The Work Tabloid (Vol. 69 Issue No. 2)

WHAT’S INSIDE NEWS /P.3

DEVCOM /P.15

FEATURES /P.12

CT joins COEng

Deprived & Prejudiced

Where Art Overflows

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T H E O F F I C I A L S T U D E N T P U B L I C AT I O N O F T A R L A C S T AT E U N I V E R S I T Y MEMBER: COLLEGE EDITORS GUILD OF THE PHILIPPINES ■ VOL. 69 NO. 2 ■ AUGUST 2017

TITULO. Nagsimula na ang unti-unting pagkapilas ng mga pahina ng kalendaryo para sa mga katutubo ng Patal Bato, ngunit nananatili ang mga katanungan sa kanilang isipan kung paano nila haharapin ang mga bagong hamon kung sakaling sila ay tuluyang paalisin sa lupang kinalakihan. (A. Del Rosario)

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TSU cedes gov’t-loaned property

By Andrea Nicole Sapnu THE UNIVERSITY administration surrendered a portion of the Main Campus land to the provincial government of Tarlac, signifying the end of the long-pursued negotiation of land ownership.

The said property encompasses the area proximate to the guard house with an area of 549.77m2 and an area of 167.4m2 adjacent to Tarlac State University (TSU) Gymnasium exit.

It is inclusive of Office of the Student Affairs (OSA) grounds, Students’ Park, and TSU Sands.

In accordance to the usufruct agreement between the university and the Tarlac Capitol, TSU is permitted the use of government property in a given span of time, though without the transfer of ownership.

Engr. Sonny Fernandez of the Provincial General Services Office (PGSO) stated that the local government allowed

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Despite K-12’s effect

84%

By Creisha Mae Dimabayao

of TSUians are satisfied with the P80.4M budget allocation for free tuition >>FOLLOW ON P.3

CAFA dean hits ASEAN benchmark for architects

By Andrea Nicole Sapnu ASSOCIATION OF Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Registry accorded College of Architecture and Fine Arts (CAFA) Dean Marco F. Bildan as A S E A N Architect.

Bildan

CAT-takers increased by 100%

Bildan is the first architect in the Tarlac province to satisfy ASEAN’s standards and is among the 65 recognized personalities in the national scale.

This is in line with the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) of ASEAN Architect Council (AAC) that aims to enrich professionals within Southeast Asia through information exchange, and to promote adoptions of best practices on standards of architectural education.

According to CAFA dean, ASEAN registry for architects considers the totality of their applicants as professionals; this includes their professional

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STATISTICAL REPORTS from Tarlac State University Admission Office showed a total of 427 College Admission Test (CAT) takers as of July 2017 from approximately 200 last 2016.

As calculated, the number of CATtakers for the academic year 2017-2018 increased by almost 100% from last year’s count although the first batch of students under K-12 curriculum are still on their last year in senior high school.

The examination had six batches held every Thursday and Friday of June which started June 8 and ended on June 23 for high school graduates of class 2015 and for transferees as well.

The available programs opened for this academic year was decreased from five to three, and these are the following: Bachelor of Science in Information Technology Major in Technical Service Management under the College of Computer Studies, Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management and Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Financial Management

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STILL CERTIFIED. An IMS auditor discusses his assessment in a meeting with Tarlac State University officials during the surveillance audit. (Photo from OPAI)

TSU passes first IMS audit

By Cristine Flores

TARLAC STATE University (TSU) maintained certification amidst faulty findings during the first Integrated Management System (IMS) surveillance audit last August 15-16.

In a submitted report by Mr. Shahid Mushtaq, principal auditor for IMS, there were only minor

findings of non-compliance found from particular offices of the university against the three counts of major non-compliance to lose the certification which was awarded last year, August 5, 2016.

One minor finding was about the quality policy and objective of TSU where Mushtaq requested for its revision.

The following were

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Former SSC officers: TOSP finalists

By Lorddan Faller

TWO FORMER Supreme Student Council (SSC) officers have made it among the list of 20 finalists of the 56th Search for Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) in Region III. Maybielyn David and Ma. Katrina Seguira, former Vice

President and Senator on Finance for the 2016-2017 term, respectively, were chosen to represent TSU through their leadership and academic excellence.

Higher education institutions are entitled to nominate at least three recognized graduating students to participate in the

search for the TOSP. Applicants are required to pass a bid book which would contain all the activities accomplished in the duration of their stay in the university which would include being delegates or representatives of the school and as volunteers on various seminars and conferences.

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BOR junks late payment fee THE BOARD of Regents (BOR) finally approved the abolition of the P150.00 penalty charged from students as late payment fee.

The decision was in response to a petition filed by the Supreme Student Council (SSC) which calls for the removal of the additional fee required if a student of the university was not able to pay in-full his tuition

and miscellaneous fees before the date of payment set in his certificate of registration.

The announcement is in reference to Resolution No. 34, series of 2016 stating the excerpts of the 101st Regular Meeting of BOR held at Midas Hotel, Pasay City on April 1, 2016.

A resolution from the SSC dated November 25, 2015, labeled late-

payment fee as an “unnecessary” fee and claimed its abolition will lessen students’ financial burden and will maximize access to quality education.

The student body insisted Article 14, Section 1 of the Philippine Constitution saying the State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels and shall take appropriate steps to make such

education accessible to all.

They also cited provisions from Article 237 of the TSU Code which calls for the different student service office of the university to establish policies pertinent to student welfare and development. Effective rules and regulations on student assistance shall be established, it added.

Miguel Paolo Nunag, then SSC

SSC provides financial aid for TSUians

By Janelle Pamela David

TARLAC STATE University (TSU) administration urged the Supreme Student Council (SSC) to increase the grantees for this semester’s PaScho project.

Pa-Scho, chipped from the expression “pa-scholarship,” is a financial assistance to students regardless of academic or athletic performance.

It aims to help students lessen their school fees, requiring only the semester’s Certificate of Registration (COR) and a duly accomplished application form.

Psalm Erickson Cadiang, SSC Senator on Finance, stated that the TSU administration gave their full support regarding the council’s project and encourages them to gather more grantees for the first semester.

Forty students, rooting from different colleges, had already been granted the scholarship with 2,000 pesos worth of financial assistance from its initial launch during the Midyear 2017.

The selection process involved the applicants undergoing two stages: answering the online application

CAFA dean hits ASEAN... >>from p.1 and

socio-civic organizations.

Archt. Bildan mentioned in his Panel of Experts interview that he has been serving in the academe for 29 years since 1988, as college dean since 2001, and is one of the national accreditors for College of Architecture and Fine Arts, thus qualifying him for the title.

Other qualifications include an accredited architectural degree no less than five years in an accredited program, current and valid professional architecture license, continuous practice of architecture not less than 10 years, certification from the Professional Regulatory Authority (PRA) of the Country of Origin and other requirements agreed upon by AAC. As a newly pronounced ASEAN Architect, Bildan is now part of the firm with the neighboring countries where his expertise is to be utilized on-call in the upcoming joint projects of the ASEAN in the Philippines.

“It is more of a partnership than an employment,” Bildan said.

In line with the vision of Tarlac State University—to become the premiere university in the South Pacific—the dean believes that this milestone has an impact on the reputation of the TSU architecture students, particularly during accreditation.

A Conferment Ceremony shall be held in January in the year 2018 simultaneous to the 2nd ASEAN Architects Congress to formally bestow the entitlement to Bildan.

form, and the final interview.

A big factor for the selection is the student’s economic status or of how truly the student needs the scholarship. In fact, the question “bakit sa tingin mo deserving kang makuha sa Pa-scho” is one key element in filtering applicants who would proceed to the next stage.

The upsize to the number of grantees that SSC could provide for is expected to increase from 40 to

150 students.

There are also hopes of increasing the assistance amount provided to the recipients, though it would be dependent on the allocated budget for the semester.

Since the Free Tuition Bill on State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) was applied this semester, the financial assistance would cover the miscellaneous fees and allowances of the scholars.

In addition to recently launched online suggestion box “E-Rant Mo, E-Suggest Mo,” other SSC projects for the academic year 2017-2018 include Green Revolution, an environmental campaign to help promote sustainability; Pa-Sopas, a renewable energy utilization using Solar energy; and Bike-toSchool, encouraging TSUians to use their bikes as their means of transportation.

President and known as a student activist and member of Kabataan Partylist group, headed a signature campaign earlier this semester to gather support from TSUians against latepayment fee.

Nunag also presented lists of student payors in the undergraduate programs and graduate studies who were charged P150.00. The collection stated in the lists totalled P1, 045,800.00. The summary is labelled “ACCOUNT: 100801 - Penalty for Late Enrolment/ Payment.”

There were 4,195 accounts charged during 2nd semester of academic year 2014-2015 comprising a NovemberMarch period. This is equivalent to P629, 250.00.

Meanwhile, the summary for May 1 to October 6, 2015 shows 2,777 accounts charged for a total of P416, 550.00.

In support to SSC, Rise for Education Alliance circulated leaflets inside the campus on April Fools’ Day before the plea was favored, telling the state and the administration should not take the students urge to junk the 150peso fee a joke. (Dan Obligacion)

MSO culminates main clinic renovation

Admin eyes San Isidro, Lucinda clinic expansion along with the patient’s heart rate), and LED monitors that will be used to display necessary clinic information such as medical advisories, M e d i c a l examination schedules, etc.

More new equipment are expected to arrive in the following weeks after the renovation.

In an FRESH LOOK. New hospital beds and larger space are some of the improvements that can be seen i n t e r v i e w , inside the recently renovated clinic at Main campus. (A. Del Rosario) Dr. Rommel Hernandez, An additional of two hospital beds the MSO head, stated that the

By Richmon Cayabyab for the male ward and three new beds administration’s approval for the THE UNIVERSITY Medical Services for the female area were added during renovation of the main campus’ clinic Office (MSO) has taken a step closer to the three-monthlong renovation is a step in the right direction. its goal of gender sensitive healthcare process of the university clinic along Dr. Hernandez told The Work that for the students of the university with with several new Cardiac monitors, a upgraded facilities could be of great use new hospital beds, various updated set of Pulse oximeters (a device used for the staff and the students. equipment, and a larger clinic space. to measure oxygen levels in the blood “May upgraded equipment na tayo

para mas maserbisyuhan natin yung mga students,” he added.

Among these better equipment were better fixtures such as brighter LED lights, a relocated entrance, and a new ramp used for wheelchairs.

These upgrades were built and installed in the expanded space formerly occupied by the PPGSU. The relocated office can now be found at the business center.

Along with the renovation of the clinic area, the paperless system on issuing medical certificates and patient recording are making progress and are planned to be fully operational within this academic year.

When asked about the plans of the MSO for the future, Dr. Hernandez stated that plans to renovate and expand the clinics in the Villa Lucinda and San Isidro campus have been put into motion.

These plans to expand the single bed clinic of San Isidro Campus and the two-bed Clinic of the Villa Lucinda coincide with the overall plan of the MSO, which is to provide adequate effective and gendersensitive healthcare to the students of the university.

TSU accommodates Nigerian students

By Isaih Kyle Umipig IN PURSUANCE of the university’s vision to be a premiere university in the Asia-Pacific region, Tarlac State University welcomed students from Nigeria to enroll in the College of Science (COS).

Five foreign students are enrolled in the college—four second year students and one third year student who recommended the university to other Nigerian citizens to enroll—taking up Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

According to Prof. Mary Jane Rigor, COS Dean, these students prefer to be enrolled in TSU because based from their feedbacks, it is one of the most recommended schools in their country since it

is accredited and has fairly complied with the needed requirements.

Moreover, the Nursing Department of COS already reached Level 2 Accreditation which also served as a benchmark for the students. Rigor considers that the standard of state universities is a reason why these foreign students chose the university.

There is a big impact when other schools knew that there are some foreign students attaining their academic prerequisites in TSU. Aside from giving prominence to the university, having the title of “quality standards” is a sole aspect that will drive the university officials and personnel to continue their efforts in maintaining their status.

Rigor agreed that having students

from across countries enrolled in the university is an advantage for it promotes the institution to other people; it helps the incoming students identify the quality of the programs being offered. With this, the parents will be properly guided in choosing an institution that has an exemplary potential suitable for their children’s needs.

Since they are titled as foreign students, their tuition fees are much higher compared to regular students but the dean declined to give the specific amount.

With regards to their classroom activities, they are not secluded from the original class. These Nigerian students are combined with local students, acquiring the same teaching instructions, methodologies, and

approaches. With this, the course instructors and professors handling a class with these students are to use the English language to communicate effectively.

However, Filipino courses are included in the curriculum; thus, despite their nationality and cultural background, they have to learn the language and meet the course requirements.

Meanwhile, National Service Training Program (NSTP) subjects are not counted in with them since some of the course’s aspects are different from their inherited principles in their country.

As stated by Rigor, it is projected that there will be more enrollees from Nigeria for the coming academic years.

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CT joins COEng;

10 in 12

Merging offers additional programs

TSUians approve the “student meal” launched by TSU Cooperative

By Pauline Grace Manzano

POLL: Coop satisfies students with ‘combo meal’

By Arsenio Santiago Jr. THE STUDENT combo meal of Tarlac State University Cooperative (TSU-Coop) fulfilled the taste of 83 students out of 100 respondents in a conducted The Work survey.

The student meal in an “ambula” style of serving which consists of two chosen viands—vegetable and meat—with a cup of rice for only P30 was launched during the first week of regular classes.

These three “combos” are breaded pork chop with pancit, shanghai rolls with mongo shoots (toge), and fish fillet with swamp cabbage sautéed in oyster sauce.

“Hindi kasi ganoon karami ‘yung kumakain sa canteen so gusto naming ma-reach out ‘yung mga estudyante na baka pwede kaming [Coop] makapagoffer ng combo meal na mas mura at mas healthy,” Prof. Arvi Marie Calonzo, TSU Cooperative General

Manager, stated.

Coop came up formulating this idea due to business competition outside the university.

“Siyempre, inisip din namin ‘yung mga canteen sa labas para makipag-sabayan na din, saka gusto namin safe ‘yung kinakain ng mga estudyante,” Calonzo added.

On the other hand, the 17 students who are not satisfied complained on the serving amount of the viand and the redundant combo meal menu.

“Paulit-ulit kasi ‘yung mga ulam saka ‘yung sukat, minsan, konti talaga. May kanin ka pa pero ubos na ‘yung ulam,” respondent from the College of Engineering and Technology (CET) said.

However, the management is now trying to work with the students’ demands and suggestions by changing the list of options.

POLL: TSUians rate five stars to FT policy

By Isaih Kyle Umipig and Andrea Nicole Sapnu IN A conducted The Work survey, Tarlac State University (TSU) officials’ implementation of Free Tuition policy satisfied the student body.

From a sample size of 100 students, a total number of 84 are gratified of the way the university distributed the P80.4M allocated budget for free tuition for the academic year 20172018. The requirements were trimmed down into two documents – the duly accomplished application form and a certificate of indigency – as stated in the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2017-1A. According to a respondent from the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA), the reduced required papers made it easy for them to provide without any expense to be used.

“Noon kasi ang dami pang kailangang kunin, kailangan mo pang gumastos ng pamasahe tapos may babayaran pa kapag kukunin mo na ‘yung Income Tax Return (ITR), halimbawa na lang,” she stated.

Most of the approved students reasoned out that the policy reduced their accounts to be paid with approximately P5, 000, at the same time diminishing their parents’ uncertainties with regards to the

financial support needed in their studies.

“Mas na-engganyo rin ang mga estudyante na mag-aral kasi hindi na nila iisipin ‘yung ibang mga bagay na nagpapa-stress sa kanila,” a student from the College of Public Administration and Governance (CPAG) said.

On the other hand, 16 students saw lapses with the said policy, including their disappointment with the late dissemination regarding the requirements which has been no longer necessary when their documents were already completed and passed beforehand.

“Paiba-iba kasi ‘yung mga sinasabi nilang dadalhin namin.

Nagbayad pa kami ng mahal para sa isang document tapos ‘di na pala kailangan,” a complaint from a CBA student.

Moreover, some students said that FT 2017 did not really reduce their account to be paid because miscellaneous fees are still existent with the same amount as the tuition fee.

However, most of them emphasized that whatever the result of the overall execution of the program in the university eventually gave them the benefit of low payment as they continue their journey in the academe.

THE COLLEGE of Technology is now officially under the College of Engineering, forming the College of Engineering and Technology (CET).

The merger was in accordance with the implementation of CHED Memorandum Order no. 1, series of 2012.

According to Dr. Armee Rosel, vice president for Academic Affairs, the said merging was proposed in 2015, but was only approved during the 105th regular meeting of the University Board of Regents held at the CHED Conference Room, Diliman, Quezon City, last

February 16.

Primarily, Tarlac State University (TSU) was known as the Tarlac College of Technology but under Republic Act No. 6764, it was converted to a state university and authorized the appropriation of funds.

One of the main purposes of merging is to strengthen the existing programs of the colleges; this includes the additional programs that may be offered such as the ladderized engineering program.

“Magbabago ang structure ng curriculum pagdating ng mga first year dahil nga sa K-12, at kaya hindi rin tumanggap ng first years yung college natin ngayon. Isa pa, dumami yung pagpipilian ng mga papasok na first year. Bali yung mga hindi kakayanin ang engineering, may iba na silang option, pwede na sila sa technology,” Engr. Miriam Galvez, dean of CET, said.

This will offer an avenue for the students to pursue the program that is appropriate to their level and capability, in line with the goal of the college to develop and

produce highly competitive and technically-trained professional engineers, technologists, and technicians.

Moreover, Dr. Myrna Q. Mallari, president of TSU, stated the other purposes of the merging; the program offerings, same facilities and equipment used by both colleges and as well the instructors, and the dwindling number of the College of Technology back then.

Mallari clarified that it will also lessen the budget expenses for the equipment and resources used by both of the colleges. It will allow the college to buy costly equipment similar to those in the industry to expose the students to better education.

“Our programs are all good but we must be known for something, and that is technology,” Mallari said.

Furthermore, Adrian Eliorico, governor of CET student council, said that the merging of the two colleges could be an ace during the university intramurals.

SSC reports participation increase in Brigada

By Arsenio Santiago Jr. PARTICIPANTS IN this year’s “Brigada Eskwela” rose by 103%, according to Supreme Student Council (SSC).

With 197 participants compared to 97 last year, SSC focused more on Lucinda and San Isidro Campus, giving them extra manpower due to their wide area to consider.

“Last year kasi mas na-focus yung brigada sa M a i n

[campus], kaya this year, dito sa dalawang campus naman,” William Charles Bagtas, SSC Senator on Ways and Means, added.

Bagtas, the figure head of the said activity, initiated the program and designated the respective areas of the participating organizations.

Despite cloudy weather, these 47 contributing organizations from various colleges and factions, together with the Council, were not deterred from achieving their purpose of making the university ready for the official start of regular

classes.

“Ini-invite kasi talaga namin yung mga organizations, nag reachout talaga kami sa kanila kaya siguro dumami ‘yung nag-participate,” Robin Victor Faigmane, SSC Senator on Public Information, stated.

SSC encouraged these organizations to join the activity to provide them the exposure needed aligned to their responsibility as servant leaders of the university.

“Gusto lang namin silang i-empower na magawa rin nila ‘yung responsibilities and duties nila as part of the organization dito sa TSU,” Bagtas explained.

UNITY IN VOLUNTEERISM. Students from different organizations sign up in the annual Brigada Eskwela at TSU. (A. Del Rosario)

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Counseling targets ‘no singko’

By Arsenio Santiago Jr.

THE GUIDANCE and Counseling Unit launched “No Student Left Behind” program in connection with their “no singko” advocacy.

The program was initiated in support with the Commission on Higher Education’s promotion of student welfare.

This agendum aims to upgrade students’ academic performance as it extends its care for the students with

special cases.

The program caters irregular students who are having a hard time in their schedules and subjects, Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer Intersex (LGBTQI) members who are having personal struggles due to discriminations they are experiencing, solo child or students who are with separated parents, and those students whose parents are abroad.

“May epekto kasi yung masyadong maluwag na schedule lalo na kung irreg

[irregular] ka. Minsan kasi imbes na pumasok, nag mo-mall na lang sila kaya mas lalo silang bumabagsak,” Mr. Oliver Cura, chairman of the office, said.

In the case of the LGBTQI community, Cura added that they will uplift them through counseling as they do not also want to lose their self-esteem despite the discrimination.

All cases under this program are based on the cumulative records of the unit, collecting Individual Inventories

with Immediate Concerns and Family Background filled up by the students.

“Lahat ng cases na ‘yan are based sa records namin, pati na rin sa mga needs na nakukuha namin sa daily counseling,” Cura emphasized.

The said action conducts collegebased personal and gathered lectures as well as seminars which are done in holistic approach to guide and enlighten the students in their personal issues and in leveling up their school accomplishments.

However, Cura said the program started slow and is still gaining its momentum.

“Ang mindset kasi, kapag nasa counseling [unit] ka is dinidisiplina ka o may kasalanan ka. Pero hindi naman, andito kami para i-guide ang mga estudyante,” he explained.

The Counseling unit now envisioned this program as one step closer to their advocacy—to move closer to the students and to empower their welfare—assuring that no student is left behind.

Buwan ng Wika ’17

Mendoza: Wikang Filipino ang susi sa pag-unlad Ni Audrey Del Rosario

JUMPSTART. Supreme Student Council officers distribute eco-bags to TSUians as a part of their newly-launched program. (Photo credit to Jaydee Manaloto/CCS-SC)

SSC kicks off with JumpStart

By Lorddan Faller THE SUPREME Student Council (SSC) commenced JumpStart, a launching of campaigns centered on the interest of the student body, in all three campuses of the university.

The activity was held during the flag ceremonies on August 14, 21 and 28 at Main, Lucinda and San Isidro campuses, respectively.

The program has been the talk of students in the university in the recent weeks prior to the launching.

The said program aims to raise student participation, making them informed not in a traditional way of using social media accounts or communicating their college councils to announce any forthcoming notice from them.

According to Reynamy Doria, SSC President, they looked for an activity where they don’t have to organize an event just to convoke students and be notified.

One of the main reasons JumpStart was launched is to promote TSU Performing Arts group, including Chorale, Dance Troupe and Hip-hop Dance Troupe, due to their gradually decreasing number.

“Kapag nakita ng mga estudyante na maganda yung ginagawa nila, lalo na marami tayong first year ngayon, ay baka mahumaling silang sumali,” she said.

On the other hand, Solar Panel Charging Station was also introduced for students who need to charge their laptops or gadgets due to prohibition in charging inside the classroom for

more conservation of energy.

Doria added that the project proposal of a student from College of Engineering and Technology can be arranged easily compared to the recommendation of the professor from the same college and from the College of Science since these three proposals from them were already finished.

However, consultation from Planning Office of the university is still necessary if it is possible to just assemble those charging stations in study sheds or benches inside the school premises. “‘Yun na lang yata ang gagawin which is madali at mas mura, pero tinitignan pa naming ‘yung performance niya in a long run kaya ngayon nagaassess pa kami kasi may tatlo namang pagpipilian,” Doria explained.

The project was already disclosed to the university administration and found out that they also have a plan to establish the same project.

‘Project Pawi’ The council president stated that providing drinking water is now included in their campaign entitled “something na papawi sa uhaw ng mga estudyante” due to its escalating price which is not involved before.

With regards to their budget, Doria said it is still adequate to pursue the allocation of dispensers to be utilized in the university with free water so that students would be able to save money from purchasing.

However, the dispensers to be used, whether a consumable electricity or not, is still under deliberation.

Environmental campaign In line with the Environmental policy complying to the Environmental Management System Certificate of the university, SSC also encouraged students to follow the label of recycling bin for proper waste segregation through their ecological campaign.

Doria stated that when proper disposal was observed, it is now easy to separate papers, plastics and cans that could be sold outside the institution.

In support to the Plastic Bag Ban campaign, during the JumpStart, they have provided students eco-bags to be used inside the university grounds instead of plastics.

The benchmark of eco-bags in Main campus is 700, 500 in Lucinda and 300 in San Isidro; however, due to a high number of students who participated, the number of eco-bags to be distributed brought insufficiency.

Thus, the council decided to reproduce which will be given once they are done.

In an interview with the council president, she expressed her overwhelming feeling that they already perceived the students appreciation of their efforts and projects that served as their fuel in balancing their academic prerequisites and lives as student leaders.

Doria also stated that the Administration, particularly the President, said that it is a good avenue to promote the all-year round campaign in every flag ceremony.

Other campaigns include PAASASupport for Athlete, Pa-Scho and early Trail blaze congress.

Former SSC officers among TOSP...

In an interview conducted, the finalists shared the moment where they almost missed the deadline on the submission of the bid books due to their hectic schedule.

According to David, a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Financial

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Management (BSBA - FM) from the College of Business and Accountancy (CBA), what they have done during the entirety of their college life was not about being qualified for TOSP although the achievement is offered to the student body whom they have served.

“Huwag niyong isipin na ‘yung ginagawa niyo is para sa TOSP, gawin niyo lang mga responsibility niyo, ‘yung role, at mahalin niyo lang,” Seguira, a Cum Laude graduate from the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS), Bachelor of Arts in Communication, added.

IGINIIT NI Genaro Mendoza, bise alkalde ng Lungsod ng Tarlac, sa komunidad ng Tarlac State University (TSU) na gamitin ang wikang Filipino dahil ito ang maghahatid sa bayan tungo sa kaunlaran sa pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wika na ginanap sa TSU Gymnasium, Agosto 25.

Kaakibat ang temang “Filipino: Wikang Mapagbago,” ayon sa Bise Alkalde, panauhing pandangal ng programa, ang paggamit ng wikang Filipino ay hindi lamang tuwing pagdiriwang ng Buwan ng Wika, ngunit ito ay dapat na ginagamit sa lahat ng pagkakataon—na mananatiling bukas ang pinto ng pamantasan para sa malayang komunikasyon gamit ang pambansang wika.

Nais din niyang ipaabot ang mensahe sa mga kabataan na ito na marahil ang susi upang mapagbuti nila ang kanilang pag-aaral dahil sa mas madaling paraan ng pakikipagtalastasan. Bukod dito ay nagiging matibay na tulay ito ng mga bagong henerasyon ng mga Tarlakenyo at Pilipino na magkaroon ng mas malawak na kamalayan at pagmamahal sa sariling wika.

"Ang pamantasan ay bahagi ng sektor ng edukasyon na may malaking bahaging ginagampanan sa lipunan nang mapagyaman ang kaban, lahi at kultura na hindi dapat malimutan ng mga darating pang henerasyon," dagdag niya.

Kinilala rin ng Bise Alkalde ang mga tagumpay na nakamit ng TSU; pinakauna na rito ay ang pagkilalang natamo ng mga mag-aaral na sina Richard Macapulay, Mark Castillo, Melody Paraon at Rose Ann Tubay ng Kolehiyo ng Edukasyon na nakakuha ng matataas na marka sa kanilang pagsusulit para sa lisensyang propesyonalismo sa kanilang kursong natapos.

Sumaludo si Mendoza sa mga aniya'y magagaling at dekalidad na mga opisyales at tagapagturo ng TSU na hindi umano maikakailang isa sa mga pinakamahuhusay na institusyong pang-edukasyon sa buong kapuluan. Naniniwala siyang napakalaki ng magagawa ng paggamit ng sariling wika sa kaunlaran ng bayan.

Samantala, ang mensaheng hatid ni Dr. Myrna Mallari ay nagbukas sa kaisipan ng lahat ukol sa tamang paggamit ng wikang Filipino.

Bilang pagtatapos ng programa, isinaad ni Dr. Agnes Macaraeg, Dekana ng Kolehiyo ng Sining at Agham Panlipunan, na ang tanging panawagan niya ay dagdagan sana ang kamalayan at sabaysabay na paunlarin ang wikang Filipino.

"Sana ay patuloy ang pagmamahal [natin] sa ating bansang Pilipinas," dagdag niya.

Ang naturang programa ay inorganisa ng mga opisyales ng Samahang Pilipino na kung saan tinipon ang mga mag-aaral at iba pang mga opisyales ng TSU.

CAT-takers increased... >>from p.1 both from the College of

Business

and

Accountancy.

According to Laarni Capinding, university psychometrician/staff from Counseling, Testing and Career Center, the list of open programs on admission test is under the prescription of TSU Administration headed by Dr. Myrna Mallari, the university president.

“Actually, the office [Counseling, Testing and Career Center] did not decide on what courses will be offered; the administration gave us what courses will be offered, so they look at it as strategically as they mention,” Capinding said.

However, the number of section for each program depends on the number of enrollees.

A non-refundable testing fee of P300.00 shall be paid at the university’s cashiering office as one of the requirements in the application.

TOSP is an annual awards program established in 1961 which seeks “young role models of the country who have personified academic excellence, e x e m p l a r y leadership and deep sense of social responsibility, all anchored on good moral values.”

David

Admission test for K-12 graduates The coming school year (pertaining to 2018-2019) would make a giant step and adjustment for the university testing office as the first batch of K-12 Curriculum graduates will enter college.

Capinding assured that the content of the examination for K-12 graduatecollege admission test takers is subject for revision, yet she cleared that there is still no concrete and more specific change, although they are already in the planning process regarding this matter.

She also assumed that almost 70% from the K-12 graduates will go to college, and perceived that the CAT takers will continue to increase by next year.

However, enhancements that might be applied to curriculums and/or in prospectus with the K-12 graduates are under the requisition of every college programs.

Seguira

THE

AUGUST 2017

NEWS

WORK

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5

CSO fends off outsiders, vendors

LANDMARK. The site of OSA Building is enclosed with construction hoarding as a preparation for its demolition in October. (P.G. Manzano)

TSU cedes gov’t-loaned... >>from p.1 the

donation of property to take place upon the university’s request, given that TSU shall comply to the scope of land that shall be permitted to be utilized.

However, the OSA and the said area that surrounds it is beyond the vicinity of the agreed upon range of land area to be employed.

Fernandez added that the government’s accommodation is not restricted solely to educational institutions but as well as to establishments intended for other purposes such as commercial functions, blurring the chances of having the said property to be bestowed to the university.

Dr. Michaela Sagun, Vice President for Administration and Finance, stated that the TSU administration has no choice as to what the city capitol has to declare, since the area, in the first place, is considered as a mere ‘loan’ to the university.

In an interview, Sagun explained that the university does not hold such right to the entitlement of the property despite TSU’s pursuance over the years.

Student center in replacement of OSA An establishment of four-storey Student Center at Lucinda Campus

shall supplement for the soon to be dissolved Office of the Student Affairs (OSA) building by April 30, 2018, the workplace most affected by the local government’s property claim.

“It is a plan—a long ranged plan— kaya ang development doon [Lucinda] halos ginagawa at sa San Isidro, since limited lang ang space natin sa main campus,” Sagun attested.

The construction of the student center, according to the data provided by the Infrastructure Management Office (IMO), commences on the second week of August, within the timeframe of 340 working days.

The P44.3M student center will occupy a 2,500 sq. meter floor area and a 2,000 sq. meter area of land, homing the department of Student Affairs, the Guidance Department, including student organizations such as the Supreme Student Council, Committee on Student Elections and the university publication.

Other features of this developing building include a student area, a conference hall, two rehearsal areas, three teambuilding areas, and an auditorium.

IMO said that the budget allotted for the construction of the building is from the students’ special budget.

TSU passes first IMS... >>from p.1 included within the

certification: ISO 9001:2017 which is the Quality Management System; ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management System; and the OHSAS 18001: 2007 which is the Occupational Health and Safety Management System.

In line with this, IMS-certified institutions are subjected to an annual surveillance audit throughout the duration of the certification’s effectivity.

IMS audit findings On the afternoon of the last day of the audit, August 16, Mushtaq gave his report to the concerned offices in the university.

In the summary of findings, he stated the compliance of the university to IMS standards, as well as the non-compliance of the university to the requirements; to which he concluded that “the need to conduct additional audit is subdivisions of the organization to verify non-conformity elimination” is not necessary.

According to Maricar Banting, Planning Office Head, TSU was founded with several minor and one major findings of non-compliance to the standards of IMS seen in the Supply and Property Management Unit.

The Auditor checked the trail of documents for new supplies and found out that there’s a problem with the reception of purchased supplies of TSU including the issuance of log file and log of receiving goods which are not available.

“Yung pag-eencode lang niya, hindi real-time or paglologin nila di siya ginagawa real-time,” Ma’am Maricar said.

One minor finding was about the Quality policy and objective of TSU where Mushtaq requested for the revision of the Quality, Environment, and Health and Safety (QEHS) policy.

The former QEHS policy contained the phrase ‘to the utmost satisfaction of its valued customers’; the auditor found the term ‘customers’ as a vague, so he asked the concerned officers to change it to a more specific term.

Although TSU was found a major finding, the IMS Auditor gave the chance to fix the problem in one month and submit a report of actions taken during the 30-day deadline since it is workable within that timeline. Banting explained further that the problem found was not an ‘efficiency and effectivity’ issue, it is more on non-compliance, which could easily be complied with.

Thus, the university still passed the IMS Audit.

The verification if these changes have been implemented and the errors to the standards are complied will happen next year during the next annual auditing.

“Kapag naka-establish na ‘yung IMS, ‘di mo na kailangan magcram because of the audit. So once established na ‘yan [IMS], the system will run on its own,” Banting stated when asked about the plans for the next audit.

Passing the IMS audit, despite the findings in the university due to few non-compliance with the IMS standards, served as a mark for the university towards achieving the university’s vision—to be a premier university in the Asia Pacific Region.

THE CIVIL Security Office (CSO) started their campaign of tightening the university’s security measures through warding off vendors around the campus’ perimeters.

CSO Director Francisco Blanco told in an interview that the main reason of the repelling of vendors are the street foods and health hazards to students.

Blanco also stated that the possibility of illegal drug trade and frequent smoking fortified their decision to amplify the university’s guard.

The perimeter fence that was added in the far left side was additional support for their cause. “‘Yung mga batang dayo, kung minsan nag-attempt silang umakyat sa bakod natin. Minsan may inaabot pa sila,” Blanco added.

Agreements with the City Hall The CSO sought help from the Tarlac City Hall in fending off the vendors near the campus borders.

The office, along with the City’s Public Order and Safety Office ordered the vendors to stay away from campus perimeters.

Four days after, the vendors they repelled came back. CSO tried to keep them away but the vendors also went to the city hall to further their cause. “Humingi kami ng papel wala silang maipakita. Tumawag kami doon. Confirmed naman. Verbally,” the Director said.

CSO then allowed them to do business near campus perimeters with the condition that they will take initiative in cleaning their surroundings.

Vendor’s standpoint One of the vendors that were kept away voiced that they do not cause any inconvenience.

The vendor told The Work that they even warn and tell students to mind their belongings especially when bystanders are nearby.

At the time the CSO took action, the vendor said that they moved out without any resistance. The vendor stated that they only came back when his co-vendors returned, carrying a verbal approval from the city hall.

When the vendor was asked about the accusation of the possibility that they sell drugs, the vendor denied the claim.

“Drugs?

Walang ganoon,” the vendor added. (Oliver John Tabaquero)

SYMBIOSIS. Student leaders participate in one of the activities during the 19th Leadership Training Summit in Labrador, Pangasinan. (Photo credit to Franklin Duque/SDU)

Student leaders ignite fire in LTS ‘17

By Pauline Grace Manzano

“WE ARE all servants of our colleges or campuses. We do have our own level of fire in serving people,” Prof. Gladie Natherine Cabanizas, Student Development Unit head, said in her address during the 19th Leadership Training Summit held at Villa Jireh Resort, Labrador, Pangasinan.

Bearing the theme “Igniting the Fire of Servant Leadership,” the activity aimed to instill the essence of being a student leader in the academe.

The six speakers who attended the seminar were Dr. Grace Anne G. Hasegawa, Career and Job Placement

Services manager; Accounting Officer Ed Lauren Guiang; Associate Guidance Counselor of the College of Engineering, Lean Ashter Legaspi; Katrina Bianca V. Sicat, Lani Juanne Mae Puri, and Aglene Ricart Ramons who were former Supreme Student Council (SSC) presidents.

The matters that were presented include Accounting Procedures and Management in order to help the student leaders with the proper process of liquidation; different hindrances in being a student leader had also been tackled on how to overcome it by doing ‘Kita Kita’-inspired forum; the importance

of having an inspiration presenting the title “Who’s your favorite Teacher?”; and 10 keys in a better leadership stressing “Unlocking the Leadership Fire.”

Various team building activities were also conducted.

On the second day, student leaders were grouped to perform in the cultural night as part of the activity through the facilitation of the SSC. At the end of the three-day summit, Prof. Cabanizas reminded the student leaders and journalists to appropriately manage their financial matters in their respective organizations for the academic year 2017-2018.

Scholars up in number

By Cristine Flores THE OFFICE of Endowment and Scholarship confirmed the increase in number of scholars in Tarlac State University during the previous semesters.

According to Dr. Elsie Canlas, Endowment and Scholarship director, from 2,842 scholars during the first semester, the number of scholars rose to 3,308.

“Kung sa university ay nag-increase tayo. Actually, sa university scholarship program nag-increase [din] dahil dumami ‘yong mga academic scholars, lalo na yung mga college scholars.

Maraming [may] magagandang average na pumasok sa university scholarship,” Canlas said.

An approximate 50% increase in both college and university scholarship was noted.

Canlas said there is no limit on the

number of grantees under these program as long as students maintain the required general weighted average, 1.0-1.45 for the university scholarship and 1.46-1.75 for the college scholarship.

Meanwhile, Canlas said, effective next semester, those who will renew their scholarship will no longer need to proceed to the vice president’s office. It was suggested during their administrative council meeting that approvals for scholarship renewals should only reach level two.

Another problem experienced by their office is that some students are unaware that they are scholars.

“Nasa masterlist [sila] pero ‘di nila alam na scholar sila hanggang sa nakapayroll na ‘yong pera nila [at] may refund sila,” Canlas said.

As per Commission on Audit (COA) rule, she explained, cash should not stay long at the cashier.

“After two weeks or one month [at] hindi na-claim ‘yong pera na kinash advance ng cashier, ibabalik dapat ‘yon.

Ire-report na walang nag-claim,” she added.

Comparison in the number of scholars between first and second semester

6

AUGUST 2017

OPINION

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THE

WORK

All’s well that ends well

D

IRIDESCENT WORDS

Kwentong Dyspepsia PAULINE GRACE B. MANZANO BS CIVIL ENGINEERING

A

yon sa projection data na inilabas ng Commission on Population (POPCOM), inaasahang aabot sa 105.75 milyon ang populasyon ng ating bansa sa pagtatapos ng 2017. Kasabay ng paglaki ng ating populasyon ngayong taon ay ang pagkakaroon kakulangan sa sapat na pondo ng pamahalaan sa ating bansa. Isa sa pinakaunang naapektuhan ay ang pondo ng ating bayan para sa edukasyon.

Lumabas sa isang survey na isinagawa ng Functional Literacy, Education Mass Media Survey (FLEMMS) noong 2013 na apat sa bawat 10 na Pilipinong estudyante ang hindi makapag-aral. Hindi lingid sa ating lahat na ang pangkaraniwang dahilan nito ay ang kakulangang pangpinansyal.

Kaya naman sa tulong na rin ng iba pang programa ng ating gobyerno, sinisikap ng mga kabataang nais na makapag-aral na makapasok at makakuha ng scholarship grants.

Halimbawa ng mga ito ay mula sa CHED, DOST, city/municipal governments, university scholarhips, 4Ps, at marami pang iba.

Bago pa man natin mapasok ang mga nasabing scholarship ay dumadaan muna tayo sa screening at interview o kaya naman ay sa mga scholarship examinations. Isang mahirap na proseso ang kailangan subukan at malampasan ng mga kabataang kapus-palad. Ngunit hindi natatapos dito ang kanilang pagsubok dahil sa oras na pumasa sila ay kailangan din nilang magaral nang mabuti upang maabot ang quota. Mayroong mga maintaining grades na sinusunod o kaya naman ay dapat walang ibagsak na subject ang bawat estudyante na nakapasok upang sila ay lubusang masala.

Hindi lingid sa ating kaalaman na may mga scholarship program din

namang hindi ganoon kahirap upang mapasukan lalo na kung pumapasok na sa eksena ang usapang “kapit.”

May mga scholarship program na mayroong mga limitasyon katulad na lamang sa bilang ng mga scholar na kayang sakupin lamang ng kanilang programa. Pero ang nakakapagtaka nga lang ay bakit para bang tila

“

Minsan kasi kapag busog ka na, matuto ka nang dumighay.”

hindi dumaan sa screening ang ibang nakakapasok dito? Bakit kung titingnan natin ay hindi naman sila mukhang nahihirapan sa buhay bagkus makikita mo sila bilang mga nakakaangat?

Sila na hindi naman talaga nahihirapan sa buhay ang siya pang nakakakuha ng mga slots. Paano naman yung mga kabataan na nagnanais na makapag-aral ngunit hindi nila talaga kaya dahil wala silang pera? Bakit silang mga may-kaya naman ang nakakapasok at ang mga kapus-palad ang nawawalan? Dahil ba wala silang “kapit” kaya ganoon na lang sila kadaling isantabi?

Isa pa sa mga napapansin ko sa mga scholars ay ang pamomroblema nila sa kanilang grado dahil kailangan nila umanong maka-quota. Pero hindi ko lang maintindihan kung bakit

kailangan pa nilang makiusap sa kanilang mga professor para lang sabihin na scholar sila at kailangan nila na mabigyan ng ganitong grado para hindi mawala ang kanilang scholarship. Scholar ka, ‘di ba?

Dapat ay alam mo sa iyong sarili na ang bawat grado ay pinaghihirapan.

O baka naman kaya hindi umabot ang iyong grado dahil hindi ka talaga nagpursigi?

Hindi sapat ang pagmamakaawa sa mga professor at sasabihing “Sir/ma’am, scholar po ako” upang mapalitan at mabigyan ng grado na pasok sa quota ng scholarship mo.

Kung isa kang tunay na scholar ng bayan, paghirapan mo. ‘Wag mong idaan sa awa dahil hindi lang ikaw ang naghihirap sa mundo. Matalino ka, ‘di ba? Dapat alam mo sa sarili mo kung ano ang totoo; kung ano ang tama at mali. Hindi lang kasi patas sa mga kapwa mo kamag-aral na bibigyan ka ng grado na hindi mo naman pinaghirapan para lang hindi maalis ang iyong scholarship.

Kaakibat ng pagkakaroon ng isang oportunidad ay ang pagiging responsable sa bawat kilos o desisyon na iyong ipinapakita. ‘Wag mong hayaang makilala ka hindi sa pagiging scholar mo, kundi sa pagiging ‘feeling mahirap’ mo.

Minsan kasi kapag busog ka na, matuto ka nang dumighay. Hindi yung pipiliin mo pang kumuha o makihati sa pagkain ng iba. Hindi mo napapansin na sa sobrang gutom mo, naaapektuhan mo na rin ang ibang tao. Hindi maling magutom, mali lang ang maging takaw-mata. Sinasabi ko sa’yo, unti-unti mo ring isusuka ang bawat bagay na pilit mong kinain kahit alam mong busog ka na.

Para naman sa mga professor na laging itinatanong sa klase kung sino ang mga scholar, nawa’y bigyan niyo po sila ng gradong nararapat sa kanila dahil hindi naman sila magiging scholar kung hindi sila karapat-dapat.

Sa mga iba pang scholar, huwag niyong ipagpilitan na makuha ang gradong inaasam ninyo gayong hindi naman kayo nag-aaral nang mabuti.

Hindi ko sinasabing lahat ng mga nagiging scholar ay pare-pareho.

Hindi ko lang maintindihan kung bakit mayroon at mayroon pa ring iba na natitiis na maging ganito.

Mabuti na lamang ay naipasa na ang Free Tuition na kung saan inimplementa ito sa mga piling

EDITORIAL

espite a couple of bumps along the process and a few more steps to go, the fight for free tertiary education for every student in the Philippines is taking a step towards the right direction with President Rodrigo Duterte’s approval.

The law was designed to subsidize education for State Universities and Colleges (SUCs), tertiary schools, and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)Accredited institutions. This law was at risk of being put into hold due to the concerns of Budget secretaries with regards to the 100 million peso cost in a year that the law would require to cover students’ monetary concerns for the span of two semesters.

Although seeming like a massive cost to the state, the educational benefits of this allotment definitely outweigh its projected budget drawbacks.

Free education for every student in this country has now come even closer to reality with this step taken by the current administration. Giving the youth the power of education is akin to arming the movers and shakers of the future in order to take a shot at the problems that has been plaguing this country for the longest time. A small risk compared to the potential for society’s massive improvement.

As Senator JV Ejercito said in an interview, it is a great step in investing on the country’s greatest resource, human resource. This step could be a lasting impression of the administration on the country and a step towards giving the people and the youth a lasting and sustainable aid in education and giving the youth of today the knowledge they need for the challenges of tomorrow.

Although a great step for the country’s educational system, a considerable amount of budgetary discussions and studies were needed to push this law into action; a fair point due to the law’s great effect on the country’s national budget. At some point, one can assume that free education is not really free as a lot of funding is needed for the law to take effect and achieve sustainability in the long run.

Smart allocation of resources and proper funding and management of this Republic act are essentials in reaching a certain level of sustainability and stability to make this law a viable long term solution to the problem of Tertiary education accessibility for every Filipino. Although seeming like a tall order, these goals and motives are reachable considering that free tuition in tertiary education and SUCs is one of the current administration’s goals for long-term social development. A strong social foundation established by accessible education for every citizen of this country.

With a law as far-reaching and having such a significant effect on education as this, a considerable amount of planning and funding allocation, as well as a great deal of analysis for the budgetary committee of this country is required. This law is not just a mere revision, but a great step. With great steps, come new technicalities and problems when it comes to execution.

Even though seeming like a massive stride towards one of the goals of the current administration, careful planning is still needed for this republic act to achieve a sustainable balance and for it to work; a great deal of effort from the government is truly needed.

With these factors to consider in the coming years, sustainability is just as much of a goal as anything else. Being able to sustain such an ambitious task over a long period of time definitely takes a great deal of planning and effort from every sector and agency involved in the decision-making process.

Although faced with numerous setbacks, funding problems, oppositions and trials, this legislation has been passed by administration and has become a first step in a future where every Filipino can go to college for free. But even after this success, there are still steps needed to be taken to ensure free, quality education for every Filipino; no matter where in the income bracket that citizen may be in.

Considering that this legislation almost took the axe because of funding concerns but still managed to make it into the annual national budget just shows that education is still a big priority in this country. But this does not mean that we have reached the end goal. More things should be added to this legislation such as a bigger fund in order to cover most, if not all, of the school fees and payments.

Also worth noting is the registration required to acquire the grant given by the government. Something that a student does not need to apply for and should be already granted upon enrollment without any additional forms and registrations. This is something that should be tackled in the coming years of the administration; a series of small increments leading to the bigger and better picture—a tertiary education system free from payments and fees.

This future may seem like a far-fetched utopia, but a goal that is set should still be something to look up to and try to be achieved. Even though this future scenario may never happen, one can still believe that with the steps that the government took, that all’s well shall truly end well.

SUCs sa bansa. Kaakibat nito ang pagkakaroon ng patakaran ng bawat unbersidad para muling higpitan ang mga masasakop ng nasabing programa. Ang lahat ng scholars na nakatatanggap ng P15,000-pataas sa kanilang scholarship ay hindi na maaaring makapasok. Isang malaking tulong na rin ito para sa mga estudyanteng hindi napabilang sa mga scholarship grants. *** Lahat ng tao, takot maging mahirap, pero kadalasan tayo’y

nagkikibit-balikat na mayroon naman talagang mga tao na mas nahihirapan pa kaysa sa atin. Sa kadahilanang ito tayo nakukulong kaya minsan, hindi na natin nakikita kung ano nga ba ang tunay na halaga ng salitang ‘sapat.’

Hindi masamang mangarap, ngunit hindi na rin ito nagiging maganda kung hindi na natin isinasantabi ang magiging epekto nito sa ating kapwa. Matuto sana tayong makuntento dahil sa huli, lahat naman ay mawawala rin sa atin dahil walang permanente sa mundo.

THE WORK EDITORIAL BOARD AND STAFF A.Y. 2017-2018 PAULINE GRACE B. MANZANO Editor in Chief | ANDREA NICOLE B. SAPNU Associate Editor/ Literary Editor | CREISHA MAE S. DIMABAYAO Managing Editor | CRISTINE EMMANUELLE D.V. FLORES, JOSEPH C. DE JESUS Associate Managing Editors | LORDDAN U. FALLER News Editor | JANELLE PAMELA R. DAVID Features Editor | ISAIH KYLE C. UMIPIG Development Communication Editor | RICHMON A. CAYABYAB Sports Editor | PRINCESS GABRIELLE P. MASANQUE Graphics Editor | JOSEPH CARLO M. PINEDA Layout Editor | AUDREY S. DEL ROSARIO Senior Photojournalist | GABRIEL JANN S. INOCENCIO Senior Cartoonist | JOAN ROBIN T. MARTINEZ, GIANNE MERIELLE P. GONZALES, ARSENIO S. SANTIAGO, JR., JAN GUSFEL C. DUNGCA Correspondents | NIKKIE JOY T. PACIFICO Cartoonist | KENNETH LEO V. PAMLAS Graphic Artist | RALPH BRILLIANT P. MAMUCOD Layout Artist PROF. GLADIE NATHERINE G. CABANIZAS Adviser

THE

OPINION A

WORK

GUTS AND ROSES

To my Asthmatic Friend ANDREA NICOLE B. SAPNU AB ENGLISH

T

here is something about taking solely one route for the rest of your life; how you would immediately know the exact count of red roofs that it would take to get to a certain convenience store, which streets or which landmarks already passed by through the number of left and right turns even with your eyes closed or which seat makes the best viewing spot for sunsets on the rides heading home. (I’d usually reward myself a scenic ride in exchange of the stress and strains of regular school days).

It always takes an hour and a half, the trip to get to university through the means of PUJs or Public Utility Jeepneys, suggesting that in a year, approximately 65,700 minutes are intended for – and exclusively for – my back and forth tours just to attend classes.

The road to me is an old friend. The contemplations I have of life in general, this winding strand of asphalt has played witness to. As much as how it goes when you’ve known a companion for a long period of time, you’d develop this kind of sensitivity wherein even if the other party utters it or not, you’d inevitably notice when something does not seem right.

One day, I felt it as it frantically gasped for air. I felt it narrowing, like a constricting human vein, sinking from the ocean of tyres, gunk and smoke; that was when the consciousness of I, being an avid commuter, am no exception to the ailment that is depriving the road to properly breathe.

In the course of time in a particular Biology class, I remember getting acquainted to chronic lung diseases; it is only now that I had understood that next to the airways that make up

“

It is not the quantity that induces sickness, but its way of thinking.”

the very network that allows man to respire, the highways and the alleys do not exhibit much of a difference when it comes to form, function and vulnerability.

Asthma is considered a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways upon encountering external triggers such as dust and smoke. If the streets are the country’s passages of breathing and its inhabitants – the microscopic debris that eventually clog the channels, it could be inferred that the illness had manifested deeply, threatening the health of our outstretched highways.

Overcongestion of vehicles, be it in the metropolitan areas or provincial regions, has serious and long term effects to the environment when we look at it at a wider aspect, set aside the nit-picks of hassle and delay. According to Business Mirror Philippines, 300,000 car sales are reported on the year 2015 alone.

This is the amount of private vehicles

G

rowing up, we were taught to act in accordance to what is morally ethical, accepted – in line with the guidelines of being a socially adept human. Our religion, way of life, preferences, and the representation of how we act are shaped by nurturing societal factors rooted from our traditions. We have standards and slight deviations often arouse controversies, speculations, and a pit laden with discreet gossips.

Society, corresponding the revolutions that shaped modern civilization, has been an influential factor in determining how one individual could act – with or without regard to personal feelings or agenda.

This is how we know a boy must not sway his hips when he walks. The significance of choosing blue over pink and vice versa. Choosing to grow out one’s hair or cropping them close to the scalp, men in trousers, women in skirts. Our job descriptions are made out to match with our physique – where men employ strenuous activities and women knit and sew, cook and serve.

The casual stereotypes born out from a custom rooted seemingly from the beginning of time. Gender roles are just one from many of society’s rampant stereotypes.

Through wars between colonizers, gradual claims to independence, how we act have changed dramatically from when our ancestors were hunters and gatherers up to the period when civilization is flourishing. In our country, there are apparent changes with our society from before colonizers pillaged towards a time westernizing our preconceived orientation.

Modernity begs that social discriminations are, in a sense, primitive. The 21st century evolved into an era of equal opportunities – being born poor doesn’t mean dying as one. Success stories would comprise of rags to riches stories.

There is decline with conservatism and modern youth claims to be liberal, a colloquial term once associated with the practice to western customs.

No sooner had we adapted to the demands of technology; our lives have yet to revolve around cyberspace and machineries. It was quite fascinating to see how we progressed towards industrializing things, then regressing

AUGUST 2017

adding up to the already numerous units of transportation on our heaving roads.

The way I figure it, it is always the private vehicles that occupy most space in the midst of the chaotic traffic jams, considering that the proportion is, for example, one private car is to one or two persons only. This is in contrast to PUVs such as the good ‘ol jeepneys that are utilized to their utmost extent, hauling about a minimum of 10 persons per ride.

Each vehicle emit the same expanse of smoke that contributes to the deterioration of clean air. As much as the widespread increase of colorums (unregistered PUVs) and overcrowding of vehicles are on the verge of prevention on the National Capital Region, stricter regulations must be applied as well to the smaller municipalities, as the provinces and the metropolitan regions alike are equally affected by the wrath of traffic.

Innovative methods are formulated and, in fact, are already in practice such as carpools wherein a group of people arranges to commute together– now that is practicality.

But the difference it would make – preferring the use of public transportation – would be the new sense of sensibility; cutting off the expenditure for gas refills for the day while minimizing the hazardous elements that bring havoc to the environment and in a way, preserving the Filipino trademark of transport by helping ‘manong tsuper’ exceed his daily quota.

It is a general belief that the swift growth of the population is what causes the mayhem on our streets. I say it is not the quantity that induces sickness, but its way of thinking.

The road to me is an old friend, and over the time, I had developed empathy towards it. When one has a keen sense of awareness to road health, he then becomes conscious of his environment as well, and when one develops consciousness towards his environment, he will not blithely wait for the highways and the alleys to gasp for air again.

After all, there is no permanent cure to asthma, nor the over congestion of vehicles. There is only prevention.

BEDTIME STORIES

Because Society Happened JOAN ROBIN T. MARTINEZ AB ENGLISH back to meticulously practicing our craft. Menial labor becomes more valuable and expensive than factory produced. We’ve put more value in names rather than the use, and when the so-called quality product fails – we blame them on our shortcomings and

“

Society lets us know that we are acting outside the norm. We’ve experienced being shunned from expressing what we don’t understand...”

the expectation that expensive things are fragile.

Maybe it wasn’t that situation demands things; rather society demands it.

Growing up with all the expectations, the do’s and the don’ts, and whatever is the demand promulgated by mass media have created a new breed of humanity. One who has been perfectly capable of manning their own opinion to better suit the hostile environment; one whose perplexity and ignorance are easily hidden by self-pity; society became much more than a collective term to mean people – it is everything that drives its corresponding individual to act in accordance to its unspoken rules, binding them to an absolute pattern where life must lead to. Society, out of the technological influences, would tell a fish to climb a tree and call that education.

Despite the changes in society following the influx of globalization, the bonds between family remains somewhat unchanged. Our society revolves around these familial ties. It is the core of what we do – the things that we do are a reflection of how we were bought up. In a suburban setup, the peers do not ask who your parents are, but expect that their parents would. In a sort of a discreet line of questioning, there is a part where we are being evaluated as part of something bigger rather than an individual, unique by our own rights.

As our character gets profiled to which unofficial caste system we would belong into, a set of rules created by expectations would wrap itself around us–personal bubble be damned. Once a person gets caught into the web of social connections, the less freedom we get from doing something out of the norm.

Social media, another product of the new age, is one way to catalogue internet users in cyberspace. It has been increasingly becoming an

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ng layo na ng narating mo, ngayon ka pa ba susuko?”

“Tapusin mo na ‘yan, sinimulan mo na eh.”

Ilan sa atin ay nasabihan na ng mga katagang iyan, mga salitang oo, nakakapagbigaylakas ng loob sa karamihan ngunit parusa para sa iilan. Salitang naguudyok na kumapit pa o mga salitang nagkukulong sa pamamagitan ng konsensya.

Nagsimula sa isang musmos na kaisipan hanggang sa mamulat na. Lumaki ang bawat indibidwal na gising sa mentalidad na sa mundong ating ginagalawan ay may kautusan na ang mga bagay na iyong sinimulan ay nararapat lang tapusin. Desisyong iyong sinimulan, kailangan mong panindigan, pero hindi ba’t may mga iilang desisyon na kung minsan ay hindi tama, walang kasiguraduhan at walang basehan ngunit ipinagpapatuloy parin kaya’t nagiging bunga ng pagkakamali o ang tinatawag na spur of the moment decision lang iyon. Baka naman kaya mali kasi hindi mo desisyon, iyon pala

7

of Education Statistics sa America, nasa mahigit walumpong porsiyento o (80%) ng mga estudyante sa kolehiyo ang tuluyang nang mag-shift ng kurso o kung di naman ay magpapalipat ng major. Sa madaling salita, normal lang ito sa kabataan at hindi ba’t sabi nila’y ang kolehiyo daw ang paghahanda papunta sa real world ika nga nangangahulugan na ang kolehiyo ay isang training ground upang makapagexplore at madiskubre lalo ang iyong pagkatao, iyong hilig at kakayahan.

Ang kolehiyo, para sa akin, ang tamang panahon para magkamali. Masusubok ang tatag ng iyong kakayahan at kaisipan sa pamamagitan ng mga tagumpay na malalagpasan o mga pagsubok na haharapin. Dito ka dapat madadapa at babangon. Dito mo makikilala ang sarili mo ang iyong mga kalakasan at kahinaan ay iyong madidiskubre pagkatapak mo sa kolehiyo.

Mararanasan mong hindi matulog dahil sa patong-patong na requirements na tinatapos, makakasalamuha ka pa ng mga kagrupong walang ginawa kundi maging pabigat, o mga professors na

ALL THAT FITS

May Kabutihan din naman ang Pagsuko GIANNE MERIELLE P. GONZALES BSBA MARKETING ay desisyon ng ibang tao para sa iyo.

Isa ito sa mga naging at magiging balakid ng isang estudyante sa pagtapak niya ng kolehiyo. Ang pagpili ng kursong tatahakin at magiging kaaakibat sa panghinaharap na pamumuhay, ito ay isang magandang halimbawa ng pagdedesisyon. Huwag padalos dalos, dahil ito ang kurso na susuporta sa iyo habambuhay.

Maraming dahilan kung bakit mo pinili ang kursong iyan: una, baka parent’s choice; pangalawa, baka ayaw mong magisa kaya sumama sa barkada; pangatlo, wala ka ng ibang option; at ang panghuli ay dahil ito ang kursong gusto mo talaga. Ibaiba man ang rason nating lahat ngunit isa lang naman ang daan na tinatahak natin: ito ang daan patungo sa graduation.

Sa umpisa, ika’y isang magiliw na tagapakinig na handang matuto, masipag magsulat ng mga notes at kung may pagsusulit, magrerebyu h a n g g a n g madaling araw. Masugid kang matuto sa iyong mga professor, istrikto ka din sa mga deadline ng pinapagawa sa iyo. Pauulit-ulit lang naman ang routine na iyong ginagawa ngunit bakit ang resulta sa portal kung hindi bagsak, pasang-awa. Hindi ba sabi mo kung nakaya ng iba, makakaya mo rin kaya’t sinubukan mo ulit sa sumunod na semester, mas pinagiigihan mo ang pag-aaral mo, doblekayod, sunog-kilay gabi-gabi kasi ayaw mong sumuko, makakaya mo pang malagpasan to.

May nangyari ba? Wala.

Bakit kaya? Baka dahil hindi ka masaya.

Dito pumapasok ang paglipat ng kurso o “shifting” kung ito ay tawagin.

Nagkakaroon ng tiyansa ang isang estudyante na magpalipat sa kursong tunay na niyang napupusuan. Ayon sa isang datos ng National Center

demand nang demand. Ito ang mga araw na mapapaiyak ka na lang sa sobrang hirap.

Kapag nangyari iyon, doon mo lang matatanong ang sarili mo, “suko ka na ba?”

Desisyon mo na ang pakikinggan mo, iyon ba kung magpapatuloy ka at maglalakad ng tuwid. Marahil ito talaga ang gusto at kahit mahirap pagsisikapin mong makatapos, kayod kung kayod, ‘wag kang susuko! – sa iyo talaga applicable iyan.

O kaya nama’y babangon at tatalikod nang makapagsimula sa umpisa kung saan ang daan ay kasing hirap din ng una. Ang pinagkaiba lang ay dito ka sasaya, kaya ano, ang pumipigil sayo?

Baka takot.

Takot magkamali at magsisi. Takot ka sa sasabihin ng ibang tao.

Takot kang maging pabigat sa pamilya mo.

Takot kang umulit dahil maraming masasayang; panahon, pera at paghihirap.

Ngunit mas m a d a m i n g masasayang na oportunidad, experience at tiyansang sumaya kung hindi mo maisipang mag-shift at malay mo ito pala ay isang paraan pala ng Diyos upang ipahiwatig na hindi ito ang tamang landas para sa iyo.

Naniniwala ako na wala kang pagsisihan lalo na kung alam mong sasaya ka naman sa huli. Sa buhay hindi naman kasi pabilisan ang sukatan ng tagumpay, kundi ang saya at contentment sa sarili na naibabahagi mo sa ibang tao, lalo na sa pamilya mo, habang inaabot mo ang mga pangarap mo. Gaya ko, isa din akong sa mga nagkamali ng desisyon, natakot umulit at madagdagan ang taon sa kolehiyo, natakot sumugal. Takot mag-shift.

It will take a lot of courage and determination.

Ako sumuko na, kaya ngayon sumaya.

Ikaw, suko ka na? Good. Ngayon tumalikod ka’t magsimula ulit.

avenue that we are using thoroughly – in fact, permeating our way of life. What started as a mean to communicate becomes so much more. Here, we exist. Here, what we say seems so important that it is crucial to shift people’s perspectives toward our own point of view. What starts as something informative turns persuasive turns hostile turns egocentric.

Maybe society means having a standardized point of view to an issue rather than an opinion.

Our independence is clearly being defined as nothing close to

being absolute. Our choices are often affected by what others may think and what we wanted were just illusions crafted to the idea that we have freedom in these choices. What we thought were what we decided to do might just be a by-product born out of the expectations. Society lets us know that we are acting outside the norm. We’ve experienced being shunned from expressing what we don’t understand, we fold – a Mimosa pudica hiding itself at the slightest touch.

Because, society happened.

“

Naniniwala ako na wala kang pagsisisihan lalo na kung alam mong sasaya ka naman sa huli.”

8

AUGUST 2017

OPINION

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BACK TO BASICS

Don’t play the wrong game JOSEPH CARLO M. PINEDA BS CIVIL ENGINEERING

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e might often be advised that student organizations, more commonly referred to as “orgs,” are a good training ground before leaving the university as they prepare us for the corporate world we’ll step into in the future. They are an integral part of the education process and of the culture of the university. By joining an organization such as council, publication, or club, students gain the skills and experiences that academic activities cannot provide. However, the commitment that is being dedicated to extracurricular activities can be significant and sometimes becomes too much.

Last semester, I almost got my first failing grade in college. I am writing this not because I blame my involvement in the university publication, but it cannot also be denied that being involved in extra-curricular activities lessens the time we allot for studying.

I, myself, would always fail to balance my org assignments with my studies.

Likewise, org works could be an addition to the stress caused by school requirements, although this can be avoided if time is properly

managed.

The Supreme Student Council, for example, is recognized as the

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The commitment that is being dedicated to extracurricular activities can be significant but sometimes becomes too much.”

highest student body in the university, therefore, the busiest too. Its officers

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ng mga patakaran sa loob ng unibersidad ay ginawa upang mas lalo pa tayong maging responsableng mga estudyante at hindi lang ‘yan basta ipinatutupad dahil gusto tayong mahirapan, kundi upang maisip natin na habang nananatili tayo rito ay nararapat lamang na tayo ay sumunod sa mga utos sapagkat ang mga ito ay para sa ating mas ikabubuti.

Bilang mga mag-aaral, napakahalagang mayroon tayong kamalayan sa mga nangyayari sa loob ng ating tahanan patungkol sa mga alituntuning dapat nating sundin, lider man tayo ng organisasyon o hindi, nakatatanda man o mas nakababata.

Kadalasan kasi sa atin ay biglabigla na lamang nagbibigay ng mga komento sa mga tuntuning inilalabas ng administrasyon kahit hindi pa nila alam ang totoong layunin ng mga ito at ang buong kwento. Tulad ng magsimula ang programa ng gobyerno na Free Tuition 2017 dito sa ating unibersidad ay lumikha ito ng samu’t saring mga katanungan kung paano sila makasasali dahil hindi naman lahat ay siguradong mabibigyan ng pagkakataon.

Matatandaang naglabas ng memorandum noon ang Commission on Higher Education (CHED) upang ipaalam sa lahat kung anu-ano ang mga kinakailangang ipasang dokumento upang mapabilang sa nasabing programa. Kaugnay nito ay pinaikli at pinaintindi ng administrasyon ang mga requirements upang hindi na mahirapan ang lahat, ngunit nang simulang lakarin ng mga estudyante kasama ng kani-kanilang mga magulang at sa mga sumunod pang mga araw, napuno ng maraming mga daing at reklamo ang social media particular na sa Facebook na napakahirap umanong kunin ng ilang dokumento.

Ang isa sa mga pinakakailangang isumite ay ang Income Tax Return o Certificate of Indigency. Ngunit tila hindi naging malinaw ito dahil ang pilit nilang kinuha ay ang ITR na pahirapan kung kunin kahit pwede namang Certificate of Indigency na lamang dahil kung iintindihin, ang “o” ay nangangahulugang kahit alin sa dalawa ay maaari.

Ito ang isa sa mga dahilan kung bakit ang ilan ay kung anu-ano ang inirereklamo kahit wala naman talagang problema. Ang ilan sa mga pinagsasabi nila ay “free tuition naman bakit kailangan pa ng mga requirements? Akala ko ba tutulungan

have to commit to their duties as they were chosen by the majority of the students. Being a student leader, however, will require extra hours in one’s daily schedule. This, if mismanaged, will compromise not only their studies but their health as well. And yet, their commitment is important to represent the students and protect their rights.

Gaining new experiences, finding acquaintance, and developing skills are common reasons why students engage themselves in such activities.

It is, unfortunately, also evident that others only assume position in student organization for the benefits it encompasses or for the privileges they can brag about. But one of the reasons which stand out is that it adds flavor to our resumé.

Many companies would look for applicants who had held high positions in their respective organizations as it ascertains their ability and experience especially in leadership and teamwork. The fact that this can give a great impression to our future employers does matter because from their viewpoint, an experienced leader is a great follower in their company.

A wise decision should overpower our doubts in choosing which organization to join. We must identify our bounds before committing ourselves to something that we might regret later on. There are students who would include themselves to several orgs without considering that it can significantly affect their studies.

If you are one of those who have the capacity to handle such responsibility, you’d probably become far more >>Jump to p.9

IN LORDD’S NAME

Sumunod Kahit Minsan Lang LORDDAN U. FALLER BSBA- FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT tayong mga estudyante, bakit parang kailangan pa nating gumastos at maghirap?” Pagkatapos ng mga ito ay kung sinu-sino pa ang mga sinisisi.

Kung tutuusin ay dapat na magpasalamat na lamang tayo dahil kahit papaano ay mababawasan ang mga babayarin natin. Ni minsan ba ay may nag-post at may nabasa ba kayo sa social media na nagpapasalamat sa gobyerno na sa kabila ng mga problema at mga kaguluhan ay naisip pa rin nila tayong tulungan? Kung sa iilan ay napakaliit lamang nitong

“

Ang hirap kasi sa iba, napakahirap para sa kanila ang alamin ang lahat ng nangyayari sa kanilang paligid.”

bagay, karamihan naman sa atin ay itinuturing itong napakalaking biyaya.

Kung sa totoo lang ay napakaliit na bagay ang pinapapasa nila, bakit kaya hirap sa atin ang sundin ito?

Dapat bang lahat ng gusto natin ay nasusunod?

Nang baguhin ng administrasyon ang mga kailangang ipasang dokumento na ayon sa iba ay “mahirap” kunin, marami na namang nagsulputang mga daing. Maaalalang

ginawa na lamang dalawa ang requirements: Certificate of Indigency at application form. Dahil sa mga reklamo, sinunod ito ng mga mas nakatataas upang hindi na lahat mahirapan. Ngunit nagsalita na naman ang mga bibig na hindi maintindihan ang mga nangyayari.

Ngayong nakumpleto na nila ang mga dokumento, bakit raw babaguhin o binawasan pa? Sinayang lang daw ang kanilang pinagsikapang kunin.

Hindi ba dapat natuwa pa tayo dahil ang ibang hindi makakuha ay wala nang kailangang problemahin?

Nagreklamo tayong napakahirap ng mga requirements at ngayong binawasan ay umaangal na naman tayo? Dapat alam natin na hindi lahat ng bagay ay umaayon sa ating kagustuhan. Lagi sana nating tandaan, marami tayong magkakapatid dito sa itinuturing nating pangalawang tahanan at lahat tayo ay magkakaiba.

Huwag sanang sarili lang ang iniisip natin.

Ang hirap kasi sa iba, napakahirap para sa kanila ang alamin ang lahat ng nangyayari sa kanilang paligid.

Kung may ilalabas man na mga bagong kalakaran ay responsable tayong alamin ito dahil tayo ang unang maaapektuhan. Iwasan sana nating magsalita ng kung anu-anong alam nating hindi makatutulong sa pag-unlad ng ating unibersidad. Bago ang aksyon, alamin muna dapat natin ang buong kwento at istorya bago magbigay ng kani-kaniyang konklusyon.

Marahil minsan ay nasa tama tayo at madalas tayo ang hindi nila maintindihan, ipabatid sana natin ang

>>Jump to p.9

THE

H

ow do you like your mocha? Topped? Iced?

Hot? Or shaken?

Notwithstanding how should a mocha be prepared, we are not going to talk fully about how Mocha Uson spreads false news, inaccurate opinion, fabricated information, and inappropriate comments to her over millions of followers on Facebook, but on how similar some of the anti-College Retention Exam (CRE) people to Mocha.

For your information, Mocha was a singer-dancer turned sexy star turned blogger turned columnist and political analyst and now turned a Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) board member who eyes to eradicate soft porn in the Filipino

WORK

what? Shout there the notions you’re fighting for but in reality, you do not have to—first, you know nothing about the issue; second, if you know nothing, better be just a mere spectator.

Are you one of those people who act like soldiers in a warfare but got no guns and bullets? Well, there’s one thing you should do and that is to abort that mission.

Moreover, when some of the protesters were asked what made them join the rally, they answered, “Wala lang.” Are you even serious? You are trying to ask for the suspension of CRE because wala lang? You are asking for a higher quality of education, more highly-equipped facilities, competent professors and instructors because wala lang?

These are some of the lame

PRIMARY COLORS

Brewing Mocha ISAIH KYLE C. UMIPIG BS EDUCATION-ENGLISH

television. Nonetheless, the people still questions this hypocrisy for it seems to be illogical. What does Mocha know about TV reviews and such?

Similar to the anti-CRE people who are clueless what they have joined in, it’s seemingly a hypocritical act to lend your body in fighting for what other people believe in. Without them knowing, without them meddling in, it is but a pure act of idiocy for not being aware and well-informed.

So, questions from the pro-CRE were raised: Why do some students do not want CRE when at first, it is for them; it is for the welfare of everybody?

In fact, for whom the program was intended? It is for them, is it not? So why do they need to argue with this?

Since a lot of students congregated and flocked on a rally to lay their tirades and rants about the educational system they’re having at present, indeed, they are really serious and have justified stands about their desire—to junk the college retention exam.

Once you entered a rally, a combat against the administration, forums, assemblies and whatnots, then, it just means that you have adequate knowledge about the matter. Too, if you joined such anti-something groups, it simply means you know what it’s for.

If you do not even know at least a blip of what you’re into, then what made you to be here? Do not tell me you are here because you wanted to be one of those people they look up to because you’re fighting for the rights of the people. That’s it? If the reason why you joined the rally is to be cool in the eyes of the others; thus, you’re actually walking in the wrong lane. There is nothing wrong about joining such movements. We all have our stands regarding different issues concerning us; we can support, we can react, we can oppose it, we can be involved, and we can also be just the audience. After all, we lift our fists together with our own opinions because that is our opinion, not somebody else’s. You’re thickfaced to show up in a rally and then

“

reasons why misconception has been a problem with people. Fallacies and inaccuracies were spread. The unaware humans of the society believe it; then, snags follow.

Oftentimes, your standpoint might make you feel strong and firm, but will rotten the veracity of it, once it was proven false and misleading.

We might not claim it nor commend the program but the college retention exam is quite beneficial.

It encounters hitches and glitches along its implementation, but we got to realize its real purpose—to prepare the students to be rational as they take greater challenges once they take the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET).

In a dialogue with Sir Richard Macapulay, LET 2016 topnotchstudent for Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED), he held that he always practices his academic aptitude with the use of various tests and drills.

In fact, he wanted to take the retention exam in the college but was not given the chance. Even a person like him is after the benefits students can acquire from CRE. But, it’s just one of the some reasons why CRE should be returned and be implemented again after an interregnum for a short span of time.

The retention exam is temporarily suspended but the quest for another approach to maintain and enhance the academic standing of the college and the university is still at its peak.

Definitely, we do not stop from an ending; we should always have a fresh start from there.

Let this be enlightenment for the erroneous and opinionated people of the country. Why not try to be learned first before speaking out your mind?

Why not try to be oriented first before doing a move? These are simple steps, just like in preparing a cup of mocha Frappucino, which can lead you to excellent choices.

Do not be narrow-minded! You are not Mocha.

Oftentimes, your standpoint might make you feel strong and firm, but will rotten the veracity of it, once it was proven false and misleading.”

TARLAC STATE UNIVERSITY VISION Tarlac State University is envisioned to be a premier university in the Asia-Pacific Region.

MISSION Tarlac State University commits to promote and sustain the offering of quality and relevant programs in higher and advanced education ensuring equitable access to education for people empowerment, professional development, and global competitiveness.

THE

OPINION

WORK

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omen would often try to circumvent the idea of empowerment by falling into the superficiality of our prescribed social norms. In a generation where the power of social platforms equates to the power of the self, the modern woman now integrates herself deeper into the chasm of supposed perfection. Though chick flicks and romance movies usually promote the importance of the inner self over face value, the contemporary representation of women in media is something that can actually be dangerous—a toxic synthesis of the imagined perfect girl.

The conception of beauty in the Filipino psychology and the interstices surrounding the word ganda has its nuances within the Filipino culture. Analyzing the separation of the physical ganda and the inner kagandahang-loob and its implications and disparities in the representation of Filipino beauty, the youth currently has a muddled impression on what it means to be beautiful. With the existence of social media influencers whose perfect skin, hair, bodies, and Instagram posts feed our need to be just like them, we forget the importance of self-care.

Sometimes, we idealize ourselves without checking back to the reality of the world where women should aim to empower themselves for their own sakes, instead of others.

The media’s concept of beauty has always been an interesting ideologue that is present in various cultural formations and societies, for it tries to encapsulate a conception of the ‘ideal’ in the physical and the mental spheres of human life. Much like the problems on aesthetics of Western culture on whether to assess beauty in a subjective or objective matter, it collocates the problem of arresting the conception of Filipino beauty and any other aesthetic standards

ODE TO THE NAMELESS

Disempowering Beauty ANDREA S. ESPINOSA BSBA- MARKETING MANAGEMENT encircling beliefs. This delineation promotes a proper and dual understanding of beauty in the hope of appraising both the beauty of what is seen and the beauty underlying on the intangible, unconscious base of Filipino personality. The concept of social norms is deplored in order to understand the instability of the ganda as a cultural metanarrative in the constant field of stereotypes and discrimination.

Other forms of idealization that serve as an attack on women empowerment are often found in social institutions such as schools and workplaces. In here, the media further extends its discriminatory power by influencing people to promote policies that singlehandedly oppress women. These proclaim for the shallow aesthetic appreciation of the physical self and a basic sensation and perception of the ideals of the Filipino physical identity.

The characteristics of ganda may range from different archetypes such as the ‘white girl culture’ of bleached hair, threaded eyebrows, and, dark red lipstick. This is an inquiry to the identity of the Filipino beauty and its constant directives and mechanisms that affects a culture from foreign influences. These are also stipulated in the many areas of media attended by many Filipino youth like TV programs, Instagram, and beauty blogs. These are powerful spaces to permeate the Filipino consciousness as a matter of ‘getting-up’ with the technological advances of the

capitalist-driven global economy, together with the rising pressure of fitting in with our peers by perfecting our physical appearances.

In this same manner, the idea of ganda constantly changes to emulate and adapt to the constant demands of the society.

The question of Filipino physical identity is at par with the question of what or how we assess beauty in the contemporary era. This thought lingers on the growing disparity between identity and consciousness that has been

OF SPILLED INK AND RANDOM THOUGHTS

unti nang nagagaya ng mga Pilipino.

Nakakalungkot sapagkat kasabay ng lumalalang paghanga nila sa mga ito ay tuluyan ding nawawala ang ating istilo bilang mga Pilipino.

Madalas marinig ko rin sa mga K-drama fans ang mga katagang aAng korni kasi ni John Lloyd at Bea eh,” o minsan ay “low quality kasi ang mga Pinoy movies, sobrang cliché na rin ng mga storylines nila,” o kaya nama’y “ang baduy kasi ng mga Pinoy movies”–korni, cliché, at baduy nga ba talaga? O sadyang hindi lang natin binibigyan ng tiyansa ang mga pelikulang Pilipino para patunayan na kaya rin nila tayong pakiligin, patawanin at paiyakin? Kung kalidad lang naman pala ang hanap ng mga Pilipino pagdating sa mga pelikula, hindi naman ganoon kahina ang mga kapwa natin Pilipino sa paglikha ng mga ito, hindi ba? Halimbawa nalang ng mga indie films na sa katunayan ay tinatangkilik din sa ibang bansa.

Dagdag pa nito, ang mga lokal na pelikula’y mas angkop na ating panoorin dahil sinasalamin nila ang ugali’t kultura ng mga Pilipino, madalas mga pangkasalukuyang suliranin pa sa bansa ang kanilang ipinapakita, kung kaya’t nakapaghahatid pa ito ng leksyon para sa mga manonood.

Habang sinusulat ko rin pala ang kolum na ito, naalala ko tuloy ‘yung pelikula ni Heneral Luna na tumatak sa aking puso’t isipan. Bukod sa mga nakakakilabot na digmaan ay ang kakila-kilabot na mensaheng nais nitong ipahatid sa mga manunuod.

Nasalamin sa pelikulang ito kung paano nangyayari ang kompetisyon at lamangan sa pagitan ng mga Pilipino, Pilipino laban sa kapwa Pilipino. Oo, ipinakita sa akin ng pelikula na minsan ang tunay nating kalaban ay mismong mga kababayan natin, nakakalungkot dahil ang sitwasyon na ito ay nangyayari pa rin pala hanggang ngayon, sabi nga nila, “History repeats itself.”

Hindi man kasing lala nito, pero ang bottomline ay nangyayari pa rin.

Paano? Sa simpleng pag-ookray ng iba sa mga palabas na gawa ng kapwa nila Pilipino. Sa simpleng pagpili kay Oppa Gong Yoo kaysa

Pagyakap sa K-Culture CREISHA MAE S. DIMABAYAO BSBA- ECONOMICS

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nnyeonghaseyo?

Gamsa dogseo!

(Kumusta? Salamat sa pagbabasa.)

Hindi maikakailang sa pag-apak ng taong 2017, umusbong ang pagsikat ng mga koreanovelas sa ating bansa nang ito ay maging matunog sa mga Pilipinong manonood dahil kakaiba ang taglay na karisma at hatid na katatawanan ng mga ito, gayundin ang mga hindi inaasahang plot twist sa istorya, lalung-lalo na’t hindi maitatanggi na hindi pangkaraniwan ang hatid na #KTB o ‘kilig to the bones’ ng mga Korean love stories.

Kaya bata, kabataan, mukhang bata, o isip-bata pa man iyan ay hook na hook sa mga ito.

Ika nga nila, unti-unti nang nagpalamon ang karamihan sa sistema ng “K-drama.” Simpleng paghanga at pagsubaybay na kung titingnan ay wala namang naidudulot na mali, ngunit ang nakakalungkot ay tila hindi natin napapansing untiunti na rin nating natatalikuran nang hindi namamalayan ang mga orihinal na likha ng ating mga kababayan pagdating sa larangan ng pelikula at mga teleserye, mga palabas at istoryang gawa ng mga Pilipinong prodyuser at mga direktor.

Hindi ko sinasabing mali ang panunuod ng K-drama, pero kapansin-pansin na maaari itong maging mali sa kaparaanang halos hindi na natin tangkilikin ang sariling atin. Halimbawa na lang ang mga teleseryeng gawa ng ating mga kababayan. Sa kakapanuod ng mga ito, dumadating din sa puntong naaadapt na natin ang kanilang kultura at naisasantabi na ang ating sariling

kultura na siyang tunay naman nating pagkakakilanlan bilang mga Pilipino.

Siguro, masasabi kong kasama na nito ay ang mga pagkaing inaangkat ng Korea sa ating bansa kung saan dumarami na ang mga tindahan ng mga ito, gayundin ang biglaang pagboom ng mga negosyong kainan na Korean-inspired ang tema dala ng

“

Tayo mismo, ikinukulong natin ang ating mga sarili sa pamamagitan ng pagyakap sa mga bagay na hindi naman sa atin.”

matinding paghanga ng mga Pilipino sa K-culture, dahil sa impluwensiyang dala ng kanilang napapanuod.

Bukod sa pagkain, malaki rin ang naging impluwensiya ng Korean culture sa ating bansa pagdating sa istilo ng pananamit, na pati awra ng mga Koreano’t Koreana ay paunti-

“

The idea of ganda constantly changes to emulate and adapt to the constant demands of the society.”

responsible for the ambiguity of Filipino behavior, and for the Filipinos’ ambivalence for their marginal participation in the struggles of the society.

Meanwhile, the kagandahangloob is a value attributed to the Filipino ‘self’ that specifies for the beauty within. This kalooban is concrete, active, dynamic, acquired and personalized by an individual.

This line of thought generates access from the moral thought of examining the philosophical and the topological concerns of the Filipino psychology of beauty. The action of kagandahang-loob is based on a relevant performance of a good deed through course of once or repeated actions. This largely affirms the condition of acting with kindness, patience, and empathy towards others. This assessment of beauty is an understanding of a morally relative capability of the Filipino personality to act with good will together with the moral values of justice, truth and decency. While this can be considered as more complex and complicated, it is where self-actualization rises from.

It does not only necessarily mean that we should act with grace or become mahinhin; rather, it advances a woman’s drive to appreciate herself whether she subscribes to the social norms of beauty, or not.

The kagandahang-loob is thus a core deeper and more profound, and is the root of all these parts and their source and center of radiation. To a certain degree, it should be tolerated of some of its inherent ambiguities, both when it stands as the synthetic concept par excellence for the human subject and when its parts stand for the whole.

The ganda and the kagandahangloob are culturally discursive of Filipino identity and this makes up for the attention in constant search for the idea of ‘beauty’ in a dynamic cultural space. This instability of the Filipino ideologue of ‘beauty’ is

kay John Lloyd o sa madaling salita, sa pagpili ng mga banyaga kaysa sa kung ano ang kayang ibigay ng mga Pilipino, ang masaklap, inuuna pa natin minsan ang mamintas kaysa tumangkilik at sumuporta sa mga bagay na matatawag nating sariling atin.

Doon sumagi sa isip ko kung may sense ba talaga kapag ipinagdiriwang natin ang Independence Day tuwing Hunyo, kasi naisip ko lang, malaya nga ba talaga tayo? Dahil sa mga nangyayari ngayon na unti-unti na tayong nalalamon ng kultura ng Korea (maging ng iba pang banyaga) ay nakakapangduda na ang kalayaan na ating tinatawag. Literal na malaya tayo dahil walang sumasakop sa atin bansa, pero sa kabila noon, bihag parin tayo ng kultura at istilo ng ibang bansa, mas minamahal pa natin ang kultura nila kaysa sa atin.

Tayo mismo, ikinukulong natin ang ating mga sarili sa pamamagitan ng pagyakap sa mga bagay na hindi naman sa atin.

Siguro, isa rin ito sa mga dahilan kung bakit nananatiling mahirap ang ating bansa dahil sa mas inuuna nating bilhin o tangkilikin ang produkto na ibang bansa kaysa sa atin, na imbes na kapwa natin Pilipino ang kikita ay napupunta pa sa iba. Habang naiihi ka na sa kilig kakapanood ng kdrama, hindi mo namamalayang pinapayaman mo na ang bansa nila.

Sa huli, hindi naman masama ang panonood ng K-drama o pag-idolo ng mga ito sapagkat sa kasalukuyang panahon, parte na ito ng lipunang ating ginagalawan dulot ng globalisasyon at unti-unting paglago ng ating relasyon sa ibang bansa dito sa Asya lalo na’t ngayon ay mayroon ng Association of South East Asian Nation (ASEAN) Integration, pero hindi naman sana maging dahilan ito upang hayaan nating tuluyang mabura ang kultura at mga bagay na kayang likhain ng atin kapwa, bagkus sana ay maging mga kasangkapan pa tayo para mas lalong sumikat ang mga ito. Pagbabalanse lamang ang kinakailangan, kaibigan.

PS: Salamat sa Google translator.

AUGUST 2017 fb.com/thework @theworktsu

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brought about by the implications of constant pressure of the media in a neocolonial setting that provides for the disparities of the conception of Filipino beauty in itself.

Hence, when we search for the meaning of beauty in front of the mirror, we should remember that there is more to beauty than what the eyes present. While aesthetic norms like perfect skin and skinny bodies account for the acceptance of society, a woman’s ideals of beauty should focus more on what and where she feels most confident and self-assured. A woman is not only the second sex, or an inferior entity that falls behind the patriarchal shadow of men. Rather, a woman is a powerful entity that is capable not only of standing for herself, but also of defining her own meaning of beauty.

Sumunod Kahit Minsan Lang From page 8

problema nang maayos at kung hindi nila tayo kayang intindihin, gumawa tayo ng aksyong alam nating wala tayong matatapakang kung sino.

Kasabay ng pagbabawas ng mga requirements ay ang pagkukumpara rin ng ibang estudyante sa ibang institusyon, kung bakit sa iba ay wala ng mga dokumento at kaagad na lahat sila tuition free na – isang bagay na naman kung bakit halos lahat ay naglabas ng kani-kaniyang palagay.

Una sa lahat, ang pinakapinagkakaiba ng lahat ng paaralan ay ang dami ng populasyon, dahil dito, natural lang na magkakaiba rin ang ibibigay na badyet.

Pangalawa, nasa namamahala sa isang institusyon kung paano nila ito hahawakan upang lahat ay makasama sa nasabing programa ng gobyerno.

Bilang estudyante, ang pakikinig at pagsunod sa mga simpleng tuntunin ng ating mga taga-gabay ay maaaring maghatid sa atin sa mga inaasam nating tagumpay. Kung hindi mo kayang gawin, bahala ka na sa buhay mo, gumawa ka ng sarili mong eskwelahan.

Don’t play the wrong game From page 8

experienced among others, but I hope you’re not one of those who are struggling to lift their grades up before hitting the rock bottom.

While it is useful to progress in a student organization, we should avoid its interference with our education. Overcommitment for these is also risking our health and studies. A five in your grades is not as high as a five-of-five performance rating in your org. We are not at the university for the sake of these organizations alone. Participating in after-school activities is just a peripheral of our college life. If red marks eventually show up on our student portal, then it is time to change our focal point and make academics the focus. Putting all fault to our involvement with these activities other than our mere negligence is a false incrimination to our respective orgs whose only aim is to cultivate us.

Everyone has only limited amount of time and energy. Part of our growth as individuals is learning to say “no,” even to people who take control in our organizations. There are some who will be disappointed to our incapacity to do what they want us to do, but it is important for us as students to practice self-care.

Extracurricular activities will offer us many opportunities while we are in college but they should just be in addition to and not in substitute of the academic program our university has. Setting priorities and keeping an eye on our commitments are still the key in ensuring our well-being.

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AUGUST 2017 fb.com/thework @theworktsu

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ANG PAGSUBOK NG TATSULOK

AT ANG PAG-ABOT SA TUKTOK NI JANELLE PAMELA DAVID

“

K

ung susumahin, napakaraming hadlang na maaaring maging dahilan upang tayo ay tumigil na abutin ang ating mga pangarap.

Ito ay maaaring dahil na rin sa pagkaantala ng pagsisimula ng ating edukasyon, kasalatan sa pera, kahirapan sa hanapbuhay, matatarik na kabundukan o kalayuan ng paaralan. Maaari nating sisihin ang suliranin na ating mga kinakaharap upang sumuko.

Ngunit wala sa talasalitaan ni Rino Jaime Dela Cruz ang mga salitang nabanggit na maaaring maging hadlang sa pag-abot ng kanyang pangarap. Mas matayog ang kanyang hangarin sa mga bundok na kanyang tatahakin at mas malalim pa sa mga ilog na kanyang tatawirin upang maabot ang mga nais niya sa buhay.

ANG PAKIKIPANGTUNGGALI SA KATARIKAN Hindi estranghero kay Rino ang anino ng kahirapan. Siya ang bunso sa pitong magkakapatid. Ang pamilya Dela Cruz ay nakatira sa Sitio Payapa, Labney, isang barangay sa bayan ng Mayantoc kung saan karamihan ng mga naninirahan ay ang mga grupo ng Abelling, isa sa mga tribo ng Aeta. Dalawang oras ang biyahe mula sa kabihasnan ng bayan na Mayontoc papunta sa Barangay Labney. Dahil sa matarik na daan, tanging mga truck at pribadong sasakyan lamang ang may kakayahan tahakin ang daan patungong Labney. Pagkatapos ng katarikan ay sasalubong ang ilog na kailangan tawirin upang tunguhin ang munting barrio ng Labney.

Limang oras ang kailangang lakbayin

ni Rino mula sa kanilang munting tahanan papunta sa Paaralang Elementarya ng Labney.

Kasingtarik man ng mga bundok na knyang tinatahak ang kanyang mga suliranin ay hindi niya naisipang sumuko.

Bunso sa pitong magkakapatid si Rino.

Sa murang edad ay tumutulong na siya sa kanyang mga magulang sa kanilang hanapbuhay. Si Rino ay tumutulong mangalap ng mga kayuhan upang gawing uling na maaaring ibenta sa kanilang mga kapitbahay at upang pandagdag na rin ng kanyang gastusin sa eskwelahan.

KABALIKAT ANG BALAKID

Sa mga pagsubok na kanyang kinakaharap ay hindi sumagi sa kanyang isip na sumuko sa kanyang mga pangarap, bagkus naging motibasyon ito upang pagbutihin ang kanyang pag-aaral. Ang pangarap niyang iangat ang kaniyang pamilya sa kanilang kahirapan ay naging susi upang siya ay magpursigi. Ngunit noong nasa ikatlong baitang sa elementarya si Rino ay kinailangan niyang isantabi ang kanyang pag-aaral nang dahil sa kahirapan.

Kinailangan ng buong pamilya na maghanpbuhay.

Bumalik ulit sa pag-aaral si Rino noong siya ay labing-isang taong gulang at muli niyang tinahak ang daan patungo sa kaunlaran. Kinailangan niyang bumalik sa unang baitang upang mahasa muli ang kanyang kakayahang magbasa at magsulat na minsan nang sinubok ng pahanon at kasalatan.

Hindi lamang pagsubok na dala ng kahirapan ang kinaharap ni Rino. Bakas sa kanyang munting mukha ang kalungkutan nang muli

Hindi naman natin maaabot ang isang pangarap kung walang pagsubok.�

niyang inialala ang mga pagkakataong siya ay nakaranas ng pangungutya mula sa kanyang mga kamag-aral. Ang kanyang edad ay naging sentro ng pangungutya sapagkat siya ay anim na taong mas matanda kaysa sa kanyang naging kamag-aral.

Naranasan na ring magtago ni Rino tuwing lunch break dahil sa takot na mahusgahan ng kanyang mga kamag-aral ang kanyang baon na asin at kanin. Siya ay pumupunta sa tulay malapit sa paaralan upang kumain nang mag-isa at upang umiwas na rin sa mga mapanghusgang mata sa paaralan.

Nang nasa huling baitang na sa elementarya si Rino ay siya ring pagkakasakit ng kanyang ina. Nagmumugto ang kanyang mga mata nang kanyang ikwento ang pagkakasakit ng ina. Sumagi sa kanyang isip na muling huminto sa pag-aaral; humanap na lamang ng hanapbuhay upang sila ay may makain at alagaan na lamang ang kanyang ina subalit kinailangan niyang magpakatatag para sa kanyang pamilya at kailangang ituloy ang kanyang pag-aaral dala-dala ang inspirasyong mapabuti ang kalagayan ng ina.

KAAKIBAT NG PAG-ASA Hindi tumigil si Rino at itinuloy ang pag-aaral sa kanyang huling baitang sa elementarya, sa tulong ng Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, isang non-profit organization na tumutulong sa mga

kapus-palad na mag-aaral sa buong bansa.

Isa si Rino sa mga mapalad na mabiyayaan ng tulong. Hindi naman ito sinayang ni Rino at nakitaan siya ng potensyal ng kanyang mga guro at ng nasabing organisasyon upang ipagpatuloy ang pagtulong sa kanya.

Dahil sa kanyang kasipagan, tinutulungan rin siya nina G. Rustico at Gng. Teresita Corpuz, ang District Supervisor at Master Teacher II sa kanyang paaralan. Kasalukuyan nilang pinapatuloy si Rino sa kanilang tahanan upang ituloy ang kanyang pag-aaral ng sekondarya sa Josephine Cojuangco National Technical Vocational High School, isang paaralan sa bayan ng Mayantoc. Tulad ng isang magulang, nais nilang makitang makapagtapos si Rino sa kanyang pag-aaral at maabot ang kanyang mga mithiin.

Bagamat malapit na lamang ang bagong paaralan ni Rino sa tahanang kanya ngayong tinutuluyan ay minsan hinahanap-hanap ng kanyang mga paa ang pakiramdam ng paglalakad ng napakahabang oras upang makapag-aral sa Labney, pati na rin ang pag-aaruga ng kanyang mga magulang at pagsasamahan nila ng kanyang mga kapatid.

Nakapagtapos si Rino sa elementarya bilang Class Valedictorian ng kanyang batch. Isang malaking tagumpay para sa isang katulad ni Rino ang makapagtapos, ngunit ang pagtatapos ng may karangalan ay kapurihan sa Panginoon at pasasalamat sa kanyang pamilya at sa mga tumulong sa kanya. Siya ngayon ay kasalukuyang nag-aaral sa paaralang pangsekondarya ng Labney, at pangarap niyang maging isang inhinyero balang araw upang makapagpatayo ng gusaling paaralan para sa kanyang mga kababayan.

Ang pagpapatupad ng no collection fee sa paaralang sekondarya ang nagiging solusyon ng Josephine Cojuangco NTVHS, sa pangunguna ni Dr. Nelia Y. Andres, ang punong-guro, upang hindi maging hadlang sa mga mag-aaral sa Mayantoc ang kahirapan.

Sabi nga nila, kung sino pa ang mga walang-wala ay sila ang mga masipag at tiyaga. Katulad ni Rino, ang pagsubok at mga suliranin na ating kinakaharap ay hindi dapat nating gawing hadlang upang maabot ang ating mga pangarap. Walang magsasabing huli na ang lahat upang magsimula muli; dahil silang mga nalugmok ay matapang na titindig at lalaban pang muli.

Photos from wire

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BANTAY-PELIKULA

NI ANDREA NICOLE SAPNU “Maaari mo nang buksan ang iyong mga mata.”

Bahagyang lumilihis ang indie film sa kumpol ng mga kategoryang pampelikula; nagtataglay ito ng mas malalim na interpretasyon sa mga pagpapahalaga ng tao habang nanatiling mababa ang laang ginugugol sa eksekusyon ng serye ng mga eksena.

Mula sa lokal na manunulat na naghatid sa TRIO (2015), ang pitong minutong film na nag-uwi ng samu’t saring parangal sa mga patimpalak ng paggawa ng maikling pelikula, inihandog ng Ian Cruz Productions ang panibagong independent film na muling tumalakay sa kahalagahan ng pakikisalamuha at pagiging esensyal ng pagkakaroon ng katuwang sa buhay ng isang tao.

Binigyan ng Ang Pangarap Ko ng panibagong bihis ang kahulugan ng pagkakaibigan sa pagprogreso ng kwento ni Miko

(Dage Pabon) at ang bulag niyang partner-incrime na si Jan Jan (Renz Angelo Corpuz).

Mula sa araw-araw na hintayan hanggang sa pagbebenta ng rosaryo sa katedral at pagsasalu-salo sa mumurahing meryenda na tinapay at mineral water mula sa kapiranggot na kinikita, magkaagapay ang dalawa sa pakikipagsapalaran sa mapanglaw na mundo.

Kinalaunan sa kuwento, ibinunyag na ang pinakaasam-asam ni Jan Jan ay ang manirahan sa tuktok ng bundok balang araw. Sabay naman siyang biniro ni Miko pagkasambit ng kaniyang pangarap, at sinabing tila imposibleng maisakatuparan ito lulan ng kaniyang kapansanan. Taliwas naman ito sa kung ano ang nasa kaloob-looban ni Miko; ni minsa’y hindi niya inisip na hadlang ang kalagayan ng kaniyang kaibigan sa pagtatamasa ng normal na pamumuhay.

Ibinida sa maraming parte ng pelikula ang maririkit na tanawing likas ng Tarlac tulad ng luntiang kabundukan ng Nambalan, Mayantoc at ang rumaragasang ilog sa paanan ng Mt. Ngile ng San Jose na mas lalong nabigyang-diin sa mahusay na cinematography na ipinamalas sa produksyon.

Kapuri-puri rin ang mga piling musika, kabilang na ang nakaaantig na pagtugtog ni Jan Jan ng harmonica sa mga makabagbag-pusong eksena.

Hindi binigo ng short film na Ang Pangarap Ko ni Ian Cruz ang ekspektasyon ng mga tumangkilik

:

M

alayo sa tipikal na rom-com na pelikulang Pilipino na kung saan magkakakilala ang dalawang bida at sabay nilang malalampasan ang mga darating na suliranin –makatuwiran man o hindi; sila’y mabubuhay nang maligaya habang-buhay sa huli. Ang pelikulang Kita Kita sa direksyon ni Sigrid Bernardo, ang magpapatunay na mas mainam ang magmahal, sumugal at masaktan kaysa hindi magmahal kailanman.

ISA Isa sa nakapukaw ng pansin ng mga tao ay ang bagong tambalan sa pelikulang ito. Sa pagganap ni Alessandra de Rossi bilang Lea, at Empoy Marquez bilang si Tonyo. Taliwas man sa mga sikat na leading man sa mga pelikula, ibinigay ni Marquez na hindi sapat ang panlabas na kaanyuan upang maging isang epektibong aktor. Ayon kay de Rossi, ang kanyang karakter naman ay tunay na naiiba sa kanyang ibang mga pelikulang ginawa.

Ito na umano ang ngunit pinakamakakaapekto sa puso ng madla.

DALAWA Dalawang tao na pareho ang naging kapalaran sa pag-ibig ang pinagtagpo sa isang litrato. Unang umikot ang istorya ni Lea, isang tourist guide sa Sapporo, Japan, na kalaunan ay nagkaroon ng temporary blindness nang dahil sa extreme stress nang kanyang malaman ang katotohanang itinago ng kanyang kasintahan. Nang kinalaunan ay pumasok sa kanyang buhay si Tonyo, kapwa niya Pilipino. Sa kabila ng kanilang hindi pagkakasundo sa una, naging magkaibigan ang dalawa at kalaunan ay nagkaroon ng pagmamahalan sa isa’t isa.

TATLO Tatlong emosyon ang iiwan sayo ng pelikulang ito – papatawanin, pakikiligin at kalauna’y magiiwan ng sakit. Hindi mawawala ang pagtanggap at pakiramdam ng tunay na pagmamahal na tatatak sa iyong puso; na mas mahalaga ang mga pagkakataong tayo ay naging masaya at

nakaranas ng tunay na pag-ibig sa dilim man at ang mga pinakaimportanteng bagay sa mundo ay maaaring hindi lamang nakikita ng ating mga mata.

APAT Apat na karakter lamang ang bumuo sa pelikulang ito. Apat na karakter na nag-iwan ng bakas at bigat sa ating mga puso. Hindi tulad ng ibang pelikula na maraming karakter na makikita at makikilala, sa pelikulang Kita Kita tanging apat na mukha ang iyong matatandaan. Apat na magbibigay ng sapat na timpla sa buong kwento ng istorya.

LIMA Limang bagay ang magbibigay ng ibang kahulugan sa iyong mga mata. Saging, puso, repolyo, beer at paper crane. Simple na mga bagay na makikita natin kung saan saan, mga bagay na nagbigay ng kulay, saya at pait sa nasabing pelikula.

ANIM Anim na beses na magkakamali ka sa iyong pakiramdam.

Magkakamali ka dahil hindi mo na alam kung kailangan mo na bang tumawa o umiyak. Kung tama pa ba ang tingin mo sa mga bagay; kung tama nga ba ang bawat desisyon na nagawa mo at gagawin mo pa.

PITO Pito. Bakit

Graphics from Kita Kita film poster

“Sana ang nakikita ko ay nakikita rin niya.”

-Miko, Ang Pangarap Ko (2016)

Ang Bagong Hayag na

LINE GRACE MANZANO NINA JANELLE PAMELA DAVID AT PAU

“Minsan, kailangan mong magtiwala sa mga munting sorpresang darating.

Isang sorpresang babago sa paningin mo sa mundo.”

rito, partikular na sa madla ng CineMapua 2017 at Piling Obrang Vidyo 13 ng U.P. Cinema kung saan itinanghal ito bilang Official Selection.

Nagwagi rin ito ng Viewer’s Choice Award sa CLTV23 SIGLO (Sine Gitnang Luzon Originals) sa taong 2016.

Gayunmpaman, napatunayan ng pelikula na ang pagkakaibigan ay hindi nangangailangan ng dalawang matang nakakakita, sapagkat mayroong mga sakripisyo kung saan puso lamang ang siyang tunay na nakakaaninag.

Pag-ibig

nga ba hindi kasama sa “Seven deadly sins” ang unrequited love? Bakit nga ba? Bakit kahambugan, inggit, katakawan, kahalayan, poot, pagkabatugan at pagkaganid lang? Pwede bang kasama ang mga pag-ibig na hindi naipaubaya?

WALO Walong beses mo tatanungin ang iyong sarili kung bakit may mga kwentong kailangan pang magtapos, kung bakit may mga sorpresang bigla na lang darating ngunit mawawala rin, at kung bakit mo pa nga ba naisipan panuorin ang pelikulang ito.

SIYAM Aabutin ka ng siyam-siyam sa kakaisip ng sagot sa mga tanong na bumabagabag sayo. Sa huli, untiunti mo rin na matatanggap na hindi lahat ng mga tanong ay may katumbas na sagot, na hindi lahat ng pag-ibig nasusuklian at napapantayan.

SAMPU Sampung minuto, sampung minutong tumigil ang aming mundo matapos panoorin ang pelikula. Ngunit hindi sapat ang sampung salita at dahilan upang ilarawan

ang mga bagay na mararamdan mo matapos mong mapanood ito. *** Bagamat simple lamang ang timpla ng istorya ng Kita Kita, ang napakagandang sinematograpiya, mahusay na direksyon ni Bernardo at pinong pagganap nina de Rossi at Marquez ay maglalagay ng bagong pamantayan sa mga susunod na romcom na pelikulang Pilipino.

“Alam mo, ang labo mo. Nung nakakakita ka pa, hindi mo ako nakita. Tapos noong nabulag ka, saka mo ako nakita”. –Tonyo Hindi man nagtapos sa isang happy ending ang pelikula, ibinigay naman nito ang simple ngunit malaman na aral ng istorya; nakapaloob ang ilang masasakit na katotohanan patungkol sa realidad at sa pag-ibig. Itinanghal nina Lea at Tonyo na may mga bagay na maaari nating maramdaman kahit hindi man natin ito makita. Na sapat na ang maniwala sa kapangyarihan ng pag-ibig at mas mainam na maramdaman o iparamdam ito kaysa hindi.

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ARTS & CRAFTS

WhereArt ArtOverflows Overflows Where

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very artist has their own battles of identity. They spend years or even a lifetime to establish their own mark in the art industry; to master their own crafts and perfect their own unique ways of strokes to their brushes.

Identity is a vital part of an artist’s journey in creating his own path in the art scene because it is the artist’s trademark which will remain perpetually in the growing community for art.

WHERE THE BATTLE BEGINS Geographically, the province of Tarlac is at the center of Central Luzon and historically, it was the stopover for people who ride the trains powered by the Manila Railway Company. The railway then connects Manila to the northern part of Luzon. As Jay Bautista, a Petron Visual Arts Competition critic and writer, emphasized, the stopover connotation was also used to describe the art scene here in Tarlac; that we haven’t yet produced or carved names in the Philippine art scene, knowing that we are one of the patrons of art competitions nationwide.

With the collaboration of home-grown Tarlaqueno artists, brings Maniam Pukaque, an art exhibit that features the artworks of 20 artists that try to be the warriors of the said ‘stopover’; to put an end to the stigma of seeing Tarlac as a temporary journey.

With each individual’s style of artworks, these Tarlaqueno artists showcase each one’s overwhelming approach with art; with alternate mediums and different techniques.

BY JANELLE PAMELA DAVID & ISAIH KYLE UMIPIG PHOTOS BY AUDREY DEL ROSARIO

With each individual’s battle of identity and personal struggle, these artists became the representatives of all the Tarlaqueños to flaunt that we are more than a stopover.

CONTEMPORARY PHILIPPINE ART VIA MCARTHUR HI-WAY A collaborative painting of these 20 artists sits in the center of the exhibit. The canvas painted massively with the height of 96 x 144 inches depicts a public utility bus that has different commuters, ranging from carabaos to different kinds of people that describe the artists as the passengers.

Mixed media in canvass, different colors, and art style are used to represent the personality of the daring artists. Each artist represents different kinds of symbols that can be found in Tarlac. This is a fearless perspective of the artists on how they, as unique individuals, will ride on the train that will take the name of Tarlac into the spotlight of the art scene. Bautista further stated that Maniam Pukaque is striking for its diversity and richness; that it has no shared style or desired intentions yet a common thread persists that individually, they are capable of imagination and commitment to the craft.

WHERE DIFFERENCES CONNECT Tarlac as the ‘Melting Pot’ of Central Luzon is never a subject for debate sinc­­­­e it is undoubtedly a home of rich albeit diverse cultures. The province is a collection of different individualities who have their own upbringings—from head to their extremities is a pure and proud Tarlaqueño bloodline.

The artists themselves have differences in terms of how they render their artistic deliberations from their intellectual perspectives.

“Art is a way of survival,” Yoko Ono, a renowned multimedia artist and peace advocate, once stated. Maniam Pukaque has been a momentary mecca of arts in the Tarlac metropolis—giving a temporary art-filled remedy to those who were once lost in their own identities, trying to bring back hues and vibrancy to those minds that turned black and white, and intensifying its main purpose i.e. to embody the overwhelming splendour of the province’s supreme distinction. *** Time will come that Tarlac will no longer be an embodiment of a ‘stopover’ but rather, it will be a place where tourists, either local or international, will stop to witness the welcoming personalities and undying pride of every Tarlaqueño. It will no longer halt nor break down, but without doubts, Tarlac will still be a pot that

progressively and overwhelmingly flows through greatness and total supremacy. ] Every artist has their own battles of identity. That is Maniam Pukaque and that is the beginning of a new battle for the local artists of Tarlac in the art scene.

THE

FEATURES

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“

W

e’ve seen watercolors splashed across the rough watercolor paper.

We’ve seen oil portrait hang on some buildings.

We’ve seen acrylic paints beautify the walls of the university premises, but we’ve never seen a canvas full of staple wires. When we heard that an innovative artwork was showcased at SM Tarlac City, we immediately searched for it and for the artist who made it.

Now, who could possibly be the

AUGUST 2017 fb.com/thework @theworktsu

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Kapag nakikita nila ‘yung artwork ko, parang sinusubukan nilang i-untangle ‘yung mga nagkabuhol-buhol na parte, parang ‘yung pagtanggal din natin ng pagkabuhol-buhol sa buhay natin.”

- WILJUN MAGSINO

are an artist, you cannot stick to only one medium.

So when he tried and saw the potential of staples, he started painting with it.

PAINTING WITH STAPLES He began creating staple arts using the common-colored staples then he improved it by adding colors to his artworks.

The first step in creating this artwork is by sketching it with pencil. He tells that this artwork is just like Pen and ink artworks, but by using staples. After outlining the canvas, he then starts to ‘paint’ with the staples using a nail gun, carefully tracing the patterns he drew using

one who found the potential for staple wires as an art medium?

THE MAN BEHIND THE ARTWORK Mr. Wiljun “Jay” Magsino, the person who superbly stapled the arts said that the idea of using staple wire was just an immediate thought. One day, while strolling through an art shop, he found numerous boxes of unnoticed staple wire left around the corner. Then he thought, ‘why not use those?’ and so he did.

Magsino started to love drawing when he was a child. He developed his skills and talent mostly just by himself through book-reading. He inspired himself with other artists’ works so he could learn from them.

He entered the College of Architecture and Fine Arts at Tarlac State University, but did not pursue his course further. Instead, he decided to be what he wanted to be–a full time artist.

“Gusto ko kasing maging imortal,” he said which means that he wants to leave a legacy in this world, like what other artists, like Michaelangelo on the Sistine Chapel, left.

Well, he will definitely leave a mark. His artworks are competitive, his few recent awards from his artworks are: Finalist on Manila Bulletin Art Competition 2016 (Exhibition Category) and a Finalist on MADE Art Competition 2016 (Oil/ Acrylic Category). He is included on exhibits which are: All Rights Review Group Exhibit, Februckus Group Art Exhibit, Artlead Off Group Exhibit, and the event where we discovered his work, the 2016 Breaking Barriers Visual Art Display (3 Man Show).

Magsino spends his time improving himself by creating numerous artworks and joining competitions so he could improve more. He experiments on different mediums because he said that if you

the pencil.

In the case of colored artworks, he first paints the staple wires and lets it dry, then he will do the same process as the non-colored ones.

BEHIND THE ARTWORK Most of Magsino’s artworks have themes about society, politics, and the common people.

He depicts contextual meanings on his artworks which the one looking will realize.

“Kung ano yung nakikita ko sa paligid ko,” he said, when asked about his usual art subjects.

Like other artists, Magsino has his own style in his works. His trademark on his artworks is the distorted twisted figures which he developed and experimented all by himself, which caused him time.

“Parang buhay yan ng tao, twisted. ‘Pag nakikita nila yun artwork ko, parang sinusubukan nilang i-untangle yung mga nagkabuhol-buhol na parte, parang yung pagtanggal din natin ng pagkabuhol-buhol sa buhay natin,” he explained.

He also told that style is an important factor for an artist, that it is something which an artist is known for and is his own mark.

Sir Wiljun Magsino, at first glance, is a simple person. But when you look into his artworks, he is much more than what we can see. He has a different perspective and sees the potential of other materials to be beautiful.

ARTISTIC COMPILER:

UNTANGLING THE USE FOR STAPLE WIRES

BY CRISTINE EMMANUELLE D.V. FLORES PHOTOS BY AIRA S. PINPIN

AUGUST 2017

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FEATURES Filling up your stomach THE

WORK

THE MOST EXOTIC WAY

BY GIANNE MERIELLE GONZALES AND CRYSTEL JOY SAMODIO PHOTOS BY AIRA S PINPIN

F

ood not only distinguishes and represents a culture, it also reflects one’s personality, lifestyle, and socio-economic status. For over 400 years of outside influences, Philippine cuisine is a unique mixture of Eastern and Western cuisine.

It is a fascinating blend of Malay, Spanish, and Chinese cultures. For the Filipinos, food is a very important part of local art and cultures as well as communal existence. Filipinos really love to eat and cook that we started to think unique ways to cook food.

Exotic food is a term that is applied to culinary items which are considered unusual, novel, or taboo from the perspective of an individual’s native culture. Its origin could be traced back since World War by the reason that this kind of food was used by our fellow Filipinos for their

survival.

They began to eat spiders, worms, insects, and even a variety of leaves. Spices and dishes coming from different cultural antecedents had been contributing factors that we have been able to come up with mouthwatering dishes, though it could use improvements on how they looked like. Through time, the practice becomes ingrained in our traditions and had evolved into what we now call as Exotic food.

THE CARINDERIA Located at Dolores, Capas, Tarlac along McArthur Highway, the newly opened carinderia has

taken the attention of the neighborhood. It is the perfect place for people and travelers who seek new taste and adventure when it comes to food, with its unusual cuisine and perfect location.

Mrs. Vetina Marcos-Perez the owner of “Mommy Vetina’s Exotic Lutong Kapampangan” is thrilled that her carinderia is garnering up attention than what she anticipated.

“Wala eh… wala akong masyadong makitang idea na ganito puro na lang tapsi, bulaluhan [ang nakikita ko].” These were the words of Mommy Vetina when asked how she came up with serving exotic food. The location of the kainan is truly surrounded by several carinderias serving Bulalo and Tapsilog that’s why she preferred a unique style dining. The carinderia was a partnership between Mommy Ventina and her daughter, Ms. Paula Bernardo, who was a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Food Business Management Major in Culinary Arts. When her daughter graduated from college, she thought it would be a waste of skills if not placed into practice, hence the birth of the carinderia.

A feeling of excitement will hit upon arriving at the facade of this

distinctive “carinderia”. As you walk through the door, the brown bamboo tables and chairs and the wishing well with a little fountain in the corner will welcome you with that unwinding feeling that can lift up your mood. It was designed with a little close-tonature-feel for the customers to feel comfort.

EXOTIC FOOD AT ITS FINEST The highlight of “Mommy Vetina’s Exotic Lutong Kapampangan” menu is the best seller exotic foods which are “Betuta Tugak” and the “Bayawak”.

The Betute Tugak or the Pritong Palaka, has a delicious aroma that fills up the room. Betute Tugak are deep-fried frogs stuffed with ground pork. The dish is served hot and with a beautiful plating: the two fried frogs surrounded by lettuce leaves and sliced carrots smelled like roasted chicken. Just looking at the dish inspires feelings of excitement and anticipation.

The dish is as delicious as a roasted chicken, though it may have been taken a while for the taste to get used to because of the rough texture of the giniling stuffed inside the frog’s body and the unfamiliar taste of the meat. The inner part of the dish is very savory and tasteful which is the ground pork with bits of carrots and garlic. Once you savor it, the Betute Tugak will melt in your mouth. It is best paired with soy bean sauce mixed with the juice of pulped lemon extract.

The Bayawak is a reptile that is internationally known as monitor lizard. The dish comes with variety of style like Kalderatang Bayawak and Bayawak with Olive Oil and Lemon.

The Kalderetang Bayawak tasted like the normal kaldereta with a distinct strong flavor and its meat is more tasteful and chewy at the same time. It is served on a sizzling plate to keep the food hot, tender and juicy. The Bayawak with Olive Oil and Lemon, on the other hand, was the more popular option. The meat was fried in a heated pan with olive oil with Lemon zest. It is soft and crunchy on the first bite. It was really perfect with the lemon extract. The skin crust was light and tasty and the flavor of onions complements with the soft meat. No wonder why everyone loves it.

The dishes were complimented with a special garlic rice and a hot “Papaitan” soup.

In case you’re searching for typical Filipino dishes, Mommy Vetina’s Exotic Food also serves Beef Tapa, Adobong Manok, Ginisang Alukbati, Lomi, Bulalo, Papaitan and others.

The great thing about this carinderia is that it was not just the food that gets your attention – it also comes with the relaxing ambiance, good location, reliable staff, speed of service, affordable cost of dishes, and the hospitality of the owner herself.

Head cook Vetina, has designed an amazing menu, though she has only 4 tables to serve to and only a handful staff to help her in their carinderia. It’s an understandable situation since the business was just recently established. With just a least expenditure starting at 50 php, you can already enjoy a new kind of exotic taste that gives a thrill in experiencing something new, a renewed sense of adventure, and mere satisfaction from a delicious variant of a Philippine Cuisine.

KWENTONG KWENTA

S

a ngayon, maramirami na rin ang mga gastusin ng isang estudyanteng katulad ko. Kailangan man o pangluho lang, tayo ay gumagastos arawaraw. Mula sa ating pangangailangan katulad ng pamasahe, pagkain at inumin o dagdag gastos katulad ng mga handouts at photocopied materials, pambili ng school supplies na gagamitin sa proyekto o kaya nama’y pang-load para matext si crush. Lahat ng iyon ay kinukuha natin sa baong ibinibigay ni nanay o tatay na kung minsan ay sobra o mas madalas ay kulang.

Mayroon din namang mga working students—o ang mga estudyanteng pumapasok sa eskwelahan at pumapasok rin sa trabaho sa umaga o sa gabi, depende sa kanilang class schedule.

Isa na ngang necessity kung tawagin ang budget ng isang estudyante. Sa dinami-raming bagay na pwedeng mangyari at bilhin sa unibersidad ay napakahirap mawalan ng ekstrang pera sa bawat bulsa ng TSUians.

Nang kumalat ang kwento ni Robin Lee Metiam, estudyanteng nagtapos mula sa Kolehiyo ng Inhinyeriya, marami ang namangha sa kanyang kwento. Nakuha niya ang kanyang diploma dahil sa baong bente pesos araw-araw. Kung iisipin ay mukhang imposible ito lalo na sa ibang estudyante ng Tarlac State University. Kaya kami ay nagkaroon ng interbyu sa ilang mag-aaral kung magkano at paano nila napagkakasya ang allowance sa eskwelahan.

Sa panahon ngayon, ano na ba ang halaga ng pera sa mga kabataan?

NI GIANNE MERIELLE GONZALES

“THE LANGGAM PARA MAY IPON SA TAG-ULAN” BUDGET P14 - pamasahe P35 - lunch P10 - merienda Kabuuan: P90

“Tipid talaga kung tipid. Tutal mura naman ang pamasahe ko dahil jeep lang naman, tapos may student discount pang piso. Hindi na rin ako kumakain sa fastfood para mas lalong tipid. ‘Yung merienda, minsan optional pa, gusto ko kasi may madudukot ako kapag kailangan ko ng pera.

‘Yung sobra, ipon ko na agad.

Ganoon na rin kasi ang nakasanayan ko. Working student din ako dahil pinapaaral ko ang sarili ko.”

“THE KULANG PERO SALAMAT AT NAPAG KAKASYA” BUDGET P20 - pamasahe P50 - lunch P10 - tubig P10 - load P5 - handouts Kabuuan: P100 Sobra: P5

“Nagtitira ako ng bente kasi may gusto akong bilhin na damit online. Hindi rin naman ako gaanong magastos kaya okay lang basta lang hindi kami nagwawalwal na magkakaibigan, sakto lang ang baon ko.”

BINUDGET NGUNIT NAGKULANG P70 - pamasahe P50 -lunch P30 - merienda P10 - photocopied materials Kabuuan: P200 Sobra: P40 “Malaki-laki naman ang ibinibigay sa akin, medyo mahal din pamasahe ko pero okay lang naman.

Magastos ako sa pagkain, laging gutom kaya nagdadala ako ng tubig para ‘di na gumastos pa. Minsan, nagkakayayaan sa CityWalk kaya wala nang natitirang pera sa ‘kin.

Kung may project naman ay humihingi

pa ako kay mama.”

MEDYO BURGIS PERO BAKIT HINDI MA-IBUDGET P100 - pamasahe P100 - lunch P50 - merienda P10 - handouts Kabuuan: P400 “Actually, binibigay na ang allowance ko for one month— P8,000 to P9,000. Nandoon naman na lahat—project, biglaang kailangang bilhin or personal needs. Hindi na ako pwedeng humingi kay papa. Medyo nagkukulang lang dahil mahilig kaming kumain ng mga kaibigan ko or walwal; pang-girlfriend na rin. Mahilig din akong bumili ng gamit gaya ng damit or sapatos. Sabi nila madami raw baon ko pero nagkukulang pa nga minsan. Hindi ko rin maiwasang gumastos, nasanay, kumbaga. Pero

alam ko namang kailangan ko ring magtipid.”

Baon o allowance—ano man ang itawag natin dito, ito pa rin ang pinakamahalagang bagay na hindi mo makakalimutan bago pumasok.

Minsan ay pumapasok lang tayo sa kadahilanang kailangan lang natin ng pera. Hindi ba’t nagtatampo pa tayo kapag kulang o wala man lang pasobra si tatay? Ngunit huwag nating kalilimutan na kung magkano man ang baon natin sa araw-araw, maaaring iyon lang ang kayang ibigay ni nanay o iyon lang ang kanyang kinita ngayong araw. Huwag nating kalilimutan na dugo’t pawis nila ang pinangkakain natin sa eskwelahan.

Saan man umabot ang pera mo, nasa iyo na iyon kung gagastos ka para sa kasiyahan mo o titipirin mo ito para mapag-ipunan ang mga bagay na inaasaam mo. Ang mahalaga, alam mo ang pinanggalingan ng perang galing sa bulsa ng nanay o tatay mo.

“Ipon na lang ang natitirang lima, kung hindi naman ay ipinambibili ko ng mga kailangan ko gaya ng ballpen o pang-project. Minsan wala na talagang natitira dahil kailangan ko pa ng perang panload. Minsan pinambibili ko na lang ng tusoktusok sa gilid kapag nagutom ako pagkatapos ng klase.”

“THE PASOK SA BANGA” BUDGET P30 - pamasahe P70 - lunch + tubig P20 - merienda P10 - handouts Kabuuan: P150 Sobra: P20

Grapika ni Pauline Manzano

THE

DEVCOM

WORK

By Isaih Kyle Umipig and Janelle Pamela David

G

Note: All statements of the interviewee were translated to English. ”God has no religion.”

— M a h a t m a Gandhi From the place where you are standing in is the façade of a Mosque where you perceive the light radiating from the sun as one intimidating presence. The quietness of the place does not reciprocate with the sun’s fascinating revelry; it is deafening, and yet, you already understood that this silence has an underlying definition on its own—that there is an impactful misunderstanding between two worlds that nobody ever distinguished.

Intimidation has been finally wiped out from your cerebrum as the kids welcome you with inviting smiles and hand waves. Meanwhile, inside a Madrasa are Muslim children studying Arabic as if you are witnessing an impeccable choral recital skillfully executed by an orchestra.

Muslim living, here, is monotonous in manner but deep down you will notice how these people are too delighted by fresh faces and positive spirits.

Indeed, inside this community is a group of people inhaling in something more crucial than oxygen—solidarity and sense of togetherness.

Nonetheless, Utopia does not exist with this kind of community that is surrounded by what is common such as problems, issues, and misinterpretations particularly with one’s faith and beliefs.

Our society is an expert at pointing out fallacies about the people and their religion using their subjective opinions but in a deeper sense, have they ever pointed out how unfair and irrational their own words are?

Gandhi is right, but the Muslim community in Paniqui, Tarlac is still struggling in a slippery march of their

IN-DEPTH

being, trying to compromise with others to finally end the societal confusion and misunderstandings.

LABELS AND STEREOTYPES Biases and stereotyping in religion are not new concepts in this double-befouled world anymore. Actually, these are just like stains and smudges that are continuously being spread throughout the surface. It is a problem that is incessantly getting worse.

According to Salic Bangadan, 59, a former teacher in Madrasa, the common backbone of this problem is the deteriorating illness of the people where they try to generalize everything.

“

Why do other people say we're strangers?

Are we Chinese? Are we Americans? This is the Philippines; this is a place for Filipinos. Wherever we are, we are Filipinos. We can't be called that way.”

-Salic Bangadan, 59

When a Muslim has been involved in a case, the society will say that all Muslims are like him; that all of them are evil. In that manner, the reputation of the whole Muslim community will be flawed just because of one false accusation.

Bangadan refutes the hackneyed ideology of people that Muslims know nothing but wars and rebellions. Religions are built not to establish a new religion called “conflict.” He explained that not all of them are into guns and bullets, most of them moved their homes here in Tarlac to seek jobs that would sustain their families’

long-term needs.

“Nandito kami para maghanap-buhay.

Iba ‘yung sa kanila at iba rin ‘yung sa ‘min,” he added.

[We are here to find means of livelihood and income. Theirs are different, and so does ours.]

The society is overexposed with the impression that the Muslims are never a stranger to us, but perhaps, as it becomes a repetitive action, the society has forgotten its essence. Still, it is a risky struggle for the Muslim community to explain themselves that they are not ‘others’.

“Bakit sinasabi ng iba na kami ay estranghero? Bakit, Intsik ba kami?

Amerikano ba kami? Pilipinas ito; lugar ito ng mga Pilipino. Kaya kahit saan tayo dito, Pilipino tayo. Hindi kami pwedeng tawaging estranghero,” Bangadan explained.

[Why do other people say we’re strangers? Are we Chinese? Are we Americans? This is the Philippines; this is a place for Filipinos. Wherever we are, we are Filipinos. We can’t be called that way.]

The stereotype towards the Muslim community continues and became a lot worse. Recently, ISIS-inspired Maute group of rebels established a war between them and the government in Marawi City that caused chaos not only in Mindanao, but in the entire country. The administration was alarmed which later on resulted into a declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao which will last for a year. The war started in May and as of August, it is still ongoing.

The said group is believed to be headed by Muslim rebels who wish to declare war in the entire Philippines. This brought more fear in other innocent Muslim individuals because people will automatically accuse them as the rebels.

IDENTITY, ISSUES, AND ILLOGICAL THINGS As an end to this emerging problem they were facing, the Muslim community in Paniqui created identification cards for their people to be presented publicly to certify that they are not affiliated with any Muslim rebel groups.

Various nationwide media focused on this issue which carried

&

DEPRIVED PREJUDICED

Truths behind the Muslim Community in Paniqui

Photos by Pauline Grace Manzano

attention and controversies towards the entire Muslim community. In a CNN interview with Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Hataman, he expressed that this act is a form of discrimination. He also stated that the ID system policy clearly discriminates the believers of Islam and could set a dangerous precedent.

However, Bangadan clarifies that they were the ones who initiated to have an identification system and were not forced to do so. He furthered that it is not the local government of Paniqui who desires for this; although there are signatories from the municipal officials, it is but only to strengthen the authenticity of the card.

He supplemented that they need identification cards to present when they are travelling and even with their financial dealings.

Some Muslim individuals also need their IDs because some of them were born without birth certificates.

The ID is their only form of identification.

Additional signatories from the local government of Paniqui are still needed for further authorization.

Bangadan, on the other hand, blamed politics for worsening the issue even if it is unnecessary. He said that the identification wasn’t supposed to be a big deal. He also expressed his dismay to some politicians who made the subject complicated.

“Kami ba ay >>Jump to p.19

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KOMUNIDAD

Huling Kalendaryo ng

PATAL BATO Ni Isaih Kyle Umipig Kuha ni Audrey Del Rosario MAILALARAWAN ANG Sitio Patal Bato sa Barangay Sta. Juliana, Capas bilang isa sa mga komunidad na hindi pa gaanong naaabot ng pagunlad at pag-usbong sa aspeto ng urbanisasyon.

Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).

Sa kadahilanang kailangang ganap na magamit ang mga lupain para sa Balikatan exercises at trainings ng mga militar, nagkaroon sila ng malakas na pruweba at sapat na datos upang mapaalis ang mga katutubong naninirahan sa Patal Bato.

Sa kasalukuyan, isa pa ring malaking

Nakapagtataka ang biglang katahimikan ng mga nagpapaalis sa mga katutubong mamamayan na siya namang naging hudyat para sa kanila na maging kampante na sila’y mananatili pa rin sa kanilang kasalukuyang tinitirhan.

Ayon kay Freddie Gutierrez, ang ikalawang chieftain ng sitio, panandaliang naging tikom ang mga nagpapaalis sa kanila ngunit iginiit niya na kung sakaling subukan silang paalisin muli, sila’y hindi pa rin papayag.

“Kami ang naunang tao rito, mga katutubo.

Kami ang may-ari nito, sa ninuno namin ‘to.

Saan pa kami pupunta?” atake pa niya.

Nakapagtataka ang bawat laman ng kwento ng ilan sa mga naninirahan sa Patal Bato. Malalasin mo ang kanilang labis na pagpapahalaga sa lupang kanilang inaapakan.

Bagaman may mga dahilan upang lisanin ang lupain, naniniwala silang ito ay madadaan sa pag-uusap ng dalawang panig; na ito ay kayang solusyunan ng sapat na papeles at mga katunayan.

ANG IPRA BILANG ISANG MATIBAY NA KALASAG Kung ang EDCA ang ginagamit ng mga militar na sandata upang tuluyang mapalipat ng lokasyon ang mga katutubo, ang Indigenous People’s Rights Act (IPRA)

Payak ang pamumuhay; matatanaw mo mula sa ibaba ang tabi-tabing bahay na gawa sa kahoy at ilang materyales at sa loob nito’y tatlo o higit pang pamilya na nagsisiksikan sa makipot na espasyo.

Hindi alintana ang hirap ng buhay hangga’t napapanatili ang kapakanan ng bawat miyembro ng isang pamilya. Tunay nga na ang isang butil ng bigas ay isang kaldero ng kanin para sa isang pamilyang buklod-buklod.

Sa nakaraang taon, sila ay namomroblema kung saan na lang sila titira kung paaalisin dito.

Kinakailangan silang paalisin dahil ang kanilang lugar ay masasakop ng isinasagawang Balikatan Exercises at pagsasanay ng militar.

Ngayon, panibagong problema na naman ang kinakaharap ng mga katutubong mamamayan ng Patal Bato sapagkat nalalabi na ang kanilang mga araw dito sa kanilang kasalukuyang lokasyon.

ANG EDCA AT ANG MGA KATUTUBO: ISANG PAGBABALIK-TANAW Ang sirkulasyon ng Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) ay patuloy na pinapaigting sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at Estados Unidos hanggang sa ngayon. Ito ay isang kasunduang may layuning isulong ang pagpapatupad ng Philippine-United States

kanilang panig.

Ang IPRA ay isang batas na naglalayong makilala at maitaguyod ang lahat ng karapatan ng mga Indigenous Cultural Communities/ Indigenous Peoples (IP’s) ng Pilipinas katulad ng mga naninirahan sa Sitio Patal Bato. Ito marahil ang dahilan kung bakit labis ang kompiyansa ng mga katutubo na hindi sila maaaring paalisin dito.

Sa mga araw na ito, anuman ang mangyari ay naghihintay pa rin ang mga tao sa sagot ng kongreso sa kanilang mga samo at daing.

Mababatid nating nananatiling may pag-asa ang mga nasa Patal Bato sa tuluyang pagresolba sa isyung ito; na sila sana’y hayaan nang manahanan sa lugar.

Samantala, inilahad naman ng magasawang Leo (isang pastor) at España Salazar na sila sa lugar ay nagkakaroon ng pagpupulong >>Jump to p.19

“Pinapanalangin namin na itong community ay talagang na huwag mawala sa amin. Wala namang imposible kung dadalhin mo sa Kanya.”

- Pastor Leo Salazar, 57

katanungan kung matutuloy pa rin ba ang pagpapaalis sa mga katutubo sa kanilang lokasyon. Ayon sa ilan, may isang taon pang palugit bago sila tuluyang lumipat ng matitirhan.

Gayunpaman, maigting at pirmi pa rin ang paniniwala nila na nararapat silang manatili rito dahil narito ang kanilang ikinabubuhay at ito ang lupang nakasaksi ng kanilang paglaki.

of 1997 (R.A. 8371) naman ang siyang maituturing na kalasag ng mga katutubo upang pigilin ang hinahangad nilang aksyon.

Inihayag ni Gutierrez na noong ika-9 ng Hunyo, sila ay nakipagdayalogo sa kongreso na kung saan ipinaglaban nila ang karapatan nila sa lupa gamit ang sapat na datos at katibayan, kasama na rin ang IPRA bilang pansuporta sa

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AUGUST 2017

DEVCOM

WORK

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17

EDUCATION

metamorphosis:

THE FACES OF K-12 IN

RETROSPECT

By Joan Robin Martinez and Cristine Emmanuelle Flores 2017 MARKED the fifth year since the implementation of the Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2013 (Republic Act No. 10533), or more commonly known as the implementation of the K-12 Curriculum. Nearing the full circle implementation of the education reform and by next school year, the first batch of graduates from the program will embark on higher education. Changes that had been made for the pioneer batch vary from the physical aspects of changes with the institutions, like construction of new buildings and establishments to cater the growing number of basic education students, as well as curricular updates tailored to fit the goals and visions of the program.

insufficient mastery of the basic competencies as reflected in the National Achievement Test (NAT) results for Grade 6. In S.Y. 2009–2010, it took a 69.21% passing rate, an improvement of 24% from S.Y. 20052006. The NAT for High School, meanwhile, was 46.38% for S.Y. 20092010—a decrease of 7.40% from S.Y. 2008-2009.

Also, additional evidences of the poor quality of education could be extracted from the unemployment rate in the country where a percentage could be accounted from high school graduates who had no definite skill set appropriate for the jobs available, in addition to being under-aged at the time of their graduation.

Inadequacies and challenges of the old program The main objective of the program is to improve the quality of education in the Philippines; to keep up with the international standards—the Philippines being the last country in Asia and one of the only three countries worldwide with a 10-year pre-university cycle (Angola and Djibouti, as the other two)—to be on par with countries on the scale of the global market. By being aligned with the standard, professionals born out of the Philippines’ educational system are given the opportunity to be recognized in their line of work without the premise of additional foreign education or expenses.

Further, the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization– Innotech (SEAMEO–Innotech) found the previous educational program, which spanned 10 years, to be congested. As a result of the inadequacy of instruction time, students are deemed to have

The crop that was Senior High School With its implementation geared towards improving the quality of education, the K-12 curriculum not only provided additional years to correct the congested nature of the old educational program, but also restructured the curriculum such that it caters to the needs of the learners and the community.

The focus was shifted towards the mastery of learning with the help of the use of the mother tongue as the medium of instruction. This concept adapted in the program is called the Mother tongue-based-multilingual Education (MTB-MLE). Progress towards learning could be easier if the students would be able to understand what is being taught. Studies show that children who have benefitted from this practice can also perform better in their second language.

Strengthening the foundations at the early years of education could aid the learning process as the students grow from the early elementary years to high school.

As students advance towards a higher level of learning, it is imperative to supplement the basic competencies based on their

Photos from Google

capability. Senior High School (SHS) provides a track for learners to choose from depending on their goals, the community and industry requirements in a particular region.

There is flexibility in the curriculum that provides the students the option of whether to progress to higher education, find employment, hone skills with additional technical and vocational trainings, or venture into entrepreneurial activities.

With National Certificates being a part of the Technical-Vocational track, students may already qualify for a decent entry level job upon graduation.

The implementation of SHS also addresses the redundancy of the college-level general education which covers subject matters that should have been covered during the pre-university stages. In pursuant of higher education, the changes that come with the K-12 curriculum should have affected subjects at the collegiate level such that it would more or less focus on the specifics or the major subjects aligned with its respective degrees.

Implementing the changes The education reform had been on the roll since the initial stages of implementation in 2013 albeit the insinuations that there was a lack of preparation in the government’s part.

There has already been a number of changes that are already in effect.

There were issues and challenges that aroused with the launch, though, these had been acknowledged and addressed accordingly.

There were inhibitions with the lack of classrooms for the would-be students of K-12; true enough, the Department of Education (DepEd) has already built additional classrooms on schools across the country and the projected inadequacies had been given a solution. Some students are directed to private schools which DepEd having a hand in assisting parents with the cost through the Voucher Program – to accommodate the students who would be taking Senior High School. In

The number of years added to the study life of students does not guarantee the expansion of their learning aptitude.

addition, private institutions have also been given permits to offer SHS. There were qualms from parents who are reluctant with sending their children for the additional years because of the added cost. Although these issues had not been rampant since 2016, when the first batch of Junior High had undergone its completion.

Minor issues arising from students in the collegiate levels had been with the technicalities of K-12 implementation and its interjection to college courses. As general education had been immersed in the Senior High curriculum, returnees, transferees and the like had been pushed to somehow finish their back subjects before the first graduates of the K-12 program enter higher education.

Call for quality over the increasing quantity In a recent article published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, it has been suggested that the licensure exams be observed. The group of Philippine Business for Education (PBED) suggested this and even requested that Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) be compared with the board exams for Engineering.

Love Basillote, Executive Director of PBED, added that the Board of Professional Teachers (BPT), who manages the exams, should adapt questions from top teaching institutions for improvement.

To improve the quality of education, Basillote further suggests the decentralization of educational systems—which

pointed out that different areas in the Philippines should have different teaching methods. The concept entails that when DepEd’s central office starts setting standards separately from the local offices, the educational system would be more efficient. *** The number of years added to the study life of students does not guarantee the expansion of their learning aptitude. Instead of the additional pain for the pockets of those sponsoring the education of the learners, the people heading the education systems of the country should focus more on the improvement of the education givers themselves—the teachers.

REFERENCES: www.philstar.com/opinion/ newsinfo.inquirer.net/ www.pressreader.com/ philippines/sunstarpampanga/

18

AUGUST 2017

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THE

KABUHAYAN

WORK

Ang Tamis ng Pagbangon sa Mapait na Hamon ng Panahon

Dindo Leal

Ni Andrea Nicole Sapnu Kuha ni Pauline Grace Manzano

I

ka nga sa tanyag na kasabihan, ‘nothing lasts forever,’ subalit hindi ibig sabihin nito na walang kakayahan ang mga nilikha na mag-iwan ng marka sa kasaysayan.

Ang malaking nakaambang pagsubok sa atin ng realidad na ito ay ang lumikha ng bagay na tatatak sa isip ng tao, gaano man kasidhi ang pagsubok ng mga nagdadaang henerasyon na kupasin ito.

Maraming pamamaraan kung paano magmamarka ang isang partikular na likha sa buhay ng tao; maaaring sa pamamagitan ng pag-antig nito sa damdamin o ang pagdulot nito ng malawakang pagbabago.

Kung susuriin ang kulturang Pilipino, maliban sa ating mga tugtugin at pelikula na tila mayroong katangiang sumasalungat sa pagsubok ng oras, isa sa mga pinakatumatatak sa isip ng Pilipino ay ang mga nakakapagpabusog sa kaniya.

Kolonyal man ang karamihan ng mga nauusong pamamaraan, mapa-pananamit at mapa-kilos, uuwi at uuwi pa rin ang Pilipino sa nakasanayan.

Habang humihigop ng kape sa umaga ang tipikal na Pinoy, sasamahan niya ito ng kinagawiang kakanin na malagkit na kinumutan ng dahon ng saging.

Metikuloso ang panlasang Pilipino kung kaya’t binabalik-balikan parin nito ang kaniyang mga nakasanayang lasa; kung kaya’t buhay n a buhay pa rin sa

panahong milenyal ang mga malalagkit na kakanin tulad ng suman at kalamay.

Upang mas lalong paigtingin ang katotohanan nito, narito ang kuwento ng Dina’s Tupig at kung paano nila pinanatili ang lagablab ng serbisyo sa paghahatid ng tamis sa hapagkainan ng kanilang mga patron sa nakalipas na mga taon.

SA LOOB NG TATLONG DEKADA Kung magmumula sa bayan ng Tarlac, aabot ng halos tatlumpung minuto ang biyahe lulan ng jeep patungo sa puwesto ng kilalang batikan sa larangan ng paggawa ng kakanin: ang Dina’s Tupig.

Matatagpuan ito sa kagiliran ng kalsada na nagdudugtong sa Brgy. Tuec at Brgy. Surgui 3rd, sa munisipalidad ng Camiling. Dito’y dinadagsa sila ng mga mamimili, mga suki man o mga biyaherong galing Norte. Matitikman ang itinuturing na Camiling Pride sa halagang sampung piso kada isang piraso. Hindi man tupig ang kanilang pangunahing produkto, masasabing nakakatulong sa pagpapayabong ng kanilang pagkakakilanlan ang Dina’s Tupig.

Ayon sa kanilang mga suki, kakaibang karanasan umano ang naibibigay ng kanilang tupig sa sinumang makakatikim rito. Kaya’t hindi na nakapagtataka kung bakit ganoon na lamang napapatigil ang mga sasakyan sa kanilang tindahan.

S a li ko d n g

lahat, hindi masasabing sintamis ng kanilang tagumpay sa kasalukuyan ang kanilang tinamasa nang sila’y nag uumpisa pa lamang. Sa likod ng bawat kuwento ng tagumpay ay mga masasalimuot na nakaraan.

“Noong dalaga pa si nanay, mahirap lang ang buhay nila at wala silang mapagkakakitaan hanggang sa maisip ng kanilang lola na ituro ang pamamaraan niya ng paggawa ng tupig.”

Ayon sa pagsasalaysay ni Kempee Leal, 26, pangalawang bunsong anak ni Nanay Dina, taong 1980 pa lamang ay naglalako na ang kaniyang nanay sa palengke.

Limang taon umano na bitbit ng kanilang ilaw ng tahanan ang isang basket ng tupig na ginawa ayon sa orihinal na recipe ng kanilang lola sa tuhod.

Kalauna’y napag-isip-isip nilang subukang maglagay ng paninda sa tapat ng kanilang tahanan sa pagbabakasakaling makaakit sila ng mas maraming mamimili, pandagdag sa kita ng ina. Hindi ipinagkaila ni Kempee na sadyang napakahirap maghanap ng mga kustomer noong mga panahong iyon.

Subalit dahil sa word of mouth, untiunting nagkakaroon ng kamalayan ang publiko sa kanilang produkto; mula sa kanilang mga kalapit-

bahay hanggang sa mga turistang nanggagaling pa sa iba’t-ibang lugar at tumitigil lamang sa kanilang puwesto upang makapag-uwi ng espesyal na pasalubong. Pagkalipas ng limang taon, napagtanto na rin ni Nanay Dina na tumigil na nang tuluyan sa paglalako sa kadahilanang mas malago ang kita nila sa kanilang tahanan kaysa sa pamilihang bayan.

Natatangi ang pamamaraan ng pagluluto ng pamilya Leal sa tradisyunal na tupig. Pinasadya ang kanilang mga materyales—magmula sa parihabang lutuan na yari sa banga hanggang sa pangkayod ng buko—kung kaya’t ganoon na lamang karami ang mga nag-aalok sa kanila na ipagbili ang mga ito.

“May mga nagpupunta rito na gustong bilhin ‘yung mga kagamitan namin,” kuwento ni Kempee, “[pero] hindi kasi mahahanap kahit saan ang mga ‘to.”

Kung mayroong panahon kung kailan masasabi nilang pinaka-umusbong ang kanilang negosyo, ito ay noong 2007.

Sa pagtungo sa kanilang puwesto, si Dindo Leal, 37, ang karaniwang babati sa kanilang mga bisita habang binabalibaligtad ang mga nilulutong tupig. Mas kilala siya bilang ‘tupig man’ na pinauso ng mga netizens na kumukuha ng litrato niya at ilalagay na caption ang naturang bansag sa kanilang Facebook posts.

Ayon kay Dindo, ang sikreto sa kanilang pamamayagpag sa larangan ng paggawa ng kakanin ay isang espesyal na recipe na maingat nilang itinatago sa publiko.

“Ganito kasi ‘yon, simula nang mawala ang kaliwang paa ko, doon maraming bumili sa tupig namin; ‘yon ang sikreto,” biro nito.

Hindi naman sa pagdadamot, ngunit nadala na sila sa >>Jump to p.19

Aling Dina

Sa habang panahong nagbabaga ang kanilang lutuan, lalagablab ang damdaming ipreserba ang hitik na Pilipinong kultura at ang ating katangitanging panlasa.

THE

WORK

Dina’s Tupig >>From p.18

mga nagtangkang kopyahin ang kanilang pamamaraan. Ang masakit pa sa kanilang parte, ang mga nanghamak na gayahin ito ay iyong mga naturuan nila ng kanilang minanang pamamaraan.

“Marami nang mga nagpupunta rito na gustong bilhin ‘yung recipe namin. May mga nagtangka na ring gumaya rito, pero walang naging matagumpay. Sa huli, sa amin pa rin talaga bumibili ang tao,” dagdag pa niya.

SA ASPETONG PANTURISMO AT PANGKABUHAYAN Sapat na ang kanilang pagkakakilanlan upang mapukaw ang atensyon ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Camiling. Sa katunayan, laging iniimbita ang mga namamahala sa Dina’s Tupig upang magpaseminar sa tuwing mayroong okasyon kagaya ng piyesta o kaya nama’y magsisilbing panauhing pandangal sa mga pagdiriwang sa mga eskuwelahan kagaya ng Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU). Sa ganitong paraan, naibabahagi ng pamilya Leal ang kanilang kaalaman sa pagnenegosyo sa

AUGUST 2017

DEVCOM kanilang komunidad.

Kahit na pinananatili nilang eksklusibo ang kabuhayan sa kanilang pamilya, hindi nila maikakaila na patuloy na lumalago at lumalawak ang kanilang pagtutupig kung kaya’t nakalilikha sila ng trabaho para sa kanilang mga kakilala’t kaibigan.

Mayroong dalawa hanggang tatlong malalapit na kaibigan na silang natulungan at patuloy na natutulungan hanggang sa kasalukuyan.

Gayunpaman, sinisigurado ng pamilya na mapagkakatiwalaan ang sinumang mapalad na mabigyan ng trabaho at hindi lalabas ang kanilang pinaka-iingat ingatang recipe. Malihim man sila pagdating sa mga indibidwal na naghahangad malaman ito, hindi naman sila kinapos sa pagbabahagi ng kanilang mga pagpapala sa kanilang pinagmulang lugar.

Sa paniniwala ni Kempee, kahit madaling magbago ang panlasa ng Pilipino, hindi mawawala ang kultura ng pasalubong.

“Kapag ang tao, nagpunta sa lugar na bago sa kaniya, maghahanap siya ng pwede niyang iuwi na magsisilbing palatandaan na nagtungo siya sa lugar na ‘yon. Masasabi ng

isang tao na nagpunta siya sa Tarlac kapag nakapag-uwi sila ng tupig naming,” aniya.

Sa marahang pag-usbong ng Tarlac bilang isang destinasyong panturismo, kaakibat ng kabi-kabilang promosyon sa mga atraksyon nito ang pagsuporta sa mga katulad ng Dina’s Tupig na puhunan ang pagkahilig ng Pilipino sa kaniyang sariling pagkain.

Nababanaag ng binata na hindi mabilis mabubura ng mga dekada ang mga lokal na delicacies hangga’t mayroong isang bibig na nahuhumaling pa rin sa kaniyang nakasanayang mga lasa. Mananatili pa ring nakatayo ang kanilang kabuhayan sa kabila ng pagsubok ng oras.

ANG SIKRETONG SANGKAP Maliban kay Kempee at Dindo, mayroon pa silang apat na kapatid. Isa na lamang ang nag-aaral at ang iba ay tumutulong sa pangangasiwa sa kanilang negosyo. Nagkaroon pa nga sila ng ikalawang branch sa pamamahala ng kanilang panganay na kapatid.

Sa pagharap sa mga balakid, hindi lamang tatag ng kanilang kabuhayan ang sinubok kundi ang higpit ng kanilang

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pagkakabuklod bilang isang pamilya.

“Mag-away man kami, ‘yan (pagtutupig) ang maglalapit sa amin. Ito ang ugnayan naming magkakapatid,” paliwanag ni Kempee.

Sa huling pagkakaton, sinubukan naming biruin ang pangalawang bunso upang ibunyag ang sikretong sangkap na ginagamit nila sa paggawa ng tupig. Hindi namin inasahan ang kaniyang naging tugon.

“Pagmamahal sa trabaho,” sagot ni Kempee, “ito ang pamana sa amin ng aming nanay. Ito yung pinagkukunan namin ng ikabubuhay, kaya hindi dapat mawala yung pagpupursigi namin.”

Hindi biro ang paggawa ng tupig.

Kung hindi sanay ang kamay sa paggawa nito, marahil bibigay ito sa paulit-ulit na pagkapaso. Ganito na lamang kahalaga ang pagtataglay ng tiyaga sa sinumang papasok sa industriya ng pagtutupig.

Kuwento ni Dindo, halos hindi na siya tumatayo sa silya niyang de-gulong sa pagbabantay sa kaniyang niluluto. Isa siya sa mga nagpapatunay na higit na mas matimbang ang pangarap kaysa sa kapansanan.

Huling Kalendaryo ng Patal Bato >>From p.16

sapagkat nararapat na alam nila kung ano ang mga plano o aksyong gagawin, pati na rin ang mga pinakabagong anunsyo sa kanilang komunidad.

Ang mag-asawang Salazar ay gayundin sumasang-ayon na isang epektibong panlaban ang IPRA lalo na’t ito ay isang dokumento na pawang tumatalakay sa karapatan nilang mga katutubo.

“Noong kagawad pa ako noon sa sitio, noong hindi pa ako pastor, kinukuha ko ‘yung mga dokumento para sa mga lupa— kung sa amin talaga ibinigay ‘yung lupa,” salaysay ni Pastor Leo. Ang konsepto ng mga dokumento ay tunay ngang napakahalaga sapagkat ito ang nagsisilbing katibayan lalo na sa mga bagay na kailangan ng sapat na katunayan katulad ng lupa at iba pang pagmamayari.

Ayon naman kay Aling España, mayroon ng dalawang tao mula sa kanilang lugara ang tumayo upang iulat ang pinagsama-sama nilang pahayag mula sa pagpupulong. Patuloy na sisigaw at makikibaka upang makamit ang tunay na kagustuhan—ang manatili sa lugar at mamuhay sa payak na paraan katulad ng kanilang nakasanayan.

“Pinapanalangin namin na itong community ay talagang huwag mawala sa amin. Wala namang imposible kung dadalhin mo sa Kanya,” dagdag pa ni Pastor Leo. NGAYON AT SA MGA SUSUNOD NA TAON “Mananatili kami dito, anuman ang mangyari”, “Narito ang ikinabubuhay namin, mahihirapan kami kung lilipat kami ng tirahan”, “Magkakaisa kami para

Deprived & Prejudiced >>From p.15

pinuwersa ng gobyerno? Kami ba ay kusang gumawa ng identificaion? Hindi nila alam ‘yan tapos biglang dumating ‘yung mga salita nila. Ganyan sila, madakdak pagdating sa pulitika,” he explicated.

[Are we forced by the government to do this or it is our own intent? They do not know any but they talk like they know a lot.]

Meanwhile, because of the effectivity of the identification system, it has been a subject for approval to implement it for the whole Region III. They will not disprove to this idea because they are yearning that time will come, people’s doubts and misconceptions will be taken out.

“Nagpagawa kami ng ID kasi gusto naming ipakita sa Region 3 na ito ang mga tao sa Paniqui. Ito sila at wala silang kinalaman sa mga Maute, Abu Sayyaf,

ESPASYO. Iba’tibang mukha ng mga residente ng Sitio Patal Bato, Sta. Juliana na hanggang ngayon ay iisa pa rin ang ipinaglalaban; manatili sa lupang kanilang sinilangan at patuloy na mamuhay katulad ng nakasanayan.

(Photos by Audrey Del Rosario)

hindi mapaalis” at marami pang iba.

Tila iisa lang ang gustong sambitin ng mga hinaing ng mga nakatira sa Sitio Patal Bato at ito ay ang manatili sa kinatitirikan

ng kanilang mga tirahan. Sa mga nakalipas na taon at magpahanggang ngayon, ito na siguro ang lupang gusto nilang paglaanan ng kanilang buong buhay.

Sa kabilang banda, may katanungan naman na dapat isaalang-alang sa kagustuhan nila. Kung sila’y hindi aalis, mapapanatili ba ang kaligtasan ng bawat

ISIS, o kahit ano pa man. Tingnan niyo para maalis na ang mga pagdududa at agam-agam niyo. Alisin niyo na ‘yung mga ‘baka.’ Tingnan mo muna ang estado ng mga tao,” Bangadan added.

[This is us and we have no affiliations with any Muslim rebel group. Take your maybes away. Know a person’s background first; always know what’s immoral from not.]

They are here to seek their real battles in life. This is where the members of the community grew up. Paniqui has been their motherland for a couple of years now—where the seeds of creation and productivity are sprouted in the fields, where dreams might once die but it will flourish, sooner or later. This is the identity of an existent Muslim heritage.

prejudices where the Muslim community stumbles upon, they will never fall down with the same problem more than twice.

It might be a coarse route for the Muslims to build connection with the society, but declining is never an option to choose.

“Wala kaming hinihingi sa gobyerno.

Basta kami, nandito para maghanapbuhay, okay na ‘yun sa amin. Huwag lang sirain ‘yung pagitan natin,” Bangadan explains.

[We don’t ask for any to the government.

We are okay as long as we have stable jobs that could sustain our families’ needs. We are okay as long as they don’t break the line which connects us.]

With this, he further described that the Filipinos, of any complexion, dialect or belief, are non-biological siblings; that there’s only one lifeblood that flows through our veins. People might differ from family’s heritage and background

but at the end of the day, Filipinos are just one extended family. This modest Muslim community in Paniqui is eyeing for a more redefined society where no one gets left behind, where no one is prejudiced and feels inferior.

“Lahat tayo dapat we know how to respect that we are all Filipinos.

Magkakapatid tayo, galing tayo sa isang bansa—isang diwa, Pilipino tayo. Dapat nagkakaintindihan tayo. Alisin natin ‘yung diskriminasyon,” he further hinted.

[All of us should know how to respect that we are all Filipinos. We are brothers and sisters, we are from one nation—with one spirit, we are Filipinos. We should understand one another. Let us eliminate discrimination.]

FREED AND FLOURISHED Despite the stereotyping

and

*** The sun might be an intimidating presence but when the skies are finally

19

“Kahit ganito ang kalagayan ko, basta nakikita ko ang mga kapatid ko na nagpapatuloy, ayos na ako. Masaya na ako na nakikita ko sa kanila ang mga pangarap ko,” pagtatapos ni Dindo.

Marahil, nagkakamali ang mga taong masidhi ang pagnanais na malaman ang kanilang sikreto. Marahil, hindi recipe o ang pamamaraan ang pinakasusi ng kanilang tagumpay. Marahil, ang pagpapahalaga nila sa bawat miyembro ng kanilang pamilya ang dahilan nito.

Marahil, ang pagiging sandigan ng isa’t-isa ay sapat na sa mga panahong wala silang makapitan.

Tunay na walang nilikha na mananatiling permanente sa mundo, ngunit may mga bagay na nilikha upang magtagal; ito ang mga bagay na nilikha buhat ng pagmamahal at matatayog na pangarap. Ang pamana ni Aling Dina ay pamana hindi lamang ng kanilang angkan o ng munisipalidad ng Camiling; ito ay pamana niya sa mga henerasyon na darating. Sa habang panahong nagbabaga ang kanilang lutuan, lalagablab ang damdaming ipreserba ang hitik na Pilipinong kultura at ang ating katangitanging panlasa.

pamilya lalo na’t katabi lang nila ang basemilitar?

Ito ang isa sa mga isinasaalang-alang ni Pastor Leo, ang kagustuhan niyang maging ligtas ang kanyang pamilya sa anumang araw o oras. Giit pa niya na mas gugustuhin niya nang lumipat lalo na’t ito ay para sa gagawing paghanda ng ating hukbo at hindi naman upang agawin at alisin ang kanilang karapatan sa lupain.

Sa mga ganitong aksyon ng aprobasyon at pagpayag, umuusbong ang ilang kondisyon at kakailanganin.

“Pwede. [Lilipat kami ng tirahan.]

Wala naman kaming magagawa. Basta may paglilipatan agad. Kasi kung hindi namin sariling lupa ‘yung pagtatayuan ng bahay, paano kami? Paano kung may singil pa [ang bahay] bawat taon o bawat buwan?” hinaing ni Pastor Leo. Ayon din sa pangalawang chieftain ng Patal Bato, sila ay papayag na lumipat ng tirahan basta sila’y mabigyan ng relocation site na may sapat na pangkabuhayan, eskwelahan at health center.

Marahil ito ay mga bagay na talagang kinakailangan ng mga katutubo kung sakaling sila’y aalis mula sa kanilang pinanggalingan. Ang mga ito ay tila benda na siyang magtatakip at magsasaayos sa kanilang problema—ang ilapat ang kanilang dating buhay sa isang panibago at naiibang kapaligiran.

Nagsimula na ang unti-unting pagkapilas ng mga pahina ng kalendaryo para sa mga naninirahan sa Patal Bato.

Wala silang ideya kung itutuloy pa ba ang pagpapaalis sa kanila rito. Ngunit sa pagbubukas ng panibagong taon ay ang pag-usbong ng mga bagong kahilingan at hinaing.

“Hinihiling namin para sa bagong taon na maging maayos ang aming lokasyon para kami ay makapaghanapbuhay ng maayos para hindi naman laging ganito at para makaangat naman kami kahit kaunti,” pakiusap ni Aling España.

eaten up with darkness, you see the stars, and even them, their gleaming beauty causes you realizations and conclusions: when the sun smiles again, a renewed society will smile back—a society that is leveled for any kind of individual.

An epitome of an ideal society is one that does not talk about labels such as gender, color, social classes, and religion, but one that talks only about people. No labels attached, just people.

“Sa mga Muslim, kapag nasaktan ang isa, para kaming katawan—kahit saan diyan ang makaramdam ng sakit at sugat, nararamdaman ng buong katawan. Diyan kami nagkakaisa,” Bangadan described with a pleased smile on his face.

[In a Muslim community, we are like a human body—any part that hurts, that has cuts and wounds will be felt by the whole system. That is where we are unified. That is how we function as one.]

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AUGUST 2017 fb.com/thework @theworktsu

LITERARY

Balato

ANDREA NICOLE B. SAPNU “Paano ba ‘yan, Pao? Mukhang mapapaaga na ang mga uwi mo simula mamayang gabi,” biro ni Shiela sa pinsan habang paisaisang sinisinop ang mga barahang naglipana sa parihabang mesa, nililigpit ang anumang kalat na natira sa dinagsang saklaan kagabi.

“Badtrip, Shie. Last night na nga lang olats pa.” Nilingon nila ang kabilang dulo ng mesa kung saan nakasalumbaba ang kapitbahay na si Mang Ben. “Mabuti pa yung iba diyan, mukhang may sapat na pera upang balatuan ako ng pangmatrikula at yosi,” pagpaparinig ni Pao sa matanda.

“Oo nga, Mang Ben! Huwag mo naman sanang ipagdamot ang—” Hindi man lang natapos ni Shiela ang kaniyang pangungusap.

Bumulwak ng dugo ang kaniyang bibig.

“Ayos na ba sa’yo ang Fortune Lights, Paolo?” Nakangising ibinulsa ni Mang Ben ang kaniyang revolver sabay abot ng sigarilyo sa binatang tila nanlamig sa kaniyang kinatatayuan.

“Saka na ang balato kong pang-tuition mo. Paniguradong may saklaan na naman bukas.”

Lucky 9

ARSENIO SANTIAGO JR.

Lagi akong sinasama ni tatay sa may kanto.

Tuturuan niya raw akong magbilang at magdagdag ng numero.

One plus one “Two” Two plus two “Four” Three plus three “Six” Natuto naman ako sa turo ni tatay, kaya nang minsang tanungin ako ni titser kung ano ang sagot sa “four plus four,” mabilis ko siyang sinagot ng “Good!”

THE

Balik-taya CREISHA MAE S. DIMABAYAO Enaku sana bisa Kanya tinikdo naku Ken kakung pangaluklok Ala na kung panaya, Nandin kupa kasi masasambut King kamalas-malasan ku keng majong a yan.

Pinandit, bigla yang dinatang yi Don Pepe Enaku pepalakwan Anang makanyan, mag-one game kami pa kanu.

Enaku sana bisa Oneng dinanan nakung panaya Ninu ku wari para tumanggi, ale?

Ala naku man aliwang binyeng kapalit Nung ali ing kanakung puri ampong pangatao Pero ayus yamu’y ta Atlis meka-one game ku pa.

Midnight Murmur ISAIH KYLE C. UMIPIG

It was on the second day of June when an ecstatic place turned down all at once— It’s around midnight when a sudden adrenaline rushed into the veins of every man playing cards.

Casino tables, slot machines are not adorned with lights, but were set with fire.

I can still recall when these casino tables and slot machines turned into a bloody, gloomy graveyard.

It’s horrifying.

I can’t stop recalling.

It’s horrifying that I can’t stop bringing it to mind that on the second day of June, my Papa’s ecstatic place brought me into my most depressing memory. *for the pitiable victims of Resorts World Manila attack

GRAPHICS BY KENNETH LEO V. PAMLAS

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LITERARY

WORK

Laughingstock

Numbers

JANELLE PAMELA DAVID

JANELLE PAMELA DAVID

let me play the game where I count the cards where I put labels and memorize each one royal flush-oh, I am all-in let me count the poker chips I won-different colors and Value but the same size Each represents the money I could take home but let me be careful for they might notice the sleight of my hands

Joker was a serious man Until he knew how to play With the deck of cards Joker’s favorite card was the Joker for it has various uses—it can replace lost cards or even wildly represent other existing cards.

Joker was a serious man until he played his life away.

counting cards ranging from aces to queens but let me be careful of this one sturdy man who dragged me behind the dealer who noticed my sly hands

Joker was a serious man until his life became a joke.

now I am counting years in my mind for they diced my counting fingers behind bars in a house full of crooked ones

Winner Takes All ARSENIO SANTIAGO JR. Itataya niya ang huling natitirang barya sa kanyang bulsa Pipintahan ang baraha ng may halong kaba at pag-aalala.

Aasang makakakain sila ngayong araw sa sampung pisong taya niya sa gitna.

Wildcard JOAN ROBIN T. MARTINEZ Ms. Independent her life at impasse she begs to disagree leaching off no man Until She breaks off crying broken heart bleeding A card thrown In Moments Least expected.

AUGUST 2017 fb.com/thework @theworktsu

21

Rumplestiltskin JOAN ROBIN T. MARTINEZ

She smiled with satisfaction as she scanned her grades for the past semester. She made it through, a gamble that paid off way better than she expected. In her periphery, a thick dust coats her unused books – she might just sell them off for a good price. She stares past the sheets of paper, all brand new, emotions hitting off as she fought the wave of nausea coiling in her stomach.

Graduation is a few weeks from now.

She wouldn’t have to see the man who’ve made dreams come true.

His seed growing in her belly.

AUGUST 2017

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SPORTS

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IN FAIRNESS

Fast track

Proud pero Dismayado

EDITORIAL

After securing 24 gold medals in the recently concluded 29th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and coming up 26 medals short of their 50-gold medal goal, a major re-evaluation of tactics and trainings should be put into fruition by the Philippine team in the next iteration of the games in 2019.

When a team’s goal is to secure 30 wins, they set it to 50—a means of setting goals and a source of motivation. This year’s performance is argued to be the lowest gold medal acquisition of the country since the 1999 games in Brunei where the Philippines only managed to take 19 gold medals in all of the Games in the Biennial sporting event.

According to Cynthia Carrion-Norton, Philippine SEA Games chef de mission, they had a list of prospective gold medals which can possibly be bagged by different players for each sport event. In fact, the projected total is 63 gold medals, but she is only relying on 50. The said list is a reflection of the officials’ optimism that the team players can do well in their respective events.

Our country’s team has very positive goals, but in a deeper manner, the massive leap from 29 gold medals back in 2015 to an anticipated sum of 50 this year seemed like something that’s too good to be true; and at the end of the day, was exactly that.

Although coming up short was a disappointment, this year’s gold medal haul is far from a failure. In every action, there are goals and objectives but failing to reach those goals could still be a step towards achieving better results in the long run.

As the saying goes, failure is a part of the learning process. One cannot improve without first seeing what needs to be done and what needs to be improved. Since the Philippine team has already encountered and saw the consequences of the downward sentiment of failure, the players and coaches are now able to focus on particular things they need to beef up in preparation for the incoming games in 2019.

The Philippine team ended up bagging a collection of 121 medals while the host country Malaysia took home the top spot in the overall standings.

A myriad of factors come into play when trying to reach a goal as ambitious as the latest SEA games gold medal bid. Anything from scheduling to rest times for athletes, to logistical challenges along with unexpected oppositions from underdog teams.

Other factors in the 11-day event include the absences of certain events where the chance of getting gold medals were high (Weightlifting and Women’s boxing). This is yet another major factor in the country’s expectancy of winning.

The 30th edition of SEA games could be the event that puts the Philippines in the top spot since home-court advantage is not something to be ignored when you have an audience as dedicated to sports as Filipinos.

Louder cheers and shouts could be of great help in pushing our athletes past the 24 golds into the country’s goal of 50 top finishes.

Although not being able to reach the estimated haul, the future is still bright for the Filipino athletes vying for the top spot in the next SEA Games.

SUC III Olympics... games.

However, when asked if the TSU Firefox team is ready for the upcoming SUC III Olympics, Salangsang mentioned that the team needs to train more,

>>from p.24

since there is no intensive training made yet.

This year, Firefox team aims to advance their rank from being the third runner-up in the previous SUC III Olympics to being the second runner-up. Although the team wants to garner the championship, Salangsang said that it would not be easy for TSU since the leading university, BulSU, consistently tops the sports competition for the past

ARSENIO S. SANTIAGO, JR. BS CIVIL ENGINEERING Tuwing University Intramurals, naipapakita natin ang ating suporta sa kanya-kanya nating kolehiyo. Mula sa sagad sa butong sigawan hanggang sa murahin mo na ang player ng kabilang koponan sa sigasig ng laro, lumalabas ang ating pagkasabik sa larangan ng palakasan. Nagkakaisa ang bawat estudyante upang ipakita at ipadama ang suporta nila sa mga manlalaro na nakikipagbanatan ng buto o minsan pa ay handang makipagpatayan para sa ‘honor and glory’ na nais nilang iuwi sa kanilang kolehiyo.

Ngunit nakakalungkot isipin na bagama’t bitbit ng bawat atleta ang bandera ng kanilang kolehiyo, hindi nila nakukuha ang suportang isa sa mga pinakakailangan nila—ang suporta galing sa mga instructors o professors.

Unang column ko ito sa publikasyon at nais kong gamitin ang pagkakataong ito upang kahit papaano’y magkaroon ng boses ang mga piping hinaing ng mga student athletes kagaya ko. Nais kong bigyang atensyon ang mga simple ngunit tunay na pangyayari bago at sa kasagsagan ng intramurals.

Hindi na bago ang mga eksena tuwing rigid trainings at pagkatapos ng intrams. Iba’t ibang sitwasyon ngunit iisa ang puno’t dulo at siguro’y isa sa pinakamahirap na parte ng pagiging student athlete; ito ay ang paghingi ng patak ng pang-unawa mula sa dapat na mas nakakaunawa.

Narito ang ilan sa mga studentathlete bago at pagkatapos ng intrams: Triggered Student-Athlete Ito si atletang aligaga sa pag-aaral ng leksyon sa gabi dahil hindi siya pinayagang magkaroon ng special examination kesyo ‘acads first’ daw, na kung ‘di siya mage-exam sa itinakdang araw at oras ay masisisngko siya. Kaya sa halip na ipahinga na lang ang hapong katawan sa training, ay mag-aaral siya para sa pagsusulit. Wala siya sa discussion dahil sa kabi-kabilang pag-

two decades now.

As explained by Salangsang, the rescheduling of the sports event brought negative effects since the preparation for the upcoming competition was shortened.

In a way, it also has a positive effect since the regular classes will resume after the holiday season, thus, the academics of the studentathletes would not be affected.

In an interview with Jann

eensayo.

Sir, Ma’am, matanong ko lang po, alam po ba ninyo ang mental and physical stress ng bawat atleta tuwing rigid trainings? Kalabisan po bang bigyan sila ng sapat na oras upang magrebyu sa bakanteng oras nila dahil ginugugol muna nila ang oras at lakas nila upang mairepresinta ang kolehiyo ninyo sa intrams? Naisip ko lang.

Sabog na Student-Athlete Bigyan naman natin ng atensyon si student-athlete na hindi excused sa klase niyang panggabi niya dahil maghapon lang naman daw ang training, hindi buong gabi. Hindi siya excused sa attendance at sa mga seatwork. At ito ang malala sa sitwasyon niya, tatakutin siya sa surprise quiz kuno kapag ‘di siya pumasok.

Hindi lang naman natatapos sa kaunting stretching at limang minutong jogging ang training ng mga atleta lalo na’t rigid training nga, rigid po, rigid.

Naaapektuhan kasi ang pisikal at mental na aspeto ng isang estudyante upang makapag-aral nang mabuti. Atleta rin ako at alam na alam ko ang pakiramdam na

“

...bagama’t bitbit ng bawat atleta ang bandera ng kanilang kolehiyo, hindi nila nakukuha ang suportang isa sa mga pinakakailangan nila.”

Darel Sapad of TSU Firefox Men’s Volleyball Team, he said, “a yearround preparation for the upcoming SUC III Olympics is enough for us to achieve the goal we have set in our minds. Changing of date for me doesn’t matter as long as we take every training as serious as we could.

As long as we give the credit that is due for the training, changing of date from January to December is never a problem. We will take that change as

THE

WORK

‘on game’ ka dapat pero nagmememorya ka ng formula, ng terms, at kung anuano pa sa kadahilananng hahabulin mo yung klase pagkatapos ng training.

Ma’am/ Sir, ayaw niyo naman po sa mga estudyanteng ‘physically present but mentally absent,’ ‘di ba? Masakit po ba sa parte ninyo na bigyan na lang sila ng pahinga, ng sapat na tulog, at kapayapaan ng kaisipan pag-uwi nila?

Asadong Student-Athlete Sa puntong ito, damayan naman natin sa pagluluksa si student-athlete na ‘nag-ensayo, nanalo pero pinaasa’, na matapos gawin ang mga buwis-buhay na stunts para sa kampeonato ay hindi makukuha ang insentibo na dapat at ibinigay sa kaniya.

Ganito yung sitwasyon niya: hindi tatanggapin ni ever supportive prof yung Certificate of Participation niya dahil ‘hindi naman nga raw parte ng syllabus nila ang isports.’

Hindi ako magpapakaplastik para sabihing hindi namin iniisip ang insentibo na maaari naming makuha kaya kami naglalaro tuwing intrams. Ang amin lang naman po ay kahit isang kurot lamang na pakunswelo ang iparamdam sa amin.

Hindi yung hindi niyo na lang basta iohonor yung certificate kahit pirmado naman ng dean.

Hindi ko isinulat ang column na ito upang umapela ng special treatment.

Alisin na natin ang usaping “dagdag grades” dahil hindi naman kami nanlilimos ng anumang espesyal na pagkilala. Hangad lang ng column na ito na ipahayag ang saloobin ng bawat atletang dumaranas nito—na patakan naman ng kahit kaunting konsiderasyon ang mga atletang tagaktak ang pawis para sa ngalan ng kanilang kolehiyo.

Proud, pero Dismayado Maipagmamalaki mong dahil bilang atleta, nagagampanan mo ang papel mo tuwing sasapit ang inaabangang University Intramurals; ito ay ang samahan ang iyong kolehiyo sa battle cry na inyong ipinaglalaban. Sa kabilang banda ay may kurot ng pagkadismaya dahil tila naglalaro lang kaming mga atleta sa hangin sa tuwing naiisip naming walang suportang nanggagaling sa mga tatay at nanay namin sa kolehiyo—mga faculty. Mabuti na lang ay may mga estudyanteng nanunuod at pumapalakpak pa sa mga laro dahil sa attendance na ni-require lang din ng mga coach na prof. (buntong hininga)

positive reinforcement for us to strive more in every training.”

“I prefer this year’s schedule because I believe that TSU athletes are more motivated and prepared to bag championships. I think we’ve prepared so much for this year’s competition,” he added.

TSU will be facing-off with 13 competing state universities and colleges in Region III in the upcoming Olympics.

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AUGUST 2017

SPORTS

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23

PAC MAN’S SWAN SONG

The end of an era and the future of Philippine Pro Boxing

By Richmon Cayabyab With a stunning 59 wins (38 of which are knockouts), seven losses, and two draws, it’s no wonder that Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao’s boxing career has been nothing short of illustrious. At the peak of his career, the Philippines takes a collective gasp as every punch he throws, blocks and dodges send crowds of Filipino fans roaring with excitement and standing with joy.

Every year, almost every Filipino’s world stops and witnesses something spectacular; a living legend doing what he does best--boxing. From his first bloody slugfest with Erik Morales 12 years ago, to his four fights with Juan Manuel Marquez starting in 2004, and his earth-shaking knockout against Ricky Hatton, one thing remained the same; our enthusiasm in watching what can only be described as brutal poetry in motion.

In every punch thrown, taken, and dodged, we watched in awe. Every referee’s decision kept us at the edge of our seats and every win sent waves of joy to supporters all across the globe.

This is what we grew accustomed to, a Filipino fighter showing us an amazing ‘rags-to-riches’ tale that any Filipino can get behind.

Let’s face it, who doesn’t want to see a struggling hero go through and pass various difficulties and opponents. Time and time again, we enjoy watching the pride of our country give his all on the squared circle and we rejoice watching him get to where he is right now.

With countless earnings, belongings and vast amount of wealth, there’s no denying that Pac Man has really made it big since his professional debut in 1995, more than 22 years ago. Fight after fight, win after win, we witness Manny grow as a fighter, and as a person. From his various stints playing different sports such as being the playing coach of the Mahindra Enforcers to his current job

as one of this country’s senators, there’s no doubt that Manny has fought for everything that he has now.

Although beaten and weary from his latest fight against the Australian boxer Jeff Horn earlier this year, it is fair to realize that Manny is no longer on top of his boxing game. Although we still saw the classic aggression and his explosive left hook that could knock the lights out of anyone unlucky enough to catch it, Pacquiao’s age truly shows in his most recent drawn-out fights. Although the mind and heart of a champ is still there, the champion’s prime physique is slowly fading.

Years and years of fighting at Pac Man’s level truly takes its toll on a body. Years of fights, concussions and head trauma sustained in professional boxing is not something to sneeze at. Serious physical impairments could be associated with professional boxing such as Dementia Pugilistica or Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy where the afflicted have memory loss problems, and neuromuscular problems resembling Alzheimer’s disease; A grim reality that the Filipino fighting senator might face in the future.

There’s no doubt that Pac Man’s boxing career is nearing its inevitable end. Every athlete faces this conundrum of continuing to forge a lasting legacy or playing it safe and retiring while ahead. Manny Paqcuiao’s career as a fighting senator is most likely drawing to a close, whether he likes it or not. Fewer and fewer people stop their mundane tasks to watch his fights, more and more obscure fighters get put into the ring with him due to his past competitors retiring and finding new sports, time truly takes no prisoners, especially in sports.

People say that all great things must come to an end. A statement that is becoming more and more apparent as time goes by and as Pac Man’s career continues. Maybe it’s truly time for

the fighting senator to hang his gloves and call it a day. Maybe the Philippines need Manny Pacquiao as a full-time senator and not a boxer anymore, a sad reality that we need to accept as the clocks tick closer and closer towards his retirement.

Pacquiao’s career may be coming to a close in the near future, but signs are still good for the Philippine pro boxing scene with the likes of IBF Junior flyweight Champion Milan “El Metodico” MElindo, International Boxing Federation (IBF) Flyweight title holder Donnie “Ahas” Nietes, and the IBF Junior Bantamweight champ Jerwin “Pretty Boy” Ancajas taking the helm. These young bloods are some of the strongest fresh-faced Filipino warriors ready for their shot at boxing immortality.

Although Pac Man’s retirement might be a bitter pill to swallow for some, new fighters are training and getting closer and closer to their chance to be the next fighter on top. With this, we can safely assure that Philippine Pro Boxing won’t go down without a fight.

Photos from Google

GROWING GROWING FLAMES: FLAMES:

FIREFOX FIREFOX ON ON THE THE RISE RISE RAVEN ABAGAT:

OF SPRINTS Raven Abagat never lets life knock him out, neither does he ever try to sprint away whenever life attempts to do so. But when the going gets tough, the athletics player-turned-boxer gets as twice as resilient, a value inculcated by not only the track oval and the boxing ring, but by the rocky slopes he had hovered over in his worst times. Raven has just begun to take fight. Let’s get ready to rumble!

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN COMMITTING TO SPORTS? Eight years in the field of athletics, one year in boxing. What got you started? To be completely honest, it all started with pure jealousy. My two older brothers are good at chess and athletics. That’s what pushed me to strive, if not to be better than them, then at least keep up with their accomplishments. My parents and most of the people I know, appreciates them more than me.

WHY DID YOU CHANGE YOUR SPORTS CATEGORY ALL OF A SUDDEN? You can’t serve two masters at the same time.

It was difficult to have two sports. I really love watching boxing or any mixed martial arts technique, real matches and also movies. I was really planning in joining the boxing team even though I was training for my events in athletics. The perfect opportunity came when they were looking for new players, and there you have it.

WHAT URGED YOU TO TRANSFER? Watching my idols in the boxing field, I always feel the sudden rush of hunger to be like them as one of the elites in the future.

WILL IT BE TEMPORARY OR ARE YOU GOING TO FULLY DEDICATE ON BOXING? I cannot tell at this time, I am more focused at my

&SLUGFESTS

academics now more than my career on boxing, but whenever I’m given the opportunity to be one of the professionals, I would take it.

No, not at all. But with my brother, I am sharing some of my personal problems. We pretty sure get along just fine.

BOXING OR ATHLETICS? I like Athletics, but I love Boxing.

ADVICE TO ATHLETES WHO ARE FACING THE SAME STRUGGLES AS YOU? Don’t give up and keep moving forward, no matter what happens. Remember God at all times. With Him, nothing is impossible.

DO YOUR INSECURITIES SOMEHOW GET IN THE WAY OF YOUR STUDIES? HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH IT? Everyone gets insecure, it is how you handle it so you will not be affected by it. Let those insecurities be challenges and challenge yourself more and more so you could be better every day.

DO YOU ALSO FEEL THE SAME INTENSITY OF PRESSURE WHEN IT COMES TO SUSTAINING GRADES? Yes. I’ve always dreamt to be one of the brightest students in TSU while I am an athlete. Walang imposible.

ARE YOU ABLE TO MAINTAIN A BALANCE BETWEEN ACADEMICS AND ATHLETICS? Yes, simply by prioritizing what is important to me, being a champion in both academics and athletics.

HOW DO YOU DEFINE YOURSELF AS A STUDENT-ATHLETE? I define myself as a Soldier of God. I do these things not only just for me, but for also for Him. Without Him, I am nothing.

DO YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF A STUDENT WHO EXCELS? No, I don’t consider my achievements now as a way that I’m excelling as a student. I still haven’t proved anything yet. I will make my dreams come true.

With the help of God, nothing is impossible.

ARE YOU COMFORTABLE SHARING YOUR PERSONAL PROBLEMS WITH THE FAMILY?

WE’VE HEARD YOU’VE BEEN AN ACTIVE PARTICIPANT IN ALMOST EVERY MARATHON/ FUN RUN. WOULD YOU MIND GIVING US A LITTLE BACKGROUND AS TO WHY YOU DO THIS? Dealing with some problems on my family, I was short on money. Fun runs/marathons are things nowadays you can win money. So I figured out that I can make money by winning those runs. So I trained and joined and that is how I earn and save money for my everyday life.

ADVICE TO ASPIRING TSUIAN ATHLETES? Don’t let anyone tell you, you can’t do it. Nothing is impossible and impossible is nothing. Put God first at all times, and you do the rest.

WHAT VALUES HAVE YOU OBTAINED IN BOXING AND ATHLETICS? Discipline, determination, hard work, and the will to go on. You have to discipline yourself every time every day. Your determination is the one that will make you work hard, and the will to go on will give you what you have worked hard for. Just don’t give up when it hard, keep moving forward.

WHAT IS YOUR MANTRA? “Pain is temporary. Quitting lasts forever.” The world is a mean and nasty place, it would beat you to your knees and put you there forever if you let it. It doesn’t matter how hard you can hit, what matters is how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done.

INSIDE STORIES>>> OPINION /P.22

FEATURE /P.23

FEATURE /P.23

Proud pero Dismayado

Of Sprints and Slugfests

Pac Man’s Swan Song

Sports THE

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AUGUST 2017 fb.com/thework @theworktsu

SUC III Olympics moved to December

By Creisha Mae S. Dimabayao THIS YEAR’S State Universities and Colleges (SUC) III Olympics was moved from last year’s January opening to December which will be hosted by Bulacan State University (BulSU).

The sporting event will be held from December 17 to 22.

Although having the games moved, Dr. Ligaya Salangsang, head of Tarlac State University (TSU) Sports Development and Management Unit, stated that the Firefoxes are not facing any major adjustments since the interuniversity sporting event was always held in the same month, except from last year’s games.

It was only moved last year due to concerns in the preparation time of Pampanga State Agricultural University (PSAU), the former host of the

>p.22

BEST OF FIREFOX. The colleges’ most valuable players in their respective sports. (Photos from The Work archive)

PH falls short on SEAG gold haul

By Lorddan U. Faller ALTHOUGH FALLING short on the projected 50 gold medal goal, the Philippines managed to take the sixth spot in the 2017 South East Asian (SEA) Games held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with 24 gold, 34 silver, and 64 bronze medals.

A total of 497 Filipino athletes showed their mettle in 404 events across 38 sports in the span of 16 days from August 14 to 30. Every event, excluding

PHILIPPINES’ MEDAL HAUL

24 GOLD

33 SILVER

64 BRONZE

Cricket, had a Filipino participant which garnered a total of 122 podium finishes for the country.

Although achieving a respectable finish, Chef-de-mission Cynthia Carrion emphasized certain reasons for failing to reach the median of their target gold medal haul.

One of these reasons was the selection of sports by the host country.

The removal of certain events where the Philippines has a higher chance of winning such as Boxing, Softball, and Women’s weightlifting proved to be a factor that affected the projected target.

Carrion believes that they can recover in 2019 SEA Games knowing that Philippines will be the host country.

Even with these setbacks, the Philippines still maintained its 6th spot while competing against countries like Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Brunei, Laos, and Timor-Leste.

Although failing to reach the projected goal, the Philippines still showed what its athletes are capable of in other sports such as Basketball where Gilas Pilipinas, the Philippines’ basketball team, showed dominance. As well as stellar performances from the Athletics team which secured the highest number of gold medals during the event where marathoner Mary Joy Tabal took the Philippines’ first gold just hours before the formal opening in Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur.

The games concluded with Malaysia asserting strong home court dominance with 323 medals in total of 145 golds, 92 silvers and 86

bronzes followed by the defending champion, Thailand with 72 golds, 86 silvers and 88 bronzes, a total of 246 medals.

Vietnam then secured 3rd spot in total medal count having 58

golds, 58 silvers and 60 bronzes, while Singapore dropped down from second to fourth place with just one gold fewer than Vietnam’s gold with 57, 58 silvers and 73 bronzes.

Remaining in the 5th spot is Indonesia, owning 191 medals entailed with 38 golds, 63 silvers and 90 bronzes.

Myanmar secured 7th place gaining seven golds, 10 silvers and 20 bronzes followed by Cambodia which accumulated 17 medals consist ing three golds, two silvers and 12 bronzes, while Laos landed on 9th place obtaining two golds, three silvers and 21 bronzes.

Brunei and TimorLeste were unsuccessful to earn any gold in the regions’ largest multi-sport event and ended in 10th and 11th place, respectively. Brunei took home 5 silvers and 9 bronzes while Timor-Leste collected 3 bronzes.

PINOY PRIDE. Philippines’ bet Mary Joy Tabal rejoices after winning gold in the woman’s marathon during the 29th Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia. (Photo from ABS-CBN Sports)