THE WESTERNIAN PIONEER January - June 2022

TWICE ARMED WITH FAITH. Immaculate Conception Batangas - Archdiocese of Lipa - Facebook

Devotees celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Batangas -Archdiocese of Lipa last April 27, 2022.

the westernian “ W I T H WO R D S , W E G OV E R N M E N ”

Division of Batangas City, Region IV-A CALABARZON The Official Student Publication of the University of Batangas High School Department JANUARY- JUNE VOL. XL | NO. 1

2022

Duterte bowing out with high ratings among UBians - survey

GOLDEN ARCHDIOCESE

Carl Dominic Macatangay

W

ith less than a month before he leaves office for the new administration, outgoing Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte still achieved a high approval and trust rating among the UBian community based on the recent survey conducted by The Westernian Pioneer.

Seven out of ten UBians who participated in the survey said they ‘approve’ or ‘strongly approve’ of Duterte’s performance as chief executive of the country, especially over the past twelve months of his term.

“I can say na marami ang naging pagbabago sa termino ni Pangulong Duterte lalong-lalo na sa imprastaktura. Dahil marami ang naipatayo sa pamamagitan ng kaniyang Build Build Build program, tunay na ito ay higit na nakatulong sa mga mamamayang Pilipino,” Vincent Reyes, a Senior High School student said.

In an interview, Reyes further mentioned that the incumbent president has shown ‘great’ amount of efforts to reduce criminality while pushing for laws such as the Public Service Act, a law mandating inclusive education for learners with disabilities in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Lexterjay Valencia, a mechanical engineering student at the University of Batangas, said he is on approval of the president’s performance especially since he has seen a new way of system in managing the government under his term.

He said Duterte showcased better governance as compared to the previous presidents that he saw throughout the years.

“Hindi ko totally gusto si President Duterte pero satisfied ako sa ilan niyang mga programa gaya ng mga tax reform law, education para sa kolehiyo, at mga environmental policies gaya ng sa Boracay at Manila Bay,”Valencia stressed.

However, the mechanical engineering student said he is disappointed with the renovation of Manila Bay’s Dolomite Beach since it used artificial sand, causing the degradation of the mountains in Cebu in 2020.

Relative to the survey, the PUBLiCUS Asia, a political management firm, also revealed that 67.2 percent or 7 in 10 Filipinos are satisfied with Duterte’s performance, achieving a 61.8 trustworthiness rating based on the independent survey conducted by the firm.

Duterte’s approval rating rose by 2.3 percent as compared to the first-quarter results in 2021, according to the survey.

However, the president, during an address to government officials in Pasig City, defended his administration against its criticized failures as he insisted that the lack of time is the reason for his ‘negligence’ and ‘shortcomings’.

“Kung kulang pa ’yon, pasensya na po at hindi ko na talaga kaya. The things that I failed to do, mostly not because of negligence or may mga shortcoming ako but talagang, time. Kasi six years would not be enough to finish all the projects,” he stressed.

With a few weeks left for the transition to the new government, Senator Bong Go said that Duterte is already preparing to leave his office as president-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos will assume the position on June 30.

E

mbarking on fifty years of higher and stronger Batangueno faith, the Archdiocese of Lipa in Batangas will mark its Golden Jubilee Celebration with grace, generosity, and gratitude as it is set to commemorate its milestone year as an archdiocese in June 2022.

‘UB is prepared for full in-person classes’ - admin Nhel Gutierrez

S

hould the conduct of full in-person classes be mandated later this year, the University of Batangas is prepared to welcome back its students after two years of online learning delivery, the UB administration assured in May.

However, Dr. Lolita Tegon, the Assistant Vice President, clarified that the university is still ‘working out’ the application for the conduct of limited face-to-face classes in Basic Education for the next school year.

According to Dr. Tegon, the administration is now considering the requirements and guidelines issued by the Department of Education (DepEd) this year as they transition from full Online Distance Learning Delivery (ODL), which had been implemented for two years, to ‘hybrid’ or ‘hyflex’ learning delivery.

“Our university assumes the implementation’s responsibilities by adhering

to the guidelines and requirements at its best capacity to ensure uninterrupted quality learning and to guarantee safety and wellness of everyone involved,” Dr. Tegon said in an interview.

As for the necessary preparations and measures to accommodate the face-to-face classes, the assistant VP mentioned that the UB admin has created a Crisis Management Committee that will spearhead the overall safety and compliance with the guidelines and protocols.

With President Rodrigo Duterte’s approval of higher educational institutions’ gradual

reopening of campuses, UB also applied for certification of authority to offer limited inperson classes for health-related programs such as BS Nursing and BS Therapy.

“UB considered it favorable for students in the specified priority health-related programs to acquire the competencies which are not workable through the virtual meeting,” Dr. Tegon stressed.

The succeeding applications, covering all programs in Batangas City and Lipa City campuses were also expanded upon the issuance of supplemental guidelines from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).

Meanwhile, UB also subjected the campus to an onsite visit and inspection of the local government unit, CHED, DOH, and IATF. “Since there has been continuous retrofitting and strict implementation of safety and health protocols in adherence to prescribed guidelines by CHED, UB is ready and prepared for the limited conduct of f2f classes of all those programs issued with certification,” the assistant VP said.

Concerned departments also conducted orientations and consultations in their respective colleges .

Academic orgs. to reduce stress over heavy schoolworks Jamaeiah Ericka Macaraig

T

he University of Batangas is easing the difficulties of its students with their heavy and difficult school workload as it has officially launched the academic organizations in Senior High School.

Through the organizations, the students are given the opportunity to seek help from mentors who can give additional assistance to their subjects through tutoring and consultations.

For UBian students who are currently enrolled in SHS, the teacher mentors are allowed to give free consultations during their free time and six hours of consultations in Science and Mathematics areas for UBian freshman college students.

As for the non-UBian freshmen, the SHS alumni mentors can provide up to two hours of consultations for Science and Math related courses and six hours for the areas of English and Research.

“The academic organizations also provide diverse experiences

to the UBBC SHS after each major exam, to foster camaraderie and friendly competition among the students,” Dr. Augusto Africa, the SHS principal said.

For Micah Gift Caliboso, a UBian student and President of the Association of Competent and Excellent Students (ACES), the organizations are beneficial and commendable as these have improved her communication and leadership skills as well.

“Although this may not always be the case, providing a quality education could also mean providing the students a stress-free environment where they can showcase both their soft and hard skills, and these academic organizations, so far, provided us with that kind of community,” she said.

HELPING HANDS.

Jamaeiah Ericka Macaraig

Different organizations released IDs to distribute to the Senior High School student to serve as their identification to get a free consultation from their teachers and alumni in various subjects such as Mathematics, Statistics, Accounting, etc. This can help the students whenever they need help in any complex subjects.

NEWS ANALYSIS

Light in Leila’s Dilemma Aldred Sky Abando

A

fter five years of false accusations, President Duterte’s main critic and opposition senator Leila De Lima might now see the light out of police custody following the recantations of self-proclaimed drug lord Kerwin Espinosa and former BuCor chief Rafael Ragos – a call for Filipinos to shed a light in the broken justice system of the country.

SEE THE LIGHT. AlJazeera

Leila de Lima, senator of the Philippines, holds her hope as there is a big possibility that she will be unrestrained by the police due to the sudden revelation of Espinosa to the media.

STILL IN ASHES

On April 28 of this year, Espinosa retracted to the media his previous allegations over De Lima’s alleged drug dealings, saying that he was only “coerced, pressured, intimidated, and seriously threatened by the police.”

In a counter-affidavit at the Department of Justice (DOJ), Espinosa clarified that he has no intentions of affirming his previous senate confessions as he firmly claimed that no drug dealings transpired between him and De Lima.

Two days after his revelation, Ragos also disclosed that he was only “forced” to implicate de Lima in the illegal drug trade in the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) as he said he received “threats of being detained.”

“As far as I know and based on my professional relationship with Sec. De Lima, she is incapable of doing anything illegal, much less engaging in the illegal drug trade or accepting money from Bilibid inmates. All of my allegations to the contrary in my affidavits and House

FACING FACE-TO-FACE

and court testimonies are all fiction, false, and fabricated,” the former chief admitted.

To recall, the Philippine National Police (PNP) issued a warrant of arrest and detained De Lima at the PNP Headquarters in Quezon City over the accusations of violating the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

De Lima, however, bid to dismiss the warrant of arrest which the Supreme Court junked with a 9-6 vote due to the lawmaker’s lack of merit.

This prompted the European Parliament to send a 12-member delegation to the country to visit De Lima who was held under the custody of PNP in Camp Crame.

With the revelations of Espinosa, the Amnesty International and opposition allies of De Lima have called for her fast release, calling De Lima as a “prisoner of conscience.”

FAITH AGAINST FATE

Vice President and presidential aspirant Leni Robredo also expressed her support for De Lima’s release, saying that “there is no more reason” for the senator to be detained as the two witnesses who testified against her have already recanted their previous accusations.

“Wala nang dahilan para manatili sa piitan si Sen Leila. Dapat na siyang palayain sa lalong madaling panahon. Kaisa ko ang bawat Pilipinong naniniwala sa hustisya sa panawagan: Free Leila now,” Robredo said.

Meanwhile, supporters have recently renewed their calls for the immediate release of the detained lawmaker as they urged to hold accountable those who are responsible for her imprisonment.

On the other hand, the camp of De Lima filed for counter-charges against the ones who coerced and forced Espinosa to brand De Lima as part of the illegal drug trade.

ZERO WASTE TO ZERO WORRIES

02

NEWS

Editors: Nhel Gutierrez, Aldred Sky Abando

PIONEERING LEGACY

TWP, TP seal top awards; dominate online nat’l confabs Gabriel James Andal

W

ith the burning passion and love for campus journalism, The Westernian Pioneer and Tunog Pamantasan have once again brought pride and glory to the University of Batangas as they dominated and bagged multiple awards in recent journalism competitions held online.

From having more than a thousand participants in the CALABARZON region, 9 staffers emerged victorious as they showcased their writing prowess during the Regional Schools Press Conference in March.

Among those who secured the top spots were Nhel Gutierrez, second place in News Writing (English); Van Aeros Torres, 2nd place in Sports Writing (English); and Carl Dominic Macatangay, 5th place in Science and Technology Writing (Filipino).

Magno Achilles C. Aquiatan, Ma. Micah Gift M. Caliboso, Kyle Ezra M. De Los Reyes, Antoine Clarence A. Miranda, Sidnee M. Madlangbayan, and Jamaeiah Ericka S. Macaraig also achieved their winning spots in the individual categories of the competition.

To recall, The Westernian Pioneer and Tunog Pamantasan vowed to reclaim their victories in the National Schools Press Conference this year after bagging fewer awards during the last competition held at Tuguegarao City, Cagayan.

In line with this, the Culture, Arts, and Publications in Basic Education Office (CAP-BE) conducted a three-day virtual training titled ThinkTalk2022 in order to refresh the skills of the scribes after two years of confab postponements.

The said virtual training featured the special lectures from awarded and renowned speakers in the field of journalism including writing workshops for the categories and output critiquing.

Meanwhile, 7 campus journalists also raised UB’s flag as they vied for the victory during the Camilo Osias Arts Festival, a National University-sponsored competition aimed to advocate voter education and awareness during the May 2022 polls.

Gutierrez and Antoine Miranda secured their spots in the competition’s main event – The Search for Ten Outstanding Student Journalists as six more journalists dominated the Editorial Cartooning and Photojournalism categories.

The winners received gift cheques, e-certificates, and purchase vouchers for their commendable efforts in upholding the truth and the fight against disinformation and fake news.

“The event highlighted the critical role that campus journalists play in fostering political awareness and advocating societal reform by correcting unfolded claims, providing accurate information, and speaking truth to power especially during the election season,” Wenifredo S. Llorca Jr., the program director, reiterated.

Furthermore, 15 scribes were named victors during the Division Schools Press Conference as the publications have once again bagged the Best Performing School award.

Among those who emerged victors were Nhel Gutierrez, Antoine Clarence Miranda, Van Aeros Torres, Magno Achilles Acquiatan, Carl Dominic Macatangay, and Micah Gift Caliboso who all topped their respective categories in News, Editorial, Sports, Editorial Cartooning, Science, and Copyreading and Headline Writing.

“In the field of Campus Journalism, UB’s commitment and passion toward various endeavors remain unfaltering. As UBians march against the struggles of today’s situation, we promise to continue rising and striding toward the success that we aim for,” Dr. Rodriguez, CAPBE Director, expressed The University of Batangas high school publications, with the continuous support from the administration and the faculty, remain to be a center of excellence in the field of journalism and producers of competitive campus journalists.

“As the schools division surges onward Responsible Campus Journalism in the new normal, we are always eager to fight and ready to win for Batangas City and for the university,” Dr. Rodriguez said.

HIGH HOPES. Motoren Vlogs & Photography

“STILL IN ASHES’

T

Badjao community in Brgy. Wawa Batangas City remains hopeful despite the turmoil that happened last January. The local government continues to respond to aid the needs of the residents, but they still need to provide as most of them are still having a hard time. 01/17/2022

Antoine Clarence Miranda

Fire victims call for relocation, housing in Wawa, Batangas City he victims of the fire incident in Barangay Wawa, Batangas City are calling for more concrete plans such as relocation and housing, saying that they are still on the verge of survival and recovery, four months after the sudden tragedy.

Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairman Jerome Grimpluma said that although there is an overflow of donations for the fire victims, the need for plans such as relocation centers and housing remains to be timely and necessary.

“Labis po ang mga naibibigay na tulong sa mga affected ngunit nananatili pa rin sa temporary evacuation centers ang 54 na pamilya kung kaya’t nangangailangan pa rin ng mga housing at relocation area,” Chairman Grimpluma said.

To recall, more than 200 families in the barangay were forced to evacuate to temporary shelters after a sudden fire hit the area, causing major losses to properties despite no records of casualties AIDING BADJAO FAMILIES According to Grimpluma, the incident has prompted the local government unit to subject the community to the State of Emergency; thus, affecting the fellow Badjao families despite various groups and private sectors volunteering for the flow of donations and relief operations.

He said that although there will be plans to relocate the victims to the designated areas, the local government should also consider the living culture and traditions of the fellow affected Badjao families.

“Until now po ay palagi pa din kaming mayroong meetings tungkol sa nangyaring sunog po kasama ang LGU at DSWD National ngunit hindi pa rin po ito masasagot sapagkat nakasalalay ang desisyon sa ating LGU,” Grimpluma explained.

STILL IN SUPPORT Among those who reached out to the community are Red Cross, the Malampaya Corporation, and different Batangas Province chapters who all initiated the food and clothing assistance for the fire victims.

Meanwhile, different organizations such as Doctors for Leni, and Lawyers for Leni and the Office of the Vice President Leni Robredo also helped those in the affected community.

“Sa span po ng kanilang pananatili sa evacuation centers ay marami po ang nagpaabot ng tulong tulad ng mga individuals, companies, politicians, at mga non

Golden Archdiocese Archbishop of Lipa Gilbert Garcera, in an open invitation on Facebook, has called on the Batangueños to spread the words of God and encourage the public to gratefully celebrate the church’s golden anniversary.

“Paghandaan nating mabuti ang pagdiriwang na ito,” Archbishop Garcera said. “Ito ay yakagan ng pagpapala, ng pagkabukas-palad, at ng pasasalamat upang ito ay maging buhay na alaala sa ating mga Batangueno.”

During the invitation, the archbishop recalled Pope Paul VI’s apostolic blessing

govenrment ogranization or NGO,” the chairman said.

As of May 13, more than half of the evacuees have returned to their areas while 54 families are still enduring the losses in the evacuation centers at Barangay Bolbok, Batangas City.

EXTENDING UBIAN ARMS Meanwhile, the University of Batangas also gave support to the affected families in the community through the Community Extension Service (CES) spearheaded by one of its coordinators, Ms. Cinderela M. Perez.

“Ang UB CES kasama ang mga coordinators ng bawat department and faculty members from SHS ay nag-abot ng mga educational toys, alcohol, and masks para sa mga bata at mga canned goods naman para sa kanilang pamilya,” Ms. Perez mentioned.

The university, embodying the core value of service to fellowmen, remains committed to extending its arms and uplifting the less privileged sectors such as the Barangay Wawa fire victims through its donation programs and expanded community services in the city.

Nhel Gutierrez ... From Page 1

of the archdiocese in 1972, granting the church its present status which will mark its 50th anniversary on June 20.

AGAINST ALL ODDS According to Fr. Garcera, the Archdiocese of Lipa has spent three years preparing for the jubilee year, with various programs and activities set in line to uplift and nurture the faith of Batanguenos in the face of the pandemic.

The archbishop further mentioned that despite the delays of the church programs due to the spread of COVID-19,

the archdiocese celebrated the previous years with enthusiasm and prosperity.

To recall, the Catholic church pursued to celebrate the years of the youth, “yabong”, and “yakag” through its Godcentered initiatives despite the fallbacks of its projects and programs for almost two years.

FORTIFIED BATANGUEÑO FAITH Following the celebration of Christianity’s 500th year in the country, Fr. Garcera has once again reiterated the essence of undying faith and religiosity,

saying that this year’s celebration is a testament to the Batanguenos’ credence and beliefs.

In his message, the archbishop further mentioned that this year’s theme – grace, generosity, and gratitude will highlight communion, participation, and mission as previously urged by Pope Francis during his church address..

“Gugunitain natin ito nang may pagpupuri, pasasalamat sa Diyos kung kaya’t kayo ay inaanyayahan sa samasamang paglalakbay at pakikinig sa Kanyang salita,” he said.

Basic Driving Course, to be integrated in MAPEH subject next SY Aldred Sky Abando

T

ONE STEP AHEAD. University of Batangas JHS

Atty. Noreen Bernadette S. San Luis-Lutey, the Land Transportation Office Regional Director-Region IV-A, along with the other LTO chiefs, yielded a courtesy call with UB administrators to discuss the partnership concerning the integration of Basic Driving in MAPEH subject of Grade 10 students.

he University of Batangas, in partnership with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), will integrate a Basic Driving Course into the junior high school curriculum as a way to advocate road safety among UBians.

In a courtesy call with the administrators in March, LTO Regional Director Atty. Noreen Bernadette Luis-Lutey, along with the other LTO chiefs, has discussed the plans for the integration of the said course in the MAPEH subject of Grade 10 students starting next school year.

With the inclusion of basic driving, Grade 10 Completers of the Junior High School Department are expected to receive their student driving permits aside from their Certificates of Moving Up upon completion of the subject.

“The integration of the driving lessons will not be a burden to students as it will not affect the overall grade of the students in the card, given that they will just be prompt to answer written examinations and perform practical tests not in the same manner as the regular subjects,” Dr. Hilaria A. Guico, JHS Principal assured.

The first-in-the-region course, according to Lutey, will also initiate the creation of safety-conscious drivers as different topics contained in the Students Today, Road Users of Tomorrow (STRUT) modules

provided by the LTO Regional Office will be discussed as an initiative to promote safety in general while ensuring competitiveness and innovation among the students.

“Napakaganda nito sa University of Batangas, wala pa siguro nakakaisip n’yan na ga-graduate sila, aside from diploma nila, meron silang student driver permit,” Atty. Lutey expressed.

Meanwhile, Dr. Hilaria Guico of the university reassured that the addition of a basic driving course prevails to be a testament to the flexibility and adaptability that the institution upholds now that they are set to prepare the students to be more socially responsible.

She said the University of Batangas strongly holds onto rising, striving, and innovating towards success, “gearing towards forming students of today as responsible road users of tomorrow.”

“Road safety is a life skill which everyone must learn, work and life ready – wherein learnings here can prepare students ahead, socially responsible- as students are instilled with knowing the value of others as they interact and practice road safety,” Dr. Guico said.

NEWS

T HE WEST ERN IA N P IO NE E R

03

UB BUILDS NEW GYMNASIUM, WIDENS LEARNING GROUNDS FOR UBIANS Aldred Sky Abando

T

he University of Batangas has started the construction of the newest and biggest gymnasium at the Millenium Campus, opening a wider area and opportunity for UBians to execute sports-related activities, events, and tournaments.

An overwhelming ceremony was held last March 8, 2022, in accordance with the celebration of the university’s recent milestone.

“This is a fruition of an outstanding dream of our University President that we have a proper gymnasium and that we will be able to address the needs of our students.” Atty. Jesus V. Mayo, Chairman of the Board of Regents expressed during the ceremony.

With a total area of 6,459 sqm and a total seating capacity of up to four thousand individuals consisting of two basketball courts and one volleyball court, the escalation of its establishment was indeed part of the history not only of the university but in the whole Batangas as well, according to the Project Architect Manolo Merhan.

“Besides sports, this will also be a venue for a lot of activities mainly for sports-related events. We will be able to enjoy this facility in the future,” he added.

According to the architect, the gymnasium also features a hundred parking slots on the lower ground, making the gym the ideal space for hosting tournaments in order to accommodate a bigger number of visitors or crowds.

The University President, Dr. Hernando B. Perez, also expressed his excitement and gratitude as the university will be one step ahead in promoting excellence to Ubians with the construction of the 21st-century and

multifunctional gymnasium.

Meanwhile, for Christian Briones, a Grade 12 student and a Ubian volleyball player, the establishment of the new gymnasium could be a spark of inspiration for aspiring athletes to perform better in sports and encourage others to actively participate in the field.

“Personally, magbe-benefit ako doon dahil athlete po ako. Mas maganda dahil bagong tayo ang gym at nageexpect ako na mas maganda ang ambiance doon lalo na sa trainings namin at ng iba pang athletes. Mas masarap sa pakiramdam na maganda ang nilalaruan at mas nakakainspire maglaro ng sports,” Briones shared.

The university, with the expansion of its learning grounds, continues to widen its horizons as it promotes excellence for all Ubians with the unwavering improvement and stabilization of different facilities for every field of learning.

“Gayundin, sa ibang Ubians, maaaring doon gawin yung ibang events gaya ng mga competition at programs. Mas magiging maganda ang environment ng venue kasi bago at mas pinaganda,” he added.

Several members of the Board of Regents, administrators, and other staff attended the ceremony for the establishment of the gymnasium.

The construction of the new facility in the Millenium Campus is expected to be finished in December this year.

PURPOSE-DRIVEN. University of Batangas

Dr. Hernando B. Perez, Atty. Jesus V. Mayo and the administrators of the University of Batangas lead the Groundbreaking Ceremony of the newest gymnasium in the UB Millenium Campus. This just proves how the University widens its horizons toward the excellence of the UBians. 03/08/2022

Batangas City steps up women empowerment plans, programs Jamaeiah Ericka Macaraig

T

he Batangas City Local Government Unit (LGU) remained steadfast in stepping up its advocacies for the protection of women’s welfare and rights, with the inclusion of more extensive and sustainable livelihood programs as part of the city’s women empowerment plans.

During a recent virtual session, Charity Nunez III, an officer of the city’s CSWD, emphasized the strong commitment that the local government upholds in support of the Magna Carta for Women, a law aiming to stop violence against women such as harassment and abuse.

Republic Act 11313 or “Safe Spaces Act,” also known as “Bawal Bastos Law of 2018” was also tackled on the webinar.

Meanwhile, the Police Community Relations (PCR) organized a seminar encouraging women to report cases of domestic violence to the authorities relative to the Republic Act 9262 or the “Anti-Violence Against Women Act of 2004.

“This provides protection to women and their children from such ferocity,” Police Executive Master Sergeant (PEMS) Nena Garcia said in the program.

DSWD CALABARZON Officer Billy Angayen also urged the women attendees to recognize their roles not just in their families but also in the community through their contributions and responsibilities.

“Gayundin ang aktibong pakikilahok ng mga samahan ng kababaihan sa usapin hinggil sa kanilang kapakanan na dininig sa mga city development full council meeting at ang pagbibigay-pansin sa mga kababaihan na walang hanapbuhay, may kapansanan, may mga suliranin, at iba’t ibang uri ng pangangailangan,” she added.

In line with the celebration of women’s month, LGU also gave the young female students the chance to share their prowess in spoken-poetry, opening a competition to 7 private and public schools across Batangas City.

Aryana Khim Delizo from the Talahib Pandayan National High School was hailed champion in the spoken poetry competition commenced by the Batangas City PNP, the winner received a cash incentive worth ₱5,000 and a trophy.

“Hinihimok ko po ang bawat kababaihan na patuloy na maging huwaran, ipinagmamalaki, at dinadakila ng ating bayan,” Mayor Beverley Rose A. Dimacuha said in a city address.

In accordance with the celebration of this year’s women’s month, the city government has initiated an intensive lecture training about gardening and crop production which was attended by the residents of Barangays Balagtas and Alangilan last March.

Senior Agriculturist Albert Serquiña headed the said livelihood activity as he highlighted the benefits of planting and the requirements needed to produce crops through container gardening.

The partakers of the event received garden kits with mini garden rake, trowel, and spray bottle as Agricultural Technologist Vilner Ilagan demonstrated the right way of planting in the containers.

The tools, equipment, and gardening materials were sponsored by the directory of Grand Terminal while the seedlings and seeds were donated by the Office of the City Veterinary and Agricultural Services (OCVAS).

Meanwhile, the Barangay-Based Livelihood Program of the Home Extension Division of OCVAS also taught the women of Barangay Talumpok West the basics and techniques in cake baking. The said program aimed to provide women the possible options for potential small businesses which could provide them revenues at the comfort of their homes.

The Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina (KALIPI), various barangay officials, and Child Development Workers (CDW) also showed support for the LGU’s initiatives in leading out and strengthening the programs and opportunities set for women in the low-lying and marginalized sectors.

In line with this, the KALIPI in each barangay across Batangas City started fund raising activities to provide financial assistance to the members who are in need of immediate medical expenses.

The public association of women also visited the city’s female inmates to give hygiene kits containing toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, sanitary napkins, baths, and detergent soaps as a means of reaching out and expanding its programs to the less privileged groups and sectors.

The Batangas City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD), with the theme “We Make Change Work For Women”, gave importance to its women constituents as it reiterated the importance of existing laws aimed at safeguarding their rights and well-being.

UB seizes Netizen’s Choice Award

UBHS fosters ‘new’ way of competing thru online school contests Gabriel James Andal

Carl Dominic Macatangay

T

he Online Sellers Association of the Philippines, Inc. & Netizen’s Choice Magazine Publishing, Inc proclaimed the University of Batangas (UB) as the Certified Netizen’s ChoiceQuality Private School in Batangas for earning the netizen’s trust through strong online presence and responsible way of using the internet.

The awards were given to the university during the Philippine Social Media and 8th Netizen’s Choice Awards Ceremony held at Okada, Manila, last December 15, 2021.

UB has been dedicated in establishing and maintaining the advanced institutional image through substantial customer service and welldriven information distribution, as per the use of technology.

Mr. Jerome Arcega, the Marketing and Public Relations Officer, together with Mr. Julius Ceazar Ayala, the Marketing and Media Relations Coordinator, and Mr. Norvine Quinag, the Social Media Coordinator accepted the recognition on behalf of the university administration.

Various brands, influencers, and personalities who made an impact on all social media platforms were also recognized during the event.

The Online Sellers Association, as a duly SEC Registered association and entity for onliners in the Philippines, was organized with the purpose of promoting unity and mutual cooperation among members/sellers through assisting in the implementation of ordinances or laws affecting the industry.

STANDARD-BEARER. Nicole Rosales

TWP, Pioneer TV bag coveted awards in 43rd CMMA Nhel Gutierrez

I

n line with the core value of love of wisdom, the University of Batangas Highschool Department ushered various online competitions to promote a 21st-century way of competing and to further enhance and expose the talented UBians’ hidden abilities.

Some of the inter-school competitions conducted include those that can hone the students’ skills in the fields of Music, Arts, Science, English, Mathematics, and other academic fields, incorporating and conjoining the use of technology.

As part of the academic approach to move into an effective and holistic one, the competitions started to run in December of last year and utilized various online platforms to cater to the talents of the budding learners.

“Last year talaga, walang mga pacontest since everyone is adjusting sa situation, but since adjusted na tayo, this is our second year dealing with the pandemic and the online has been ika nga, okay na, so nag-decide na ang high school na kahit papaano ay umutay na makabalik sa pagiging active sa extra-curricular,” Mr. Jericho Alberto, the Assistant Principal for Student Affairs mentioned.

With the continuous spread of the infectious Covid-19 pandemic in the country, it still restricted the face-to-face

The Batangas LGU strengthened women’s empowerment in the City by teaching them different livelihood programs, as well as sharing different tips and facts about laws such as “Bawal Bastos”, and many more as a celebration of Women’s Month last March.

set-up of school competitions, thus compelling the contests to be held virtually and in the comfort of the students’ homes.

“It’s a great platform for the Ubians to share and enhance their skills while having fun. Everyone’s competitive spirits and sportsmanship are also showcased,” Celine Joy Agapay, a grade 9 student said.

UB, with its goal of uncovering and enriching the potential of every student, succeeded in the implementation of the competitions, making the online set-up not far from the traditional ones since there are still awarding ceremonies and recognition.

“There is a time na ‘yung Thursday and Friday natin ay asynchronous, followed by learning extension activities, the mentoring. Before it was designed for the major subjects but somehow, nagamit na rin yung Friday na yun na araw para makapag-conduct ng activities,” he said.

Online contests also served as a break for the students from a week-long haul of stressful academic activities.

P

ioneering change amidst the adversities of the new normal, The Westernian Pioneer, the official publication of the University of Batangas High School, bagged the highly coveted Best Student Organ award of the 43rd Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA) in 2021.

Besting among five other finalists under the Student CMMA Category, The Westernian Pioneer capped the award along with the Pioneer TV’s special citation as the Best Student TV Production through a live broadcast at CNN Philippines.

To recall, The Westernian Pioneer previously became one of the finalists for the prestigious award in the year 2018 and attained a special citation for the Best Student Organ in 2019 however, failed to secure the title until this year’s CMMA. The Westernian Pioneer, as a vehicle for expression, has been showcasing its love and passion for campus journalism through delivering truthful and compelling stories despite the challenges faced in the time of the pandemic.

“Were it not for the burning passion and love for campus journalism, we all would have surrendered to the test of time: however, we are all bigger than the challenges that we face in the presentday Philippines,” Dr. Redentor Rodriguez, Publications Director, expressed in a

Facebook post.

“We are the bearers of truth, love, and compassion. These, at the forefront of journalism are our paramount goals - that shall never ebb,” Dr. Rodriguez added.

Along with the roster of finalists are the University of Santo Tomas’ The Aquinian and De La Salle University’s Eunoia who were both yearning to receive the award.

On the other hand, Pioneer TV, the university’s premier online TV, earned a special citation as one of the five finalists for the Best Student TV Production under the Student CMMA category.

Dating back to 1978, the Catholic Mass Media Awards has been rewarding radio, print, advertising, and television bodies and films to stress the importance of mass media and to instill a sense of responsibility among media practitioners.

According to Cardinal Jose Advincula, the CMMA is “a very significant occasion” for the Catholic Church since it marks the 500th year that Filipinos “have embraced and fostered the religion through generations.”

OPINION

04

Editors-in-chief: Kyle Ezra Delos Reyes, Bret Dimatatac

t is imperative that we do not forget the extrajudicial executions committed by Duterte and that he be held responsible for the hundreds of lives that he cruelly took.

TRUTH TELLER Kyle Ezra Delos Reyes

Clarisse Jenn Baloy

NEVER FORGET 2.0

T

he thousands of lives lost in Duterte’s extrajudicial killings (EJK) can never be brought back. As President Rodrigo Duterte steps down from his presidential throne, we should instead, step up and make him accountable for the lives he brutally stepped on during his barbaric regime.

We all know that Duterte is proud of his War on Drugs campaign and it brings him great joy to see drug abusers, guilty or not perish in his evil scheme –for the greater good of the country or so he says.

More than 27,000 accused drug peddlers have been slain in a mix of police operations and vigilante killings since Duterte was elected president in 2016. In addition, about 250 human rights advocates have been murdered, including unions, attorneys, journalists, and environmental activists.

First of all, EJKs are a blatant violation of human rights. It defeats the purpose of the law where the person needs to be put on trial to investigate whether he/she is guilty of the crime.

“Laws and policies to counter national security threats and illegal drugs have been crafted and implemented in ways that severely impact human rights. This has resulted in thousands of killings, arbitrary detention, and vilification of those who challenge these severe human right violations,” said United Nations Human Rights Council chief Michelle Bachelet who presented the report findings in Geneva, Switzerland.

Duterte’s EJK only catches the small flies while the big ones roam freely. Drug lords, like Peter Lim, are still free and not behind bars. And these small-time drug users are also victims of poverty, little opportunity, lack of guidance, and poor governance. To think that his only solution is to take the lives of these people is too cruel.

In addition to this, Duterte, clearly, is afraid to be investigated by international courts. Knowing his brave and strong behavior, he must be hiding the truth

to be intimidated by other countries.

Whenever asked about EJKs, he always turns it into jokes in vulgar language. I guess that is what he does best.

“Si Putin pinapatay pati civilian doon.

Ako? Sino man pinatay ko? Pinatay ko puro kriminal. Bakit ko pinatay? Sa droga,” Duterte stated how he is ruthless in killing criminals and innocent civilians without due process, proudly that is.

On the flip side, Duterte argued that the EJK’s result from the War on Drugs is executed for the betterment of the country where we can live safely and clean of illegal drugs. Tell that to Kian Lloyd de los Santos, the innocent 17-yearold brutally killed during the War on Drugs campaign. Police suspected him of being a drug runner, but his family disputes this.

He was slain in self-defense, according to the lies of the police. How can we live in a world where the police are not protecting the civilians but harming them with abusive authority?

“Never has homicide or murder been a function of law enforcement. Public peace is never predicated on the cost of human life,” Judge Roldolfo Azucena emphasized in the trial of the 3 police officers who mercilessly killed Kian.

A ‘shoot to kill’ order is taken advantage of by abusive police officers because Duterte gave them unnecessary power to do so.

We should never forget the arrogant and impudent man behind these atrocities done to our own countrymen. This rather cheap facade of lowering cases of drug involvement should not spare Duterte from paying for his sins. May the souls of those unrightfully killed, guilty or innocent alike, haunt his merciless soul.

FACING FACE-TO-FACE A

fter two years of virtual learning delivery due to the global pandemic, University of Batangas (UB) is more than ready to be back on track. In May, UB was subjected to an onsite visit and inspection by LGU CHED, DOH, and IATF in preparation for the return of face-to-face classes. This laudable step taken by the admin will make the students keep in touch with the real world outside the virtual screens.

In case of emergencies and surge of virus, the students need not worry. A Crisis Management Committee, chaired by the University President, was formed to oversee the University’s required compliance. The facilities had been retrofitted, and policies were put in place to ensure that the protocols and measures met CHED and DOH requirements. This ensures the safety of both students and school staff.

Since there has been continuous retrofitting and strict implementation of safety and health protocols in accordance with CHED guidelines, it is safe to say that UB is ready and prepared for the limited conduct of f2f classes of all those programs that have been certified. If full-time face-to-face classes are mandated in the future, UB is ready with strict adherence to the regulating agencies’ prescribed guidelines.

However, the university should assume implementation responsibilities by adhering to the guidelines and requirements to the best of its ability in order to ensure continuous quality learning and the safety and wellness of all involved. Orientations

and consultations must be conducted in the concerned departments’ respective strands and colleges.

“There was no time when UB didn’t keep up — demonstrating that the institution remains committed to its basic mission of providing high-quality instruction.”

With the original omicron virus nearly dormant, its BA.2 subvariant has created a new threat. This will raise concerns and doubts among the students’ parents.

According to reports, all versions of the

omicron variant appear to cause similar cold-like symptoms in vaccinated and boosted people. However, that will be the worst-case scenario, and UB is prepared for it. With the subvariant being mild and not as severe, and the majority of students receiving their full vaccine doses as well as a booster shot, there’s not much of a concern.

In addition, pupils are admitted to school only if they follow health protocols and safety precautions such as temperature checks and logging of information.

It is critical to work together to ensure the safety of both students and teachers. Both parties are equally involved in this progressive change. The school administration should strictly enforce proper safety measures, while students should be responsible enough to skip school when they are ill.

It is evident that online learning has taken a toll on the lives of every UBian student.

Now more than ever, the university makes sure that it attends to the needs of the learners at all times. This transitional phase to face-to-face classes is crucial –and UB is pulling all the stops to operate smoothly.

FUELING ACTIONS the westernian “ W I T H WO R D S , W E G OV E R N M E N ”

Division of Batangas City, Region IV-A CALABARZON The Official Student Publication of the University of Batangas High School Department JANUARY- JUNE VOL. XL | NO. 1

2022

Editors in Chief: Kyle Ezra De los Reyes and Bret Michael Dimatatac Associate Editors: Antoine Clarence Miranda and Sidnee Madlangbayan Managing Editor: Nhel Gutierrez and Van Aeros Torres Circulation Managers: Clarisse Jenn Baloy and Arielle John Tolentino News Editor: Aldred Sky Abando Feature Editor: Isabel Cuevas Sports Editor: Win Vincent Chua Sci-Tech Editor: Carl Dominic Macatangay Chief Graphic Designer: Gabriel James Andal Chief Cartoonist: Justin Anthony Aleta Chief Photojournalist: Jamaeiah Ericka Macaraig Reporters: Magno Achilles Aquiatan, Joan Ebreo, Dino Miguel Aleta, Shem Josiah Sumagaysay, Yoesha Grace Velasco Advisers: Mr. Carl Ivan Villanueva, Mr. Michael Justin De Mesa, Mr. Enrico Villanueva, Mr. Julius Eric Mendoza, Ms. Mylene Holgado, Ms. Christine Joyce Enteria, Dr. Amelita Driz SHS Principal: Dr. Augusto Africa JHS Principal: Dr. Hilaria Guico Culture Arts and Publications in Basic Education Director: Dr. Redentor S. Rodriguez

D

espite the fact that the Russia-Ukraine conflict is more than 3,000 miles away from the Philippines, the consequences continue to be detrimental, leaving a scar on various sectors. As drivers and commuters continue to scratch their heads in frustration, and impoverished people struggle for a living due to the current oil price hike, it is without question that the clash between the two countries is nothing short of a disaster for middle-class countries like the Philippines. What remains in question is, what is the government doing?

It has already been months since oil prices went on a hefty hike. In the Philippines, oil companies had their highest price hikes yet, with gasoline prices amounting to P 74.1 per liter and diesel prices amounting to P 75.1 per liter, according to an article issued by Global Petrol Prices. Seeing that the nation is headed towards a major economic downturn, there is no quick route to easing the bubble before it bursts__ well, at the very least, there has to be action.

As it stands, the oil price hike has a cascading effect not only in the areas of transportation but much more on the cost of living and agricultural production. It is upsetting to think that, behind all these great numbers of fuel prices, a lot of agricultural commodities such as soybeans and wheat have also begun to skyrocket to the extent that the low-income people who have their money hard-earned are left with no choice but to double their struggle. Even at this point, there is no proactive action left by the government, and it appears as if they let the clock tick for a miracle to happen, even if it means waiting for the time when people are left with no chance of survival because of their lack of urgency.

“Naniniwala akong hindi dapat mag-walang-kibo ang sangay ng gobyernong nararapat tumugon sa krisis na ito. This is certainly not the time to be merely reactive on this issue. “ RECOBODA Partylist representative, Hon. Godofredo Guya said in an interview.

It hurts to see the worsening situation of those heavily impacted and underprivileged families who have been breaking their backs for a long time just to barely meet

their necessities. Since the COVID-19 pandemic started to wreak havoc, they were already losing their sources of income as they scrambled to fight their way through an insurmountable number of adversities brought by inflation.

And knowing that the situation with regards to the oil price hike is not in any way getting better, there is a greater fear

In these horrid times, keeping an eye out will always be better if partnered with sustainable measures to keep the nation in good shape.

MEMORY LANE Bret Michael R. Dimatatac

of putting their lives into much more misery.

Yet, even if it’s evident that life’s burden is already heavy enough to kick them down in the dirt even more, oil prices

are still adjusted in haste, ignoring the multidimensional consequences of the price hike on the economy, much more on the poor and middle-class earners of the society.

This issue has been circulating for months. It was brought up countless times in several news reports and committee meetings, yet seemingly, the answers given by the concerned government agency, which is the Department of Energy (DOE), remain the same__ for Congress to lift the excise tax on oil and for the government to provide subsidies. However, none of these ever came from their own initiative, which should already be a given. In these trying times, agencies shouldn’t be waiting for each other and seeing who is going to act first.

The burden that Filipinos are carrying is already hefty considering the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, and it entails urgent interventions without ifs and buts.

“I reiterate that the fuel price increases are not just a concern for certain industries. This issue affects all sectors.

This rise in oil prices is a national issue and should be treated as such. “ Guya stressed.

Although a continuous price rollback seems too good to be true, I hope that the government starts looking into more efficient ways to help the nation, especially those who are heavily impacted by this global economic crisis.

In response, they must consider developing a plan of action, strategies, and policies to overcome the impacts at both the micro and macro levels. In scenes of tribulations and life-threatening situations, going to such lengths and phases in order to solve the nation’s problems will always be a path worth taking.

OPINION

T H E WEST ERN IA N P IO NE E R

05

COME TO YOUR SENSES

F

or so many years, the Filipino people have been begging for change –all the while electing and re-electing the same crooked public officials. The national election is fast approaching and many voters are still resorting to popularity as the basis for their bets. What will become of us?

Come to your senses, dear voters, this election will decide whether the Philippines continues its downward spiral of misery or if it becomes the beginning of a better life for Filipinos.

Sad but true, one of the reasons why our country still lags behind is that most voters do not have criteria for voting. We have to be a smart voter that researches their candidates’ “LASER,” lifestyle, accomplishment, support, election conduct, and reputation. This LASER test, developed by the “I Vote God” (IVG) and “Circles of Discernment for Empowerment” (CiDE) movements is extremely helpful in screening for the rightful candidates to be elected in power. Vouching for honest and competent leaders who can actually take the lead is pivotal during these dire times if progress is what we truly desire.

More often than not, we opt to choose the “lesser evil,” thinking that they are all the same players. This would be a mistake, because so long as we continue this mentality of settling for less, we will never push forward.

Sure, politics is mostly swarmed with scoundrels but there are still

THE GREAT Gabriel James B. Andal

decent ones willing to serve. And our goal is to tell the latter apart from the former. We can do exactly that by playing our part in checking their backgrounds, credentials, and capacity to perform.

With this, we give our country something to hold on –that maybe there is still hope for a better future in the country.

We must do better and encourage more leaders who are open to hearing from everyone, not just their peers.

Choose those with a clean record and avoid those with a history of corruption and dubious transactions.

Not to mention candidates that serve as a positive role model for their constituents, particularly the youth, and not those who brag about their bad behavior for the sake of honesty.

Lastly, those who protect only their countrymen, as opposed to those who are backed by corrupt authorities in

order to receive protection and avoid responsibility for their wrongdoing. Now, more than ever, we must be reminded that voting is a fundamental right.

However, it is also a bigger responsibility to vote intelligently.

Most people argue that there is no difference on whoever gets elected, that real change is within one’s self. But actually, there is a big difference. In fact, for so many years, we’ve been the very product of what poor governance can do to a country. So, let’s not be like others; so uninvolved that shrugs, while feigning indifference. Instead, chip in and have a say in all the social issues, especially now that the election is nearing.

We are electing and re-electing people that, for the next years to come, will either lead us to victory or downfall.

Let us come to our senses. We should not let the same snakes bite us again, vote wisely Philippines.

DISTORTED TRUTH

W

hile misinformation and disinformation are present on the internet, it continues to be a problem in the Philippines and will be even more so for the upcoming national elections with just a few days to go by.

There is an estimated 63 million people, majority of which are young people aged 18-23 and may as well be first-timers, who are expected to cast their vote this coming election period. The youth play an important part for the development of our society and as such have the responsibility laid upon them to elect the most competent and deserving candidates.

The country is considered the social media capital of the world and yet there are still people, regardless of age and social status, who fall victim to false information.

With the developments of technology aiming to be more advanced, it has been difficult to expose misinformation. The average Filipino has subpar comprehension skills and combined with the lack of media literacy; it is apparent that they have difficulties distinguishing fact from fake.

Social media can be used to spread information quicker but not all sources are credible and reliable. “Blogs are not classified as campaign material despite their being a large source of fake news based on Filipinos’ experience. If blogs are placed under Comelec regulation, it could help address the issue,” said Georgeline B. Jaca, a De La Salle University political science lecturer.

People who deliberately share fake news should be liable for a criminal charge, especially during campaign periods. But as things stand as of right now, there is no such law implemented that penalizes purveyors of false information. Social media companies should also be held accountable for the spread of misinformation on their respective platforms. “Legal measures against the peddling of fake news and false information should also be considered but only as a last resort,” added Jaca.

Facebook has been one of several platforms where trolls and fanatics are able to paint a particular candidate in a good light and on the other hand attack the other camp with no concrete evidence or justification.

One such example of this is the edited clips of Vice President Leni Robredo during interviews and out of context quotes to appear as if what she is saying is nonsensical.

Fake news on the internet is meticulously well-crafted that the public might think of it as the truth. 51 percent of Filipinos have difficulty spotting fake news according to SWS. The social media platform is the most accessible in the country as Filipinos can use it data-free on their smartphones, which results in some people relying on it for

their source of news.

The platform has been conducting actions to combat against the spread of fake news for the nearing elections.

Independent fact-checkers, such as AFP, Rappler, and Vera Files review and rate the accuracy of posts and articles about particular candidates. When it is proven to be false, Facebook flags it as misinformation and notifies previous sharers that it is misleading. There was a post claiming that ex-senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. holds the Guinness World Record for the longest motorcade, where the official GWR Facebook page refuted by commenting “this information is incorrect.” The original post has now been deleted. According to Meta platforms, around 400 accounts, pages and groups related to the national elections and promoting certain politicians have been removed.

False information on the internet may continue to spread time and time again but through critical thinking and fact-checking, this persisting issue could be put to an end. Social media has been integrated into the lives of people in this day and age, it is indeed influential and should be used appropriately and with the right intentions.

A nation that refuses to acknowledge the truth is a nation that puts itself in danger.

SAFE SPACE Arielle John F. Tolentino

Source: GMA News Research Based on COMELEC and NBOC Data

R

OPERATION CANCELED

ight after the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, severe losses and damages seemed to become a normality as it affected hundreds of Filipinos on its first wave. Not only that it ended the lives of the people, it also heavily affected the livelihoods which had caused severity on finding a job and sustaining a life.

Adversities are indeed inevitable, especially if mishandled leadership exists.

One must stay optimistic through all the tribulations.

PRISTINE PROSPECT Sidnee A. Madlangbayan

Considering the fact that the Philippines is a third world country, it will not be easy to put everything back to normal. Even after combatting this pandemic, the fear of vanishing and losing all the good opportunities that the people had, would forever live in their minds that this pandemic had once made their lives a living terror.

From the start, the Duterte administration lacked full response against the pandemic. According to the Department of Health, 66% of hospital beds were already occupied in Metro Manila. Out of 154 hospitals, 47 of them

were in critical status and 23 of them were in high-risk status. It was very incompenent of the government to simply try helping through hotlines. According to the House of Representatives, the calls did not even get through.

In addition, the mass testing must have been executed on the most in need parts of the country, especially the poorest and most vulnerable ones. A survey conducted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development had 180 respondents from a hundred barangays. This means that we cannot really tell whether that single respondent is experiencing the same with the other ones in the barangay. He/she may be privileged enough to care about the pandemic, but on the other hand, is an ill breadwinner, fighting for a job he/she can barely have.

As the COVID crisis continues to circulate, difficulties coping with its restrictions and its economic impact are clearly inevitable. Trade restrictions had prevented farmers from accessing the markets and agricultural workers from harvesting crops, putting their livelihoods at risk. With their low incomes, choosing to continue working is an additional health risk due to an unsafe environment.

Along with these, although access to health care amid the pandemic remained consistent, lack of medical supplies and PPE’s were still present, especially during the early phase. We all know that healthcare workers rely on these equipment to protect themselves and their patients from getting infected, but what would happen if these said PPE’s are limited and not enough?

Still, ignorance had stuck with the virus. Along with the pandemic’s impact on our lives, those who were highprivileged turned a blind eye to the things which have hugely affected us. Some do not look so concerned about the continuous outcomes of this pandemic. Little did we know, a combat without sincerity on this matter won’t lead to the betterment of our country. Recovery programs, medical supplies, and economic strategies will not be enough without our voices.

Demanding for competency and urgency when it comes to the Filipinos’ safety will never be a bad thing.

Hence, it would allow the government to lessen the circumstances from coming into our lives. Let’s not wait for another pandemic to scratch half of our population and stop us from getting a job, that causes daily operations to be canceled.

H

CLOSETED PRIDE

ypocrisy hinders hope. With that, should advocates of democracy disregard their fellow citizens’ political beliefs, let alone their own friends’ and families’ views?

On different platforms, we equally stand with one goal. In distinct volumes, we voice out similar cries. When dawn greets us, we confront problems after another as we collectively try to achieve a certain objective that is seemingly distancing from our reach — reclaiming the legacy of our nation. Frankly, the chances of one goal bringing together hundreds and millions of Filipinos are not at their peak.

As I was scrolling through my Twitter feed as if it was my daily newspaper, I encountered a tweet of someone asking for help from a certain candidate’s supporters.

According to her, she was in need of a temporary shelter as she was kicked out of their household after her family members verbally assaulted her, triggering her mental wellness, mainly because of their differing views about politics.

It took me a moment to ingest the lump in my throat as I ponder on how many more scenarios like this are out there — unsaid?

Then, it hit me. This is not about the country anymore nor was it for anyone’s future. It transitioned to be about their ego as cowardly faces hide behind a mask they call ‘patriotism.’ How could a nation triumph when its inhabitants root for their pride to win even if it costs their own downfall?

A friend of mine, someone who nearly had the word ‘independence’ carved on his name, asked for my help for the first time. He didn’t know how to convince his parents and relatives to vote for the candidate he thinks is the most deserving. Fear was the only reason that came into mind when I wondered why he would approach me about this matter.

In this generation, I noticed that politics — an unerasable part of every citizen’s system — is driven in a bad light as it is being portrayed as a taboo. Opinions are shut; closeted like their earnest intentions.

Politics is not made up of black and white. Akin to how a single word could be interpreted in numerous ways by merely 10 people, the concept of right and wrong dances between the lines of these two colors as these hundreds and millions of humans with individual differences insist that their shades of gray are purely black or white.

Contemporary media has constantly promoted

Politics is not a platform to flaunt your childish demeanor.

Grow up for the nation.

SHARPSHOOTER Jamaeiah Ericka S. Macaraig

cutting ties with toxic peers as a form of self-care.

However, the description of that spiteful term is blurred out as it is generalized for the people to decide. In creating standards for someone “toxic”, the ideology of politics interrupts.

Others claim that supporting a political figure or idea that causes harm to even the littlest number of citizens is a sign that one holds onto tainted morals. Even so, I acknowledge that misinformation is prevalent, particularly in digital times.

Instead of cutting ties with families and friends, cut their ties with fake news and give them verified information. A peer of mine lives as concrete evidence that the chances to succeed are high in persuading a family member if it’s done in the right manner.

In any relationship, it takes two to tango. Hence, consider that you might be the one in the wrong and accept your mistakes. Be a warrior of the nation.

Rather than valuing one’s pride, let us prioritize honoring the death of our national heroes by breathing life into the ideas they fought about. In times of a pandemic and an election, let us not give “social distancing” an alternative meaning.

06

OPINION

TH E WESTERNIAN P IONEER

BEYOND DUTIES

I

t is a piece of common knowledge to remain vigilant against threats that spew chaos and fear among the masses. We always get to choose who to what in the same manner that we get to pray to a saint and despise Judas’ hypocrisy. However, the bitter pill to take is that someone’s ego will always get hurt in one way or another. That is why I wonder, is there a way to bear the truth without hurting somebody else’s feelings? Sadly, I do not think so.

Choosing leaders who show up in strenuous situations instead of those appearing in movies and televisions is a sign of a better tomorrow waiting for us all!

SKY’S THE LIMIT Aldred Sky Abando

CANCELEBRITY

B

ursts of mixed emotions shown by desperate, power thirsty, and greedy politicians for the sake of public sympathy and the Philippines being a laughingstock are some of the major annoyances that Filipinos like me face almost everyday which heightened now that we are in the period of bedlam because of the 2022 elections.

I can say that it is full of foul plays as the transmission of votes compared to the last election is much faster amid the discrepancies and malfunctioning of many vote counting machines.

Many celebrities and personalities who are not well-educated and aware of the social problems of the country entered the world of the so-called ‘politics’.

Politics should never be a stage for carnival entertainers who cannot run the government properly.

The 2016 interview of popular actress Alma Moreno for the senatorial race which I watched on television is a slap to all the foolish voters out there, for them to look for the capable, qualified, and competent leaders, be it local or national. Her answers are way disseminating and look like a joke, she is like a woman with red nose puffed with white make-up, a lady clown.

The sudden political desires of famous celebrities and personalities lead to a pessimistic ‘cancel culture’ done by their fans who find their candidacy really obnoxious and way out of their competency and credentials as an artist, especially that they will only use their popularity to gain votes from the broad public without being able to present solid platforms that can contribute to the welfare of the majority.

Filipinos should not be blinded by sweet promises by the celebrities who just ran for a government post because of the power that they will gain. The people should still consider the bio-data, accomplishments, and education of the candidate before voting.

An enlightenment should be made that popularity has nothing to do with the abilities a leader must have.

In the recently concluded election, Raffy Tulfo, a public personality who helps in solving common issues of every Filipino family ranked third in the senatorial race.

Furthermore, another famous personality in the name of Robin Padilla, a former action star and a freed detainee who gained an absolute pardon from President Rodrigo Duterte shocked the public, including me, as he took on the lead, garnering more than 26 million votes.

Law specialization is not a requirement for a person to run for an office, but he/she must at least understand how the government works. With the educational attainment of some celebrities, especially those who were not able to finish their studies due to the neverending poverty, there is a great chance that they will not be able to make use of their power for the greater good.

Corruption is also a thing. Celebrities who are crazy for money ran for a post to steal the taxes of the people.

Former senator Jinggoy Estrada, who was charged with plunder, was an actor before he entered politics. His father, former president Joseph Estrada, was also an actor before entering politics, who in turn was ousted due to plunder and perjury. Voting for a popular person is not an assurance that he/she can do a beneficial thing for the people.

Most celebrities also use plasticity and their acting skills to seek empathy from the marginalized. Filipinos are foolish to ride on this type of political tactic. They should learn from the past and reflect on what to do, and cancel those who act as victims, the intruders who cannot act as leaders.

Everyone is entitled to their right, especially for running for a public position. Even the ones in jail can run, as long as they are not convicted of any crime. Not all in jail are criminals since some are free even though they committed crimes against the constitution. Still, folks should not fall for incapable candidates who have bad intentions. At the end of the day, politics is never a circus and a trash issue.

We should seek for a better system, leaders, and governance. Do not fall for the stars who cannot make the Philippines rise!

A week before the 2022 National Election that was held on May 9, the Clergy for the Moral Choice (CMC), which consists of 1,400 Catholic bishops, priests, and deacons, backed presidential candidate Vice President Maria Leonor “Leni” Robredo and vice-presidential candidate Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan. The decision was made public on May 4, just a day after religious group Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) announced its full support for the Marcos-Duterte tandem.

It was at this point in the story that the conflict started to arise. A Facebook post on a page named “Kapitan Solomon 2022” sparked allegations against Priest James Uy Gascon claiming that the said priest discouraged catholic followers to go to mass celebrations if they would opt not to vote for their endorsed tandem.

This eventually led to mixed reactions from the public, most especially the Marcos-Duterte supporters who boldly expressed their disappointment towards the said claim. However, it was later revealed by independent fact-checkers of the Vera Files Organization that Gascon’s post was about a friend of his who was vying for a spot in the senate and was not meant for Robredo.

Gascon then explained that his Facebook post was spliced with an image of him and Robredo that was taken way back in 2017. “I was not only misquoted but atrociously faked,” he said.

From here on, arguments were fired to CMC as to how they play their right to endorse. Netizens would even scale up to the concepts of the Canon Law as they narrow it down to their main point, that is, the church being refrained from playing an active role in political issues.

I beg to differ. Canon Law applies to moral theology. Oftentimes, along some busy smoky streets, we see INC members dress up according to what their teachings instill embracing themselves neatly with polo and slacks, which I believe is fine. That said, I find it hard to comprehend why Catholic Church gets a tougher eye on them whenever they advise their people to cast votes wisely, cleanly, and fairly, while festive gatherings follow El Shaddai and INC’s endorsements.

Likewise, Article III, Section 5 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution states that religious groups should enjoy the freedom of speech under responsible practice. Hence, endorsement of pitched on candidates of any religious

group shall be respected.

When asked what his take is on the church’s pat on Leni-Kiko’s back during the campaign period, Archbishop Socrates Villegas, a seminarian during the Marcos’ regime back in the 80s, said that their purpose is to encourage others to vote for candidates with the cleanest track record and pure intentions and not to directly attack opposing parties.

“Pag sinabi ko bang mahalin natin ang bayan, and wag natin pagsamantalahan ang mahihirap na madaling mapaniwala, partisan na ba iyon?” Villegas added.

Perhaps, most guilty culprits are highly sensitive and believe that everything revolves around them. If you try to fight for the truth, the liars will become enraged. If you tell people not to steal, the criminals will sue you for libel. If you beg them not to kill, they’ll believe you’re being repetitious. When you chase justice, your toes go for some extra miles.

But the bishops, priests, and nuns worry less about all these. Instead, they are more concerned with how they can exercise their moral duties, not only as part of the church, but as Filipino citizens.

Freedom in any form, not concerning violence and injustices should be practiced as part of democracy, thus the endorsement of certain candidates by the Catholic Church should be acknowledged and respected the same way we do with Iglesia Ni Cristo’s (INC).

JOKER

Van Aeros C. Torres

UNNECESSARY ADVANCES

W

ith the current status of our country’s new normal in education, it goes without saying that learning these days is a tough feat for students. Currently, the Philippine education system suffers from learning loss, high dropout rates, mental health and socioemotional issues, and many more. To couple that with mandatory military service is adding insult to injury.

A few weeks back, Vice Presidential candidate and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte stated that if she wins the May 2022 elections, she will advocate for mandatory military service for all Filipinos once they reach the age of 18. “Gagamitin ko ang aking opisina—Office of the Vice President—para kausapin ang Congress and the Senate to make military service for all 18 years old, male and female, mandatory in our country,” she remarked on a virtual caravan. May it be mere verbal diarrhea or not, it seems that she is really pushing for this, and it is alarming.

The important question lies, is this truly necessary?

Because the last time we checked, there are more pressing issues that should be prioritized —a better education system, for one. Also, poverty and good healthcare —are two things the Filipino citizens have been clamoring for long since before the pandemic. “First are the funds and resources. Training camps would need to be established all over the land, and manpower and funds must be allocated to accommodate the millions who will reach the age of 18 every year,” Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana pointed out in an interview. Clearly, this would be a waste of our limited resources, even more so that we are battling the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the history of abuse and rampant corruption in the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), it is sure to say that we are doomed to face a series of concerns should this proposal be legislated. Going back, the very reason why ROTC is no longer mandatory is the death of Mark Welson

Chua in 2001, who was allegedly killed by fellow cadet officers after exposing corruption in their unit. This was the scenario for ROTC, but military service is far from just a subject in school. It is a deployment away from the comfort of one’s home; all the more reason to reevaluate this proposal as it can potentially do more harm than good.

These politicians, so bent on their nationalistic justifications, have always forgotten that forced military service creates more issues than it solves.

MAN UP

Antoine Clarence A. Miranda

“Nakikita po natin ito sa ibang bansa, sa South Korea at sa Israel. Hindi po ROTC lang na isang subject o isang weekend o isang buwan sa isang taon,” said DuterteCarpio. Should Filipinos do the same? The answer is dependent, but for the time being, as Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana stated, there are huge hurdles in executing the idea because the country is “not on war footing.” Instead, to safeguard the Philippines’ territory and maritime sovereignty, the government should focus on increasing its defense capabilities, particularly the Navy and Air Force.

On the flip side, many argue that ROTC helped raise a disciplined generation that valued enterprise and hard work, as well as developed grit and toughness. However, an international study on the causal effect of military conscription on crime says otherwise. According to the Economic Journal, compulsory military service does not teach discipline in troops from low socioeconomic backgrounds and may even increase their risks of committing crime after serving. The discipline angle that people talk about is far-fetched if it will be the sole reason for this mandatory service.

It is high time that the country relies less on militaristic solutions to its problems. After all, we still have many social issues to focus on and give fixes to, especially in education.

It’s safe to say that this rather unnecessary advance is an affront to the millions of youths struggling to keep up with this new normal.

THAT THIN THREAD

T

he people have spoken. Others echo the given results with a hint of pride, neutrality, or grief as I resonate the most with the last bit. Even though the 2022 National and Local Elections were held a while back, disbelief still lingers on the skin of some people.

The truth weighed me down, making my thread of hope thinner from the force. So, I decided to push the truth off my shoulder as I cling to my what-ifs — even for a mere minute. It didn’t matter how hard I tried to avoid it: The reality had me captured with ease.

My mother warned me about boys, but who would have thought that my first heartbreak would be from my nation?

QUEEN’S GAMBIT Isabel B. Cuevas

I would get frantic messages from my acquaintances of all ages as I tried to raise their spirits with encouraging words full of doubt that I masked in despair. Brainwashing my own mind into believing that everything would go according to my perceived reverie rapidly became my way of coping. In all honesty, the whole process affected my performance in classes because how would I focus on learning about the steps in preparing a dessert when every citizen’s future is on the line?

Yes, everyone’s coming days are entrusted to celebrities and actors who won seats in the government instead of the candidates who possess a clean track record, remarkable educational attainment, and concrete platforms for the country. However, the five stages of grief end with acceptance. Even so,

I personally believe that it’s more of acknowledging than accepting: Note the striking difference — the former being to see things as they are whether it suits one’s fancy or not. We may not fully agree on the lineup, but the majority cast their vote.

It’s what our fellow Filipinos wished for and it is irrevocable.

I would like to add a final step to encountering grief; overcoming. Let go of that thin thread of hope so that both sides would be freed.

Ignoring something present does not steal its existence.

Choosing segments of truth to believe in does not distort reality for it to fit one’s convenience. Befriend the ticking of the clock that anticipates the ruthless actuality of endings; that stunning flowers do wilt and that candles do run out of light to give.

In those times when the pitch-black quietude drowns

all the beaming light, be the hope that was once lost.

Never bury the anchored fact that we are servants for our Motherland by blood, heart, and spirit. The government, on the other hand, is of the people, by the people, and for the people; from the words of the late U.S. President Abraham Lincoln.

As if the outcome weren’t enough to overwhelm, spiteful comments from the winning side’s supporters began taking over my feed akin to how what-ifs devoured every Filipino who truly cares, but this time — pessimistic ones. People who let politics meddle with their games of pride are the same people who I was, and still am fighting for. We must be loyal to our nation, not to government officials. As contributing citizens, I firmly hold onto the idea that we should be the greatest constructive

critics of the government.

Eyes and ears that are tightly shut from their possible wrongdoings do not define acknowledgment nor acceptance: It depicts ignorance — invalidation of the real-life experiences of ordinary citizens who are thieved of their power and chance for a better life.

Most of us rooted for candidates whom we saw as the most capable of giving us both of those privileges. With their sugarglazed promises during the campaign period, we somehow got a glimpse of what the Philippines would look like if it were the closest to Utopia. Some of them might’ve won while others might’ve been short of luck, but in the end, we are each other’s allies. Akin to the 14th Vice President Leni Robredo’s words, “pero hindi pwedeng maging ugat pa ng pagkakawatak-watak ang pagmamahal na ito.”

OPINION

T H E WEST ERN IA N P IO NE E R

STAINED WITH RED

A

Neutrality is bad, but taking a stand increases conflict. We’re at which?

Lean on justice.

ll is fair in love and war. Or, as they say so. It is a cliché, long-running quote that goes on for generations where in fact, everything is unfair in love and war.

For a long time, the Philippines has been negotiating with diplomacy among dignitaries and world leaders, advocating for world peace, rebuilding its economy, developing the country, strengthening its sectors, and progressing as a nation. The emergence of a bilateral armed conflict erases all of our efforts. Even a war that does not directly involve the Philippines restarts our work from page one – destroying the little steps we had for so long.

In 2014, the disputed struggle between Russia and Ukraine began out of political tensions, the Ukrainian revolution, and a territorial clash. This included Russia’s annexation of Crimea as the political unrest worsened between the Ukrainians, separatists, and the Russian Federation. This bloodshed escalated as Russia made a big step of invading Ukraine on February 24, 2022, under the supervision of Russian President Vladimir Putin. This bold move brought about the fastest refugee growth in Europe since World War II – with approximately 6.5 million Ukrainians fleeing their country with about a third of its population displaced.

The question is, should we associate ourselves with this? Technically, there is no need to do so as this catastrophe associates itself with the Philippines on its own – no matter how we avoid it. The last time we checked in the 1940s, the Philippines received nothing but collateral casualties in the Second World War. And now, history may seem to repeat itself – or maybe, people make history repeat itself. Carlos Dominguez III, the Philippines’ Finance Secretary, said that “The Philippine economy will likely be collateral damage; it is as if we are hit by a ricocheting bullet.” These negative repercussions, according to him, will worsen the economy and cause inflation in the

country. “The conflict will increase the perception of risk in investments,” he added, referring to the indirect shocks the crisis had on the trust rates of the Philippine economy.

This decreases the chances for a better country with more progressive opportunities waiting.

Furthermore, one of the most evident impacts the distant war had on the country is the hike in fuel and food, as Russia is the largest gas exporter and Ukraine is the fourth largest corn exporter. With the country’s financial instability and the majority of incapable and struggling communities, this worsens the wound already present in our society. Higher prices mean higher problems for Filipinos. With this conflict, the European Union (EU) will have the United States and China as trading partners than their formers – Russia and Ukraine – causing higher prices for commodities, other goods in the markets, and interest rates. This surge in the cost of borrowing intensifies the increase of the US Federal Reserve monetary policy.

According to Dominguez, it will take time for trades and consumer confidence to return to normal.

This polarizing situation amplifies the already broadened poverty problem in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines. The sanctions against Russia limit its capital – creating a domino effect with the chain reaction reaching the Philippines due to its dependence on international growth and some resources. If this continues, a study by the World Bank believes that 1.1 million more Filipinos will fall below the poverty line. Should cereal prices rise at an average of 10% through the course of 2022, more Filipinos with a daily budget of 163.81 pesos or lower will come to be known –pulling the country even deeper from its current depths.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

The Philippines is also under pressure on both sides. Neutrality brings us negative impacts from the blow.

However, having a stance also exacerbates the tension.

Should the Philippines stand with Russia, the long-lived negotiations between the Philippines and its allies like the United States will crack – destroying the foundation of trust, trade, and diplomacy our history built. Moreover, the moment the Philippines stands against Russia might be impending doom. Even with Manila’s moral stance to condemn the invasion and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s remarks about Putin’s “suicidal” move, the bilateral relations between the two countries are still in the run. The caution will always remain for the Philippines to avoid being on Russia’s unfriendly country list, which Putin promises to not spare, revenge, and pay for the troubles they cause.

The battle between Russia and Ukraine bears witness to new global disorders – much like a forest with a predator and its prey. It screams caution to the world and a direct warning for weaker countries with territorial disputes like that of the Philippines. The armed conflict and Russian authoritarianism threaten the existence of a free democracy by bypassing sovereignty and stealing a nation’s liberty.

Should Russia succeed in its plans, other countries which bully their weaker enemies might do the same and revive the era of colonialism and imperialism – notwithstanding the possibility of a similar scenario between China and the Philippines.

Wars are no good – unjustified. It sheds blood from one side, from the other side, and even from the sides not involved. This conflict shook the world and the Philippines, overthrowing the protected harmony of the past. The world is on its knees. The country is on its feet. The stakes are

Sexual harassment (SH) take place anywhere but most laws address cases of SH that occur in the workplace.

The improved law is here, implementation is next.

To the editors, The digital world has become a barrier to efficient communication most especially in a virtual learning set up. In instances where the students have urgent concerns, teachers sometimes fail to give immediate and effective responses.

Lira Angela Santos Ms. Santos It must be emphasized that the teachers have personal lives too, and can only attend to the concerns during working hours. With that, consideration is a value everyone should certainly reach out to, especially when the teachers have to handle hundreds of students.

Nonetheless, maintaining and promoting proper netiquette in any situation must also be observed.

Kyle De Los Reyes

To the editors, A questionable change in the examination schedule is implemented wherein a maximum of 60 minutes is the new time allotted to the JHS students in answering the periodical tests of Computer and Robotics which consist of 50 items. Considering possible technical issues, the time is not enough compared to last year’s examinations, wherein 1 hour and 30 minutes are given to students in answering a 30-item test.

Riyanna Antonia Apuli Ms. Apuli Indeed, the higher authorities of the school administration must be aware of this concern. Even though there was an incident wherein intervention was given to the students after they were faced with technical issues during a Robotics exam, the main problem of the situation must be improved Bret Michael Dimatatac

ÉCLAIRCISSEMENT Clarisse Jenn N. Baloy

07

JUST-IN-TIME Justin Anthony A. Aleta

high. The state can no longer fly. As Russia stains its hands with red from the blood of Ukraine, may the world never forget the works of the proud. May the Philippines never forget – as we remain bloodied but unbowed.

NO PLACE FOR MISCHIEF

I

n April 2022, an Orientation Seminar on Core Values Policy Guidelines and Sexual Harassment in the Workplace was organized for Batangas Provincial Government personnel. Filipinos are typically mute on this subject due to our conservative nature, but it’s already 2022, times have changed, and we should be open to discuss any further harassment.

The Congress has approved Republic Act No. 11313, also known as the Safe Spaces Act or the “Bawal Bastos Act,” to address existing disparities and concerns regarding the equality, security, and safety of women and men in private and public spaces. This includes the use of profane language, the expression of disgust or judgment, fear, and discrimination towards members of the LGBTQ community.

This makes the streets safer for everyone, particularly for women and the members of the LGBTQ community, who are more susceptible to sexual harassment. According to Resolution No. 2100064 of the Civil Service Commission and Memorandum Circular No. 11 s. 2021, administrative charges may be filed through government entities when sexual harassment occurs.

This ordinance denies the long-overdue notion of victim blaming, in which the victim of sexual harassment is blamed for his or her acts that led

to the assault. According to the legislation, a fine of P5,000.00 or imprisonment for six (6) months, or both, according to the court’s discretion, may be imposed. Finally, the catcallers and disrespectful people will be held accountable for their foolish conduct and will not escape punishment.

In another regard, people with disabilities should also be included, as they are frequently subjected to pressure and humiliation by the judgmental society.

Equally and in line with the law of impartiality, they shall be safeguarded here as legal equality should apply to all.

It’s reassuring to see that our province is already concentrating on issues that were not previously discussed so frequently, such as street and workplace sexual harassment of all sorts. Clearly, insolence and harassment should never have a place in our society. And imposing these kinds of laws in our localities is one step closer to eradicating such mischief.

UPGRADE OVER RESET

F

or some, with their tattered clothes and hunger concealed in their faces, the new normal is nothing but a burden seen through rose-colored glasses. But with the country’s current juncture with more than 27 million children out of school especially during the first few months of school shutdowns, one thing is perceived and prevails – the ‘new normal’ is the revelation of the country’s broken education system.

According to the Samahan ng Progresibong Kabataan, a youth organization aimed to uplift the oppressed sectors in the country, the current situation in the country has deteriorated the Philippines’ quality of education over the past two years. With the unhurried progress in establishing concrete solutions to handle the situation, the government has forced the education sector to settle with the distance learning modality – a move that further revealed issues such as the sluggish internet connectivity. With this, students had to continue learning at home to prevent COVID-19 transmission. Romanticizing resiliency once again, as if Filipinos are bound to do so.

Although the Philippines is not the only one to experience such worrying aches, the country seems to be the one most left behind. According to UNESCO, other countries in the west and most in the Asian region are already making significant progress in restoring full capacities to hold classes in educational institutions. Yet, the country has just begun the pilot and limited in-person classes two years after the spike in the coronavirus cases.

With quality education put on the line to suffer, the initiatives to hold full face-to-face classes across the country is indeed timely and necessary to be implemented.

But with all these seemingly ‘great’ solutions in battling the pandemic, a pressing question lies and is left unanswered. Why do Filipinos always have to be resilient? The public has been known to be brave in facing calamities and emergencies such as this education crisis but now is not the time to conceal the blatant incompetence of those who are in power.

Indeed, the term ‘Filipino resiliency’ is overrated to the point that the authorities used it as their advantage to cover up inadequate solutions and romanticized gimmicks.

It is timely and relevant to recognize the fact that the education system needs to upgrade and employ more effective solutions and strategies to counterattack difficulties such as the pandemic.

Resetting the system over and over again to prove resiliency exists will never be enough to uplift the country’s education quality.

Now that the election has come to an end, the country is all set to bestow its fate in the hands of the incoming President and to those who will be in power. More than ever, the country needs a leader who will prioritize education, its quality, effectiveness, and time-responsiveness rather than someone who will glamorize resiliency. Filipinos must have remembered that when they inked their votes in May 2022.

1.37 Trillion PHP

2022 Government Fund for Education Source: Department of Education

The fact that the Philippines’ education has lagged behind other nations for so long should serve as a wake-up call for the incoming administration to make it a priority.

ACCIO VERITE Nhel T. Gutierrez

More than

27

Million Children Out of School Source: UNICEF

Editor: Kyle Ezra Delos

Feat F

E

A

T

H o w R o d e l y n’s F a i t h C u r e d H e r U n l i k e l y F a t e Isabel Cuevas

W

ith no yet certain cure to cancer, Rodelyn trusted a certain remedy that cured all the illnesses in life – her faith.

Rodelyn Macalalad, 48 years old, was diagnosed with breast cancer last 2013 as 1 out of 3 women face breast cancer yearly according to the American Cancer Society.

However, despite the uncertainties of healing from cancer, she was certain that the Lord is much bigger than this immense disease of hers.

“After I was diagnosed with that sickness, my mind, my heart, my spirit was saying “I have a big God, the great warrior, Jesus, is inside of me. I am an overcomer,” Rodelyn remarked as she was confident that the Lord was by her side throughout her critical illness.

Sick of Illnesses As if one disease was not enough for Rodelyn, her faith was once again tested by COVID-19 and uterus complications. Even before, she already suffered from recurring illnesses and was sick of it.

In October 2020, Rodelyn tested positive for COVID-19 in Italy when she was working as an OFW. Also, in September 2021, she had a polyp taken out of her uterus to prevent serious problems.

Way back in 2009, she also had to get surgery for her

Justin Anthony Aleta

lumbosacral disease wherein one’s spine is compressed with nerves at the base, making it hard for her to walk.

In 2011, she had surgery on her left breast because of papilloma and there was a discharge of blood on her nipple. And in 2013, she had surgery again on her left breast because of 2 nodules which are both cancerous.

Rodelyn was sick of all these diseases infecting her life, work, and family. At a time, her fear became bigger than her faith.

“Honestly, as a human, I was triggered with fear.

There was a real battle in the mind because of what my eyes have seen and what my ears heard. The clinical examinations, the procedures, the threat of losing my job, and my son was only 9 years when I was diagnosed with breast cancer; these surely scared me. But as I said, this was a battle in my mind where the devil had tried to let me out of focus of pursuing my victory. In my heart, I know very well that by the stripes of Jesus, I was healed.

So, what my heart believed, I let my mind believe and my body obeyed,” Rodelyn narrated.

Healed by Faith Unlike others who curse and turn away from the Lord after experiencing countless trials, Rodelyn grew closer and intimate with God as numerous illnesses tested her faith.

After overcoming lumbosacral disease, breast cancer, and COVID-19, Rodelyn proved her faith in the Lord and she was granted healing for her unparalleled trust in the Lord.

“My battles about my health made me closer to God. My intimate fellowship with God was deepened and became a wonderful privilege for me to spend more time in prayer, in worship, in reading, in meditating on the Word of God, and sharing the love of God to every people I meet and talk to,” Rodelyn said as she rejoiced from God’s loving arms.

Rodelyn’s faith became her medication to alleviate the pain she was feeling from her worsening condition and her irritating medical problems.

The Great Physician Every day, Rodelyn’s family has an appointment to talk with their trusted great physician – the Lord.

“We have a rule in our family, “No secrets in the family.” My husband and I discussed the matters with our son in a manner he could understand the situation.

Together, we knelt down in prayer and stood in faith that God is the “Jehovah Rapha” — the great physician,” Rodelyn shared how her whole family prayed to the Lord diligently during times of chronic illnesses.

In addition to this, she said that she was blessed to have good friends, brothers, sisters, and her mother-inlaw who always showers her with faith and prayers. “They were my precious people on my journey to complete healing,” Rodelyn gladly uttered.

Still, there was a time when she questioned why the Lord allowed fate to make her suffer and experience pain. However, her unwavering trust in the Lord surpassed all worries and uncertainties.

“I trust God’s way, his purpose, and his guidance to fulfill that purpose. I may not fully understand why things happen but I believe things are orchestrated for my own good that I may give Him the highest glory in everything, in all that I am,” Rodelyn shared her faith in the Lord.

Just like how there are countless trials to create a cure, the various trials that occurred in her life strengthened her faith in the Creator and that faith cured all her fear, and her medical illnesses, and helped her overcome this unfortunate fate.

OUTS

Our G

Students, teachers, and any other in every day. These goliaths seem too big why we hold on to faith, family, dream weapons that help us slay our giants. N problems in our life made us stronger process, we learn to overcome difficul

Magno A

s Reyes, Isabel Cuevas

ture

T

U

R

E

SIZING

D

ealing with anxiety, love, and academic struggles, UB SHS students played their trump card to win against the odds – ACES.

Justin Anthony Aleta

ACES – UB SHS is a Facebook page that serves as a virtual freedom wall for Senior High School (SHS) students of the University of Batangas (UB) where they can anonymously write entries to be posted and read by the whole UB SHS community.

Due to the silence and loneliness caused by online classes, the Association of Excellent and Competent Students (ACES) encouraged the Senior High School students to open up and voice out their stacked frustrations, love confessions, and typical student stories through this online platform.

“Itong freedom wall ng ACES ay naisakatuparan namin ayon sa kagustuhan ng aming mga miyembro. Nagkaroon kasi kami ng discussion per strand days after mabuo ang club na ito at mahalal ang officers regarding the expected activities of the members, at napansin ko na mahigit kalahati sa aming mga miyembro ay isina-suggest ito, kaya’t agad naming inilakad kay Ma’am Shiela, ang aming club adviser, at iprinopose kay Sir A [SHS principal],” Micah Gift Caliboso, president of ACES stated.

Ace of Hearts Holding a deck of love confessions deep in their hearts, ACES lets UB SHS students play their cards right and send it to those they genuinely admire.

Since they are safeguarded by anonymity, UB SHS students decided to gamble their feelings and openly confessed to the people who won their hearts.

“Nakakatuwa kasi nalaman ko na nakaka-inspire pala ako ng kapwa ko Senior High School students. Sa totoo lang po, hindi ko po in-expect ang ganoon karaming paghanga sa akin,” Antoine Miranda, a student who received love confessions gladly expressed.

Although physically distant, love and admiration continue to surpass all boundaries and ace the hearts of UB SHS students.

Stacked Problems Shuffling with cards of anxiety, loneliness, and academic struggles, UB SHS students discarded their stacked difficulties in school and life through the help of ACES. In a study by Idris et al. (2021), 64.9% of students faced extreme stress because of online classes caused by the pandemic. Topped with stressful piles of academic requirements, UB SHS students voiced out their restless thoughts and frustrations on the ACES Facebook page to take their worries off their chest.

“Napakarami na naming na-encounter na entries from freedom wall na talaga namang napakabigat dalhin. Sa tuwing nababasa ko ang mga iyon, naaawa ako, nalulungkot para sa kanila, kaya patuloy ang aming

suporta sa mga mag-aaral na iyon,” Caliboso mentioned their concern for UB SHS students.

“Sa totoo lamang, may mga nagpe-personal message sa FB page ng ACES tungkol sa kanilang problems.

Pinakikinggan talaga namin sila, binibigyan ng advices, motivation, encouraging words, basta kung anuman ang maaari naming magawa para maibsan man lamang ang dala-dala nila,” Caliboso added.

Knowing the struggles of students in these trying times, ACES continued to play as the wild card of UB SHS students to battle their stress and uneasy burdens.

More Than a Club Aside from being a club requirement for school matters, ACES became so much more for the benefit and aid of UB SHS students.

Originally, ACES was created exclusively for the Honor Society. However, they realized that it would be better to serve and strengthen the whole UB SHS community.

“Noong una, honestly, focused talaga siya sa academic life ng members natin, pero as time passed by, naisip naming officers, bakit hindi na namin isama ang buong SHS community sa activities namin,” Caliboso recalled.

“Ang purpose namin, magsilbing boses, maging karamay ng mga mag-aaral, matulungan sila academically, emotionally, at sa iba pang aspeto ng buhay nila,” Caliboso firmly remarked as their true goal for the whole UB SHS. With their sincere objective to be an open friend and ally of UB SHS students, ACES will continue to help these students ace the test full of academic difficulties, stress, and hardships.

Giants

ndividual face different kinds of giants g to conquer by ourselves which is ms, social media, hobbies, and all the Nevertheless, all these enormous r and better than before. In the lties for we are bigger than our giants.

Achilles Aquiatan

How ACES played as an advantage for UB SHS students to triumph over their problems Kyle Ezra De los Reyes

10

FEATURE

TH E WESTERNIAN P IONEER

Game of Love How a student played through love and life with online games Gabriel James Andal

Love

Clarisse Jenn Baloy

Atomic Mother's

Yoesha Grace Velasco

Magno Achilles Aquitan

F

rom all the bullets dodged and skills deflected, a student gamer still can’t outplay the cupid that pierced her heart – online games.

When the pandemic striked, online games played as a sanctuary for the youth, providing comfort and entertainment in these trying times.

According to a study conducted by the British National Literacy Trust, playing video games allows young people to read, improves their self-confidence and reading skills, encourages creativity and writing, promotes positive communication with family and friends, increases empathy, and promotes mental well-being.

Some found happiness, some found talent, and some even found what they thought as love through online games or what teenagers call nowadays as ‘ka-duo’.

Match Making Starts Last June 15, 2021, Bea, not her real name, a Grade 11 student, just casually fixing her loadouts and shooting enemies in Call of Duty: Mobile stumbled upon another gamer that she did not realize would ambush her life.

“Ako kasi nag first move noon kase ka-clan niya yung bestfriend ko and ka-team niya so pag may scrimmage yung bestfriend ko ay nanonood ako then I asked kung sino yung “cheese” which is his ign then after ilang months nag first move ako then inaya ko ng rank game”, Bea narrated.

“Syempre kinikilig tapos nape-pressure ako

kasi unang laro ko ‘yon with him gusto kong galingan pero I’m nervous that time kaya wala akong aim”, Bea reminisced their first encounter as teammates.

In this sudden match making, romantic feelings hit hard on each other. Boosting each other’s emotions, their friendship powers up to something more intimate.

“Nagpi-play kami halos everyday and lagi rin magka-chat nag-a-update ganon, tapos we tried playing other games din like ML hanggang minsan magka-call na kami kapag walang time para maglaro”, Bea mentioned.

Play of Events However, just when things are playing smoothly, a sudden shift of momentum occurs.

When you feel like you are winning in a game, then unexpectedly, the enemy emerges with a comeback win. That was the untimely defeat of their relationship which destroyed their young hearts.

“Hindi na eh, nawalan kami ng time para sa isa’t isa dahil ng school works and stuff, uhm last year mga September I think. Malayo din siya eh taga Bicol pa and nawalan po [kami] ng time sa isa’t isa”, Bea revealed how their relationship built on online games fell apart.

“He’s already happy now with someone. Sana mag work sila nong ngayon niya and stay happy sa kanilang dalawa, napasaya niya naman ako sa maikling time and I’m happy for him na rin ngayon”, Bea shared on how she wishes for the best of the both of them.

Just like how games play out in the end, you either win or lose. Bea might have lost in this game of love, however, there are still other matches out there that she has to triumph.

Other Games to Win Furthermore, she realized that there is more to online games than just killing time searching for a ‘ka-duo’. Online games should serve as enjoyment in one’s youth, in teaming up to make friends, in relieving stress, and in pursuing relaxation.

“Since pandemic ngayon, syempre wala tayong mapaglibangan, isa ito sa bagay kung bakit nasaya tayo or nakakalimutan ang mga problema natin and isa rin ito sa way kung bakit nagkaka-kaibigan tayo or nakakapag-interact sa ibang tao kahit pandemic”, Bea expressed how online games served as her coping mechanism during the pandemic.

Looking back, she realized that it is better to know the person personally than to rush and scout for love in the most unlikely places.

“For me, since hindi natin kilala masyado ‘yung mga tao na nakakalaro natin mas better kung pigilan natin ma-attach, if may doubts pa tayo sa taong ‘yon kasi baka mag-cause ito ng trauma or trust issues since nangyari na ‘yun sakin before”, Bea explained.

At the moment, Bea is focused on winning the love of her family and friends, and especially her love for herself. Moreover, Bea has learned to prioritize her objectives in-game and outside the game. Her mission now is to level up and unlock the best version of herself.

In this battle called life filled with difficulty and challenges, online games played as Bea’s weapon in shooting down all these problems and uncertainties clouding her mind. For teenagers and students like Bea, it is important to weapon up and load your arsenal as you head onto the battlefield to emerge victorious in the end.

Two years after teaching science at the University of Batangas, Ms. Ghirlee Manalo received a gift from above, her daughter but with the father out of the picture, she filled in the role of being both the mom and dad.

In the course of time, the daughter went looking for her birth father and questioned her mother regarding his whereabouts and identity which urged Ghirlee to spill everything, “Sinabi ko ang totoo at ang buong nangyari para alam nya.”

For a decade and eight years, Ghirlee balanced chemical equations the same way she handled her teaching profession and solo parenting through the positive and negative charges of life.

A teacher’s time is gold as they pull all-nighters computing grades, creating assessments, and acting as a mother for hundreds of pupils all at once while solo parenting her daughter at home.

Masking her frowns is a talent as she displays bright smiles in spite of distress for as much as possible because separating work from home especially personal problems is a must for professionals like her.

“Mahirap maging single mom, kapag may problema, wala kang masabihan na partner about the problem,” it is suffocating for Ma’am Ghirlee as she can’t vent these problems out, not even with her family.

Despite the difficulties, Their mother-daughter relationship is impossible to dissolve as they have an insoluble bond and are open to each other whereas Lyka Manalo, her daughter even considered her mom her “ka-marites” and kpop buddy, “I introduced Kpop to her kaya now she’s also a Kpop fan.”

Every superhero has their own strengths and to Lyka, her Mama’s power would be teleportation and being strong enough as Ghirlee is always by her side physically and mentally in a way that she’s always able to think of ways to give Lyka her needs and wants.

“I learned to value how to be a strong independent woman for being raised by a single mother,” Lyka gladly expressed.

She emphasized that being a single parent is twice the work, twice the stress, twice the tears and love.

“2 Chronicles 15:7, But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded,” Ghirlee advises her fellow single parents to never surrender to the complex equations of life and find a solution to dissolve the hardships of being a single parent.

Kyle Ezra De los Reyes

E

xtremely hungry, wearing worn-out clothes, and unprotected against the virus after a fire burned down their homes, the underprivileged kids from Brgy. Wawa came across a small privilege – the community program of the UB SHS faculty members.

Last January 18, 2022, an enormous fire wiped out over 100 homes in Barangay Wawa, a coastal area in Batangas City, affecting approximately 200 families according to a report from GMA News.

On February 18, 2022, the University of Batangas (UB) Senior High School (SHS) faculty members shared kindness and generosity to the deprived children in Brgy. Wawa by giving educational toys, canned goods, alcohol, and face masks as part of the UB Community Extension Service (CES).

“One of the objectives of UB CES is to extend support and help to the local communities and at that time, Brgy. Wawa faced a calamity.

Nagkaroon ng sunog and most of the families were affected. Dahil isa sa core values ng UB ang service to fellowmen, CES initiated to

conduct a program and donate to the affected families,” Ms. Cinderela Perez, the UB CES coordinator since 2019 and a UB SHS faculty member said.

Seeing the hopes of children in Brgy. Wawa were burned down and witnessing the need for the assistance of these underprivileged kids, the UB CES decided to focus on helping out these children to extinguish their worries and give light in these dark times.

“Mga underprivileged kids ang pinili ng UB CES sapagkat sila ang nangangailangan ng tulong and this activity served as a way para maramdaman nila na kahit nasunugan sila ng bahay ay may mga taong handang tumulong at pasayahin sila,” Ms. Perez stated.

“It is one of the most satisfying and overwhelming feelings. The joy and smiles that I saw on the

children’s faces that day taught me to be appreciative of what I have and gives me more courage to extend help to those who are in need,” added as she was blessed to bless the underprivileged kids of Brgy. Wawa.

Upholding the UB core value of service to fellowmen, the UB CES spearheaded by Ms. Perez is fired up to serve the community of Batangas with its remarkable purpose.

“The goal of UB CES for the community of Batangas is to serve and extend help, especially for those who need extra support. As for the information of everyone, for the past years, CES had adopted barangay wherein the organization supported the families and barangay officials. CES

provided training to develop the livelihood of the barangay,” Ms. Perez gladly expressed.

Despite the fire that left ashes of hunger, homelessness, and demise on the underprivileged kids of Brgy. Wawa, the burning passion of UB SHS faculty members to help and serve the community of Batangas sparks deep within and ignites a flame of hope for these children.

Giving Privilege to the Underprivileged Kids of Brgy. Wawa Clarisse Jenn Baloy

FEATURE

T H E WEST ERN IA N P IO NE E R

11

Isabel Cuevas

S

According to James Jimenez, Commission on Elections director, 52 percent of voters are part of the youth sector.

“That’s how significant the youth vote is in the coming election,” he added.

“Because of our numbers, though, it can really skew the results of the elections. Sobrang aktibo natin as the youth, and I’ve seen it culminate in mass movements behind advocacies such as women empowerment, worker’s rights, and the like, lalo na sa social media kung saan malaki ang reach nito,” Dwight remarked as how the youth have been exemplary in other movements and they plan to do it in this year’s election as well.

Little in number of years but large in numbers and multitude, the youth has something huge to prove in this election.

Joan Ebreo

looking back on

Philippine History A

mall in age and experiences in life, a big difference can be made in the May 9 Elections by the so-called ‘pag-asa ng bayan’ – the youth.

Antoine Clarence Miranda

s Filipino generations march towards the future, one thing seems to be left in the past – Philippine history.

Recently, the incorrect answers of Pinoy Big Brother teen housemates in a time-bound quiz about Philippine history caused a huge stir on social media.

Netizens were furious when the housemates failed to name Melchora Aquino as “Tandang Sora” and called the martyred priests: Mariano Gomez, José Burgos, and Jacinto Zamora as MaJoHa instead of “Gomburza”.

Students like Angelica De Ramos, a Grade 12 student were enraged and disappointed to hear this news about teens in her generation.

“As an avid fan of PBB, I watched the whole scenario and I am very disappointed sa mga naging answers ng Teen Housemates regarding the Philippine History. Obvious na at fault din ang mga Teen Housemates dahil simula Elementary naman kami, based from my experience, ay paulit-ulit dinidiscuss ang mga important details about what happened in the past on how Filipinos were able to get the freedom that we deserve sa mga History Classes and ‘yung mga tinanong naman ay hindi na bago sa pandinig kahit pa sa isang Grade 1 student,” De Ramos disheartenedly expressed.

“More so, it is our mere responsibility not just as students but also as Filipino individuals to know about our history as the past shaped our today. Pero they are not just the ones to blame. Matagal na namang problema ang kakulangan ng mga guro laban sa number ng students na present sa bawat klase, specifically sa mga nasa Public Schools, kaya ang tendency ay hindi na natututukan masyado ang bawat bata. In line with this, the system lets the students who are not qualified to pass and go to the next level pass,” De Ramos added concerning the problems and shortcomings that led to this.

Contrary to this, Mrs. Marites Ababao, a Philippine history teacher for 23 years did not blame anyone and explained that it is not because the students are not well-informed. She thinks it is because Philippine history is not valued by students and is left in the past.

“Their young minds are not yet ready to grasp and comprehend these topics because, for most of them, this information is not needed in the future,” Ababao sadly stated.

“I am saddened with the fact that most of our students are just relying on information that they read from social media apps like Facebook and Tiktok. This information must be fact-checked to prevent any form of historical revisionism,” Ababao added.

Ma’am Ababao also recalled that in the K to 12 curriculum, Philippine history is introduced in Grade 5 which is from Philippine geography up to nationalism topics, and continued in Grade 6 from nationalism and liberalism up to contemporary issues in the Philippines.

As a concerned teacher, Ababao expressed that teachers and parents should be partners in nurturing the youth of this generation by encouraging them to read and understand these important topics in history and correct any misinformation.

“Simple ways such as reading history books, attending webinars, and visiting museums and other historical places can be a good start for the students to appreciate history. Students should learn to research further so they can identify which are reliable and correct,” Ma’am Ababao suggests to Filipino students and teachers for them not to forget the importance of Philippine history.

She added that parents should set a good example to their children by watching the news and discussing current matters, guiding them in the proper use of social media, and sharing their own learnings and experiences during the past.

“Through these, students will be able to place importance on history, relate those historical events to the current happenings, and develop insight regarding these learnings for them to determine what they can contribute in order to help improve the present and avoid those past events from repeating,” Ma’am Ababao remarked as to how parents can be of great assistance for their kids’ growth by nurturing them in the significance of the past in the present.

Filipinos like Angelica and Marites treasured and valued Philippine history, reminding others that as citizens of this nation, one should learn to honor and pay respect to all the heroes that paid with their lives for the cost of the present Philippines we live on.

For Filipinos like them, Philippine history is not something to be left in the past and forgotten eventually. Instead, it should be remembered and carried on to the future generation.

YOUth are Digitally Active When the COVID-19 pandemic broke a few years back, much of the world moved online, and now so did electionrelated matters.

According to a research issued in January 2021 by advertising firms “We Are Social” and “Hootsuite,” Filipinos spend an average of 4 hours and 15 minutes per day on social media, leading the global use rankings. It also implies that, from a political standpoint, the use of social media is critical, particularly in the approaching national elections in 2022.

“Through social media kasi, we can promote voter’s education and maipapakita natin sa iba kung gaano kahalaga ang pagboto kasi tayo rin namang kabataan ang isa sa labis na maapektuhan nito,” Angeline Parcon, a Grade 12 STEM student and a first-time voter firmly expressed how we can influence the society positively through social media.

“We’re a digital generation. Because we’re so used to the digital world, mas vigilant tayo pagdating sa fake news at disinformation, at marunong tayo gumamit ng iba’t ibang tools to help spread awareness towards correct information and also to create movements and help to move advocacies forward. Nakita natin ito with the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020, during the times when we saw opposition against lackluster COVID responses, and we’re seeing it return with the elections,” Dwight Faraon, a Grade 12 HUMSS student and a first-time voter explained how we can combat fake news and spread awareness through the use of social media.

Even though the pandemic hindered them from speaking up about a fair and truthful election, social media

Justin Anthony Aleta

paved the way for youth voters like Angeline and Dwight to like and share their opinions as well as their right to express themselves.

YOUth Can Speak Up Youth or first-time voters are more often than not suppressed from voicing out their political views because of their young age.

“I’ve actually experienced this before; may kakilala ako na sinasabi na masyadong nagpapabilib ang kabataan at hindi raw tayo dapat nakikisawsaw sa pulitika dahil hindi raw natin alam ang napagdaanan ng mga matatanda,” Faraon sadly narrated on how he experienced being belittled before as a youth voter.

“And to that I say; so what? We’re still Filipinos, we’re the demographic who will be affected the most by the results, and because we recognize that we have become the most active voter demographic and we are one of the most passionate when it comes to the elections,” Dwight countered the discrimination displayed against him.

For youth like Dwight, when their voice is suppressed from fighting for their future, it is when they should speak up and echo a louder voice in order to be heard and respected for they are the ones who will either benefit or suffer from the outcome of the elections.

YOUth are The Future As young as they are, they are willing to fight the old crooked ways to elect change for a bright future in the Philippines worth looking forward to.

“Bilang miyembro ng kabataan, excited ako na makita ang stand na ipaparating natin sa madla, dahil hindi lang tayo ang pinaka-apektado ng upcoming elections ngunit tayo rin ang kinabukasan ng bansa,” Faraon exclaimed on how he is thrilled as to what the youth can contribute in the result of the elections.

Dwight has a message for his fellow voters this upcoming election, “Know that your vote is not only for yourself, but for everyone else; ang boto mo ay para sa mga mahihirap, para sa mga magsasaka’t mangingisda na nagsusumikap pakainin ang bayan, para sa mga nago-overtime sa trabaho para lang mairaos ang pamilya, para sa mga mag-aaral na pinaghihirapan ang studies para makapagtrabaho, para ito sa buong Pilipinas. Ito ang

YOUth Isabel Cuevas

dahilan kung bakit mahalaga ang diskurso, at kung bakit hindi dapat tayo maging apathetic; huwag mahiya pagusapan ang pulitika, make sure to fight for what you believe in with respect, and to always hold the Filipino in your heart with every action you take towards election day.”

For youth like Dwight, they will do anything possible to appoint change and win the best for the future of the Philippines and prove that they are indeed the hope of the nation.

Nothing Too High or Too LAW for Ma’am Tel Evidences of a Teacher’s Conviction to Become a Certified Lawyer Kyle Ezra De los Reyes

Ms. Mary Christel Joy G. Contreras, commonly known as Ma’am Tel is now proven guilty of being an attorney as she passed the recent Philippine Bar Examination and was one of the 63 bar passers from the University of Batangas who even finished as an exemplary passer (got a rating of at least 85%).

After 7 months of review for the bar exam and preparing for this moment her whole life, Ma’am Tel is now a lawyer for a lifetime.

Justin Anthony Aleta

W

hile teaching synchronous classes to her HUMSS students, Ma’am Tel stumbled upon a certain interruption – news that she is now a

“To be honest, wala akong naramdaman. Parang normal na araw lang sya. We have synch classes kasi noon pero dahil kinakabahan ako while waiting for the result, nagpa-activity ako while open ang gmeet. May nag-message lang kasi sa akin noon ng Congratulations tas sabi ko pa fake news siya. Then sinend niya sa akin ‘yung list. Wala akong naramdaman emotionally pero nangangatal yung kamay ko habang hinahanap yung name ko sa list just to confirm na nakapasa nga ako,” Ma’am Christel narrated the scenario when she first found out that she was a licensed attorney.

Law of Attraction As a kid, Ma’am Tel was always asked what she wanted to be when she grows up like all of us. “At ang lagi kong sagot doon ay gusto kong maging lawyer,” she recalled.

However, she almost strayed from the path to being a lawyer back then because her parents wanted her to pursue another career.

“My parents wanted me to pursue accountancy or engineering and ‘yung pag-enroll ko sa Political Science program is an act of rebellion against my parents actually,” Ma’am Christel remembered how she decided to take the first step in becoming an attorney back then.

As time passed by, Ma’am Contreras grew fond of the law and its value. During her college years, she had professors that are lawyers who inspired and taught her the importance of being a lawyer.

“Lawyering is not just a profession, it’s also an advocacy for me. I want to work with the people most especially with the underprivileged and becoming a lawyer opens that door for me. I believe na sa pagiging lawyer ko, mas magiging malapit ako sa tao, mas makakapag-provide ako ng service sa public,” Ma’am Tel shared the lessons she learned from her teachers.

The law of attraction explains how positive thoughts attract positive results just like how Ma’am Tel’s strong ambition

and positive outlook eventually added that Atty. before her name.

A Hard Trial After finishing her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science last 2017 at the University of Batangas, she was unsure whether to continue being a lawyer because of a burdensome trial in her life.

“During my first year as a Senior High School (SHS) teacher, medyo naninibago ako sa environment kasi fresh grad from college and ang plano ko noon ay magtatrabaho habang nag-aaral ng law. August ang start ng classes noon sa law school eh, tapos June naman ang SHS, sobrang nakaka-overwhelm yung mga gawain and alam ko naman na more demanding ang college of law kasi ‘yun ‘yung nababanggit sa amin ng mga kakilala namin na lawyers nung nasa college pa kami,” Ma’am Tel explained how challenging it was to balance studying and teaching.

“Napaisip ako noon kung tutuloy pa ba ako sa law school kahit sa totoo ay di pa ako nagsisimula. I spent my birthday noon na iyak ako ng iyak kasi pagod na ako. Hindi naman ako pwedeng tumigil sa pagtatrabaho kasi kung mag-eenroll ako sa College of Law, wala naman akong kukunan ng pang tuition, my parents and my sister told me na they will not give anymore financial support pagdating sa pagbabayad ng tuition fee pag nag tuloy ako, I’m on my own kumbaga. Kahit mahirap, sinubukan ko pa rin, nag-enroll ako. Halos monthly akong umiiyak noon dahil sa pagod at stress. Magda-drop na ba ako, or magre-resign?, palaging yan ang tanong ko sa sarili ko. Hanggang sa nasanay na. Palaging doubt sa aking abilities at pagka overwhelm sa mga gawain ang kalaban ko, na to this day, habang naghahanap ng job opportunity as a lawyer, ‘yun pa rin ang nakakabother sa akin,” she described the difficulties she faced before becoming a lawyer.

“Everytime na mapapatanong ako sa sarili ko kung kaya ko ba or kung kaya ko pa ba, tuwing mapapaisip ako na hindi ko ito kaya, kinakausap ko ng masinsinan ang sarili ko, self therapy kumbaga, kinoconvince ko ang sarili ko to give it a shot, nakarating na ako at this point, ano pa ba ang mawawala, kung magkamali ka, it’s an opportunity to learn. Hindi lang naman ako ang nagkakamali,” Ma’am Tel explained the emotional battle she had to go through to convince and help herself

to reach her dream. Even though she got into arguments and pleaded with her family, despite the financial and emotional struggles, the verdict is that her choice to pursue law is evidence of her hard work and determination that made her who she is today.

Testimony of Ma’am Tel In a trial, a testimony serves as an evidence to reveal the truth in the same way how Ma’am Tel’s testimony is proof of the truth that her trials to become a lawyer is extremely challenging.

After investigating her journey in developing into a full-fledged attorney, Ma’am Tel arrived at certain realizations that can teach a lesson to others, especially her students.

“Sa mga estudyante na nangangarap ding maging lawyer, push nyo lang.

Walang malaking pangarap sa mga taong nagsisikap. Piece of advice, surround yourself with people na susuportahan kayo at naniniwala sa inyo. Wag makikinig sa mga taong magsasabi na hindi niyo kaya kasi alam ko, kaya niyo. Bumpy ang road to be a lawyer. Ite-test ang strength ng puso mo, ang morality mo, ang tibay ng loob mo, at ang extent ng desire mo na maging abogado, pero wag kang magpa-falter kasi yan ang magsisilbing training mo pag nasa world of lawyering ka na. Wag kang matatakot magkamali, madapa kasi lahat naman tayo at some point in our lives ay nagkakaganyan. What matters is what you choose to do after mong magkamali at madapa, babangon ka ba? Or lulugmok na lang? Sabi nga ni Ate TayTay, it’s totally up to you,” Ma’am Tel advises to others especially her HUMSS students who someday dream to be a lawyer like her.

She added that the process is tough but it’s supposed to be that way to create tough lawyers to defend the oppressed and help others, “Becoming a lawyer is not rainbows and unicorns, it’s hell on earth, pero ganun talaga ang process para mahulma ka bilang isang mahusay na abogado, bilang isang mabuting tao.

Maniwala ka na ang pagiging abogado ay hindi isang pangarap lang, it’s your destiny.”

Despite all the trials and problems filed against her, Ma’am Tel or now Atty. Tel displayed conviction and resiliency to bail her out from her worries and difficulties.

Now, she will go to trial not to face her dilemmas, but to defend the oppressed and help serve justice as a certified lawyer.

12

SCI-TECH

Editors: Bret Dimatatac, Carl Dominic Macatangay

U Behold where U Belong: Glorious Journey beyond the Best

We never stop with our quest; we never settle for less.

Carl Dominic Macatangay

O

nce again, the University of Batangas proved that it is undeniably the best by conducting the UBian Conference 2022, the academic institution’s first-ever international conference, on March 30, 2022, with the theme “Pivoting the Model: Redefining Resilience in the Now.” In partnership with the Research and Publications Office (UBBC), the Office of the Vice President for External Affairs tied up with the College of Allied Medical Sciences and College of Nursing and Midwifery to offer a wide-scale, diversely holistic, and competently progressive assembly and organize this free online international event in collaboration with numerous local associates and international partners.

UB, tagged as UBIAN Con: Unifying Borders Internationally Through Annual Network Conference, worked with the Physical Therapy Association – Batangas Province Chapter to successfully host the event with its themes inclined with the current pandemic – relating to the health care and educational delivery during these trying times.

Furthermore, the virtual discourse included participants from several countries, including Taiwan, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia, among many others. In line with this, countless schools across the country and the globe engaged and took part in the successful execution of the worldwide convention.

It featured discussions, mini-lectures, and presentations about health, science, and education to an audience of educators, practitioners, and education leaders and delivered the symposium to a gathering of a public online community. This one-day online event This oneday conference showcased high-impact research papers and highlighted quality presentations with informative webinars tackling the latest trends in health and sciences.

Participants submitted a 250 to 33-word abstract with an introduction of their research topic, general objective, research methods, significant findings, and conclusions. Together with the keywords and references used were the authors’ complete name, email address, 2x2 colored photo, ORCID, institution logo, and country flag.

Hosted by its Master of Ceremony, Mr. Carl Ivan Villanueva, the UBian Conference 2022 took place in the University’s Patio Café on the Western Hall’s second floor – with Dr. Rommel Ramos as one of the convention’s speakers.

The UBian Conference 2022 is a leap for the University and a tribute to the Brahman core and spirit of being the standard. Together, UB held its ground where it belongs – in a greater field at higher heights.

Transpiring in the University’s 75th year, the global event is a testament to its ever-continuing journey of spirit, intellect, and purpose rising and striding at 75

Artwork By: Justin Anthony Aleta

Zero Waste to Zero Worries Bret Michael R. Dimatatac

F

rom local grocery stores to supermarkets, say it all__ plastics are always present. As they say, single-use plastics are man’s best friend when it comes to protecting and packaging their fresh goods because of the ease one can get. However, while people are being blinded by such convenience, behind all these is a tiny little tweak that embodies a much larger dilemma– the increasing amount of plastic waste.

While it is true that life gets a lot better with convenience, this is not truly worthy of praise when it comes to plastics. For the longest time, the issue of plastic pollution has been a problem that people chose to turn a blind eye on. It has officially been stated that the Philippines is one of the major sources of plastic trash in the world’s oceans. Thus, it should go without saying that convenience at the expense of the planet is not convenience at all.

According to Atty. Ina Guingona, the policy officer of the No Plastics in Nature initiative of the Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines, plastic holds the 3rd largest share of waste in the Philippines with 2.15m tons of plastics consumed every year by Filipinos as stated in a 2019 study. Furthermore, the country holds a very low recycling rate at 9%, and what’s even worse is that 35% of plastics produced leaks into the environment, which evidently poses a threat to the socioeconomic status of the country. It’s extremely worrying seeing situations slowly take a toll while people are still blinded by ignorance.

Despite a surge of problems with regards to plastic pollution, the WWF has proposed a scheme called the Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR). In compliance with the Republic Act No. 9003 otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 which regulates the

disposal of wastes and aligns such activities with the best principles of public health, this policy was proposed having the role as simple as holding producers accountable for the products that they put out into the market. This is a responsibility from the design process to the end of life of their product or when it becomes post-consumer waste. As this policy comes to everyone’s way, people are encouraged to stand side by side and do their part in making a cleaner and greener environment.

However, as it stands, seeing that much efforts are initiated by health officials, a lot of people in various industries seem to care more about their business than they do about the conditions of the Earth. Same goes to the consumers who are accustomed to using single-use plastics because as they believe, it is extremely versatile which helps more in packaging goods in different sizes or portions. But then, to do such acts that harm the planet and in turn those who live in it makes them lose what it means to be human.

That’s why, one thing that should be reiterated to one’s self is the question, “does the positive outweigh the negative?” Well obviously, it does not, because the positive side only goes for one’s personal benefit. In this society where humans are the so-called “stewards” who should protect the well-being of all living things through compassion and helpful actions, what should always sit on top are more valuable decisions capable of resolving the world’s problems.

It needs to be understood that this is of utmost importance__ a global emergency, even.

Nothing else matters when the environment is at the risk of damage because what is right is often forgotten by what is convenient. At the end of the day, doing something drastic such as cutting down plastic remains as the acceptable foundational value for society, knowing that ignoring the cries of mother nature just for the benefit of one and not for all is such a foolish thing to consider.

Ecost-Friendly

Isabel B. Cuevas

“D

o you realize that — like the giant Antaeus in Greek mythology, who could touch Mother Earth — you too, like any other individual or like any nation, can remain in harmony with nature, for nature has a way of avenging itself on whoever violates it?” Now, we face the said vengeance from Ismael Villanueva Mallari’s essay, “Values”.

Photo From: Jonne Roriz, Bloomberg

Ignoring the ticking bomb when presented with a deadline by experts has become a cycle that will inevitably come to an end and we are given a choice — whether to create an ending for the better or for the worse.

After NASA scientist Peter Kalmus broke the internet with news regarding the Earth’s deteriorating state, people have continuously been finding numerous ways how to contribute to the #LetTheEarthBreathe movement.

However, we are faced with a dilemma: Is maintaining an eco-friendly lifestyle affordable and accessible?

Manufacturing organic products results in higher costs as alternative materials are utilized. The lack of demand for such products also contributes to the rise in prices. However, purchasing eco-friendly products would cost a consumer much less in the long run since they can be reused or recycled.

One of the other concerns is the accessibility and marketability of such products as the global market has environmentally unfriendly brands as the mainstream and the promotion of eco-friendly brands is insufficient.

Favorably, the percentage of Filipino respondents that choose sustainable products

to protect the environment rose to 74% according to the June 2021 Global Consumer Insights Pulse Survey, seeking a 39% increase compared to 2019.

Changing diets and eating only plantbased food is also a frequently exercised solution against climate change as it stops deforestation, soil degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions connected to meat production. Albeit to a misconception that veganism is a privileged lifestyle, Englandbased data analytics company Kantar suggests that vegans spend on average 40% less on food than omnivores. Nonetheless, health is at risk as vegetarians and vegans commonly face nutrient deficiencies.

Apart from the eco-friendly lifestyle being affordable, one could also contribute to this movement free from charge. Using the Ecoasia website as the default search engine, practicing carpooling from time to time, and even deleting unused emails could pay our debts to the environment.

There is no doubt that industries and companies would cause bigger changes than normal citizens. If they were to produce more eco-friendly products and invest a generous

amount for their marketing, it would also impact the people in choosing a lifestyle to maintain. However, the amount of change that these sectors could contribute does not eradicate the impact of small choices that ordinary citizens make in their daily lives.

Like how a flutter of a wing takes part in a butterfly effect and how a 1% could help in reaching the desired amount, minimal yet conscious differences in the pattern of an individual would guarantee a relevant outcome. As stated in James Clear’s book Atomic Habits, “Tiny changes. Remarkable results.” Anyone benefiting from nature regardless of age, race, and gender is capable of that said 1%.

The world is able to move forward without faltering since it has a pair of feet — one being the people and the other being the government. When they coordinate with each other, light will be shed on the interruptions dealt with the citizens in pursuing an ecofriendly lifestyle. Sacrifices from the inhabitants of this planet shall be given as sacrifices from the Earth have been taken. Give up on greed before Mother Nature gives up on us: We owe her this much.

SCI-TECH

T H E WESTERN IA N P IO NE E R

GUERRILLA WARFARE: Russia-Ukraine

13

Cyberconflict in the Philippines Like how fantasy meets reality, the battles within screens reach the streets of the Philippines.

Bret Michael R. Dimatatac

Photo From: ZUMA-Press Wire

T

ruth in all essence, this is a turning point in world history. The Philippines is not free of the battles of other countries. Russia and Ukraine’s dispute reach far and wide – extending further from their territorial feud. While these two countries arm themselves against each other due to their bilateral conflict, wars exist in the cyber world of these heated nations. The catch is an aftereffect that twists the plot – not only do the consequences of these delicate relations revolve around them, but they also cross the bridge to find their way to the Pearl of the Orient Seas.

Numerous instances marked the uproar of tension between Russia and Ukraine for countless reasons, and none of these spared the cybersecurity of the lesser. On February 24, a cyberattack invasion of Russian origin, called Viasat, took down Ukrainian communication systems. It rattled private companies and industries and distressed the officials of the Pentagon upon revealing the vulnerabilities of global communication systems through and beginning with Ukraine.

This incident is one of many cyberattacks Russia launched against Ukraine and Europe.

As stated by European diplomats, this endless course of coordinated and well-planned actions is a wake-up call for the oppressed and the entire world to take action as it impacts the globe.

“This unacceptable cyberattack is yet another example of Russia’s continued pattern of irresponsible behavior in cyberspace, which also formed an integral part of its illegal and unjustified invasion of Ukraine,” according to Josep Borrell Fontelles, European Union’s top diplomat. “Cyberattacks targeting Ukraine, including against critical infrastructure, could spill over into other countries and cause systemic effects putting the security of Europe’s citizens at risk,” Fontelles added.

These series of cybercrimes, online theft, malware injections, and rampant stealing of money and data pose threats against business, commerce, economy, cryptocurrency attempts,

and online security, among others.

Working Behind the Scenes These movements of cyberattacks and threats against universal cybersecurity are products of long, strategic planning paired with systematic expertise. Chris Hadnagy, Chief Executive Officer of the Social Engineering Inc., believes that the better-coordinated, state-sponsored assaults come from professionals who have learned through time and might even be manipulating everything in the comfort of their homes. These seemingly country-wide attacks surpass the limits and establish a chain reaction of consequences over the world.

For instance, AcidRain and Viasat attacks are Russian-launched and government-backed cyber-digital invasions with the primary purpose of destroying Ukraine. These, however, do not only intimidate Ukraine but also menacingly terrorize their continent and alarm the globe. The Viasat Hack disrupted the command of Ukraine over their industries and businesses – bringing about the downfall of its troops in the risky hours of the invasion. On the other hand, AcidRain cripples routers and modems to destroy entire file systems, compromise communication satellites, and erase Ukrainian data. Altogether, these give rise to dangers lurking in European cybersecurity.

However, more than these, such cyberattacks and unfortunate events

intimidate third-world countries, including the Philippines, regardless of distance and diplomatic relations.

Michael Gross of the Oxford Academic, the Oxford University Press, stated in the Journal of Cybersecurity that “Cyberterrorism aggravates stress and anxiety, intensifies feelings of vulnerability and hardens political attitudes.” Hence, it negatively impacts Filipino society on the sense of safety they have online for their personal lives and in all aspects. “In these ways, we demonstrate that cyberterrorism causes responses similar to conventional terrorism,” Gross added.

This confronted struggle intensifies the Philippine and global economic growth – slowing the progress of online businesses and industries by lowering the trust ratings of digital commerce. It exacerbates the supplydemand pressure and damages consumer sentiment. All with the ravaging effects of the pandemic, Coronavirus Disease 2019, the issue strengthened the turbulent backdrop of international inflationary measures amid the disrupted chains of highstakes fallout and inflation rates.

Despite the executive sanction Russia has, The Diplomat Press believes it is far from over. The certain immediacy of its effects, even indirect, drives the Philippine economic and commercial rates at unprecedented levels. At the same time that the war escalates oil prices and hikes in commodities, cybercrimes cause energy prices to elevate. These

cyberattacks weakened Philippine shares and stocks in the global stock market – indirectly affecting the Philippine Stock Exchange, resulting in the 2% drop on February 24.

Similarly, the Philippine share index also dropped to 1.9%. Above all these, the US Federal Reserve intends to raise its interest rates, causing worse anxiety for investors. All the dirty work for the birth of shadows looming behind the scenes.

Domination Behind the Screens Spyware, malware, viruses, and worms lurk in the air – dominating the world and taking a toll on everything while others are unaware. In a narrative of ceaseless attacks, it takes guts to remain steadfast. In April, malicious software by the Sandworm shut substations down and cut electrical powers in Kyiv, Ukraine – affecting two million Ukrainians. According to Viktor Zhora, deputy chairman of the State Service of Special Communications, “The hackers planned the electrical outages for 8 April to strike on Friday evening, before the weekend.”

Furthermore, another recent attack called the CaddyWiper spread around Ukraine and deleted data in computer systems.

This foreign cyberterrorism instills extended fear and vulnerability in Filipinos on whether the government and law enforcement agencies can protect the country from similar situations. It undermines public morale and causes mass casualties

in national security and civil societies.

Another case includes Strontium, another hacking group of the Russian Federation, which disrupts long-term investments and systems in Ukraine to take their target domains and victims over while redirecting them to a Microsoft sinkhole.

Similarly, NotPetya in 2017, the worst cyberattack in Ukraine’s history, is a ransomware that locks all gadgets in the Ukrainian vicinity and forces its users to pay 300 US dollars through Bitcoin in exchange for their unlocked data and device. It overtook banks, government agencies, electrical companies, and airports. NotPetya was a more dangerous malware once compared to its predecessor, WANNACRY, a past malicious encrypted channel that locks data without any assurance of return.

Continuous conflicts without assurance of an end frighten Philippine business groups as cybercrimes continue to grow and might hit 6 trillion dollars this year – reaching 10.5 trillion dollars annually by 2025.

These numbers grow higher with transactions through online platforms.

Financial instability, theft of intellectual property, and losing trust overtake the national monetary confidence of the Philippines.

Overall, the extortion of money and essential data weaken critical infrastructures like power plants, government departments, private companies, and hospitals. These cyberattack effects on the

Retelling Batangueño’s Inherent Resilience Bret Dimatatac

T

racing back to when Taal Volcano spewed dark columns of thick ash, thousands of people were severely affected. However, as residents began to realize how important it is to ignite what it means to be a true Batangueño, the difference in the public response to natural calamities compared with the earlier years became noticeable, which holds true to a narrative of Batangueño resilience.

Recently, there were several reported records of short phreatomagmatic bursts and quakes by the Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS) which had the Taal Volcano remain at Alert Level 2, signifying a moderate level of volcanic unrest.

Even though two years have already passed since the volcano released its catastrophic damage to its nearby municipalities, the trauma it has brought to a lot of residents continues to intrude on their minds.

It can be noticed that when it erupted last 2020, the state response to the disaster wasn’t as quick and efficient as people wanted it to be, since most of them were still flabbergasted with the happenings. Although measures were taken during the disaster, such as the mandatory evacuation, there was still a lack of a sense Artwork By: Dino Miguel Aleta

of urgency, which unfortunately resulted in a total of 39 casualties. Knowing that the end of its volcanic activity won’t be coming anytime soon, residents wanted to ensure that history won’t repeat itself and that they are taking a step towards fortifying their already existing adaptability to certain adversities.

“Due to the recent activity of the Taal Volcano, authorities encouraged nearby barangays to stay vigilant and updated as early as possible. As for the residents, we have already prepared bags full of clothes and valuables, as well as restocked food and water. Along with these, the cars were already fueled in case of a sudden evacuation.” Aira Zein Reyes, a resident of Lemery, Batangas said in an interview.

It is evident that people are now being more careful

and vigilant when it comes to volcanic eruptions. While it is a given that Batangueños have a reputation for being courageous and flexible, surely, many of them thought and continue to think that they don’t deserve to suffer

Infographics

any further, and that they should empower themselves by means of expressing resilience and an explosion of popular “bayanihan” or Filipino solidarity.

“The most significant change that I would really consider is the fact that people are now more ready and capable of surviving a catastrophe as such, since it happened before. For instance, now that the volcano is at Alert Level 2, residents are already helping each other to start packing their bags, restocking goods, and preparing all the necessities needed in case anything bad happens again. We are now more prepared than ever.”

Reyes added.

Surely, the country’s location in the Pacific Ring of Fire and the Pacific Typhoon Belt cannot be altered, but what will always remain possible is the capability to change people’s mindset and compel changes in their responses to the adversities that the Philippines continues to face. In the long run, many lives, as well as livelihoods and property, will be saved as a result.

Philippines add to the 445-billiondollar loss in the global economy.

Carlos Dominguez, Secretary of the Department of Finance, claims these impacts as a ricocheting bullet and describes these effects on the Philippine economy as “collateral damage.” Nevertheless, Dominquez is optimistic that the country is capable and prepared with adequate tools to get through the crisis and prevent an economic fallout.

The Philippines makes its appearance in the narrative of war other nations build – more than we expect it to be. Whether with neighbors or distant countries, allies or not-so-allies, what the world is experiencing reflects what our country will face. This is a lesson for Filipinos to avoid being complacent by not involving in fights – with the knowledge of protecting personal data, money, digital safety, and cybersecurity by avoiding phishing emails, not clicking on suspicious messages, and ignoring possible sources of malicious codes and viruses.

The Philippines might not be a direct character in the Russia-Ukraine novel of war, but such extensive collateral damages will never spare the country. From behind the screens, behind the scenes, the enemies of the cyberworld ambush and battle their foes – and this internal war spills out from the cyberworld into the real world – extending from Europe to Asia to the Philippines. In the end, we all are characters in the stories others write.

BCHO to heighten Batangueño’s safety vs COVID-19 Sidnee A. Madlangbayan

T

o further increase the safety of Batangueños against COVID-19, the Batangas City Health Office (BCHO) encouraged them to get vaccinated although it was reported that the cases had dropped as compared before.

The COVID-19 updates that were uploaded by the Palakat Batangas City page showed the most recent number of active cases ranging from 0 to 6, a lot lower than the recorded cases in the earlier months of 2022.

According to Medical Officer IV Wendel Bert L. Jonsay, booster vaccines are not enough to solve the remaining COVID-19 cases, which is why they conducted vaccine programs every Monday to Saturday at SM City Batangas, along with providing awareness to people regarding COVID-19.

Jonsay added that the following brands are available for the booster shot: AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer, Sinovac, and Sinopharm. The said booster shots are only eligible for adults with comorbidities in an immunocompromised state, such as people with immunodeficiency, cancer patients, transplant recipients, bedridden patients, and those who are living with HIV. In relation to that, Jonsay also stressed that people who will take the booster shots should not fear the possibility of side effects, as they are only mild and will disappear immediately.

Some of the side effects that can occur are chills, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, and mild fever.

Furthermore, they go house-to-house, which is termed “Tutok Barangay” that aims to encourage the Batangueños to get vaccinated as much as possible.

The quarantine facilities for COVID-19 were still taking place as the monitoring of COVID-19 symptoms by the barangay health officials was ongoing, Jonsay said.

14

SPORTS

Editors: Win Vincent Chua, Van Aeros Torres

UBVT shines in NCAA South Skills Competition Win Vincent Chua

U

niversity of Batangas’ Unified Brahman Volleyball Teams bagged podium finishes in the different categories of the National Collegiate Athletics Associations Season 23 to reign supreme in the Volleyball Online Skills Competitions via Zoom Meeting, April 23.

Brahman Lady Spikers surges for strong finishes Lovelee Jane Hernandez claimed the gold in individual wall spiking challenge and secured another triumph in wall spiking group category alongside Kylie Macatangay.

Meanwhile, Cristina Andrea Mina topped the Wall Setting group category and finished second and third places respectively in the individual category.

“Malaking factor yung confidence at tiwala sa isa’t-isa. Dahil don, mas mailalabas mo yung galaw mo talaga sa game, kahit sabihin natin na display of skills ang contest, ” Hernandez stated.

Stephanie de Chavez and Zyrhene Kate Bayanay landed third place in the Underhand High Pass group category.

Briones, Spikers show off in Boys Dvivision Christian Briones pulled off dominating performances after finishing in second place in both individual and group categories of wall setting and wall spiking.

Jimmy Casabuena’s grit also paid dividends as he seized second place in Wall Setting and Underhand High Pass group division alongside Briones and Jamir Ashley de Lara respectively.

The Brahman Spikers also flourished in individual categories as Benjamin Manansala clinched the gold in the wall spiking division while Casabuena finished third to tail behind Briones in the wall setting division.

“Laking tulong and boost sa confidence kapag nakikita namin ang isa’t-isang nananalo.

Para kang magaganahan na idominate rin yung division mo,” Boys’ Volleyball Team captain Briones said.

With their dominant display in NCAA, UBVT aims to rule in the upcoming Private Schools Athletic Associations 2022, if there will be any.

52 70 105 Gold Silver Bronze

227

SEA Games 2022 Philippine Medal Count

Total

Filipino Olympians prove top-tier nature, star in SEAG 2022 Van Aeros Torres

hilippines’ Carlos Yulo, Ernest John Obiena, and Hidilyn Diaz lived up to expectations as they secured gold and silver medals in their respective competitions, pumping Philippines’ medal rush in the South East Asian Games (SEAG) 2022 at Hanoi, Vietnam, May 12-23, 2022.

Yulo exceeds four-gold expectations, ends SEAG stint with five From a double gold and five silver medals finish in SEAG 2019, Yulo flipped the script three years after and stormed for a medal hunt in SEAG 2022 after securing five gold and two silver medals respectively, eventually spoiling a forecasted four-gold finish on him.

Yulo sizzled with a rampant finish after garnering 13.867 points in the Men’s Horizontal Bar and shared the gold with a Vietnamese foe Dinh Phuong Thanh, who marked with a same score.

Just hours before the Horizontal Bar, Yulo redeemed back from his 2020 Vault lost as

he earned gold in Men’s Vault with his final score of 14.7, outdueling Thailand’s Tikumporn Surintornta’s 14.25.

The 22-year old star ignited his show, handing Philippines gold with his topping performances in Parallel Bars, All-Around Floor Exercise, and Still Rings.

Obiena shatters own SEAG record, cops gold Earnest John Obiena handed Philippines gold as he nailed a 5.46-meter clear on first attempt in SEAG Men’s Pole Vault to defend his SEAG title in My Dinh National Stadium.

World No.6 Obiena cleared the 5.40-meter bar on first try with almost half a meter clearance to start his stunning vie for gold.

“I’m relieved and happy to win the gold. I came here as a favorite and finally delivered. Mission accomplished,” Obiena said.

The 22-year-old, however, failed to break his own Asian Games record of 5.93-meters as he declined in sustaining the 5.95-meters bar in three attempts.

Philippines finished with a 1-2 tally as Hokett de los Santos settled with second place courtesy of his 5.0-meters clearance.

UB Taekwondo team rules Taekwondo virtual International Championship Win Vincent Chua

Diaz recovers in clean-and- jerk, claims second consecutive SEAG gold Hidilyn Diaz embarked another triumph on her prime, topping the Women’s Weightlifting 55Kg event with a total of 206-kg lift, to trounce Thailand’s Sanikun Tanasan’s 203-kg.

Experience and confidence paid dividends for Diaz after being forced to channel more of her raw strength in the clean-and-jerk as Tanasan spoiled the SEAG record with her 93 kg-snatch lift, edging the Filipina’s 92-kg tally.

Stepping up for the nip-and-tuck affair with the Thai Olympian, Diaz went for a dominant finisher, closing the clean-and-jerk with a 114-kg finish to best Tanasan’s 110-kg.

“My journey toward Paris [Olympics] starts here, so this SEA Games gold is very important for me,” Diaz explained.

Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Natasya Beteyob settled with third after picking up a 188-kg total – 84 kg in snatch and 104 kg in clean-and-jerk.

B

UB went for an aggressive opener with Paquito sniffing for early kills while also securing jungle monsters and 2-minute turtle, but Roger reverted with a kill on Paquito in a post-turtle skirmish.

With the pick-off on Paquito, FAITH’s roamer Mathilda and Gloo asserted their aggressive poise and challenged UB’s jungle zone to try place Paquito on a gold deficit, but UB’s Joshua “Kiddo” Geroleo (Vale) managed to equip a core item genius wand in less than three minutes to negate FAITH’s aggression.

“Nag-genius wand ako kaagad para ma-burst ko kaagad ang kalaban . Wala pa silang mga defense item sa early game kaya makakapag deal talaga ako ng damage,” Geroleo said.

Meanwhile, FAITH could have turned the tables around in the 8th minute-mark as Demon-Hunter-equipped Claude fired his agonizing blazing duet around UB’s damage dealers Paquito and Clint in the lord area, only to find Paquito nailing the lord-take.

Timed reinforcements on Claude’s initiation would have also prevented FAITH from losing their turrets but Adobo’s critical hits shrugged the team’s positioning off, leading to Claude and Gloo’s death.

Adobo then surged for a killing spree in the 10-minute mark as he popped his

Quick Draw on Roger to pick the enemy jungler off, giving UB its edge on taking out the lord.

“I feel pressured kasi faith is known na sa late game sila malakas dahil nga nung chemistry nila pero kahit ganun nagawan ko paren ng paraan at lumalamang parin ako sa gold kahit dalawa o tatlo katapat ko sa lane” Perez said.

UB tried to seal the match at the 11th minute mark after Chou delivered his Way of the Dragon kick on Lunox, but FAITH counter initiated with Gloo sticking his Split-Split ultimate on Paquito and shut the jungler down.

However, Gloo failed to maintain his composure as he initiated a team fight in the 12-minute mark without any reinforcements nearby that led him to a crucial death near the lord area, giving away another free lord-take for the Brahman team.

With the lord marching in, Kiddo blew a sudden Windblow and Windstorm combo on to Lunox in the 13-minute mark to burst FAITH’s major damage dealer down and seal the series.

“Yung preparations namin for the incoming tournaments ay pagiging updated lagi sa meta at pag-adopt palagi sa nagiging bagong patch,” Perez explained.

Pushing Forward: What Drives Brahman Athletes to Push Beyond Limits

T

he University of Batangas taekwondo team collected 3 medals, one gold one silver and one bronze, at the Taekwondo virtual International Championship 2022, yesterday.

Hyena Lein Chesney Tendero, a 17 year old girl from the University of Batangas bagged the gold medal in Speed Kick (VDO) Advance U17 Yrs. Female G3 Final, prevailing over gritty Safira Dewi Nurjanah of Candi Baru Team.

On the other hand, veteran Pierce Aldwin Co edged out Billy Graham Bulhari, 145-139 to secure the silver medal for the Brahmans.

Moreover, Julius Frank T. Tano of Wildcats Taekwondo team secured the 1st place in Speed Kick (VDO) Advance U30 Yrs. Male G4 Final with a 149 total points The last player of the Brahmans, Dan William Gosney Tiangco put up a tough challenge against foes but fell short, settling with the third spot after securing a total of 81 points.

“Magandang experience ang lumaban sa mga gantong events kahit hindi pa kami face-toface,” Tiangco explained.

The result of one gold, silver and bronze medal haul is a big achievement for the Brahmans Taekwondo team and serves as a major confidence booster for the Hilltop-based squad for more competitions to follow.

Following the international stint, UB Taekwondo Brahman Squad will try to dominate local competitions from provincial to a broader national level.

“Magaan sa pakiramdam na nabibigyang spotlight narin ang Taekwondo kahit medyo complex ang sport na ito. Ang fundamentals o tenets na itinuturo nito ay applicable rin even outside the sport,” Co expressed.

Van Aeros Torres

anking on his high critical damage and efficient range, University of Batangas’ Dominic “Lord Adobo” Perez fashioned off a dominant 6-0-4 KDA finish in the Game 3 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) South’s Mobile Legends Bang Bang Finals Series to sweep the defending champions FAITH Colleges, February 19.

PRIME TIME

P

Lord Adobo powers UB in late game to dethrone FAITH Colleges

Hyena Tendero Girls’ Taekwondo

“Mahal ko ‘yung ginagawa ko kaya ipapagpatuloy ko ito at mas gagalingan ko pa dahil nagtiwala sa’kin ang University of Batangas at binigyan nila ako ng scholarship. Hindi ko din bibiguin ang pamilya namin na laging naka suporta sa’kin pagka’t dahil sa kanila kaya ako nandito ngayon.”

Patuloy akong nagpa-practice kahit na ngayong pandemic dahil kailangan kong mag-improve bilang isang athlete.

Maraming naniniwala sakin, ang UB, ang family ko, ang coach ko at mga co-players ko din kaya gagawin ko ang lahat para ‘di sila biguin.”

Christian Briones Boys’ Volleyball

SPORTS

T HE WEST ERN IA N P IO NE E R

How Geroleo Conquered Collegiate Competitive Stage

When First Love Fails Van Aeros Torres

“

Kyle Ezra De Los Reyes

J

oining his friends in last Christmas’ E-Sports event special, Joshua “Oddiks’’ Geroleo did not know that it would only take a matter of some time for him to have his chance to showcase his talent to a bigger stage.

Just For Fun WiFi hotspots, high internet ping, and a low-ram android phone — Geroleo started it all for fun. As Moonton released Mobile Legends’ Bang Bang (MLBB) way back in 2016, Geroleo fell in love with the mage role quickly. Getting headsover-heels for heroes like Alice and Kagura, his ability to poke enemies with magic damage had already been released in its pilot episode.

“Nung mga time na yon, mahilig na talaga ako sa mga moba games gaya ng LoL (League of Legends), pero narealize ko na kesa gumastos pa ako sa computer shop, Mobile Legends na lang since sa phone lang siya and almost parehas lang ng game mechanics.”

Geroleo revealed.

He also added that playing with his friends was his first priority rather than winning it all. “Tuwing before-class, around 4-5 A.M, naghihintayan na kami ng mga kaibigan ko sa study area para makapag party kami.”

Five years later and Geroleo found himself on the same block as he joined forces with his friends to try to dominate an online MLBB tournament set by University of Batangas (UB) MLBB coach Dr. Francis Joseph P. Arguelles last December 12, 2021. Named captain, Geroleo torched his team “HopeAll” and brought them to the Finals, eventually winning it all while gaining the attention of UB MLBB Varsity Team.

“Hindi na ako nahirapan kahit binan nila ang mga heroes ko. Best picks na namin ang ginamit namin sa last game,” Geroleo said.

Little did he know that it’s all going to another level for him.

Proving Doubters Wrong After Geroleo’s monstrous finish in the said tournament, UB MLBB Varsity captain Dominic “Lord Adobo” Perez referred Geroleo’s prowess to coach Arguelles.

Although amazed with Geroleo’s stellar performance in the said tourney, coach Arguelles revealed that there was doubt in him when Perez recommended Geroleo as their new support, a position in MLBB that holds a lot of pressure and plays a huge role for the team’s victory.

“Ako, aaminin ko, may doubt ako sa kanya [Geroleo]. Although maganda naman ang naging performance niya sa High School Division, syempre ibang level na yung collegiate competitive scene,” Dr. Arguelles remarked.

Captain Perez also added that there were particular times when Geroleo tried to quit the team as he found it hard to adjust well to the changes, but Perez would give him motivational messages to help uplift him.

Slowly and steadily, Geroleo adapted to what they call the “meta”. His unorthodox set of hero pools that contain Kadita, Vale, Lylia, and more, makes him unpredictable and harder to outsmart.

“Para sakin, siya [Geroleo] yung tingin kong lason ng aming team dahil ng mga set of heroes niya na kakaiba,” Perez claimed. “Hindi nila kami maoutdraft dahil sa malawak naming hero pool.”

Yet again, Geroleo finished with grit, averaging 7 kills, 3.2 deaths, and 3 deaths in the recently concluded National Collegiate Athletic Association- South Season 23 MLBB Tournament last February 19 where they dethroned FAITH colleges and were hailed as champions.

“Masaya ako na naka-champion kami, at sure ako na hindi pa ito ang huli. Simula pa lamang to,” Geroleo said.

Over time, not only did Geroleo prove the doubters wrong. From being a regular “Ranked Game” boy, he’s now University of Batangas’ main support, a phantom carry role that makes sure everyone gets on the winning track.

Obiena clinches second gold in Indoor Tour Win Vincent Chua

P

hilippines’ Ernest John Obiena pulled off a crucial 5.81 m clear in his third attempt to secure another polevault gold in the Orlen Copernicus Cup in Poland, February 23.

Two weeks after his successful gold placing performance in Poland last February 11, the Filipino vaulter managed to tie his stellar season-best of 5.81 m, forging himself a dominant start in the World Athletics Indoor Tour.

“EJ is still a work in progress and far from his best. But he is on the right path. He has learned to tune out all the noise and refocus to be the best pole vaulter that he can possibly be,” Obiena’s coach-lawyer Bobbet Bruce shared.

Obiena displayed a slow start as he cleared the 5.61 m bar in three attempts, but the Asian Record holder mustered his needed momentum to clasp a 5.71 m clear in just one attempt and head onto the 5.81 m bar with enough gas left.

Belgium’s Ben Broeder and Brazil’s Thiago Braz bagged the silver and bronze respectively as both vaulters managed to clear 5.71 m but failed to challenge Obiena’s 5.81 m topping.

Obiena tried to surpass his personal best of 5.93m that he registered in the 2021 Golden Roof Challenge in Austria last September but failed to sustain the 5.95m bar in his three attempts.

“Despite the setbacks that I have encountered, all the politics and sports-related kinds of stuff, I’m still hopeful I can compete for PH,” O biena stated.

Obiena’s performance keeps the Filipino’s pursuit for world rankings alive as he now sits in third in World’s Top Pole-Vaulters.

15

Gilas needs not to be complacent in the SEA region. Clinching a spot in the FIBA Worlds might be the ultimate dream, but the way they played in this recent SEAG, it showed that complacency stunts growth.

I

get it. Sometimes you win, sometimes you don’t. It’s a common virtue that we treasure to embrace defeat and the essence of sportsmanship. But when you hold onto something for so long, say 33 long years, just to lose it in a snap in front of your very eyes, you’ll wonder where things went shaky. Although it is hard to admit, maybe it isn’t a coincidence; maybe it is not that the clover went on to the other page, maybe, just maybe, you simply messed up.

Following the wild events at the SEA Games 2022 at Hanoi, Vietnam, we were all stunned by the fall of Gilas at the hands of Indonesia. Shooting just 3-16 beyond the arc, the Filipino team succumbed with an 81-85 loss which ended the team’s 33-year supremacy in SEA Basketball. It is not often that we see Gilas trail by even a few digits, let alone lose, against any contending team in SEA Games as they marked a monstrous 44.6-point advantage over their opponents in the last edition of SEAG back in 2019.

Tracing back to the roots of the upset, Tab’s departure surely played a huge role in Gilas’ faltering. The altar of gossips claimed that Tab Baldwin, an international calibre coach, asked for a retirement to Gilas executives just so he can focus entirely on his collegiate Ateneo team’s run for UAAP title defense, suggesting that Baldwin cannot function in between his teams while appointed Chot Reyes, TNT head coach, can.

Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP), however, believed otherwise as SBP Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan explained that Baldwin did not, in fact, resign, but instead had decided to step aside.

“If we start the blame game, di ba kasama rin [yung COVID-19 pandemic] doon? Dalawang taon, walang nangyari, walang nag-iisip. Everybody’s to blame, even myself. Wala kaming ginawa over that course,” Pangilinan remarked.

Pangilinan also stated that the pool availability was also a thing to consider for Baldwin. With more Filipino players being determined to play and commit overseas, Gilas would really need a helping hand from the PBA. Needless to say, PBA might not even be on its peak as of today as Filipino budding talents behind the Ravena brothers and company chose to pursue their careers in Japan instead of joining the PBA Draft Combine. Sure, the PBA vets’ raw talent is still the same old firepower that fuelled the Philippines in the past editions of Gilas’ international bids, but just like seasons, basketball systems change over time as well.

This Gilas woe requires a deeper hole to dig. With Baldwin’s exit, Reyes’ familiarization over the PBA talents is the final thin thread that Gilas hangs on to.

“The advantage of having Chot, if I may say that, he’ll probably use the core players of TNT to reinforce the Gilas team,” Pangilinan explains. “We will have to deploy easily accessible PBA players. Maybe hopefully the San Miguel group would help and we can have a combination of the best of what Tab had in the past and what the PBA players could lend to us.”

However, it seemed that Philippines’ veteran touch was not enough to keep the streak going after a misfiring night at three and at the line, shooting an awful 24 out of 32 attempted free throws. All these while the Indonesian squad found their rhythm beyond the arc, banking 13 treys over the Filipinos. In these situations, defensive adjustments could have made a difference, but we have seen none of that from Reyes.

So should Reyes look for another reason for the team’s loss, I would offer him a plate of breakfast over a table just so I can suggest one thing – maybe next time you enter the world stage, start assembling your pieces months prior. You can’t just place players on a register sheet and expect them to win it all.

As an avid fan of the Philippine Sports, especially in basketball, I’m genuinely happy for the attention that the Fiipinos are giving to uncommon sports, but it dawns on me – it hurts to see your first love fail.

Ginebra captures 4th title in six seasons behind Tenorio’s Game-6 heroics Arielle John Tolentino

W

ith legacy and another championship on the line, Barangay Ginebra San Miguel’s Lewis Alfred Tenorio popped with 30 points in the Game 6 of the PBA Governors’ Cup best-of-7 Finals series to hand Meralco Bolts a 103-92 beating at Mall of Asia Arena and maintain a 4-0 Finals record over their archrival last April 22.

Despite a cold 4-10 night beyond the arc, Tenorio managed to fashion off a classic performance as the 37-year-old veteran went for a 13-26 shooting in his tremendous 42-minutes action to lead Ginebra past the Bolts.

“What happened kanina is they [Meralco] were really eyeing for Justin [Brownlee] and Scottie [Thompson] also. Kaya I had the opportunity to take charge.” Tenorio explained briefly.

Ginebra was only leading by five upon starting the final canto when Arvin Tolentino drained an opening three-pointer to help ignite Ginebra’s momentum, 81-73.

With 6 minutes remaining in the final quarter, Meralco tried to Photo By: Philippine Basketball Association

answer back as Allein Maliksi sank apayback trey, but Tenorio scooped in back-to-back driving layups tobring the lead to double digits, 91-80.

Justin Brownlee cemented Ginebra’s rampant offensive push after nailing another three-point dagger with four minutes remaining to register Ginebra’s largest lead in the game that secured the match from thereon, 96-80.

Meanwhile, Meralco managed to trim the gap down to 10 with under two minutes remaining as Aaron Black cashed in a floater, but Tenorio fired back with another step-back three-pointer, 101-88.

Brownlee and Christian Standhardinger placed themselves

on the supporting casts as they chipped in 24 and 19 points respectively.

On the other hand, Tony Bishop led the Bolts on the offensive end after putting up 21 points and 16 boards while Black chalked up 18 points and five rebounds.

Thompson was hailed as the Finals MVP as he averaged 17.8 points, eight boards, and 5.5 dimes in the series.

“It was such a delight, such a joy to bring these guys to the promised land in front of all of you,” 24-time PBA head-coach Champion Tim Cone said.

Cone is three titles shy in tying the 27-title record of the San Miguel Beermen team.

Answered Prayers “ I took my troubles to the Lord; I cried out to Him, and he answered my prayer.”

- Psalms 120:1