The Suwara Publication: New Normal x Press Freedom

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CONTENTS 4

Suwara Joins the SIBYA 2020

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MSU—MSHS Brought Home the Glory from City Meet 2019 Rise of a New Parliament

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Grade 12 Students Engage in Lanao’s Working Class MSU-MSHS Ends 2019 with a Booth Fairs

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SenHi’s PUC Hailed as “2nd Place” in Beautification Contest 2019

The Official Publication of Mindanao State University—Marawi Senior High School

Suwara goes National 8

New Admin Takes over Orientation MSU-MSHS Vixens Takes the Road to Regionals

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SSG Celebrates Grand Kandori

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MSU-MSHS Seizes Malaysia

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MSU-MSHS Bags Award in CNSM Science Week 2020 Simulation Pays Off; 47 Students Top the MSU-SASE

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Social Enterprise Conference 2k19: Biuilding Partnership for Progress

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What’s the Plan? A Covid Developing Story

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OPENion: In Quarantine

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MSU—MSHS Revamped

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Positives of Pandemic

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The Gun

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Demands of Minorities

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Panata

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CLUB FEATURES

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A Glance at our New Director

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OBRA MAESTRA

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Millennial on Drugs

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Around Nine

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COLUMN

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EDITORIAL

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ENTERTAINMENT

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ENCOUNTER: Suwara Board

BENJAMIN G. HADJI YASSER HANIAH KRYS E. ILUPA The Moderators

ABOUT THE COVER

Suicide Note

Editor-in-Chief RAHEEMAH HAFSAH M. PANGARUNGAN | Associate Editor AMER HASSAN V. USMAN | Managing Editor NAJMAH A. MACARAMBON | Opinion Editor FAROUK C. MACALAYO | News Editor FATIMA-ZOHRA B. DISIMBAN | Literary Editor AQUISAH ALIA M. GURO | Feature Editor NORALDIN M. CABUGATAN | Entertainment Editor SHARIFA SITTIE ZEHARA M. JALI | Senior Writers NURHESHAM S. HADJIZAMAN & CAMELA R. MACACUNA | Junior Writers JANNAH REEHAM MACAUMBOS & NURHASNIE CURO | Layout Artist/ Cartoonist JAINU RAFFY R. JAMAIL | Photojournalist RICHARD DOMAGTOY

In a blink of an eye, the world changed. It took us by surprise. As the cavalry of authorities panic in this pandemic, the system continues to freeze. Little by little, what we used to believe is being dismantled by these confusions. The institution struggles to find foundation for quality education. What’s worse, the institution struggles to sustain the students and guarantee their safety during lock- down. Survival is the turning point of this issue. From the narratives of the for- gotten batch to the challenged freedom of the press, the cover tells the story of these pages. The story of becoming….New Normal: Surviving Silence.


EDITOR’S NOTE Purpose. Once upon a time, there was a King and a Servant. No doubt, the King was the most famous person in the Kingdom. One day, the Servant was dressing the King. As he was about to help the King put on his shoes, he discovered that his royal highness has athlete’s foot. Then, he went spreading this discovery to the people of the Kingdom. Intrigued and ecstatic, the people came to the point of questioning his ability to rule. “One who cannot take care of himself, cannot take care of the kingdom,” baffled the people. Years passed by and it was becoming harder and harder to rule the Kingdom while people got used to questioning the King and his decisions. Suddenly, the Kingdom started collapsing. Sitting on your chair, leaning on your table, you are beginning to wonder what might be a better article to write? As a campus journalist, we would all agree that it should be the truth; a notable truth. But what makes truth notable? What can make this editor’s note notable? In this section, I would not reiterate the challenges faced in publishing the issue. Rather, I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate our purpose; the reason that kept us going no matter the uncertainties and difficulties. We all face struggles. However, our purpose for doing so makes the difference. Our motivation to strive drives the outcome. Freedom is a possession to fully live life. Living with freedom is a fulfilled life of peace and progress. No matter what kind of freedom that is, the Bottomline is peace and progress for all. That is our purpose. Press freedom for peace and progress. Press freedom to fully live life. This is because the motivation behind challenging the authority through this freedom is to achieve better governance for collective peace and progress. Now, what makes truth notable or significant? –The capacity of truth to influence peace and progress. This capacity lies on the purpose of the beholder of truth, may it be for fulfilling peace and progress or not. We are not campus critics. We are campus journalists. We are not here to prove the administration wrong nor are we here to entertain people with “verified gossips”. The campus journalists exist to better the administration and its constituents by disclosing the problem and suggesting the solution. Our autonomous liberty thrives for the benefit of everyone. The truths worthy of publishing are the truths we need to advance. The facts we are permitted to sensationalize are the facts that will remain our people hopeful and free from oppression. What was the purpose of the servant to have revealed the King’s flaw among others? What good has it done? Did it end well for him and everyone? On behalf of the editorial board, we ask you to seat, sit, write and ask yourself “why?” ALHAMDULILLAH for this success. Jazakumullahu khayran to the people behind these pages. To the MSU Marawi Senior High School lead by Director Junainah Dimalna, to our advisers Prof. Benjamin Hadji Yasser and Ma’am Krys Illupa, to the people in our stories, to you our readers, thank you. Lastly, to the staffs: Najma, Aquisah, Mysa, Camela, Zehara, Jannah, Norhasnie, Jainu, Noraldin, Hesham, Amer, Farouk and Richard, thank you for your vigor to join this pursuit and make a difference in our own way. As we explore in the enormity of life, may we continue to voice the stories of change and ameliorate social reality.

Raheemah Hafsah M. Pangarungan Editor-in-Chief


Cagayan de Oro, Philippines- The MSU-Marawi Senior High School Suwara Publication Team, took part in the 2020 Sibya: The Ninth Northern Mindanao Student Communicators Congress held on March 7, 2020 at SM City Cinema 1. The congress featured three journalists as guest speakers across three topics, which focused on how media enable people to participate in journalism and explore the trends found in citizen and media engagements. The said congress, which gathered audiences throughout Northern Mindanao, carried the theme, "Public Engagement: Piecing Together the Media's Influences." The event was organized by The Crusader Publication, the official student publication of Xavier UniversityAteneo de Cagayan. Sibya, according to The Crusader Publication, "primarily aims to increase interest in journalism and communication, provide venue for intellectual discourse, and present communication trends and relevant issues." It is an annual student-run, non-profit communication congress that was established in 2012. This year's Sibya focused on talks from three key-note speakers who are known in the pedestal of journalism. In a session on Advancing Community Media's Influence on Suicide Prevention Among Youth, Cagayan de Orobased Mindanao Gold Star Daily special correspondent, Lina Sagaral Reyes discussed at length about Papageno and Werther Effects. According to her, "Beware of the Werther effect; strive for Papageno effect." Reyes highlighted the use of "responsible media creation" and not "media creation" alone. It was followed by a discussion on Media and Civic Engagement Amid Digital Challenges to Democracy by journalist, media trainer and press freedom advocate, Tess Bacalla. Media, prior to her statement, "is the fourth pillar of democracy" which is "independent to legislative,

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2020 | Richard Domagtoy

executive, and judiciary." She affirmed, "Comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable," as according to her, "Freedom of the press is under attacked." Bacalla ended her lecture by encouraging the young journos to give attention to what is going on in the community. Then, a discussion by visual graphics designer and freelance journalist, Alvin Hizon was carried out. He said that information is the world's most valuable thing. "In the battle of truth, journalism is always an advocacy. We are campus journalists, the best stories are in our community," shared Hizon. Another highlight of the congress was the Open Forum. Journalists of different delegations were given a chance to share their queries to the lecturers; however, due to insufficiency of time, only few questions were recognized. The second part, which also comprised the last part of the event, was the Awarding of the Certificates and Medals to the winners of Essay Writing and Photojournalism Competition. Amer Hassan Usman, Associate Editor of The Suwara Publication, was hailed 3rd place for Essay Writing Contest for Junior Division. Delegates were then recognized. Raheemah Hafsah Pangarungan, Aiquisah Alia Guro, Najmah Macarambon, Norhashnie Curo, Jannah Reeham Macaumbos, Amer Hassan Usman, Farouk Macalayo, and Richard Domagtoy represented The Suwara Publication Team on behalf of all of the members, bringing the knowledge they acquired from Sibya to do "responsible media creation“ as public's source of relevant information. In his closing remarks, Abdel Rafi Lim, Associate Editor of The Crusader Publication, thanked the journalists from different delegations for attending this year's Sibya 2020.


MSU—MSHS brings home the Glory from City Meet 2019 | Farouk Macalayo On Thursday, November 21, The MSU - Marawi Senior High School took part of “Marawi City Palarong Panlungsod 2019” City Meet Sports Tournament for Secondary level. The City Meet is an annual 5-day tournament and presently held this year at MSU-LNCAT's Sports Field. Different schools all over Marawi City participated for the City Meet 2019 and only few had their respective teams registered for the Sports tournament. Among the institutions is the MSU-MSHS team composed of players for the Volleyball Men and Women, Badminton Men Single and Double, and Futsal Women to play for the Secondary Level. One of those respective teams is the MSU-MSHS VIXENS, who just recently won “Rebisco Volleyball League 2019 Lanao del Sur Pre-Qualifying League” last September.

announced the Champions for each competition, the MSUMSHS Teams acquired glory for securing commendable awards for their respective School. The Volleyball Women and Badminton Men Double dominated Championship, the Futsal Women were 1st runner up, and the Badminton Men Single earned Bronze Medal. Their weeks of rigorous training and excellent execution of their skills paid off for this event earning the right to represent Marawi City as delegates for the upcoming Regional Game, the “1st Palarong BARMMAA” at Upi, Maguindanao on January 16-21, 2020. With outstanding performance of their games they bring pride and recognition of MSU – Marawi Senior High School.

The MSU-MSHS players from each category were also funded by the administration as a support for their upcoming tournaments. The MSU-MSHS Director, Ms. Junaina Dimalna along with SPORTS TRACK Chairperson Professor Michelle Layao negotiated with the MSU administration to fund their teams and acquire necessary resources. The funds they’ve received were allocated for their Team Jerseys, meals and refreshments for their breaks, and transportation fees for their trips. The MSU System’s assistance to the teams solved their issue for expenses enabling them to stay motivated and energetic. As the 5-day tournament started each teams represented their institutions to play for each Sports and needed to win consecutively to secure the championship. When they

RISE OF A NEW PARLIAMENT | Sharifa Sittie Zehara Jali

On August 30, a day after the meeting de avance, the MSU-MSHS SSG elections finally took place. To avoid class suspension, the class officers (voters) were given the freedom to cast their individual votes in the reading room of PUC anytime from 8 am to 3 pm. SSG Adviser Sir Alemoden Pondiong, together with Sir Benjamin Hadji Yasser and Ma’am Omaimah Bago-bago, facilitated the said elections. Hence, the elections were successfully conducted with the help of several students. As the votes were cast, the institution’s Commission on Elections immediately proceeded to tally the votes. With all the candidates present, the official list of SSG officers was then publicized. The SSG officers for SY 2019-2020 are:

Prime Minister

Aklimah Batao

Deputy Prime Minister

Anna Zaquira Boloto

Honorable Speaker

Namah Macarambon

Deputy Speaker

Mujahid Elias

Leader of the House

Raheemah Hafsah Pangarungan

Chief Secretary

Noraldin Cabugatan

Deputy Secretary on Finance

Aljanna-Marie Munder

Deputy Secretary on Audit

Ema-an Zaynab Mustapha

Deputy Secretary on Information

Samsodin Potawan

Deputy Secretary on Discipline

Muadz Lucman

STRAND/TRACK MINISTER

DEPUTY MINISTER

ABM

Arif Kurangking

Fatma Aliah Balt

HUMSS

Moschera Alimozaman

Jannah Reeham Macaumbos

STEM

Muamar Dagalangit

Moh’d Sudaez Motalib

SPORTS

Sittie Azzizah Ansao

Shykah Baulo

TVL

Sittie Jadida Pacalna

Melanie Balt

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Grade 12 students engage in Lanao’s Working Class

Local schools situated within the campus also permitted the students to teach for ten days in their institution. Meanwhile, other strand students engaged di| Aquisah Alia Guro rectly with the IDPs in SagonNajmah Macarambon songan in compliance with their course requirements. RespecAs preparation for their twotive supervisors of each strand week immersion program, the facilitated the students during Grade 12 students of MSUthe immersion. SHS attended the annual CulThe course teaches stuture and Gender Sensitivity Orientation (CGSO) held last Feb- dents the ideal and proper valruary 14 at the Dimaporo Gym- ues they need in the future. It nasium from 8 AM to 12 NN. also gives the students the opto utilize their The half-day orientation aimed portunity to enhance the students' aware- knowledge for better use. That ness relating to culture and said, work immersion is not gender sensitivity, as well as merely about completing the 80ethics, in a diverse workplace. hour requirement; the course‘s The orientation was significant purpose goes deeper ─ it is an for the students to learn how to experience that exposes the establish a pleasant work envi- students to Lanao’s culture and ronment to avoid confusion and approach to work environments. It also presents the status and misunderstanding. predicament that the working Ten days after the CGSO, class of Lanao is facing. all senior students were deThis year's immersion has ployed to their assigned offices molded the students into indito comply with the 80-hour reviduals that will bring an impact quirement of the course. Offices to their fellowmen and society; in the Provincial Capitol, and in Mindanao State University ac- this shall continue to be the cepted students for their ten Senior High School students‘ edge. day work immersion.

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MSU—SHS ends 2019 with booth fairs | Amer Hassan Usman In order to end the semester with a blast, the clubs of MSUMSHS, led by the SSG, held booth fairs on PUC Grounds. It was a three -day event scheduled December 1719, 2019, with the set-ups and preparations held a day prior to the event. The clubs were given the freedom to choose their own concept and type of booth they wanted to manage. The booth fair was open to all and students from other schools were welcomed to join. Each club was creative in setting up their respective booths on their assigned rooms. The first floor was filled with game-centered booth namely: the colorful Environmental Booth set by OGOP Club, the supreme-court-themed- Illegal Booth managed by the Debate Club, the horror-themed escape room Mafia Wars by SUWARA, and the artisanowned Memoir Booth by the Visual Arts Club. The second floor mainly comprised knowledge-centered booths which were: the research Booth by MAVENS, the truly-beneficial Islamic Booth managed by the Islamic Club, and the mind-stretching Amazing Race by the Math Club. The lively Singing Booth by the Music Club was set-up at the lobby, the Jail Booth by the SSG was set at the blue tent, while the Sports Club took the Gazebo. The booth fair ended with every club’s success as they were able to do their part in spreading their mission and advocacy through enjoyable activities. The booth fair is indeed an event worth to be remembered.


SenHi’s PUC hailed as “2nd Placer” in Campus Beautification Contest 2019 | Aquisah Alia Guro In line with the 58th founding anniversary of the Mindanao State University last September 1, 2019, the university's college, and high school departments prepared for the annual Campus Beautification Contest. With the contest in mind, all MSHS students from every strand, both in Grades 11 and 12, took an active part in beautifying the school grounds. The students brought their own gardening tools, and gave their best effort to embellish school grounds; they showcased their architectural designs and landscaping skills on their strand's designated area. The students also installed and repainted recreational facilities such as benches, hanging tables, and awareness signs for convenient use. They did not only ‘glamorized’ their areas but also helped the environment by making use of biodegradable materials and recycled materials such as wood, plastic bottles, and unused tires. New plants were also added to give the school grounds a more refreshing look. The said contest was divided into two categories: college, and high school. In the high school category, 4th place was awarded to MSU-Institute of Science Education (ISED); 3rd place was awarded to the MSU- University Training Center (UTC); 2nd place was awarded to our institution, MSUSenior High School (MSU-SHS), while MSU- Integrated Laboratory School (ILS) was awarded 1st place. The awards were presented on September 12 at the Dimaporo Gymnasium during the MSU General Convocation & Orientation.

Najmah Macarambon |

Suwara goes National

and training seminar-workshop for young Filipino journalists, aged 18 to 30 years old, from traditional tri-media tele- vision; print and radio; online media such as Philippine Inquirer, Bulatlat, Rappler, ABS CBN and GMA; and university publications in the Philip- pines. The training, which is supported by the Earth Journalism Network and Internews, intended to raise awareness and enhance the capacity of young and #HerStoryOurStory: Digital aspiring media practitioners in reporting Storytelling on Women and Environ- gender-based impacts, violence in a disaster ment was a five-day national advocacy setting, and other socioTwenty-two campus journalists and media practitioners joined the #HerStoryOurStory: Digital Story telling on Women and Environment last August 2019 in Quezon City, Philippines. Suwara, represented by the current EIC Raheemah Hafsah Pangarungan, was one of the campus publications delegated to join the training.

environmental news. It aimed to create an additional space for the call on environmental issues with gender perspective. The training featured breakthroughs and challenges in reporting women and environment in media. It also offered practical safety tips, basic journalism tool kits, and gender sensitivity lecture to help participants refine their reporting skills as responsible and gendersensitive reporters. In the latter part of the training, Suwara, along with other journalists, went to Marikina City for a field activity reporting on women victims of tropical storm Ondoy. Ms. Pangarungan was the lone journalist from BARMM in the said seminarworkshop training. Indeed, Suwara has gone beyond campus journalism. This is one of the club’s big break- throughs, which brought about its con- sistent achievements and community engagements. From touring around Lake Lanao, telling the stories of the Madaris, to winning competitions in the national arena, Suwara, the MSU Marawi Senior High school publication takes on the road to places where history is being made.

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NEW ADMIN TAKES OVER ORIENTATION | Najmah Macarambon

The MSU-Marawi Senior High School faculty and staff, headed by Director Junaina Dimalna, convened the annual Parents’ General Orientation on September 5, 2019 at Dimaporo Gymnasium. The orientation’s agenda included the following topics: the K-12 and Voucher Program; the School’s Rules and Regulations and Uniform; and the Grading System and Retention Policies discussed by Mr. Alemoden Pondiong, Ms. Deisy Llanto, and Prof. Michelle Layao, respectively. After, Mr. Benjamin H. Yasser facilitated the open forum addressing the concerns of parents and guardians about the stay of their children in the institution. The half-day parents’ orientation ended with the induction of the 18 newly elected SSG officers for school year 2019-2020 in front of the parents, students, faculty, and staff of MSU-Marawi Senior High School. Following the general orientation, SSG officers appealed for club orientations in the afternoon. As approved by Director Dimalna, all student clubs of MSU-MSHS conducted their respective meetings in support to achieving world-class education through performance tasks and civic engagements.

MSU-MSHS Vixens Takes the Road to Regionals | Amer Hassan Usman On Friday, September 27, the Rebisco na Zaaquira Boloto with Volleyball League 2019 Lanao del Sur Pre- Rocaya Dithma RamosQualifying Leg took place. It was a one- Datu as their captain. The day tournament, sponsored by Rebisco, Vixens have undergone held at the Dimaporo Gymnasium, MSU trainings and practices prior to the competition Main Campus, Marawi City. Various institutions all over Lanao with the help of their del Sur took part in the said com- petition. coach, Ma’am Deisy Llanto, There were 6 teams that participated, their assistant coaches, Cosain and including Hadiyyah International School, Saadodin Jomarie Tecson, and their Ibn Siena Integrated School Foundation, International Academy of Marawi, MSU - team manager, Ma’am Integrated Laboratory School, MSU - Michelle Layao. The competition was divided into University Training Center, and MSU two parts, Pool A which included MSUMarawi Senior High School. UTC, MSU-ILS, and IAM, and Pool B which Our institution sent 12 players included MSU-MSHS, HIS, and ISISF. The from Vixens, the MSU-MSHS Women’s Vixens completed three matches overall Volleyball Team; namely: Nashebah with the first match being MSHS vs HIS, Batugan, Bashayer Sultan, Sittie Ashya the second match with MSHS vs ISISF, and Allan, Janisah H.Ibrahim, Nor-Ain Mathe last as MSHS vs MSU-ILS. All three naol, Reham Deca, Asrima Simban, matches resulted to victory of MSUNasrimah Nasser, Sittie Raima Bacarat, MSHS. Due Farhana Pagayocan, and An-

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to their outstanding performance on the competition, MSU-MSHS was declared as Champion in the Pool B of the competition, thus proceeding to the regionals with the champion in Pool A, MSUUTC. The regional competition would be held on October 4-6, 2019 at Corpus Christi School, CDO City. Our institution would surely take pride in representing Lanao del Sur


SSG celebrates Grand Kandori | Noraldin Cabugatan

Last September 17, 2019, the elected, and appointed Supreme Student Government officers conducted a Feast of Thanksgiving at the College of Education dedicated to the school Director, and members of the faculty and staff. Along with the Feast of Thanksgiving (also known as Grand Kandori), is the oath- taking ceremony for the appointed SSG ambassadors. The program started with a Muslim prayer led by the elected Minister of Information, Samsoden Potawan. The elected Prime Minister, Aklimah L. Batao headed the program and delivered a heartfelt welcome address. He gave emphasis to Academic Excellence stating that the main goal of students should not be just a part of the top and fit in their chosen fields, but rather to be the top itself and stand out in their respective fields. He also talked about Social Relevance stating that giving back to the community by meeting its needs should be the next goal of a successful student. The welcome address was followed by the opening remarks of the former SSG adviser, Prof. Alemoden Pondiong. Prof. Pondiong congratulated the newly elected officers and reminded them to lead together with feasible plans on achieving a known ambition and sustain it to leave a legacy. The Prime Minister called on the newly appointed ambassadors to take oath as the new SSG officers of MSU-MSHS. The oath taking was headed by Director Junaina. After the oath-taking ceremony, Director Junaina took the stage for the closing remarks of the Grand Kandori. The Director shared her thoughts and plans for her first term being the MSU-MSHS picture director and her expectations on the newly elected and appointed SSG officers. She highlighted the need for new facilities such as the library, prayer room, and reading room. She also emphasized the role of an SSG officer in building better moral principles for their fellow students. She then congratulated every elected, and appointed officers and thanked them for the feast they organized.

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19 students from different strands of MSU-MSHS were delegated to Malaysia for an Entrepreneurial Study Tour and iSpark Ideation and Information Session at Tunku Abdul Rahman University College on November 24 until December 2, 2019. This was an initiative by the former MSUMSHS Director Melba Magandia Angni thru a signed Memorandum of Understanding with TAR UC Vice President Ou Pou San. It aimed to bring mobility among the students of two institutions at international level. The tour focused on student engagements in entrepreneurship, leadership, as well as tourism specific to cultural exchange. With the support of the current Director Junaina Dimalna, the selected 19 students, along with their two coaches, Prof. Anna Mitos Dizon and Mr. Art Marvin Aranas of the ABM strand, successfully represented the Senior High School in Malaysia. The student delegates were exposed to the diverse culture of Malaysia sprouting from Malay, Chinese, and Indian origins, and to the progressive industry of the country. Following a series of workshops and lectures on Malaysian economy, history, and culture, they were able to visit famous heritage and cultural sites in Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, and Putra Jaya such as the Thean Hou Temple, Batu Caves, Melaka City, Royal Selangor Museum, Baba Nyonya Heritage, KLCC Petronas Twin Tower and various lifestyle centers. Integrating entrepreneurship for Industry 4.0, student delegates were given a chance to visit CO3 Social Office and attend the Shanxi Road and Belt Expo in Kula Lumpur Convention Center. On November 28, two teams from MSU-MSHS were given a spot to pitch their entrepreneurial ideas and innovations in front of business tycoons, university high officials, and various industry experts and researchers during the iSpark Ideation and Information Session. The BioPhil team, led by Ms. Raheemah Hafsah Pangarungan, along with Ms. Azziza Ansao, Mr. Noraldin Cabugatan, Ms. Ayna Janniyah Dalidig, Ms. Maimona Noha Disomangcop, Ms. Precious Shameemah Disomangcop, Ms. Sharifa Sittie Zehara Jali, Mr. Mohammad Aquil Mamainte, Jr., Ms. AljanPangarungan na-Marie Munder and Ms. Riham Yahya, presented the business idea of making biofuel out of water hyacinth for a social enterprise. TAR UC officials commended the team for the plausible business pitching presentation. Questions and suggestions were raised after Ms. Pangarungan’s pitch, which paved the team to further elaborate their business idea. The TAR UC delegates were said to be “blown away” by the presentation; further, the two teacher-chaperones, Prof. Anna Mitos Dizon and Mr. Art Marvin Aranas, supplemented the team’s presentation by giving recognition to the team’s initiative of making it a social enterprise beneficial for the environment especially the lake waters and the atmosphere, the IDPs and the fisher folks. Delegates from the audience promised partnerships and communications with companies to

MSU - MSHS Seized Malaysia | Raheemah Hafsah

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support Saranaw team if they are to pursue the project. Lastly, the Moro Movers of MSU-Marawi Senior High School presented their idea of DuriFeeds, a broiler booster feed supplement from wasted durian husks. Mr. Aklimah Batao was the representative to pitch the idea with the support of other team members, Mr. Aiman Candidato, Mr. Muamar Dagalangit, Ms. Fatimah-Zohra Disimban, Ms. Asriza Disomangcop, Ms. Sittie Rohaima Gubat, Mr. Arif Kurangking, Mr. Mohammad Tahir Mindalano, Jr., and Mr. Amer Jawad Minodar. The idea centered on how it can help the environment and community on food waste and gain profit for the IDPs. The audience acknowledged and commended these sentiments. Mr. Batao strongly answered their comments and inquiries by providing substantive information regarding the innovation. The iSpark Ideation and Information Session ended with the messages of TAR UC facilitators and coordinators encouraging the students to continue their passion on innovating and dream of becoming future established entrepreneurs. The delegates from the Philippines and the TAR UC officials are excited for more collaborations and development of ideas together. Both teams were satisfied as they left the proper with keen aspiration on continuing the project ideas. The study tour was the first international student exchange project by MSU-MSHS. Despite the internal issues such as the international and local flight delays due to typhoon that caused some of the students to be stranded for five more days in Malaysia, both institutions worked hand in hand in order to cater the needs of the stranded students and address internal arrangements necessary to make the visit successful and productive.


MSU—MSHSbagsAwardsinCNSMScienceWeek | Amer Hassan Usman Independent students, and club members of MAVENS, MATHLETES, VAC, and SUWARA proudly represented MSU-MSHS as they bagged awards in the competitions of the College of Natural Science and Mathematics Science Week held last February 17-21, 2020. The competitions include: the Quiz Wizard Supremacy, joined by members of math club, and of the quizzers club; the Buzz Art Competitions, in which artisans of the visual arts club joined in; and Scientia Competitions, represented by individual students, and members of the school publication. All of the competitions were held at the Science Lecture Hall on their respective dates. The most awaited part of the program, the awarding ceremony, was held in the afternoon, after the quiz show ended. MSHS students filled the hall with cheer as their schoolmates were called up front to receive their award. The result for the Scientia Competitions were announced first. Camela Macacuna placed as 2nd runner in the Essay Writing Competition; Muadz Lucman, and Junaid Decampong were 2nd Runner Up, and 1st Runner respectively for the Poetry Writing Competition; artisans Alamina Mulok, and Mohammad Ryan Hamdee Caris proudly stood as 2nd Runner Up, and Champion respectively in the Photojournalism Contest; and writers Najmah Macarambon, Aquisah Alia Guro, and Farouk Macalayo amazed everyone as they won the spots for 2nd Runner Up, 1st Runner Up, and Champion respectively in the Short Story Writing Competition. The Buzz Art also gave applauding results as the team

SIMULATION PAYSOFF:47 STUDENTSTOP MSU–SASE | Fatima-Zohra Disimban and Jannah Reeham Macaumbos

of Arif Kurangking, Hosni Taha, Hafsa Mohsien, Norhana Abulkhair, and Hakimah Jamael was 2nd Runner Up in the Craft Making Category. Last but not the least, the result for the Quiz Wizard Supremacy was announced. The hall was full of cheers as the team MSU-MSHS 3B composed of Sittie Aina Abdulmanan, Sittie Jehan Codante, and Princess Racma Pundato placed as the Grand Champions of the quiz show. The CNSM Science Week competitions proved to be an event where students of MSU-MSHS shone with their talents may it be photography, art making, writing, or quiz shows. Indeed, MSHS is an institution where students not just train in their academics, but also hone their skills and talents.

Along with its goal in achieving excellence and quality education, MSU-MSHS administered intensive review classes on November 5-7, 2019 to help and prepare the senior students for the MSU System Admission and Scholarship Examination (SASE) scheduled last November 10, 2019. All Grade 12 students from different strands were gathered in the Science Lecture Hall during the 3-day program. A simulation was then conducted on the last day to mimic the actual set-up of SASE. Students were strictly supervised and trained to follow given instructions. Proper dress code, and punctuality were strictly observed as the lecture hall was transformed into a testing center with seats placed far apart from each other. The review initiative aimed to not only revive necessary information but to also put the students in the mindset of an entrance exam. It aimed to help them figure out their strengths and weaknesses, learn techniques to test-taking and educated guessing, and discover new ways of answering and asking questions. After months of anticipation, the results of the recent Mindanao State UniversitySystem Admission Scholarship Exam (MSU-SASE) were finally released through the official university website on the 15th of March 2020. First to be seen on the results page were the 27 full scholars—21 of which are from MSU-Marawi Senior High School. Garnering a score of 115, Ms. Sitty Shahania Macarimbang secured the second place in the MSU-SASE 2019. Based on the list, MSU-Senior High School was able to procure over 481 passers: 21 Full Scholars, 23 Partial Scholars, 7 Special Muslim Grantees, 308 Baccalaureates, 84 College Bound Program, and 38 Technology. The intensive review administered by the MSU-MSHS faculty paid off as it has produced another excellent result in the MSU-SASE. With an impressive number of 47 students securing a place in the Top 20, the MSU-MSHS has once again proved that it caters excellence, and quality education.

11 | NEWS


SOCIAL ENTERPRISE CONFERENCE 2K19: BUILDING PARTNERSHIP FOR PROGRESS | Aquisah Alia Guro MSU-MSHS participated in the Social Enterprise Conference organized by the Marawi Tourism Social Enterprise Inc. (MTSE) in partnership with the Buhay Mindanaw. Holding the theme "Building Partnership for Progress", the event took place on November 3-4, 2019 at the Charm-Pavilion, MSU-Marawi City. Grade 12 students from the academic tracks Accountancy and Business and Management (ABM), and Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) represented our institution. Young entrepreneurs from distinct organizations also participated in the conference. Prestigious people were invited as guest speakers for the formal event namely: Mr. Annuar Mustafa, RSW, MTSW; Prof. Wenden Lontua, Abdul Mojeb A. Pangompig, CPA, REB, MIFP, JD.; Atty. Maisara C. DamdamunLatiph; Prof. Richard Celeste, MBM, REB.; Asmarie M. Labao, MPA; Dr. Sarifa Sofia Macarambon-Ali; Pres. Habib W. Macaayong, DPA; and Hon. Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr. Also present were some of the famous local entrepreneurs in Marawi, whom their own brands and collections were presented in foreign countries. Participants were obliged to wear formal attire, and cultural attire during the two-day conference. On the first day of the event, guest speakers gave a lecture about peace, profit, the people, and the planet. The afternoon session continued on a lecture about social enterprise and partnership. The participants were then grouped according to the table in which they were seated. Each group was required to work together

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and come up with a business idea that they would like to pursue. It was called a "pre-pitching session" where the participants were allotted limited time to collaborate with their group mates and discuss their ideas. After discussing, each group had to choose a representative to present their business idea in front of the judges. After thorough deliberation, the judges then chose 9 representatives who caught their interest; two of which were from MSU-Marawi Senior High School, Mr. Samsoden Potawan of HUMSS and Ms. Raheemah Hafsah Pangarungan of ABM. On the second day of the event, guest speakers delivered inspirational messages in the morning, whereas in the afternoon, different well-known innovators showcased their business, how they came up with it, and what inspired them to pursue it. The final pitching session continued at 3 PM, where the selected 9 representatives were once again called to present on stage, this time with a different panel of judges. The Top 3 presenters of Business Ideas was then chosen for the small grant. When the result was announced, the Top 3 representatives were granted cash prize for them to launch their business ideas. Although the 2 speakers from our institution were not able to make it to the Top 3, what was most important is that the students learned various things especially the importance of Social Enterprises in our country and experienced the thrill of the conference.


A Covid-19 Developing Story by RHM Pangarungan The pandemic poses threats to the system of education worldwide. MSU is not an exception. Director Junaina Dimalna and the faculty, registration was conducted both online and faceBy virtue of the Presidential Proclamation No. garnered enough funds to accommodate the to-face, the enrolment process is going smoothly 992, the Mindanao State University suspended primary needs of all twelve students in as planned by the college departments. Or so we its classes since March 12 in order to prevent different cottages and dorms of the university. thought. possible transmission of the CoViD-19 among its Providing them with food supplies such as rice, The DepEd announced that there is still constituents. However, following the suspension sardines, noodles and coffee, Director Dimalna no finished proposal from the department to are more challenging issues that the university, and the Student Government hoped to improve present to the IATF regarding the “new normal” especially the MSU-MSHS had to face. the status of these students. for the following school year; hence, it explains Later, the MSU College Supreme the stagnant situation of most educational Consequence of the Suspension Student Council collaborated with the senior institutions in the country. As of now, most There were 12 identified stranded high SSG on addressing the needs of the universities in the Philippines have conducted MSU-MSHS students in the MSU campus as of stranded senior high school students. closure whilst encouraging online operation for March 23. With the announced community Communications with the students were kept its Masters education at the very least. However, quarantine against the ongoing pandemic, strict constant until the university successfully due to technological and equity gaps, the security protocols were immediately executed provided for these students transportation to absoluteness on the scope of the matter remains in the university and in municipalities causing their hometowns. On May 1, the stranded questionable for most of these universities. As the difficulty to go in and out of the campus. students, accommodated by the university such, some universities resorted to total closure Security checkpoints were assigned all over the buses, finally got home safely to their families. of programs because of these gaps supported by city requiring travel passes from commuters “Thank you so much for helping us to arguments of demographic inequality. Unequal that are noted by the City Health Office and be with our family…Salamat po to our beloved access to educational resources was the highlight respective barangay chairmen. By this reason, MSU President and to everyone who made this for which they have ceased operations. Yet, the many students from the university were not possible,” Ms. Jennica Potestas, one of the suspension resulted to further consequences able to go home, especially that a lot of students stranded senior high students at that time, told affecting student learning outcomes, accessibility anticipated online classes to compensate for the to the university officials as she got reunited to mitigation strategies, nutrition and food said suspension; only to find out that three days with her family in Davao after 1 month and 19 security (mostly to disadvantaged families and after the declared extended suspension of days of being stranded. stranded students), and scholarship classes to April 14, there was a sudden opportunities, which contribute to major fund on revocation of all alternative learning system Terminating 2nd Sem of AY 2019-2020 literacy percentage of the country. Distance activities such as online classes in the With the suspension of classes as well learning, mobilized by alternative modes such as university. The revocation of ALS was because of as Alternative Learning Systems to most online classes, app-based curriculum, etc., stays the raised digital divide thriving in the city and programs, the university announced the the best option at this time. the province of LDS where most students of the conclusion of 2nd semester for the AY 2019The MSU colleges are said to still be university reside. The stagnant period in 2020 on April 20. The MSU Office of structuring the “new normal” approach on education called the MSU’s Board composed of Information, Press and Publication posted on classes at their departments. Blended classes, administrative offices for urgent meeting upon their Facebook page the guidelines for the composed of online and modular classes, is what taking the next step for the terminated termination of the semester as a consequence is being expected by the students for they could semester. of the extension of the Enhanced Community agree that internet connection in Marawi City, Quarantine. Prior to this, students already mainly in the provinces of Lanao Del Sur, is not MSU-MSHS SSG to the Rescue speculated the possibility of mass promotion. as reliable as the connection of the neighboring Students inside the campus were General Guidelines for mass promotion were cities. The digital divide being experienced by the alarmed by the current situation and so made released stating that students who complied community continues to hinder progress in arrangements with relatives and acquaintances with the requirements from January to March learning. By this reason, some departments, for the meantime that the community shall automatically be given the grade “P” for chiefly quota courses, decided to further limit the quarantine is still in effective. Although, there is Passed. There were, however, programs that slots in their respective areas and remake the still a population of students without guardians required strict compliance to additional admission process, specifically the standing or enough financial aid in order to sustain them requirements and online classes, which were criteria for freshmen, now that it is hard for them until the end of effectivity. As such, the MSU- allowed by the university given that student to conduct a college admission test. Many MSHS Supreme Student Government made an safety should not be compromised. students appealed for their entry to these initiative to comply with the Memorandum on No Graduation. As a consequence of colleges. Requesting for reconsideration, the “Monitoring of Travel History of All Students” the mass promotion for health security, public colleges are still on the process of finalizing the from the MSU System Office of the President and gatherings, may it be academic or nonacademic, plans for the “new normal” before appeals are identified the stranded Senior High School are not allowed. As such, there will be no attended to. students in the campus through the SSG’s MSU- graduation ceremony for the graduating batch August, the former “normal” opening of classes, MSHS Student Tracer Google form. of this semester until the situation suggests is getting near, yet the university at large did not From the 437 MSU-MSHS respondents otherwise. Different colleges made the initiative announce any layout plans for the “new normal” on the Google form, there were 12 identified and of at least doing a social distancing pictorial of up until now. When is the official opening of verified stranded students in need of immediate the graduates. On the other hand, the senior classes? How can we conduct our classes while attention and support. While waiting for the high school students could only go as far as a observing social distancing? Students also wait university’s response, the MSU-MSHS SSG letter of intent from the student body for a for the post-COVID development plans from the already gathered information and resources in pictorial. authority. Writing the next steps is as hard as order to best address the needs of these getting various clearances for execution. While students. Having food supplies as the top Welcoming a New (Normal) Academic Year we ask what’s the plan, we could just hope the necessity in the statistics, the SSG, together with As results for qualified students to the system is doing better. university were posted online and pre-

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OPENion : IN QUARANTINE By Farouk Macalayo

As of March 21, 2020, there are a total of 570 PUIs recorded by the DOH that are being monitored for possible symptoms of Covid-19 infection. Currently, there are 307 confirmed cases of infection, 13 PUI recoveries and 19 PUI Mortality. Our government has already taken action to address the effects of this global pandemic to our beloved country. Furthermore, the MSU System themselves have conducted deliberate execution of their plans to help their fellow constituents resolve the issues they are now facing. On last Thursday March 12, the number of Covid-19 infection cases is continually spiking up, the Malacañang Palace issued Presidential Proclamation No. 992 nationwide inclined for the containment and prevention of the emerging virus. Thus, the university had to suspend its classes, but it was more than necessary. The suspension was utilized for sanitizing the campus which was important given the fact the probability of infection through touch of objects can be deceivingly high since the population is large

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and the number of people roaming around the campus is often many. During that time, the students were tasked to have an alternate learning system which is academically beneficial to make up for the time they lost. As the number of Covid-19 infection cases still rises up, the university extended the suspension of its classes to April 14 and focused on strengthening their alternate learning activities to secure the academic concern of their classes, although another problem arose. Mostly all of the classes were held online as a means of an alternate medium for learning. Therefore, it was a matter of privilege, students had to access the Internet with a gadget and a stable signal or internet connection in order to catch up. But how about those who are unfortunate that access to these learning materials were in question? The University had to resolve this problem and sent surveys concerning their alternate learning activities, which was essential when needing to draw a conclusion. Three days after the extended suspension of the University, they have

concluded on revoking all alternative learning system activities on all classes and was the most appropriate call based on the situation of the dire students in demise of the lack of needed learning materials. The University had also confirmed the stranded students that are not home with their families and needed help with food and commodities since they are quarantined at their respective dorms or cottages, and continually surveys the necessities they need so they can provide it to them. The university had prioritized the welfare of their constituents which they held themselves responsible for, and they should be in this time where they need to consider helping us. The MSU stakeholders are using everything at their disposal whether it would be skill or intellect to provide assistance to their fellow constituents, in consideration of their welfare while minimizing the loss of academic benefits. The strategies they had formulized and the action they performed is what a great MSUan should possess in crafting these plans.


MSU SHS Revamped; Faculty Members Promoted, Receive Overload Pay | Amer Hassan V. Usman In a crisis such as the global pandemic, it is rather difficult to feel happy and be inspired. However, the MSU Marawi Senior High School had so much in store for its faculty, staff and students this year. Renovation of old CHS building Only receiving leftovers for the past three years, the MSU-MSHS students have always expressed their dismay regarding the low quality of the rooms. “School is our second home”; However, students in the former CHS Building felt like their second home was not very home like. The incomplete window panels, the peeling paints, the dilapidated ceilings and walls, and even the lack of fairly usable whiteboards made the students feel like the rooms were not theirs. Around the second semester of A.Y. 2019-2020, all classes were halt as a result of the pandemic. Due to the strict protocols of quarantine and lockdown, everyone had to stay inside his or her home. These safety precautions made school unproductive. However, a pause did not mean no progress for MSU-MSHS. With the help of the MSU System President Dr. Habib W. Macaayong and his better half Rehanna Biston Marmay, MSHS Director Prof. Junaina Dimalna used the pause and initiated the and renovation of the former CHS Building. Generally, the renovation had been quick and smooth-sailing, save for some pauses due to weather conditions and pandemic related restrictions, because it was not inconvenienced by the holding of classes, as would have been the case if there were no community quarantine in place. The rooms were cleaned, repainted, and completed with all facilities necessary for its use, such as armchairs and whiteboards. Comfort rooms, a reading room and an educational media room were also added to the new school premises. Hence, in January 2021, the MSHS students, and even the faculty members were in for a surprise. The classrooms they used to complain about are now good as new, with new shiny whiteboards and sturdy, freshly-painted walls and ceilings. Except for the memories of student nurses who used to frequent the premises, there was almost no trace that the new MSHS building was indeed a ‘former’ CHS building. With the new building and its new facilities for students, teachers and staff alike, the easier accommodation and accomplishment of students’ requests were made possible. Thanks to the University System President, Dr. Habib W. Macaayong through University Fiscal Officer Faisal Mangandog, who also leads the finance team, Vice President Atty. Jamaloden A. Basar, Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Atty. Saadudin Alauya Jr., CPA, University Chief Accountant Saliha Guinal, CPA, University Finance Department Director Tarhata Capal, CPA and University Cashier Hashmina M. Dimalna, CPA, MPA. Most importantly, thanks to the sincere support and efforts of the beloved MSU – MSHS Director and mother, Prof. Junaina M. Dimalna through the University Physical Plant Division, Director Engr. Agay Mangondaya, MSHS stu-

dents will now enjoy the new experience of having their school truly feel like a second home. Faculty Promotion The MSU MSHS faculty members indeed have a lot to be thankful for this academic year despite the pandemic, as a long-dreamt promotion was finally made possible in the term of its current director, Prof. Junaina M. Dimalna. Around the start of the first semester of A.Y. 2020-2021, a conversion of the faculty was implemented for the promotion of the teachers, changing the rank and position of the teachers into collegiate level from “Teacher 1” to “Instructor 1” and providing a rise in their salary as their position is in the same level as college instructors. “It’s a dream come true! I will say that we once thought that it is impossible, but it did happen. Thanks to the tireless and unwavering support of our Director, this promotion is a boost to our self-confidence,” Ms. Basmah Hussain, one of the instructors said. She added that she is very thankful for they feel that their pride as an instructor under the Mindanao State University is now complete. “We were a little embarrassed of our titles as Teacher 1 before, because we were working among college instructors and professors. Now we feel proud that we are able to achieve this position. Thanks to the promotion initiated by our Director, under the administration of our System President, Dr. Habib W. Macaayong, we finally feel that we are professional instructors,” said faculty member Ms. Hannah Abdulmalik. She stated that after they were promoted, the idea that they would be able to attain higher and greater level of promotion was not anymore just an imagination. “This administration has done so much for us,” Ms. Abdulmalik added. Overload Pay Anent to this, in December 2019, the faculty members received their overload payment for the first time since the establishment of the Pre-University Center, which now serves as the university’s Senior High School wing. Before last year, faculty members were only given their basic monthly salary as compensation for their full-time teaching loads and even the additional loads. This is despite the fact that most, if not all, teachers are given additional loads of six to 18 units on top of their regular teaching load of 20 units. This means that units in excess of the 20-unit regular load is and should be considered as an overload, which, in most cases, especially among college instructors in the university, should be compensated. However, these “extra miles” only saw “thank yous” in the past several years, when Pre-University teachers held a minimum of 30 units to a whopping 50 units including their advisory classes. Thankfully, this year and the years to come, these extra miles will be more than worth going for, as the teachers now receive additional compensation. This feat (and more to come?) would not have been possible without the aid of the following: President Habib W. Macaayong through University Fiscal Officer Faisal Mangandog, the Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Alma E. Berowa and the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Dr. Florencio D. Recoleto, Jr., who all believed that the MSU MSHS teachers deserve this promotion and raise.

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POSITIVES OF PANDEMIC | Camela R. Macacuna

"In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.” -Sun Tsu

It is without a doubt that coronavirus, COVID-19, is a global crisis of this time. It has not only affected the health and overall well-being of people but also the socioeconomic and overall stability of most, if not all, of the countries around the world. Losing their loved ones, losing jobs and income are one of the many tragedies in this pandemic. But amid all these, we cannot conceal the fact that there is also a positive side that can be perceived in the pandemic, which rekindles a hope of creating a better world in the future. One of the positive effects that can be seen since pandemic is the world having the chance to heal itself. Due to travel restrictions, air pollution has dropped, water clarity has increased, and the global climate change has become better than before. This manifestation has made people realize the importance of taking good care of the nature. Furthermore, the pandemic has also become an avenue for people to exercise their right as part of the community. The people now has become more politically aware and engaging as they have become condemned on the impacts of the programs, laws and regulation that might be implemented by the lawmakers during the pandemic. People now have the time and effort to know what is really happening and voice out their opinions in aiding the government for the betterment of the society in the times of pandemic. This happening truly made the people more engaging citizens on a deeper level. In addition, due to the pandemic, people has where people don’t really mind their health, now, taking vitamin supplements for mindful of what they many the demic of

become more health-conscious individuals. Unlike before people became conscious of regularly exercising, immunity, having proper hygiene, and being eat. These practices have become the norm to people as they are frightened of contacting virus or any illnesses linked to it. The panhas made people become the healthier version themselves. On the other side, to flatten the curve of positive cases, lockdown has been implemented which, on contrary, has become a sort of vacation in some households. Unlike before where family members have only diminutive time with one another because of their jobs, classes and other concerns, the pandemic has made such a great change to this matter. Many families now have the opportunity to greatly strengthen their bond by spending more time with one another building notable moments on a new level.

Last but definitely not the least, the pandemic has become a time to reflect on one’s self. The pandemic has become an opportunity for every individual to take a break from their past lifestyle and reflect on how they can be a better version of himself or herself. People now have the quality time to develop their social, spiritua,l mental, and physical well-being. Undeniably, the lockdown during pandemic is a great time to plan for positive transformation. In the nutshell, the pandemic is not a crisis full of all-negatives, it is also an avenue of many positivities. The crisis is giving us the opportunity to change positively as a human on earth, a citizen in a nation and a better living individual like never before. The pandemic too, shall pass but we should continue keeping these positivities in our hearts. Truly, crisis comes so that we may learn from it.

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15 | FEATURE


Has the media really changed us? Or have we changed because of the media? We cannot deny the idea that the media has made a huge impact on our lives. It gave us the capability to be updated, to connect with people, to express anything we feel, and to do more things that it can offer. But with all of these advantages that media provides, are its influences actually positive? I’ve heard stories from many people, such as my parents and teachers, that it was great in the past, when media was still quite moderate, as they had proper interactions with people. Children were more interactive as they played outside and met many people. However, as the media, particularly the social media, started to take power, children became more addicted to their gadgets and tend to not interact with people in real life. The media has a huge impact in communication among people. People used to communicate openly face-to-face. When sending messages, they wrote letters to express their emotions. Now, you just open Messenger, WhatsApp, SMS, etc. and at the tap of a finger, you can talk to people without the need to go outside and meet them face-toface. As a teenage student, the media gave me many capabilities, with of course, some equivalent setbacks. Aside from academic aid, the media had an impact on my personal development. To be honest, one of the reasons why I boosted my selfesteem was because of these social media platforms. Our society demands us to “keep up with the trend”, and that’s exactly what I did; I fit in. However that doesn’t apply to everyone. Instead of actually keeping up with the trend, why not let people be unique in their own little ways. Tackling the societal impact of the given topic, unreliable information or what we call “fake news” is growing quite rampant nowadays. People keep spreading fake news in various mediums such as on Facebook, television, and other social media platforms without even checking their legibility. This misinformation leads to irreversible damages. Like for example, the ABS-CBN Corpo-

ration is known to provide biased stories and spread disinformation. Given that this is actually on the national arena, many citizens are affected. People actually support the termination of the said corporation because of the fake news that they release. Religion wise, the media has caused mixed impacts. As a Muslim, I find it sad that discrimination still occurs towards us in the media. Toxic people keep on posting hatred and negative comments on the media. Bias still applies because close-minded people keep on portraying us as “terrorists” and such. Even on television, bias is occurring. This issue is not limited to just religion but also to culture, races, sex, and practically every marginalized group of individuals. We minorities don’t have much power. On the contrary, I find it delightful that other people stand up for minorities. This is the type of idea I want to reinforce. Discrimination still occurs in media; however, if we take a step into using this platform to effectively address these issues, we could minimize the damages. The media could be a tool for discrimination, however, it is also a great weapon to speak up and let our voices be heard. As you can see, as much as there are advantages of the media, there are also damages that it could provide. Given all these innovations and equivalent setbacks, is the media actually at fault here? To make my question clearer, take for example the well-known gun analogy. If you happen to have a gun, and you kill someone with it, is it the fault of the gun, or is it yours? The gun was intended to be used for our convenience in hunting, however if an innocent person is harmed, who is to be blamed? The one who used it or the medium that made the incident possible? That’s basically my main point. The media, as it was made for, should be used for advancement and innovation, and not for doing damages. With great power comes great responsibility, likewise, a powerful tool comes with proper precautions. If utilized properly, everyone could benefit, but if it falls into the wrong hands, this tool could cause a catastrophe. Why don’t we take a

step to utilize these tools properly? The media is a great tool in elevating the discourse. Instead of labelling the media as the cause why people are “shut in”, why don’t we use it as the reason why people are making a change? We have this stereotype that social media is just a waste of our time because we only share and react to memes and other useless posts. We usually think that people watch the television just for entertainment and not for productivity. As we all know, the media is much more than that. Media is practically the only platform that connects people from all over the world. You have the world as your audience. Why not take this chance to elevate the discourse? We humans are capable of developing and formulating our own stands and advocacies. As a person with my own stand, I fight for environmental protection and mental health awareness. I use my Facebook and Twitter account not just for entertainment, but also for sharing my advocacy. That way, I am utilizing this powerful tool in my hand to help others have their own stand as well. I have many friends having their own advocacies and they are doing the same thing I do, using the media to encourage people. Through these social media platforms, games, televisions, books, and many more, we are engaging with many people not just locally but globally. Through media, people may become more engaged with each other, and share their own stands and ideas. This is the innovation that we’re after. This is the public engagement that we want, and this is the influence that we need. Instead of letting the media get into us, why don’t we get into the media? That is, rather than being influenced by the media, let’s use the media as a way to influence the others become more woke to the relevant issues in our society. The media did not change us; we changed because of the media. This time, let’s change not for the media, but for the people using it: ourselves, our society, and the world at large. You have the gun, and now it’s up to you if you’re going to shoot for the benefit of many or for their harm.

The Gun Winner, 3rd Place in the SIBYA Writing Contest

By Amer Hassan Usman

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Demand of

Minorities Nurhashnie Curo Jannah Reeham Macaumbos

"Da labot iran rkami a daa tamok iyan", as stated by one of the victims of Marawi Siege. Anifah Pundato. The horrible event two years ago had defected her family's livelihood and created a huge downfall in her children's health and education. Mrs. Anifah is only one of the hundred recorded victims of the tragic crisis in Marawi. Their only choice is to rise up once again even though they struggle to survive, waiting for aid from the government. However, such nightmare did not end there when even the rehabilitation in Marawi City, particularly rebuilding infrastructures and road widening has made their family's mental and physical recovery even worse. These aforementioned industrial projects have deterred the supply of water and electricity within their area in Tuca. Due to this, their rice field is left dry and could not even cater a life. Mrs. Anifah and other IDPs residing along the skirts of ground zero have been forced to lead a life with such inconvenience. They raised their concerns with this matter but up until today, their voices are not heard in local

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offices. Mrs. Anifah said that this renovation led their only source of income stagnant hence they are now forced to rely in the rain to water their crops.

Lack of water, poor health, vulnerability to countless ailments and even deprivation of food are some of their biggest struggles in the status quo. Mrs. Anifah claims that the government services and aid agencies have not delivered much help to them and she can only witness the comforts given to people with connections to government officials. The same problem was asserted by the family of Mrs. Samira Pindaton and his husband Mr. Ibra who only rely on farming as their source of sustenance.

"Taman ko pamemegayan o sundaro a karton na da kowad o secretary saya, na pyakabayad kami iran pun sa 150 na inikasoy iran bu ka di iran kon bu kuwaan so karton", Mrs. Pindaton said. They have suffered huge loss and only demands for equal allocation of aid and relief. These families are barely llving to support their daily needs, and up until today they are waiting in the shadows of the siege.


PANATA

Mga kababayan, di ko nais na kayo ay maging kalaban! Tayo ay sumumpa sa Panatang Makabayan! Ngunit paano ba ito simulan kung buong Pilipinas ay hubog sa maling katotohanan.

Lahat ng tao ay may karapatan – karapatan mabuhay, makapag-aral, makakain atbp. Pero sa panahon ngayon, mayroong isang karapatan na pilit tayo ay hinahamon, ang karapatang makapamahayag at sa katotohanan. Ika-4 ng Mayo taong ito, nawalan na ng bias ang prangkisa ng pinakamalaking kompanya ng medya at telekomunikasyon sa Pilipinas, ang ABS-CBN. Taong 2014 at 2015 pa lang ay nagsumite na sa Kongreso ang nasabing kompanya upang talakayin ang pagpapanibago ng prangkisa ng ABS-CBN ngunit ito ay napabayaan sapagkat napapanahon ang mga malalaking problema ng administrasyong Aquino ng mga taong iyon. Nagsumite muli ng kahilingan ang ABS-CBN sa Kongreso sa sumunod na taon ngunit ito ay naudlot ng hindi payagan ng House of the Representatives dahil umano sa “di magandang ugnayan” ng kompanya sa isang kandidato sa pagka-Pangulo na si Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. Dahil na din sa nagaganap na eleksyon sa taong iyon ay muling naisantabi ang talakaying prangkisa ng ABS-CBN.

7:52 ng gabi, ika-5 ng Mayo, marami ang nabulabog ng sa kalagitnaan ng isang pandemya ay biglaang ipasara ang malaki at mayamang korporasyon. Nagsumite ng ceast and desist order ang NTC o ang National Telecommunications Center, ang ahensyang nangangasiwa at gumagabay sa lahat ng kompanyang pang-telekomunikasyon at medya sa bansa. Ang naturang ceast and desist order ay umuutos na ipatigil sa ere ang ABS-CBN kabilang na ang 42 pa nitong networks gaya ng Teleradyo at MOR. Ngunit pinayagan ang Star Music at Star Cinema na makabalik sa ere noong Hunyo 13 dahil hindi sakop ng lehislatibong prangkisa ang mga operasyon nito. Tinatayang nasa 11-libong empleyado ang mawawalan trabaho kapag tuluyan ng di makabalik sa ere ang network. Hindi lubos maisip ng karamihang Pilipino kung bakit ito nagagawa ng gobyerno. Marami ang nagalit, nagprotesta, at nagpetisyon dahil umano sa pagtingin ng masa dito bilang hamon sa malayang pamamahayag o “threat to press freedom”. Marami ang nagalit sa Pangulo sa kadahilanang mas inuna ang personal na interes kaysa bayang Pilipinas. Subalit bakit nadamay ang Pangulo sa isyung ito? Taong 2016 noong eleksyon, kapansin-pansin na may mga patalastas ang Pangulong Duterte na hindi inilabas ng ABS-CBN. Mas lumala ang tensiyon sa pagitan ng kampo ni Duterte at ng network ng ipalabas ang patalastas ni Antonio Trillanes na kumokontra sa nasabing Pangulo. Ngunit sa araw na tinalakay ang usapin sa Kongreso, humingi ng tawad ang CEO na si Carlo Katigbak ng paumanhin at tawad sa Pangulo at ito naman ay tinaggap ng Pangulo kaya naman ay naalis na ang isyu tungkol doon. Subalit muling kinasuhan ang ABS-CBN ng Solicitor General ng Pilipanas dahil sa mga iba pa nitong nalabag sa batas. Ang mga isyu ay ang usapin tungkol sa buwis o tax evasion, labor violations o ang paglabag sa karapatan ng mga manggagawa o empleyado, ang operasyong ng TV Plus Box o ang Kapamilya Box Office ng walang pahintulot at gabay mula sa NTC, ang biased na pagbabalita at pangingi-alam sa usaping pulitika, at panghuli ang pagkukuwestiyon sa pagka-Pilipino ng may-ari ng korporasyon na si Lopez. Panatang Makabayan Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas. Ito ang aking lupang sinilangan. Ito ang tahanan ng aking lahi. Ako’y kanyang kinukupkop at tinutulungan upang maging malakas, maligaya, at kapakipakinabang. Bilang ganti, diringgin ko ang payo ng aking mga magulang. Susundin ko ang mga tuntunin ng aking paaralan. Tutuparin ko ang mga tungkulin ng isang mamamayang makabayan at masunurin sa batas Paglilingkuran ko ang aking bayan nang walang pag-iimbot at nang buong katapatan. Sisikapin kong maging isang tunay na Pilipino sa isip, sa salita, at sa gawa. Tayo ay nanumpa mula pa sa pagkabata. Siguro nga ay naging marahas ang administrasyong kasalukuyan. Pero tanong ko lang mga kababayan? Natanong mo na ba ang sarili mo hanggang kailan ka maniniwala sa walang kasiguraduhan? Bilang isang Pilipino, ako ay para sa pangkalahatan. Ang Pilipinas ay hindi ang ABS-CBN. Gising! Napakaraming liblib na lugar sa Pilipinas at ABS-CBN lang ang naging daan upang sila ay mahatiran ng mga impormasyon at balita. Ibig-sabihin, kung ano man ang nakikita at naririnig mula sa ABS-CBN ay yun lang ang tama at wala nang iba. Naalala mo ba si ka-Mel Tiangco? Dati siyang mamamahayag ng ABS-CBN ngunit tinanggal siya ng walang kamalay-malay. Minsan na nga ding di binayadan ng 7 taong suweldo ang isang mamamahayag ng istasyon. Napakarami ang di natin alam. Masaya isipin na lahat ng tao ay nagkakaisa sa isang pangarap ngunit isipin rin natin na minsan, nagiging toxic na ang ating ipinaglalaban. Hindi lahat ng insidenteng nakikita ay kailangan ng protesta. Dahil sa huli, ang gobyerno ang mangangasiwa at tayo ay pawang mga kapwa. Makasalanan ang kompanya at iyan ay hindi maipagkakaila. Pero sa kabila ng lahat, naniniwala pa din ako sa pangalawang pagkakataon. Totoong lubos na nakakalungkot ang magiging kapalaran ng11-libong manggagawa sa istasyon. Kaya sa ngalan ng ating Panata bilang isang Pilipino para sa masang Pilipinas, nararapat lamang na mabigyan ng isa pang pagkakataon upang ituwid ng ABS-CBN ang mga maling gawain o nagawa nito. ABS-CBN at buong Pilipinas, tayo ay muling mamanata.

In the Service of the Filipino Worlwide.

PANATA | Jainu Jamail

19 | FEATURE


REACHING THE UNREACHABLE | Aquisah Alia Guro “Do what you can to show you care about other people, and you will make our world a better place.” Organization of Genuine Outreach Program (OGOP), was founded by Nairah M. Tambie on the 1st day of December 2017. This organization aims to encourage and expose a continued spirit of volunteerism that will allow MSU - Marawi Senior High School students to help in their community and to signify their dedication to community service. It also allows students to give back to the community through direct in-

volvement with various activities that will improve their leadership skills, character and the ability to serve the community to build a positive attitude. The members of this organization are really committed to helping other people and are indeed trying to make the world a better place. They are the advocates of volunteerism and the millennials that serve as our role models. Due to unsigned proposals, unexpected circumstances and with the pandemic present, the OGOP club could not put into action their pro-

posed projects. But luckily, they managed to push through the following activities, projects and partnerships. The following are the list of accomplished activities, projects, and partnerships of OGOP club (2019-2020) :  3rd Club and Membership orientation  Clean Up Drive  3rd Leadership Training  Team Building  Bangsamoro Peace Movers Assembly  Call for Donations  Club Fair  Donation Drive

MAVENS CONQUERS THE BATTLEFIELD | Najmah Macarambon The renowned Quizzers‘ Club of the MSU-Marawi Senior High School, Mavens, was like any other club whose leaders were decided even before their predecessors left the club in their hands. The members expected that no changes would take place in their group, that their club‘s organization was predetermined. They were calm and laid-back. But little do they know; it was the calm before a storm. Tranquility that presages a difficult time for the Mavens. MSU-MSHS SSG election was the deciding factor that their club was in immense difficulty. The supposed club president, who also holds a position in the MSU-MSHS SSG, had to step down for disqualification by the imposed rules and regulations. Struck with a voided election and a leader‘s empty seat, Mavens was in a state alike to a coup d‘etat aftermath. As if in a political realm, many wanted the position of the club‘s president; they

FEATURE | 20

wanted to lead and see the club prosper in their own hands. Fortunately, the struggle for leadership and power was cut short when a second election was held-, and Mr. Amer Jawad Minodar was hailed as Maven‘s President. Despite the resolved dilemma for power struggle, the club seems to be partitioned. Divided factions were sent to battle competitions whilst their unity and teamwill weren‘t in check. Especially with the seniors‘ hectic schedule, bagging awards to bring home trophies and smiles was a difficult task, indeed. Leadership and unity definitely had to step in. Thus, Mavens organized a team-building activity along its goal to bring back the old Mavens they all knew. “It aims to make our bond stronger, to know each other, and ultimately, to break the borders that divides the members.” expressed by Mr. Minodar. As they settle their differ-

ences within, the club sets on to battle competitions amidst the academic pressure and hustle. It was not an easy grind especially for the seniors whose schedules were hectic; However, that didn‘t tumble them down as the Mavens‘ honor was greater. No person can be a Maven overnight; but one could always prove to be a Maven with utmost dedication and hard work. To feel the gratification whenever a point is scored, to bring home trophies and medals, and most especially to represent their beloved alma mater. Mavens stood by their motto “veni vidi vici” which translates to “I came, I saw, I conquer”. Certainly, they conquered the battlefields of quiz shows and brought home what they always knew was theirs. Starting with the 1st Lanao STEM Olympiad, where their alpha team placed 3rd, the winning streak of the club was undeniably astounding. Indeed, the Mavens came, saw, and conquered the quizzers‘ battlefield.


ISLAMIC CLUB: A BOND WITH MEANING | Jannah Reeham Macaumbos Different views and opinions Muslim youth of what is the true beauty plagued today‘s society which led to within Islam and what are the responsiconfusion instead of appreciation that bilities they bear as Muslims. eventually gave birth to criticism and ignorance. People continue to argue Islamic club aims to answer the from one another without even know- needs of their fellow Muslims ing the reason behind it. The alarming number of baseless rumors about the through simple yet meaningful practices of Muslims thru online web- projects. One of their remarkasites caused an infinite blindness that ble projects is to organize semineeds an immediate cure. Due to this nars open to the public. In this crisis, group of young Muslim advo- way, they were able to inculcate cates headed by Abdul Rahman Maute along with its companions ventured to knowledge about Islam that start a noble mission in reminding might change the views of the

audience and remind them the forgotten values and morals in Islam. Aside from the seminars, Islamic Club also encourages their fellow brothers/sisters to support and help those who are under some difficulties. Their mission continues until today. If you are interested more about how their club functions, feel free to ask and approach their doors.

MATHLETES, THE TIME HAS COME | Jainu Raffy Jamail One of the mathletes of the MSU – Senior High School‘s Math Club, Ms. Asriza B. Disomangcop, successfully topped the BARMM region for the 2020 Philippine Math Olympiad. Ever since the beginning of the club‘s existence, it has not garnered that much attention and achievements primarily due to the lesser interests of students and lack of financial and moral support. However, it is not only the external factors that make up the club. Internally, the members have created relationships that were never expected in the very first place. They even think that the stress and struggles they usually face during reviews for competitions or events

are mostly outdone by the fun they experience during those times. It is also because that responsibilities and pressures are not that heavy knowing that the club does not hold that much burden or name.

CNSM Sci-Math Supremacy Quiz Show as Champion, and other quiz shows they have won. Their dedication and hard work during reviews had paid off. These achievements of them made the whole school appreciate them and that Furthermore, many realized their existence is finally being holisthat Math Club is eventually be- tically recognized unlike before. coming a family with different bloodlines. It was like it has always The club President, Mr. Mobeen a professional and for aca- hammad Yakhya P. Osop, is very demes only. This made most of much proud and pleased in terms them assume that their bonds be- of the growth of the club from its came the reason why they have three years on line. Despite the garnered a lot of achievements this lesser interest of the students to school year. Aside from the previ- join the club, the lacking financial ously stated about topping the and moral support, the struggles PMO, they also brought home the and academic pressures, and evechicken-skin in the LSTEMO as ry barrier they are to face, the Champion and 2nd Runner Up, mathletes are still to win their sport.

TAKING OPPORTUNITIES FOR REGIONAL TROPHIES | Farouk Macalayo The Sports club aims to achieve, maintain, and improve physical abilities and skills to its members by providing intense training and competitive matches. While this mainly focuses on physical activities it can also bring mental benefits like enhanced awareness, sharpened focus, and developing self-esteem. It can also provide spiritual benefits like battling feelings such as stress, depression, and anxiety which is advantageous to be an active student of MSU – Marawi Senior High School.

MSHS VIXENS Volleyball Women both dominated the Rebisco Volleyball League 2019 Lanao del Sur PreQualifying League last September 2019 and the City Meet last November 2019 along with the other Sports team like the Volleyball Men, Badminton Men, and Futsal Women who gained commendable awards and recognition.

The MSU-MSHS Sports Club provides opportunities for the students to learn and improve their physical and mental health. It would be a wholesome experience The club is also known for its incredible prowess to join the Sports Club with a lot of potential that you in every tournament throughout Marawi City. The MSU – could get from exposing yourself with sports.

21 | FEATURE


FLEDGLINGS OF THE DRAGON’S LAIR | Amer Hassan Usman “Great people are great not because of their skills; it’s their efforts that make them so”, this is how the reputable debate league of MSU -MSHS, the TRIBUNES, like to perceive the world. What started off as a bunch of kids just having fun debating evolved into the group of people fighting for a cause. For what you may ask? For society; they want to encourage the youth to be involved in their community, and empower their voices. This mission cannot be done by skill alone; it can only be done through dedication and effort. The club, however, was not always filled with a strong sense of unity. There were issues and misunderstandings amongst the members; issues were mostly seniors vs. juniors dilemmas, and inter school rivalries. Tensions started at the very beginning: the recruitment phase, and continued until the fight for supremacy between the two leaders. But we live in a protopic world where every bad comes with a good; their passion for debating

outweighed their pride and interests, and soon, they grew and became changemakers of society. As preparation for upcoming competitions, club prime minister Mr. Khalid Damo, and deputy prime minister Ms. Eman Pangcatan initiate training and practices. Mr. Khalid believes that consistency, faith, and interest are keys to improving not just as a debater but also as a person. As time went by, debate training became a hobby and a stress-reliever rather than a burden for the club members; their training became filled with teasing, inside jokes, and the humorous “chikas” that every member enjoys. The members have grown fond of each other enough for them to refer to the club as their "debate family". The hardships and challenges they faced together made their bonds even stronger. After sowing hard work, faith, and dedication, the TRIBUNES reaped the fruits of their labor. They proudly held MSU-MSHS high as they shone in every compe-

tition they participated in, garnering total awards of 2 Grand Champions, 5 Grand Finalists, 3 Runners Up, 11 Best Speakers, 8 Best Adjudicators, 2 Semi-Finalists, 4 Quarterfinalists, and 11 Breaking Teams. For them, what matters most are not the awards, but rather, the experience and memories they gained with each other. “We are merely but fledglings in the debate world”, a club member expressed. “We aspire to become dragon debaters, but as of the moment, we are still fledglings training to release the fire burning within us” he added. These fledglings keep breathing fire not because they just want to have fun, but because they want to warm others with their fire and inspire them to also release the fire burning within. A debater speaks not just because he wants to be heard, but because he wants those who hear him make a change; and certainly, the TRIBUNES speak for the people to change.

COLOR SPLASHER OF THE SPECTRUM | Richard Domagtoy From murals which give color to a tedious street, the sculptures on monuments, the movies we watch on TV, the graphics on magazines and tarpaulins, to the unbelievable architectural buildings we see everyday. Visual arts are truly everywhere.

The Club has grown unexpectedly for having such remarkable and competitive club members. As a club, it has been represented in some competitions namely; Buzz Arts, Scientia, and more. A member of the club proudly remarked that, "being part of VAC marks a great opportunity and experience for passionWe can't deny the fact that there's some part ate students." VAC is an ultimate venue not only to of visual arts that everyone enjoys. It could be painted explore talents and skills. It mostly hones personalities with a variety of hues on rough canvasses. Sketching, in collaborative setting. graphic designing, sculpting is an option too. However, most students spend most of their time in class. "Today, despite the pandemic that separates They tend to leave their personal interests behind. one another, art is still alive within the homes of the The Visual Arts Club -also known as VAC- is here to aspiring youth artists including VAC members who change that by giving aspiring artisans a freedom to continuously inspires with the best of their abilities," a create and explore potentials in Visual Arts. VAC member shared. The VAC is an organization produced by the MSU-Marawi Senior High School. It embodies and represents unity among different art expressions. VAC was created with the mission to promote and preserve the art culture as modernity embraces society.

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"For the future aspiring members with great interest and pure commitment towards the club, use your heart to express, not just your mind to impress. After all, your kind of art reflects the story of who you are," the club spokeperson quoted.


FINALLY, THE BIRTH OF A MELODY | Sharifa Sittie Zehara Jali Want to liven up the mood after listening to a long speech? Well then, the Music Club is here to save the day. From soulful singing to active entertainment, this club has it all. The band is a family of students from various strands and levels who have united all for the love of music and passion for entertainment. Since its establishment in 2016, the club has housed more than fifty aspiring musicians whose objective has always been inclined towards the enhancement of their musical talents while mastering the art of entertaining the audience with their powerful drum beating, skillful guitar strumming, sweet serenades, and undeniable stage presence. With the life that The Music Club brings to every event with every single one of their performances, it is indeed hard to imagine one without them. So with every performance, sit back, relax, and enjoy.

SUPREME STUDENT GOVERNMENT SERVES UNDER PRESSURE | Noraldin Cabugatan As the new semester begins, the newly elected and appointed SSG officers are burning with passion to lead the MSUMSHS students under the new administration, giving emphasis on academic excellence and social relevance. “Being a student who wants to aim high in academics and a leader who wants to serve for the student body is indeed a challenge to every supreme student government officer,” newly elected prime minister, Aklimah L. Batao has quoted. The SSG officers were supervised by Mr. Alemoden Pondiong as they planned and organized proposals for their early activities and clubs' by-laws. Ms. Deisy Llanto later on replaced Mr. Pondiong as the SSG Adviser in accordance with the new guidelines of the new administration. With the unexpected

changes and despite conflicts that the SSG have faced, they still managed to do their best in providing the needs of the students and the school. The council organized a Feast of Thanksgiving for the new administration, members of the faculty, and staff. They also organized the 1st MSU-MSHS Booth Fairs last December 16-18 which they dedicated to the students and teachers who worked hard during the first semester. The council also helped the school in assisting the students during various events, some of these are: General Convocation, SASE review, Research Forum for STEM students, and Dialogue on Security Matter. The student body expected a lot of events during the first semester but few of these proposals were turned down due to valid reasons, and some were approved but

rescheduled onto the next semester. However, these events were cancelled because of the threat brought by CoViD-19. The SSG officers who were initially burning with passion felt sad for what happened and for what they could've accomplished, but they still did their best to fulfill their purpose as SSG officers despite the pandemic. They helped the school in monitoring and providing assistance to all the stranded MSU-MSHS students. The school year may have ended but the passion inside them as leaders is still burning, the council continues to serve the MSUMSHS students with all their best despite the bitter reality they are facing. Indeed, being a student and a leader at the same time is challenging, but once your passion starts burning you'll end up burning every road block along the way.

2019-2020 MSU–MSHS CLUB HEADS Supreme Student Government Prime Minister

Aklimah L. Batao

Suwara: Official Publication Editor-in-Chief

Raheemah Hafsah M. Pangarungan

Mavens: Quizzers Club President

Amer Jawad R. Minodar

Visual Arts Club Prime Artisan

Jainu Raffy R. Jamail

Tribunes: Debate League Prime Minister

Khalid S. Damo

OGOP Club President

Alaminah S. Mulok

Music (Theatre) Club President

Prynz Jeremy S. Palasan

Sports Club President

Caharodin M. Sarilama

Islamic Club Student Org. President

Abdulrahman Maute

Panolong: Math Club President

Mohammad Yakhya P. Osop

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A GLANCE AT OUR NEW DIRECTOR | Najmah A. Macarambon A young academician, now a director, is currently leading the Mindanao State University - Marawi Senior High School on its way to world class excellence. Director Junaina M. Dimalna, MAELT, was born in Iligan City. A polite and kind daughter to Engr. Mimbantas Dimaporo Dimalna, Al-Hadj and Mrs. Cashmere Polao Mangondaya, she hails from Binidayan, Lanao del Sur and grew up in Marawi City. She spent her elementary and high school days at the MSU – Integrated Laboratory School (MSU – ILS). In 2004, she enrolled in the AB English program of the Mindanao State University, College of Social Sciences and Humanities. Not long after graduation, she was hired in the English department as an instructor of the same college. She is married to Farhan Macasilang Mindalano, and now has three children. In 2018, amidst the Marawi siege, she completed her Masters in English Language Teaching at the Liceo de Cagayan University. For more than a decade, she has been serving the university with her outstanding skills and experience. Finally, in 2019, she was appointed by the Office of the President as the new director of MSU- Marawi Senior High School. Her designation as the new director came unexpectedly. Her years of teaching experience is the reason behind the President’s decision to designate her to be the director of MSU - Marawi Senior High School; nevertheless, it was a chance that knocked on her life and one that would open up doors of opportunities and experiences for her and for many others. However, with a higher position comes heavier weight of responsibilities. In the beginning of her term, communication and relationship between her faculty and staff seems taciturn and enactment of the students’ proposals is limited. As much as she wants to agree with the proposals of students/parents or the faculty and staff, she always has to go through myriads of possibilities in her head to ensure that her decision will be what is best for both the institution and the students. In the eyes of many, she holds an eminent position that creates a wall between her and the students, faculty, and staff. Faculty members used to see her as someone way out of their league, as all directors and office heads may appear. Back when she was newly-installed as the new director, she always thought it would be difficult to lead the school, considering the many challenges that come with the relatively new Senior High School program itself, and, most importantly, because this is her first administrative leader post. But when prejudices and cloudy thoughts are set aside, Ma’am Junah, as she is fondly called, is a simple, soft-spoken, and hard-working individual whose goals are solely for the best of the institution. Her beginning as a leader may not have been all rainbows and sunshine but it is what ultimately leads MSU – Marawi Senior High School as the top Senior High School institution in the province, and soon, to better and higher places. As a matter of fact, several projects have already been successfully implemented under her rather young administration and these would not have been completed without her leadership. Among these projects are: renovation of the former CHS building, which is now in use as the new MSHS building (Yay!), addition of new facilities to the PUC building, and intensive SASE review. Moreover, to cater the best service and education for the students of MSU - Marawi Senior High School, she arranged for the faculty to get new laptops to work with in this new normal; especially now that face-to-face classes cannot be conducted anytime soon, the new laptops eased the online and technical work to be done by the teachers. Also, by the end of 2019, she has successfully made possible the teachers’ receiving of their individual semestral overload payment. This refers to the compensation for the excess (overload) units they carry on top of the regular 18-unit teaching load. For decades, since the establishment of the Pre-University Center (now the MSHS), teachers have been in an overworked status, due to the number of units they carry (minimum of 24 units, maximum of 40 units), without even a little compensation for the overload. Now, that’s no longer the case. And as if that’s not good enough, she has also arranged for the faculty members’ rank to be converted into collegiate level, promoting them as having Instructor 1 rank, as opposed to their former Teacher 1 rank, and further providing a raise on their salary. On one occasion, she has noted that it is important for her to give what her hardworking teachers deserve. She remarked that the teachers’ overworked status was one of the first things she noticed upon being designated as Director. Wanting to make things better, she put on her game face and proposed these new changes to the administration. To make the long story short, finally, in December 2019, teachers received their overload payment for the first time as Instructor 1. These will definitely serve as a great motivation for the teachers. Hooray! Most importantly, the communication and relationship between the director and students, and faculty and staff is now better than ever. In the eyes of many, Ma’am Junah’s decisions and efforts were finally understood──that it is always in her intention and priority that she provides the best for the institution. Her actions for the betterment of the institution might not always be shown but the discretion of her plans is an attempt to avoid detriment and menacing intentions that may lead the institution’s effort to futility. Now, the faculty members view her as kind and simple person, an outstanding and approachable leader, and a giver, always working on the best she could give to the faculty members, the staff, and, most importantly, the students. This opportunity that came knocking unexpectedly brought her rooms for improvement and experiences as an individual and as a leader. Indeed, everyone is a beginner; only with the passing time can one see another’s growth. With her as the current director, we all can rest assured that MSU-Marawi Senior High School is in good hands and that big leaps of the institution can be anticipated. Viva, Director Dimalna! Viva, MSU Senior High!

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Obra Maestra Pangarap noon, Wala na ngayon"

Nais Ko lang Ay Makinig Kayo

Pangarap ko noon, Wala na ngayon By Farouk Macalayo

Nais Ko lang Ay Makinig Kayo By Richard Domagtoy

Isang estudyanteng may pinapangarap Pangarap na makapagtapos ng ganap Ganap na lakas, talino, at parangal Pero ang pinagmamalaki ay dangal

Nais makipaglibang sa dilim,

Sinarado lahat ang aking libangan Mag aral ng husto dito sa silangan Pupunuin ang sarili ng kaunlaran Makatungo lamang sa bansang kanluran Masaya sa aking pinag aaralan Dahil mahusay ang aking paaralan Bawat tinuturo, naiintindihan Bawat araw ako'y ginagahan

Naghahanap ng mapagsabihan,

Ang silid kung saan ang rnga alaala'y nakatago.

Yaong hindi ako huhusgahan

Ang silid na naging takbuhan mula sa katakutan,

Nais itanong sa mga langit, "Bakit buhay ay may halong pait?" Minsa'y sinisisi ang sarili Kung bakit di na laging kasali Nais iwanan ang sanlibutan, Katawan ko'y pagod ng maglakbay, Pinipilit lumaban sa buhay Nais sumigaw aking damdamin, Hindi na sa harap ng salamin

Kandila By Farouk Macalayo

Ngunit pinapaatras ng takot,

Bakit ang mga edukado pa? Ang sumisira sa mga mapayapa Habang ang mga mahihirap din Ay walang nagagawa kundi magbigay diin Bakit ang pagsasamantala, Ay hindi mawala-wala? Kahit alam na ng mga tao Sumisimula ito ng gulo

Piniling manahimik sa puot Damdaming nakagapos sa sulok, Nangingisay sa itim na usok

Lampara na akala'y tutulong, Walang anino o kahit bulong

Apoy ng pilipino ay lumiliit na kandila.

katakutan sa mga taong hindi kilala. Ngunit ngayo'y iba na ang nasilayan. Mga medalyang palamuti sa paler ay naglaho. Basag na salamin ay

nagkalat sa sahig.

Paanong ang silid na dati'y larnan ng kasiyahan ay binabalot ng takot at kalungkutan.

Sa Dansalan Sa Dansalan | Ayeeka — Fardah D. Saripada Bagong tunog ngunit dati'y sanay marinig, kung dati'y parang pansalubong lang sa bagong taon, bakit ngayon ito'y nakakatakot sa pandinig? Tila ba naging hudyat na ng kamatayan. Nagsimulang lumiko ang nakasanayang ihip ng hangin, iba narin ang rota ng mga jeepney na aking sinasakyan; rnga bakit na hanggang ngayo'y 'nindi pa nasasagutan. Paano lumiyab ang malarng na tubig? Isang payak na lugar bilang tahanan ng mga Mara-

Luha'y pinipigilang tumulo, Ngiti lang! at may tawa sa dulo Tula'y labasan ng mga hinaing, Sa unan naman nagpapagaling Nais pakawalan ang mga galit,

Bakit pa lahat ginagawa ito, Sa mga kapwa nating pilipino? Pilipino ba tayo o mga kastila?

Ang malambo at para bang bulak na kumot, at ang kamang pumapawi sa pagod na katawan.

Kandila Sa Mundong laman ay kayamanan Ito'y walang katumbas ang kahalagahan Pero bakit ang tao rito'y mahihirap? Pati ba naman ang kanilang hinaharap?

Kanlungan | Nisrin P. Hadji Rauf

Sapagkat ang sugat ay malalim

Upang problema'y makalimutan Palapit ng palapit ang aking yapak Ang kinabukasan ko'y pumapalakpak Itong paaralan, tao's pusong tanggap Sa mga taong tulad namin may hinaharap.

Kanlungan

Ako'y paginggan kahit lang saglit

naona ngayo'y lungga ng mga bandido't mamamatay tao,arnoy mo ss lugar ang dugong dumanak makamit lang ,.ng kalayaang asatn ng lahat. Bakas sa mukha ng lahat ng ngiti habang pumapatak ang mga luha; noong unang masilayan ang dati'y bibo,

Minuto lang ang hihiramin ko,

ngunit naging abo na lang pagkatapos ng gyera,

Nais ko lang ay makinig kayo.

ilang siglong iningatan ngunit ngayo'y alaala na lang.

25 | LITERARY


I think I’m High…I think I’m in a lot of drugs…you and you and you…we’re high guys. We’re all high… our entire generation is! We’re all on drugs and we don’t even know why? Then let me tell you…because the world is the dope.

"Dear world,

Our parents who tell us that if we just believe, then we can be, but it's not the reality…Our school for giving awards even we’re the last placer, but in fact, last place leads to dumpster…Our gadgets and innovations releasing the same chemical as alcohol are addictive and yet we are not prohibited…The Internet…our genie in a laptop that gives us everything in a click. One text away, “Mom! I’m pregnant!” These are the drugs that hardwired us of a world that’s not the REALITY but an ILLUSION. So before we even came to Reality, we’re already high.

Yet I seemed to be unworthy of anything;

We realize that we don’t get what we want just because we want to, we don’t get anything coming in last. Life is depressing and turning to facebook is turning to alcohol, we don’t get the things that really matter in life in 24 seconds…Millennials are lazy, entitled, and narcissistic because we’re on drugs, we were given the mind-set that makes us weak, but we cant blame that to anyone else except ourselves. The only thing the world did is offer us the dope, but it’s US who chose to take it.

Sleeping was no more an escape for the pain beat

We were given a choice, and because we’re humans, we are able to choose…I’m a millennial, and I’m high, but right now, I choose not to. I want rehab…I want change! I want to show those people who call me lazy and crazy that I am never going to be dizzy because of their dope, because Life is not about who you once were, it is about who you are right now, and the person you have the potential to be. Yes, We are tested, but it’s better than the blessings that take us away from becoming better, away from our GOD. We are tested not to drown us of our weaknesses, but to conquer all of it, to become stronger. Allah did not say this life would be easy, He said He would be of those with patience! GOD will not change our condition unless we strive to change ourselves, so let’s change, because the distance between our dreams and reality is ACTION! So if you feel the same passion as I do, if you want to really change as I do, if you have the dream being better as I do, if you believe in GOD’s mercy, then don’t…take…the dope.

to feel and end this way,

Millennials on Drugs Winner, Best Performance in Writer’s Night, Dalit Kalinaw 2019 By Raheemah Hafsah Pangarungan

LITERARY | 26

I've been holding it all in for a very long while; You say that crying eases the pain, But I couldn't cry hard enough; I begged to be understood and pardoned, I screamed for help and attention, Yet I was dubbed as dramatic queen. I ain't blaming anyone for feeling this way, Nor am I resenting anyone for making me feel this way; But give me this chance to tell you how it was like, To be merely breathing but not living; Everyday felt like shit when I woke up from a nightmare only to face another; me to the core; My eyes learnt to hide it all when I had to be fine even when I was not. I am telling you this not for pity but to let you know that I fought, I fought through and through to be fine; That if there's anyone in the world to don't want me It will be me and only me;

S U I C I D

E

I had won countless battles in life but I couldn't won this one for I was alone." Above is an excerpt from the suicide letter I once wrote, Yes, I admit I was suicidal; And believe me when I say it's the feeling of deep hopelessness; The seemingly endless dark age of anyone's life. But here I am now,

N O

Still kickin' and writing this poetry; Telling to whoever out there feeling the same, That ending one's life is not the salvation we seek; For salvation is when you get through it, And get to say "I am more than fine now"; And if you must ask how, I prayed. And prayed. And prayed. 3-time Winner in the Suwara Poetry Mania Contest by Amalhayah Alikhan

T E


Ar9und Nine

Winner, Best Composition in Dalit Kalinaw 2019 | Najmah Macarambon and Amer Hassan Usman There he goes again. Singing for the girls in the club, charming them and ends up taking one of them home. I sighed. I have grown tired of seeing him go out of the back door with his flavor of the night. Nothing new, really.

ed pa minsan yung body parts” she added, worry evident in her voice. Sebastian didn’t reply; instead he continued smooching her all over, down from her cheeks to her neck.

steps he heard while his stance was ready to fight. He turned his head to me and straight in the eyes. A creepy smile was plastered on his face as he approached.

“I’ll keep you safe” was all he said. “So take your records, take your freedom Take your memories, I don’t need I rolled my eyes inwardly, sweet talks ‘em Take your space and all your rea- and promises but they won’t end up with each other anyway. I was witnessson But you’ll think of me” ing an unending session of making out. The girls shriek and giggle as he All they have finished for an hour of strummed the guitar with the last sitting was to touch and kiss each othnote. Indeed, he was an attractive guy; er. I rolled my eyes as I diverted my chiseled jawline, deep gray eyes, and attention to the other customers. perfectly shaped brows that complimented his manly features. Those “What time is it, Mika?” he asked me. broad shoulders and his v-neck white “It’s 9:02pm” I replied. “Oh then I’m 2 shirt perfectly fitted his manly figure. minutes late…” disappointed, he shook He went down the stage and made his his head and clicked his tongue. way to the bar. I gave him his usual order, a glass of bourbon. A sexy smile Indeed, he is. It was unusual for him to flashed on his face as he nodded at not mind the time. He always gets his girl out of the club before 9pm. Maybe me—charming guy indeed. he was too distracted to check the I was about to strike a conversation time. Well, I guess it’s going to be a when a woman made her way to the long night for him. He whispered bar. She was sporting her rosy cheeks something to Angela and without hesiand red lips that made her skin look tation, she went with him and put her porcelain white, smoky colors were on arms around his waist. her eyelids. The black dress hugged her body perfectly and her ample Poor girl, she was obviously head over blond hair added much more to her heels for him. They made their way to the back door and disappeared before beauty. my eyes. “Angela” the girl introduced and 12 Midnight, my shift was finally done. offered her hand. I opened my locker and wore my white “Sebastian” he replied. The girl was polo shirt. I fixed my hair into a messy touchy, and it made him smirk evilly. bun and stepped out of the back door. I shook my head; he has plans in his The alley was dark and silent; all I head now. Short introductions were all could see was the silhouette of the they needed; small talks weren’t even objects around me. The consecutive necessary because the second thing I thumps made the silence loud, it echknew they were kissing each other like oed. I followed the sound and it led me their life depended on it. Both their to the old shack just behind the bar—it hands wandering around each other’s was small but enough for a man to body aimlessly. I looked away; this is dwell in alone. I was about to open the doorknob when I felt a cold pool of such an unpleasant scene to look at. liquid on my feet; its scent was tingly "Nagbabagang balita, ulo natagpuan sa and reeking. The doorknob turned and isang creek." I turned up the volume of I hid myself behind the door. A man the television so they could hear the with dirty hands and hair down went news I was watching. out of the door. He threw away a circular object he was holding; it was a Angela pulled away from the kiss and head. rested her head on his chest. “I’m really getting scared of these recent news “Who’s there?” the man asked, his na” Angela complained. “Women are husky voice echoed in the quite alley. found dead everywhere, ta's mutilat- He was looking for the source of foot-

“Ikaw pala ‘yan,” Sebastian smiled and patted my head. “Sorry you had to see that.” I sighed, irritated, “Kuya, I told you not to make a mess. Ako pinagliligpit mo sa kalat mo.” It’s a pity. Angela was one of the most gorgeous among all the girls he brought here before. I personally like her for my brother, he could have kept her for at least a week. “I have dismembered her body, ililigpit mo lang ta’s itatapon,” he ordered while wiping off the blood from his hands. Angela was the seventh woman he has killed whilst I’m the one who cleans up his mess. I picked up Angela’s head from the ground and got her earrings off. It was an emerald accessory that accented her wavy blond hair; it’s a shame though ‘cause she’s already dead. I furrowed my brows when I saw a splatter of blood on my polo shirt. I hate this. It is my favorite polo and now it’s stained with blood. “You can keep her earrings, it suits you,” Sebastian suggested. “No, thank you." "Who knows, she might kill me in my sleep,” I joked but there was no humor in it. I started to clean up the mess my brother did, I put the mutilated body in different sacks. Blood was all over my hands, tsk. My deep gray eyes were feasting on the sight of blood. It was enough to make me happy as I see blood all over my hand and the place. This is the truth; these gray eyes of ours tell the story of our monstrous deeds. “Mika, what time is it?” Sebastian asked. “It’s 9:05pm, later than the last time,” I smirked. He clicked his tongue in disappointment as they both made their way out. Another mess to clean up again.

27 | LITERARY


A 2017 hit by the solo-artist Dua Lipa, the song New Rules relates the “rules” to getting over the persona’s ex-lover. It’s undoubtedly the break-up and female empowerment anthem during that year. Ironically, it has also become our new senior high anthem for the New Admin of AY 2019-2020. Still, is it the song for getting over the shortcomings of the past admin and becoming a better sen hi…or the song for taking over the sen hi and becoming the antis to student headway? Fresh and restructured, here are the New Rules of this school year, so let’s count ‘em:

I GOT

NEW RULES

Installing water dispensers and ceiling fans as well as improving the facilities mainly in PUC Building may or may not have materialized as soon as the students paid for the miscellaneous fees once dubbed as the “anonymous fees”. And this goes the same with the immersion fees for the supposed immersion plans of each strand. Undeniably, parents, as much as their children continued to question: where do these fees go? The question brought many speculations against the admin. However, later this year, senior high buildings have been significantly renovated and improved. This is the first year we had our own prayer room, reading room and now, conference room. Despite the compromise in many aspects of the immersion due to unavoidable circumstances, the program served to its best in order to maximize student experience in actual careers. It is also important to note that during the year, there were more student delegations and competitions, which were financially supported by the current admin compared to the past. Funds for supposed upcoming celebrations such as URAD and Research Colloquium were refunded. What the admin lacked is acting upon transparency in which speculations could easily be addressed by presenting financial records to student representatives. What the students lacked is acting upon validation through right channels before coming to conclusion. “Two: Don't let them in (the stage) You'll have to push them out again” The First and Only Recognition day featured first most controversial issue amongst students, parents and the admin. Newest rule for the awarding ceremony is leaving the most deserved people out of the ceremony. The parents. Why? Time and Organization. Thankfully, there were a lot of honor students to walk the stage. While this was good news, the challenge was awarding all these students in a nick amount of time. Because most stood against this decision and as SSG filed for petition, another plan was compromised. Do the rules retain to be absolute? Or can any of the rules be absolute? As much as it was controversial, it also proved that success comes from considering all stakeholders. The rules were not absolute for they don’t need to be. The success of the recognition did not prove the admin wrong or the students. As what the new director said, it just proved that we could always meet “halfway” to make things “better”. So be bold, and respectful, on raising our voice. Lastly, democracy might be least practiced at a state university-senior high school. As officially structured, there is no “student” publication in the first place. No voice to challenge the non-absolute rules of the authority. Little complains might become the tastiest flavors of the ‘talk’. Having the Student Government as the tail to the whims of the admin, the senhi proves to be implicitly created autocratic. Is this year as domineering?

COLUMN | 28

~ DONA QUIXOTE Though there will always be conflicts, no issue proves the other less important. As such, the new admin officially registered the publication for the common good of senior high especially the students. This is the first time that our initiated publication, the Suwara publication, received full support from the admin. This opinion is to thank our admin and the students. This is not to sugarcoat the authority because we stand independent of sentiments. This is just to open everyone in the process of objectivity for collective prosperity. We are not critics and we are not authoritarians. Like Dua Lipa, we are just people trying to get over the past flaws of many through truth.

RAHEEMAH H. M. PANGARUNGAN

“One: Don't pick up the phone Y’know the enrolment fee got ‘em calling from home ”


PRESS

FREEDOM

FAROUK C. MACALAYO

IN SCHOOLS

MASTER MIND

In recent months, there have been stories related to Journalists in the Philippines. Rappler’s co-founder and Chief-Executive Officer Maria Ressa accused for cyber-libel over a story that alleged links between a businessman and a top judge. Eduardo Dizon, a radio Journalist who was receiving death threats before he was killed. And ABS-CBN, the leading broadcaster in the Philippines was denied of a new franchise by the government. These issues regarding journalists had reached the country’s attention to ask about the existence of Press Freedom in the Philippines. While these concerns the nation, there also exists an issue about Campus Journalists and what restricts them from publishing articles about their school system that might breach their press freedom. The Campus Journalism Act (CJA) approved by the late former president Corazon Aquino on July 5, 1991 was enacted in recognition of the vital role the campus press played during Martial Law. The Republic Act (RA) 7079 recognized the campus press, the law declares it is the “policy of the State to uphold and protect the freedom of the press even at the campus level.” Though the law made it the government’s duty to protect the freedom of student journalists, This does not only concern to the security of the student journalists but on their school publication funding as well. The Editorial Board of a school publication is responsible for upholding the duty to report and inform the student body of the school system’s action as well as the students themselves, although only school events and achievements are usually published. The school has to remain a good reputation to promote good morals to the students, which is necessary for the student journalists to publish pleasant stories. But what if there was a scoop about students who had a fight or with a suspicious issue? Would it be worth publishing because it concerns the safety of the student body? Or what if there were links of withholding funds by the school system that were important for educational development?

#MassTestingPH

MIKEE

FATIMA-ZOHRA B. DISIMBAN

Philippines: “Second ASEAN country with the greatest number of COVID-19 cases at more than 61,000” “Highest COVID-19 fatality rate and lowest recovery rate in ASEAN” “World’s longest lockdown” Also Philippines: “...pero in terms sa mass testing na ginagawa ng Wuhan na all 11 million (residents), wala pa pong ganyang programa at iniiwan natin 'yan sa pribadong sektor," Roque said in a Malacañang press briefing. [Translation: ...but in terms of mass testing like what is being done by Wuhan where they're testing all 11 million residents, we don't have a similar program and we're leaving it to the private sector.] Filipinos demand mass testing, and I totally agree. In the fight to prevent the spread of the virus, isolation of infected patients is the optimal solution. This is where mass testing becomes necessary. Mass testing leads to quick identification of cases; in effect, quick treatment and immediate isolation can be done. Early testing also aids contact tracing—anyone who came into contact with infected people can be identified, so they, too, can be treated. The faster we do this, the faster we can flatten the curve. On the other hand, the government argued that mass testing is not feasible in Metro Manila, let alone in the whole country. Here is the thing: when we, Filipinos, demand mass testing, we are not implying to test every single person on every single island in the Philippines; we are asking for accessible testing for people who are exposed to most risk—front-liners, virus hot spot inhabitants, people who have been in contact with the infected, people who are going back to work, and people who are vulnerable e.g. the elderly, pregnant women, and those with underlying medical conditions and compromised immune systems. Besides, Philippines has over P325 billion fund for COVID-19 response. We are not asking for 100% testing; we are asking for more than 0.1%.

This could potentially destroy the upstanding recognition of the school. This suppresses the ability of the school journalists to publish freely, as they were put in a dilemma to choose to publish as a responsible writer regardless of the backlash like expulsion from school or surrender for the sake of their personal security and keep the School’s nobility. Student journalists are put in a serious bind as to what action they would take and if the Campus Journalism Act could really protect them. Student Journalists especially in High School and Elementary have Advisors that both determine the editorial policies to be implemented to the Editorial Board. This would include their Technical guidance from their faculty advisor to help them publish their stories. Sometimes they have to weigh out their the importance of their articles and its influence to its readers whether it could built or destroy a name, which leads to sacrifices as a Journalist. But regardless, it was inevitable for them to make decisions like this. Needless to say, there are already proposal regarding the Campus Freedom Act like The Campus Journalism Act (CJA) had flaws especially how far this could reach the student Journalists and at what extent it could protect them.

29 | COLUMN


AMER HASSAN V. USMAN

THE WORLD IS A PRISON

RECONDITE

COLUMN | 30

responsibility of submitting requirements. Learning is supposed to be fun and exciting, but instead we get very anxious when our screen pauses and the audio stops during an online class. Due to this we have to exert an extra effort every night to cope up with the lessons but can everybody understand the lessons on their own? An extra night again to finish the remaining requirements but can everybody finish it all? Are we still learning or are we stressing ourselves doing these extra nights because we don’t want to be left behind? These questions have lots of different answers which makes a lot sense and I leave this one on the readers. Nevertheless, we must always remember that all of us are struggling with this new mode of learning. If anything goes wrong, we, ourselves are the only one who knows who to blame. And choosing to be kind during this challenging time is always a magnificent choice but not choosing it is not a problem at all. No one was ready for this unexpected pandemic, but we can see that our educational system is gearing up to cope up with the situation. Is it effective? Effective or not, we must also remember that education is a constitutional right of every child in the Philippines. And it must be made accessible to them under any circumstances.

overthinking, and just submitting to your creator is the true meaning of being free. Who knew that breaking free from the chains could mean putting a cage around yourself? When you distance yourself from worldly desires and put a cage around you, you start to feel better. You start to surround yourselves with people you can truly love. When you realize your purpose, you start to love the restrictions and become thankful that you're forbidden to do certain things. You love your hijab; you love protecting your chastity; you love keeping everything halal. The world is a prison; prison to the believers and paradise to the non-believers. We are all birds created with one purpose. What nuances us is being a cagebird who pleases it's master, or a wild one succumbing to wordly desires. So let's ask ourselves: "Am I a cagebird in my own space or am I wild bird chained by the world and the society?".

LEFT BEHIND

ERTUGRUL

NORALDIN M. CABUGATAN

The school year suddenly ended without any farewell speeches nor closures. The lessons left undone with the school requirements left on air but promoted to the next level. Is this a dream come true? Or an introduction to a series of nightmare scenes of the Philippine education? The issues and challenges of education in the Philippines dates back when the Spaniards and Americans colonized the country. Some of these issues are: First, the Philippines is one of the ASEAN countries with the lowest budget allocations for education; Second, the quality of education keeps on getting low rates; Third, the number of out-of-school youth are increasing; And forth, the cost of education is getting higher and higher. Today, the intensity of these issues multiplied due to the threat brought by the CoViD-19 pandemic. According to Plan International, the number of Filipino children who have not enrolled this school year have reached 22 million. Enrolled students for this school year are now learning through online classes and some are learning on their own with the aid of their printed modules and e-modules. The previous sentence was easy to read but in reality, these phrases are nightmares to most of the students and teachers in the Philippines. From lack of internet access to the difficulty of learning lessons with the

We've all heard of the story of the cagebird: locked in a cage where wild birds visit telling the tales about the wonders of the outside world. We all expected that the cagebird also wants to go out and be freed from the burden from its master, yet we didn't consider the greener grass on the other side. The world is our jail. We are all inmates: prisoners of our own desires, thoughts, and actions; chained by the standards society imposed. But even if we are trapped in this temporary world, we could still achieve the word "freedom". Does freedom mean doing everything with no restriction? Does it mean taking off your hijab and showing skin, having haram relationships, eating whatever and drinking alcohol, and partying with loud music? The definition of "freedom" became so messed up that we automatically assume that the cagebird is trapped. Well, guess what. What if it isn't? What if it never wanted to go out and only desired to stay in its home to please its master? The idea of doing everything with no restriction isn't freedom, it's a chain that binds us to the toxic societal standards. Whenever we succumb to Western ideals, we start to lose ourselves. We start to think that doing those things makes us free when in fact we're just putting on another chain. The cagebird doesn't want to go out, yet the wild birds make it seem so. When you two or more cagebirds in the same place, they are contented. This shows how important it is to surround ourselves with friends who can lead us to goodness. Being free in this prison is when you realize you don't need please anyone. It's when you learn that not all restrictions are bad; that not all cages are suffocating, and that not all standards should be followed. Being free of worldly worries, of


Feel blue, then, feel NAJMA A. MACARAMBON

GOOD

Not all days are good; it’s okay to feel blue. When your day feels so listless and you don’t have any will, it’s okay to just lie down in bed and stare at your ceiling. Or those unlucky days that you seem to fail everything and you feel worthless, give yourself a break and know that you tried─ even if it’s not your “best”. Or maybe those days, too, when the pressure weighs too heavy that you just want to put all your baggage away, please do it and take care of yourself. Learn when to stop yourself because life does not reward you the same you twice. Not all bad days are bad; they exist to make you stop.

JO MARCH

Because maybe while you were staring at your ceiling, you realize how tired you’ve grown from all the work and you haven’t felt the comfort of your bed in a long while. Or when you give yourself a break from trying your best, you’ll realize that you weren’t unlucky, rather, you were tired─ that all you needed was the break to give your truest best. And when you put all your baggage away is only when you’ll regain the strength to carry them again. Learn that bad days do not always do you bad; rather, they make you stop so you’ll feel good.

Every human being has their own story. We are designed to feel and think. I have seen different kinds of people and observed their behaviour. The way they act and the way they interact. We all experience emotional, mental and physical struggle.

Everyone has their own story. Everyone has their own secrets. And not because you see something doesn't mean you know what's happening in their lives. Take note that not everything is what they seem.

DREAM CATCHER

AQUISAH ALIA M. GURO

Some people share their feelings while others do not. Not because you see someone always smiling doesn't mean that's what they feel deep down. Those people may be emotionally struggling and no one knows about it. They might have been judged, bullied, or may be physically and mentally abused or being abused. Some people may seem very successful, but not every one knows what they have been through, their struggles. Some people may look always angry, not in the mood, and is always ready to pick a fight but deep inside they may also be the ones with the softest heart. That may only be their defense mechanism because of something they experienced in the past. Some students may appear full of medals, trophies and awards and the people around them might think it's because they are natural, because their parents are like this and that, everything is given to them that's why they have a lot of achievements. But those who don't know them doesn't really know why they have all those awards. They may be being choked by expectations and drowned in academic pressure. Some may dress properly to look rich but is not really. They are only trying to fit in the society to be accepted. Some may dress casually and everyone thinks they are poor but maybe they are not just materialistic and knows their priority.

INSIDE THE FACE MASK

31 | COLUMN


NEW NOR

PRESS

“CHANGE IS COMING”-the famous tagline of this century’s most promising Presidential candidate of the Republic of the Philippines, and now, the President Rodrigo Roa Duterte of the Philippines. Then in just a sneeze of a nose… CHANGE has come. 2020 is the year where we have felt the most significant changes during the Duterte administration. As we opted for the President of change, refashioning of the country gets better by the minute. It explores trends from war on drugs to armed battles. However, today, the Corona takes over the world. It is a trend like no other-faster and unbelievably contagious. The question now is, can Philippines handle the crown? In the time that the glitter and glamour of Corona Virus force Filipinos to stay at home, the paparazzi is expected to crowd the aisle and cover the story as the renowned stars of the congress and state make their way through the red carpet. This is just how it “normally” goes. Yet there are no paparazzi. There is no press. There is just oppressed press. In silence, we dwell. Abnormal as it may seem, it is the Absolute Normal of this decade of change. The pandemic may have taken our freedom to vacation but it is not as worse as how our government does the job. This year, the state formally shut down the country’s largest broadcast network. This signifies the latest major blow against news media under the President’s administration. Lawmakers, proceeding with 13 hearings then voting of a committee of the House of Representatives that concluded a majority to deny the ABS-CBN’s application for renewal, forced the biggest broadcaster off air. Following the shut down is the arrest of Rappler’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Maria Ressa. She was accused of cyber-libel after violating a law that was implemented months after the alleged offense. Further, the president has accused Rappler of being funded by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) without any evidence. The baseless convictions and accusations did nothing than solidify the power of the Duterte administration through griev- ous assaults on press freedom. Now more than ever, the country needs responsive and accurate news platforms than fortifying the current administration’s disposal. Are the people reminded how dismissing press freedom can address the need for news? Or better, are we reminded of how taking these people out of the equation can solve media biases? Thousands of jobs are lost in the shut down. Worse, freedoms of millions of Filipinos are jeopardized. And this does not end here. It starts here. ANTI-TERROR LAW. It allows the state to overreach some human rights in order to achieve responsive security system in the hopes of achieving a “peaceful” Philippines. While it (anti-terror law) attests to the idea of being the trump card of security forces, it is indeed a masterful weapon. It has in all sense given the government the freedom to take from its citizens essential freedoms. Vague is the best it can get with its definition of terrorism. And Vague is the best we can get in envisioning the democracy of this country. It leaves the people with no recourse to question defective governance and misuse of power. It leaves the state with no voice to compel for a better sovereign. The problem is not the protocols of Humans Rights. In fact, it is what should be protected. The problem lies on the competence of our security forces. Regardless, a bigger problem is how we are solving it through red tagging and boycotting potential threats especially journalists. The pandemic can force us to adapt to the new normal yet the government cannot force us to surrender our freedoms. New normal poses questions crucial to adapting to this drastic global change and that is why we need press freedom. We need the truth delivered to our doorsteps in this time that we cannot go out of our homes. We need to impose accountability not just to the government but to ourselves too. The state needs reminding that we are all at stake. Press freedom is not for the press. It is a gift for the people’s becoming. Claim it. It is yours.

MAL

EDITORIAL | 32

FREE

DOM


DICTY AND FELIPE BY JAINU RAFFY RANIAI JAMAIL

BARMM REGIONAL CHAMPION AND NATIONAL ENTRY NATIONAL BOOK WEEK 2018 by PHIL. LIBRARY ASSOCIATION, INC. Graphical Novel Making Contest

33 | ENTERTAINMENT


ENTERTAINMENT | 34


ENCOUNTER

Raheemah Hafsah M. Pangarungan

Editor-in-Chief

Fatima-Zohra B. Disimban

News Editor

Nurhesham S. Hadjizaman

Senior Writer

Jainu Raffy R. Jamail

Layout Artist/Cartoonist

Amer Hassan V. Usman

SUWARA

THE BOARD

Najmah A. Macarambon

Farouk B. Macalayo

Noraldin M. Cabugatan

Sharifa Sittie Zehara M. Jali

Camela R. Macacuna

Jannah Reeham Macaumbos

Nurhasnie Curo

Richard M. Domagtoy

HANIAH KRYS E. ILUPA

BENJAMIN G. HADJI YASSER

Associate Editor

Aquisah Alia M. Guro

Literary Editor

Senior Writer

Photojournalist

Managing Editor

Feature Editor

Junior Writer

The Moderator

Opinion Editor

Entertainment Editor

Junior Writer

The Moderator

35 | SUWARA BOARD


Suwara T h eA MSU-Marawi S u w a r aSenior P u bHigh l i cSchool ation Vol. 3 – Aug 2019 to February 2020 Issue


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Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.