The Trailblazer Magazine - Volume 38 Issue No. 1

ACHACOSO Junior Lifestyle Writer MASHEIL ROSE DANGO Junior Sports Writer ZANDRINE KHRISTY M. TORTOSA, JOSHUA T. LAGRIMAS Senior Photojournalist JAN KARL MALONE C. PAGUE Senior Cartoonist ANGELA D. BALSOMO Senior Layout Artist LLANE GRACEZA B. BENTING Junior Layout Artists JOEAR T. BERDON, JOHN MICHAEL B. REITA, HANDY RICK I. TAMPON Junior Graphics

CONTENTS 12 14 18

EDITORIAL

Surreal Paradox

Do I Even Matter?

Lest we play a never-ending Blame Game

KAHAMILI 2021 honors Outstanding USTP Student Organizations and Moderators

USTP joins Singapore Exchange Program: The ASEAN Bridge Two Years in a Row: Andam Higala qualifies for TAYO 19

USTP introduces First Dean for College of Medicine Trailblazers laud PRC Exam 2021 USTP Claveria welcomes new Chancellor Cultura recognized as Regional Winner in CSC's 2021 Honor Awards

USTP’s Must-know Offered Services

Choose the Rough Sea Cagay-anon shines in an Intercontinental Beauty Tilt PH Debt: The Real Burden Continues

Careless Whisper: The Return of Maria Trailala

Pfizer Pill: Does it equate to COVID-19 Vaccines? Crypto Basics: A Skim through the Virtual Currency Manual

USTP acclaim victorious feat during MASTS Virtual Games 2021

ABOUT THE COVER

It has been a while since we shifted to different virtual platforms to keep every way of pursuing our various endeavors in life. On that leap, we pushed ourselves to the verge of unknown, regardless of the drawbacks we may face. Just like how we deal with our current journey, we seem to get overwhelmed and lose the drive to go through the changes in our daily living. However, the uncertainties that fill our eyes with unclear vision should not be the only concept that must appear in our sight. Instead, the light of hope that brightens the path of new tomorrow; that one day, we may get through these challenges and see the great resurgence.

Words by Ryan L. Ga-as Cover Design Angela D. Balsomo Circulation Digital Copies

Surreal Paradox

The psychological and practical ramifications of ongoing online learning at all levels of education vary from time to time, and its direct impact on students changes depending on the situation. Confusion is inevitable in these challenging times, resulting in a palpable sense of loss, and as we rise above the chasm, may we discover a firm resolve to maintain the severity of the unwelcome impact. Even while online learning was touted as a solution during the COVID-19 crisis, its detrimental influence remains a concern. The urgent need for face-to-face learning will pave the way for a better education experience, particularly for college students across the country. However, despite the efforts made to reduce the escalating effects of this pandemic, are we willing to jeopardize our health in exchange for quality education?

Recently, the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) announced that Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) would progressively be authorized to conduct limited face-to-face classes for all degree programs, especially in areas deemed low risk for COVID-19 with regions utilizing less than 50% of hospital/intensive care unit beds for patients and declining infections in recent months. In an effort to meet the requirements, the University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) conducted a survey on October 4, 2021, across the system to further assess the implementation. There were 11,358 respondents, 697 of whom were faculty, and 10,661 were students. Given the conditions and readiness of the facilities of USTP to implement the required health and safety protocols, the respondents stated that the 2nd semester of the AY 20212022 is the optimum time for the limited face-to-face class.

In relation to its implementation, CHED confirmed that required vaccination is not a prerequisite for college students to attend the

limited face-to-face class. It is up to the universities, however, to determine whether or not to require the needed immunization. According to the survey results, 4,754 or 42% of teacher and student respondents indicated they are fully vaccinated, while 1,049 or 9% said they have no plans to get vaccinated. Meanwhile, when asked if vaccination should be mandatory, 8,673 or 76% of teacher and student respondents agreed. The intention of mandated immunization is commendable, but the right of every Filipino to say no should be considered as well.

In a holistic approach, face-to-face class remains a necessity for education as online learning aggravates inequalities and unevenness in access to technology, the internet, and other aspects. However, saying no to vaccination must come after authentic information, as it has unquestionably become more of a rationale and an excuse than a right. As a result, if the Philippines fails to meet the herd immunity objective, the likelihood of the virus spreading remains significant. More often than not, positivity is lost in these unprecedented times as we face the complex demands due to the pandemic. Furthermore, parents’ decisions should be weighed, as some are still concerned about their children’s safety, while others express optimism about the return of in-person learning. As we strive to establish the parameters of this massive dilemma, may we discover a fresh route amidst the ambiguity. We are in a surreal paradox–seemingly contradicting the vague reality. Needless to say, our own definition of resolution, our approach to assessing solutions, and our ability to adapt to the situation will provide a comprehensive roadmap for the best potential solution. In such instances, do you think we are better off having the new mode of learning instead of the conventional way? Are we?

Do I Even Matter?

If a tiny voice in the back of your mind discourages you, don’t worry. It happens to everyone. On a side note, though, it doesn’t simply go away.

ut of all areas in this plane of existence, the human mind is the most terrifying place. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic began, each person continued to wage war against their thoughts. While no one is immune to the prevailing condition, some individuals tend to dismiss and undervalue the difficulties of others. As a means to eradicate any stigma on mental health, the University of Science and Technology of the Philippines (USTP) made efforts to nurture the minds of its constituents. Although, a persistent question haunts students’ minds, “Did any of those efforts help me at all?”

As a demonstration of feats, certain University departments have implemented Teleconsultations (online consultation), webinar sessions, and training for students to become listening buddies. Following such events, there were still students who expressed their frustrations through online humor. The majority of these sentiments were concerned with experiencing mental breakdowns, as most of what the institution offered were only mental health webinars, conveniently mirroring online classes. Jokes and jest continue, but the feeling of isolation and disorientation remain for many.

Aside from the University’s initiatives, there were other attempts made by students. One example was the USTP Virtual Wellness Week 2021, which employed an interactive experience to promote holistic development and mental health awareness among Trailblazers. An additional initiative of psychological assistance was made by We CARE, a program designed for the USTP youth in the form of anonymous counseling and virtual safe spaces. While their approach of promoting mental stability was engaging and innovative, the question remains as feelings of comfort may only last a moment.

In a way, coping with life’s never-ending obstacles may be accomplished by taking a minute to oneself and appreciating the present. This involves being appreciative of the University’s and its students’ efforts, but most importantly, thanking yourself. “Life is a never-ending show. Except the minor detail that it ends.” says a recurring line in the Critics’ Choice Television Award-Winning show, Bojack Horseman. Whether any of these matters, when dust simply embraces us in the end, is up to you. However, just because your meaning is dependent on your subjective point of view, it doesn’t mean you have to waste it. Because, in a vast universe filled with infinite cosmos, our lives could only last for not more than a blink. Let alone that fact, you mean so much more than you think.

Lest we play a never-ending Blame Game

he current educational setup has prompted us to bend over backwards and expand our skills, flexibility, and empathy. With our persistent efforts to cope with the systematic global adjustments due to the pandemic, we were spared from having to put our lives on hold for two solid years devoid of educational pressures. Although perhaps, seeing how we are holding up right now, we may have overestimated our capability to put up with the pressures of online classes and flexible learning.

One would say that the transition to digital platforms was never easy and demands more time and practice to successfully operate, but a competent person will know how to make education work even with the overwhelming presence of the internet. Instead of setting schedules where the use of video presentations and synchronous discussions can alternately gear the students with adequate knowledge, some educators opt to leave soft copies of learning materials instead. Then, as though these .pdf files suffice to educate the learners, they proceed to bombard the class with quizzes. In turn, students find it hard to rely on their own knowledge with this sort of education and, thus, resort to searching for answers and copying-and-pasting ideas from the internet. Here’s something that we have learned by now: Incompetence is an incurable disease unless the

person willfully decides to diagnose himself out of it, and honesty and discipline are two morals that are difficult to teach through virtual screens. The shift in the system, coupled with the existing poor education ranking of the country as per 2021 reports from the World Bank, urges deliberate reforms from the Philippine educational agencies and calls for optimum commitment from students and teachers alike. As young people who need to build a better future for the nation, it is high time that students demand better standards and performance from themselves when it comes to education. In this way, they can also ask for accountability from higher educational personas without coming off as hypocrites.

It still feels surreal that now, we are in the second academic year under the Flexible Learning Program. Since we are already here, and though we may be tired of being labeled as resilient and strong Filipinos, it is best that we embody and manifest these traits. To advocate for education that prevails means being able to prevail over our incompetent selves first. In the grand scheme of things, the world is still crawling on its back towards being well again, but wouldn’t it give you peace to think that in the middle of this entire crisis, you’ve done your part to make things better and urged others to do so as well?

SOFIA ANN B. SARINO

ERIEL INDIRA R. ALBARECE

KAHAMILI 2021 honors Outstanding USTP Student Organizations and Moderators

By Michelle L. Salvan

Acknowledging the efforts of the students and moderators of USTP organizations, the KAHAMILI Awards 2021 upholds appreciation last December 3, 2021 via live stream on the USTP Facebook page.

After the deliberation of the advocacies and services of the organization leaders via Zoom interview on November 17-18, nominees were presented and later on awarded on the culminating day.

Kahamili 2021 showcases local, national, and global contest winners; licensure exams passers from the university were also recognized. Moreover, after thorough selection and deliberation of the nominees, the awardees were announced in their respective categories, along with their accomplishments.

Moreover, for the awaited Major Awards, The Federation of Accredited Extra-curricular Student Organizations (FAESO), Institute of the Integrated Electrical Engineers – Council of Student Chapters (IIEE-CSC), Junior Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (JPICE), Senior High School Governing Council (SSGC), and Google Developer Student

Clubs (GDSC) were recognized as the Outstanding Student Organizations. Meanwhile, Ms. Mary Louise Pimentel (University City ScholarsUCS) and Mr. Jomar Llevado (GDSC) were awarded the Outstanding Student Organization Moderators, and for the President Ricardo E. Rotoras Outstanding Student Leaders, Hannah Mae Hormiguera, President, GDSC and Former President, UCS, Maria Alexandria Venilda P. Portillo, Vice-President, FAESO, and Patrick Noriel Paclibar, Former President, IIEE-CSC were the recipients.

For the Special Awards, The Best in Advocacy Campaign was given to ‘PamiNOW: Basic Filipino Sign Language’ or FSL Series from SSGC, The Best Student Activity to Padayon EE Initiative and Tudlo EE from IIEE-CSC, and The Best Anti-Drug Campaign made by the JPICE. The GDSC Solutions Week by the GDSC and The Trailblazer Publication were also awarded The Outstanding Service Awards.

Kahamili means ‘Excellent’ in Cebuano, and these Trailblazing student leaders and moderators continued to raise their respective organizations through their dedicated works and consistency in maintaining the excellence of the USTP as a functional and harmonious university.

This year's recognition activity was hosted by Dr. Maria Angeles D. Hinosolango, OIC - Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and concurrent Director, Office of Student Affairs (OSA) and Mr. Kenneth G. Cuarteros, Executive Assistant of VCSAS.

Outstanding Student Organization Moderators. Above: Jomar Llevado; and Below: Mary Louise Pimental. Photo Source: USTP Kahamili Awards Facebook Page

Hosts during the Kamahili 2021. Left: Mr. Kenneth G. Cuarteros, Executive Assistant of VCSAS; and Right: Dr. Maria Angeles D. Hinosolango, OIC - Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. Photo Source: USTP Kahamili Awards Facebook Page

USTP joins Singapore Exchange Program: The ASEAN Bridge

By Vic Anthon T. Jaudian

To ensure continuous growth of learning, select University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines students participate in the Singapore Polytechnic International’s six-Monday Singapore From Your Home exchange program from Nov. 1Dec. 3, 2021 via Zoom Conferencing.

Clark Romeo R. Naces, a Grade 12 Senior High STEM, Glendel Mae Deluna, BTLED Major in Home Economics - 2, Alexandria S. Javier, BS Data Science - 3, Jennifer Pauline A. Lim, BSTCM -3, Kristine Jane M. Laid, BS Applied Mathematics - 3, Carlos Juan L. Vega, BS ME - 3; Sofia Ann B. Sarino, BS FT - 3; and Kyra B. Jandayan, BSTCM - 4, guided by the Director of Student Affairs, Dr. Maria Angeles D. Hinosolango completed the courses filled with activities.

“The program is an advantage due to the new connections they made with students from other ASEAN nations. In more ways than one, these novel interactions maximized their potential to conduct socially-inclined activities,” said Sofia Sarino, one of the delegates.

Considering the intention of the program, Sarino said, “It has benefited the University of Science and Technology of the Philippines since it fulfills the university’s mission and graduate attributes, specifically, to bring the world of work (industry) into the actual higher education and training of students.”

Moreover, videos were showcased to primarily exhibit Singapore's historical events, such as; the 1933 Aliens Ordinance; 1942 Mandai Inferno; Singapore’s Triumph Against Japan–– further strengthening the program’s aim of sparing notable information about Singapore as a nation.

Two Years in a Row: Andam Higala qualifies for TAYO 19

By Arnel James Y. Suprito

Ayouth organization led by Ms. Herna Francis Mae B. Tano of BS Technology Communication Management, Andam Higala, yet again qualifies for the National Level in the 19th Search for Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations (TAYO).

we were not just able to share the stories of our Scholar Mommies but we have also shared how empowering an Eba/woman could make a difference not only for our beneficiaries and their children but also to the communities that they belong to."

It has benefited the University of Science and Technology of the Philippines since it fulfills the university’s mission and graduate attributes, specifically, to bring the world of work (industry) into the actual higher education and training of students.

Sofia Ann B. Sarino Singapore Exchange Program Participant

Among the 933 entries from all over the country, Andam Higala was one of the 20 National Finalists in 2021. In the National Awarding Ceremony held last December 11, 2021, at the official Facebook Page of TAYO 19, the youth-led organization was unable to make it to the Top 10 Organizations. Despite this, they were still able to bag second place in the People's Choice Category featuring one of their flagship projects, Andam Eba 2.0.

In the words of Andam Higala's Assistant Executive Director, Maria Alexandrea Venilda P. Portillo, "Siguro, I would describe the TAYO 19 journey as a blessing or an early Christmas gift not just for me but for Andam Higala as well;

Andam Higala is only one of the many nationally recognized youthled organizations in the Philippines that participated in the annual competition. "Wala nato gina-sira ang door for any opportunity nga mu-join next year, pero sa karon, main priority pa gyud sa Andam Higala ang pagpa-strengthen and pagpaimprove sa project framework and at the same time, ang pag-help sa mga beneficiaries karon sa Andam Eba 2.0," Portillo added, indicating the possibility of Andam Higala joining the competition next year.

TAYO is an award-giving organization that recognizes and supports exemplary youth organizations in the Philippines. Last December 2020, the organization was also part of the 18 National Finalists for the TAYO 18, marking the organization's second consecutive win.

Congratulatory post for Andam Higala as they qualified during the 19th Search of Ten Accomplished Youth Organizations in the Philippines. Photo Source: USTP Student Affairs - CDO

USTP introduces

First Dean for College of Medicine

By Lady Trisha D. Salazar

Under the immediate superintendence of Attorney Dionel O. Albina, the Chancellor of USTP CDO, Dr. Mitchel Dennis B. Gonzalez, was designated as the first Dean of the College of Medicine. It was publicly announced last October 29, 2021.

Dr. Gonzalez is also a practicing neurosurgeon and an active academician. Additionally, the newly-appointed dean had been given multiple awards, namely, The Common Plaque from the Philippine Army, Testimonial of Appreciation from the Philippine Medical Association, Leadership Award from the Misamis Oriental Medical Society, and finally, the Most Outstanding Physician of Misamis Oriental Medical Society. Before being the USTP’s College of Medicine Dean, Dr. Gonzalez also became the Associate Dean of the Xavier University Dr. Jose P. Rizal School of Medicine.

Moreover, at the University and hospital levels, Dr. Mitchel educates Medical students and other residents. The newly appointed Dean of USTP’s College of Medicine, Dr. Mitchel Dennis Gonzalez, firmly gives credence to the notion that through constant cultivation and development of the said College, competent and reliable medical professionals will be produced, and conceivably, the world will have numerous health workers who are beyond proficient in yielding exceptional medical ministrations.

Trailblazers laud PRC Exam 2021

By Catherine May S. Guegue

The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) Cagayan de Oro campus has produced six new Chemists, 26 new Chemical Technicians, and 19 new Electronics Engineers (ECE), after results from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) revealed the licensure examinations passers last November 4, 2021.

Among the Batch 2021 takers of Chemical Technician and Chemist, the successful examinees from USTP who made it to the top are the following: Javen Lloyd A. Oira, 6th placer, Chemist Licensure Examination; Sheena Mae C. Mendoza and Nicollen N. Olamit, 8th placers of the Chemical Technician Licensure Examination.

Meanwhile, the Electronics Engineering Department of USTP also garnered a 73.08% passing rate in the examination in which 19 out of 26 examinees from the university passed the exam.

The other successful examinees include: Abella, Athena Louisse Aca; Alcompado, Krishna Mae Mowit; Amao, Jose Jess Sabella; Antipuesto, Christian Catuburan; Aromin, Jessa Quimada; Britos, Sheba Banas; Cardosa, Jaime Jr. Gonida; Dela Pena, Jumilan Lacuarin; Duron, Renalyn Saldo; Enderez, Kenneth Quezon; Estipona, Sharmaine Laarnie Joanne; Genita, Kurt Manapil; Liong, Tristan Clam; Longganay, Ar-Gie Ambag; Malto, Euzel Joane Badic; Sabuga-a, Pauline Fruelda; Simbajon, Leo Oliver Lopez; Sulib, Kent John

Bustillo; and Tabalba, Cres Ronald Bonachita for new Registered Electronic Engineers.

While, Asoy, Antonio Ybanez; Barlisan, Chancy Louisse Tadlip; Ompoc, Evmar Dampog; Barbosa, Grace Gift Pelongco; Baytion, Ana Margarita Lubbui; Cabugao, Fritzie Batausa; Cailing, Aldin Emanel; Campehios, Shiela Jane Peteros; Deypalubos, Reljoy Marie Tinggas; Escala, Michelle Dayanay; Garcia, Micah Joy; Jaramillo, Surity Almirol; Jaraula, Katherine Joy Taboclaon; Jaylo, Julia Louise Matabalan; Lago, Rachel Ann Sarino; Mabaylan, Kathiren Abobo; Navarro, Patrick Guiller Arsolon; Nolasco, Suzette Janobas; Odchigue, Christine Mae Edloy; Ompoc, Evmar Dampog; Pahilan, Sarah Joyce Saclot; Ragas, Dave Jose De Asis; Santizo, Riel Jaymar Benelayo; Tianzon, Lecza Mae Abrio; Vaguchay, Janet Cañerejo; and Zornosa, Frouline Bongcaron also passed the Chemist and Chemical Technician Licensure Exam.

The University has maintained its stance in providing quality education for all students. Ms. Nicollen N. Olamit, one of the Chemical Technician Licensure Exam top notch, said that taking BS Chemistry requires time, faith, effort, dedication, perseverance, physical, spiritual, and emotional intelligence. College is about thriving and surviving. “It is okay to fail because failure is not a person's definition. But, it is a lesson to be learned. Life isn't a race. As long as you're on the right path with that right attitude, you're on the proper route to get that little black cap with a colorful tassel in the finish line." she added.

Chemical Technician and Chemist Board Examination Top-notchers. Left: Javen Lloyd A. Oira; Center: Nicollen N. Olamit; and Right: Sheena Mae C. Mendoza. Photo Source: University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines Facebook Page

Dr. Mitchel Dennis B. Gonzalez. Dean,USTP College of Medicine. Photo Source: USTP Website

USTP Claveria welcomes new Chancellor

By Karen Crystal B. Paler

The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) Claveria campus welcomed Dr. Renato O. Arazo as the second appointed Chancellor during the University’s third regular Board of Regents (BOR) meeting last September 29, 2021.

The search committee has selected two nominees for the next Chancellor, as the term of the office of the Chancellor of USTP Claveria ended on October 14, 2020. Following Section 34 of the Republic Act, 10919 known as the USTP Act, "Major University Campuses in Cagayan de Oro and Claveria shall be headed by a Chancellor, while satellite Campuses shall be headed by Campus Directors who shall be appointed by the board upon recommendation of the president and a search committee established for their purpose." Furthermore, under section 35 of the said law, Arazo shall serve the campus for four years and may be reappointed.

Dr. Renato O. Arazo is a University

professor of USTP Claveria and the former Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs (VPAA) of the campus. He completed his doctorate in Environmental Engineering at the University of the Philippines Diliman. Also an international visiting scholar at Texas A&M University in Texas, USA. As an expert in Biooil production and upgrading, Dr. Arazo has contributed various research and projects in the field of Bioenergy, Biomass, Wastewater, and Adsorption.

Moreover, Dr. Arazo has proposed eight development goals known as the CHAMPION. The goals stand for Catalyze, Hasten, Advance, Modernize, Produce, Increase, Operate, and Nurture. These goals highlight Catalyzing the creation of innovations, Hastening and implementing more responsive extension services, Advancing agri-industry collaborations, Modernizing university facilities, equipment, & services. Produce a quality and ready workforce, Increase the graduate's employability & earning power, Operate state-of-the-art agrienterprises, and Nurture the knowledge-based economy.

The newly appointed Chancellor envisioned the campus to champion cutting-edge agri-environmental ideas and technologies in education, industry, and the economy. Those visions will result in jobready and intelligent people that promote food security, value chain improvement, and environmental sustainability through innovation. Lastly, he aims to provide a bustling research environment that generates ideas with practical commercial applications and place community-wide extension services that are inclusive and responsive.

Cultura recognized as Regional Winner in CSC's 2021 Honor Awards

By Charbie H. Balistoy

President of the University of Science and Technology of the Southern Philippines (USTP) was named as one of the regional winners of the Outstanding Public Officials and Employees under the category of Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award for the Civil Service Commission's 2021 Honor Awards Program (CSC), held last September 21, 2021, via Zoom and streamed live on the CSC Regional Office 10's official Facebook page. This awarding comes with the theme for its 121st Anniversary, "Transforming Public Service in the Next Decade: Honing Agile and Future-Ready Servant Heroes." Dr. Cultura is in his second year as USTP System President where he promotes technopreneurship and innovation.

The following are the evaluation criteria for the Presidential Lingkod Bayan and Civil Service Commission Pag-asa AwardsNoteworthiness of Outstanding Performance/ Contribution, Sustainability of Contribution, Impact of Performance/Achievement, Reliability and Effectiveness, and Consistency of Performance.

Civil Service Commission exemplified that the Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award is conferred to an individual or group of individuals for exceptional or extraordinary contributions resulting from an idea or performance that had a nationwide impact on public interest, security, and patrimony. The contribution may be a suggestion, innovation, or superior accomplishment. Dr. Edilberto L. Oplenaria, Schools Division Superintendent of the Department of Education in Lanao del Norte, and Arleigh J. Adorable, Regional Executive Director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR10), are the other honorees.

"The higher we are placed, the more humble we should walk," Dr. Cultura quoted in response to his victory.

Dr. Ambrosio B. Cultura II, the System

Certificate given to Dr. Ambrosio B. Cultura II as a Regional Winner for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees under the category of Presidential Lingkod Bayan Award. Photo Source: USTP Website

Dr. Renato O. Arazo, Newly Appointed USTP Claveria Chancellor. Photo Source: SEEP Inc. Website

ON CAMPUS

By Hannah Karyll G. Insong

The global health crisis has altered the course of events, particularly in education. The pandemic pushed for a gradual shift from face-to-face classes to flexible learning, which emptied universities of busy faculty and students. Despite this, USTP strives to guide and assist its employees and students in achieving overall well-being by providing a variety of services that are accessible online.

HEALTH SERVICES

The Office of the Director for Health Services delivers primary medical and dental treatments performed by licensed health professionals.

The organization is committed to providing fast, high-quality, and efficient healthcare services to promote the optimal welfare of the USTP community. The department carries out appropriate, facilitative, preventive, and curative interventions through medical and dental consultation and treatment, physical examination, referral to tertiary care, and as-needed, first aid and emergency care.

Despite various issues and concerns during the pandemic, the USTP health services ensured that primary health care remained accessible to the students at all times. With that, they offered activities to adhere to their number one objective: to continuously provide essential medical and dental services to students, faculty, and staff. Moreover, to constantly be reachable to students when they have health concerns, whether in a physical or virtual venue.

Moreover, in response to the Covid19 crisis, the Office of the Director for Health Services initiates and conducts contact tracing activity and early detection and control spread of infectious conditions within the campus premises. Health counseling and emotional support to students infected with Covid-19 or their family members are roles that the university health personnel also actively participate in.

Furthermore, the organization's services do not stop there: instilling health awareness to students and staff was also prioritized. They discussed other health-related concerns aside from the COVID 19 virus.

Various webinars, with 3 being the most highlighted webinars, took place last year:

a. Hypertension Awareness Activity

b. COVID19 Preventive Tips Webinar

c. Reorientation of USTP Students to the Existing Medical & Dental Services of each of the respective campuses and re-introduction to HIMS Online Consultation Platform and; Helping out in the Covid-19 vaccination schedule of unvaccinated USTP Students

Subsequently, these initiatives occurred from the first quarter to the last

quarter of 2021 using the current internetbased platforms where video calling is workable for teleconsultation. The individuals who did not have an internet connection were administered through messages and calls. The USTP introduced the HIMS project- Healthcare Information Management System. This online framework can be used by the University Health Personnel and the students and staff to associate with one another and oversee well-being information and data in an advanced and secure manner. Facebook Live was used to supervise the webinars and some through Zoom or WebEx medium to reach the students effectively.

No one knows when and where COVID-19 would infect individuals, so the endeavors mentioned above are used to eradicate unawareness and combat the said virus threat, guarantee admittance to vital medical care, and meet the immediate necessities of the academic community.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION OFFICE

The university has made the Digital Transformation Office under the Office of the University System President to initiate the college complete business process mechanization to follow RA 11032, also called "Ease of Doing Business." In this manner, it expects to expand and provide appropriate consequential ICT change and modernization projects and ventures with a clear goal of empowering simple administration and possible delivery of instruction and opportunities for advancement to its students and employees.

While DTO continues to provide its quality service, they remain to live to its objective, which is to lead the University System-wide business process automation, including Planning, Designing, Evaluation, Customization, Development, Documentation, Implementation of various ICT policies and Information Systems.

Students experienced much more benefits from the organization during this pandemic as the following initiatives were made accessible and convenient online:

a. Online Admission and Enrolment

b. Learning Management System branded as

USTeP (University of Science and Technology e-Learning Portal c. E-Clearance d. Helpdesk

e. Healthcare Information Management System (HIMS)

These projects are deployed in USTP Domain, such as ustat@ustp.edu.ph and ustep@ ustp.edu.ph. It correspondingly provides service to the academe, especially students, to enroll in their courses, transact processes, and attend classes remotely. Henceforth, information is one click away to give students a comfortable academic life and ensure efficient delivery of services.

GUIDANCE OFFICE

In preparing the students to face the actual profession or entrepreneurship world, the guidance office has been helping students to understand themselves on a deeper level. May it be in their academic life, problems related to work, discovering their potential in different fields, and developing coping skills.

Nevertheless, these tasks will remain unsolved without activities that would help the mental health professionals and guidance counselors determine the causes. During this pandemic, consultations and counseling happened behind the screen and in an online setting. Yet, the Guidance Office has plenty of list of their initiatives that benefited the USTPCDO students, namely; a. E-kamustahan

b. Exit Interview for Graduating Students c. E-counseling/Tele-counseling d. Referral

e. Virtual talks and webinars about Developing Sense and Purpose in Life, Fulfilling My Destiny: "A Day of Recollection for Graduating Students," and Mental Health Awareness

There was no guarantee that every student had an internet connection, so the organization held majority of their events via phone calls and text messages. However, the webinars needed to transpire in a much bigger space which Facebook Live and Zoom conferences can provide. These assured the students that they have a safe space where they can breathe and unburden themselves during these challenging times and better understand the importance of Mental Health.

ON CAMPUS

Nearly 40 percent of freshmen are appearing to be nervous about going to college and Javen was one of them. He cannot just ignore how other people describe that “college is different.” From the atmosphere that smells like failing grades, he recalled that he felt pressure on the first day of school because of how fast his classmates answered the activities. He thought about how there were a lot of competitive students and how he was surrounded by intelligent people. What's more is that he is a procrastinator. He is lazy and can easily be distracted. The thing is, he is really not an honor student from elementary to high school, and even up to college. Every semester, he remembers himself praying for a 3.0 grade for at least one subject. Over and above, his family and friends expected a lot of him.

Turning Points

There were too many reasons to give up, but he didn’t. Javen wants to cope with their expectations. So he took those negative experiences as if they were blessings. Instead of letting people's opinions bring him down, he thinks optimistically. He took advantage of the deadlines and used them to pressure him in doing his tasks. If there’s one thing he knows about himself other than being talkative, it would be that he got a mile-long motivation to reach his ambition. He knows himself and he means it. His mindset helped him that much. After graduating college, he found a job, took a nearby boarding house and hustled like he had never done before. He read 6 different books about chemistry. By means, he worked 12 hours a day, from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, 1 hour to rest and eat. Afterwards, he studies from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm, and then it is time to reward himself. He watches Netflix series, eats, scrolls on social media, or talks to people

up until 11 pm. He wakes up at 10 am during his break then starts studying from 1 pm until 6 pm. Thereupon, he either eats or sleeps until 9 pm and then studies again as far as 12 am. This is his daily routine straight for one year and it might seem that he is really a hardworking person. However, even as he hustled, he faced problems correspondingly.

Downfalls

A quote said “The truth is, the harder you fight, the sweeter are the rewards in the end.”

Truly, in every story, there are always challenges. There are times when you feel your dreams are unreachable and you want to give up. Likewise,

Javen experienced that downfall. There was a time when he did not study anything for two weeks; he intended to give up as he felt that his goal was out of reach. That was also when people told him that it would be difficult for him to place a rank because it is a nationwide licensure exam. Still, he continued, he’s gone this far to give up. He knows that someday he will harvest the fruit of his hard work.

Disclosing personal habits

Secrets are knowing yourself first then providing the best suitable solutions. His personal learning style is when he studies, he takes notes and reads them for the entire year to put them in his long-term memory. Usually, he reads 1 or 2 out of 6 notes (notebook containing notes from 6 different books), so this is how he'd do it. Every person is a person of their own; we are all different. He can recommend a value that can be developed instead, which would be perseverance. It may be simple but it is powerful, work with it in different ways.

Tiyaga’s Outcome

Javen Lyod A. Oira Chemical Technician and Chemist Top-notcher

After Javen saw the results and knew that he was in the top 6, he described the feeling as “maka inhale exhale nalang ko’s kalipay” knowing that he has done it! Javen was scared and afraid at first, exhausted, then he felt he wanted to quit but it was all worth it. What keeps Javen going? It is knowing that a "Smooth sea never made a skilled sailor." And so after how many years of perseverance he finally did it, he certainly became a licensed chemist and chemical technician.

This is Javen Lyod A. Oira’s story. Amidst the alternating downfalls and best results in his life, he encourage you to always choose happiness.

...maka inhale exhale nalang ko’s kalipay.

“

By Hannah Karyll G. Insong

OCinderella story brought into life by Cinderella Faye Obeñita, who seized an intercontinental crown as she dazzled everyone in the Miss Intercontinental 2021 pageant held in Egypt. She was the second Filipina to bag this prestigious title after Karen Gallman in 2018.

Obeñita is from Cagayan de Oro City. She graduated from Liceo de Cagayan University with a bachelor's degree in Mass Communication, magna cum laude. She also founded Crown CDO: A Cervical Cancer Awareness Circle, aiming to empower women through seminars and discussions on cancer prevention and treatment. With that being said, Cindy is an advocate of Cervical Cancer Awareness that has spoken on numerous occasions about how this converts a threat to women's lives.

The fairytale-like journey of Cindy Obeñita to reach the Intercontinental stage began when she became Miss Cagayan de Oro in 2019. From then on, Obeñita represented Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental to the Binibining Pilipinas platform. During the National pageant, Cindy bested other participants as she earned the highest fan votes, which guaranteed her the 13th spot as a wildcard for the semi-finals.

"In life, we always find ourselves at a crossroads of choices. Women always have a

to embrace the concept of a new beautiful which is responsive to the needs of the time, adaptive to the change of times. And I think I would choose to be that woman who understands the problems of the Philippines, the problems of my community. So that we would be able to uplift each other. And I would be that kind of woman who would comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable," Obeñita said during the question and answer portion delivered by Michael Cinco.

Fresh from joining Binibining Pilipinas after clinching the Miss Intercontinental Philippines title, the Cagayan de Oro native arrived in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, from Manila. Cindy draped an evening gown called Kislap, created by Filipino fashion designer and stylist Odelon Simpao. Crystals and semi-precious stones reflect sun rays' pattern on the bodice embellished in the corset. Her national costume, also designed by Odelon, was called Diwata. It has the ensemble prestigious color gold and was inspired by the gold-producing culture, particularly in Mindanao, Cagayan de Oro, where Cindy hails from. And during the Miss Intercontinental Party, she wore a Filipino most renowned comic-inspired costume, Darna.

Cindy vied against 70 beauty queens and hurled challenges before becoming a finalist in the Miss Intercontinental. During the question and answer portion for the Top 6 candidates, she was asked about the importance

language in any pageant is not vital as long as the woman is of power, grace, commitment, and intelligence.

“I have learned actually here in Miss Intercontinental that a woman should possess power of substance. And I believe I am that woman because that is the essence of a modernday Miss Intercontinental — that we are living in a world that’s very hard to survive. And as a Miss Intercontinental, I would like to be that source of hope, that source of inspiration on the true power of beauty and that is felt on the kindness of our hearts and definitely on the sincerity of our loving actions,” Obeñita proudly said during her final round. Fanni Miko of Hungary, the Miss Intercontinental 2019, crowned Cindy Obeñita as the Miss Intercontinental 2021.

Cindy's modern Cinderella story inspires hundreds of women out there and showcases that nothing is impossible when you believe in yourself and when it is God's perfect time for you. Furthermore, her journey to the crown was a magical story we all have witnessed, and ascertains us that fairytales turn into reality with perseverance and endurance. Her story makes us believe that someday, we could make our dreams happen, too, no matter how farflung we think they are. Souce:

The Philippine local news publishers, be it digital or print, have published several articles pertaining to the jaw-dropping amount of debt the country possessed as of 2021. With this, doubts and confusion are cast upon the minds of the Filipinos, and questions about the accuracy and reliability of the Philippine government are nothing short of oozing. Filipinos are now skeptical of the national government following the release of the extravagant emergence of the Philippines debt. Filipinos are dubious of national government actions regarding their manner of utilizing the fund that is supposed to ameliorate the country and its citizens. They suspected the government of committing corruption and misusing funds intended to assist the country during the outbreak. With this, they demand the receipt of the activities that use the capital.

Philippines’ debt arises throughout the reign of the late and former President, Ferdinand Marcos. The notorious case involving his administration was regarding the debt fund for the Nuclear Power Plant located in Bataan that was completed in the year 1985. In the power plant project, Marcos has acquired a fund amounting to $2-Billion that has reached $22-billion until the year 2007, wherein the repayments ended. In 1986, the Commission on Audit reported a diversion of finance to the “confidential” fund of the European Social Fund (ESF) Council headed by the former president’s wife, Imelda Marcos. In the interview with Representative Carlos Isagani Zarate, House Representative of the Party List – Bayan Muna, he stated that the debt during the reign of Marcos brought downfall to the country’s economy wherein the nation would pay for the debt estimate until the year 2025.

For 2021 alone, the Sandiganbayan requested an order to return the acquired wealth amounts to hundreds of millions of pesos by the former president Marcos through “illegal and irregular” funding. The request of the Sandiganbayan results in a decision of the anti-graft court’s second division that states that the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), or now named Royal Traders

Holdings Corporation Incorporated (RTHCI), will pay several bank certificates’ face value issued from 1974 to 1979.

Another generation of administration under President Rodrigo Roa Duterte imparts to the country’s economic growth. However, the emergence of the CoronaVirus (COVID-19) has worsened the already doomed financial status of the country. The pandemic extent continues to affect the Philippines’ economy, resulting in the national government acquiring an increasing debt rate of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) - the measurement of the value-added and income earned during a definite period to monitor the economic activity of the country. As of August 2021, the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) emerged to 15 percent from the pre-pandemic year, possessing a percentage of 39.6. The credit money funds and facilitates the citizens with their necessities during the lockdowns, quarantine, and hospitalization. In addition, it funds and assists in supplying the materials needed for the Build-BuildBuild Program by Duterte's administration.

The Bureau of the Treasury released data containing the entry of the country’s debt from July to the end of August this year. The data illustrates the rising of the debt within a month. In July, the Philippines possessed a ₱11.61 Trillion debt. However, by August, a discovery of the COVID-19 variant resulted in securing an additional fund by the government to combat the new wave of pandemics and provide the essentials of the citizens affected with more restricted order during lockdowns in selected areas of the country. The new wave of COVID-19 variant results in an increased debt differentiating with 0.03 points from the previous months possessing an initial account of ₱11.64 as of August 2021.

The national government's debt as of the end of September this year continues to increase. According to the Kawanihan ng Ingatang-Yaman or the Bureau of the Treasury, the debt has reached the amount of ₱274.53 Billion, resulting in an outstanding

balance of ₱11.92 Trillion, both domestic and external debt. The fund serves as the national government recovery response to the COVID-19 pandemic during 2021 through the program that carries the theme “Reset, Rebound, and Recover: Investing for Resiliency and Sustainability.” The program assists the nation through infrastructure development to generate an increased rate of job opportunities and the communities to adapt to the post-pandemic life.

Subsequently, during the reign of the past administration, the country has been in debt and is still drowning in it. The recent administration expanded the debt rate of the country due to the emergency responses and programs applied to improve the facilities and infrastructure for the community. The solutions should have provided convenient and upgraded conditions for the citizens. In addition, it should have allowed job seekers more job opportunities resulting in a decreased rate of unemployment.

Admittedly, the administration can not appease all the needs of the citizens. In response to this, they provide programs to protect and supply the citizens with necessities. These programs are designated primarily for emergencies, such as pandemics and any natural disasters. The recent administration expanded the debt rate of the country due to the emergency responses and programs applied to improve the facilities and infrastructure for the community.

However, even with all of the given programs, the citizens experienced doubt rather than security. Unassisted Filipinos are dismayed, especially the frontliners that worked their fingers to the bones but aided unsuitably.

With this, one can’t help but ask the question, “Where does the fund go?” Clearly, trillions of debt are unbelievably enormous to process, but we aren’t seeing or experiencing any massive improvements either. We then start to wonder if this debt is by the nation and for the nation or not at all.

Sources: bit.ly/3sn5bxp; bit.ly/3AJCvSR; bit.ly/3ATaCba

isud mahigugma, lisud mag-pangga.

LLisud masakitan, lisud mawad-an. Lisud magpasaylo, lisud magbag-o.

Pero ang lisud sa tanan, kanang makasilingan kag murag surveillance camera. Tsk!

Maria: It was just right to be all by myself. Nothing to bother about, not until…

Marites: Uy Maring Chese! Kabalo baka kanang anak ni Hulya nga si Maria nagdala daw nag laki gahapon dira sa ilaha.

Chese: Mao ba? Naonsang bataa wapa gani trabaho nag ing-ana na.

Narrator: Kahinumdom paba mo ni Maria? Oo, si Maria nga kauban ni Doone sa MUST pa sauna karun USTP na. Atua silang ubanan balik ug saksihan ang bag-o nasad nga estorya mahitungod sa tagsa-tagsa nila ka kinabuhi karun. Kumusta na kaha sila?

Mga Pamati ni Maria Trailala

Maria: (Nag-atubang sa bintana samtang gayaw-yaw) Kuyawa sa akong damgo kagabii uy! Nabagsak daw ko kay wako kapasag mga activities kay naglaaga radaw ko. Grabi jud nakong hilaka. Onya pagmata nako nakakatawa ko. Kalimot ko graduate naman diay ko. Charrs! Bahalag bugo basta kay ni graduate blehh!

Belinda: Huy Maria naonsa ka dira uy sige man kag yawyaw naay nangita nimo sa ubos gwapo kayo. (Pinasiga ang mata)

Maria: Ha? Naa? Kinsa uy? Basin delivery rider na sa Shopee ha wapa raba koy kwarta dire.

Belinda: Hala og delivery rider to pwedi mahimong parcel?

Maria: Ambot nimo Belinda uy siguro sayup nga gatas nainom ni ante Narsing sauna pagburos nimo ay. Hali na naugon na nato basin onyag gikawat nato. Kabalo baya ka daghan kayo kawatan dire… Kawatan og mga mata, basin idungog nasad nga laki ko na, kahilas ba sakong dagway uy haha!

The Inner Musings of Doone Mariano

Doone: (Sigeg tan-aw sa relo sa iyang kamot) Hahay wala gihapon nautro ni si Maria, langayan gihapon bisan wanay klase. Onsa nasad kahay lamlam ani sakoa run.

Maria: (Nakurat, nihunong, nitutok) Huy Doone! Nganong naabot man ka dire?

Doone: Bawal diay?

Maria: Dili man, nakurat lang ko kay abi nako og tua ka sa USA.

Doone: Ah yeah, I’ve been there! Actually karun pako kauli gyud.

Maria: Dawbi onsa may tuyo nimo?

Doone: I drop by here because I just want to ask if…

Marites: (Nitaas ang liog sinil-ip sa bintana nila Maria) Na tan-awa rajud maring uyab lagi ng Maria, daan ko pa maburos jud na dili pa maka trabaho.

Chese: Na sakto jud to atuang tagna maring ay sunod bulan ana dako na nag tiyan ba.

Mosa: Mao jud masuko pag idungog dires atong barangay nga tinood man sad oh kinsa lugar na bi?

Mga Pamati ni Maria Trailala

Maria: Onsay if Doone?

Doone: Hmm I just want to ask if naa bay ma rentahan dire na room ‘cause you know duol man gud dire ang site sakong work and it will be a hassle for me if mag-ulian pako sa amoa.

Maria: (Nakaginhawa og lawom) Ah mao ba daghan man dire marentahan na rooms, daghan sad gani pwedi rentahan dire nga chismosa ay este balay diay.

Belinda: (Nagpahiyom) Oo daghan rooms dire basin nangita sad kag katabang ba (gikilig)

Maria: (Gidukol si Belinda) Pasensyahi nani akong kauban Doone ha bag-o man gud ni gibakunahan basin sa utok na turok ang dagom dili sa bukton hehe.

Doone: It’s okay. Sige lakaw nako Maria kay naa pako buhaton na importante. (Nilingi sa bintana) By the way Maria murag safe jud dire

magpuyo ba daghan man surveillance camera hahaha!

Narrator: Nilabay ang pipila ka mga adlaw og panahon sa barangay Machismoza nga magpabakuna.

Marites: Uy Mosa muadto ka sa vaccination site karun?

Mosa: Na murag dili uy.

Marites: Ako sad dili kay makamatay manang bakuna uy kita ra gyud giilad ana.

Chese: Lagi mahimo pa lang tang zombie na onsaon nalang.

Mosa: Mao man onya naa pa raba jud daw nay katong murag metal naa koy nakita sa facebook na ang kutsara kay nipilit sa bukton sa giturukan.

Chese: Hala mao ba? Na dili nalang jud nako pabakunahan akong pamilya uy!

Mga Pamati ni Maria Trailala

Maria: (Nipalit sa tindahan tungod sa mga nagchismis) Ayo!

Tindera: Onsay imoha Maria?

Maria: Papalita ko og paracetamol lima ka book.

Marites: Na tan-awa bag-o mana nagpabakuna si Maria gisakitan na og ulo.

Mosa: Na basin mahimo na nang zombie.

Tindera: Onsa pa dayun?

Maria: Pilang kilo aning mangga nga hilaw te?

Tindera: Tag 50 lang na tapos basin gusto ka apilan og uyap arun mas lami?

Maria: Sige te isa ka kilo lang dayun ug isa ka uyap, hayst kalami sa mangga galaway nako.

Chese: Na buros lagi jud diay nas Maria kay nagpalit nag mangga.

Mosa: Nangala nana ba!

The Inner Musings of Doone Mariano

Doone: (Nakita si Maria sa tindahan) Uy Maria?

Maria: Doone? Nakalaag nasad lagi ka?

Doone: Laay man gud sa akong room so I decided to visit you. Kabalo baya kang ikaw ra akong kaila dire.

Maria: Ah mao sad, hali sa balay sakto nagpalit ko og mangga diba favorite tani sa college sauna?

Doone: Hala really? Sige go ko ana. Ambi bi akoy dala.

Marites: Tan-awa rajud mao lagi na ang nakaburos kay Maria!

Chese: Hala oo mao mana atong niaging adlaw nga nakasakyanan ba?

Mosa: Maayo pud ni mupili si Maria kay kwartahan man gyud.

Mga Pamati ni Maria Trailala

Maria: (Nilingi sa tulo ka camera este tulo ka chismosa samtang naglungotlungot na sa iyang huna-huna) Mga ante kabalo naba mos balita?

Marites:Nga onsa man?

Maria: Nga naa daw tulo ka babae dire nga ipatawag daw sa barangay.

Chese: Hala ngano man daw?

Maria: Sobraan raman gud daw ka observant.

Mosa: Hala ipaonsa man daw?

Maria: Ipatabang daw og bantay sa mga gapataka rag labay og basura didto sa park (Grabing katawa).

Marites: Na kalooy basad nila, kakapoy ra ana ah!

Maria: Oo looy jud mo (Gigunitan ang kamot ni Doone dala dagan)

Tulo ka Camera/Chismosa: Onsa!!!!

Narrator: Onsa kahay sunod nga mahitabo nila Maria ug Doone human ani nga panghitabo? Mapatawag ba sila Marites, Chese, ug Mosa sa barangay? O mabut-an na sila which is lisod tuohan, charot!. Kiligon naba ta next time nila Maria ug Doone? Atangi ang sumpay sa ilang estorya. Ayaw lang og assume kay masakitan raka!

Pfizer Pill: Does it equate TO COVID-19 Vaccines?

By Masheil Rose Dango

The COVID-19 pandemic has been going on for two years now yet choices for people who don't have a more severe strain of the virus are still limited, not until tablets were introduced. The availability, effectiveness, and safety of vaccines have dominated conversations about stopping the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years, which have been at times tense. But, first and foremost, how do these tablets work? Will they be easily available in the near future?

According to medical professionals, here's all you need to know. Paxlovid, a protease inhibitor developed by Pfizer, prevents viruses from replicating, lowering the number of viruses in the body. The drug is a combination of a molecule developed by Pfizer scientists and ritonavir, a drug commonly used to boost the efficacy of HIV medications. It is taken twice daily for five days. According to Jamie Alan, Pharm.D., Ph.D., associate professor of pharmacology and toxicology at Michigan State University, "the result inhibits an enzyme needed for certain viruses to function effectively."

Moreover, "There is currently no simple treatment for COVID-19 infections, and Pfizer could fill that void, alleviating the load on patients and an already overburdened healthcare system. The aim is to make an oral antiviral for COVID that would be akin to Tamiflu and reduce symptoms, reduce complications, and reduce contagiousness," says infectious disease expert Amesh A. Adalja, M.D., a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. The concept of a COVID pill is "game-changing", he added.

Last November 2021, Pfizer stated that in its own major randomized study, Paxlovid, a COVID pill, reduced hospitalizations by 89 percent and also averted fatalities. It must be used with a second treatment called ritonavir, which is manufactured by AbbVie, a prominent pharmaceutical company. The Pfizer program entails taking 30 pills over the course of five days. In the fight against COVID-19, the last two months have delivered a lot of excellent news. Two distinct oral medications have been shown to be beneficial in both reducing hospitalization and death in patients newly diagnosed with COVID-19.

Similar to Molnupiravir – the first approved pill for Covid-19 that was approved in the U.K. on November 2021, Pfizer said its drug showed good results when administered within five days of the first COVID-19 symptoms.

Recently last December 22, 2021, The U.S Food and Drug Administration has granted an emergency use authorization (EUA) to Pfizer’s Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir and ritonavir tablets, copackaged for oral use) for the treatment of mildto-moderate coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older, weighing at least 40 kilograms or about 88 pounds) who have positive results from direct SARS-CoV-2 testing and are at Paxlovid is only accessible by prescription and should be started as soon as possible following a COVID-19 diagnosis and within five days of the onset of symptoms.

Paxlovid can be prescribed to kids 12 and older but Molnupiravir can’t, because of concerns that it might interfere with bone growth. Also, because of the risk of birth abnormalities,

Molnupiravir should not be given to pregnant women. Because the effect on sperm is unknown, men using the medicine should utilize birth control for at least three months following the last dose.

Paxlovid can cause a loss of taste, diarrhea, increased blood pressure, and muscle aches, among other things. It should not be taken with some other medications because it may cause serious drug interactions. It may also cause HIV-1 medication resistance in persons with uncontrolled or undiagnosed HIV-1 infection. Paxlovid should be used with caution in patients who have preexisting liver disorders, abnormal liver enzymes, or liver inflammation since ritonavir can induce liver damage. It is not advised for individuals who have significant kidney or liver problems. The pill must be taken at a lower dose in patients with moderate renal impairment. Patients with renal or liver disorders should discuss whether Paxlovid is right for them with their doctor.

“Paxlovid is a breakthrough drug,” Peter Anderson, a professor of pharmaceutical sciences at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, said. “This could make a real difference in the pandemic by making an effective Covid treatment available to many people.” He added. By this time, Paxlovid is availabe to some foreign countries while in the Philippines, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted a compassionate special permit (CSP) for the Covid-19 treatment drug Bexovid – the first generic version of Pfizer’s Paxlovid.

Sources:

https://bit.ly/3rmuzUr; https://nbcnews.to/32TQQzz; https://bit.ly/3GmEwpo; https://bit.ly/3sb2iPR; https://bit.ly/3AXdXWK; https://wb.md/3scL3hd

Currency plays a key role in survival. For people to either provide or obtain necessities and luxuries in life, tangible currency in the form of money, such as bills and coins, circulates in the economy as a medium of exchange. Monetary currency depends on a central authority, which is the government; the government influences the printing of money, bank reserve negotiations, taxes, and interest rates to ensure control over the money supply. The currency exchange rate with other countries is also a good indicator of our own country’s economic state. According to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), 1 Philippine peso is equivalent to 0.019 United States dollars as of January 13, 2022, which tells us that the USA has a stronger national economy than the Philippines.

The "Digital" Money

Currently, a promising type of currency has been asserting its convenience and appeal to the world. As the global pandemic bore itself, we had to face digitalization without reserve. Thus, we were urged to explore and embrace digital currency. Satoshi Nakamoto's invention of cryptocurrency in 2009 signaled the dawn of an inevitable digital revolution wherein earning and using currencies that transcend physical dimensions is normalized and even taken as an advantage.

Crypto comes from the word cryptography, derived from its Greek origins, meaning "secret writing." Cryptography is the process of encrypting messages, data, or any exclusive text, usually used to store or transfer information with confidentiality. In essence, cryptocurrency is a set of code or encrypted data placed in a protocol waiting to be validated. But what is this protocol, and how do cryptocurrencies get validated for investors to be able to use them?

Cryptocurrency relies on Blockchain technology, which is also referred to as Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT). A blockchain is a "database that stores encrypted blocks of data then chains them together," forming a decentralized, single-source for data.

Blockchain Technology and how it Works

Take, for example, the most widely used and well-known cryptocurrency today, Bitcoin. Everyone who invests in bitcoin owns a virtual wallet and gets to have a private and public key. If I decided to send 3 bitcoins to whoever finishes reading this article, I would be putting it out there in the public ledger with my account number and the account number of the recipient on full display. Other investors will know that I authored this transaction since a blue stamp will appear in the very note of my undertaking, signifying that I signed it with my private key. Bitcoin users monitoring the ledger will then sign my transaction with their public key, after which a red stamp will appear beside the initial blue stamp, signaling that it has been noted and validated by everyone else. Now, this verified transaction gets stored in a block. The block is then added to the long chain of transactions, thus the blockchain. Needless to say, the blockchain is a peer-to-peer network where all investors are observers and validators of all transactions bitcoinrelated.

On Investing and Earning Cryptocurrency

Let’s stick to using Bitcoin as an example. According to Adam Hayes in his article "How to Buy Bitcoin" on Investopedia.com, you can begin earning your first digital currency by using valid payment methods such as bank accounts, credit, and debit cards. You can also invest in companies that have bitcoins on their balance sheets or even in mainstream services such as PayPal and Robinhood. But perhaps the most rewarding method of earning cryptocurrency is by not investing any physical money first, or even at all. This method is called "mining," wherein miners get to earn cryptocurrencies by solving complex hashing puzzles. As in the aforementioned, cryptocurrencies are sets of code placed in a protocol just waiting to be validated. The moment a miner solves a complex mathematical or logical problem, one block gets unlocked, validated, and added to the chain. This is when the miner earns

their reward. However, ideal as this method may seem, the given problems can only be solved with specialized equipment such as a graphics processing unit (GPU), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Not to mention, solving the puzzles would involve decrypting and is time-consuming. Basically, mining is more likely for technology-inclined people.

Aside from Bitcoin, some well-known cryptocurrencies include Litecoin, Ethereum, Chainlink, and Stellar Lumen, all of which are run by Blockchain Technology. The growing number of cryptocurrency investors includes not only the wealthy, the tech-savvy, and business-minded individuals, but also ordinary citizens and even students who continually hear and learn about the digital currency. As intriguing and fascinating as it is, people invest in cryptocurrency for varying reasons. They could be really convenient in online purchases, help reduce tax burden, make way for an increased return on investments, and be used as a form of financial control. Although quite obviously, investing in them is a double-edged sword—no government, banks, or laws shall be involved in any transactions in the cryptocurrency business, which also means that no legal action can be called for in the face of cybersecurity breaches. There will be no central authority to hold hackers and malicious movements accountable.

Investing in cryptocurrency could be a mixture of both excitement and uncertainty. Owning digital assets and going beyond the physical dimension of earning is a headstart to maneuvering the vast and ever-changing platform that is technology. Sort of like a survival hack in this world where the only way to go is onwards. However, we just barely scratched the surface in this quick guide to cryptocurrency, and it is best that we delve more into this topic to equip ourselves with what its depth and complications may bring to our lives.

Sources: https://bit.ly/3I89NgT; https://bit.ly/33quVAd; https://bit.ly/3qyoAvC

The University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP) delegates stood triumphant during the Mindanao Association of State Tertiary School (MASTS) Virtual Games 2021 held virtually last June 18 to December 5, 2021.

Delegates from over 32 various state universities and colleges vied throughout the six-month long virtual friendship games with the theme, "MASTS Virtual Competition 2021: Harnessing Opportunities in the new normal."

Notwithstanding the constraints of today's new normal, USTP seized numerous tilts in championship category and other respective distinctions. They have indulged in the varying different categories: E-Games, Dance Arts, Musical, Literary, Theater Arts, Sports, and the Search for Mr. and Ms. MASTS 2021.

Vying for the well-sought title, USTP’s Ms. Mary Denise A. Pueblas snatched the crown as she was hailed winner together with Mr. Jamal-Adin L. Hayek of SSCT as the newest Ms. and Mr. MASTS 2021 during the MASTS finale held at Sinanduloy Cultural Center last December 5, 2021. Pueblas also grabbed the Best in Talent award, as did her partner, Mr. Joseph Noel Talabangonan, who won two minor awards; Mr. Friendship and Mr. Focus.

Among the ten pairs of competing candidates from the various participating SUCs, Ms. Pueblas’ winning answer dominated the crowd and judges,“If the government here in Tangub City is like the government in the whole Philippines then I surely believe that such government will have good governance and a better place that we live in today.”

Moreover, USTP’s Team Azura consisted of Princess Villareal, Daye Jane Macamay, Ma. Lorena Belgado, Aillen Gonzaga, Aiah Marie Casiño, Rhenzel Amora, Angela Jacob Go grabbed the First Runner up spot for the MLBB (Female category) together with USTP’s Team 70 PERCENT as second runner up for MLBB (Faculty & Staff category) under the E-Games competition.

USTP delegation also scored a victorious feat in the Musical and Dance Arts competition clinching the championship title for Acapella (Group category) and another one for the Streetdance clash (Group category) together with CliquePoint Dance Crew’s Jessa Lumbay, Nuela Dineros, Alyssa Macale, Annaliza Bernal, John Michael Cadeliña,

Stephanie Jane Quijano, Daphne Gail C. Ybañez, Dimple Jane Bahian, Jenny Rose Dayle, Devine Grace Sapida, Danika Pharamela M. Sabellita, Earl Jovan Chan, Jonathan David A. Saledaien, Francis B. Vallozo, Marwin A. Ortiz, and Mark Jerecho A. Valmoria took home the 1st runner up spot in Folk Dance (Indigenous Dance), whereas Joshua Cabañero pulled off 3rd runner up in Contemporary Dance (Solo/Duet).

Meanwhile, for the Literary competition, USTP’s Lady Trisha D. Salazar and Vic Anthon T. Jaudian emerged as 1st runner ups for Storytelling and Extemporaneous Speech respectively, while Jey Mart A. Cuyag finished in 2nd place for Dagliang Talumpati.

In addition, the university’s very own Círculo De Entablado also secured a spot in the Theater Arts category under the MASTS Games Socio-Cultural competition ranking; 2nd place in Short and Sweet Play composed of James Niño Calustre, Hazael Ann Pat, Chyndale Jabutay, Judy Ann Abrio, Noeh Jesu Antolo, Cristin Jo Colis; 3rd place in Radio Drama with Danna Montimor, Rhea Mapusti, Maureen Reyes, Ver Anthony Gumaga, Sean Dael; and 4th place in Short Film with John Ric Timala, Patrick Tubiano, Leo Baya, and Mr. John Marc Bacayo as the coach.

The following SUCs competed in hopes of victory: Agusan del Sur State College of Agriculture and Technology, Basilan State College (BSC), Bukidnon State University (BSU), Camiguin Polytechnic State College (CPSC), Caraga State University (CSU), Central Mindanao University (CMU), Cotabato State University (CSU), Davao del Norte State College (DNSC), Davao del Sur State College (DSSC), Josefina H. Cerilles Polytechnic State College (JHCPSC), Mindanao State University (MSU), Northwestern College of Science and Technology (NWCSAT), Sultan Kudarat State University (SKSU), Surigao del Sur Polytechnic State College (SSPSC), Surigao State College of Technology (SSCT), University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines (USTP), University of Southern Mindanao (USM), Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), Zamboanga Peninsula Polytechnic State University (ZPPSC) and other non-participating schools.

Henceforward, the next MASTS Games will be in April 2022 at Mati City to be hosted by Davao Oriental State University.

Sage Dapitilla, Dave Morre, Jonzee Nietes and Kieth Arbues; Gintong Amihan Dance Troupe’s