THE TORCH
THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF PHILIPPINE NORMAL UNIVERSITY-NORTH LUZON
N
E
W
S
L
E
T
T
E
R
Volume V Jan-July 2020
Yerica Ramos ranks 1st individual highest pointer in RHEPC
A
by: Abegail G. Teodoro
s part of PNU-NL’s remarkable comeback at the Regional Higher Education Press Conference (RHEPC), Yerica Hannah Ramos of OBTEC-NL 4 got 1st place as the highest individual pointer on its 18th season held at the University of La Salette, Santiago City, January 29-31. Yerica ranked 2nd place in Editorial Writing (English); 1st place, Column Writing (English; and 3rd place, Comic Strip Drawing (English) making her this year’s topgrosser (individual category). “I still cannot believe how my first experience as a college journalist went because I just joined there with the thought of gaining new experience. However, God is really generous in giving more than we pray for when He knows the pureness of our intentions in using the blessings He endowed upon us,” Yerica said. In addition, Yerica emphasized that in all the things she does, in every piece of art she creates and in every article she writes, she is giving more importance on how her works could influence, inspire, and enlighten even just one person who will take time to look at it more than her just creating art for art sake or showcasing her skills. “Maybe this is what they (judges)
have felt when they saw the pieces I made at RHEPC,” Yerica added. PNU was also awarded 4th place overall school highest pointer (Individual Category) garnered by Yerica and the other campus writers: Abegail Teodoro- 2nd place, Newswriting (Filipino); Maricris Cariazo - 1st place, Copyreading/ Headline Writing (Filipino); Arian Roduta- 3rd place, Editorial Writing (Filipino), 6th place, Photojournalism (Filipino), and 6th place, Feature Writing (Filipino), respectively; Erma Galasinao - 10th place, Poetry Writing (English); Christian Joseph Bielza- 4th place, Sports Writing (English); Leidi Julienne Pagulayan1st place, Sports Writing (Filipino) and 6th place, Poetry Writing (Filipino), respectively. The participants were accompanied by their adviser, Prof. Marites A. Balot. Yerica and the other campus journalists will represent Region 2 in the Luzonwide Higher Education Press Conference slated at Villa Caceres Hotel, Naga City on April 20-22, 2020. #
Sa pagbabago ng pagsisimula ng panuruang taon sa Agosto, 46 bahagdan ng mga tagatugon ang nagbigay ng apat (pinakamataas) na marka, 20 bahagdan naman ang nagmarka ng tatlo, samantala’y parehas na 17 bahagdan naman ang nagmarka ng dalawa at isa sa nasabing pagbabago ng pagsisimula ng pasukan.
2 5 6
PURENESS OF SUCCESS. Yerica Hannah Ramos of OBTECNL-4 during the RHEPC last January 29-31, carries her success with the pureness of her intentions in every piece he creates and writes: not just to showcase but to influence, inspire, and enlighten people.
News Tuga Visits PNU-NL Opinion No One Behind Feature Beyond Lexis
9 10 12
DevCom Drag on War Comics Signal Sports The D'vine Prowess
2 News
The Torch North Luzonian
January 2020-July 2020
TUGA VISITS PNU-NL by Katrina A. Concepcion
KEYS TO SUCCESS. Dr. Bert J. Tuga, new PNU President talks about the value of character, competence, and opportunity as he shares his story to PNUan students of North Luzon during his first visit in the campus, February 13
D
r. Bert J. Tuga made his first visit to Philippine Normal University - North Luzon as part of his campus tour being the new University President, February 13.
During the talk of the youngest President in the history of PNU system, he said that if students consider his story as a sign of success, then there are three things they need to remember. These are
Character, Competence, and Opportunity. “Now, as President, I always look into the potential of people. I always look into the character of people and when I see it with our people, I give opportunity for them to grow not only personally but also professionally,” he added. According to Pres. Tuga, during his years as a student at PNU-Manila, he already has dreamt of becoming the president of PNU but he has not expected that it would happen this soon. “Being president at 36 is not an easy job especially that you are running a hundred eighteen year old university,” Dr. Tuga said. However, Tuga held that the advantage of being young brings a different perspective to leadership. The President was accompanied by Dr. Lordinio A. Vergara, the Vice President for University Relations and Advancement. The PNU-NL performing groups – Danggayan Cultural Group, Saniweng Rondalla, PNU Kalibnusan Chorale, and the PEMS Club presented a repertoire of dance and musical presentation to entertain the president and his entourage. #
Adalem regains SG Presidency; Garo wins OSIC re-election
A
by Joyce O. Acapuyan
fter persistent campaign of the unopposed PANAMA (Partido ng mga Nagkakaisang Mag-aaral) partylist, PNUans declared trust to a new set of the executive body officials, February 18. The PANAMA standard-bearer Ariel Adalem, an English major and the incumbent SG President, retained his position after gaining 242 votes (74.23% of total votes) meeting the 50% + 1 total vote rule of the PNU-NL SG Election Code. Other partylist members also prevailed the executive elections. The candidates gained votes as follow: Aljin Andrie Martinez(VP for Internal Affairs) – 234; Amiel Pabon (VP for External Affairs)– 240; Jennifer Orani (General Secretary) – 211; Czarina Lei Cumlat (Finance & Logistics
Officer)- 213; Gracious Maluh Flores (Educational Research Committee)– 213; Darren Kyle Mabagos (Operation and Planning Committee)- 194; Warren Mark Bermudez (Socio Cultural Committee)- 247;and Rona Mae Corpuz (Student Welfare Committee)- 199. On the other hand, the incumbent OSIC Chair, Irene Simon, who garnered 126 votes (38.65% of the total votes) failed to meet the absolute majority rule resulting to a decision to hold a special re-election for the position of OSIC Chair by the PNU-NL SG COMELEC. After the tensed re-election held on March 5, Ailyn Garo of NL-4 won the position with 102 votes over Irene Simon and Jhunie Manzano with the total votes of 77 and 39, respectively. #
The Torch North Luzonian
January 2020-July 2020
News 3
PNU holds Teacher Quality and Quality Assurance Summit 2020
Freshmen bag gold, bronze in PSQ
by: Abegail G. Teodoro
by Yerica Hannah D. Ramos
Credits:https://www.pnu.edu.ph/
ROAD TO QUALITY TEACHING. PNU delegates consisting campus officials, faculty members, administrative employees and selected student leaders unite to uphold teacher quality in our country during the Teacher Quality and Quality Assurance Summit 2020 in Baguio City last January 27-31.
T
he Philippine Normal University held a four-day Teacher Quality and Quality Assurance Summit 2020 anchored on the theme “PNU as NCTE: Leading the Way to Teacher Quality” at the Teachers’ Camp, Baguio City, January 27-30. Congressman Marquez “Mark” O. Go, Chairperson of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education,the keynote speaker, emphasized to the delegates the need to come up with innovative ways to address teacher quality in our country. Meanwhile, Dr. Bert J. Tuga, President of the PNU, challenged everyone to work hard, to live up to the expectations to prove that PNU is deserving of the title as National Center for Teacher Education. “Hindi para magyabang kundi para mas maisulong natin ang mga programa at
adhikain na mag-aangat ng kalidad ng ating mga guro, mga mag-aaral at paaralan para sa patuloy na pag-unlad ng ating bayan. Ngayon higit kailanman, dapat nating maintindihan na tayo ay may malaking gampanin at responsibilidad sa bansang Pilipino,” Tuga said. One of the summit's goals is to develop a roadmap toward quality specific to developing a PNU Internal Quality Assurance System as a response to the QA Standards such as the Philippine Quality Award (PQA) and the ASEAN-QA in Teacher Education. The summit was attended by University campus officials, faculty members, administrative employees and selected student leaders representing PNU Manila, and the four campuses, namely PNU North Luzon, PNU South Luzon, PNU Visayas, and PNU Mindanao. #
P
hilippine Normal University topped the Philippine Statistics Quiz Provincial Elimination on October 29 and it was the only university in the province to have both of its representatives advance to the regionals. Yerica Hannah D. Ramos, NL-4 first year student, was triumphantly declared as the champion at the end of three rounds while Dwyght Qorban Infante, NL-5 first year student, landed on the 3rd spot in a clincher round against Cromwell Cruz of ISU-Echague for the 2nd spot. The quiz was held at the Philippine Statistics Authority Bldg. in Ilagan City in celebration of the National Statistics Month. It is a part of the 25th Philippine Statistics Quiz which is an annual competition for the country’s young statistics whizzes. It aims to test the knowledge of freshmen students in statistics as a way of advocating the importance of statistics for evidence-based decision making in the academe. Prof. Roldan Cardona coached Ramos and Infante in the said quiz bee. Cardona was also the mentor of Rochelle Kaye Villena, regional champion and national finalist of the Philippine Statistics Quiz in 2016. #
PNU NL celebrates Women's Month
A
s part of the continuous movement of Gender and Development, PNU-NL joined the community in celebrating the National Women's Month held at University gymnasium, March 9. This year's celebration was themed "We Make Change Work For Women" - a global celebration of social, economic, political and cultural achievements of women, empowering the advocacy for equal rights. The program highlights the importance of women's rights and contribution to
by: Reywalsh M. Cornejo
both public and private spheres around the campus and in the community. Mrs. Aida P. Alejandro, Chairperson of the Local Council for Women of Alicia Isabela, and guest speaker of the program, emphasized that with right knowledge and the privilege of education, everyone should have a dream to pursue, despite the issues concerning women nowadays. The program also highlights the parade of the university's teaching and non-teaching force including the guest speaker, the
acknowledgement of PNU Women Student 2020, and the recognition for the winners of the poster and slogan-making contest.#
A TOAST FOR JUANA: Mrs. Aida P. Alejandro poses for a picture with the faculty during the university's celebration for Women's Month
4 Opinion Break in the Clouds E
D
I
T
O
R
I
A
L
The unprecedented hit of coronavirus in the human history has prompted the Philippines in a total turmoil in all aspects of life. As the cases worsen, it is a question of survival for many, but, another important issue is to whether to press the button for education to take place or to move for an academic freeze be put to life. As to higher education especially Philippine Normal University being the NCTE, its ways, suggestions, and strategies is hereby vital to the education institution. How does PNU sweep off the clouds of dilemma that this virus brought? Just after announcing community quarantines and lockdowns, all campuses of PNU started to craft a new way of educating learners and training teachers. One of these is making the social media more active than ever by utilizing it in making schedule of series webinars as well as live streaming. Zoom meetings are also conducted by different department and clubs to carry out their responsibilities. Also, series of online surveys were answered by the students to possibly know where should the university start in crafting a solution. The PNU-NL's student government had conducted a survey where it was noted that most of its students use and own mobile phones (96%) and only more than half own a personal computer (52%). It can be understood that if education goes online, those students who only have mobile phone will be less advantaged considering that they would need to use their phones in Zoom meetings for instance. As for the internet connection, majority of students rely on mobile data and 66.5% of them are experiencing unstable connection. The result of this survey has helped to understand that a pure online class could not be a practical way to address their needs in education. In the meeting conducted via Zoom, one important highlight was unraveled in order to aid learning. Since pure online classes only benefit few students, course packs are to be distributed to every learner. Each Edubag will include the coursepacks containing modules for the first shift of the first term, flash drive of 64 gb and Kaway Aralan sa Bagong Kadawyan guidebook. Despite the pandemic, teachers all over the country are doing their best to complement the efforts of each other. However, factors such as status in life, internet connection and geographical location began to divide the opinions of the public creating a total push or pull in education. But despite of all these things, we can see that there are still ways to get through the main target which is focusing on the need of education. Truthfully, PNU-NL tries its best to apply its third strategic directions which is system-based solutions to prove that no pandemic can rob off each learner the opportunity to learn.
The Torch North Luzonian
January 2020-July 2020
The Torch North Luzonian
January 2020-July 2020
NO ONE LEFT BEHIND
W
omen and other genders have long been subjected to discrimination and violence. A number of bills regarding women empowerment and antidiscrimination for the LGBTQ community have been passed and are being passed by legislators. However, the change and empowerment are not given to us by the government, it is given by people to one another. And in order to achieve this, we must give it to everyone regardless of their gender and social status. According to the recently published Global Gender Gap Index of the World Economic Forum, Philippines dropped out of the top ten most genderequal countries for the first time as it ranked 16th among 153 countries from its spot last year as the 8th. The gender gap in the country significantly
widened especially in political empowerment as it fell from 13th to 29th in just two years. Moreover, one-fourth of ever-married women experienced emotional, physical, or sexual abuse from their husband in the country. In 2014, the number of sexual abuses on girls 18 years old and under was already over 1,157 where 448 were incest. Whereas, members of LGBTQ community continuously face issues of disempowerment despite schemes passed by the legislation to protect their rights with at least 146 cases of death due to abuse and rising rate of suicidal tendencies among them. Maybe one of them is part of this institution. Thus, we must act now and use the voice that we possess to speak in behalf of these people. As literacy drivers, raising awareness through arts, crafts,
Little McThristan
A
Roel Thristan L. Orpia S e n i o r S ta f f THE OPPOSITION’S HARRINGTON COMMODE
democratic political system, being lofty as it is, provides an indispensable opportunity for the people to speak, be represented, and be heard. It is, as described by Lincoln, a government of the people, by the people and for the people. Citizens enjoy their political rights and take part in the country’s affairs and decisions represented by the authorities they had voted upon. Recent and current circumstances have placed the present administration to the limelight. The way our government deals with these predicaments, their decisions, actions, and strategies, gained both public trust
and opposition as well. Citizens have supported, some criticized; Some advocated, some rallied; Some accepted, some resisted; Some embraced, some opposed. This conflict invokes the questions: "Why do people oppose? What does the government benefit from the opposition?" The opposition parties play an integral role in realizing a well-functioning democratic government. They serve as a watchdog- keeping a vigilant eye to the government. However, citizens have a varying viewpoint about this role of the opposition. Now, let me enlighten you a bit, if at all befitting.
Opinion 5 Walk the Talk Yerica Hannah D. Ramos J u n i o r S ta f f seminars, creative presentations, video clips, dances, songs, and other attention-getting activities is a good platform to start the empowerment that starts to depart from our sight again. Moreover, as I emphasize “ALL-gender” empowerment, we must also understand that Feminism is about women empowerment but it does not require the society to hate and frown upon men. They are also disempowered by the fact that some of them if not most are ignorant about women’s rights and their obligations to protect those rights for the betterment of the community. Thus, we must instill into them awareness about this societal issue and we must target
young boys because they grow into the tree they are planted to be. And if at a young age, we already prune them beautifully, they will surely grow up into the gentlemen they should be that every woman deserves in this world. Empowerment must be initiated holistically and not just one-sided. If we aim for a community-culture of respect and belonging for all people regardless of differences, we must not leave anyone behind in this change. We must prune everyone into individuals uplifting women and LGBT rights while also bringing men into light. #
The opposition plays a constructive role. They educate their fellowmen on important issues that pertain to international and more importantly, national issues. They also keep a check on the dictatorial and authoritarian actions of the government, thus, needless to say, they help check on the misuse of authority and power. The opposition helps the government proactively. They speak about lapses of a certain law, its shortcomings, giving the government a chance to review it. They rally about rights that may be overlooked and threatened. They expose nepotism, corruption, and inefficiency. They resist things that they think may not be in the best interest of the people, unjust or unfair. Why? Because they hold ideologies and standards. Standards that the government fails to satisfy. They do not condone dishonest politics. Now, the Harrington Commode,
made by Thomas Chippendale, one of the most priced English furniture, was described to be ‘progressive and ambitious’ because of its unique and non-traditional style. In the same manner, the opposition’s public outcry might be described as ‘progressive and ambitious’ as well. Their manner of protest might not be in accordance with you or someone else's ideals and standards, but they, too have their ideals. Their methods and ways are beyond the rallying, loud protest, and critics, it goes beyond there. They serve as a voice to the voiceless and they stand for those who fear. And for what it's worth, the pros and antis both move on a selfsame guidepost- to bring back the Philippines' bright and glimmering name as 'The Pearl of the Orient Seas.' This is the opposition’s Harrington Commode. #
6 Feature
The Torch North Luzonian
BEYOND
I
January 2020-July 2020
LEXIS by: Reywalsh M. Cornejo
t sounds odd when some grown-ups think of pile and pile of books as deadweights, when in fact, the core- and perhaps magnificent thing that books did for us throughout the years is to simplify and develop our inmost foundations in achieving literacy. Ergo, building our capacity to function properly in our ever-changing society. This thought about the importance of books reflected as I watch the children of Gawad Kalinga, Echague, Isabela receive their books and school supplies last February 26, as we, the PNU English Circle, demonstrated our desire to instill a lifelong love of reading and learning to children in the most tangible way through the program, Book giving 2020. Early morning on the same day the program was about to be conducted, my body audaciously decided to give up from the unpleasant ways of Aurora Alicia’s weather. I may have just decided to stay back, lay in my bed to rest all day, and listen to my favorite Taylor Swift song. But never could my conscience fathom the things I will be missing if I won’t be attending the said program. Consequently, albeit the thoughts of drawing back and the nasty flu I was experiencing that day, I pulled myself together, wore a ‘sick’ smile and went straight to the meeting placeall for the sake of my conscience. Fortunately, the feeling of literally breaking down was revamp in a 180 degree, as I witnessed how the sun’s intense heat radiates the children’s warm smiles upon welcoming us in their compound. Knowing how excruciating the weather is, people would really think how hassle the flow of the program might be. Even so, the team continuously queued everything into place as several children instantly arrived with excitement and with the hope of receiving something. Appraising the chord of emotion I had, I stand in awe of how the children gave me an impeccable feeling of joy, as I witness how they participate in every bit of fun- from listening to stories, dancing to music, and singing along with the team. Along with the astonishing curve of smiles from the facilitators is the flabbergasting look in the eyes of the children as they delight themselves on every activity. Amidst the hassle of vanquishing the sickness I had and the furor weather, this act of philanthropy allowed me to experience a prized glimpse of happiness and share my love to the young and underresourced children- which I didn’t know, could contribute a lot in my healing (no kidding). Moreover, the program continuously highlighted the significance of reading as it featured its importance as an absolute foundation to learn and function properly. Dr. Mary Ann Balayan (PEC adviser) sheds light on the value of reading to the future literacy of children and its significance to PEC’s commitment in fulfilling the vision of training a new generation of readers and learners. Colorful costumes rayed the streets of Gawad Kalinga as the team performed a sing a n d dance presentation of nursery rhymes and a verse choir (The Owl and the Pussycat). The simple gleam in the eyes of the children and their parents gave us the drive to continuously serve and fulfill the organization’s vision without ceasing. Wrapping up the entirety of the program, Roel Thristan Orpia (PEC President) spearheaded the giving of books and school supplies. His speech reminded everyone of how parents should always be the initial source of encouragement and guidance to their children, and that gifts from charity programs like those will only serve as bedrocks and starting points as they continuously read and learn. Book giving 2020 is still a small act of charity work compare to other goodwill organizations. However, PEC believes that the purpose of kindness, no matter how big or small, greatly contributes to children's happiness. Likewise, for the coming years, PEC envisions extending and leveling up their project into different areas- to help push-through and go beyond. Winding up all my experiences that day (oh how I would love to experience it again) makes me realize that the ones who gave and reached out weren’t only us at all. It was also about them- giving us an indescribable and a golden experience which was evidently beyond our expectations; beyond words- beyond lexis.#
Feature 7
The Torch North Luzonian
January 2020-July 2020
I
An Open Letter of a Bachelor by: Beverly Z. Cauilan
am always awake thinking of you even after 1 am when people are busy running in their dreams while chasing butterflies or flying one doughnut spaceship in the cosmos.” “I’m always awake thinking of you while I hit the old town road putting the piano version of Forever and Always by Taylor Swift on a repeat feeling every words pierce my heart.” “I’m always awake thinking of you after seeing many memes on my Facebook knowing that these little things could put you on bended knees, laughing until your stomach hurts.” “I’m always thinking of you whenever I look out to the lonely, serene moon laid in the middle of the vast starry sky. The moment I stare at it for too long is the same moment it resembles your face with its fine lines and curves.” “There was a point in my life where I cringe to people who were writing about love and brokenness. Perhaps, one won’t understand love and pain until it hits him to the core. I am at this scenario where I can’t imagine happening 4 years ago. Now, I found myself exhausted through words and I’m a messy descendant of pen and paper. No writing could ever exhale the pain. The girl and the promise I’d made hovered in my
What
I
head no matter what I was reading, and her name hovered in my ears like the song she played on an old-fashioned phonograph and on a music box that her father left behind.” “She’s a phantom beyond that shut door. Where else feels like home? My feet knew before my heart did. One step backwards and it pulled me two steps forward to you. I can’t believe I broke promises and even myself for people I loved so real. I still mend my broken soul that no pain-killer medicines could kill. I’m a man. I am the man. But why do I feel so weak? Your leaving made me a holocaust of my dreams. After a heated war between us, I’m in a state of calamity. It’s not only my heart that’s broken. My favorite places, songs, season, everything. Sometimes I ask myself Why? Am I unlucky to have and to be with?” “We were once inseparable, only an inch away from each other. But now that you’re out of my sight, I don’t know how to fill the gap in between.” “I’m insomniac and I have been spending most of my awake-time thinking of us, technically you and me before it’s said and done. My memory still serves me vividly because I still remember when we bumped into each other in an ice cream store. We’re
both awkwardly staring at our ice creams until it dripped on our fingers because we were so stubborn to say a sentence after we exchange His and Hellos.” “As I am writing this, I noticed that staying awake made me look at my ceiling which was already eaten by cobwebs and dusts. Likewise, I’m also eaten by pain and sadness.” “I hear sounds but not of the honking cars outside my bedroom windows rather the sound of your awkward footsteps and the whirs and clicks of your watch indicating it’s about time you decided to walk away from me during that cold night of mid-August. The rain rattled like it was also crying. It’s better this way. No one will see my liquefied pain.” “We’re both balloons prickled by the same needle: we never happened. Maybe you are someone else’s blessing I have been just snatching. We are in the gray area of a Mobius strip without distinction of black and white and other complexities of life. I’ve always wished the best for you. It obviously isn’t me. Sayonara.”#
made your heart stop beating?
was ready to have my retina prove its function that day but as I do so, I woke up seeing a white spotless wall and ceiling. I am in a hospital room with machines all over my body. I tried to recall what happened and I remembered the panic I caused my friends when I shouted "I can't breathe". It was clear then that my heart had stopped. Well, I had a sudden cardiac arrest and I woke up having nothing to do but to stop everything I used to perform while in a hospital room. As I look in the window, it seems to me like I really needed a breathe of fresh air but, it was impossible. A question popped in my mind as I rested on the hospital bed, "What did I do to have my heart stop beating?" The answer that keeps echoing was "I don't know" but deep within me there was an unsearchable faction of thoughts
by: Arian A. Roduta
that only my subconscious knew. I cannot even fathom my own feelings, I told myself. I feel like I am still taking my journey to recover from the cardiac arrest. When I decided to get back to sleep having nothing to hope for, I heard a voice. I heard a voice repeatedly telling me something. I tried to concentrate and yes! It was the voice of my mother saying "It's enough. You can stop writing now. Its 4 AM already!" With too much astonishment, I suddenly woke up from my chair releasing the pen I am holding for a long and looked where the voice came from. It was her scolding me again to go to sleep because I have been into writing a story of fiction the whole night and that includes the scenario I have in the opening of this story. Now then, I realized that the heart attack was only a product of my imagination— it
was just a dream that pops in the mind of a sleepless writer but I still feel saddened because nothing is different of how empty I felt that time .The hospital room I am into is as devoid of beauty as I am of hope. My heart might not have stopped literally like that in a cardiac arrest but I felt too much that I am beginning to drift away from my passion of writing. I am honestly having my heart stopped for a while as I think of writing. I am in the threshold of a searing enema of shadow and negativity rather than in a shining beacon of light and positivity. No matter what I am feeling as of the moment I still do not know what really made my heart stop beating for my love of writing. And to end all the questions, I will just say that I am always a staggering irony of a headline—hard to define because I wasn't meant to be defined.#
8 DevCom
The Torch North Luzonian
January 2020-July 2020
DRAG ON WAR:
Philippines in the time of Pandemic
P
resident Rodrigo Duterte’s hard line on drug dealers and other criminals during the first year of his 'War on Drugs' campaign are to shut down illegal drugs in the country which subsequently equips Armed Forces to fight. But as 2020 enters, a new enemy for the Filipinos emerges as COVID-19 claimed thousands of lives in the country. With this inline, everyone in an instant became an army that was dragged on a war we never anticipated to combat. The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) was reported by China to the World Health Organization (WHO) being
by: Jezer M. Cornejo
registered as a newly discovered strain of zoonotic coronavirus, an RNA virus that they initially named as the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in the early January 2020. In the initial days of an outbreak, the only thing as bad as being the epicenter of a global pandemic is being right next door to one. As the WHO declared the outbreak, a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on January 30, so as a hazard posed by the COVID-19 also became real for the Philippines due to a Chinese female tourist from Wuhan, China had been found positive
of the virus. The government has subsequently treated the country like a warzone as they announced lockdown for Metro Manila, followed by the entire Luzon Island and is mulling over more localized lockdowns. Even if there are aggressive responses imposed by the government, if the best attack move is not yet available— which is the cure, then the imminent threat will still be there. Right now, the defensive weapons available to prevent and slow down transmission is to be well informed about the COVID-19 virus, the disease it causes, and how it spreads. The collaborative efforts, while
it has resulted in some positive outcomes in suppressing COVID-19 infections, exposed gaps in the channeling of science-driven and data-guided advice to the government. The government's contention for 'War on Drugs' should also echo on the strike for the pandemic and with Filipinos acting as troops, it would just be in no time that we will be hailed "winners" against this enemy. There will be lessons to be learned on this global scene, so we must write it on our playbook because if we are being dragged on war again, for sure we will be more fully prepared. #
Healthy Practices to Protect Yourself and Others W a s h your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
W e a r a face mask to cover your mouth and nose when around others.
Practice physical dista ncin g .
Cover your cough and sneeze. Make sure that you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory h y g i e n e .
C l e a n and disinfect frequ ently t o u c h e d surfaces daily.
Source: https://www.worldometers.info/ Source: World Health Organization, Philippine Red Cross
The Torch North Luzonian
January 2020-July 2020
DevCom 9
A Revolution Unleashed in Education by: Arian A. Roduta
P
hilippines has been continuously shaken by the threat of pandemic in all aspects of life. One vital thing that deserves our attention now is the plan on making education still possible despite the current situation. In the Philippines, while the government and health officials are trying to flatten the epidemiological curve of the deadly virus, the
THENew
Philippine
"normal"
University
Department of Education (DepEd) is doing its best to transition the modality of teaching from conventional “f a c e - to - f a c e” learning, or the traditional "brickand-mortar schools” to so-called “blended learning.” This is now the new trend of learning that the education sector tries to embrace as a solution to the problem brought by the pandemic in the academe.#
10 Comics
The Torch North Luzonian
January 2020-July 2020
Sports 11
Larong Pinagbigkis ng Lahi
The Torch North Luzonian
January 2020-July 2020
K
by Leidi Julienne M. Pagulayan
asiyahan. Pagkakaisa. Pagkakapantay-pantay. Ilan lamang ang mga ito sa mga salitang bumuhay at nagbigay kulay sa muling paglitaw ng Laro ng Lahi sa pag-alala sa Araw ng Pamantasan.
Tradisyon kung ituring ang paghahanda ng mahahabang buho, itim na baldeng may nakasilid na palaka, palayok na puno ng kendi at maging ang puting sakong kasya ang sampung paa. Hindi alintana ang tirik na araw na sumasagasa sa pawisang noo ng mga magaaral maging ng mga propesor sa paglalaro. Ganito nila yakapin at tamasahin ang apat na oras na pagbababad sa araw at pagsilong sa himnasyo upang makilahok sa iba’t iba at hindi nalulumang Laro ng Lahi. •
Kasiyahan: Akademiko ay bitawan, aliw ay kampihan
Higit sa isang dosenang nakakaaliw
at hindi matanggihang mga laro ang ihinanda sa Araw ng Pamantasan na pinamunuan ng Physical Education Major Subject (PEMS) Club. ‘Taympers’ muna sa akademikong gawain at tila sabay-sabay na isinigaw ng bawat isa sa komunidad ng PNU-NL ang mga katagang ‘game na!’ Ipinagpaliban ang gawain sa opisina, pansamantalang natuyo ang mga whiteboard at sabay-sabay na ipinahinga ang kanilang kamay mula sa pagpirma ng tumpok na dokumento at pagsusulat sa kuwaderno. •
Pagkakaisa: damhin, iisang
Pagtutulunga’y tungo sa hangarin.
“1…2…3… talon!” wika ng isang nangingibabaw ang boses na magaaral sa kagustuhang makatalon ng sabay-sabay sa sack race. Kung palampa-lampa ka, buong grupo mo’y tumba. Pinaalab ng bawat
PEMS Club is now NYCregistered
T
by Jimuel C. Sagario
he Physical Education Major Students (PEMS) Club of PNU-NL successfully registered in the Youth Organization Registration Program of National Youth Commission. One among the 118 Youth Organizations and Youth-Serving Organizations countrywide, the PEMS Club was now entitled to all programs, rights and opportunities the NYC shall endow with. After all the essential requirements needed have been accomplished through the effort of the club officers aided by the Club Adviser Dr. Madonna C. Gonzales, the registration has been approved and accepted by way of
email on 20th of November last year. With great honor, the PEMS Club was among the four organizations in the Province who effectively registered the said program. In addition to, the PEMS Club was acknowledged as the first and only organization in the entire PNU system to be included on NYC YORP. “It’s beyond honor… PEMS is the first [club] in the whole PNU [system] to be part of the NYC YORP”, PEMS Club President Romar B. Adelan said. By means of the Isabela Provincial Youth Development Council, the PEMS Club, represented by Mr. Adelan, was granted a certificate of registration by the NYC at Alibagu, City of Ilagan, Isabela last March 9.#
miyembro ang pagkakaisa sa tunguhing manalo at higit sa lahat, ang mamayani ang pagkakaibigan. Maririnig din sa kabilang dulo ang masikhay na katauhan ng bawat miyembro sa obstacle race. ‘It’s now or never?’ ‘Yan ang bungad ng palakang agresibo sa pagtalon sa loob ng balde. Kung hindi mo susuungin, tiyak na ang grupo mo’y dadaigin! Sa huli, hindi mahihigitan ng sinuman ang bawat isa kung ang mga ito’y may pagkakaisa. •
Pagkakapantay-pantay: Ranggo ay iwanan, damhin ang mabuting samahan
Nangibabaw ang pag-alingawngaw ng mga dalisay na halakhak mula sa himnasyo. Hindi matutukoy ng sinuman ang nagmamay-ari sa mga iyon. Walang mataas, walang mababa. Iisang ritmo na nangangahulugan ng purong tuwa
habang nilalaro ng bawat isa ang piniling laro. Magiliw na labanan ang nanaig sa pagitan ng pangkat ng propesor laban sa pangkat ng mag-aaral sa patintero. Habulan, tayaan, at matinding gwardyahan ngunit hindi nauuwi sa pikunan. Takbo rito, takbo roon. Talon dito, talon doon. Sigaw rito, sigaw roon. Walang humpay na tawanan ang nabuo sa pagitan ng mga ito. “Hindi mangangalawang ang bakal kung patuloy itong gagamitin.” Tulad din ng laro ng lahi, hindi kukupas ang tradisyong ito kung patuloy na bibigyang-pansin at bubuhayin. Taunang binubuhay ito sa Pamantasan at patuloy itong bubuhayin para sa susunod pang henerasyon na tatamasa ng walang kapantay na kasayahang hatid nito. #
Hoops' tragedy:
Mamba out, NBA mourns
N
by Christian Joseph B. Bielza
ational Basketball Association (NBA) staff, teams, family and fans drowned into tears after the tragic passing of the legend Kobe "Black Mamba" Bryant in an explosive Sikorsky S-76 helicopter crash at the rugged hillside of Calabasas, west of Lost Angeles last Sunday, January 26, which triggered an outpouring of grief from fans around the world. Bryant's 13-year old daughter Gianna and seven other victims were also on board when their helicopter slammed and burst into fire at the hillside, leaving no survivors among them. Meanwhile, different NBA teams, celebrities, politicians and fellow sports stars expressed their sorrow and gave appreciation to the dead legend in their own ways. Most of the teams committed an 8-second or 24-second
shot and
clock violation to honor pay tribute to Mamba.
Also, Los Angeles declared January 28, Wednesday as Kobe Bryant's day to honor his excellent performance inside the hardcourt wherein he played his 2-decade career in LA. Lakers' power forward LeBron James also expressed his grief and promise to Mamba in his twitter account uttering," I'll promise you that I will continue your legacy, man." On the other hand, the legend's death left his wife Vanessa and their three other kids longing for his love and presence. Despite his loss, the name Kobe Bryant will still be remembered in basketball world and for many generations of NBA as a fivetime NBA champion and 18-time NBA All-stars for 20 seasons.#
by Flocy Mae B. Fernandez
P
eople were amazed at some point when a woman
a Physical Education Teacher. The idea was wonderful
there that they should not rely on men. They should at least
achieves something different from how they have
back then but she had to face tons of hard circumstances
graduate using their surnames because according to her,
perceived her capacity. Others might be in the state
like running out of food and material things as well as
graduating with a degree will make a woman so powerful.
of astonishment when a WOMAN can succeed in her life
fighting back the dramatic feeling of being away. Despite
(in a very particular field) where most men also succeeded.
these, she still holds on to her philosophy until this day
she shares have been an inspiration, leaving a
Meeting her will probably make us think twice about
which says, “don’t worry for tomorrow for He will provide”.
remarkable impact on the people who have been
how have we been thinking, acting, and supervising our
Bringing her courage to the doorsteps of PNU-Manila
with her, show that she is NOT JUST a woman.
lives. Born on the 30th of July 1972, this woman who's
for four years had been challenged by the difficulty in the
Fondly called by the students as 'Madam' and by
raised by an Ilocano and Bulaceńo blood has always
area of academics. But, just like how an athlete responds to
her colleagues as Doinx, she is like a vine reaching high
been a woman ready to face challenges but her fear is to
the ball that is about to hit her, she remained focused on the
but grounded, flexible, and adaptive with every situation
be left alone. She is a woman who is afraid of being away
things that make her more challenged and excited which
she encounters. Known as being so particular with
from those people she treasured most. In her early years,
include examinations. She even told me that during exams
the golden value of time, she will always start and end
she had already been showing passion and patience
when she did not know the answer, she would leave it blank.
every event she’s coordinating ON TIME. Through the
in studying hard and making her parents proud. She
She has proven to be tougher than anything that is about
years, she always considers her graduated students with
had been a consistent honouree during her elementary
to hit her way by reaping her sacrifices and graduated cum
excellent jobs as teachers serving in different schools as
and secondary years and continued to be excellent not
laude. If she has to say something to anyone who has goals
a measurement of her success as a teacher. "You have to
only in the field of academe but also in the area of being
to graduate with flying colors, it must be that weakness
develop students better than you. Gawin ko silang mas
family-oriented as shown in her attitude as a responsible
must not go beyond your strength rather, you have to
magaling sa akin," Ma'am Doinx mentioned. Indeed,
daughter to her parents and a trustworthy sibling.
be balanced in everything you do to have a safe fallback.
she is an epitome of an excellent yet humble educator
As I talk to her, she had shared to be one of the toughest
While teaching and after being single for years she
instrumental in preparing her students for the future.
decisions she had ever faced. Based on her story, she had to
met the man who made the heartbeat fast. Wonderfully, she
As I end the interview with Ma'am Doinx, I
accumulate all her courage to tell her father that she wanted
was married to her first and only boyfriend who made her
noted that she has always been motivated to change
to pursue her college education at the Philippine Normal
feel worthy of his love and trust. The result? She and her
her master's toga to a doctorate one. The 'Madam' of
University-Manila Campus. Whatever the situation gets,
husband have been happily married for 24 years now, and
PNU NL now holds Doctor of Sports Management or
she always thought of the outcome of her bravery which
she considers it her success, that is being a wife. As a mother,
Doktor Pendidikan Olahgara is no other than Madam
is to prove to her parents that Manila is a home that will
on the other hand, she gave birth to three precious girls. She
Madonna “Doinx” Castro Gonzales, a daughter, sister,
shape her to become someone worthy of being who she
feels triumphant in raising kind and good daughters. In this
mother, wife, friend, teacher, and the D’vine prowess.#
is—an excellent woman with her profession of being
experience, she has all the authority to tell every woman out
T
H
E
T
O
The
prowess
R
she
possesses
C
and
the
life
H
S p o r t s
