September - November 2022 Regular issue

The ARDEN

The Official Student Publication of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa

September - November 2022

September - November 2022

PLMun-OsMun launches the first medical school in Muntinlupa

|| Danica Tolentino and Dian Marybelle Acosta

Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa (PLMun), in collaboration with Ospital ng Muntinlupa (OsMun), officially launched the PLMun-OsMun College of Medicine last October 10, 2022 at the PLMun Emerald Hall. Mayor Rozzano Rufino B. Biazon led the unveiling of the seal for its opening held at the Muntinlupa City Hall Quadrangle, followed by a motorcade to the PLMun for the opening ceremony, led by University President Dr. Raymundo P. Arcega, CESE.

Upon the Commission on Higher Education’s (CHED) approval, Resolution No. 464-2022 – the request of PLMun and OsMun for the issuance of a government permit to operate the first and second-year levels of the Doctor of Medicine Program for the academic year 2022-2023 sparked a celebration in the PLMun and OsMun community.

City Vice Mayor Artemio Simundac, along with City Councilors Coun. Jedidiah Presnedi, Coun. Atty. Raul Corro, Coun. Alexson Diaz, Coun. Lester Baes, Coun. Rachel Arciaga, Coun. Ivee Arciaga-Tadefa, Coun. Elliot Martinez, Coun. Dado Moldez Jr., Coun. Valentino Niefes, Coun. Allan Aman Camilon, Coun. Francis Ian Bagatsing and SK Federation Pres. Coun. Kenichi DA. Takagi Jr. joined the launching of the college. Atty. Edwin Dimatatac M.D, The Director Chief of OsMun introduced the College of Medicine’s Dean, Dr. Christopher Calaquian, and faculty members consisting of doctors from prominent medical schools in the country like the University of the Philippines (UP) and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM).

The idea of collaboration started during the term of Dr. Elena E. Presnedi, in the earlier years of the pandemic. It aims to create new doctors to train and respond to the medical concerns and needs of the city.

The college opened its classes on the same day of the official launch. The college is still open for applicants and is ready to accommodate an estimated 20 students for its first year of admission.

The college will follow the admission policy of Philippine Medical Schools. Applicants must be/have:

1.) Graduate of any 4-year baccalaureate degree such as BS Biology, Psychology, and BS Nursing;

2.) National Medical Admission Test (NMAT) passer; result taken within 2 years from the date of application.

3.) Certificate of Eligibility for Admission to a Medical Course (CEMed)

The program offers almost every specialization, including surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, and general medicine.

In addition, the City Government of Muntinlupa fully supports the new college and would also offer a scholarship grant of Php 30,000 per semester. Scholarship applicants must be part of the 40% percentile on their NMAT results.

For further information, the college will post announcements on its Facebook page, PLMun-OsMun College of Medicine. <w>

Arci Reyes brings pride to PLMun

|| Cassandra Nicole Bautista

Renzo Carl “Arci” Reyes, a third-year AB Communication student of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa (PLMun) brought pride to the university by being the Top 9th Ms. Q & A Kween Of The Multibeks in the grand finale last October 22, 2022. She is the first Muntinlupeño to get the spot.

Arci defended her crown as the daily winner three times and secured a spot as one of the top ten grand finalists on October 21, 2022.

“Over expensive and material things, the best gift that we can give to ourselves and to other people is respect,” Arci said to Mr. JM De Guzman in his question, “Bilang isa akong actor, kailan katanggap-tanggap umarte o mag-inarte?” during the grand finale. Unfortunately, she was eliminated in round 1. However, she was hailed as the Top 9th Ms. Q & A Kween Of The Multibeks.

“Joining a pageant in a noontime show in ABS CBN is an eye opener for me...Everyone who is blind will now be able to see not just in our institution but also in the entire community that constantly discriminates against us. It’s time for them to accept everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community for who they are,” Ms. Arci explained how she used her participation in this pageant to fight for the LGBTQ+ community and her fellow students.

Arci also thinks that the pageant is ideal for her to speak out and encourage her fellow LGBTQ+ community members. She plans to gain more experience on a national television show while making her parents proud. She revealed her plan to compete in other big pageants in the future, including university pageants too.

Arci Reyes expressed her heartfelt appreciation to everyone who had shown her true love and support during her Ms. Q & A Kween Of The Multibeks journey.

“Just keep on dreaming and believe in yourself no matter what. Try and try. You can’t win at everything but you can always try,” she said to all aspiring queens. <w>

PLMun ERT new members undergo Basic Life Support and First Aid Training

|| Jenny Gardose and Nikaela Jacinto

Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa (PLMun) Emergency Response Team (ERT) conducted a 2-day Basic Life Support (BSL) and First Aid Training for their new members on the 3rd floor of the Research and Learning Resource Center (RLRC) building from 9 am until 5 pm on October 6 and 7, 2022.

Ms. Amalia T. De Alday, Training Division Head of Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DDRM), led the event on its first day, together with Mr. Kristoffer Rom De Leon and Mr. Andro Orapa, Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Training Officers, and Mr. Lorenzo N. Guzman, Director of Safety and Health. The training began with a seminar about medical and trauma emergencies, followed by demonstrations of bandaging techniques and splinting performed by new members.

Dr. Raymundo P. Arcega, University President, gave inspiring remarks to new members about the importance and purpose of the event.

Mr. Orapa and Mr. De Leon, EMS Training Officers, headed the last day of the training, discussing the 5th module of BLS, followed by an actual demonstration of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) with the participants.

PLMun ERT organized the Basic Life Support and First Aid Training as per the Department Circular No. 2018-0034 under the Department of Health (DOH) Memorandum No. 2016-0227, also known as the “DOH-Recognition of Basic Life Support (BLS) Training providers.” <w>

PLMun introduces New University Name, Institutions, and Uniform

|| Cesca Marie Sumayod & Bernadette Anne Baldia

Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa (PLMun) is planning to introduce a new university name, institution, and uniform for the internationalization of the university.

PLMun faculty and stakeholders decided to change the university name to the ‘University of Muntinlupa,’ as per the initiative of Engr. Cynthia Meneses, Vice President for Admission and Finance (VPAF). The new university name will be effective when the City Council Deliberation approves it.

“It’s not changing. It’s some sort of making it international,” Engr. Cynthia said about the changes to support internationalization, inclined to the PLMun mission and vision. Hence, the university will soon welcome collaborations and enrollment from abroad. Engr. Meneses said that “taking advantage of research studies through exchange programs and training overseas for faculty members...will also present additional prospects for the university’s continued development and progress.”

Moreover, Associate Professor Ramonito Mesina, Vice President of Academic Affairs (VPAA), confirmed that PLMun launched new institutions and programs to accommodate more students who want to study at PLMun.

For the College of Medicine, Assoc. Prof. Mesina said in his statement that the college, in collaboration with Ospital ng Muntinlupa, with the support of the City Government of Muntinlupa, was planned on 2020.

Furthermore, Assoc. Prof. Mesina confirmed that the reason for the exclusion of Accountancy from the College of Business Administration (CBA) is to produce more competent and quality graduates to become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs).

In addition, they excluded Political Science in the College of Arts and Science (CAS) to officially put it under the Institute of Public Policy and Governance (IPPG) after the Board of Regents approved the proposal last October 5, 2022 to create a more dynamic and focused approach to creating programs relevant to public policy. In this institute, they plan to make more executive programs other than Political Science, such as Public Administration, to cater to the needs of the people.

He mentioned in the first Student Officers Leadership Training and Planning 2022 last November 2 that they are still planning to add a few more institutes and programs later.

Dr. Danilo B. Solayao, Vice President for Student Life and Development (VPSLD), confirmed that the university plans to have a new uniform to include in these changes. He added that the university has to think thoroughly about the uniform to prevent similar designs with other schools. He clarified that it will only be mandated to freshmen under the new curriculum. <w>

Mga residente ng NBP Reservation Area, nakahinga sa pagkaantala

ng demolisyon

|| Wella Mae Tolento

Naantala ang 30-day na abiso ng demolisyon sa New Bilibid Prison (NBP) Reservation Area noong ika27 ng Oktubre 2022 nang hindi tuluyang gumawa ng aksiyon ang Bureau of Correction (BuCor) ayon sa itinakdang araw na nakasaad sa abiso. Nabigyan ng mas mahabang panahon ang mga residente ng NBP, sa pangunguna ng Kalipunan ng Pinagkaisang Mamamayan sa NBP Inc. (KAMPINA), upang iproseso ang mga dokumentong kailangan upang makuha ang tulong na nararapat sa kanila.

Matatandaang sunod-sunod na aktibidad ang inihanda nila upang mas maiparinig ang kanilang hinaing. Nagmartsa ang KAMPINA, mula sa Magdaong Drive Main Gate patungong Muntinlupa City Hall noong ika-10 Oktubre, sa pagnanais na makipagdayalogo ukol sa 30-day demolition notice na ibinaba ng BuCor noong ika-27 ng Setyembre 2022. Nakiisa rin sila sa paggunita sa Buwan ng mga Pesante, kasama ang grupo ng mga magsasaka at mga progresibong organisasyon mula sa iba’t ibang panig ng bansa, noong ika-21 Oktubre sa kahabaan ng Mendiola. Layon nila ang muling manawagan para sa lupa, sahod, trabaho, at karapatan.

Gaya ng mga pesante, patuloy ring ipinaglalaban ng mga residente ng NBP Reservation Area hindi lang ang kanilang karapatan at lupa, ngunit maging ang mga trabahong naipundar na sa kinatitirikan ng kanilang lugar.Tapat pa rin silang nanindigan sa pangako nilang “hindi [sila] aalis [sa kanilang tirahan] hangga’t walang permanenteng tahanan.”

Pinaghihinalaang alinsunod ang pagkaantala ng demolisyon sa pagkakasuspende kay Chief Gerald Bantag, na pinalitan ni Director General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr. Inaasahang mas tututukan nila ang pagbabago ng administrasyon sa ngayon at ang kasong may kinalaman sa pagkakapatay kay Percy Lapid.

Sa kabila nito, alam ng mga residente na hindi pa rin matatapos nang tuluyan ang banta ng demolisyon sa kanilang lugar. Kaya’t inilalakad din nila sa Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) ang pagpapalit ng pangalan ng Magdaong mula United Magdaong Homeowners Association sa United Magdaong Neighbourhood Association.

Sa ngayon ay idinudulog muna nila ang kagustuhang pagbabago sa tanggapan ng iba’t ibang opisina gaya ng Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), baranggay, Urban Poor Affairs Office (UPAO), at DHSUD. <w>

Activists Commemorate Golden Anniversary of Martial Law

||

Niñalyn C. Marcial

Activist groups, along with professors and students from other universities, wore black to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Martial Law on September 21, 2022 at the University of the Philippines – Diliman.

Kasama TK (Timog Katagalugan), a federation of farmers and victims of the Guinayangan massacre in Quezon province, where two people died while 27 were wounded, participated.

They refused to call Martial Law the ‘Golden Era,’ but instead called it the ‘Golden Kuhol’, a snail introduced to the farmers during the 80s. The Marcos government brought 79,130 golden kuhol, promising a bountiful harvest to the farmers, yet the snails became pests, eating their crops.

Similarly, Sining ng Naglilingkod sa Bayan (SINAGBAYAN), demands justice for the victims of the Escalante massacre and the hunger of thousands of Filipino in Negros Occidental during martial law, where 20 agricultural workers died while 30 were injured. Moreover, in 2019, some artists, who are also farm workers planning to re-enact the event, were arrested and remained prisoners until now.

Furthermore, Migrante, an alliance of overseas Filipinos and their families, appeals to bring Mary Jane Veloso, who was arrested for smuggling heroin in Indonesia, back home.

They also urge President Bongbong Marcos to create more job opportunities inside the country, which he did not mention in his platforms during the campaign period, leaving them assuming that he has no intention to open more job opportunities. <w>

PLMun Inaugurates the Center for Languages Development

|| Eileen Rose M. Coral

Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa (PLMun) officially launched the Center for Languages Development (CLD), in partnership with the Young English Students’ Society (YESS) and Mass Media Students Society (MMSS), by conducting an event entitled “T2UL8R” with the theme, “I love English. I can speak in English for a better future.” It was held last November 8, 2022, at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex. Students from different departments and employees participated.

Ms. Divine Grace Doydoy, Director of CLD, mentioned in an interview last November 3 that the center wants to make the PLMun students and employees globally competitive and marketable through activities, events, seminars, or training.

According to Ms. Doydoy, Dr. Raymundo Arcega,CESE initiated the CLD because “he [observed] that there is a gap between students not being able to speak in English and it’s something that we have to address because we are harnessing future criminologists, teachers, psychologists. We don’t want them to not be competitive and internationalized.”

Hence, she wants everyone to tell themselves that CLD, in partnership with the university student organizations, helped them mold their communication skills because “English is not something to be afraid of. In fact, it’s something that will help you be marketable in the future. This will open a lot of opportunities for you.”

Ms. Doydoy invited Ms. Monette Iturralde Hamlin, the President of Hopkins International, and Ms. Roch Vilo, the Director of Learning Experience of Athena Network and Industry, to speak for its launch.

Hon. Vice Mayor Artemio A. Simundac also gave his inspirational message to the PLMun community. YESS conducted activities for the English Month Celebration during the event. They aim to freely experience the universal language, English and build enjoyment upon learning.

Moreover, MMSS conducted the Let’s Dis-CAS project to promote speaking engagement wherein students are free to give away their insights and express themselves with specific topics given.

A university-wide exam to test the level of proficiency of PLMun students and employees is one of the plans of CLD under Ms. Doydoy. She also plans to venture into foreign languages. Ms. Divine Doydoy plans to do assessments and activities before imposing rules for speaking in English at the university. However, she encourages students to use the language every Wednesday to make it a habit. <w>

PLMun CJDC, RP, Pep Squad resume operation

|| Airish Jane Lizaso

Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa (PLMun) Corpus Juris Debate Club, Radyo Pilimon, and PLMun Pep Squad returned to operation for the school year 2022-2023.

Corpus Juris closed due to a lack of students joining the organization around 2016-2018. Mr. Filbert Anthony Mejorada tried to restore the organization but struggled due to the pandemic and shift to virtual platforms. The re-establishment of the club resumed when the COVID-19 restrictions decreased. The organization accepts students from different programs. However, they are implementing a strict selection based on skills.

CJDC is looking forward to activities such as workshops, seminars, and training that will further sharpen their debaters’ skills. They are also eyeing the annual Tañada & Diokno Debate, a debate competition between different prestigious universities in the country.

Meanwhile, Radyo Pilimon, a student organization that aims to be the voice of students in the university, closed due to the pandemic. However, they recently returned to airing their radio broadcasts and podcasts this academic year. The organization is still open for communication students and looking forward to accepting students from different departments after they become a major organization.

Although they lack the facility and equipment, Radyo Pilimon expects to accomplish their plans like podcasts, radio drama, and news broadcasting. They currently seek support for a better recording room and equipment to perform online and live in the university.

Moreover, PLMun Pep Squad, the official varsity Pep Squad of the university, representing the school in different cheerleading contests, was closed due to the pandemic. The organization bounced back to its training and activities and is currently aiming for their growth.

The Pep Squad is currently open for students from different colleges who must be bonafide of PLMun, has passing grades, willingness to learn, and commitment to the team. The Squad aims to be one of the most competitive college squads in the south and receive recognition as one of the most promising teams in the country. <w>

Photo by: Ronalyn Rodriguez

Querencia

Education for all…or not

Airish Jane Lizaso || lizasoairish@gmail.com

It is ironic how the Philippine government pushes inclusive education yet denies one of the essential tools to achieve it. Are special children not included in this inclusive education they are pushing? It is an absolute contradiction to the Department of Education (DepEd) Order No.044 S. 2021.

This order commits to recognizing the rights of learners with disabilities to inclusive, equitable, relevant, and quality basic education by providing them effective and efficient educational services that will enable them to become well-rounded, and productive individuals.

On March 11, former President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act (RA) 11650 or “Inclusive Education Act of 2022,” which ensures the basic education rights of learners with disabilities. This requires public schools to provide differently-abled learners with “free basic and quality education.”

However, on September 19, 2022, the DepEd confirmed that the proposed budget of P532 million for special education for 2023 was not approved in the National Expenditure Program (NEP). With no budget, the fight for inclusivity will be more laborious. Thus, the passage of RA 11650 is deemed meaningless.

Based on the findings of the Development Academy of the Philippines in 2018, one out of five persons with disabilities are children aged 0-14, and 26.56% of children living with disabilities are poor. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, access to quality education for learners with special needs was already a struggle due to the lack of SpEd centers and teachers.

Vox Populi

As a future educator, it is disappointing that some students, especially the ones with special needs, would suffer because there is no budget for them. SpEd deserves the resources and funds to continue pushing through education with no boundary, like any other learners. As a struggling sector, despite having a fund for the past years, what happens now that their fund is totally cut-off?

Everyone has a right to free education, regardless of their differences. Special education or not, this is a right that everyone deserves. With the lack of facilities, equipment, and educators, along with a costly environment and needs of learners with special needs, the notion that education is for everyone is challenged.

The budget shows what the government prioritizes. This action insinuates that they do not value special education at all. The government needs to allocate a budget where it should be. Essential programs should continue to be available to everyone, regardless of any circumstances, especially in Special Education. Someone has to stand for those who cannot stand for themselves.

Everyone has a right to free education, regardless of their differences. Special education or not, this is a right that everyone deserves.

Leo Arkanghel

Gapos na Bibig, Tulak ng Dibdib

Reynan Royo || reynanroyo2001@gmail.com

“Ineng, huwag ka kasing magsuot ng ganyang klaseng damit para hindi ka mabastos” o “kasalanan mo rin kasi kaya ka ni-rape,” ang ilan sa mga katagang pikit matang nilulunok ng mga biktima ng panghahalay o sekswal na pamimilit.

Ang pangangatwirang ito ang naglalagay ng gapos sa boses ng bawat biktima upang yurakan ang respeto nila sa kanilang mga sarili at gapusan ang kanilang karapatan.

Nakakadismaya ang pagdami ng parehong sekswal na pamimilit sa mga paaralan, maging ito man ay sa elementarya, sekondarya, o kolehiyo.

Lubos na nakakabahala ang ganitong uri ng lumalalang isyu sa larangan ng edukasyon, dahil lumalabag ito sa Saligang Batas 11313, na kumokondena sa sexual harassment na nangyayari sa mga institusyon katulad ng paaralan na kinasasangkutan ng estudyante, trabahador, instruktor o propesor. Sa oras na mapatunayang nagkasala ang sangkot, may karapatan ang paaralan na patalsikin ito o tanggalan siya ng diploma. Nararapat ding magtalaga sila ng tagapamahala na tatanggap ng mga reklamo ukol dito.

Hindi ma-ipapasa ang ganitong batas kung hindi dumaan sa pananaliksik sa datos ng mga kaso na nangyari sa mga paaralan. Ngunit sa kabila ng mga nagaganap na seksuwal na pamimilit sa mga paaralan, bakit mayroon pa ring nagbibingi-bingihan?

Lahat ng paaralan ay nagnanais na makapagbigay ng mataas na kalidad ng edukasyon. Ngunit ang kakulangan ng aksiyon sa nasabing insidente ay nakakasira sa kalidad na iyon. Marapat lang na itaas ang kalidad ng edukasyon sa pamamagitan ng

Phantom Professors: A Demand for Educators

Geraldine Trisha Velarde || gtgvelarde@gmail.com

It was only this semester that we first started to experience the alarming shortage of professors at our university. Students were taken aback as to why we still had no professors for most of our enrolled courses after weeks of returning to school.

This shortage directly impacts the education opportunity of students, especially those from low-income households and the like. Teachers give students the opportunity for a better future by empowering them with knowledge.

Based on the university’s philosophy, its institution is a place that values its students by providing them with quality education. Raising the university’s qualification in hiring complies with it. Moreover, the number of professors is supposed to balance with the number of students, but that is questionable.

Only when midterms were approaching did the administration finally designate teachers for every class. However, some newly-assigned professors were either unavailable or inaccessible. In some instances, professors had overlapping conflicts with their schedules of sections. Due to the shortage of teachers and staff, professors choose not to attend one or some of their assigned classes. Students miss their classes and struggle to finish the course.

The university claims to adhere to good governance and has a tagline, “Where Values Matter.” But professors are often busy attending to different matters and have to cancel classes to participate in it. Sometimes, students repeatedly tried to reach out, only to wait for further instructions or announce-

ments. Students may feel anxious and unproductive toward their future.

If only they secured the number of professors for all colleges before the start of the semester, students would not have a hard time learning from one professor to another under the same course. It is indeed confusing, because professors have different ways of teaching. Students, especially working ones, were forced to adjust to these changes until the administration assigns a final professor.

Educators serve as mentors for young people and empower them through education. They help students to further their social and economic development. We cannot expect a country to develop without teachers. They prompt their students to think and express themselves.

Both students and professors are affected by this issue. Students do not get the quality education the university promises, while professors suffer from conflicts in schedule. The absence of an appropriate system, with consistent and clear-cut goals, is the core cause of the teacher shortage.

The university should value instructors and listen to students’ concerns. Otherwise, students would not get the education they all deserve if the shortage of professors continues. Hence, to encourage educators to apply and stay in the university, they should be paid fairly and on time to better assist the institution in providing quality education. <w>

makataong sistema.

Bilang estudyante, malaki ang paghanga ko sa aking mga propesor at iba pang guro dahil bukod sa ating mga magulang, sila ay isa sa humuhubog sa ating nalalaman. Ngunit dahil sa umusbong na mga isyu ng panghahalay at hindi pagbibigay ng karampatang aksyon sa may sala, nababahiran ng matinding mantsa ang mga respetado at mahuhusay na mga guro.

Tunay na nakakabahala ang ganitong isyu sa ating lipunan. Nararapat na gamitin natin ang ating kakayahan at boses para isiwalat ang totoong pangyayari at humingi ng agarang hustisya sa may sala.

Tungkulin ng bawat institusyon na makapaghatid ng maayos at makataong sistema upang mapigilan at tuluyang mahinto ang sekswal na pamimilit sa paaralan.

Dahil ang paaralan ang pangalawang tahanan ng mga estudyante at ang mga propersor ang tumatayo bilang pangalawa nilang magulang. Tandaan na hindi imbitasyon ang kapabayaan o kahinaan ng estudyante sa pag-aaral, upang gawan sila ng kahalayan kapalit lamang ng grado o konsiderasyon. Wala sa edad, kasarian, at kasuotan ang batayan ng kahalayan.

Ang ganitong gawain ay bunga ng masamang pagnanasa ng may sala upang pwersahin ang estudyante sa nais niya. Hindi ito ang una. At siguradong kung patuloy itong babalewalain ng mga nakatataas, hindi rin ito ang huli.

Alethia Escritora

Harap sa Nakaraan, Harap!

Jenny Gardose || jennygardose06@gmail.com

Kahit ang magandang hangarin ay posibleng magpanumbalik ng maling nakasanayan. Naging kontrobersyal ang plano ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr., at Bise Presidente at Education Secretary Sara Duterte na ipatupad ang mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps o ROTC sa Senior High. Mas naging mainit pa ang usaping ito nang magbitiw ng mga salita si VP Duterte noong ika-29 ng Setyembre ukol dito. Layon umano ng ROTC ang paghubog ng disiplina at pagmamahal sa bayan ng mga sasailalim dito.

Hati ang opinyon ng taumbayan sa nais nilang isulong dahil paano nga ba hinuhulma ang pagkamakabayan? Sino ba ang dapat na humahasa sa disiplina ng kabataan? Ano ba ang dapat na paraan upang maitanim ang disiplinang ito?

Naging kaakibat na sa usaping sapilitang pagsali sa ROTC ang trahedya noong Marso 2001 nang makita ang palutang-lutang na bangkay ni Mark Chua. Pinaniniwalaang naging pugad ng abuso at korapsyon ang programa, ayon sa isiniwalat ni Chua noong Pebrero 2001.

Dahil dito, ipinasa ng Kongreso ang Saligang Batas 9163 na nagsasabing hindi na sapilitan ang ROTC sa ilalim ng National Service Training Act of 2001.

Ngunit sa kabila nito, isang estudyante na itinago sa pangalang “Sheena “ noong taong 2014. Isiniwalat niya ang pagpapahirap na ginawa sa kanila sa opisina ng ROTC bilang parusa, dahil hindi sila nakadalo sa kanilang “briefing night”.

Posibleng mayroon pang ibang insidente ang hindi nabibigyang solusyon o atensyon dahil sa takot ng ilang biktima na magsalita.

Hindi paraan ang sapilitang pagsali sa ROTC. Sa kalagayan ng ating edukasyon ngayon ay maaari lamang itong magbunga ng panibagong problema. Kung babalikan ang mga nabanggit na insidente, karapat-dapat lamang na gawing opsyonal ang programang ROTC. Ang pagtuturo ng pagmamahal sa bayan at disiplina ay dapat simulan sa pagkabata pa lamang. Hindi ba ay tinuturo rin naman ang mga ito sa paaralan kahit wala ang tulong ng programa? Talamak pa rin ang pang-aabuso sa posisyon, kaya’t paano nakasisiguro ang mga nakatataas na hindi mauulit ang insidente noon? Hindi disiplina ang maitatanim nito sa mga kabataan, kundi takot.

Mas makabubuti kung ilaan na lamang ang panahon at pondo sa mga problema na kinakaharap ng sistema ng ating edukasyon, kasama na ang espesyal na edukasyon, at kalusugan. Sapat na ang programa sa kolehiyo na may parehong layunin at epekto. Mas mainam na patatagin na lamang ng Kongreso ang National Service Training Act of 2001 upang mas maitaguyod ang layunin nito.<w>

Mas mainam na patatagin na lamang ng Kongreso ang National Service Training Act of 2001 upang mas maitaguyod ang layunin nito.

TABI-TABI PO

Wella Mae Tolento || tolentowella@gmail.com

Hindi pa man kami nagsisimula ay may patutsada na sila. Wala pa mang naililimbag ay may natatamaan na. Maraming mata ang nakamatyag sa paligid at handa nilang busalan ang bibig ng pinatahimik.

Nakatatak na sa isip ko dati na kapag pinatawag ka sa opisina ay mayroon kang nalabag na batas ng paaralan dahil iyon ang pinaniniwalaan. Ipapatawag ka, pasusulatin ng apology letter at pangangakuing hindi na uulitin ang ginawa. Kaya’t malakas ang loob kong sabihin na hindi pa ako kailanman naipatawag sa opisina para sa parehong dahilan. Wala sa plano ko ang pagbisita sa opisina para roon, kahit nang magkolehiyo na. Ngunit napagtanto kong hindi lahat ng ipinapatawag sa opisina ay nagkakasala.

Minsan kailangan lang nilang ipaglaban ang pinaniniwalaan nila. At hindi kailanman naging masama ang ipaglaban ang paniniwalang mayroon ka. Lalo kung alinsunod ito sa karapatan mo o kung nakabubuti sa iba. At sa kaso ko, pareho iyong nakabubuti sa mga mag-aaral ng Pamantasan, na siyang pinaglilingkuran ng The Warden, at kaakibat ng aking karapatan bilang mamamayag.

Idineklara sa Saligang Batas 7079 na paninindigan at poprotektahan ng estado ang kalayaan sa pamamahayag sa kampus. Samakatuwid ay mayroong awtonomiya ang publikasyon sa iba’t ibang usaping kaugnay ng kanilang pamamahayag at paglilimbag.

Ilang buwan pa lang ang nakalipas mula nang maiatang sa akin ang responsibilidad bilang Punong Patnugot, ngunit parang isang taon na ang lumipas. Pati ang dating mga artikulo na hindi pa rin maalis sa isipan ng administrasyon ay ginagawang pangaral sa amin.

Malinaw na nakasaad sa ikalawang artikulo ng konstitusyon ng publikasyon na kanilang ipagtatanggol at igigiit ang karapatan at kapakanan ng bawat estudyante ng pamantasan. Kaakibat nito ang pagsisiwalat ng mga balitang maaaring sensitibo sa publiko ngunit nangangailangan ng aksiyon mula sa administrasyon.

Maaaring makiusap ang sangkot sa isyu na ipabura ang artikulong nailathala na, ngunit hindi nito maititiklop ang responsibilidad ng mga mamamahayag na estudyante sa kapwa nila mag-aaral. Hindi tuta ang publikasyon na kailangang maging sunud-sunuran lamang lalo pa kung nalalabag na ang karapatan ng mga pinaglilingkuran nila. May kalayaan silang magpasya sa mga ilalathala nilang mga artikulo.

Luchando Por

ONE AT A TIME

Angelo Cardenas || Sleepmachineofdoom@gmail.com

It is becoming more and more evident how Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa (PLMun) appears unprepared for its plan for the full implementation of face-to-face classes. The university may insist that they are ready, but the reasons are apparent. They are not.

The university is expanding its scope by launching new institutes, centers, colleges, and programs. However, University President Raymundo Arcega, CESE admitted that they did not expect the enrollees this semester to exceed their estimation. It may prove that the university is exposing itself to more people, but numerous problems also follow.

Before students enter the university, they are already greeted by the crowd, squeezing in to get to class on time. What happened in Itaewon in South Korea last October 29, 2022, proved how dangerous crowd crushes can be. Motorcycles are also squeezing in with students. It may not only lead to crowd crush, but suffocation and accidents as well. Clearly, there is poor crowd management in the area. However, students must understand that this is beyond the university’s control.

Moreover, PLMun students suffer from route conflict because of the memorandum from the Bureau of Correction (BuCor). BuCor prohibits jeepneys and tricycles from passing through the main gate. Commuters had to cut their trip to school to comply. It doubles the fare of students who are passing through the gate.

It was only on November 17 when PLMun, along with Muntinlupa National High School (MNHS) and Itaas Elementary School (IES), could hope for a shorter route and fewer transportation expenses. It was after Acting Chief Director Gregorio Catapang Jr. allowed the demolition of the road barrier in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) roads. It surely lessened the complaints of PLMun students to the university administration.

However, because the current population of the university exceeded the estimation of the administration, having no proper canteen inside the premises is becoming a problem too. Students had to go to “Korokan,” where many eateries are situated, or to Katarungan Village to buy lunch and snacks. Every break seems like a competition seeing how fast students, employees, professors, and residents need to queue in the stores and eat.

Nakakabahala dahil ayaw kong isipin na maaari nilang salain ang ililimbag na mga artikulo dahil sa pasimpleng mga pakiusap na burahin ito o silipin bago mailimbag. Ilang ulit nilang ipinaiintindi sa amin na maaaring makasira sa paaralan ang ilang artikulong ililimbag namin, ngunit nais ko ring maintindihan nila na karapatan din ng mga estudyante ang makialam sa mga isyung iyon dahil kasama sila sa maaapektuhan.

Hindi ang mga gusali ang paaralan, kundi ang mga estudyante. Hindi ang gusali ang kailangan ng masusing alaga, kundi ang mga bumubuo rito.

Ang panaka-nakang pagsilip sa aming ginagawa ay para na ring babala sa papel namin bilang mamamahayag sa kampus. Ngunit kahit ipatawag pa ako ng paulit-ulit sa opisina, hindi pa rin ako magsasawang ipaintindi ang layunin ng publikasyon. Dahil kung sa paglilimbag pa lamang ay may dagok na kaming kinakaharap, paano pa makakaabot sa mga estudyante ang buong katotohanan?

Hindi maaaring gamitin ang pagbabawas o panggigipit sa pondong nakalaan sa publikasyon o pagiging estudyante nila sa ilalim ng pamumuno ng administrasyon upang mapaganda ang imahe ng sangkot sa isyung tinalakay sa artikulo.

Talamak na ang pagkalat ng mga pekeng balita ngayon, maging ang mga tungkol sa pamantasan. Mainam nang manggaling sa opisyal na publikasyon nito ang katotohanan. Iyong hindi sinala o pinili, bagkus pinaglaanan ng panahon upang malaman at maisulat sa maayos na paraan.

Masarap punuin ng mga balitang papuri sa paaralan ang dyaryo ng publikasyon, ngunit hindi lamang iyon ang layunin namin. Ang The Warden ay isang maka-estudyanteng publikasyon. Kaya susulat at maninindigan ako para sa mga estudyante ng Pamantasan. Para sa pagmulat nila. Dahil kung kasalanan ang pagpikit kapag mulat ka na, kasalanan din ang pagsala ng katotohanan para sa sariling kapakanan.

Furthermore, students notice lack of facilities and equipment at the university. There are not enough rooms for some colleges like the College of Criminal Justice (CCJ). There are reports that they sometimes have to organize the room by themselves before classes start so everyone could have a chair to sit on.

With the number of freshmen and old students this semester, are classrooms enough to implement full face-to-face classes? Learning in this kind of environment may be detrimental to students. It may compromise their learning comfort and knowledge acquisition.

During the onsite midterm examination on October 24 to 29, the university seems to have tested the face-to-face classes. In the end, many students were frustrated because of the poor crowd control, the long line in the tricycle terminal, and the long wait for their exam papers. If they conduct a full face-to-face setup, there may be another situation like this, where printing machines could malfunction again. Before implementing something, they have to guarantee that all the facilities, equipment, and workforce are readily available.

The administration of PLMun is working hard to prepare the university for its transition as soon as possible. But with these problems, their plan to implement full face-to-face learning may still be far off. A gradual implementation of face-to-face would be understandable and better for the students and the university.

A learning institution should not be used as a laboratory for an unsettled plan. It may lead to a more serious harm to more than ten thousand students of PLMun, depending on them for their future.

They have a good plan for the betterment of the university and its students, but concerns are arising as they advance to it. PLMun should not be in a hurry. They must solve these problems one at a time and then continue the university’s journey toward its vision.

PLMun promises a quality education for all. To do that, the system and management of the mentioned reasons need more refinement to provide quality education and experience.

the system…need more refinement to provide quality education and experience

…kung kasalanan ang pagpikit kapag mulat ka na, kasalanan din ang pagsala ng katotohanan para sa sariling kapakanan.

BLURRY LENSES: THE CONSTANT DISTORTION OF OUR HISTORY

|| Airish Jane Lizaso

Open your eyes. Close them, then repeat. Now, you are squinting your eyes. Try rubbing it with your fingers. Did anything change?

You often encounter different perspectives from the books you read and the current content of the television news that makes you look twice and check your vision. Just like when the late dictator becomes a patriot and is buried in the cemetery of heroes? Is it fantasy, or is your sight just cloudy? The picture you are looking at is not hazy. Damaged lenses are just coming in between the image and your eyes.

We need to identify the causes and roots of the deterioration in perception. It would be best if people pinpoint the agents that ruin and create fissures in the lenses of our history.

GLARING PERSONALITIES

One of the factors that manipulate history is the people who shine like rays of the sun due to their popularity. Not just in artistry but also in politics, media, and the internet. Describing them as popular does not mean something is pleasant or acceptable, but it may also be an offensive or ugly image.

First in line is the current senator, a member of the infamous Marcos Family and sister of the current president, Imee Marcos. She is known for credit-grabbing things such as being the principal author of the law or producing films and projects. Recently, Manila Bulletin reported her claim that the “Nutribun” was a project of her father, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., where in fact, it is a feeding program developed by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). This issue circulated on television and online platforms, which is alarming due to its straight revision of what happened.

Adding to the list of personalities is Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr., who filed a bill to change Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Ferdinand Marcos International Airport due to his claim that the airport was established during the presidency of Marcos Sr. However, the airport was built in 1953 and 1961, while Marcos Sr. started his term in 1965. Therefore, it was not constructed during his term. These personages influence citizens and somehow affect their views, especially on the events during the Martial Law era. Their blinding popularity can sway one’s opinion, which can bend the truth. Hence, we should learn how to cover our lenses when there is a flaring light before us to get a better view of things.

FOGGY BELIEFS

Haze also affects the lens, which blurs vision. Something could gain credibility as long as our belief gets clouded. Several fallacious conceptions are circulating through mediums such as the internet and the mouths of people surrounding us.

The “Golden Era” is one of the misconceptions that is famous amongst Filipinos. James K. Boyce debunked this in his work “The Political Economy Growth and Impoverishment in the Marcos Era.” He compared the GDP before and during the terms of Marcos Sr. He showed that the Philippine GDP decreased from $257 in his first term to $244 in his second term and $214 during Martial Law. Moreover, foreign debt skyrocketed from $60 million to $28.3 billion.

“It is safe and quiet during Martial Law” is one of the suppositions that everyone has already heard. Yet, based on the report of Amnesty International, there are almost 70,000 political prisoners, 34,000 tortured, 3,240 reported as killed, and 3,000 Desaparecidos, or the people who were reported missing during the Martial Law

“The Marcoses’ wealth originated from Tallano gold. They did not steal from the government” is also a classic line of people who favor Marcoses. So why is there ill-gotten wealth that was retrieved if the family did not steal? According to the Presidential Commission on Good Governance (PCGG), at least P172 billion was recovered from the Marcoses. In 2018, Imelda Marcos, wife of the late dictator, was convicted of seven counts of graft for transferring about $200 million to Swiss foundations in the 1970s. The Supreme Court of the Philippines and Switzerland both confirmed that the family is thieves.

The appearance of mist can lead to cloudy lenses. These can alter our sentiments about certain things and events. It is better to clear up this mist to prevent foggy beliefs from interfering with or replacing the truth.

DAMAGING PLATFORMS

When we drop our lenses into a concrete platform, they can cause fissures and crack. In the worst-case scenario, the lenses may break.

The Philippines, for the 6th year straight, dominated the world for time spent using social media. Based on the We Are Social and Hootsuite, Filipinos spend an average of 4 hours and 15 minutes every day on social media. It makes us more prone to disinformation, which is rampant in the virtual world. Disinformation is spreading like a wildfire across different platforms. Based on the reports of Pulse Asia, the platforms Filipinos use are Facebook (99%), YouTube (57%), TikTok (17%), Instagram (14%), and Twitter (8%). Fake news peddlers and partisan individuals use these platforms to disseminate malicious and white-washed details of the Marcos regime.

Certain personalities have utilized these platforms to spread misleading information. The presence of online trolls, whose mission is to spread lies favorable to people who hired them, manipulate political discourse, and alter public opinion, intensifies the widespread escalation of false data, making the Marcoses look pleasing.

In the film industry, the controversial “Maid in Malacañang,” directed by Daryl Yap, a known individual, who favors the Marcoses, utilized the film to inconspicuously create his version of history. The heated issues of the Mahjong scene and constituents’ attack on Malacañang were said to be fictitious by the historians and even the people involved in the real event. That is why it is not shocking that one of the casts of this film labeled history as “tsimis” or gossip.

Constant clash of lenses with giant and solid platforms can cause fractures, modifying the accurate accounts to favor oppressive individuals. We must learn to protect our lenses against the blow of a sturdy platform.

WIPING THE LENSES

Combating the continuous distortion in our history can be difficult, especially when the other side has already reached a deep level of damage in our lenses. The others who we are trying to inform that their lenses are blurry can fight back and reject the help we are trying to give. But we must fight for people who stood up and sacrificed for the country.

Various hands of Martial Law survivors, journalists, students, and citizens are working together to jab back against the evident distortion of the dark history of our country. Several steps were taken such as creating a digital muse um and websites that preserves and protects data retrieved during the Martial Law era. The rise of organizations is also present to give counter-narratives against malicious information.

Past is past, but these dark memories will not be forgotten. We can bury the dictator, not the lessons and effects of tyranny. The decade of denying crimes and unrepentance is unacceptable. We cannot move on by letting those mist cloud our vision. Be vigilant and critical in identifying stories and information. Let us stand against the distortion of the lenses that help us see and frees us. <w>

Guhit ni Rachel Casaljay

IN DISGUISE: MAGDAONG, THE FACE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

|| Nikaela Jacinto and Venus Jacinto

“Be careful” are the words often associated when going to Magdaong Drive, stereotypically perceived as a dangerous place where rebels or activists hide, in contrast to being situated inside the well-known trademark of Muntinlupa City— the New Bilibid Prison (NBP). Over a decade and four years, residents of Magdaong Drive still face the recurring threats of demolition despite having several improvements in its communal area, the NBP Reservation.

Recently, former Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Director General Gerald Bantag issued a 30-day notice of administrative demolition within the 50-meter-radius from the fence of security camps which includes the Magdaong residents, urging them to relocate immediately before the deadline expires. BuCor urged the residents to resettle temporarily to Biazon Road or Makabuhay Extension. Yet, some residents chose to stay upon discovering that the site is just a plain field of land without a proper sewage system or electrical line, let alone ready-to-live-in homes.

No Certificate of Compliance from the Local Housing Board and a Pre-Demolition Conference from the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor (PCUP) were presented prior to the notice despite the requirement as per adherence to Republic Act 7279 or the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992.

The Buried History: A Reclamation of People’s Rights or Not?

In the 1970s, the vast grassland of NBP began to be populated by some Filipinos, mostly laborers from the provinces who migrated in search of better opportunities. Years later, some businesses were sold to various owners, and eventually, the location became a commissary.

In the 1990s, former president Corazon Aquino signed the Presidential Proclamation (PP) No. 792, s. 1991, which mandates that the portion of the prison site of the NBP shall be converted to government property and declared the same open to disposition as the site of the Department of Justice (DOJ) Housing Project, the Katarungan Village. Also, Republic Act No. 7279, or the “Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992,” was approved. In 1994, the Urban Development and Housing Authority conducted tagging in the NBP community.

However, a series of pocket demolitions followed this in Magdaong drive from 1998 to 2003. BuCor officials visited several residents to urge them to self-demolish their homes or leave as soon as possible. Then, they ordered prison inmates to demolish the houses. In 2003, BuCor set up barbed wire around the Makabuhay extension and constructed guard outposts in every subdivision or site. Consequently, residents filed a case against BuCor. The decision of the court established that the eviction could only take place if the national government mandated and provided that they receive the following conditions: (1) adequate time to voluntarily vacate, (2) sufficient disturbance compensation, and (3) resettlement houses.

Moreover, under the Arroyo administration, informal settler families living in dangerous areas faced challenges with developmental projects such as the Philippine National Railroad-Modernization and Rehabilitation Project (PNR-MRP). Fortunately, National Housing Authority (NHA) pursued housing projects to provide settlement houses for them. Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo mandated several proclamations to construct socialized housing units in favor of the residents.

However, following the Master Development Plan (MDP), the government issued many resolutions to pursue industrialization in the NBP area. Large corporations and foreign investors will use the 366.7 hectares of NBP land property, as specified in the MDP. The government planned to use hectares of land for government housing units, but not even half is for chosen and qualified residents inside the reservation.

In 2006, from October to December, the NHA carried out tagging as a census for the reservation. Each home displayed stickers as proof of inclusion on the master list of those eligible for its socialized housing. They prepared a motion asking for full support on the land development for socialized housing. NHA and the coalition gathered at Sitio Pinagpala in Poblacion, laying out the demolition plan in two sites. They offered staging areas for the residents, but as this is common knowledge, residents were aware that eviction would occur soon after.

The Trojan Horse

In hindsight, these urban-poor families and indigenous people are constantly overwhelmed with the reassuring facade of development as a means of living a good life. By utilizing the context of large-scale development projects on land, transnational and multinational corporations constrained the determination of progress in economic development. It could be regarded as good faith at first sight; however, it serves as the Trojan horse presented to these people to take advantage of them in the form of development aggression. Development aggression could translate as ‘Kaunlarang Panghihimasok’ in Tagalog. However, in this case, coupling ‘development’ with ‘aggression’ is the irony the community encounters.

On the implemented developmental projects, programs, policies, and laws enforced by foreign and local capitalists,

entrepreneurs, and even the state itself, these enforcements are deemed as developmental aggression because it proceeds without enough and proper consultation and consent from the impacted local community. Doing so means that whoever implements it directly violates and neglects the rights, resources, and interests of many. Furthermore, this does not ensure a solution that will benefit the neighborhood, particularly the environment. The land and resources from the area originally intended for the welfare of the people will typically be entitled to big companies that funded development projects.

Take the HENED-1 Hydroelectric Power Plant in the Apayao-Abulug River, where the San Miguel Corporation is the primary financial backer with assistance from some foreign banks, as an example. In February 2016, the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCPI) persisted and approved the project despite the opposition from the impacted community since the start of the issue. It violates the right of the people to free prior informed consent. It exposes the people to chemical hazards and threatens their livelihood due to the damaged crops.

Does its goal benefit the people, or did it eventually want to sell it to a more wealthy company? Nonetheless, the project will influence the rights of the people, ancestral lands, and their means of livelihood. These suggest that this phenomenon is widespread, mainly driven by the globalization of other nations, and does not restrict itself to isolated regions.

Home is Life

Despite the difficult circumstances throughout the years such as a series of road closings that occurred during the pandemic, the Magdaong residents did not lose hope. It ignited their hearts and evoked their minds to protect and preserve their homes.

Everyone in the community deals with the threat of demolition. Andria Lisay, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa (PLMun) student, is also concerned about the potential effects of it. Although her family was not directly affected, they still had the luxury of living there without paying rent. Thus, the Magdaong drive is still crucial in their day-to-day life, particularly her education. She is concerned that the demolition may hinder the education of her fellow students at the university and its neighboring school, Muntinlupa National High School (MNHS).

Such a statement also amplified the same calls of the Magdaong residents, “Ang Bahay ay Buhay” (Home is Life), petitioning for granting land ownership to the marginalized. It is a pain in the will for Kalipunan ng Mamamayan na Pinagkaisa sa NBP (KAMPINA), and residents of the reservation to be stripped of their rights and even go through a series of red-tagging in return. Due to these acts, the KAMPINA is disappointed with the government’s response to their call. They reciprocated rampant intimidation and coercion despite the people expressing their need for decent residency and low-cost affordable settlement area.

The residents are not against development, but in achieving social ends, real advancements occur when people have the freedom they enjoy by turning the narrative to the ‘human subject’ as the focal point of development. Development ought to increase human freedom, capacities, and choices. Along with changes, the community must not be left behind.

Unlike what most people think, Magdaong Drive symbolizes a mother who not just houses life and nurtures a family in abundance. It is the root of their comfort and security, calming the cry of the poor while sheltering the people in its protective arms around the dangers brought by the environment. <w>

Guhit ni Nikaela Jacinto

September - November 2022

September - October 2022

Striving through the Years: Karatedo Marshalls Devour the Local and International League…

History

Karate is an unarmed martialarts discipline that employs kicking, striking, and defensive blocking with arms and legs, which began as a fighting system known as Te, among the Pechin class of the Ryukyuans. Karate, like other Asian martial arts, stresses mental attitude, rituals of courtesy, costumes, and a complex ranking system (by the color of the belt). There is are overlapping of technique with other fighting styles.

From 2017 to 2022, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa (PLMun) Karatedo Marshalls have constantly brought fame and glory to the university. The team currently has 49 active members. The Karatedo team has consistently earned more or less than 500 medals in recent years.

PLMun Karatedo Marshalls originated as PLMun Kung Fu Club, intended for students who want to learn self-discipline. Later, the university encouraged the Kung Fu Club to join Karate Tournaments all over Luzon. The team participated in such competitions as PLMun Karatedo Club.

The Karatedo Club became official in 2017, with GrandSifu Rev. Fr. Daniel T. Ibañez as the PLMun Karatedo Marshalls Coach. The club started with only four (4) members. They are Henry Padang, Lery Tomines, Vicente Teraza, and Annie Haylar. Eventually, PLMun Office of Student Affairs (OSA) encouraged Karatedo Team to participate in the Association of Local Colleges and University (ALCU) National Games.

The Karatedo Team did not disappoint. They went home as the overall champion of the tournament in the ALCU National Games on March of 2017. And it was the beginning of their domination in the local and national competitions.

Culture of Excellence Through the Years

“I gave my very best. My desire is to give honor to my team, school, and family. As athletes, we always struggle with time management and financial problems. My first competition felt like I was an innocent newbie, but through my experiences, as of today, I’m very confident in my ability to fight my opponent in every competition,” Edrian Josh Ramonel, a Black Belter, a three-year martial artist from PLmun Karatedo, said in an interview with The Warden Publication. He is the Ace player and President of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa (PLMUN) Karatedo Marshalls.

He participated in a total of 16 competitions during his journey as a member of the team. He has already explored competitions at local and national levels. And like any other student-athletes, his worst experience so far is getting injured in the competition. However, it was all worth it seeing the honor he brings to his team, family, and university. He proudly reveals that he bagged a 10-game winning streak during his journey as a martials artist.

“Losing is always part of a game. You will never appreciate the happiness of winning if you don’t experience the feeling of being a loser,” Daniela Marie Gatbonton Tabares, a 2nd Dan Black Belter, said during the interview. She is the President of the PLMun Karatedo Marshalls. She mentioned that during her journey as a martial artist, she is used to winning gold medal. But there are also times when she only brings home silver or bronze. However, she acknowledges it as part of the journey—possibility of losing.

She revealed her worst experience in the university during her four years as an athlete receiving no support from the university. She does acknowledge the allowances they received three times in 4 years, but she demands support during their training.

“...what we need is support in terms of training, like a proper training venue and proper training equipment and gear,” she wants to emphasize that what they need is athlete care, like how a team with a winning streak should be treated.

Daniela treats “every time, [she cheers] for the whole team” as her best experience. “We know that we were able to become champions without the aid of the school. that even though we don’t get support, we can lift ourselves and introduce the name of the school [Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa] to those who are fighting against us.”

Not only are the team and its members known for their culture of excellence, but the PLMun Karatedo Marshalls Coach too.

The PLMun Karatedo Marshalls REIGNS!

Since 2017 to 2022 in Non Alcu Competition. The PLMun Karatedo Team is always bringing medals and tropies over the years of its existence. “ since we joined competitions more or less 500 medals what the team got because in this year alone from January to September the team brought home more than 100 medals.”- Grandsifu Ibañez aformentioned.

2022 ACCOMPLISHMENT OF PLMUN KARATEDO MARSHALLS

On Sunday, July 17, 2022, the PLMun Karate Marshalls won 7 medals in the World Empire Integrated Martial Arts Command (WEIMAC). Beginning at 8:00 a.m. at Brgy. 145 Zone 16, Narra St. Pasay City.

Karatedo Marshalls slams karatedo clubs in Las pinas, win 3 gold medals, 2 silver medals, and 2 bronze medals at the World Empire Integrated Martial Arts Command(WEIMAC).

The PLMun Karate Marshalls overshadow other opponents, winning 14 medals in the 2nd Invitational Karate and Taekwondo Tournament, and Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa was declared overall champion on September 25, 2022, at the Paranaque Sports Complex.

Karatedo Marshalls bring home the bacon, winning 8 gold medals, 3 silver medals, and 3 bronze medals at the 2nd Invitational Karate and Taekwondo Tournament.

PLMun Karatedo Marshalls bag 17 medals in the WEIMAC Invitational Karatedo Tournament. World Empire Integrated Martial Arts Command (WEIMAC) Invitational Karatedo Tournament proclaims Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa (PLMun) Karatedo Marshalls as the overall champion on Sunday, October 16, 2022, held in Barangay San Isidro Sucat Road, Parañaque City. Karatedo Marshalls successful bag 17 medals,6 gold, 7 silver and 4 bronze, in the WEIMAC Invitational Karatedo Tournament. <w>

TRIVIA:

Karate is unarmed martial-arts discipline employing kicking, striking, and defensive blocking with arms and legs. Karate began as a common fighting system known as te, among the Pechin class of the Ryukyuans. After trade relationships were established with the Ming dynasty of China in 1372 by King Satto of Chūzan and evolved in East Asia over a period of centuries. Karate, like other Asian martial-arts disciplines, stresses mental attitude, rituals of courtesy, costumes, and a complex ranking system (by colour of belt). There is some overlapping of technique with other fighting styles. “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times” - Bruce lee

|| Jayson Mandal and Ronalyn Rodriguez

Photos provided by: PLMun Karatedo Team

The Faces of Student Leaders

University of Student Council (USC)

|| Jayson Mandal

“Our priority plan is [the] Students’ Right And Welfare (STRAW), and education. [We want] to provide education assistance, especially printing services (Xerox, photocopy, and printing) and provide other educational materials for the students. In terms of gender, we are planning to create a resolution to make an organization for gender that focuses on gender [-related issues]. Our plans and projects are all research-based. Lastly, the USC wants to have “leadership empowerment” to improve our officers’ characters.”

Princess Smritti Singh, Student Regent Bachelor of Science in Psychology

College of Criminal Justice Student Council (CCJSC)

“[We plan] to improve the academic circle which works on communication not just in CCJ, but with collaboration of other departments. Next, to teach the lower years under our college the importance of Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) 25, especially the SOP number 2, which is greeting business. Lastly, college shirt improvement since the voice of the students of CCJ matters for the CCJSC”

Princess Hilapo, President Bachelor of Science in Criminology

College of Teacher Education Student Council (CTESC)

“Our first plan is the Gabay-Guro project, giving free load, educational materials, borrowing calculators, etc. Next, Eduk Sensing Form to determine the issues and needs of CTE [students]. Lastly, CTESC Mental Health Matters starting on November 7, Monday to Sunday posting regarding mental health with a partnership with the guidance counselor.”

Wynn Conde Sauler, President Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Science

PLMun denies issue on lack of professors

|| Ma. Carllota Almirol

Associate Professor Ramonito A. Mesina, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA), and Assistant Professor Ricky Dimaapi from the University Registrar addressed the issue of the lack of professors in Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa (PLMun) in a separate interview last October 13 and 17, 2022.

They insisted that the issue does not interfere with the university’s mission of providing high-quality education.

Asst. Prof. Dimaapi stated that every faculty ensures that their faculty members, regardless of modality, delivers quality education. He added that each professor, given a particular subject to teach, has a degree and competence in that area. Hence, Assoc. Prof. Mesina clarified that a lack of professors is not a shortage.

The university is implementing a strict selection process for both general and major subject professors. Recruitment is still ongoing and the hiring process is under the new standard of qualifications. They

BuCor opens NBP road for Muntinlupa students, residents

|| Dian Marybelle Acosta

Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Acting Director Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. lifted the restriction on the roads around and inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) Reservation, following the request of Muntinlupa City Mayor Rozzano Rufino Biazon for the residents and students, on November 16, 2022.

On March 20, 2021, the former BuCor Director General Gerald Bantag mandated road closure around the BuCor area.

Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa (PLMun), Muntinlupa National High School (MNHS) and Itaas Elementary School (IES) students outside the area, and residents of NHA Southville 3 had to cut their trip or go around the closed roads to follow the mandate. This caused commuters to overpopulate other routes such as the tricycle terminal near the Municipal Hall area.

Hence, Mayor Ruffy Biazon requested access of the road for students of PLMun, IES and MNHS, and residents of NHA Southville 3 to NBP roads. He officially announced this on his Facebook page last November 23.

There has been no announced date of its effectiveness yet, but in a letter BuCor Officer-in Charge Deputy Director General Geraldo Aro sent, he said the request for access is granted provided that they will be “submissive to the routine inspections” and security measures of the BuCor. He also assured their full cooperation on the said matter.<w>

College of Information Technology and Computer Studies Student Council (CITCSSC)

“[We plan] to create podcasts [and] to build interrelationships with students and teachers [by] having online interviews. Second, to hold an E-sports [event] like Mobile Legends tournament. Lastly, the “I-Donate”, a voluntary donation from students for those people who are financially unstable.”

Monema Moner Manan, President

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

College of Business Administration Student Council (CBASC)

“[We plan] to help students engage in volunteerism. Next, [is] about [the] business expo [for] the food bazaar that we will launch soon. Lastly, to create standardized enrollment”

I’m proud of the students of PLMUN because they continue to work hard in everything that they do to accomplish their goals and objectives in spite of… numerous challenges in their lives and I know that no matter what happen they will not give up. Please know that we…are not your enemies, but your allies. We [will] help and assist you and…We promise to listen to…your suggestions. We assure you that we will do our very best for the students this academic year.

John Dhel Alejaga, President BSBA Major In Operations Management

College of Arts and Sciences Student Council (CASSC)

“The CAS values restoration, bridging the gap between students, faculty, and student council; to implement the CAS courtesy vow and to create CAS virtual community, a group page of all the CAS students; to build a CAS Auxiliary Organization, volunteer group consisting of CAS volunteer students.”

Maxenne Ysabel Cabezas, President Bachelor of Arts in Political Science

want to make sure that the applicant holds a full-fledged master’s degree to achieve their goal of providing quality education and communicating effectively with the students.

After the applicant passes the hiring procedure, they will designate the applicant, and the existing professors, to temporarily fill the vacancy, where their specialization fits.

In addition, Assoc. Prof. Mesina clarified that the number of professors depends on the number of students admitted every academic year to maintain the workforce balance and prevent overstaffing of professors. Every semester has an 8–10% decrease in the number of enrollees, and the average load of each faculty member is 21 units per semester.

Assoc. Prof. Mesina also confirmed that the schedule changes are “very minimal” because they “do not allow schedule alterations if the students are only attending 1-2 classes that day.” They consider the resources that students will use, especially in the face-to-face setup. They want to avoid scenarios where students only attend one face-to-face class for the day. <w>

PLMun renovates classrooms into innovative rooms

||

Danica Tolentino

Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa (PLMun) began the room renovation on the first floor of the university main into innovative rooms to maximize the classrooms for the university’s needs. The construction is expected to be done in a month.

As per Engr. Zosima A. Cahinhinan, Building Administrator, Head of Engineering and General Services Office, the 160 sqm innovative rooms are multi-purpose rooms with collapsible walls. The dividing rooms are convertible into either classrooms or Audio Visual Rooms (AVR). PLMun already has the same design of innovative rooms with collapsible walls in the Resource Learning and Research Center (RLRC) Building.

As of November 16, they are currently in the preparation for the filing works because even the tiles will be changed. According to Engr. Cahinhinan, given all the necessary materials, the rooms will be finished in a month’s time.

Aside from the university’s need for rooms, these renovation works are part of the PLMUN’s strategies to meet the standards of the Association of Local Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation (ALCU-COA) of cohesiveness and safety of classrooms, laboratories, and other facilities.

The visiting ALCU-COA committee will be on December 5, 6, and 7. They will rate whether PLMun passed either Level 2 or Level 3 for each college and institute. <w>

Opinion

September - November 2022

September - November 2022 News

Filmmakers Unite in the 3rd

MIFF

|| Angelica “Fujie” Matabang

Muntinlupa Filmmakers, together with the Film Institutional Society of PLMun (FISP), held the 3rd Muntinlupa Independent Film Festival (MIFF) in Museo ng Muntinlupa with the theme “REPLAY: Digging Through Time.”

This year’s film festival includes three categories: nine Narrative, four Documentary, and four Experimental entries. The panel of judges are Prof. Mary Joy Cerillo, Dir. Marvin Nofuente, and Dir. Celina Mae Medina.

The opening ceremony was held on November 22, 2022. Dr. Jaime Gutierrez

Ang and Ms. Sarah Bendaña, led the ribboncutting, together with Mr.Jeff Rante, Mr. Ace Aclan, Engr. Peter Allan Mariano, Mr. Miguel Aurellano, Dir. Soraya Villanueva Rivera, Dir. Celina Mae Medina, and Dir. Marvin Nofuente.

Here is the list of official entries for MIFF

2022:

NARRATIVE:

“Alagwa,” directed by John Lery Brown

“Andukha,” directed by Keanalyn Luayon

“Kwatro Kanto,” directed by Ramon Gamay

Jr

“Lakbay Balik,” directed by Jerald Bellen

“Ligaligin,” directed by Keanalyn Luayon

“Salamisim,” directed by Mourane Ellasus & Melauren Eraya

“Silay,” directed by Julliane Ivan Pagal

“Time Capsule,” directed by Ice-Relle

Lumanglas

“Thraia and Her Forgotten Memory,” directed by Thomas John Armas

DOCUMENTARY:

“Albularyo,” directed by Aiko Magdalita

“Batang Munti,” directed by Rosemarie Lapaz

“Lolo Tangke,” directed by Angelina Nicole Prudente

“Sabaw at Gatong,” directed by Kimberly Oliveros

EXPERIMENTAL:

“Panimdim,” directed by Jasmin Grace

Manuel

“Reverse,” directed by Cedric Erroll Pableo

“Solusipse,” directed by Jhun Mark Peniones

“Upos,” directed by Fujie Matabang

The film entries were premiered on November 23, 24, and 26 in Museo ng Muntinlupa. Entries will also have its screening on MIFF partnered platform, Mulat Media.

The awarding of entries will be on December 7, 2022.

Moreover, MIFF is now under Museo ng Muntinlupa and no longer affiliated with PLMun. <w>

Photo by: Adrian Cariño

Marahil ay bunsod lamang ng matatamis na salita ang tinuran ni Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. sa kanyang ipinahayag na suporta sa karapatan ng mga mamamahayag at midya.

Wala pa ring katapusang babala at pananakot ang natatanggap ng mga tahasang tumutuligsa sa gobyerno. Tila ba ay naglalaro ng tagu-taguan ang mga mamamahayag, brodkaster, at tagapagtaguyod, kasama ang hindi nila kilalang mga personalidad. Ngunit walang makatukoy kung sino ang taya at kung sino ang mamamatay sa oras na mahuli.

Sa pagsisimula ng bagong administrasyon ay muling nagpatuloy ang pagpatay sa mga nasabing personalidad. Hindi pa rin tapos at marahil ay hindi matatapos hangga’t hindi nabibigyan ng mukha ang mga pumaslang sa mga unang biktima. Ilan sa mga matutunog na pangalang nagpanumbalik ng takot sa kanila ay sina Percy Lapid at Benharl Kahil. Pauwi si Lapid, isang mamamahayag na brodkaster, lulan ng kanyang sasakyan, nang tambangan siya ng sinasabing inupahang mamamaril na si Joel Escorial noong ika-3 ng Oktubre. Sa kabilang banda ay pinaulanan naman ng bala si Kahil, isang guro at kartunista, ng hindi pa nakikilalang salarin.

Hindi na bago ang ganitong laman ng balita o ang tugon ng mga nakakarinig. Habang mainit pa ang isyu ay pagpipistahan ng midya at awtoridad, ngunit lilipas ang ilang buwan o taon ay makakalimutan din ito ng mga tao. Parang isang normal na pangyayari kung saan isasarado ng pulisya ang kaso at kikimkimin ng pamilya ang lungkot. Ngunit walang nahahatulang may sala o kung mayroon man ay hindi napipiit sa tamang hantungan dahil may kinakapitan.

Walang nakasisiguro kung anong klaseng tao o saang pangkat ng lipunan nabibilang ang pumaslang sa mga naunang biktima. Dahil paano sila makikilala kung parating nauuwi sa saradong kaso o mabagal na proseso ang aksyon doon?

Kung totoo ang suportang iginigiit ng pangulo, isa ito sa mga dapat mabigyan ng aksyon. Ngunit sa kasalukuyang nangyayari, mabagal pa rin ang sistema ng hustisya. Marami ring naisisiwalat na katiwalian sa sistema ng kawanian ng pagwawasto. May mga nakakatakas sa panunuri. At nababaon na lang sa limot ang mga insidenteng nagbalot ng takot sa mga natitirang taong matapang na ipinagpapatuloy ang layunin ng mga yumao.

Kailangan pang matapos ang buhay ng isa na namang mamamahayag upang lumabas ang bulok na sistema ng pagwawasto sa bansa. Sa pagkamatay ni Percy Lapid, napatunayan na ang kanyang

Literary

Nang minsang sumabit ang kapa ni Superman

ni Venus

Jacinto

Kalahating araw para sa isang ikot ng orasan. Dalawang ikot naman para sa buong araw Binilang ko hanggang sa umabot na sa higit walong libong ikot. Wala pa rin ang hinihintay. Ni anino, ‘di na mamamasdan.

Umalis ka. Ginampanan ang tungkuling piniling tahakin. Animo’y balot ng kalasag, tangan lamang ay panulat at pag-asang lumaban. Saka tinahak ang daan patungo sa tiyak na kamatayan.

Hanggang ngayon, lagpas walong libong ikot na ng orasan, ngunit puro pa rin ako katanungan. Paano kung..? Bakit..? Ngunit ang pinaka gusto kong malaman ay kung kailan..?

Kailan nga ba sumabit ang iyong kapa?

Nung sumakay sa convoy? Nung magpasyang pumanig kay Esmael at labanan si Andal? Nung tinanggihan ng pwersang sandatahan? Nung sinama ang kamera’t pluma, at dangal bilang isang tagapagbalita doon sa Ampatuan?

O nung namasdan ang katotohanang hirap talikuran, oras na ika’y maging superman.

Ngayong minamasdan ang bukas na pinto ng Korte Suprema, walong libong ikot na ng orasan ang lumipas. Mapakulong man sila, ika’y wala na. May saysay pa ba ang pinakahihintay sa loob ng isang dekada?

Kay bigat ang bawat yabag ng paa. Matutuwa ba o maduduwal? Kay pangit ng lasa ng panis na pag-asa. Kung sana ay naging ordinaryo ka na lang. Sana, ako ang iyong kasama, hindi ang limampu’t pito pang iba.

Bakit ba ang tagal ng ikot ng oras? O baka dito lang sa Pilipinas? O baka ako lang ang hindi pa rin makasabay sa ikot?

Nasulsihan na ang kapa. Naipasa na sa iba kaya’t naibaba na ang hatol ng kamara. Sa wakas.

Sa tingin ko, hindi sumabit ang kapa mo, Superman.

Ito ay hinawakang mahigpit, saka ginupit. Kaya ang baho’y hindi pa rin lubos na maamoy Sana’y mabagal man ay unti unting umalingasaw.

Nabubulok ang hustisya. May tabing na salapi at may huwad na kapangyarihan ang hari.

pagmakapatay ay utos mula sa may mataas na katungkulan. Hindi na nakakagulat. Parang isa na lamang itong sikretong alam ng lahat ngunit natatabunan ng banta sa paligid.

Madali sa ganoong klaseng mga tao ang magpatahimik, maitago lamang ang dungis sa kanilang imahe. Sila rin ang mga taong kayang gumamit ng iba bilang pananggala upang hindi mataya o mahuli.Parang laro lang na kaya nilang simulan, manipulahin, baguhin, o tapusin anumang oras nila naisin. Hindi na lang midya o mga mamamahayag ang nanganganib sa larong inimbento ng mga taong dapat sana ay nagtatanggol sa kanila. Maging ang mga simpleng naghahayag lamang ng kanilang adbokasiya gaya ni Kahil ay isinali na rin.

Hindi sapat ang suporta, kung walang malinaw na aksiyon. Hindi sapat ang salita lang upang mabago ang madugong tagpo. Kailangan ng tunay na pakikinig at pagdinig sa ilang dekada nang hinaing ng masa. Ilang buhay pa ba ang kailangang mawala at madamay sa taguan ng kasalanan at habulan sa tumutuligsa?

Kung nagawang makipagkasundo ng gobyerno sa mga kinikilalang grupo ng terorista sa bansa, nararapat lang na magawa rin nilang pakinggan ang sinisigaw ng mga artikulo at guhit na inilathala ng mga mamamahayag, brodkaster, o tagapagtaguyod.

Hindi sila sumusulat, nag-uulat, o gumuguhit upang siraan ang gobyerno. Ipinahahayag lamang nila na mayroong problema ang lipunan at kailangan ng mga tao ang ama ng kanilang bayan. Hindi kalaro sa taguan ang kailangan ng mamamayan, kundi tagapakinig na kayang magsimula ng pagbabago na kasama sila. <w>

UKOL SA PABALAT

Nagbago lang ang administrasyon, ngunit patuloy pa ring nanganganib ang buhay ng mga mamamahayag at kartunista. Ipinaaalala nito sa lahat ang walang awang pagpaslang sa mga mamamahayag, labintatlong taon na ang nakararaan sa Maguindanao.

Ipinapakita ng pabalat na ito na hindi pa rin natatapos ang banta sa buhay ng mga mamamahayag, maging ng mga tagapagtaguyod ng adbokasiya. Patuloy na nagtatanim ng takot sa kanila ang hindi matukoy na mga salarin.

Nakikiisa ang publikasyong The Warden sa panawagan ng midya at mga mamamahayag na bigyan sila ng laya sa pamamahayag nang walang banta ng kamatayan at maibigay na ang hustisya para sa mga yumao.<w>

Guhit ni Rachel Casaljay

Guhit ni Rachel Casaljay

Opinion

September - November 2022

September - November 2022

Guhit ni Rachel Casaljay

Guhit ni Nikaela Jacinto

Guhit ni Winston Arcos

Guhit ni Angelo Cardenas

Lapat ni Cyrus Pineda