing improvement process,” Dr. Balor expressed, highlighting how the practice of giving feedback in a respectful and effective way is deemed helpful for the real world of work.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PHILIPPINE STAR

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NEWS

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2021 | VOLUME 66 NO. 3

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A PROJECT FOR ASPIRING BACOLODNON PRINCIPALS

City says yes to teachers’ scholarship program

By Hana Patricia Raj E. Hautea

The Bacolod City Council finalized their support of the “School Heads Academy (SHA)” , the Department of Education - Region 6’s (DepEd - R6) flagship initiative for aspiring principals, through the approval of a resolution on Oct. 20.

Authored by Councilor Renecito Novero, the resolution endorsed DepEd R6’s leadership development program, which aims to provide more opportunities for future school heads to pass the principal’s test after undergoing training. “[This program] will benefit the community as we will have more capable teachers who will later on become principals,” Bacolod City Executive Assistant Moises De La Cruz affirmed, adding that the project will continue in the future until repealed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP).

According to the Regional Memorandum No. 339, s.

2021 published on July 22, the SHA targets the admission of at least 200 qualified scholars across all 20 Schools Divisions of DepEd - R6.

“It has been observed in the last few years that during examinations for principals, no applicants from Bacolod were present as most teachers are not qualified,” De La Cruz shared, pertaining to the National Qualifying Examination for School Heads or the Principal’s Test meant for choosing school heads in the public education sector.

Recipient teachers will hail from local public schools and will sign a Memorandum of Agreement with their partnering school after being chosen by the Local School Board, which is chaired

by Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia.

Furthermore, the regional memorandum included partnering with various

state universities and colleges, higher education institutions, and both local and international sponsoring organizations for the enrollment of the beneficiaries.

“The city is still studying the matter as to the legality of the proposal, though the SP has already approved it,” De La Cruz elaborated.

Scholars need to take 15-18 advised leadership development units and implement their own ReEntry Action Plan as part of their end-of-program output, as stated on the regional memorandum.

When asked for a marker of the project’s success, De La Cruz concluded that: “We cannot assume its success unless we have graduates from this program.”

In Bacolod, the SHA is handled by the Schools Division Superintendent, the Local School Board, and various supervisors.

NAT’L RECOGNITION FOR A LASALLIAN’S COMPETENCE

CAS Dean receives PRC award

By Kynah Rhea B. Fuentes

After a months-long selection process, College of Arts and Sciences Dean Dr. Rowena Bañes, RGC, LPT, RPsy, emerged as the 2021 Outstanding Professional of the Year in the Field of Guidance and Counseling as revealed by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) last October.

Nominated by the Philippine Guidance and Counselling Association, the accredited Continuing Professional Education provider and professional organization of PRC, Dr. Bañes secured her spot under the Business, Education, and Social Work Cluster from among the three finalists— two of whom are from Luzon.

“It was more for the affirmation of the profession, motivation for young guidance counselors, [and] inspiration for the students.

So be it, whether I’ll make it or not as the most outstanding, but the nomination itself is [already] something,” Dr. Bañes said, disclosing that she was considering declining the nomination at first, if not for her Bahay Pag-asa clients, the Gabriela Women’s party, and her students.

Following through its long-standing criteria, the PRC made certain that the award would bestow honor upon a professional who has sufficiently demonstrated professional competence with integrity in the exercise of profession, meaningfully participated in professional activities through the Accredited Professional Organization, and significantly contributed to the advancement of the profession and to the effective discharge of the profession’s social responsibility.

“The reward is not at

- KARL BRIAN T. MARQUEZA

the back of my mind, but my intention would always be that at any time and anywhere I am with people, the therapeutic presence whenever I am with them [is felt],” she expressed, giving more emphasis on the psychological reward over the recognition.

Like all nominees in various clusters, Dr. Bañes was also subject to the filtering process of PRCaccredited organizations’ nominations and the submission of documents such as a comprehensive curriculum vitae and proofs of research outputs and engagement, leadership in

organization, and awards and recognitions gained— along with photos and certificates.

Subsequently, a 15 to 20-minute interview was conducted by the Screening and Selection Committee, which consisted of the head persons from six highly esteemed professional organizations chaired by the PRC Commissioner.

Dr. Bañes is set to be awarded together with other acknowledged outstanding professionals from three other clusters—Health and Allied, Engineering, and Technology—in a virtual event this coming Nov. 12.

Gasataya further cited Section 6 of Republic Act 7916 or the “Special Economic Zone Act of 1995” which marked the qualifications of a possible ecozone within the city.

An ecozone can be established through the identification of the area as a regional growth center in the Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan and calls for the existence of various infrastructures along with a stable water source, electricity, and vacant lands for expansion.

Initially filed in 2019, Gasataya took into consideration the economically, socially, and culturally progressive economic

zones which were established in Clark and Cavite, hoping that it would “further propel growth” for Bacolod.

Similarly, after the bill passed the hearing with the House Committee on Economic Affairs in 2020, he stated that the BEZA will determine which areas in Bacolod are fit to become economic zones.

Now, the bill is under Senate review.

“We are working out and following up [the bill] within the week with the committee it was assigned [to]. It’s either they will adopt the bill I filed or introduce some amendments,” Gasataya remarked.

BCD ECOZONE

these investors into diverse industries would bring about higher salaries for employees.

“With the vast economic growth it has accumulated over the years and brilliantly executed urban development plans, Bacolod City [can] further economic growth with little to no congestion issues in comparison to other metropolitan areas,” Gasataya articulated in an explanatory note for the bill.

He gave out examples of strategic access points in the city like the Bacolod­ -Silay Airport, Banago Wharf, and Bredco Port which would be key to the favorability of the bill.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BACOLOD CITY PIO

NEWS FEATURE

An Enduring Responsibility

By Lance Christian M. Juarez

Our ecological duties will always remain universal, timeless, and ever-present even in the midst of a pandemic.

Despite setting out on varied paths in life, the need to nurture our home will eventually make our tracks intersect once more.

Last September, Earthguards USLS hosted an online seminar entitled “Pathway: Environmental Sustainability and Development Through Careers” via Zoom and Facebook Live, which aimed to highlight the varied courses and fields that converge on helping revitalize the planet.

“Pathway was the word used to describe that the [career paths we choose] can and will be of use to helping the planet in making sustainable solutions [...] and more ecofriendly practices,” Jose Miguel Maestral, Earthguards USLS Vice President for External Affairs, explained.

It is due to the universality of environmentalism that the event highlighted diverse topics such as wildlife protection, the environmental policies applied to businesses, and the understanding of careers focused on sustainability.

“We wanted an event or project which could

incorporate all colleges to be interconnected to the concept of environmentalism and sustainable development,” Maestral added.

In pursuit of habitat and wildlife conservation, special investigator of monitoring and enforcement Orland Julius Padios headed the discussion of Republic Act 9174 or the “Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act.” The act highlights that preserving habitats and ensuring the livelihood of endangered species is tantamount to keeping ecological balance amidst wildlife trafficking and illegal ownership of exotic animals.

On the business side of things, the webinar also tackled eco-policies that businesses must abide to ensure their own sustainability. Environmental specialist and engineer Paul Edward Acosta dove into this balancing act of promoting economic and ecological growth, which included the elimination of hazards as well as the proper management of waste.

In line with broadening the understanding of the alltoo-common plights of nature, licensed chemist and co-host of the Sustainarumble! podcast Jonas Marie Dumdum captained the exploration of careers in sustainability. This was done to

establish the point that careers will eventually have their own part in protecting the planet despite their differences and limitations.

With all the nuanced problems at hand, the conversation circles back to the responsibility of being nature’s shepherds. But how can we contribute?

“Helping or doing a cause begins with an advocacy, which calls to a problem in a community,” Maestral elaborated, noting the realistic approach towards proactive solutions. “[W]ith the advocacy now in their minds and hearts, they can start to make plans that have feasible actions. Think globally but act locally.”

Earthguards USLS used to spearhead community cleanups, animal feeding programs, and tree growing activities pre-pandemic, but now host webinars, online workshops, and forums in pursuit of their principles.

This adaptability proves to be crucial amid the global health crisis.

In lieu of this, Maestral underscored: “Sustainability does not have to be perfect—it can be imperfect but regularly changed and monitored to bring you closer to a goal in further enhancing the planet.”

CED Council, Amlig qualify for 19th Search for TAYO Awards Two Bacolod-based projects earn national nominations

By Meryl C. Sigaton

Through sustained creation of innovative solutions and integral collaborations, two Bacolodbased youth organizations, Amlig and the USLS College of Education (CEd) Council, qualified for the top 67 among 933 entries in the 19th Search for the Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO) Awards.

Presented by TAYO Foundation, the said awardgiving body lauded CEd Council’s “The Lakbay Ata” project and Amlig’s “#AmligVolunteers” initiative, earning their spots for nomination.

Anchored on a qualitative

schools across Negros, “Kusinata: Mixing Indigenous Food and Social Responsibility”, and an upcoming virtual fundraising concert as well as a library hub in the tribes’ ancestral domain.

On the other hand, “ # A m l i gVol u n te e r s ” is centered on matters concerning community healthcare by providing human resources on health programs and activities such as COVID-19 vaccination in PHOTO COURTESY OF AMLIG different barangays and Red Cross blood letting programs, exposing allied health research from 2017 entitled students to actual healthcare “From Alienation to Rootedness”, settings and enabling them to “Lakbay Ata” was submitted put their skills into practice. to the “Culture and Heritage” “It is undeniable that our category of the awards as it country needs help from people aims to introduce the tribe’s rich with expertise [in] the health culture, heritage, and traditions field ever since the pandemic as the true roots of Negros. surfaced,” Amlig volunteer “[T]he only thing that they Joanna Medina shared. want is for the people to know Open to informal or formal that they are Ata. Not Ati nor youth groups with recent Aeta, but Ata,” shared CEd projects geared towards Secretary Christine Joy Portillo education, technology, on the organization’s rationale as environment, health, culture, advocates of the tribe for joining and livelihood, and whose the search. membership is composed of at Three years and counting, the least five members aged 30 years ongoing advocacy is a holistic old and below, both CEd and initiative involving the whole Amlig ticked all the boxes as they college in holding various events moved through the next stage. like mobile exhibits in different

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OPINIONS

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2021 | VOLUME 66 NO. 3

EDITORIAL

She Who Survived the Flames of Hell In a time when PRRD is counting down their tyrannical days in their own special ring of the underworld, Maria Ressa shot a buzzer-beater as the first Filipina and only female to be a Nobel Prize laureate in 2021—gawking at the face of Duterte and his cronies’ persistent demonization of her.

The crusading journalist’s clapping back at the brutality of this regime compelled the administration to laud her in their own volition.

Congratulatory, but backhanded.

As a publication holding the line for almost 66 years now, The Spectrum stands in solidarity with Filipino journalists and activists in condemning the Philippine government’s demonization of Maria Ressa, their denial of censorship and media crackdown, and the ceaseless internet trolls they employ to hound after the vocal advocates.

Shortly after Ressa’s recognition for her unerring fight for freedom of expression, the government came washing their hands, insisting that the journalist’s win was not a slap on their face, but rather a manifestation that press freedom is alive in the Philippines. But the circumstances speak otherwise.

While press freedom is guaranteed under

the Constitution, the Philippines is among the most dangerous places in the world for journalists, as cited by Reporters Without Borders.

As the current regime’s favorite prey, Ressa has faced around 10 complaints and cases— the most common being a high-profile cyber libel conviction. Rappler, an online news website she co-founded, was even dubbed as a “fake news outlet” and was threatened with its closure by Duterte just because it has become an ardent chronicler of his dirt.

Alongside the 2020 ABS-CBN shutdown, press freedom predation would not be a complete package if not for the vociferous online troll armies used to attack

BY JAZIEL ANN V. SEBALLOS

THESPECTRUM FOUNDED 1956

facebook.com/thespectrumusls · thespectrum.usls@gmail.com VOLUME 65 NUMBER 3 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2021 Kynah Rhea B. Fuentes EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Hana Patricia Raj E. Hautea ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Ivee E. Manguilimotan MANAGING EDITOR

Patrick N. Billojan EXTERNAL AFFAIRS DIRECTOR CREATIVE DIRECTOR NEWSPAPER EDITOR ASSISTANT NEWSPAPER EDITOR MAGAZINE EDITOR ONLINE EDITOR LITERARY EDITOR PHOTOS & VIDEOS EDITOR LAYOUT & GRAPHICS EDITOR NEWSPAPER WRITERS

Angela A. Coronel Drexel John N. Amit Krizzia Ricci T. Nepomuceno Lance Christian M. Juarez Meryl C. Sigaton Immalie Rose E. Cafifge Karl Brian T. Marqueza Mikey Vincent T. Vicente PHOTOJOURNALISTS

Alyssa Nicole T. Maquiran Alan S. Villanueva Jr. Anna Maria J. Villanueva

Keilah N. Baldomar Phoebe Daidoji Q. Jabonete Ma. Micah Dearielle V. Trajera

MAGAZINE WRITERS

LAYOUT & GRAPHICS ARTISTS

Elizabeth D. Fernandez Gabriel M. Lezama Adrianne H. Saplagio ONLINE WRITERS

Perlyn Joy L. Suganob Gerico T. Guanco ILLUSTRATOR

Esther Joyce M. Limbaña Jhune N. Tingson

Jaziel Ann V. Seballos

LITERARY WRITERS

Christian Dominic L. Ledesma

Ferry Lyra B. Fronda EJ Nell Voen A. Florendo Zaldy Mar L. Lavada Jr. VIDEOGRAPHERS

Kyle Jobe B. De Guzman Rodney A. Jarder Jr.

“Duterte and his crooked associates’ tenacity to deny the censorship in the Philippines and turn the tide to use Ressa’s victory to mark this denial is beyond the accustomed work of a demon.”

WEB ADMINISTRATOR

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Ma. Kristine Joy R. Bayadog OFFICER-IN-CHARGE

Michael V. Baylosis

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-inChief reserves the right to edit all articles for publication.

critics, and discredit Ressa and Rappler’s reputation.

Even after her Nobel Peace Prize was announced, comments with insults, vomit-face emojis, and thuggish allegations from online militia flooded in a flash.

Yet, Harry Roque claims: “No one has ever been censored in the Philippines.”

Duterte and his crooked associates’ tenacity to deny the censorship in the Philippines and turn the tide to use Ressa’s victory to mark this denial is beyond the accustomed work of a demon. The apparent inaction toward injustices not only channels more brutal, lawless tactics but also prevents the public to trust in journalism, especially now when we need it the most.

Still, this dark period in our country’s history has found some ray of hope from Maria Ressa’s win amid the wars brought by disinformation and the elusiveness of truth and freedom, reaffirming that our critical evaluation of the government is not all for naught—that our fight as Filipinos still continues.

When journalists cross the powerful, their lives are at stake. But if they will not pursue underreported issues, who will?

HISTORICAL DISTORTION

Letting the Dark Past Consume our Bright Future Distortion should be when you mold clay to form intricate designs in various shapes and sizes. Distortion should be when you drop a pebble on a still, calm puddle to create ripples.

Distortion should be when you leave a crayon under the heat of the sun to watch it melt.

Distortion should NOT be when you alter and falsify historical accounts and narratives for your own gain.

Historical distortion seems to have trended recently in various social media platforms. Along with Tiktok videos insisting that the earth is flat and YouTube conspiracy theories denying the holocaust are a myriad of Facebook posts glorifying Martial Law during the regime of former president and late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr. For instance, a 2018 post about the ruling of the Tallano royal family in pre-colonial Philippines—which supposedly rewarded Marcos tons of gold for his service—has resurfaced.

Despite the post being factchecked by Rappler in 2019, it looks like historical distortionists are back to wipe out the atrocities of Marcos’ ruling and vilify the opposition.

Alongside the Tallano myth, other fabricated narratives such as the marking of Marcos’ reign as the “golden age” for Philippine economy as well as the nonoccurrence of persecutions and massacres during Martial Law found their way to the internet. Clearly, the rise of these faulty accounts all bind together to support the propaganda of cleansing the Marcoses’ already rotten name during that time.

The injustices and human rights violations during the time of dictatorship should be reason enough for us to convict #NeverAgain. However, with historical distortion, we are

ALT REMIXED Drexel John N. Amit drex@gmail.com

enabling the perpetrator to repeat this dark part of our history once more. Changing the narrative to something that exalts the oppressor does not only indignify the victims but also dishonors the truth, enabling delusion.

First up, distorting the happenings during Martial Law disregards the experiences of the victims. For example, saying that

Likewise, falsification of Martial Law narratives neglects substantial documentary evidence during the regime.

Various social media posts with such content usually have either TikTok and YouTube resources, or “credits to the owner” attributions. These made-up stories discredit peer-reviewed journals and government sources,

“While several European countries including Germany and the Netherlands penalize historical distortion and consider it a punishable offense, the Philippine law does not have the same backbone for this negation of history.” the era of dictatorship was a time of flourishment in the country disparages the sugarcane workers affected by the deep dive slump of the sugar industry in the 70’s and the “Batang Negros” who became an icon of famine and malnourishment during that time.

putting academic and journalistic integrity to shame.

Moreover, historicallydistorted accounts promote misinformation and ignorance.

Even with the rise of independent fact checkers, many still stick to these fallacious contents as they

go “beyond the books”. This is also fueled by the belief that history is written by the victors and a story has to be told for the other side of the coin.

While several European countries including Germany and the Netherlands penalize historical distortion and consider it a punishable offense, Philippine law does not have the same backbone for the negation of history. With this, perpetrators continue to spread twisted inaccurate information in the country. If this gap is not remediated soon, distorted history may just devour the entire system.

Convincingly, these fallacious narratives were accompanied by fairytale-like stories intertwined in real historic events to make them look like they accord to the timeline of the past. This is why it is easy for people to believe in such absurdities—because somehow, there is some truth in them. Still, however believable, we should be able to differentiate facts and fiction so as to negate historical distortion.

Well, it is to also be acknowledged that this propaganda has been present even before the internet.

However, people’s reliance on social media contributes to the spread of false information.

Thus, before we consume any information around us, we must be keen and vigilant so as to not let the dark past consume our bright future once again. To historical distortion, we must stray away, and to dictatorship, we must say #NeverAgain.

Drexel is a chemical engineering student whose hobby is to balance mass, heat, and momentum. From time-to-time, he manages to also write and edit articles—only when he is not drowned in unit operation classes or research.

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · COLISEUM GROUNDS, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 66 NUMBER 3 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2021

OPINIONS

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2021 | VOLUME 66 NO. 3

VIRTUAL ON-THE-JOB TRAINING

Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Doctor of Medicine programs. While this is good news for them, this leaves the students in other courses much to be desired for their internships.

Chemical Engineering students in virtual internships have been drowned with pure theoretical-based knowledge, deprived of their opportunity to make OJT their training ground. They would have started familiarizing themselves with chemical equipment, factory or industrial-related work, and designing of machineries and equipment, but no dice. None of these are feasible in the virtual workspace, making them less likely to achieve the competency and carry out the specific duties expected of them in their future career.

LF: On-Site Internships

Cosmic

By Kynah Rhea B. Fuentes kynahrheaf@gmail.com With the additional years mandated by the current curriculum, this health crisis cutting off two years of opportunity to savor our college life, and now these internships leaving us stuck in our homes—what else is there for the K to 12 pioneers to come to grips with?

While we did not anticipate the shift to online classes, we had never thought about it extending until now either—an especially difficult scenario to handle for graduating students who are forced to have virtual internships in their homes instead of on site. If on-thejob training (OJT) or internships are a small taste of the real world, why are students deprived to perform it in the working field?

A year ago, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) disclosed their plan on the possible flexible internship slated to happen in August 2020. Just in November of this year, the University of St. La Salle announced that it was granted the Certificate of Authority for limited face-to-face classes for the

“If on-the-job training (OJT) or internships are a small taste of the real world, why are students deprived to perform it in the working field?”

Student-interns tend to have less access to regular feedback, guidance, and most especially, handson training when they are not placed in a physical working environment. Providing evaluation, instructions, and guidelines to interns now also comes as a challenge along with rapport building between company supervisors and students.

Pre-service teachers in virtual internships could definitely attest to the exhaustion brought about by too much screen time and the distractions from which their attention is easily snatched. Besides that, observing the students’ performance in class is limited to certain aspects, especially when cameras are turned off and unresponsiveness from students

can only be reasoned with internet connectivity issues and power interruptions. Above all, practice teachers skipped the part of establishing genuine and meaningful relationships with the students in this virtual setup.

Infinite Zoom class discussions have already been energy-depleting even before internship season. But with virtual meetings as their training ground, student-interns have been experiencing Zoom fatigue and struggle to sustain their attention span, which by and by deteriorates to that of a child, leading to idleness and demotivation.

BS Psychology majors in virtual internships are supposed to be trained to administer tests, practice counseling, and perform psychotherapy; however, they are mostly tasked with psychoeducational materials, company marketing, and webinar facilitating in the virtual working field. Even in establishing connections with people—supposedly their forte—poses limitations on the interns as they can only rely on the information provided directly as well as the pitch and tone of voices since they are unable to observe a person’s body language, gestures, and mannerisms online.

Internships could have been the turning point of a senior’s college life; a meaningful phase before being full-pledged professionals if not for the pandemic which converted everything digitally. True enough, nothing beats what on-site internships can bestow. Nonetheless, whether or not virtual internships are here to stay, this OJT journey itself should be treated as a critical pathway of our workforce going forward, created to benefit every type of student-intern.

An English major student, Kynah Rhea Fuentes aspires to be an influential educator in the fullness of time. She appears to have mastered her craft well when she literally grapples to unravel what her forte is.

ATHLETES’ MENTAL HEALTH

The crushing weight of gold

TW: SUICIDE

By Hana Patricia Raj E. Hautea hanapatriciahautea@gmail.com Jeret Peterson, Steve Holcomb, and Johanna Bassani—these are the names of but a few Olympians who killed themselves.

Here is a sad statistic for you: rates of anxiety and depression in elite athletes may be as high as 45 percent, according to the British Journal of Sports Medicine (2019). That is almost half the athletes we see on the screen.

Simone Biles was one of them.

In the recent 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the entire world was caught up in a heated mental health discussion after Biles, the most accomplished gymnast of all time, withdrew from the esteemed competition after concerns on her mental stability.

As a mental health advocate myself, my first

thought was to empathize with the poor girl for her brave act of self-care. But to my surprise, there were so many people who felt otherwise and even bashed her for the decision. Hearing that brought to surface a certain fire within me.

She does not exist to serve you. No athlete is required to compete solely for your viewing pleasure. If you get personally offended over a stranger’s choice to prioritize their own well-being, that does not paint you as a “patriot” or “a hardcore sports fan”; it only makes you selfish and insensitive.

We need to listen to the athletes. All the more because they are professionals, their mental wellbeing should be of utmost priority. Honestly, sometimes it is more about the coach’s ego than the athlete’s performance—who cares about broken bones when you could be a world-class trainer, right?

Say it with me, everyone: do not force someone to do anything against their will!

But there is more—every prosperous, wellrounded athlete needs a good support team; and like it or not, that includes mental health support.

Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez dubbed Hidilyn Diaz’s team the “template” to Olympic success, and that fourman squad came with hiring her very own sports psychologist to build mental strength as well.

This touches on how much financial support a pro athlete really needs to make it to the top. Money cannot buy happiness, but lack of it can certainly lead to depression.

Not to mention, Biles’ necessary step back reinforces the notion that we must always,

always, always prioritize ourselves. Athletes know their bodies better than anyone else. If Simone Biles had chosen to push through with competing, she could have gotten dangerously injured. Would you trade your whole future for a medal?

In the pandemic, it is honestly so easy to lose ourselves and become machines focused on ticking off one task at a time. But we are not machines. Some of us may not be considered humans—I am looking at you, corrupt politicians— but everyone deserves peace of mind.

If you are a struggling athlete, dear reader, know that your worth is never tied to your

“If you get personally offended over a stranger’s choice to prioritize their own wellbeing, that does not paint you a ‘patriot’ or ‘a hardcore sports fan’. It makes you selfish and insensitive.” performance. You are always the most important person in the room, and there is no weakness in needing to rest. No matter what anyone says— no matter what the world says—make the decisions that are best for yourself.

Always remember: mental health is health too.

Hana is a third-year BS Psychology student with a passion for people and journalism who aspires to study abroad. She is a woman of warmth, faith, and puns, who is filled with more than enough love to share with others.

FORTHCOMING PH ELECTIONS

Musings of a Concerned Voter

Ivy Aguas

By Ivee E. Manguilimotan iveeechinm@gmail.com With Duterte’s tyranny limited only to a single six-year term as per the Constitution, all eyes are on the presidential race. Duterte’s record on human rights may be one reason why Filipinos care so much about his successor. People have been registering to vote in record numbers, forcing the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to extend the deadline from Sept. 30 to Oct. 30.

As of writing, over 97 presidential hopefuls have filed their candidacy as per the COMELEC’s official list, but it is highly likely that the majority of these are just nuisance candidates. However, it is alarming to know that the qualifications for the highest seat in the government has regrettably low standards. According to the Constitution, an individual may become president provided he meets the following criteria: (1) a natural born Filipino; (2) a registered voter; (3) must be able to read and write; (4) 40 years of age at the day of the election; and (5) must have resided in the Philippines ten years before the election is held.

With the bar set so low, no wonder some

people treat the executive chief position as a joke.

Worse, it is even harder qualifying for a regular minimum-wage job than it is for president.

Among the contenders gunning for Malacañang are: a dictator’s son, an ex-cop, a former actor, a boxing legend, and the incumbent vice president. Political experts say there are no clear frontrunners this early into the elections with campaigns yet to commence. But, are any of these people competent enough to run the country after the blood trail left by the Duterte regime?

It is incensing how people of the Philippines have been so accustomed to rampant graft and corruption within the government that we can no longer trust anyone to lead us. A man for himself; a community divided.

“Treat the presidential candidates as your employees and objectively assess their competencies because under a democratic rule, we, the people, are the power.”

People can no longer discern facts beyond the political colors of their presidential bets. We have no shortage of leaders willing and ready to serve the citizenry. Yet, seeing as our political and educational systems are broken, the problem lies with how much the public is still willing to vote for a liar, thief, and fascist. People nowadays are quick to dismiss when invited to engage in political discourse, choosing to deliberately disinform themselves and believing only what is convenient to them.

It is scary how even the Martial Law bloodbath

can be easily dismissed. Historical facts point to thousands of lives killed, and yet you forget the trauma of the past under the pretense of the “golden age” and because your grandparents never experienced such things? How can you deny a history of young girls raped and young men tortured simply for speaking up? I might as well be imprisoned if I wrote this article during that era. Human lives are more than just statistics and numbers. Never forgive, never forget.

The elections are a chance for the country to change. Treat the presidential candidates as your employees and objectively assess their competencies because under a democratic rule, we, the people, are the power.

Nonetheless, everything is still ultimately political. It starts with your values, aspirations, interests, and needs. So when you say you are neutral or apolitical, it shows the privilege bubble you have been living in. You are an accomplice to the atrocities happening if you choose to look away. Because you find the situation beneficial to you, you cannot understand the plight of the masses.

Educate yourselves and be open to discourse, your vote matters—your vote is power.

There is not a single Filipino who does not want a better country to live in. If you cannot believe in the politicians, believe in the people. It is never too late to turn family dinners and drinking sessions into healthy discussions about who we think is best for the country.

Usually forced by the group to proofread their reports and papers, Ivee is an exhausted student journalist in her last year of BS Accounting Information System. She hopes to be a proper functioning adult able to keep up with the tides of life.

5

VACCINE DISCRIMINATION

Safenovac: Beating the Biases

Heinz

By Patrick N. Billojan ptrck.blljn@gmail.com Throughout history, humanity has been plagued and infected by a slew of heinous murderers. To name a few, cholera, bubonic plague, and influenza appeared out of nowhere and claimed the lives of millions of people. To protect ourselves against these unseen enemies, medical researchers and scientists have worked tirelessly to come up with a prevention, which came to be known as vaccines.

However, just like everything else, vaccines do experience discrimination as well.

In 2019, the world witnessed yet another pandemic ever since the H1N1 swine flu last 2009. As a result, the fight to save the human race from the pandemic rose to the top of the world’s priority list, as humanity faced yet another virus: COVID-19.

As with the previous pandemics, vaccines are needed. Now, several corporations and a large number of independent researchers began developing tests, treatments, and vaccines. Following countless clinical trials, COVID-19 vaccines Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Oxford/AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Sinopharm, and Sinovac emerged to protect humanity.

Last August, images of empty Sinovac vaccination sites surfaced on social media.

People refuse to be administered by a Chinamade vaccine despite the World Health Organization’s (WHO) approval, claiming that it is ineffective and has adverse effects such as pain in the injection site, dizziness, and headaches (which are all natural responses of the body after getting a shot of any vaccine).

Personally, I was hesitant to receive a Sinovac vaccine at first due to its efficacy rate and the fact that it was made from the same country as the source of the virus, but I realized that vaccines are made to save lives regardless of brand. Besides, I am doing this not only to save myself, but also the people around me. That said, we should not discriminate solely on publicity because each and every COVID-19 vaccine that’s been approved by WHO is safe, effective, and lifesaving.

On June 1, Sinovac became the eighth vaccine to be approved by WHO for emergency use to combat COVID-19. The Emergency Use Listing procedure evaluates the suitability of novel health products and makes vaccines available as soon as possible while complying with rigorous safety, efficacy, and quality standards.

In terms of efficacy, WHO reported that Sinovac prevented symptomatic disease or common symptoms in 51 percent of those vaccinated and prevented severe COVID-19 and hospitalization in 100 percent of the studied population in the Brazil trial.

Meanwhile, Sinovac’s efficacy ranged from 51 percent to 84 percent in the multi-country Phase III clinical trials staged by WHO’s separate Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE).

“No one is safe until all of us are safe. It’s your body, and it’s your choice, but don’t discriminate against doses that could save someone else’s life.”

SAGE has also thoroughly evaluated the data on the vaccine’s quality, safety, and efficacy and has recommended that it be used by people aged 18 and up. Sinovac is now approved in 42 countries and has undergone 22 clinical trials in eight countries.

All of these statistics and figures simply go straight to one conclusion: Sinovac is safe.

Gone are the days when rumors dictate the way things will go as science is here to aid and educate us anytime.

Vaccines are here and they are here to save. Let us not base our decision solely on public perception, because all vaccines are potent. No one is safe until all of us are safe.

It’s your body, and it’s your choice, but don’t discriminate against doses that could save someone else’s life.

Patrick, a third-year student pursuing two majors, Marketing Management and Business Economics, had no choice but to learn the act of balancing, but he is solely to blame. He enjoys chasing deadlines, which is exactly what he did while writing this bionote.

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · COLISEUM GROUNDS, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 66 NUMBER 3 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2021

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UNIVERSITY

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2021 | VOLUME 66 NO. 3

COLLEGE SPOTLIGHT The Untold Setback of a Dreamer

By Esther Joyce M. Limbaña In a season where she set herself to shape the future, things unpredictably unfolded and her dreams were stolen. Just like how everyone else undergoes breaking and breakthroughs, this is an untold story that echoes: It is okay to begin again.

Ederlyn Eugenio Gochoco is currently a second-year Operations Management student at the University of St.

La Salle. In 2019, while she was taking up BS Accountancy as a freshman, many complications arose, hindering her from fostering her goals and eventually leading her to stop schooling.

“Not everyone is privileged,” Ederlyn shared. Halting her education for a year made her worry about the future; however, she also thought of her grandparents and the necessities they needed to cope

with the present reality.

For others, the pandemic was a break from the world, but for Ederlyn, it was a to and fro battle of finances that strained her process of learning and kept her family unsteady; thus, she decided to pause her dream to maintain their living.

She recognized that there would be discrimination and disappointment behind her. Yet, despite these, the challenges made her change and foster the

mantra: “This is not a race. If not now, there will be the next time.”

As the academic year 20212022 began, Ederlyn returned to pursue her second year of learning despite not passing her first year in Accountancy, which led to her shifting courses. Still, she was grateful. Her motivation to graduate pushed her to go on.

Learning from her past, she understood that there would be unpredictable circumstances in the future akin to encountering

delays, yet they helped her overcome and reflect on her purpose. Moving forward and keeping on, the important thing is continuing despite the strifes of this life while doing one’s best.

With the courage to rise anew, be that as it may—Ederlyn filled herself with eagerness to accomplish her degree, upholding her dream from its setback, and is now taking this chance with a newfound trust in herself.

and my own schooling,” she explained.

Despite having the income, Karin realized that she wouldn’t be a call center agent forever, thus dropping her call center responsibilities to focus on school in 2019. But tragedy struck when she had to deal with the loss of both her parents in early 2020. With her family’s aspirations for her to continue schooling along with her faith in

the Lord, Karin pushed forward amidst the pandemic.

After dealing with so much suffering, the year 2020 was deemed a year of growth for the engineering student as it gave her time to breathe from the nonstop grind and, due to an easier workload, allowed her to train newfound skills like budgeting, cooking, and taking care of relatives.

After everything, Karin

strongly believes that hardship is necessary for self-actualization.

“You need to overcome the circumstances [...]

Those experiences mold you and your character,” she stated.

Sometimes, life does not go the way we want and things will be outside of our control. However, Karin explains a different perspective: “Not all colors may be your favorite, but you need all of them to create a masterpiece.”

Gracy’s grandmother was the anchor to her ship as she had been providing for Gracy’s college tuition. But now, Gracy needed to sail on her own.

With the financial difficulties, Gracy chose to take everything off her plate. She took time off from school and work to rearrange her plans and heal herself.

Still, the cessation was burdensome for Gracy. Her ego was hurt from the thought

that she couldn’t graduate with her batch. But she remained optimistic, realizing that she needed to take a slow yet optimal pace.

“I realized that it’s not a race,” Gracy uttered. Though it was quite unproductive, she was able to process her thoughts patiently, and find enough motivation to keep going everyday.

Determined to get back up again to claim that diploma, she

moved forward in her voyage.

She enrolled in her course again and found new jobs as she desires to return the favor of love and blessings to her family.

“Be positive in life, be accepting of your situation,” Gracy stated, her experience humbling her and placing her in life with full contentment.

Though the tides of life face us with unforeseen struggles, it is what we learn while we sail that matters.

required an internet connection and at least one gadget.

“I worked as a call center agent and invested my money to rent a motorcycle so I can earn from transporting people.

I wake up at 3 a.m. for this and I stop at 7:30 a.m. so I can attend class,” PJ shared. Especially with his mom unemployed and his dad working as a taxi driver, he tries to earn as much as he can to

assist his family and at the same time pursue his education.

When the financial and academic pressure on his shoulders eventually became too heavy to bear, he contemplated putting a stop to his education to instead focus on helping his family. He also had to deal with personal family troubles that further bogged him down.

Though formerly a Dean’s

lister, PJ got delayed and is now unable to graduate with his batchmates.

Fortunately, his College of Education family offered him all the support and encouragement they could and urged him to stick through his final year in school.

“They told me: ‘Just a little bit more, Pej,’” he reminisced.

“Indeed, God is good to send those wonderful people [to] me

and now I’m getting excited to receive my diploma.”

“Despite the difficulties I encountered, I feel like I can really say that I will reach my dream of becoming a licensed professional teacher,” he expressed.

PJ is now set to graduate in October and is determined to do whatever it takes to finish that one last push.

in Nursing student at the University of St. La Salle. He persevered against mounting difficulties before deciding to drop out of school to make ends meet in 2016.

“Every time I take my exams, I get this ‘NP’ on my test paper and I would just remind myself that it didn’t stand for No Permit but rather it’s No Problem—as my clinical instructors would often remind me,” Michael shared.

As paying his tuition became more difficult, he turned to his smarts to earn some cash. While most students disliked the thenrequired English Proficiency Intervention Program, which includes working on reading and listening comprehension, oral pronunciation, and vocabulary, Michael took advantage and made a business out of it—that became his source of allowance.

But when everything seemed to be a stumbling block

to his plans, he was left with a decision to pause his dream of becoming a doctor. “That was my lowest point. It’s hard to accept that I had to stop and work,” he expressed.

Employed full-time as a call center agent for three years, Michael finally returned to college in 2019 as a working student. Despite having to restart his course, work from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., and attend classes in the afternoon, he felt

triumphant to have unearthed his resiliency in the midst of storms.

When asked what his greatest takeaway from his experiences was, Michael replied: “Be patient. Your success is often more related to when it happens because timing is everything.”

Now armed with metamorphic experiences, Michael is ready to traverse another long and winding path towards his dreams—one step at a time.

let’s start with a student na ngalanan ta John and isa ka maestro nga we’ll name Sir Lloyd, hihi. So here’s the synopsis mga juget, bale nag online bardagulan ni sila—char, may misunderstanding lang pala ganon. Anyway, let’s get ready to rrrrruuuuuumbleeee!

Round One! *ding* So ini nga si John nagpa-excuse lang man kay Sir Lloyd sa ila group chat nga nag-absent siya sa class because he was sick, dala na screenshots of 1 piece medical certificate and 1 piece excuse letter from papi and mudrabellz—oh ha prepared na si toto. Pero dali lang dzae, kung makasturya man bi kay Sir daw sa barkada ya lang kung gatambay sa bilyaran kada alas singko sang hapon, frenny kamo ghorl?? Ay abaw, te sang

naglapta man ang screenshots, nagginuwa man ang mga chismosa sa campus, charot!

Round Two! *ding* Te malipay ka man na kung teacher ka? Hindi eh no? Gindugangan ya nalang tani smiling emoji kag ginkakas ang period pwede pa guro? Charot! Pero ini naman si Sir Lloyd, di pa kuntento sa letter. Hay, kulang pa guro nga mahimo tiktok si student kag iya parents, cheret! Pero ayon, there’s not enough evidence to support your claim daw, iho.

Final Round! *ding* Te sino di sa ila ang madaog? Si “super respectful” John or si “extra considerate” Lloyd?

While we wait for them to make warla, Teta just wants to say that bisan online, we still need to treat our teachers with respect nemen diba? Kung sa

fellow classmates niyo bisan ma Zoombaganay kamo waay nako da labot, chos. For our teachers, penge naman ng understanding sa valid absences and time to answer our tasks?

Both sides need to realize nga we need enough time to rest and deadlines need to be reasonable kay extra stressemé kita tanan with the current situation.

So amo na mga darling, to avoid naman this kind of situation, let’s be respectful and considerate of each other na ha?

Anyway mga shunakis, your shutiful teta has an appointment pa with her nail technician, ugh super chaka na are my nails kasi! Next time ko nalang kamo i-update kung sino ang winona for this warlahan *pulls out pamaypay* See ya later, losers!

Sifting through the Colors

By Lance Christian M. Juarez Sometimes, a blitz of unfortunate circumstances can happen to the best of us. Karin Segovia, a 4th year Materials Engineering student, has experienced loss and being lost. Juggling her demanding academics coupled with night shifts placed her in a ruthless cycle of school and work with little time to stay at home.

Consequently, the working student spent less time with her mother, who was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2017—the same year Karin decided to enter college after gap years of being unable to afford it. Upon coming home, Karin would exclaim “Ma, ari na ko” before catching a few hours of sleep prior to her early morning classes.

“I needed to work hard to help sustain medical expenses

Enlightened Sailing Course

By Jhune N. Tingson As the waves tilt our battleships, neither arms nor canons can hit a heavier blow than taking a pause when the tides get crazy. Gracy Lean Villaester, a third year AB Psychology student, encountered a tremulous current when she lost a loved one.

Juggling two jobs while coping with academics since she started college, Gracy always had to choose between her

physical, emotional, and mental well-being to make sure she accomplished her tasks without getting swamped.

Although Gracy got the hang of it, unforeseen circumstances occurred during the second semester of her second year. “Everything was so overwhelming, everything was gloomy, and I really needed to take a rest because, someone really close to me [...] my, my lola died,” she explained.

One Last Push

By Adrianne H. Saplagio Paul John Embahador, or PJ to his friends, has taken a bigger blow from the pandemic than most of us. A Sepak Takraw varsity player and a fourth-year Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Math student, this 22-year old struggled to make financial ends meet when getting a diploma suddenly

Ray of Hope

By Ferry Lyra B. Fronda When he first set foot on the university grounds in 2015, Michael was a little nervous but ready to take on the world.

Little did he know that his college life would bustle with extra-curricular activities—a frisson that he relished—but unfortunately, these things had to pause.

Michael Ray Naval is a third-year Bachelor of Science

Sugar Says: Students vs Professors

By Sugar Hollabelz, mga nakshi! It’s your favorite quarantita, Teta Sugar! Anyway mga mars, I heard some chikka about some beef between students and teachers. Yah, like I heard so many reklamo nga gulpi nalang ga bippity-boppity-boo ang mga profs sang deadlines sa Canvas dayun ang students gasalig kuno sa brownouts to create excuses? NKKLK sis, sounds like something we need to talk about, noh? So syempre as the ultimate bearer of insightful chismis (which is ako duh), pamati na kamo kay ma spyuk na akez!

So now gawa tayo ng chikka,

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · COLISEUM GROUNDS, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 66 NUMBER 3 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2021

COVID-19

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2021 | VOLUME 66 NO. 3

SPECIAL REPORT

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Bacolod intensifies vaccination efforts City government inoculates 55% of target population

By Gabriel M. Lezama & Anna Maria J. Villanueva Almost two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bacolod City Government continues to ramp up the city’s vaccination efforts, having inoculated at least 55 percent of the target population of 424,992 by the end of 2021.

As of Oct. 29, the Bacolod City PIO reported that a total of 223,442 Bacolodnons have received their first dose of the vaccine, with 175,014 or 78.33 percent of them already fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Deputy for Medical Data and Analysis of the Emergency Operations Center - Task Force Dr. Chris Sorongon said that the city government focused on inoculating all qualified Bacolodnons through a series of initiatives and regulations.

On-the-go vaccinations On Aug. 13, the local government launched their VAX-i mobile vaccination

program—aiming to vaccinate market vendors and public transportation drivers—by deploying buses around the city with a team of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers onboard.

“The VAX-i will be there where we are needed,” Mayor Evelio Leonardia said. “We aim to reach the last mile so that more and more Bacolodnons will be vaccinated.”

Through the VAX-i buses, the city government rolled out their intensified house-tohouse vaccination campaigns, prioritizing seven barangays and targeting those qualified residents who are bedridden and unvaccinated.

Aside from the mobile vaccination drive, the city’s vaccination programs are ongoing among the local government units and shopping malls, namely SM City Bacolod, Ayala Malls Capitol Central, Robinsons Place Bacolod, CityMall Goldenfield, CityMall Mandalagan, and Gaisano Grand Mall.

Additionally, Bacolodnons can get vaccinated via the drivethru vaccination at Ayala Malls Capitol Central on weekends.

Nonstop inoculations On Aug. 28 and 29, the city conducted a “Bigjab Weekend”, accommodating an estimated 4,000 Bacolodnons at SM City Bacolod and Ayala Malls Capitol Central for vaccination.

This allowed walk-in residents, from the A1 (healthcare workers/frontliners), A2 (senior citizens), A3 (persons with comorbidities), A4 (frontline personnel in essential sectors), and A5 (indigent population) priority groups.

Moreover, to further accommodate daily wage workers and citizens, the EOC-TF launched a 24-hour vaccination drive on Aug. 30, administering jabs from 8 PM to 8 AM on the second floor of the Jollibee Gatuslao-Burgos branch.

“This will thread the dayshift at the regular vaccination sites,” Ang said. “We’re trying to plug all the holes in the vaccination

Behind the Curtains: What goes in, out of quarantine facilities Reviewing protocols observed in quarantine facilities

By Alyssa Nicole T. Maquiran & Jhune N. Tingson

With the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Bacolod City, more and more citizens are sent to isolation at quarantine facility centers.

The question now is: What exactly goes on behind those plastic curtains?

When Mitoy*, Velle*, and Juan* tested positive for COVID-19, local government units called to inform them of their situation and scheduled an ambulance to drive them to their designated quarantine facility. Once admitted, the three patients were then monitored by medical professionals, with Mitoy and Velle isolated in different hotels while Juan stayed at Sum-ag National High School’s facility.

“The nurses at the facility [did] daily rounds to check my vitals like body temperature, oxygen level, and COVID-19 symptom status,” Velle disclosed, with Mitoy assuring that attending physicians would be alerted should these vitals fluctuate.

The facility’s physicians were also hands-on, regularly monitoring the patients from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and advising them to self-monitor at night.

Reyna*, a clinical instructor facilitating another isolation center, expressed that during this quarantine, vulnerable patients like pregnant women and people with comorbidities are always prioritized.

In terms of treatment, patients take medication at their own expense as prescribed by their personal doctors. “Personally, I selfmedicate [...] We were not

given medication for the treatment of symptoms,” Juan said.

Battling the virus, Mitoy made sure to strengthen their body with enough nutrition.

They wondered whether a nutritionist helped the hotel’s meal plan as the servings were healthy and well-balanced.

The three patients also mentioned that retrieving their food was the only time they were allowed to step outside their rooms and face masks were mandatory.

With nothing to do, the isolation took a serious toll on the patients’ mental health.

“I had to live alone for nine days while dealing with online classes,” Mitoy expressed.

Meanwhile, Juan was able to socialize with others, as his facility’s rooms housed up to three patients.

As for Reyna’s quarantine facility, the clinical instructor shared that patients were also permitted to leave their isolation units to ease their situation. “They can jog, walk, [and] interact with [other patients] so long as they maintain the minimum public health standards and [are] within the Contaminated Zone,” Reyna explained.

For a patient to be discharged from the health center, Reyna’s facility follows Department of Health’s Department Memorandum Order 20200258, which states that for asymptomatic and mild cases to be declared clinically recovered, patients must complete the 14-day quarantine period and remain asymptomatic within the timeframe.

Juan ended up completing his 14-day quarantine and was dismissed after his recovery.

However, for Mitoy and Velle’s cases, they only stayed in the

facility for around 10 days due to early recoveries and then self-isolated at home for the remaining days, with a closelyrelated physician assessing their overall health.

After meeting the criteria, patients are given certificates and can opt to either be fetched by their private vehicle or driven home by their barangay’s ambulance.

“A repeat RT-PCR [test] is not needed,” Reyna assured, though patients still have to monitor their health status at home.

Looking back, all three patients agreed that their respective quarantine facilities did a decent job. “The staff never discriminated against us [for our condition],” Velle remarked as they commended the facility for their protocols and the segregation between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients.

Even so, there is always room for improvement.

For hotels functioning as COVID-19 facilities, Velle suggested having a space for recreation to boost the patients’ well-being. Reyna, on the other hand, would like proper garbage disposal and better provision of medicine in health centers. Agreeing with Reyna’s take on free medication, Juan also added that his facility’s meal-serving could be more punctual.

“Despite the government’s [effort] to continuously ensure everyone’s safety, Bacolod’s cases are increasing daily,” Reyna sighed as Velle implored that for the pandemic to end, both the administration and the citizens should adhere to the health and safety protocols. *Names have been altered to protect the identity of the individuals involved.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BACOLOD CITY PIO; PHOTO VIA DNX NEWS

program, recognizing that some economic frontliners have a hard time with the regular system.”

Concurrently, the National Government upped the stakes by giving vaccinated individuals a chance to win between P100,000 to P1 million in cash through a program called “Resbakuna Bakunado Panalo”, further encouraging Filipinos to get vaccinated.

Throughout the OctoberDecember monthly draws, 100

winners will be selected with a million pesos at stake during the grand draw before the year ends.

The city then and now The end of October is seeing different results now, with the Bacolod City government calling for a downgrade of its quarantine level from Alert Level 4 to 3 in terms of restrictions.

“There is a significant indication of a continuous reduction of additional cases in

the city,” Leonardia affirmed.

As of Oct. 31, Bacolod’s Vaccination Council has topped the Pediatric A3 vaccination program with 266 minors between the ages 12-17 vaccinated.

Meanwhile, in a Philippine News Agency report, Leonardia added that by ramping up the local vaccination program, the city expects cases to decrease significantly in the weeks to come.

NEWS FEATURE

More Than Just Praises

PHOTO COURTESY OF RAPPLER

By Adrianne H. Saplagio

When the pandemic began, we all had to sacrifice something. It was during these trying times that our frontliners rose amidst adversities and did their utmost best to bring back society to what it once was, or at least build it back up to a place that their sons and daughters could eventually live comfortably in.

Heroes, we called them.

We exalted them to the highest position we could, praising their undying devotion to their roles and their resilience after all that had befallen the world.

Unfortunately, it seemed that even though our words had inspired and lit the fire in their hearts, it still takes more than just praise and inspiration to put food on the table.

“You call us heroes, but we receive very little,” Honeyleen Casumpang, a pediatric nurse working at The Doctor’s Hospital in Bacolod City, said in an interview with Rappler last Sept. 20. “We got nothing

under Bayanihan 2. Not a peso.

You keep saying hero, but it’s only talk.”

The nurse only received a measly P217 for her Special Risk Allowance from the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act from last year but was supposed to get P5, 000 as promised by the government to the health workers. However, she and her co-workers were dismayed as they still have yet to receive the expected amount.

The money they received for their 22-day service was barely enough to cover the fare to and from work for more than a few days. Casumpang and other nurses have appealed to their management in hopes of receiving more compensation but were told that even they were still waiting on the Department of Health.

Nurses at hospitals are overworked, underpaid, and at constant risk from the virus.

Casumpang has already been infected twice herself, once in August 2020 and then again just June of this year, an ordeal that has cost her over P100,000 in hospital expenses—of which only P6,500 was covered by PhilHealth, leaving her P60,000 in debt. She now has to pay back her debt with

a P1,500 monthly salary deduction, which means she needs over three years to pay it all off.

The lack of manpower has also contributed to the problems of the hospital as more and more medical staff leave their jobs in search of a safer, better-compensated workplace. “Many nurses in the first pandemic surge, especially new ones, resigned,” Casumpang noted. “Many parents were worried and asked them to leave.”

With the absence of enough nurses to take care of the stream of COVID patients, the hospital’s average nurse to patient ratio stood at 1:9 at the time of Casumpang’s interview with Rappler. During her interview, Casumpang stated that there are two nurses at most on a single station at a time, and there are some of them that have to run across the hospital as they take care of three separate stations.

Casumpang is but one of the thousands of nurses all over the country that are going through the same dilemma brought upon by glorifying resilience when we should be questioning why our modern-day heroes have to be resilient in the first place. Though a lot has been taken from us by this pandemic, it continues to take even more from those that we’ve branded as heroes. As they remain at risk, stress-ridden, and under-compensated, our medical frontliners may soon decide that being a hero isn’t worth it after all.

SOURCE TAKEN FROM DIGICAST NEGROS

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DEVELOPMENT

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ICC launches probe into PH drug war Chamber reveals evidence of crimes against humanity

By Anna Maria J. Villanueva

The International Criminal Court (ICC) would like to call the defendant, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, to the stand.

After being the subject of global controversy, the ICC Pre-Trial Chamber announced on Sept. 15 that they have opened an investigation into the Philippines’ “war on drugs” campaign instigated by Duterte.

The ICC is a permanent international court that investigates and prosecutes individuals accused of crimes against humanity such as genocide, war crimes, and other human rights abuses.

“The chamber authorizes the commencement of the investigation [...] in relation to crimes [...] allegedly committed on the territory of the Philippines between 1 November 2011 and 16 March 2019 in the context of the so-called ‘war on drugs’ campaign,” the PreTrial Chamber 1 revealed.

Aside from the drug war-related cases during

Duterte’s presidential term, the ICC’s scope will also include the estimated 385 killings carried out by the alleged “Davao Death Squad” during his terms as Davao City mayor and vice mayor.

“The crime against humanity of murder appears to have been committed, and that potential case(s) arising from such investigation appear to fall within the Court’s jurisdiction,” the Chamber stated.

The “killings” in question As of Sept. 31, human rights groups have estimated around 27,000 to 30,000 victims from vigilante-style killings, excluding the official government data reports of 6,191 deaths for the police anti-drug operations alone.

The Chamber presented evidence attesting to the drug war-related killings of individuals by Philippine security forces, such as killings during ‘buy-bust,’ Tokhang, and ‘One Time, Big Time’ operations, along with accusations of planting evidence and producing false reports.

“While the Philippine security forces claimed that killings were justified as self-

ART BY GERICO T. GUANCO

defense [...], higher-level statements, including by President Rodrigo Duterte, appear to have encouraged and justified extrajudicial killings of drug dealers and users,” the Chamber noted.

After expressing his initial refusal to cooperate, Duterte revealed in a televised address on Oct.

4 that he will prepare for his defense, provided that they will not make false accusations.

Meanwhile, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan encouraged the Philippine authorities to cooperate with the investigation as they seek to identify the complicit individuals in the drug war.

“My investigation will seek to uncover the truth and aim to ensure accountability. We will focus

our efforts on ensuring a successful, independent, and impartial investigation,” Khan assured.

ONGOING FIGHT FOR EQUALITY

Women Marching on

Palay production in WV to reach 39% hike Hybrid rice farms established to increase production

By EJ Nell Voen A. Florendo

During this year’s wet cropping season, the production of palay or rice in Western Visayas is expected to rise by 39 percent compared to last year’s harvest of 865,923 metric tons (MT) in the same period.

Department of Agriculture Region 6 (DA-6) Rice Program Coordinator Elmer Cabusas said that the region can acquire at least 1.2 million MT of rice this harvest period on account of the agency’s interventions and expansion of areas

planted, reaching 299,621 hectares in both rainfed and irrigated ecosystems.

While Iloilo and Guimaras are being prioritized for this year’s Rice Hybridization Program—a strategy to increase production through hybrid seeds adaptable in the region, the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) Program will cover the interventions for the other four provinces.

“Based on consolidated local government unit reports, we have already accumulated 1.2 million MT production from more

than 360,000 hectares of harvested areas with an average yield of 3.7 MT per hectare from January to September,” Cabusas explained, further mentioning their goal of producing 2.3 million MT of rice.

He also claimed that the region can achieve an average yield of four MT per hectare this 2021 under a favorable environment, effective use of inputs from agriculture experts, and adoption of recommended rice production technologies.

Under the Rice Tariffication Law, the farm

gate price of fresh rice is currently at P15.00 per kilogram while dried ones at P16.50 per kilogram, and farmers are likewise urged to sell their produce at P19.00 per kilogram to 20 operational National Food Authority (NFA) buying stations in the region.

Moreover, the DA-6 also established hybrid rice model farms last June in Guimaras, Iloilo, Antique, Capiz, Aklan, and Bago City to “provide locationspecific and suitable hybrid rice varieties” to the next graduating batch of farmers in the RCEF program.

BUZZING THROUGH THE LIMITATIONS

By Meryl C. Sigaton

Stingers Radio broadcasts launch

By Drexel John N. Amit

With the aim of creating local Lasallian content to inform, entertain, and inspire people amidst trying times, The Hive: La Salle Bacolod Stingers Radio officially held their soft launch on Sept. 24, webcasting the premiere episodes of several of their programs via Facebook and YouTube.

Among their debut programs are the academics segments, Stingers Scope and Lasallian Study Sessions; music segments, Animusic and Singgit Negrense; lifestyle segments, Life De

positive feedback, specifical ly citing their Animusic and Chika K’ John segments.

According to Diaz, the program started out as a project for their Radio Principles and Practices c o u r s e , instructed

by Sir Hector Gloria. “ S i r PHOTO COURTESY OF STINGERS RADIO H e c t o r w a n t e d to stray away from the LaStyle and Lasa Lasalle; typical classroom project political segments, Kwentong which is either shortLasalyano and Poli-TIKAL; lived or temporary,” she and entertainment segments, explained. “So, we came up Fact-a-Ah! and Chika K’John. with something that has In an interview, Stingers a big impact not only to Radio Director Alessandra the students but the whole Sophia Diaz said that their Lasallian body.” impetus for establishing the When asked about radio is their duty of serving the origin of their name, the Lasallian community Diaz stated that using the wherever they may be in university mascot, Stingers, the world, also remarking is essential to keep the image that the launch was a way of of the university and bring it reviving radio broadcasting to a global reach. in the university.

“When you hear of Subsequently, she also stingers, you think of bees, shared that they were and they have a collective overwhelmed by the audience home which is the hive. We response to their programs wanted to depict that kind as they did not expect such

BY PERLYN JOY L. SUGANOB

of unity,” Diaz added as she expounded on the united front that they wanted to showcase in their full station ID. Diaz also acknowledged that the production of the radio is no easy feat given the limitations brought forth by the quarantine, not only in their movement but also in manpower and technical aspects.

With limited face-to-face interactions, she mentioned that they had to conduct their pre-production meetings online, also narrating the difficulties of familiarizing themselves with the how-to’s, utilizing school equipment for quality recording, and scheduling their activities.

Further, Diaz explained their future plans, which include being accredited by the Office for Student Affairs and eventually getting institutionalized.

“We have hopes of making this a global thing,” she disclosed. “It is possible given that the radio is online and can reach miles through the internet.”

The Hive: La Salle Bacolod Stingers Radio was launched in partnership with the Center for Marketing and Communications, Institute of the Moving Image, and Communications Society of the University of St. La Salle.

It’s the 21st century, yet some people still deem gender equality to be one of the least concerning contemporary issues in the country.

Looking back at a powerful article on feminism by Christina Claudia Gancayco entitled “Inday’s fight—and everyone else’s” from The Spectrum’s 2017 magazine “Invictus”, the battle continues to be fought—one stigma at a time.

Though progressive in some areas, the country still houses a culture that overlooks the grave misconduct towards women and employs specific insults only for females.

More on guard against this persecution, Filipino women grew accustomed to its normalization—a fear not shared by the opposite sex.

Skirt lengths and neckline depths are still minded; daughters still worry about curfews and sons don’t. While women’s rights advocates commit to raising awareness on and for Filipinas, leaders “who should be protecting or should be expected to respect women” (to quote the reference article) are given free passes to discredit womanhood, ultimately decrying the struggle in bringing equilibrium between genders.

But the fight advances as modern-day women slowly challenge the scene, standing, walking, and

moving along the ranks of men—refusing to sit still and wait for things to happen to or for her.

Becoming the first Filipino Nobel Prize laureate, Maria Angelita Ressa, co-founder and CEO of Philippine online news website, Rappler, won the grand award at a time when being a journalist had never been so important, affirming that championing the truth is indeed a battle none should allow to be lost.

Another victor, Filipina weightlifter Hidilyn Francisco Diaz secured her name on history books after bringing home the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medal, lighting a beacon for fellow athletes and women amidst the country’s suffocating economic, societal, and political turmoil.

Finally, an enduring blaze in pink, Vice President and 2022 Presidential Aspirant Maria Leonor “Leni” Gerona Robredo braves for the top position despite the stigma against women in seats of power. Lawyer, activist, and mother among other things, Leni has proven that women are not mere ornaments and that they too can actively make things happen.

For the mockless daywhen Filipino women can safely walk down the street or dream without worrying about how much skin is showing, feminism in the Philippines has a long way to go—and so the fight marches on.

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KAISAHAN launches twin subsidies for agrarian welfare, land rights Two grants seek to safeguard Negrosanon farmers

By Zaldy Mar L. Lavada Jr.

UNTO THE LAND BEYOND. Bacolod ferries leave the Simplicio Palanca Sr. Seaport in the late afternoon. - PHOEBE DAIDOJI Q. JABONETE

City government eases local travel restrictions RT-PCR tests lifted for fully-vaxxed individuals

By Elizabeth D. Fernandez

To resume travel and the subsequent economic flow into the city, Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia signed Executive Order 49 Series of 2021 on Oct. 13, lifting the requirements of a reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test for fullyvaccinated inbound travelers.

This decision followed the consideration of the Emergency Operations Center-Task Force to resume ferry trips between Negros Occidental and Panay Island, which were suspended since July 18 to curb rising COVID-19 infections.

The majority of business owners and politicians supported the lift of restrictions and Leonardia’s assertion that Bacolod City “cannot be an island”, with many of them quoting the improvement that the ease can provide for local trade.

Metro Bacolod Chamber

of Commerce and Industry Chief Executive Officer Frank Carbon revealed that the local economy faced a 70 percent decrease since the travel ban.

“The economy of Negros Occidental cannot survive without the infusion of money,” Carbon emphasized to Rappler, agreeing with the decision and hopeful for the improvement of the local economy. “We need Panay to survive.”

However, despite many business owners and government officials celebrating the lifting of the city’s borders, health officials are still concerned about the possibility of an infection surge resulting from the influx of travel.

In fact, Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Hospital Director Dr. Julius Drilon highlighted Bacolod City’s Alert Level 4 and Western Visayas’ Alert Level 3 statuses despite the growing vaccination efforts in both places.

With 222 cases of the

Delta variant identified in Western Visayas as of Oct. 10, fear of undetected positive cases and the subsequent spread of the virus is palpable, especially with the barring of the mandatory RT-PCR tests. “[Inadequate testing] can imply that there are individuals roaming around the city that are asymptomatic [...] for COVID-19,” Drilon explained, pointing to the fact that neither Bacolod City nor Western Visayas infection rates seem to be sinking despite increasing vaccination rates.

Nonetheless, the nationwide decision to slowly lift domestic travel restrictions—may it be sea, air, or land—persists.

To assuage concerns over the inbound travelers, city officials assert the maintained requirement for negative RT-PCR tests for unvaccinated individuals and overall strict adherence to identification and contact tracing.

Banago avails P20M aid NTF-ELCAC aims to improve residents’ lifestyle

By Alyssa Nicole T. Maquiran

Barangay Banago received a P20-million financial aid as part of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict’s (NTF-ELCAC) initiative to improve the residents’ livelihood, on Sept. 24.

Having recovered from its former reputation as one of Bacolod City’s Communist Party of the Philippines - New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) hotspots, the barangay has been cleared of insurgency by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), granting its eligibility for the P20-million BDP allowance.

With the given budget under the NTF-ELCAC’s Local Government Support Fund - Support to Barangay Development Program (LGSF-SBDP), the barangay prepared six projects for the residents, including construction plans for a multi-purpose evacuation center and assistance for scholarships, livelihood programs, burials, healthcare, and training sessions.

“Out of the 61 barangays

in Bacolod City, only Barangay Banago has been awarded the P20 million [assistance],” Brgy. Banago Village Chief Ricky Mijares shared, referring to the NTF-ELCAC’s agenda of rehabilitating barangays that were previously used as CPP-NPA National Democratic Fronts in rural areas.

The barangay’s insurgency clearance from the DILG also welcomed better lifestyle opportunities for its residents after its recovery from the influx of CPP-NPA activities.

“This is a big help for us since almost 80 percent of our population is [either] poor or indigent, particularly those living in the coastal area,” Mijares expressed, extending his gratitude to the national government.

Likewise, 111 marginalized residents availed financial assistance worth P511,000 from City Mayor Evelio Leonardia and DILG-Bacolod Director Ma. Joy Maredith Madayag at the Banago Elementary School Gym on Sept. 22.

Among these residents, 77 received medical assistance and 34 were given burial aid, with some youths

also receiving educational grants.

Ed*, a recipient of both burial and healthcare assistance, noted that economic crises fuel armed rebellion, explaining that the solution to mutiny is providing the people with fundamentals like livelihood and shelter.

Additionally, 25 dwellers were also selected as beneficiaries of the Project Banago Alternative and Sustainable Livelihood Initiatives for Development (BASLID), which provided culinary and training seminars at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Regional Training Center in Talisay City last June.

“Now, I realize that the government was there— even before—helping the people. Government assistance is really accessible now,” BASLID beneficiary and CPP-NPA defector Bebing* said, urging other rebels to seek the local government’s help when needed. *Some names were changed to protect the identity of the individuals involved.

Aiming to promote the economic and psychosocial development of grassroot Negrosanon farmers and land right defenders, Kaisahan Tungo sa Kaunlaran ng Kanayunan at Repormang Pansakahan (KAISAHAN) commenced the applications for two financial grants on Sept.

21 via Zoom and Facebook Live.

K A I S A H A N spearheaded the initiative in partnership with other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and political and economic organizations, including the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to the Philippines.

Under the umbrella program “Dagyaw Negros Para sa Duta”, the twin subsidies are exclusively available to Negros-based farmers and land rights defenders, catering to both agrarian reformrelated issues and related human rights affairs.

The Protection Fund, one of the financial grants, is centered on individual land rights protectors or small cohorts who are facing grave threats and pending cases relevant to

their agrarian movement.

With a maximum amount of P55,000 per individual, the Protection Fund will be granted to at least 10 beneficiaries chosen by the appointed screening committee composed of KAISAHAN executives.

KAISAHAN Executive Director Tone Marzan highlighted the agrarian justice in the modern agricultural landscape as one of the core reasons why the Protection Fund was incorporated into the program.

Peaking at a claimable amount of P110,000 per cohort, the second subgrant called the Community Subgrant intends to support six organizational groups in fortifying the capacity of the workforce and establishing security features in local farmlands.

The said cash aid will support psychosocial support programs, fencing operations, paralegal training, and related advocacy campaigns.

“Social action began with a movement toward justice and peace,” Rev. Fr. Chris Gonzales, the Social Action Center Director of the Diocese of Bacolod said, recalling the infamous Cadiz land-grabbingfiasco and highlighting the

importance of an accessible protective fund in combating labor misuse and other agrarian injustices.

K A I S A H A N employed an application period with a one-month time window until Oct. 31, 2021 as part of their in-depth assessment process in choosing the best beneficiary candidates.

“I hope that this causes a ripple effect on the grassroot farmers of Negros,” EU representative Margarito Reynera said in a speech, urging the program stakeholders to be as inclusive as possible to marginalized groups, especially those with women and children.

Moreover, the EU representative lauded the premier launching of the program in Negros due to its strong ties with the field of agriculture and hopes for the establishment of this program in other provinces as well.

The two-hour virtual program was attended by Negrosanon farmers, NGO partner representatives, and personnel from related public offices.

Multiphase Macroplan advances Health crisis delays construction progress

By Ivee E. Manguilimotan Three years after its commencement, the University of St. La Salle’s multiphase Macroplan continues despite the setbacks faced on construction schedules.

The Macroplan was intended for the improvement of institutional facilities to develop the delivery of education, as well as zoning of the campus for easier operations affecting the university’s services. “​​ Mostly, the disruption of the supply chain of construction materials and the consistency of labor amidst the frequency of lockdowns were the main setbacks,” Vice Chancellor for Administration (VCA) Dr. Charo Cordova shared through a text interview.

Launched in 2018, the multiphase Macroplan’s intent and goal remain the same, aiming to provide a building for the Integrated School (IS) community as well as the professional schools: Colleges of Law and Medicine.

Furthermore, Dr. Cordova disclosed that the completed IS Building to be named as Br. Dominic Fournier, FSC and Br. Felix Masson Halls will house 42

classrooms, four laboratories, and a 600-square meter modern library for students to enjoy.

Relative to the original Macroplan timeline, only the renovation of the old Junior High School building to become the Professional Schools building for the Colleges of Law and Medicine has progressed so far.

Furthermore, Dr. Cordova informed: “We also finished last year the Agora which is a good area for students to collaborate, perform, and play.”

Dr. Cordova also assured that the use of the facilities may be allowed subject to the evaluation of the activities by the academic heads, depending on the alert levels issued by the local government unit and InterAgency Task Force.

When confronted regarding the alleged clamor from students and parents regarding the continued capital development construction during a health crisis, the VCA asserted that the assets will remain valuable as the K-12, College, and Professional education continue to be delivered, adding that the new ways of delivery of instruction now impact the structures and facilities the institution has built.

“For example, we expect more technology enhanced facilities to drive these capital developments. As costs become more prohibitive, we believe that we can only make this happen if we begin with these efforts now,” Dr. Cordova continued, noting that the school cannot afford to be reactive in a pandemic situation where anything can happen.

Meanwhile, the VCA also admitted that the institution is re-evaluating the original prepandemic Macroplan to adapt to an expected new normal in the delivery of education.

“Currently, the Brother President is looking at a strategic shift to the digital transformation of the campus; physical structures will be enhanced and renovated to incorporate new ways of learning in a post pandemic world,” Dr. Cordova concluded.

The university, headed by the Brother President, has a main Operations Council composed of various units of the institution; while the Board of Trustees recommend approval on major projects, they are administered by the office of the VCA, specifically the Campus Development Office.

PLAN IN PROGRESS. USLS Integrated School building is still under construction three years after its inception. - KARL BRIAN T. MARQUEZA

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SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2021 | VOLUME 66 NO. 3

KAUSAP, SS banned from Special Elections

BY JAZIEL ANN V. SEBALLOS

By Ma. Kristine Joy R. Bayadog & Elizabeth D. Fernandez

The University of St. Lasalle Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced on their Facebook page the revocation of accreditation and the ban of major sociopolitical parties Kausa sa Paghiliusa kag Pag-Alagad Students’ Alliance for Progress (KAUSAP) and Samahan ng Makabagong Lasalyano-Sectoral Action Group for Empowered Students (SAMALAYASAGES) from participating in the 2022 Special Elections, last Sept. 9.

Election Code Violations The decision followed the breach of Section 54 (a) and

Section 55 (g) of the Omnibus Election Codes during the 2021 General Elections by SAMALAYA-SAGES and KAUSAP, respectively. The aforementioned codes act as the guidelines and rules candidates must abide by for a fair election.

Section 54 (a) entails that electronic party propaganda can only be spread through Facebook and Messenger.

SAMALAYA-SAGES was found to have violated this code twice when the COMELEC received an anonymous complaint letter exposing the presence of election propaganda on Instagram. In response, the

party was swiftly issued a warning letter for each violating candidate. On the other hand, Section 55 (g) declares the unlawfulness of campaigning before and after the scheduled campaign period, which KAUSAP breached by having campaign paraphernalia up on the election day itself.

There were other grievances addressed regarding Section 54 (c.1), which prohibit the party or candidates to exceed the two-minute airtime in any displayed advertisements, and the aforementioned Section 54 (a) that totaled to 14 complaints with corresponding letters

sent. However, only six were considered as valid violations since the party appealed for the rest and the warning letters were deemed as void ab initio, which means “to be treated as invalid from the beginning”.

In the commission’s protocols, only one violation is allowed per political party. If another violation is committed by any other candidate or party member, that is grounds for revocation. Similarly, both parties exceeded the maximum allowable violations before being penalized.

SA M ALAYA-SAGES Secretary-General Jan Federick Bantay admitted that the whole party was aware of the violation but was surprised by the gravity of the ramifications. He credited the mistake to human error, with members forgetting to remove paraphernalia from their pages. Bantay conceded that while the party is “only human” and will err, they will shoulder the consequences of their mistake.

“We truly believe that as a family we stand together [and thus] will take this as a challenge to overcome,” Bantay explained, highlighting the party’s unity.

Meanwhile, KAUSAP Membership Development Secretariat Janne Rev Salvio stated that the violations were committed by some candidates without the knowledge of the party, so the ban came as a shock to them. However, he revealed that the perpetrator received no punishment aside from a discussion about the offense.

Instead, Salvio emphasized that KAUSAP is a team and would face the repercussions together.

“We believe in a healthy discourse between our members so we collaborated and talked through it,” Salvio divulged of the party’s effort

to regroup and improve themselves.

Fair Ruling?

Despite both parties eventually yielding to the ban, both also appealed to the university’s Student Court to solidify the COMELEC’s decision. This adheres to the due process required for actual sanctions to be established—with a unanimous agreement among all parties about the ruling.

For KAUSAP and SAMALAYA-SAGES, both violations were considered minor and did not warrant a full ban and revocation.

However, with the newly revised Omnibus Election Code having no distinction between “minor” and “major” misdeeds, the strict guideline of a maximum of two breaches allowed was followed and the ban was realized.

“We tried a truce with both parties but could not come to an agreement so the issue was brought to the high court, where the penalties were asserted,” then-acting COMELEC chairperson Bren Carl Talita revealed.

Unforeseen Circumstances The first of its kind, both the COMELEC and major parties acknowledged the drawbacks of having a virtual Special Elections due to the pandemic. However, with the violations committed and Special Elections well underway, everyone expressed their desire to learn from their mistakes and move on with future endeavors. “[COMELEC] is grounded in the mission to have fair, just, and credible elections

for the student body,” current COMELEC chairperson Estelle Rosareal affirmed.

With both major parties sanctioned, 13 independent candidates dominated this year’s Special Elections.

Furthermore, Rosareal revealed that due to a lack of secretary generals overseeing the independent candidates and only respective campaign managers available for liaison, electoral information dissemination became stricter.

With a 70.97 percent voter turn-out, the special elections saw the filling of the first-year batch representative seats of the different colleges, as well as a senatorial seat and a vicegovernor position.

Future Outlooks In response to the ban, KAUSAP’s Salvio expressed the party’s use of their time to focus on organizational programs such as general assemblies and a fundraising campaign for typhoon victims through Project Ambag.

Following this sentiment, Bantay emphasized SAMALAYA-SAGES’ role in social outreach, stating that they promote the “spirit of bayanihan” and are always “on the side of society”.

Meanwhile, Rosareal revealed the commission’s effort to amend and revise the Omnibus Election Codes for the next institutional elections.

Nonetheless, she highlighted that the COMELEC alone cannot ensure that violations and revocations will not occur again.

“It is up to the candidates to do their part as individuals and future Lasallian student leaders,” Rosareal expounded, emphasizing to uphold election integrity.

College Deans Reaffirm the Need for College Qualifying Exams

By Ivee E. Manguilimotan & Adrianne H. Saplagio

Qualifying exams have been an integral part of our society’s system for decades.

As the graduates’ performance on these exams directly impacts their institution’s passing rate, rumors about whether or not schools keep students from graduating to maintain their ideal records go around as well. To add to these whispered accusations, some also feel that qualifying exams have become pointless and must either be amended or abolished entirely. Is the practice truly outdated or is it an issue about the standards we set for our future professionals?

The Deans’ Perspectives Deans from the Colleges of Arts and Sciences (CAS), Education (CEd), Nursing (CoN), and Yu An Log College of Business and Accountancy (YAL-CBA) seem to have similar opinions on whether or not they see qualifying exams as a necessary educational requirement.

The consensus on the topic is that qualifying exams, according to the words of CAS Dean Dr. Rowena Bañes, “leads students to deeper and better self-awareness and acceptance; allows them to preview their readiness and competencies for the program and its future work engagement, as well as the opportunity to better themselves–psychological preparations, self-care practices, and commitment to their career or personal goals.”

For Dr. Bañes, these exams are widely regarded by educators as something vital in determining which applicants are fit to play their roles in their chosen programs. That’s why if students can’t make the cut, their future in their course is at stake.

Though a lot of people do not share the same sentiment, Dr. Ricver Ureta, the CEd Dean, stands that “its purpose is to give a sense of direction to the lives of our students, helping them in career choice and their professional growth”, maintaining that the qualifying exams gauge the students’ readiness and their aptitude with regards to their chosen programs.

For the yellow college of YAL-CBA, their cutthroat qualifying exams are notorious around the city. These exams date back to the 1980s for the college and are present in course programs such as Accountancy, Management Accounting, and Accounting Information System. On this topic, YAL-CBA Dean Dr. Ed Mark Rustico assured that: “Students will be guided properly and trained the way they should be trained to prepare them for what’s ahead. The teachers are better able to design training materials targeted to producing quality graduates.”

An Incognito Outlook A student taking up Chemical Engineering at the university has also voiced out thoughts on the matter in an anonymous interview.

“When we were told by our Department Chair that we are going to have a qualifying exam, I was nervous and scared,” the student started.

It was further added that the only thing that can decide their future in the program is their performance in the qualifying exams. “I was thinking at that time that it would be unfair if they would only just base it on that one exam and I hoped that they would also consider our grades during our 1st and 2nd semester in the year 20192020,” Fortunately for this person’s lowerclassmen, the policy was revised and is thus more lenient in the present.

When asked for an opinion about the necessity for these exams, the collegiate shared the following statement: “For me, I think it would be helpful in a way that it will test what I have learned so far from this course as well as the overall skill of being a Chemical Engineering student. It would also be an advantage for us, future professionals because it also makes us ready and confident for upcoming tests and examinations in the long run.”

From History’s Viewpoint But are these qualifying exams really necessary?

“QE [Qualifying Exams] is important to ensure that the student is equipped with the relevant-expected knowledge, skills, attitudes, values and all the other competencies expected of him/her in their program of interest,” CAS Dean Dr. Bañes conveyed regarding whether

BY PERLYN JOY L. SUGANOB

qualifying and/or screening exams are essential to the current system.

In that regard, Dr. Jocelyn May Flor Cadena from CoN agreed that in certain instances, qualifying exams would push students to meet standards, adding that they motivate students to strive harder and prevent them from getting sloppy in their studies.

With decades backing up the effectiveness of the qualifying exams in ensuring quality graduates, there seems not to be a valid enough reason to abolish the said practice.

On Academic Pride Now, the university prides itself on consistent passing rates for licensure and board exams in certain course programs.

To dispel the rumor that students are intentionally

held back from graduating for higher passing rates, Dean Rustico of YALCBA asserted that: “Once the student is declared a graduate, the student shall not be barred from taking the board exam.

The screening process shall be embedded in the requirements while the student is still in school.”

He also added that once the student is conferred a degree, what the student does after is beyond the university’s control, whether the student proceeds to take the board or not.

While CAS and CoN do not explicitly adhere to “qualifying exams”, both colleges implement their suitable version of exams such as screening exams

and semestral comprehensive exams, respectively.

Moreover, after consulting with the college deans, it is apparent that almost all courses within the university have their retention policies in place that are communicated to the student body through a catalog distributed annually.

Qualifying exams in any form are here to stay within the education system of the university—raising competitive and competent individuals and pushing the institution to better its policies for the benefit of the community. That said, the examinations conducted within the four walls of learning are best seen as training grounds for when students are ready and equipped to battle real-world obstacles.

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NEWS

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2021 | VOLUME 66 NO. 3

By Esther Joyce M. Limbaña

Claim: The Youtube channel “Robin Sweet Showbiz” released a video claiming that Father Joseph Franz Dizon targeted Vice Pres. Leni Robredo in his sermon on vote-buying. According to the video, Dizon even mentioned that Archbishop Socrates Villegas seemed to have conceded to Robredo.

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NEWS

FACT CHECKER

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2021 | VOLUME 66 NO. 3

Myth Buster: The Martial Law Fairytales

By Jhune N. Tingson

It has been almost five decades since the declaration of presumably the darkest time in Philippine history, and yet the wounds caused by Martial Law still seem fresh up to this day. What’s worse is that with disinformation so rampant nowadays, false information can be found everywhere glorifying the said era. In more literary terms, it is like taking the bandage off an injury that has not fully healed. Well, it is high time that these fake news are debunked:

“DURING MARCOS’ REIGN, PEOPLE WERE FREE AND WERE NOT AFRAID TO GO OUT AT NIGHT.” “DURING MARCOS’ REGIME, VERY FEW WERE ARRESTED. IT IS NOT TRUE THAT 70,000 WERE ARRESTED.” “THERE WERE NO MASSACRES OR PERSECUTIONS DURING MARTIAL LAW.”

“PHILIPPINES WAS THE RICHEST, SECOND MOST POWERFUL COUNTRY IN ASIA AND HAD A STABLE ECONOMY THROUGHOUT MARCOS’ REIGN.” “DURING MARTIAL LAW, NO ONE WAS EXECUTED OTHER THAN CHINESE DRUG LORD LIM SENG WHO WAS EXECUTED BY FIRING SQUAD.”

Fact: Personal liberties and media access were curtailed when thenpresident Ferdinand Marcos Sr. declared Martial Law countrywide in September 1972, according to historical archives and personal testimony. In fact, a mass arrest of alleged “communist conspirators” plotting to overthrow the government followed the declaration. — The New York Times, 1972 Fact: Philippine mission report of Amnesty International in 1975 stated that there were around 70,000 individuals imprisoned during Martial Law; 34,000 were tortured, and at least 3,240 were victims of extrajudicial killings. — Amnesty International Publications, 1982

Fact: At least two massacres were reported in Mindanao during Martial Law, and both targeted Muslim populations. First was the Palimbang or Malisbong Massacre which took place in Brgy. Malisbong, Palimbang in Sultan Kudarat on Sept. 24, 1974, and the other occurred in Bingcul village in Mindanao on Nov. 12, 1977. — Rappler, 2018 Fact: During Marcos’ reign, the Philippines neither became the richest country in Asia nor in Southeast Asia. Japan had the highest average gross domestic product (GDP) throughout that time, while the United Arab Emirates had the highest average GDP per capita. Philippines’ position among the 48 Asian countries was nowhere near the top ten based on these two parameters.— Manila Bulletin (Gamboa, 2021 Fact: One was “legally” executed yet more were slain due to extrajudicial murders, which were not sanctioned by any legal procedure and frequently involved the targeted individuals of political opponents. — Rappler, 2018

Myth Busters: Immunity to False Information

By Perlyn Joy L. Suganob

Innovation with purpose—this is what people should strive for to create solutions towards social good. However, some stray from the purpose or get a little too far; this is what happened when COVID-19 vaccines came out. Despite its purpose to help strengthen immunity, problems arose as rumors and disinformation spread even quicker than the virus itself, posing a serious danger to the public. Here are some of these false claims and the real facts behind them:

“IT IS NOT NECESSARY FOR PEOPLE WHO ALREADY HAD COVID-19 TO GET VACCINATED.”

Fact: People who previously acquired COVID-19 have some level of immunity. However, the longevity of this immunity is not clear. Likewise, vaccination still poses a higher level of immunity than that of the people who had COVID but were not subsequently vaccinated. In fact, a recent study revealed that the risk of getting reinfected is more than twice higher for unvaccinated individuals. — World Health Organization, November 2021

“MODERNA VACCINE FROM MODERNA, INC. IS NOT AN FDA APPROVED PRODUCT.”

Fact: On May 5, 2021, the Philippine Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization for Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine for the prevention of coronavirus disease COVID-19 in individuals of 12 years of age and older. — Food and Drugs Administration Philippines, N/A

“PEOPLE CAN BE HEALED FROM THE VIRUS DESPITE NOT BEING VACCINATED, AND SO VACCINES ARE UNNECESSARY.”

Fact: Being vaccinated strengthens the immune system and helps us recover from mild symptoms, making sure that the virus cannot be passed on to others. There may be people who can avoid getting sick because they have strong immunity and healthy bodies. However, getting vaccinated ensures not only one’s safety but others as well. — Healthline, June 2021

“COVID VACCINES CAN DESTROY THE BODY AND CAN EVEN CAUSE CANCER.”

“IT IS OKAY TO SKIP A VACCINE’S SECOND DOSAGE.”

Fact: Vaccines work by training and preparing the immune system to recognize and fight off the virus. Sometimes, this process can cause symptoms such as fevers. These symptoms are common to newlyvaccinated individuals and are normal signs that the body is building protection against the virus that causes COVID-19. However, there is no concrete evidence that COVID-19 vaccines cause cancer. — Memorial for Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, August 2021 Fact: For Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, the first dose of the vaccine only introduces the mRNA to the body, yielding about 50-60 percent protection against the virus. A second dose, on the other hand, is required for boosted immunity as it increases efficacy up to 94 percent and ensures resistance to dangerous virus variants. — Centers for Disease Control Prevention, September 2021

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John Arcilla: A Hidden Gem in the International Big Screen

By Alan S. Villanueva Jr. Stars, no matter how far away, are a sight to behold. That was the truth for multi-awarded Pinoy actor John Arcilla who stood triumphantly against renowned celebrities like Benedict Cumberbatch, Tim Roth, and Oscar Isaac to obtain the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at the 78th Venice International Film Festival for his performance in the movie “On The Job: The Missing 8”.

The brilliance of Filipino talent has once again been proven too bright to ignore, it seems.

Before Arcilla, stars like George Clooney, Javier Bardem, Willem Dafoe, and Brad Pitt also won the prestigious “Coppi Volpi” award, attesting to his acting prowess.

To top it off, Academy Awardwinning director Bong Joon-ho led the jury for this year’s film festival, joined by Chloé Zhao, Cynthia Erivo, Alexander Nanau, Saverio Costanza, Virginie Efira, and Sarah Gadon.

The said film festival is not just the oldest in the world but is also part of the international art exhibition Venice Biennale. Plus, it’s conducted in Lido, a section of

PHOTO COURTESY OF RAPPLER

the city popular among the film industry’s elites.

As the canvas where his skills glimmered being the only Asian film entry, “On The Job” is surely a masterpiece in itself. The film

was directed by the equallyaccomplished Erik Matti and has taken four years to produce.

Additionally, it was joined by a star-studded cast, including Dennis Trillo, Christopher

de Leon, Leo Martinez, Joey Marquez, and Vandolph Quizon.

Looking into his character in the movie, Arcilla played Sisoy Salas, a small-town corrupt journalist seeking justice for his

missing colleagues. During its first screening in the film festival, “On the Job” had already nabbed a five-minute standing ovation from the Venetian audience.

Moreover, another big factor that

played a role in the greatness of the film is that it was based on a true story, which showcases the prevalence of manipulations in the information that the public is receiving.

With his accomplishment, Arcilla couldn’t hold back his happiness and fulfillment as he uttered: “This Volpi Cup is a milestone in my work as an actor [and] the most prestigious award I have received, and my cup of life has been so full of blessings.”

Similarly, Matti, who received the cup on his behalf, was also elated due to how difficult it is for Pinoy films to gain attention abroad.

The trillions of stars in the universe must really possess their own glow, for which they are appreciated despite their many differences.

Arcilla, one of those stars, shares the same values: “I know for a fact that we came from different countries, different continents with different cultures, colors, creeds, or languages. But I can feel the oneness, this tremendous oneness, and understanding. I know that we can understand each other despite our differences and it’s because of the arts—the arts of cinema.”

NEGROS TOURS

Blossoming in Quarantine

By Ma. Kristine Joy R. Bayadog

Undoubtedly, quarantine made us stay home because of the risks prompted by COVID-19. Along with the pandemic’s peak, many businesses found safety in closing their physical stores—it is like closing a book and waiting for another chapter to unfold, and yet, with no certainty.

However, some entrepreneurs just couldn’t let go of their business aspirations.

There are businesses that braved against the odds and eventually flourished in spite of the current situation. Some have opted to continue their operations through the use of various social media platforms or restructured their physical service protocols for safety. Meanwhile, other businesses only began during the pandemic!

I am pretty sure that you have an imaginary list of to-do things when you get the chance to leave the comfort of your homes and treat yourselves outside. I am also definitely certain that going to some of the finest food places in the city is among them.

No need for more daydreaming about food places to go, though, because

here are three businesses that continue to bloom amid the pandemic (while observing proper health protocols and sanitary measures too): Git-go Frozen Cheesecake How can we ever resist cheesecake? If you ever want to get a cold, sweet treat, Git-go Frozen Cheesecake might be the best dessert place for you! The store features Bacolod’s signature frozen cheesecake on a stick dipped in chocolate ganache and decorated with a range of delightful garnishes of your preference. Git-go has two branches located at Mandalagan and Taculing, so head to whichever branch is nearer, and take the time to treat yourself with your would-be favorite cheesecake on a stick.

The menu itself will get you drooling in hunger as you look at it. You definitely won’t fall short of options as the shop has go classic, go premium, go mini, and go round cheesecake choices, priced from P90.00 to P1,249.00. Git-go Frozen Cheesecake also serves snacks, hot or iced coffee, and frappuccinos. If you happen to be here, you surely must try “The Planters”, a frozen cheesecake topped with chocolate ganache and

crushed oreo, and paired with whipped cream and a small glass of milk. Now for the best part: You can eat it in a pot!

Double Dose Café Hear ye, coffee addicts!

Hear ye! #FindYourselfWhoCanDoBoth and visit Double Dose Café, an instagrammable 2D-themed café that serves the complete package: coffee, milk tea, and alcoholic drinks. The café is located at the Shophouse Heritage, Narra Avenue, which is a highly-recommended spot for socializing with friends while enjoying a wide range of delectable food and refreshing beverages. If you want an aesthetic and IG-worthy spot, you can never go wrong with Double Dose Café.

This place is definitely deceitful—but in a good way, because as simple as it may look, you can choose from a variety of food choices like waffles, pasta, sandwiches, appetizers, and many more.

Of course, milk tea is one of the café’s best buys, and their red velvet flavor is a must-try.

Plus, if you feel like staying in and want to order from home, they are open for food delivery via Grab, Toktok, and Maxim delivery apps!

Outwork Diner Now, here is something that is very close to our

Game Changer: Quaranflings and Contemporary Romance

By Ivee E. Manguilimotan

BY PERLYN JOY L. SUGANOB

Walking together on the sidewalk, holding hands while shooting each other flirty glances, and maybe even sharing a spoon for dessert together—these were the usual romantic dates we’ve seen growing up. But who knew that when the entire world plunged into disarray and distance was now the new norm, we all realized that we’d been taking those simple dates for granted?

The days of physically spending time with each other have been replaced with virtual video calls.

We’ve now entered the era of modern dating where

social media platforms offer several opportunities to form connections amidst this crisis.

And one specific scenario we might be familiar with are “quaranflings” or what can be defined as dating encounters that occurred during the midpandemic and lockdown eras.

How much did the dating game change during the pandemic? To unravel the perplexities of relationships, several Lasallians shared their quaranfling stories.

Date and disassociate Even before the world turned upside down, people had their fair share of casual relationships and quick flings.

But with modern dating, the number of people wanting the “no-strings attached” setups has

dude, pare, and chong hearts.

Lasallian peeps can never skip a good meal or coffee in this diner every time they are around La Salle. What was once a simple al fresco tambayan is now an upgraded and air-conditioned diner suitable for barkada coffee bonding, inuman sessions, and fast dining.

The diner has been around since 2018, but it truly became quite popular during the pandemic. Outwork may be a small area to cater to a huge crowd, but that does not stop its customers from delighting in the coffee and meals the diner serves. You can enjoy their hearty meals at the cheapest pricing possible, and the staff is always accommodating. If you do not feel like going out, but want to try the diner’s best-served comfort food like carbonara, chicken fingers, and katsudon, you can find them on FoodPanda and Maxim delivery apps.

The pandemic hit hard on everyone, and business owners have it no easier. So hopefully, when you feel like getting a cup of coffee or need a place to unwind, you’ll remember to support small businesses and will try one—or even all—of these amazing places.

Add these must-visit food places to your list if you have not visited them yet! increased throughout the months of isolation.

Ian*, someone who prefers casual relationships, shared that: “This may sound like a bit of a jerk answer but I truly believe that it [flings] helped boost my ego through it all. Sometimes I feel like someone would be out of my league but turns out they are also interested.” He also expressed that it might be due to his fear of commitment that he tended to “ghost” his flings.

This case is similar to that of Keiru’s*, who also found it easy to walk away from affairs that tended to get clingy. However, despite being involved with multiple flings and his crippling fear of commitment, Keiru is only now realizing he wants stability.

“During those times, I didn’t want a serious relationship yet. I just wanted to explore and get to know what my types are. But now, I want something serious,” Keiru admitted. Coming out of a longterm relationship pre-pandemic, Keiru embraced isolation and loneliness through online dating.

For Ian and Keiru, being alone is not an issue. They aren’t in the

- RODNEY A. JARDER

rush to find love because they still believe they’ll eventually meet the right person for them.

Maybe it was an issue with time, the person they were with, or their own selves who’ve yet to believe in love.

With reality twisting our sense of forming mutual connections with people, short-lived love affairs are welcome chapters in some of our stories.

Same old, same old Relationships vary for each person, and everyone sees the world differently. Although it’s apparent that fear-stricken relationships don’t last, the universe does not forget to reward those courageous ones.

In Bea* and Brian’s* situation, they’d known each other for a year before the pandemic struck, but it was only during and because of quarantine that they became lovers. In the face of distance, since Bea lived four cities away from Brian, finding the time to meet up was a struggle.

“We actually haven’t experienced spending a whole day with each other because of

this, but I’m more than thankful that she goes the extra mile for us to meet up,” Brian confided, adding that he can’t go out much of the city because of personal reasons.

Contrary to other dating encounters being short-lived during the pandemic, Bea and Brian show that not all quarantine relationships are doomed to fail. As a matter of fact, they only solidify the silent rule in relationships: Things work out if you make them work.

The dating game has drastically changed, but the rules remained the same.

Whether casual dating or settling for stability, we all just want to receive affection one way or another. If you’re brave enough to step out and find love, you’ll be surprised at how things can work out. It’s never a question of knowing whether things will work out or not, but it’s your choice whether you put in the effort to make it work. *The names have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals involved.

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Baboy Talunon: A Two-way Opus

By Zaldy Mar L. Lavada Jr.

The cutthroat hierarchy of the Philippine highlands goes beyond makeshift spears and barefoot pursuits for faunal games; for when aimless bullets are fired and the predator becomes the prey, the country’s state is under attack by its own rash recklessness. This theme sits at the core of “Baboy Talunon”, a 2021 short film featuring a fictitious story of a young lad living in the wilderness of Central Panay with his family.

Ilonggo director Kevin Piamonte’s latest cinematic spawn Baboy Talunon gained immense critical and public acclaim, garnering local and international accolades such as the coveted Best Short Film award from the Uruvatti International Film Festival.

“Getting selected to a film festival is an honor already. It’s like panalo ka na rin. But to win the Best International Short

Film award, panalo sa panalo‘yun,” Piamonte said in an interview with Panay News.

The film’s success is not only a monumental milestone for Ilonggo film makers, but it also sheds light on the lesser known truths about the real state of our Tumandok brethren who inhabit territories with close proximity to crossfire hotspots. Baboy Talunon’s first inklings took form after Ferdinand Jardin, the man behind the concept, heard an unsettling news report about Tumandoks getting red-tagged, hence the deep ties of the film with military hostility against indigenous people.

“Let’s respect human rights. This is not about the military against the rebels and the rest. Nobody will win this war,” the director of the symbolic flick added.

With the film’s hauntingly picturesque cinematography and

emotionally loaded script, Baboy Talunon boasts unparalleled artistic execution on top of the timely plot despite only having four days to shoot its entirety in an attempt to cut filming costs. The full Filipino ensemble, starring Aljon Flores, Ron Matthews Espinosa, GC Castro, and Rhea Molicara-Sevilla, had to traverse the untamed woodlands of the University of the Philippines Visayas in Miag-ao, Iloilo where the film was exclusively set.

When asked about the critical role of filmography in the contemporary setting, Piamonte said: “Film as a medium is far-reaching.

Film as a medium is very sensual in the sense that it can make you empathetic with what is happening, with what you see because film is larger than life. Film is encompassing—it holds you, it grips you.”

Among the contenders for the said Short Film

Award were featurettes tackling a broad spectrum of socio-cultural and political themes, including domestic violence, mental health, and cultural diversity.

However, Baboy Talunon’s raw revelations about hostility against indigenous people and superior acting reigned supreme. With a socially-aware film repertoire, this goes to show that the local cinema industry is reshaping itself into an awarenessfocused movement which, in one way or another, unveils truths about the contemporary world.

Needless to say, Baboy Talunon now sits beside Piamonte’s previous cinematic classics—a testament to the artistic prowess of Filipino directors and a pioneering driver for more safeguarding initiatives for the country’s indigenous people. Truly, Baboy Talunon is a two-way opus.

The Art of Saving Lives

By Meryl C. Sigaton

While most boys prefer to play at the age of seven, Derek Sanson paints artworks to raise funds for various causes.

Currently a Grade 2 pupil attending the University of St. La Salle Integrated School, the young altruist’s canvas paintings are printed as notebook cover designs and sold at P100 apiece. Now with 12 different layouts and having accepted a little over 3,000 orders, Derek is touching more and more people as he accomplishes his ultimate pursuit—saving lives.

The burgeoning artist’s non-profit venture began when his classmate Casean Tambasen was diagnosed last July with Pontine Glioma, a malignant brain tumor. After hearing about this, Derek decided to forgo his earlier plan to save up for an Xbox and gave the little money he had to a classmate he hadn’t even met.

See, Casean was someone Derek could relate to.

Blessed with two chances at life, Derek had previously overcome two major illnesses. At one year old, he was diagnosed with intussusception, a serious condition where part of the intestine slides into an adjacent part of the other. Miraculously, surgery was no longer required as he was suddenly well and sent home without treatment.

At two, he was diagnosed with nephrotic syndrome, a kidney disease. But in just a month, Derek was back to normal and has been in great health since.

From these experiences, he understood the precious value of life and made the heart of the project all about giving back.

Undeniably, sickness is never short in stock, and neither are those in need of help. Sparked by the goodwill of a young boy, donations poured in nationwide and even abroad. Thanks to the overwhelming support for the project, Derek was able to share the blessings to others who also needed it, including his mom’s four-year-old ballet student

PHOTO COURTESY OF GIANNE SANCHEZ SANSON

Cassie as well as families affected by or lost someone to COVID-19.

Other beneficiaries sponsored by donors who supported Derek’s enterprise are Bacolod Boy’s Home, Kalipay Negrense, Puluy-an Youth, Bacolod City High School SPED, various public schools, and other children with cancer.

Also engaging with social issues, Derek and his family sent around 300 notebooks last August for the children recovering in Marawi through Negros Volunteers for Change.

Several individuals and a couple of private companies have approached Derek for commissions, with special requests such as recreating a brand logo to capture a child’s perspective translated into artwork. The paintings were bought and printed on notebook covers in bulk orders to be used as giveaways for company events or seminars.

Derek’s mother continuously asks him questions to assess his reasons and goals, to which Derek always responds with: “But it’s important to save lives.” In an interview with DWWW 774 Radio Station, Derek was asked if he was pressured with the volume of orders he’s getting now, to which he replied, “[...] I know it’s a lot but I’m happy to help. I’m thankful to those who are ordering.”

Currently working on his Christmas collection, Derek continues to inspire others as a symbol of faith and benevolence in these trying times. His loving and supportive family leaves a message for their little philanthropist: “The heart of this project is paying forward God’s blessings of healing and love in your life. [...] May you always find it in your heart to be kind because God is very generous in your life. Keep giving hope, one artwork at a time.”

Actualizing his philosophies as young as seven years old and valuing the things that truly matter, Derek Sanson kindles compassion in his warm heart amidst dark times— making a big impact with his little hands.

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANGELO F. DESPI

Of Rituals and Belief

By Esther Joyce M. Limbaña

Two years. It has been this long since the emergence of the COVID-19 in Wuhan, China. Yet, until today, the Philippines has not achieved the normalcy it once experienced. As vaccination efforts started in March, the country finally saw a silver lining—but still has a long way to go. With this, a question surfaces: Beyond advanced medicine and modern technology, is there something more we could do?

As someone who lives

by Babaylan principles, Bacolod City artist Louis Dormido answered the query by suggesting that practices forgone may just be what is missing in the solution. Offering to perform an early ritual originally from prehistoric ancestors, Dormido believes these can help ward off the ills of the virus. As many people have suffered and died due to the contagious disease, he is firm in ending the torment brought about by the invisible enemy through the supernatural healing powers of nature.

Averting the Virus Dormido’s appreciation of Babaylan practices began in the 1970s, and only recently has he seen the

need to apply it in this time of desperation. He endeavors the High Heavens with a ritual to induce healing of the sick and overcome COVID-19.

Guarding against diseases and illnesses forced Dormido to chase away the “evil spirits” believed to be leading the health risks. According to him, these spirits influence the persistence of the coronavirus disease, and the ritual would help anyone infected by the virus to conquer any severe health conditions caused.

His Babaylan Endeavor Correlated with the Black Artists in Asia, a Philippinebased group advocating social and political progression, Dormido functions as a healer that believes in the tranquility and serenity induced by nature. In this season of technology and advancement, Dormido uses the power of touch in his healing ministry, where he treats individuals who experience minor wellness conditions like stomach aches.

Meanwhile, Dormido gets his influence in practicing Babaylan ceremonies from Dionisio “Papa Isio” Magbuela, a former Babayer known as the Negrense hero.

Likewise, Dormido also became invigorated by the tradition and culture of the Filipino ancestors prior to the Philippine archipelago’s

colonization and conformity to Christianity.

The Babaylan Practice Dormido also expressed that being a Babaylan is not only limited to the healing of the sick. The practices specialize in harnessing the universal potentials of nature, which cannot only heal the wounded but also secure means of pregnancy and childbirth. Moreover, Babaylan rituals extend to praying for a good harvest with offerings to the various divinities. Dormido believes that the natural world has endless energy to permeate the mind and heal the spirit; he holds this belief up to this day.

Beyond the modernity of the spirit world, Philippine historical practices remain to mediate even in the 21st century. Some individuals continue to uphold the legacy of Babaylan rituals, the faith of unlimited powers of nature, and healing that attends the sick and the wounded—just like Dormido. In times of desperation, such as the pandemic, people resort to solutions beyond the grasp of science.

As Dormido says: “Maybe the Babaylan rituals and nature’s healing power are the reinforcement we need after all.”

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · COLISEUM GROUNDS, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 66 NUMBER 3 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2021

REVIEWS

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2021 | VOLUME 66 NO. 3

ALBUM

Scaled and Icy by Twenty One Pilots

By EJ Nell Voen A. Florendo

People had to take things slow upon the occurrence of the pandemic—same with musical duo Twenty One Pilots, who only ensconced themselves with singles last year.

Both revolving around themes concerning the onslaught of COVID but with hopeful assurance, their dance-pop single “Level of Concern” and their festive holiday song “Christmas Saves the Year” have been among their latest releases. However, the lack of material from the band implies the return of the

SERIES

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good old days, aka making music close to each other (literally), is still uncertain.

However, this year, the band has reemerged and taken a rather diverging ride in their latest Long-Play (LP) album—Scaled and Icy, from their trademark dark altpop genre into more upbeat, bright, and fun records.

Short for “scaled back and isolated”, the album title was creatively conjured from the motivation to remain optimistic and imaginative in spite of the current reality. The record wanders off to explore plenty of new

sounds but enough not to stray too far from the core of their songwriting flair.

Regardless of it being their sixth album already, the new record is still built around Tyler Joseph’s vocals and Josh Dun’s drums, especially in their lead single “Shy Away”, opening with an exultant piano riff, a head voice, and an upbeat brass in the mix during the bridge. The same can be said for the happy-go-lucky gospel song “Good Day”, whose intro has tight similarities with previous songs like “The Run and Go” from Vessel (2013), their first studio album inclined to pop. The piano played another important role in “Choker”, a melancholic track composed of a bridge section executed perfectly with Tyler’s adept rapping.

Aside from their hooking melodies, the band is also known for creating balladry that uses a variety of metaphors. In their rather funk-laden rap-rock track “The Outside”, they didn’t fail to express their take on the monotony of mainstream music as we find Tyler singing about how he’s “vibing” outside in the summer heat away from the kids.

If Sundays in fanfavorite song “Migraine” are “suicide days” for Tyler, then the duo’s latest hit “Saturday” is a counterpart track that makes one look forward to the weekend,

since these tunes played from a funky guitar simply drive someone to party.

“Formidable” could also have been the soundtrack to any 2000s rom-com movie with its lilting guitar lines and soaring chorus, whereas “Bounce Man” is a pretty straightforward track with a curious synth melody.

Part of the tracklist that stood out but shined less than others is the breezy “Mulberry Street”, integrated with a Vesselesque style of their song, “Screen”. Somehow, “Never Take It” also joins this list despite being a confident rock-and-roll jam built around slick guitars and characterized by the band’s finest material of strut and pomp.

To add, Scaled and Icy lacked the consistency it needed to parallel their career-defining and angstridden album Blurryface in 2015. For instance, “No Chances” fell flat with its chorus and the rapped verses were doing little side by side, along with album closer “Redecorate” that had piano-intriguing lines at best.

Overall, Scaled and Icy is a solid and fine-spun record that balances out underwhelming moments with a series of brilliance from the duo. It may not pack the popularity like their previous hit records, but there’s no denying Tyler and Josh know how to write a darn good album.

Squid Game (2021)

By Gabriel M. Lezama

Imagine those old childhood days playing hopscotch, dodgeball, and other playground games, where you and all your friends would relish in those blissful moments full of fun and friendship. Now imagine having to play those same games, but this time, you have men in pink jumpsuits with a gun trained on your cranium telling you that if you don’t beat that other guy in tug-of-war, they will blow your brains out.

An insanely wild ride into the deadly concept of poverty, Netflix’s Squid Game tells the tale of an A-for-effort father named Seong Gi-Hun, who happens to be in an economic rut as he spends his dwindling money on horse-race betting and being coerced into signing away his physical rights. Eventually, he finds out that his daughter—who lives with her stepdad—is moving away from Korea soon.

Handed a calling card with the promise of money after beating a stranger in a children’s game, Gi-Hun calls the number and is then taken to an unknown facility after riding in an inconspicuous white van and being gassed to sleep.

There, he meets more people who were lured in with the same promise of cash— with familiar faces like his childhood friend Cho SangWoo and completely new ones like the cutthroat Jang Deok-Su. Squid Game does a good job of following the death game formula and

integrating the K-drama flair into it—such as introducing likable and relatable characters only to either kill them off or completely break first impressions by altering their roles. In the case of Gi-Hun, he is a good person at heart but is undeniably flawed and at times pathetic as a main character, which is why it becomes easier to support him as the series progresses and he develops as a person.

In this regard, it should be noted that the performances of the actors are really the highlights of the show, with the eye-catching performance of actress Lee Jung-jae as the pitiful Gi-Hun and later on the act of Kim Joo-ryeong as the obnoxious, no-shame Han Mi-Nyeo. The series would not have much of its defining moments and heartfelt impact were it not for the immersion that the actors gave to the viewers, while simple gestures of aggression and apathy from the guards only served to further that experience.

The soundtrack of the show also adds onto the already grim atmosphere, with loud drums, melancholic instrumentals, and haunting samples filling your ears as each moment either increases in intensity or depravity. A good example is the seemingly friendly sound of the flute, initially reminiscent of childhood joy.

Over the course of the series though, hearing the flute play meant that the decreasing competitors were nearing another game that could be their last.

Perhaps one of the few downsides—if it can be considered one—is that the characters appear to be incompetent with some of the games, with most unable to find loopholes within the rules. Though when re-approached, it makes sense when you’re tired, traumatized, and have guns pointed towards your heads. Maybe that’s the whole point, but it can still get infuriating at times to see a smarter solution go unnoticed as another fanfavorite gets taken out.

Overall, the show

adequately showcased that under the influence of desperation, people are willing to throw away their humanity in order to survive. With the danger of death around every corner, it hones into the extremes of human nature, whether it’s greed and self-preservation that overcomes you or the desire to care for others and stick together.

But when all is said and done, what’s the point of gaining all the riches imaginable if you end up becoming the animals they treat you to be?

BOOK

Klara and the Sun

by Kazuo Ishiguro

By Krizzia Ricci T. Nepomuceno

What we are and how we act are molded by our genes. It’s a lottery where 46 helixes intertwine to give us our mother’s wits or our father’s composure.

Some kids hit the jackpot and are born with what people like to call “good” genes. Unfortunately, not everyone is as lucky; most can only sit and watch natural selection take its course.

But what if genes can be altered to perfection?

Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro’s 2020 novel Klara and the Sun delves into a future world where children are genetically modified to become perfect in all aspects, but it’s a hit or miss when kids could become ill or even pass away. Josie is one of those kids.

Stricken with a sickness that could end her life, she finds Klara, a store-bought companion robot set to become her best friend. Klara is not just an “artificial friend”, though, as she possesses wit and understanding unlike any other droids.

As their bond grows stronger, Klara becomes eager to help Josie heal from the same illness that possibly killed her older sister. But things don’t go smoothly for them both—not when Josie’s parents eventually want to replace her with Klara.

To a certain degree, the novel is a must-read.

It explores topics of a dystopian society, social classism, and the innate greed of humans to grasp what they deem to be perfect. But if there’s any phrase that can ultimately encompass the plot of the novel, it is “the loss of innocence”. Klara and Josie transgress from naivety to surreal existentialism as the reality unfolds, and it’s enough to rip anyone out of the ideals they had of the world. And while both protagonists in the novel are compelling, it is more relatable to look at the world through Klara’s perspective. Even if she’s written like a robot as intended, the empathy she

holds is powerful enough to sway readers and feel with her.

With how very little information is given about the world other than direct descriptions sprinkled in some parts, the book lingers with a sheer mystery that becomes deeply captivating. What happens to Klara? Will Josie’s parents replace her? Questions like this keep the pages turning, pulling the reader into the novel. And while this was a strong reach, the plot suddenly shifts when Ishiguro unfortunately lets go of the pacing he was building so well.

One of the downsides of the novel is that the narration on some parts does not speak for itself and must be constantly aided by explanations. The stilted dialogue adds to the frustration as it can come as off-putting from an avidly innocent character like Klara. Additionally, the book felt like another revamping of one of Ishiguro’s older works like Never Let Me Go, centering the topic around mechanical consciousness.

While the novel leaves the reader to imagine much of the future dystopian world, the story isn’t much “show” but more “tell”.

However, while it does a huge part in breaking the literary doctrine, the author has performed this technique acceptably well, shifting the focus of the reader into exactly what the core of the story is.

Ishiguro has crafted the book in a way that even the most non-human existentialism can bring anyone into a nightmarish train of thought. As Klara’s naivety falters in the real world, loneliness becomes more apparent, and as her expectations for a better Josie die down, she opens her eyes to see how humans deal with forlornness.

With this book exploring the loss of childhood innocence to technological advances, we’re left to think one thing: What does it mean to be human?

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · COLISEUM GROUNDS, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 66 NUMBER 3 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2021

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FILIPINO

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2021 | VOLUME 66 NO. 3

Paiba-ibang Anyo, Natatanging Ningning Ni Zaldy Mar L. Lavada & Jhune N. Tingson Mula pa noong 1952, masigasig na ang Pilipinas sa pagsungkit ng korona sa patimpalak na Miss Universe na siyang higit na nagbibigay ng pagkakakilanlan sa pisikal na kagandahan ng bawat kandidatang kalahok.

Unti-unti ring sinubok ng paligsahan ang kumpiyansa ng mga kababaihan sa pagbabahagi ng kani-kanilang pananaw sa sarili, kapwa, at lipunan.

Gayunpaman, ang naging pamantayan sa pag-abot ng titulo sa mga nagdaang taon ay nakatuon sa itsura at pangangatawan lamang.

Dala na rin sa paghilera sa pandaigdigang pamantayan ng kagandahan, mas naging pabor ang organisasyon, maging ang sambayanan sa mga kababaihang may kanluraning mga katangian—maputi, matangkad, at balingkinitan.

Naging matagumpay man ang layunin nitong makapagbigaykarangalan sa mga kalahok, mas lalong nakakuha ng pansin sa publiko ang kamakailang pagbubukas ng organisasyon sa samu’t saring uri ng kagandahan.

Kagandahang Wala sa Tangkad Kamakailan lang, binago ng Miss Universe Philippines

(MUPh) ang laro sa larangan ng pageantry at binigyan ng mas malaking pagkakataon ang mga kababaihang nais maging instrumento ng pagbabago sa lipunan. Bukas para sa lahat ng mga kababaihang may edad 18 hanggang 28, inalis ng organisasyon ang pamantayang 5’4” na katangkaran sa nasabing pageant. Dahil dito, nagkaroon ng entablado ang mas maraming kababaihan sa pagpapakilala ng kanilang kakayahan, kultura, at adbokasiya.

Isa sa kanila ang 26-taong gulang na content creator na si Ayn Bernos, sa kanyang tangkad na 5’3”. Ibinahagi ni Bernos nang may kagalakan sa kanyang malawak na impluwensya sa midya ang pakikipagsapalaran niya sa patimpalak. Para sa kaniya, isang katuparan sa kaniyang pangarap na maging beauty queen ang kilos na ito ng MUPh. Kagandahang Wala sa Kutis Tila hindi lang ata sa bagong normal nakisabay ang MUPh kundi pati na rin sa pabagobagong pag-unawa ng mundo sa kariktan. Liban sa pagtanggal ng height requirement, tampok rin sa pinakahuling MUPh pageant ang kagandahan ng mga

kababaihang may kayumangging kutis o morena. Ilan na dito sina Kamille Alyssa Quiñola, Noelyn Rose Campos, Cheri Angel Anne Flejoles, Mirjan Hipolito, Maria Corazon Abalos, at Jedidah Hefervez Korinihona.

Kagandahang Nakakapukaw Bilang tema ng MUPh ang “Inspire You”, layon ng organisasyong magdala ang mga kokoronahang kababaihan ng inspirasyon sa mga Pilipino.

Ang inspirasyong ito ay hindi lamang nakatuon sa kung ano ang maaring gawin sa kapwa, kundi pati na rin ang pagkakatawan sa sariling “kakulangan”. Sa paglagay ng mga nakasanayang pamantayan sa nararapat na pangangatawan, ibinilang na kakulangan ang mga magaganda at maayos na katangian. Subalit, hindi ito naging hadlang sa mga kababaihang nais patunayan na ang bawat isa ay may pagkakataong umunlad at makibahagi ng sarili.

Kabuntot ng pag-unlad ng panlipunang gampanin ng mga kababaihang Pilipino ay ang pagsibol ng panibagong yugto ng mga patimpalak sa larangan ng pageantry. Mula sa pagiging simbolo lamang

Iba’t Ibang Gamit ng Tarpo, Iba’t Ibang Galawang Trapo Ni Drexel John N. Amit

Kasabay ng pagdating ng “Ber” months, o mga buwan mula Setyembre patungong Disyembre, ay ang pagusbong ng mga makukulay na mga parol at Christmas lights bilang paghahanda sa darating na pasko. Nakaugalian na ng mga Pilipino na ang taon-taong paghahanda sa pagkabuhay ni Hesu Kristo ay talagang pinagsisikapan at pinaglalaanan ng oras.

Ngunit sa taong 2021, tila hindi lang ata mga dekorasyong pampasko ang maagang nagsipagsulputan.

Ano pa ‘ka mo? Edi ang mga paanunsyo ng mga politikong tatakbo sa darating na pambansang halalan sa 2022!

Mula sa mga advertisement sa telebisyon hanggang sa mga tarpo sa eskinita malapit sa barangay hall ay naglipana na ang mga mukha ng mga politikong ni hindi mo nga mahagilap sa isang normal na araw. Ito ay isa mga galawan ng mga trapo.

Trapo, na isang paglalaro sa salitang “tarpo”, ay ang pinaikling bersyon ng terminolohiyang “tradisyunal na politiko” o iyong mga tumatakbo at naihahalal na pare-pareho lang ang galawan kada eleksyon—uusbong kapag magpapaboto at mawawalang parang bula kapag naisadlak na sa posisyon.

Tulad ng iba’t ibang mga disenyo at layout ng mga tarpo ay mayroon ding sari-saring galawan ang mga trapo. Narito ang ilan sa kanila: Tarpo bilang Palamuti Tulad ng mga tarpo na ginagawang palamuti sa mga

pader ng siyudad, gawain din ng mga trapo na gumawa ng isang personang magpapaganda ng kanilang anyo at magpapabango ng kanilang pangalan. Isa sa mga paborito nilang libangan ay ang paggawa ng mga islogan na kahit wala namang malalim na kahulugan ay mas importanteng nagtutugma ang bawat linya gaya ng “Isa, dalawa, tatlo! Gara Palan, ipasok sa senado!” Liban pa rito, lugod na lugod din silang gumawa ng mga jingle na kahit gaano pa kahindikhindik pakinggan ay nagagawa namang dumikit sa isipan ng mga tao.

Gayundin, talamak na gawain ng mga trapo ang credit-grabbing o ang pagaangkin sa mga proyektong hindi naman nila sinimulan.

Kadalasan ay mayroon silang mahahabang listahan ng mga establisyementong inumpisahan ng administrasyong nauna sa kanila na sadyang natapos lang sa kanilang termino—tila walang kahihiyan sa katawan kung magnakaw ng karangalan.

Tarpo bilang Recyclable na Materyales Gaya ng mga recyclable materials ay paulit-ulit ding ginagamit ng mga trapo ang mga pangakong kanilang ipinaaasa sa mga mamamayan. Ilan sa mga ito ang “Sampung libong ayuda para sa mga magsasaka!” at “Tuluyang pagsugpo sa droga sa loob ng isang taon!” Lingid sa kaalaman ng nakararami ay ni hindi naiintindihan ng mga trapo ang kanilang isinasambit. Kumbaga, wala silang ganap na plano kung

PHOTO COURTESY OF RAPPLER

ng pisikal na kagandahan, ang koronang ninanasa ng mga kandidata at kani-kanilang mga nagkukumpul-kumpol na mga taga-suporta ay isa na ngayong ganap na tanda ng makabagong Filipinang kumakatawan sa inang bayan.

Ang mukhang makakasungkit ng korona ay siyang ring magiging mukha ng

isang kilusang pangkaunlaran; ang mga kamay na humahawak ng setrong puno ng nagniningningang mga hiyas ay siyang magwawagayway ng kulturang Pilipino sa pandaigdigang tanghalan–— hindi, sa pangkalawakang entablado. Ang kagandahan ng isang makabagong Filipina ay bakas mula sa kanyang

mukha’t tindig hanggang puso’t diwa.

Tunay nga, ang pabagobagong anyo’t disenyo ng korona sa taunang Miss Universe Philippines ay simbolo ng progresibong paglawak at panibagong paghubog ng depinisyon ng kagandahan ng isang Filipina—paiba-iba man, ay natatangi pa rin ang ningning.

NAAANTALANG PAG-UNLAD NG PILIPINONG TURISMO

paano susugpuin ang mga problemang panlipunan, tanging naka-eengganyong mga salita lamang ang kanilang puhunan.

Tarpo bilang Pamunas Kung hindi man gumana ang kanilang paglikha ng nakalilinlang na wangis o muling pagbulalas ng mga pangakong wala namang laman, takbuhan ng mga trapo ang mga marurungis na taktika. Isa sa mga ito ang pagbibili ng mga boto sa mga botanteng isang kahig isang tuka. Ngunit hanggang sa mga mahihirap lamang ang kaya nitong abutin.

Kung kaya, upang makuha ang loob ng mga may sinasabi sa lipunan, ugali din nilang magpakalat ng mga maling impormasyon upang masabotahe ang nasa oposisyon. Halimbawa ng mga ito ay pagpapamukhang mangmang ang kalaban at pagpaparatang ng mga walang katuturang haka-haka. Likas sa kanila ang pag-atake sa persona ng kalaban sa halip na magpokus sa kanilang sarili.

Tunay ngang hindi na maiaalis sa politikal na aspeto ng bansa ang mga tradisyunal na politiko. Hindi naman maisisisi sa mamamayan kung madali silang malinlang sa halimuyak ng mabangong pangalan o sa kinang ng gintong suhol. Ngunit, bilang bumubuo sa isang bansang demokratiko, dapat na pagisipang mabuti kung sino ang iboboto. Sa darating na halalan, dapat maging mapanuri at iwasan ang mga trapo!

Turismo sa Isang Paraiso Bughaw at pabagsakng Kagawaran ng bagsak na alon.

Turismo na may M a p i p i n o n g mahigit 12,000 buhangin. Malawak na mga katugon, na kakahuyang 77 porsyento ng niyog. Iilan lamang populasyon ang ang mga ito sa mga nagpahayag ng iniingatang hiyas ng kanilang pagsangIsla ng Siargao, ang ayon sa paglalakbay surfing capital ng sa mga lokal na Pilipinas. Kilala sa panturismong lugar kanyang acid-green kapag inangat na ang na mga bakawan at paghihigpit dulot ng k a h a n g a-h a n g a n g pandemya. Tatlo sa baybayin at surf spots, mga pangunahing Anastaisa tiyak na dinaragsa ng mga pasya ay: (1) ang mga turistang mula sa domestic leisure travel Immalie Rose E. Cafifge loob at labas ng bansa ang mangunguna sa cafifgeimmalie23@gmail.com ang nasabing isla. pagbawi ng turismo Cottage parties, islandsa bansa, (2) karamihan sa imprastraktura, at magastos hopping, beach clean-ups, at manlalakbay ang umaasam na paglilibot sa bansa. Kung tampok na mga hotels at na bawasan ang kanilang kita hindi maaagapan ang mga negosyo—bagama’t simple at badyet sa paglalakbay, at (3) kasalatang ito, maaaring hindi lang ang pamumuhay sa ang kalusugan at kaligtasan na gugustuhin pang bumisita Siargao, tanyag ang islang ang nananatiling pangunahing ng mga banyaga sa ating ito bilang isa sa mga tourist alalahin ng mga manlalakbay. itinatagong mga paraiso. attractions sa Pilipinas. Sa Kung tutuusin, muling Patunay lamang ito katunayan, noong Oktubre binuksan ang Siargao sa na kahit gaano kalaki ang 2018, nakatanggap ang Siargao publiko noong Setyembre potensyal o kagandahan ng ng Asia Category Ranking na pagkatapos ng mga pagsisikap mga panturismong lugar sa 97.77 at tinaguriang “Best Island sa pagpapabuti at paghahanda ating bansa, kailangan pa in Asia” ng Conde Nast Traveler ng mga imprastraktura at rin nating paunlarin ang kasabay ang karagdagang pasilidad upang umangkop komentong isang sa bagong normal katambal magandang halimbawa ito ”…magpapatuloy ang ng mahihigpit na mga ng napapanatiling turismo protokol sa pangangalaga pagbabakasyon sa o sustainable tourism. Dagdag gitna ng pandemya at ng kalusugan.

Bukod pa rito, napabilang din ang dito, magpapatuloy ang unti-unting babangon Siargao sa “World’s Greatest pagbabakasyon sa gitna ng ang lokal na turismo pandemya at unti-unting Places” ng Time Magazine ng bansa sa takdang babangon ang lokal na nitong 2021.

Gayunpaman, sa gitna turismo ng bansa sa takdang panahon.” ng kasikatan ng isla ng panahon.

Siargao, hindi maikakailang Kaakibat nito ang aspeto ng pandaigdigang lubos na naapektuhan walang-pahingang mga pamumuhunan sa ang katutubong turismo boluntaryo katulad ng Siargao imprastraktura at mga o domestic tourism hindi Environmental Awareness pasilidad upang tugunan ang lamang ng isla kundi ng Movement na patuloy na pamantayang hinahanapbuong Pilipinas mula noong nakikipagtulungan sa lokal hanap ng mga turista sa isang nagsimula ang pandemya. na pamahalaan upang pook-pasyalan.

Dahil dito, nahuhuli tayo sa mapaglaanan ng wastong Ayon sa paliwanag ng usaping turismo mula sa lupon pasilidad sa pamamahala at Oxford Business Group, patuloy ng mga bansang matatagpuan pangongolekta ng basura sa ang pagbibigay ng prayoridad sa Asya tulad ng Thailand na mga barangay. ng stakeholders at tagagawa ng halos umabot sa 25 milyong Kung ang kalidad ng isang patakaran tungo sa katutubong turista at Singapore na umabot pook-pasyalang dinadayo turismo upang makabawi ang ng 15 milyong turista. Sa ng mga dayuhan ay malagay apektadong ekonomiya na dulot kabilang banda, ang Pilipinas sa kompromiso, anong ng COVID-19 at mas lalong ay umabot lamang ng limang dismaya ito sa mga banyagang pinahuhusay ang pagpapatupad milyong turista noong mga nagnanais matamasa ang ng mga hakbang sa kalusugan nakaraang taon. ganda ng ating bansa. Tulad at kaligtasan upang matugunan Ayon sa Inquirer, hindi lamang ng daan-daan pang ang mga pangangailangan sa makasabay ang turismong mga isla sa bansa, ang Siargao new normal habang tinatamasa Pilipino sa industriyang ay animoý paraiso; nararapat ang pagbabakasyon sa gitna ng kinasasadlakan nito dahil lamang na resolbahin ang pandemya. sa maraming kakulangan. mga kakulangang hinaharap Sa kabilang dako, batay Kabilang na dito ang nito upang pagtibayin ang sa isinagawang sarbey na pahirapang paglalakbay ng turismong karadapat-dapat “Philippine Travel Survey: mga turista marating lamang na pakaingatan ng mga Insights on Filipino Travel ang bansa, kakulangan sa Pilipino.

Behavior Post-COVID 19”

ART BY PERLYN JOY L. SUGANOB

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · COLISEUM GROUNDS, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 66 NUMBER 3 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2021

DAKBANWA

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2021 | VOLUME 66 NO. 3

19

KASABLAGAN SA PAGTAPNA SANG PANDEMYA

5 ospital, temporaryo nga nag-untat baton pasyente Ni Kynah Rhea B. Fuentes Bangud sa kakulangan sang pasilidad, kagamitan, kag medical personnel, lima ka ospital sa siyudad sang Bacolod ang nag-untat pangbaton sang mga pasyente nga may masakit bangud sa COVID-19 humalin pa sang Setyembre 14.

Lakip sa mga temporaryo nga nagsara amo ang Riverside Medical Center, Adventist Medical Center - Bacolod, South Bacolod General Hospital, Metro Bacolod Hospital and Medical Center, kag Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital (CLMMRH) nga isa sa mga pinakadako nga pasilidad sa siyudad.

“For the first time in the past 18 months of addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospital is highly challenged with the current surge of cases,” suno

pa sa ginpagwa nga advisory sang CLMMRH. (“Sa pinakauna nga tion sa sulod sang 18 ka bulan nga pagtapna sa pandemya, naga-atubang sang dako nga kasablagan ang ospital tungod sa pagsaka sang mga kaso sang COVID.”) Samtang gin-munu sa advisory nga naglab-ot na sa maximum capacity ang mga allocated beds, suno mismo kay CLMMRH chief Dr. Julius Drilon, ginakulang man ang trabahador sang ospital tungod iban nagpositibo na sa COVID. Sa public advisory naman sang Riverside Medical Center, ila gin-endorso ang ila “COVID home care services” para sa mga may asymptomatic kag mild cases, matapos ipahibalo nga untatun nila ang pag-admit sang mga COVID patients kag may mga COVID-like symptoms

tungod ginakulang sila sa medical personnel bisan hustu pa ang ila pasilidad kag mga kagamitan.

Ginrekomendar naman sang Bacolod Adventist Medical Center nga mag-una palapit ang mga residente sa One Command Hospital Center sang siyudad antes magadulong sa mga ospital para mahaganhagan ang mga reserba nga pasyente sa ila waiting list, kag tungod puno na ang ila COVID ward, holding room, kag mga isolation emergency room.

Sa bahin sang South Bacolod General Hospital, ila man ginpa-untat ang pagbaton sang mga pasyente tungod puno naman ang ila hospital beds, limitado na ang mga health workers, kag gakawad-an naman sila sang suplay sang ila ventilator kag medical oxygen.

Agud amat-amat nga matugpo ang ini nga mga

- RODNEY A. JARDER

isyu, nagpatawag sa gilayon sang emergency meeting si City Mayor Evelio Leonardia kaupod ang iban nga mga tiglawas sang Department of Health - Western Visayas (DOHWV) para masolusyonan ang

AMPIN SA TION SANG COVID

P800K ayuda ginpanagtag sa mga Bacolodnon Ni Krizzia Ricci T. Nepomuceno

Naglab-ot sa P843,000 nga “subsidy” ukon ayuda ang ginpanagtag sang Bacolod City Mayor’s Office (CMO) sa 143 ka mga nanari-sari nga benepisyaryo sang Sept. 29 kag 30.

Sa kasiboan, nakahatag ang pamunuan sang siyudad sang P688,000 nga bulig-medikal sa 127 nga bumalaton, P140,000 nga bulig-lubong para sa 14 ka mga biktima sang COVID-19, kag ampayo nga P15,000 sa duwa ka biktima sang sunog.

Sa pagpanguna ni Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia, nakabaton sang ayuda sa ikauna nga adlaw sang programa ang 93 nga benepisyaryo halin sa batches 1 kag 2, samtang 50 ka taho naman sa batch 3 ang nakabaton sa ikaduwa nga adlaw.

“Ginpanghatag ang mga ayuda sa tatlo ka punsok para masiguro nga ginasunod sa gihapon ang physical distancing kag ang iban pa nga mga health protocols,” ambit ni CMO consultant Marlon Solidum, pangolo sang proyekto nga “BING” ukon “Bulig Ini Nga Gugma.”

Isa sa mga sanglit sang programa nga BING ang ini nga pagpanagtag para sa mga nagakinahanglan sa siyudad, kung sa diin nakahatag na ang gobyerno sang halos P2.9-M

nagalala nga sitwasyon dala sang pagsaka sang mga kaso kag pagtuhaw sang Delta variant.

Sang nagligad nga Oktubre 7, napadal-an na sang 20 ka nurses kag 20 man

ka vaccinators ang siyudad halin sa DOH-WV, matapos maghangyo si Emergency Operations Center Deputy for Medical Data and Analysis Dr. Chris Sorongon sang bulig halin sa ila.

Allowance para sa BHWs, ginpasaka DUGANG NGA ALLOWANCE, APRUBADO

Ni Ma. Kristine Joy R. Bayadog

PHOTO COURTESY OF BACOLOD CITY PIO

nga bulig-medikal kag lubong sa 333 nga mga bumalaton sang Sept. 17, samtang may ginapa-abot naman nga 360 nga mga benepisyaryo sa bulan sang Oktubre.

Apang nagtugon si Solidum sa mga benepisyaryo nga sa insakto dapat gamiton ang kwarta kag indi sa mga panahor.

Nakaupod man sa hatagay sang ayuda kanday Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran,

Councilor Israel Salanga, kag Councilor Bartolome Orola Sr. nga nagbilin man mga pahanumdom sa mga bumalaton.

“Ang mga kamatayon bangud sa COVID, indi lang mga numero kundi mga tawo. Wala nakapabakuna ang halos tanan nga malala nga kaso sa mga ospital, amo na gina-usub ko kamo nga magpabakuna,“ tunda ni Leonardia.

Ginhangyo pa ni Leonardia nga ang Septiyembre ang pinakalala nga bulan para sa siyudad sa paghagan sa mga kamatayon bangud sa COVID-19 nga ginasundan man sang pahanumdom ni Salanga nga indi paglahug-lahugon ang masakit.

“Makalalaton ang COVID. Magpalaumod kita sang aton nga paggwa [samtang] gina ubra sang aton nga mga opisyales ang ila makaya para makaginhawa kita,” hambal ni Orola.

Agud mahatagan sang dugang nga bayad pinansyal ang mga medical frontliner, gin-aprubahan sang Sangguniang Panlungsod sang banwa sang Bacolod ang pagbag-o sang Section 1 sang Bacolod City Ordinance No. 913, Series of 2019 sa ikatlo kag ulihi sini nga pagbasa sang ika8 sang Setyembre.

Ini amo ang nagaligwat sa Section 4 sang City Ordinance No. 623, Series of 2012 nga nagahayag sang pagpataas ka allowance sang Barangay Healthcare Workers (BHWs) halin sa P4,500 tubtob sa P5,500 kada bulan.

Base naman kay Councilor Cindy Rojas, manugdumala sang City Council Committee on Health and Sanitation kag awtor sang mismo nga ordinansa, ang mga BHW amo ang nagahatag sang serbisyo, indi lamang sa kabilugan nga siyudad kundi pati na sa tagsa ka mga barangay amo nga bagay lamang sila nga buligan paagi sa ini nga ordinansa.

Ang pagdugang sang

allowance sa mga BHW amo ang resulta sang indi bastante nga sweldo para sa ila adlaw-adlaw nga panginanglanon kabaylo sang mga risgo kag responsibilidad nga ila ginaatubang sa ila mga ulubrahan.

Base sa estadistika, masobra 300 na ka mga medical workers ang naghinalin sa ila mga ubra sugod sang naglapnag ang COVID-19 sang Marso tuig 2020.

Sa isa ka separado nga balita, nagadagta man nga mag-resayn ang mga nagaserbisyo medikal bangud sa mahinay nga pagbaton sang ila nga risk pay.

Suno kay Noli Rosales, miyembro sang Medical Front Liners Alliance of Negros, mahimo nga madamo pa nga mga frontliner ang magadaho sang ila resignations bilang pagprotesta sa indi makatarungan nga special risk allowance.

Ang alyansa amo ang nag-organisar sang isa ka press briefing agud ipaabot sa lokal nga gobyerno ang kabudlayan sang mga healthcare worker.

Bacolod Floating Restaurant: Ang palaabuton nga pasyalan sa siyudad Ni Ferry Lyra B. Fronda

Tupad sang nagakumpol nga kanipaan kag ang suba nga puy-anan sang mga nagkalain-lain nga kasapatan, magatindog ang panibag-o nga tourist attraction sa siyudad—ang floating restaurant sa Brgy. Sum-ag nga magalayag samtang nagahandog sang nagkalainlain nga pagkaon.

Kaangay sa Loboc River sa Bohol, magalunsad ang lokal nga pamunuan sang Bacolod sang floating restaurant. Ang masagana nga riverbanks sang Brgy. Sum-ag ang magapasan sini padulong sa Brgy.

Cabug kag Punta Taytay, kag pagapamahalaan sang mga opisyal sang Brgy. Sum-ag. Sa subong, gina-plastar na para sa konstruksyon ang mga estasyon nga padulugan sang floating resto.

Samtang nagahulat diri ang aktibo nga turismo kag mga oportunidad sa mga luyag mamuhunan, tuyo man

sang siyudad nga hasaon ang mga fisherfolk para sa mga proyekto nga maga-bukas trabaho, pangabuhian, kag negosyo sa barangay kag sa palibot.

“Sa ulihi, magatuhaw man ang mga business establishments kag mga bistro para makanegosyo man ang pumuluyo kag mangin lalagawan,” eksplikar ni Rodney Carmona, barangay kapitan sang Sum-ag. Suno pa sa iya, makadugang ini sa income sang barangay kag makabulig sa mga purok nga yara sa higad sang suba.

“May pila di ka suba sa Bacolod pero patay na. Sa diri ya may mga isda pa nga buhi, may mga talaba nga gatubo, kag may mga sari-sari pa nga isda [nga] nagakabuhi,” hambal ni Carmona.

Sa bilog nga siyudad, ang Sum-ag River ang nahamutan nga patindugan sang pinasahi nga atraksyon

tungod sang may potensyal ini nga mapatahom kag matukuran sang buhi nga turismo.

Nagasalubong pakadto diri ang natukod nga esplanade nga nagasilbi bilang lalantawan sa ruta sang floating restaurant. Sa subong, 500 ka metro pa lamang ang natapos kag sa bulig ni Cong. Gasataya, ginatan-aw sang barangay nga dugangan ang kalayuon sang esplanade pakadto 33 ka kilometro agud mausar sang mga pumuluyo nga luyag mag boating, jogging, biking, ukon magpanglakaton lang.

Nagapaabot na lamang sa karon ang barangay nga ma-turn over sang siyudad ang proyekto agud makaimplementar sila sang mga polisiya nga makabulig sa himpit nga operasyon sang floating restaurant kag sa gilayon mapadamo ang turista diri.

Ginahanda kag ginakumpleto na sa Maritime

Industry Authority (MARINA) sa Manila ang requirements kasubong ang Certificate of Ownership and Certificate of Philippine Registry kag ang bay and river clearance para masigurado nga ang floating restaurant kaangay ipatindog sa nasambit nga suba.

“Kung matagaan na sang MARINA, i-turn over na dayon sang contractor, nga amo ang Stoneworks Specialist International Corp. sa City Engineer’s Office, kag magaoperate na dayon sa barangay,” siling ni Kapitan Carmona.

Suno man sa iya, malawig na ini nga plano sang siyudad halin pa sa termino ni Mayor Luzviminda Valdez sang 2004. Apang, sa ulihi na lamang naka-partinisir ang Department of Tourism sang budget para diri.

Madako ang paglaum sang mga pumuluyo sang barangay nga indi na tani matapusan sang tuig ang pagsugod sang

PAABOT NA. Isa sa mga bago nga negosyo ang ginatapos nga floating restaurant nga naga-hulat sa tupad suba sang Brgy. Sum-ag.

—PHOEBE DAIDOJI Q. JABONETE

operasyon. Kung matukod na ini nga tourist attraction, ginapaabot sang mga pumuluyo nga mangin aktibo ang barangay kag siyudad sa pagpadayon kag pagsuporta sa sini nga programa.

Ang ini nga panibag-o

nga tourist attraction nga pwede nga makapa-uswag sa turismo ka Bacolod kaangay bantayan sang mga pumuluyo bangud indi lamang ini magahatag pangabuhian kag lalagawan kundi magahatag man bugal sa mga Bacoleño.

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · COLISEUM GROUNDS, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 66 NUMBER 3 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2021

20

HEALTH & LIFESTYLE HIDING HEALTH STATUS

Sunk-Cost-Benefit Analysis 10 percent when comparing data from July 2019 and July 2020. Currently, the National Economic and Development Authority estimates this percentage to be around 8.7 percent by 2022.

People fear losing their jobs due to getting infected, and the thought of being a liability to one’s family attacks mental health as well. Additionally, low Prima Lonzogna income families suffer the lack of information due to Lance Christian M. Juarez inaccess to other sources lancejuarez44@gmail.com outside of social media.

The desperation of finding After around 21 months of a “cure” online could lead this worldwide fiasco, the to more health risks and what ifs remain lingering at misinformation. the back of our minds: What After much if I test positive? consideration and weighing Infection is indifferent to the cost of telling the truth, how well-informed anyone those infected decide that is. Even the most cautious it simply is not worth it for can get infected despite them. But the fact still stands staying at home and the that this does most reckless not solve the can get away of with partying “The fact still problem illness in the without a mask, face stands that this first place.

Ultimately, shield, or does not solve dignity. the problem of tu n hr e peo rst e de People, h o w e v e r , the illness in the c a s e s highlight the are not so first place.” need for better i nd i f fe r e nt . healthcare After being so provisions for both patients familiar with the symptoms, and frontliners, more dangers, and precautionary transparent resource and measures, being identified budget management from as a positive case carries a appropriate organizations, heavy stigma along with it. It and access to reliable is almost as if being infected COVID-19 information. means having committed These can be done by a sin even if you have done revitalizing the strictness nothing wrong and followed of COVID mandates and sanitary measures word for reinforcing the tried and word. tested health protocols.

Keeping one’s health Is it still wrong? Of status from people to avoid course. With the economy consequences is not a new hit and financial stability concept. For instance, a crumbling, people would study on PubMed reported rather avoid spending that 40 percent of gay men more on hospital bills to in the United Kingdom survive. However, this is kept their HIV a secret to a temporary solution to a loved ones. Additionally, persisting problem. Just data from PhilHealth because an infection is kept reveals that the percentage secret does not mean it is no of post-pandemic disease longer a risk to loved ones. claims for illnesses like Eventually, your physical tuberculosis, pneumonia, health will worsen, affecting and hypertension have other parts of livelihood, drastically declined. All and the truth will come out were due to varied reasons: one way or another. social stigma, risk towards Lying about one’s livelihood, and fear of infection for whatever judgement. These easily reason poses oneself to apply when people keep be a risk to everyone else. their COVID infection a However, this is not a secret. justification to villainize Likewise, perspectives a person. It is always a widen when we consider matter of circumstance, the lower-income portion of and as citizens, we have a the population. According responsibility to understand to the Philippine Statistics the underlying problems Authority, the country’s that materialized this issue unemployment rate almost in the first place. doubled from 5.6 percent to

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2021 | VOLUME 66 NO. 3

Add to Cart, Subtract to Savings

By Alan S. Villanueva Jr.

The global health crisis reinforces the reality that we now live in an era where everything can be done online—chit-chatting with friends, attending classes, and entertaining ourselves.

However, with constant virtual exposure, it’s intoxicating to lose ourselves through clicking every button we see. It’s even worse if money is involved, and that’s certainly the case with online shopping. We just can’t seem to help but add everything we adore to our carts without minding our wallets’ weight loss.

Entrepreneurs have certainly maximized the use of online platforms to sustain their operations and boost their marketing strategy in this time when people are basically stuck in their homes. So, to utilize their dormant ideas, online shops emerged with food, beverages, and clothing for sale. Well, we can’t blame them for doing so since the economy plummeted, but on the contrary, consumers are now troubled by the countless irresistible shopping choices surrounding them.

If you think this addiction is trivial, then let the truth slap you in the face because it is anything but that. This excessive love for shopping is medically known as oniomania, a behavioral addiction involving compulsive buying as a means

Delivery parcels stacking as the man keeps scrolling for new items to splurge - KEILAH N. BALDOMAR

to induce a positive mood and escape negative feelings.

However, it can become an obsession disrupting other aspects of life.

As someone in the same predicament, fourth year Business Administration student Rene* expressed: “It was a good way to pass the time and get over the tiring school work that we have been racking our brains and forcing our bodies to do [...] until it depleted all of my weekly allowance.”

For him, who only got a touchscreen phone in college and used the internet for academics and entertainment, e-commerce was so new and

exciting that it wasn’t long until he got hooked. It got to the point where regardless of the time and place, whenever he had internet access, he was contemplating which to check out from the hundreds of items in his cart.

With this newfound enjoyment, he forgot his concerns until his scrawny wallet couldn’t bear his massively jam-packed virtual cart anymore. Barely resting from spending gave him a headache thinking about how he could pay his incoming orders and still have enough daily expenses.

But, it was a hard-learned lesson for Rene since that

led him to forcibly tighten his belt and try hobbies like reading and meditating to break free from overshopping.

“Honestly, it’s still tempting to stay on shopping apps but I’m reminding myself that it can wait,” Rene said.

Life may feel like a chore sometimes; so much so that we drown ourselves in every bit of comfort, but drowning isn’t that comfortable either. Although spoiling ourselves with our hard-earned money isn’t something we should be guilty of, it’s important to see that we’re living for tomorrow too. *The names have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals involved.

Internet Hacks to Help with Online Classes

BY JAZIEL ANN V. SEBALLOS

By Phoebe Daidoji Q. Jabonete

The truth is, online classes are demanding for both teachers and students, and we all need to cope somehow. Fortunately, the internet is there to provide us with some educational and entertaining assistance for our dreary online lives, and with this option, we can have access to many websites that are beneficial to our academic endeavors.

If you’re using Google Chrome as your default web browser, then you’ll be delighted to hear that they offer free

extensions to customize your browser functionality for a more convenient and productive experience. However, there is a myriad of tools to discover and test out in utilizing these free extensions and websites to boost your virtual learning experience. Let me give you a hand there!

Grammarly for Chrome A tad bit hesitant about your essay? No worries, because Grammarly will make sure you feel confident about it in no time! Grammarly is a writing

assistant that you can use to proofread and edit your texts.

Not only does it correct your spelling mistakes, but it also analyzes grammatical faults to support clear and effective communication.

Signing up is free! But, you can also subscribe to Grammarly’s premium options for a more thorough review. In particular, the premium package includes additional advanced corrections such as plagiarism detection, fluency, and word choice. Ultimately, this extension continuously checks for any spelling or grammar errors in anything you type in Chrome.

Academia Looking for a reliable source to cite in your research paper? Look no further because Academia has got you covered! Academia’s database provides a wide array of relevant studies you can download in PDF form for free.

Academia is simply a life-saver when it comes to gathering related studies

for your projects and research works. For instance, its userfriendly interface shows the previous works you viewed and recommends related studies and authors to narrow down your search. Gone are the stressful days of figuring out what to put in your Review of Related Literature.

Reminders If you’re a working student or an active member of a school organization, then you might find it difficult to keep track of your assignments and projects, especially when you’re bombarded by them. Luckily, Reminders is here to help you remember your dwellings for the day or even for the rest of the week. This extension features a unique notification option which automatically opens any online project you’re working on. Simply add the link that you want to be reminded of, set the date and time, and off you go!

So, what do you think? Now, you have what it takes to extend yourself some time with these extensions. Although the internet might be the one that saves the day, your own conviction matters in getting through this online setup.

ECOBOX

Oh look, it’s the consequence of our actions

By Hana Patricia Raj E. Hautea

ART BY GERICO T. GUANCO

Truly, homo sapiens are the most talented species of all— at killing other species.

As humans, we tend to screw a lot of things up, but it’s amazing how far

our ignorance can actually go. Don’t get me wrong, technological advancement is cool and stuff, but is it really worth destroying our oceans in the process? Mother Earth

is suffering, and the damage has long since become irreversible.

This is evident in the disappearance of one aquatic species after another.

Supporting proof of this can be found in a recent proposal published by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service, wherein 23 various species were recommended to be removed from the “endangered and threatened species” list.

Unfortunately, not because of any good reasons—they are to be moved to the “extinct” list.

Among them, a species of small catfish called Scioto madtom, a freshwater fish dubbed San Marcos Gambusia, and a good number of freshwater mussels have faced their untimely ends. These unfortunate occurrences

have been attributed to many factors including habitat destruction, pollution, and increased drought. Behind the scenes, however, there seems to be a distinct political reason as to why our marine wildlife has been left to fend for itself.

“We’re at risk of losing hundreds more species because of a lack of urgency,” Tierra Curry lamented, a senior scientist at the Center for Biological Diversity. The organization published an article when the aforementioned proposal was released, and they highlighted the importance of clear-cut, sustainable laws as soon as possible, since that could very well spell the difference between life and death for these poor endangered species.

Here in the Philippines,

issues like these aren’t given as much thought by locals.

Who cares about the turtles when you’re struggling to feed your family everyday?

Environmental issues are not at the forefront of our concerns when poverty is the more dangerous killer.

This places the pressure on those in power.

Our country is one thriving in its natural landscape, unashamed of its dense forests and rich biodiversity. Yet it is still a nation populated by the greediest species of them all, and it has its fair share of marine mammals that are teetering the brink of extinction, like the infamous Irrawaddy dolphins, our favorite tawilis or Bombon Sardine, and hawksbill sea

turtles, among many, many others. #SavetheTurtles hits differently when it’s your country killing off the turtles.

There is nothing we can do about humanity’s steady evolution forward, but we’ve become so absorbed in our advancement that we don’t realize the consequences of our progress. It is our oceans suffering, our aquatic life dying, our future compromised. There is only so much the public can do to demand attention to these matters, but ultimately, it falls on the shoulders of politicians and lawmakers to take the first step and ensure the future of our wildlife.

If nothing happens, then well, let it be known that we tried.

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · COLISEUM GROUNDS, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 66 NUMBER 3 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2021

SLANT

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2021 | VOLUME 66 NO. 3

ART BY JAZIEL ANN SEBALLOS

a warped glass

quandary

Maluoy Kita sa Bulag Ni Ferry Lyra B. Fronda

By Immalie Rose E. Cafifge

Raindrops pitter-patter above sky glass.

Plip. Plop. Plip. Plop.

Shrubs croak and pots devour moss desserts beneath crystal ground.

Fowl friends’ guano paint stars above your head— frolicking as flicking finger stains from featherlike fffwhatever.

Where are you?

Silly vans roar prudence along mumbled strings of GasIdfBghBhjEklR.

shallow In the of Andromeda lobes, minute burger breaths never depths dissipate. They are mute for ELEPHANTS’ ears while a frog’s lullaby pulls your sand|body|wich D O W N the pothole. Where are you?

Jammed wordwordwordword-filled paperbacks suffice absent pu zle piec s in empty skulls.

YOU DANCE ON dwarfs and deluSIoNS where loopholes are failed escapes on a loop of pretentious claustrophobic schmucks skcumhcs cibohportsualc suoitneterp ?uoy era erehW A false epiphany where jagged soil is a million miles apart from utopia clouds.

Above a w r P d glass quandary, A E lie cold sunnyside-ups and a glass of milk that crave for oral worship.

Among these scrimmages of bone-deep anomalies: Where are you?

21

“Maluoy ka sa bulag.”

Pagwa na ko tani sa simbahan sang napyaran ko nga nakapuwesto sa likod sang puertahan ang bulag nga tigulang.

Halos kada Domingo nagahumlad siya karton sang tetra pack juice samtang nakahapnig diri ang iya Nature’s Spring nga alkansiya.

“Nay, ari singkwenta. Ibutang sa imo bulsa, basi mapalid,” nagangirit nga siling sang lamharon nga lalaki, sabay pa-idlak sang iya braces. “Salamat toto,” sabat sang tigulang.

Madamo pa ang nagduhol—kalabanan mga bata nga ginsugo sang ginikanan.

Ginhatag ko man sa iya ang lima ko ka piso halin kay Mama.

Nagpanilag ko anay sa iya mga mata nga nagakipot sa wala,

apang sa too nagaputi na.

Kakusog na sang huyop sang hangin.

Ang tarpolin ni Mayor gakapalid upod sa mga plastic sa dalan.

Kolehiyo na ako pero kakululbaan gihapon magtabok, kadasig abi sang mga salakyan diri sa Bacolod. Panas ang pedestrian lane kag berde lang naga-andar sa traffic light.

“Beep Beep!”

Tunog pa ang busina sang jeep kaysa sa manug-abot nga ambulansya. Natingala ko kay wala senyas kung diin iya padulungan. Ang mga taho nagaduroy lang lakat; nagaharurot ang mga jeep, naga-agaway tawag pasahero ang mga barker, manami ang kaon sang customers ka McDo, nagasige selpon ang mga pamatan-on. Mga yagit lang ang nagdinalagan sa huni sang wang-wang.

Sa tunga sang daginit nga adlaw sa 17th street, nakabungad ang lalaki nga ginpaslang sa kilid sang Grace Pharmacy.

PALAPAG

ART BY JAZIEL ANN SEBALLOS

May buho sa iya ulo kag nagatalibiris ang dugo palibot sa iya ginhimlayan, kung sa diin nakakabad ang basyo sang bala.

Muklat pa ang iya mga mata, apang manug-patay na ang espirito.

Ginahunahuna ko kung ano ayhan ang iya sala.

Nagpahigad lang

ang mga taho kag ginpasulabi ila ubra.

Ah, basi parte ini ka programa.

“Maluoy ka sa bulag.”

Nagapanaghoy ang bulag sa tupad ko.

Wala ini nakahangop sang mga gakalatabo sa iya palibot. Akon nlng siya ginhatagan pulo.

Ni Zaldy Mar L. Lavada Jr.

Mula sa ikatlong palapag, buong taon ka niyang tinitingala— hawak-hawak ang ginintuang setro, suot ang isa sa labindalawa mong korona.

Nakikita mo ba siya?

Hanggang sa mata mo na lang ba siya makikilala?

Ika’y nagpadali sa ihip ng hangin— unti-unti kang bumaba.

Hinubad mo ang iyong pagkamaharlika.

Nakabukas ang puso, nakapikit ang mga mata.

Sa ikalawang palapag, hikaw mo na lang ang nakasisilaw— walang kumikislap, walang naninilaw.

Ang mga koridor, pasikip nang pasikip Iyong balintataw, paliit nang paliit Pero sa barandilya, ika’y nakakapit Sa pinaroroonan, ika’y palapit na nang palapit.

Hakbang pakanan, hakbang pakaliwa, paurong na pagsulong, paakyat na pababa.

Ika’y nagpaanod sa mga yapak;

sinulid sa saranggola ng tadhana.

Sa dulo ng mala-talong hagdanan, natanaw mo ang iyong mga duguang paa; Pagka’t ang mga nailuha mo mula sa ginintuang durungawan,

ay naging salaming sinlaki ng isang lawa.

Sa wakas, nakilala mo rin siya.

At sa lahat ng pagkakataon, ikaw pala ang nakatingala.

The Visitor

By EJ Nell Voen A. Florendo

His presence—like turning a light switch on and off; quick to appear and to vanish.

Sometimes, it’s a slow entry, as if a creeping swell of air. There are never taps nor creaks, but somehow, he sneaks into my place without fail.

“It’s been long since

your last visit,” I started.

The hair behind my neck stood, but I didn’t shift to meet the familiar aura. Instead, I dumped my old band photos into a box.

“I don’t visit unless I’m at the right place and the right time.”

When he doesn’t give me a clear answer, a tinge of dislike envelops my being. Yet undeniably,

he provides the truth in moments I least expect. He’s grown on me, despite the crooked rumors people whir about him.

“How is this,” I returned, hoisting another box, “the right time?”

“Because you’re alone,” Silence answered, gone the moment my phone rang.

BY PERLYN JOY L. SUGANOB

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · COLISEUM GROUNDS, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 66 NUMBER 3 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2021

22

LEISURE MADLIBS

A Mother’s Struggle

By Christian Dominic L. Ledesma

MadLibs is a game where you must fill in the blanks with words that fit the condition without looking at the story.

After filling out the blanks, read the story and insert the words on their respective numbers.

Feel free to directly write your answers on the paper! _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________ _________

- Date - Noun (Time e.g. seconds) - Adjective - Noun (Person e.g. chef) - Verb (Past Tense) - Adjective - Verb (Past Tense) - Adjective - Noun (Person e.g. chef) - Adjective - Verb (Present Tense) - Noun - Verb (Present Tense) - Adjective - Adjective - Adjective - Verb (Present Tense)

Today is (1) . A few (2) after it all started.

Mary was moved to a (3) room, where the (4) watched her belly swell.

The skin bulged as the thing within (5) , faint (6) noises muffled by flesh.

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2021 | VOLUME 66 NO. 3

Biology 101: Dissecting the Online Trolls

By Patrick N. Billojan

Poppy, Branch, Biggie, Creek, DJ Suki, Cooper, and Guy Diamond are just a few of the amusingly compelling characters from one of DreamWorks’ most iconic films: Trolls. These tiny creatures seem to be in a constant state of joy—singing, dancing, and hugging all day. The trolls discussed in this article, on the other hand, are the polar opposite.

1. The #MagkanoBayadSayo troll These trolls live just to question your worth as a person. Everytime you converse with them about politicians, one way or another, they would slip in “Magkano ba binabayad sa’yo?” It’s as if everything you do is being paid for, when in fact, the question applies to them more.

2. The faceless one Afraid to be known, they hide behind an empty profile and are purely focused on offense as they bash and score as if there’s no tomorrow. These creatures are usually seen spamming the comment section of political posts with statements they think are hurtful but are just weirdly cringeworthy.

3. The Wordsmith If there was an award for the “Most Prepared Troll”, the Wordsmiths would own this prestigious title. Gifted with the power of writing, they churn out the scripts that the rest use. From factless and inaccurate information down to blatant attacks, the wordsmiths have it in the bag. Wielding the power of the pen and paper, these trolls work as the brain of the (otherwise brainless) troop.

4. The authentic troll Fearless, daring, and bold. Geared with their very own persona, these trolls go on the battlefield exposing their real names and faces. They are tanky and beefy enough to sustain the assaults of the opposition and are unafraid to go head-to-head in a verbal battle.

ART BY JAZIEL ANN V. SEBALLOS

Living in the 21st century, humans have harnessed the ability to transform into one or possibly two of the aforementioned creatures. Being stuck in quarantine has led some people to be so aggressive and pugnacious; however, humans are far more intelligent than this.

Instead of plaguing other people’s feeds with negativity, why not channel that energy into something more productive, like the trolls in the movie? One can only imagine what the trolls could do for our country’s future if their movements were for the betterment of the Philippines.

COMIX “Tiktokerist”

-Angela A. Coronel

“There, there,” Mary would say, her eyes (7) , her skin (8) and stretched tight over her skull. “All in God’s time, little one. All in God’s time.”

One day, the (9) arrived with breakfast to find Mary (10) and (11) , her heart failing. Even as the monitor flatlined, the (12) inside her (13) , something (14) and (15) pressing against her flesh.

Unsure of what to do, they left her there.

“The Line”

“Chat 4 Help”

-Christian Dominic L. Ledesma

-Perlyn Joy L. Suganob

Now, from the rotting, (16) remains of Mary, they can hear scratching and a constant (17) .

Whatever Mary was carrying, it has decided that it’s finally time.

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · COLISEUM GROUNDS, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 66 NUMBER 3 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2021

SPORTS

SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2021 | VOLUME 66 NO. 3

23

A Historic Olympic Record for the Nation

By Hana Patricia Raj E. Hautea

The Philippines is an underdog no longer.

This rang true in the 2021 Summer Olympics when various Filipino athletes knocked their competition out of the park and garnered the country a grand haul comprising a bronze, two

silvers, and the longawaited first gold medal in the games’ 97-year history.

Held in Tokyo, Japan from July 23 to Aug. 8, these knockout results completely subverted peoples’ expectations and typical gender norms. But

before that, a quick recap on the country’s stellar performance: Hidilyn Diaz became an established household name as the nation’s first Olympic gold medalist when she finally brought home the bacon in the women’s 55-kg

category for weightlifting against China’s Liao Qiuyun.

Not ones to lose either, Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam kept the ball rolling as they nabbed silver medals in the women’s featherweight and men’s flyweight boxing divisions, respectively. And last but certainly not the least, middleweight boxer Eumir Marcial secured his place in the history books with a bronze, wrapping up the Philippines’ best Olympic record yet.

But perhaps more enthralling than the grand number of medals is how the winning sports are more on the obscure side.

Rarely can one hear of an aspiring professional

weightlifter, gymnast, or boxer, and so when it comes to government funding and support, athletes often find themselves behind the eight ball.

After clinching her iconic gold medal, screenshots of Diaz appealing to the public on her Instagram story in 2019 resurfaced as the lack of financial support from the government was keeping her career on the ropes. Back then, many ridiculed her for the move, but the powerlifter took it all on the chin before soon becoming the darling of the Philippine sports industry, with businesses tripping over their feet to show their support after.

The ugly truth with

Filipino culture is that people are only there if someone’s first past the post—never when they’re the last man out.

Perhaps this is a wake-up call that the time for change is long overdue. This year’s Summer Olympics is proof that when Filipinos are given the chance, they can put some points on the board no matter what discipline they’re in. Today’s athletes— whether male or female— must be nurtured so they can flourish in whatever sport they’ve found their passion in, no holds barred.

With the proper support, these athletes can light the lamp and secure even greater heights for the country.

Prov’l gov’t pursues sports mentorship program

By Drexel John N. Amit

PHOTO COURTESY OF CNN PHILIPPINES

ESPORTS BOOSTED

Lighting a Virtual Torch allowed to use Bear the torch their skills to in the biggest harm others. s p o r t i n g Video games ceremony, and have always light it for…video been seen as games? another vice Last Sept. that will ruin 9, the Olympic children’s Council of f u t u r e s , Asia finally especially in a announced that traditionally esports will head-locked make its longAster;naught Philippines awaited debut in Krizzia Ricci T. Nepomuceno where the the Asian Games krizricci15@gmail.com power rests in 2022, a belated a generation feat for e-gaming that cannot even enthusiasts like me who skill, differentiated have been vouching equipment, and safety turn on a computer. for its olympiad for players. Nitpicking But this should not spotlight since its initial these would still suggest even be an overbearing contemplation in 2018. that esports is befitting stigma anymore, given Since then, the its name and its Olympic how in Southeast Asia, gaming community has lineup, precisely when the Philippines has expanded its lobbies the amount of skill, grown as the secondand co-ops into nothing effort, and sweat put into biggest gaming and short of show business these are just as taxing as esports market next to Indonesia. and an industrial other sporting events.

Even in the p i n n a c l e . recent Asian Indoor However, a lot of and Martial Arts purists still remain p e s s i m i s t i c , “Time is evolving sports Games, esports was arguing to push through technological one of the events that the Filipino esports out of proudly their perfect metamorphosis, and we youth Olympic bubble. cannot just remain in a participated in. So, yes, this is living They digress backward gear.” proof that esports that it is not a is legitimate and we sport because of the mentality that Still, purists may argue should applaud loud and sports must involve that esports is unsafe due roaring.

Gaming is the future, physicality. And to be to its nature involving honest, that is such a killing and crimes. Back in whether we like it or not. close-minded take on 2018, before the absolute Even if we deny this fact, this topic. decision, International the arena for esports Esports is real Olympic Committee Pres. has laid its foundation sports. Although it is Thomas Bach claimed and will only build up a fair argument to say that esports do not from here. Instead of that these cavorts have belong in the Olympics barring and curtailing to involve all the limbs because of the violence the youth’s positive in the body, there are and discrimination, involvement in the plenty of sports that contradictory to the community, why not support their talents do not need immense competition’s values. physicality like pool, But this is not entirely and skills while aiding poker, chess, and even true. There are plenty of them to grow instead?

Time is evolving shooting. sports that can potentially through Insisting otherwise become harmful if sports just feeds into a self- approached improperly, t e c h n o l o g i c a l contradicting ordeal, but it is in how society metamorphosis, and we especially when the molds the mind of the cannot just remain in a Global Association of players that what is in the backward gear. Each cog International Sports game should stay in the turning is equivalent to Federations defined game. Fiction is fiction. hope to, one day, see the sports as an activity that This is just like how first virtual torch being involves competition, martial artists are not lit aflame.

To cater to the needs of coaches, student-athletes, and sport enthusiasts alike, the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental spearheaded “Free Online Sports Mentoring Program in the New Normal” through its “Abanse Negrense” initiative, despite the limitations prompted by the pandemic.

Aiming to develop a mentally, physically, and psychologically sound sports community, the first sessions of Batches 1, 2, and 3 of the program were held on July 12-17, Sept. 6-9, and Oct. 26-28, respectively.

In partnership with the Sports Communicators Organization of the Philippines - Bacolod and Sports Turismo Alliance, more than 450 participants have virtually joined the first session of the first batch which featured six

initial sports events, namely arnis, badminton, basketball, boxing, chess, and football.

Following the success of Batch 1, Negros Occidental Sports Coordinator Anthony Carlo Agustin disclosed the continuance of the event with the addition of four new sports activities for the second batch, such as athletics, beach volleyball, softball, and table tennis, and three more for the third batch, such as futsal, swimming, and taekwondo.

For Agustin, the new normal proves to be a challenge, but one’s passion for sports should still ensue, as he urged everyone in the sports sector to continue becoming the beacon of hope to the youth.

“Things will get better soon,” Agustin commented regarding the difficulties of pushing the program online. “Let [us] move forward together as one sports community.”

Likewise, Agustin also reminded the participants that more than the learnings they garnered from the event is the responsibility of sharing what they learned to others.

On the other hand, Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson stated that the program serves as the provincial government’s way of utilizing the platforms available in order to fulfill their duty of providing programs and services to the sports sector.

The webinars under the program were graced by the presence of several sports personalities, including 2020 Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist Eumir Felix Marcial, former Philippine Azkals captain Emelio “Chieffy” Caligdong, and professional basketball players Paolo Javelona and Jeffrey Manday.

Filipino pole vaulter claims gold in new Asian record

PHOTO COURTESY OF 2021 GETTY IMAGES

By Alan S. Villanueva Jr.

The Philippine flag flew with pride above other nations in the continent as a Filipino surmounted the Asian record in this year’s 17th Golden Roof Challenge.

After beating the overtwo-decade-long winning record of 5.92 meters held by Kazakhstan’s Igor Potapovich since 1998, Ernest John “EJ” Obiena set the bar at 5.93 meters for the pole vaulters residing within the 48 different countries in Asia on Sept. 11.

Primarily, the said challenge is a classic pole vault and long jump competition held at the center of Innsbruck City in Austria for 20 top athletes and Olympic finalists.

Before stepping onto his

current pedestal, Obiena had already been jumping with his father at six years old, and in 2014, he had gone higher than anyone else in Philippine pole vault history after topping Edward Lasquete’s national record of 5.0 meters from the Barcelona ‘92 Olympics at just 18 years old.

Obiena has also outdone his personal record of 5.91 meters in the Paris Diamond League last August, which was also the highest takeoff that the Philippines had ever accomplished.

Although the 25-year-old’s path towards attaining the highest ascent in Asia in the said Austrian competition was his plan from the start, it was not necessary for his quest to nab the medal with all of his opponents glued to 5.80 meters.

On the contrary, his climb was not that smooth due to committing fouls on his first two attempts.

Nevertheless, Obiena claimed victory in his third and final try, wherein he fell on his knees and announced his success with a roar.

After reaching heights that had long been unreachable, he expressed his gratitude towards the crowd for their support, saying that this desired achievement was only possible because of them.

Previously, Obiena also bagged a silver medal and placed fifth among other players around the world in the Paris Diamond League on Sept. 2, following his placement as the 11th rank in the men’s pole vault category during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA CORPS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE · COLISEUM GROUNDS, LA SALLE AVE., BACOLOD CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL 6100 · VOLUME 66 NUMBER 3 · SEPTEMBER TO OCTOBER 2021

NegOcc proclaims Hidilyn Diaz as ‘adopted daughter’ PHOTO COURTESY OF MANILA BULLETIN AND PANAY NEWS

By Patrick N. Billojan

The golden girl, Hidilyn Diaz, now has a second home after the provincial government of Negros Occidental declared her as an “adopted daughter” of the province.

During a special session on Sept. 9, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed a resolution commending the Zamboanga City native for clinching the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medal—a feat forever etched in history.

The resolution, which

was signed by Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer, mentioned that the Filipino nation is proud of Diaz’s achievement for bringing pride and glory to the Philippines, and that the province of Negros Occidental acknowledges her hard work, determination, and focus to win the coveted gold medal.

Samahang Weightlifting ng Pilipinas president Monico Puentevella and Diaz’s coach-boyfriend Julius Naranjo assisted

the 30-year-old Olympic champion when she received a copy of the resolution from former Gov. Rafael Coscolluela and provincial administrator Atty.

Rayfrando Diaz II at the Social Hall of the Provincial Capitol on Sept. 10. x “Thank you for recognizing me,” Diaz expressed her gratitude in her response. “I hope I can inspire the youth and the Filipino people while we are in a pandemic.”

Additionally, she recalled

In the video, he recounted his decades-long career, extending his gratitude to the coaches, trainers, and fans that supported his boxing journey from the beginning, specifically citing long-time coach Freddie Roach who he deems as “his family, a brother, and a friend.”

Under Roach’s guidance, Pacquiao rose to fame and prevailed against the likes of well-renowned boxers Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto, and Oscar De La Hoya with avid Filipino fans tuning in to watch his fights. These much-anticipated matches were even associated with traffic-free streets and “zero crime rate” in Metro Manila, as reported by the Philippine National Police in 2015 during his bout against Floyd Mayweather Jr. “As I hang up my boxing gloves, I want to thank the whole world, especially the Filipino people, for supporting Manny Pacquiao.

Goodbye, boxing,” he solemnly declared.

From having a difficult

childhood in General Santos before turning professional, Pacquiao thanked the sport for giving him a chance to fight his way out of poverty and allowing him the opportunity to inspire people and change lives.

Additionally, Pacquiao expressed his hope and support for the country’s new generation of upcoming potential boxers by saying: “It is their turn to be helped.”

This is not the first time he declared his retirement from boxing, with the first being in April 2016 after emerging victorious against Tim Bradly.

However, he returned to the ring seven months later and outclassed World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Jessie Vargas.

Having traded in his boxing gloves, Pacquiao is now set to focus on his political career as a sitting senator and presidential candidate for the upcoming national elections in 2022, with House Deputy Speaker and former Manila mayor Lito Atienza as his running mate.

PacMan retires gloves for good

By Anna Maria J. Villanueva

No more bouts for Manny Pacquiao.

After an eminent 26-year-long career earning world titles in a record eight weight classes, the Philippine boxing icon officially confirmed his retirement from the sport last Sept. 29, a month after his unanimous-decision loss to Cuba’s Yordenis Ugas during the World Boxing Association super welterweight championship event in Las Vegas.

Globally known as “PacMan”, the eight-division champion ended his career with 62 professional wins under his name—39 of those brought about by knockouts—along with eight losses and two draws.

“It is difficult for me to accept that my time as a boxer is over,” Pacquiao said in a 14-minute video uploaded to his official Facebook page. “Today, I am announcing my retirement.”

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her humble beginnings in the province and in Bacolod City, where she competed in the National Open in 2004 and the Southeast Asian Games in 2005.

Before her historic feat,

Diaz bagged silver at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and competed in four Olympics, beginning with her debut in Beijing 2008 at the age of 17 and her failed attempt at the podium

in London 2012.

As of the moment, Diaz is training for the World Weightlifting Championships which will be held in Uzbekistan on Dec. 7, according to Puentevella.

TIMEOUT

A Prodigy’s Mentality

By Gabriel M. Lezama

Whether through childhood interest, influence of relatives, or even via a certain onceviral Netflix series, chess is no secret to the world as one of the oldest board games to exist. As a game that requires a sharp mind and tempered patience, there are always people willing to try the game out.

But then, there are those that know the game like the back of their hand, like Cynric Drustan Ilejay—a master of the chessboard.

A fourth-year student from the University of St. La Salle (USLS), Cynric has played chess for more than half his life and is currently the team captain of the USLS College Men’s Chess Team—for four whole years now, to boot.

Competing in events like NOPSSCEA ever since 2011, Cynric has seen his fair share of competitive chess, with each medal solidifying his presence as a prominent figure in the field. What started as just a hobby quickly worked its way up to being a daily routine and competitive sport for him due to his status as a varsity player.

Originally, Cynric played both basketball and chess in his childhood but slowly made the full transition over to chess once he deemed it more fulfilling. In his words, “Chess is an individual sport which allows me to concentrate and focus on myself more through self-growth and maturity.”

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FIRMNESS OF GROUND. Cynric Drustan Ilejay, 22, focusing his attention to win and fulfill his purpose of playing. - KEILAH N. BALDOMAR

This shift has long-since been reflected through his growing experience of 11 years in the sport now, showing no signs of stopping anytime soon.

Of course, no one is without their limits. A mental battle that eats away at the mind’s concentration, chess can be quite taxing even for experienced players; Cynric admits that reaching that point of burnout is a beast he’s had to face before. However, even with the looming danger of overfatigue, he continues to see the potential of the game, opting to see it as a fun mental exercise. “There is always a greater possibility

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to appreciate and learn something new from this classic sport,” as he would say.

Still participating in the sport despite the pandemic, Cynric continues to hone his edge in the now-growing esports chess scene. With the game in a state more accessible than ever, Cynric encourages those interested in chess to try it out, practice and learn more about it, and overall to just enjoy it—because in the end, having fun is more important than medals and experience.

TWITTER @TheSpectrumUSLS