The Pantograph Magazine Vol. VI, Issue No. 2

THE

VOL VI, ISSUE NO II

Pantograph

Francine Ivanna Gabay Valedictorian

MARCH-JULY 2022

Jayvee Fortuno Salutatorian

The Pantograph THE OFFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL IN ENGLISH

EDITORIAL BOARD & STAFF P U B L I C AT I O N Y E A R 2 0 2 1 - 2 0 2 2

Editor-in-Chief Francine Ivanna Gabay

Sports Editor Curt Jairus Perez

Associate Editor Jayvee Fortuno

Graphics Editor Rye Exodus Prilles

Managing Editor Samantha Nicole Imperial

Chief Photojournalist Sharline Berjuega

News Editor Sarah Carinan Scitech Editor Kyle Samuel Bautista

Circulation Manager Shiara Mae Hosmillo

Staff Jay Vhie Abunda Ramer Erlin Breis Lexine Rust Dexter Ricafort Mark Christian Allyson Federio Ezra Borlagdatan Pauline Angela Velasco Romar Josh E. Castro John David D. Goyena Gilbert A. Laguardia Jr. John Murphy B. Bustamante Maria Juline Josa Victoria Casey Alano Kia Mae Boitizon

Graphics Rye Exodus Prilles Maria Juline Josa Victoria Casey Alano Kia Mae Boitizon Contributor Deian Francheska P. Imperial Technical Adviser Charlene Kris A. Borbe, MAEd

about the cover Despite the unprecedented effects of distance learning, teachers and students alike have managed to stay head above water. This issue will look at some of the success stories that occurred during the transition to online classes and its subsequent transition to a limited face-to-face setting. As the academic year concludes, two faces of success damasked — Francine Ivanna Gabay , Class Valedictorian and Jayvee Fortuno , Class Salutatorian.

Graphics: Deian Francheska P. Imperial Instagram: @_diametrika

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2 STEM students top Class of 2022’s 326 graduates UNC pushes F2F classes for AY 2022-2023, offers 3 new modalities SHS Dep’t holds FUNdemic 2022 First university, UNC, in South Luzon celebrates 75 years of existence “Unity is the first step towards getting out of this crisis”: Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wins 2022 Election by Landslide COMELEC Opens Voter Registration for SK Elections UNC SHS holds first socialization tour ‘Pandemic Graduates’: 326 learners graduate from SHS, share their experiences SHS learners express disappointment on 2022 Elections: ‘Ang hirap mong mahalin, Pilipinas’ Robredo holds grand rally in Naga, give thanks to the Bicolanos UNC USG, Christ’s Youth in Action conduct candlelight event for VP Leni Oil prices soar to 110$, hike troubles Filipinos ‘Walang Masasayang’: Former VP Robredo launches Angat Buhay Program PSE Falls, Hurdles on Marcos’ Term NCYO RIWARIW: Encourage Yout Socio-Envi Involvement GAS hails as champion for B.O.T.S 2022 Ukrainian refugee reaches 8.4 million in Europe, Philippines welcomes refugees Taliban Orders Another Decree for Women US-ASEAN Summit, Sends Signal For Stronger Ties Women’s Health in Danger as US Supreme Court Bans Abortion 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Ink of a Million Think Blatant Ineptitude Futile Exercise: A Plan for Nonexistent Problem Ironic Uniform Cronnies in Malacañang, what happens now Preserve Facts! Destroy Lies!

Less Protocols, More Freedom People’s Experiences On Loosened Health Restrictions 48 50 42

sports

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Tower of Hope: The Class Valedictorian and Salutatorian of Batch 2022 Graduates The BiCOOL Leaders Getting Over Grief To Be YOU-nc (UNC’s Friendliness to LGBTQ Members) Online Learning: Season 2 A Legacy or a Nightmare?

The L in Volunteering Who-Men: How Women are Treated in PH Are you toxic?Signs of Toxic Masculinity Abundance of Positivity The Assets of Political Candidates to Win? Or Not?

The Greatest Prankster Breakthrough: Speed Up Fact or Bluff?Purpose and Interest Mirror of Incompetence: Antagonistic on Great Ideas Cutting Jib’s Jib: Boxing in Politics Busted: Shot of Uncertainty

UNC builds dormitory for Greyhound Athletes UNC, to add TVL Sports Track to offer to SHS Students BUCAL finally resumes after three years, Season 4 set to happen in October Homegrown basketball player Kai Sotto undrafted Carlos Yulo: The Philippine’s Gymnast MVP

2 STEM students top Class of 2022’s 326 graduates

BY: SARAH CARINAN

Inspired and Motivated. STEM students, Fortuno and Gabay delivers Salutation and Valediction as Batch 2022 Class Salutatorian and Valedictorian.

Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students Ivanna Francine Gabay and Jayvee Fortuno topped the class of 2022, awarded as the class valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.

The top 10 students who excelled in academics were also awarded. They include; Francine Ivanna Gabay – First Honor; Jayvee Fortuno – Second Honor; Kyle Samuel Bautista – Third Honor; Janiella Dela Roca – Fourth Honor; Babylen Belen – Fifth Honor; Romar Josh Castro – Sixth Honor; Jay Vhie Abunda – Seventh Honor; Danielle Frances Anne Favor – Eight Honor; and Kyla Baniel and Sandara Meaida Ricafort – Ninth Honor.

Another set of awards was also given to students who excelled in different disciplines and they are as follows: Communication Arts – Babylen Belen; Mathematics – Jay Vhie Abunda, Sandara Meaida Ricafort, Francine Ivanna Gabay, and Cris Paulo Josh Tolosa; Natural Sciences – Kyle Samuel Bautista; Business Courses – Jay Vhie

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Abunda; Social Sciences – Romar Josh Castro; Computer Programming – Cris Paulo Josh Tolosa; Food and Beverage Services – Samantha Andrea Garcia; and Komunikasyon sa Wikang Filipino – Francine Ivanna Gabay.

The loyalty award was also given to fourteen (14) students who spent their education at UNC from Elementary to Senior High School.

Leadership and service awards were also given to the following learners: Leadership Award – Tishana Maria Bertiz; Service Award – Babylen Belen and Cris Paulo Josh Tolosa.

Two (2) learners who excelled in Sports and four (4) students who excelled in Filmmaking were also given achievement awards.

Moreover, JCI Youth Leadership and Excellence Award was given to Jayvee Fortuno and AY National Discipline Award was awarded to Francine Ivanna Gabay.

The theme for the commencement exercises was “The UNCean Graduate: Future and Life Ready Creating Change

Advocating Peace.”

According to the graduation committee chairman May Ann Serrano, the theme mirrors the UNC SHS department’s efforts in shaping the learners in becoming college and futureready individuals.

“The UNC-SHS department trained and enhanced the skills of the graduates for them to use it as their credentials for industry-skilled career or college readiness,” Serrano stated.

This year’s comment exercises’ speaker was Jessie Boy Tenorio Cruzat, the UNC-SHS Alumnus Class of 2018, News Anchor and Regional TV News Producer of GMA Regional TV-Bicol.

The University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) was able to produce three hundred and twenty-six (326) graduates in its 5th batch of Senior High School.

The awardees and graduates were awarded during the recognition rites and commencement exercises last July 31 at the UNC Sports Palace.

UNC pushes F2F classes for AY 20222023, offers 3 new modalities

BY FRANCINE IVANNA GABAY

Face-to-Face Ready. The University of Nueva Caceres Senior High School Department implemented limited face-to-face classes. Learners in each section are divided into 2 Sets (Set and B) to adhere to the university’s health protocols.

Through Memorandum no. 049 s.

2022, University President Fay Lea Patria Lauraya announced last July 18, 2022, that the University of Nueva Caceres will implement limited faceto-face classes in all of its programs this Academic Year 2022-2033.

“The entire academic community shall adapt the following delivery designs to promote inclusivity, safety and flexibility,” the said memo highlighted.

Moreover, the Office of the President also discussed that there will be three delivery designs for incoming freshmen and upperclassmen across levels namely: A) Blended Flexi-Kit; B) Blended Flexi-Tech; C) Hybrid.

The first delivery design is directed through physical modules with in-campus face-to-face classes which the College of Business and Accountancy will be following for five (5) of its programs.

“F2F meetings shall be spent for Coaching, Synthesis, Laboratory work, and Assessments. The schedule for such meetings will be determined by the faculty depending on the number of students enrolled and the contexts of the students.”, as explained in the memo.

On the other hand, the Blended Flexitech shall be implemented in the remaining programs. This is a blend of the face-toface classes and online learning that are available in their Learning Management System (LMS) or Coursera Platform.

The office of the president highlighted: “It is the combination of online synchronous meetings and on-site classes. Face-to-face meetings shall be spent for Laboratory work and/or Assessments.”

Aside from the School of Law and School of Graduate Studies, the Basic Education programs (i.e. Elementary to Senior High School) will be implementing the same modality as well. This includes three to five days a week of on-site classes that shall be announced by the School Principal.

The third delivery design is the Hybrid learning modality which is a new delivery system: “The class shall be divided into two groups but will be met on the same class time schedule by the faculty handling the

subject. One group will be met onsite and the other group online. The students who are on site are those who usually have weak internet connection.”

As stated in the memo, this new modality shall be implemented in the Colleges of Education, Business and Accountancy and Engineering and Architecture programs.

Despite implementing these three delivery designs, there are still some Senior High School learners who are hesitant to attend on-site classes like Paul Oliver King from Grade 11 GAS-K and ‘Avanceña’ of the same section.

“It’s still not safe to go to school because covid is still around and you can’t predict when or where will you get it…You cannot avoixd crowd with people especially to commuters like me”, he explained.

‘Avanceña’, not their real name, expressed the same concern as King but said that even if that’s the case, there are still some things that would be better if they are being supervised physically by their learning facilitators.

On the other hand, students like ‘Anya’, not their real name, of GAS B stated that face-to-face classes are still better than online learning due to limited distractions.

“I know there are pros in f2f setup but somehow, we find the online setup to be efficient and having less costs in learning.

And I believe that we couldn’t just switch back to the old f2f setup, we need a transition. Hence, I suggest that we both have scheduled f2f and online classes in a week to promote effectiveness and efficiency in learning.”, she explained.

However, she is hoping that despite the school being ready for the face-to-face classes, it will not rush the students.

“Yes, they might be ready and they might be having a plan but I see it as mediocrely and differently. UNC always appears to be late in start of classes, graduation dates, etc. I believe that if they’re going to push through this f2f setup, they will rush it and its not good.”, Anya stressed.

NEWS 5

SHS Dep’t holds FUNdemic 2022

BY: LEXINE RUST

The University of Nueva Caceres Senior High School (SHS) Department conducted FUNdemic last May 16-17, 2022 at the open grounds of the university.

The event includes activities such as the Open House or Kilyab segment, Skill Summit, and other departmental competitions for the college students within the period. The open house was intended for grade 12 UNC students to inquire about their chosen college courses from the university. Meanwhile, the skill summit and departmental competitions were prepared for the college students.

UNC SHS grade 12 students, approximately 300 grade 10 students of UNC, and grade 10 students from other schools were also invited to the said event to boost the university’s targeted number of enrollees for the next school year and for those students who are enrolled in different institutions to see what it’s like being a UNCean.

“The event was well organized by the school, and from what I saw on the faces of the students, they enjoyed it and I enjoyed it as well,” said Efraim Gemina, a Grade 12 STEM student.

There was also a parade which was participated by the grade 12 learners wearing

their respective strand color and the college departments wearing their batch t-shirts. The invited students from other schools also came to the campus just after the parade.

The SHS program was also part of the Fundemic event. This is where the grade 10 learners listened to the talks presented by Joalex Nillo, an English Learning Facilitator (LF), Jonna De Jesus, an English LF, and Celine Salvador Business Course LF in Social Hall later that day. The talks were about what makes the SHS learning facilitators the best.

“SHS Teachers ‘di lang mag she-share sa inyo ng bagong kaalaman pati na rin ang skills.

Everyone has knowledge but not everyone has skills,” Salvador stated A TED-inspired talk was also discussed

by Paulo Panergayo, an LF in English and Specialized, and a chosen student, John Dominic Franzuela. The speakers talked about how leadership molds a student into being future-ready.

“Transformational leaders cause a positive impact on society,” Panergayo added.

The event ended after the amazing race that had eight (8) stations where the students must have gone to.

Race to the Future. SHS Learners get together and join several activities spearheaded by the department during the conducted FUNdemic last May 16-17, 2022 at the open grounds of the university.

First university, UNC, in South Luzon celebrates 75 years of existence

BY: ABIGAIL LAYOSA

University of Nueva Caceres celebrates its 75th Diamond Jubilee since its founding in 1948. To celebrate this jubilee, the university created various events for students, alumni, faculty and community.

The celebration of the university’s Jubilee anniversary was kickstarted with an opening on April 20 with the event name being Hiyas.

The event was divided into two session, a morning and afternoon session. A fun run 6 NEWS

kickoff the morning session followed by a flag raising ceremony. The morning session was concluded with the president’s moments and melodies. Meanwhile, three events were organized in the afternoon with the last being the virtual counting. A marker of was also established outside the UNC Chapel to commemorate the institution’s 75 years of existence.

To celebrate UNC’s Jubilee an event called Kilyab was also created with a theme “Rising, Soaring, Shining in the Post

Photo: Aldrin A. Alcantara

The Jubilee Run. As UNC celebrates its 75th anniversary, it opened its event with a marathon, Hiyas, a fun kickoff to energize the morning.

Pandemic Education and Beyond”. Four main events were created in for Kilyab and they are: Employability Summit, Student Skills Summit, Inter-SHS Summit and Lifelong Learner Summit. In total, the event ran for six (6) days.

The institution was founded on the date of 1st of July in the year 1948. It was formed by Jaime Hernandez and 9 prominent Bicolanos who signed the incorporation papers on May 9, 1948. Initially, the name of the university is Nueva Caceres Colleges, which used the old name of Naga. It first provided courses from Liberal Arts, Commerce, Education to high school. Now, UNC offers more than 5 courses and has 7 colleges. University of Nueva Caceres is the first and oldest university in South Luzon.

In its 75 years of existence, the institution has gone through many leaders through four presidents: Jaime Hernandez, Dolores Sison, Alfredo Ayala, and the current president Faye Lea Lauraya.

C u r r e n t l y, the major shareholder of the university is iPeople Inc., a joint venture of Ayala Corporation and Yuchengco Group of Companies.

“Unity is the first step towards getting out of this crisis”

Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wins 2022 Election by Landslide BY: ALLYSON FEDERIO

Ferdinand “BongBong” Marcos Jr., son of the late Philippine Dictator, won the presidency by a landslide, after persistently erasing the family’s background and forging strong relationships with competing houses that rule large portions of the impoverished nation.

The Marcoses have been reestablishing their political fortunes in the 36 years since a public rebellion ousted the patriarch and drove the family into exile in the United States.

“Unity is my cause because of my firm belief that unity is the first step towards getting out of this crisis we are now in,” Without ever going into any detail, Marcos Jr. stated in February what the tagline meant.

With more than 97 percent of the votes counted as of May 10 in the afternoon, Marcos Jr. has received more than 30.8 million votes according to unofficial results. In the election held on May 9, his closest rival, vice president and human

rights advocate Leni Robredo, received 14.7 million votes, and boxing legend Manny Pacquiao looked to have received 3.5 million votes, placing him in third place.

Sara Duterte, his campaign mate and the mayor of southern Davao city and daughter of the outgoing president, had a large lead in the separate vice presidential race.

The political influence of the two authoritarian presidents’ families’ bases in the north and south was increased by the partnership of their scions, raising concerns among human rights advocates.

“I hope you won’t get tired of trusting us,” In statements broadcast on Facebook, the keystone of his political platform, Marcos addressed his supporters.

He extended his gratitude to his supporters for their assistance over the previous six months since the Campaign started.

In a video he posted late Monday night, Marcos said: “If we’re lucky, I’ll

expect that your help won’t fade, your trust won’t wane because we have a lot to do in the times ahead.”

The general elections saw a record 67 million Filipinos registered to vote, who also cast ballots for the president and vice president, as well as representatives, senators, and municipal officials. Soon after polls closed on Monday, voting ballots began to be counted.

“An endeavor as large as this does not involve one person... It involves very, very many people working in very, very many different ways, and to all of them, I thank you.” Marcos added.

Marcos Jr., 64, made it the farthest despite his own father’s worries about his ‘carefree and lazy’ temperament. He was adamant that their rematch in the presidential race would go differently after narrowly losing the vice presidential race to Leni Robredo in the 2016 election.

Marcos Jr. pledged to unite the nation and made bold claims about increasing jobs and reducing prices as a method to combat the pandemic.

COMELEC Opens Voter Registration for SK Elections BY: JENNY VEN MAE CORDIAL AND ABIGAIL LAYOSA

July 4, 2022 signals the kickoff of the voter registration for Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), as per the Commission on Elections’ (COMELEC) statement.

This once more opens an opportunity for aspiring youth leaders to showcase their skills and commitment to serving the public.

COMELEC is calling all eligible voters to register in advance before the voter registration period closes on July 23, 2022. The National Movement for Free Election also reminds the voters to be registered in time for the December 5 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

They estimate that 23 million voters are eligible to cast their ballots in the forthcoming SK election. Voters must be at least 15 years old and under 30,

living in the Philippines for at least a year, and were registered to vote at least six months before the forthcoming SK Elections.

What the SK is for and how they act in the community as people in authority are frequently asked questions. Ace Belano, an SK Kagawad in Barangay Del Rosario, joined to gain experience and learn new skills, become responsible, and accountable, and be able to actively participate in any activities initiated and help deliver youth-focused services in the barangay as a role of an SK Kagawad.

“I also believe that joining such an organization will help enhance my social, physical, emotional, and political skills.”

– Belano added.

However, SK also faces problems of its own. Ensuring safety and peace in every program that is held, such as “Karawat Kontra Droga” which Belano established. He claimed it helped the

youth to divert their attention from illegal use of drugs to basketball.

“If there are any conflicts within the court, we must ensure that both parties have already reconciled before the activity concludes.” – Belano said.

Faye Baduya, the SK Chairman of Barangay Sto. Domingo Milaor, stated that her role is to liquidate all the expenses, construct resolutions, plan and carry out activities and platforms that will benefit the youth.

As the person with the highest position, she claimed that the most challenging part was to handle pressure and stress as the person expected to do the most important role in SK. Despite the circling uncertainty surrounding the SK elections, qualified voters are encouraged to vote for the betterment of the community with the help of SK.

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UNC SHS holds first socialization tour BY: DEXTER RICAFORT

“I’m grateful that I, myself, was one of the students who attended the said event because it is very beneficial because it encourages us to be happy & always think positively,’ John Edrin Serrano, a Senior High School (SHS) General Academic Strand (GAS) Student, expressed when asked about his take on the recently conducted Ibang Klase Socialization Tour 2022.

During his interview with The Pantograph using the Messenger application, he further explicated how efficacious the event was in his way of knowing his virtual classmates more deeply.

“The Ibang Klase is a very outstanding event because it makes the students happy & enjoys themselves at the same time while meeting their classmates on that day. I suppose it gave the students confidence because, after years of suffering through this pandemic, they’ve been very stressed lately like me,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mathew Notado, a Senior High School (SHS) General Academic Strand (GAS) Student, expressed his excitement about the recurrence of

the face-to-face classes this upcoming school year.

“The Ibang Klase was literally ibang klase it was amazing it was fun I enjoyed the activity and it was great because I met some of my classmates and it made me more excited for the upcoming faceto-face,” Notado said in an interview.

According to Issabella Cordez, a Senior High School (SHS) General Academic Strand (GAS) Student, the recently concluded event of the Department provided optimal methods for students’ relaxation. She also expressed her wantedness to have more such events.

“The event was really helpful for me at least, I was given the chance to meet my 8 NEWS

First F2F Activity. Learners from the SHS Department gathered for the Ibang Klase Socialization Tour. online classmates and got to know them better, this event held different activities that were fun and helped us become closer to each other because we could not meet face to face and that was the first time I met several classmates that I just got to know online. I hope that there will be many events like this for the students to just relax and enjoy themselves,” Cordez said.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the most significant events that have happened during our lifetime. Many folks have lost both their jobs and loved ones. The global economy crumbled.

Every country’s government had a hard time controlling the deadly virus from spreading. Most of us were in the same boat. We were forced to become asocial.

We had to stay in the nooks of our own houses. For most learners around the world, zoom meetings and Google meet sessions became a trend. It was the only way for the learners to learn and continue with education. We have been living in a world that is quite different from the way we used to. After the development of vaccines, society had a glimpse of hope that one day everything will be back to normal. It feels like we have to re-learn to be able to go back to the things that we used to do before the pandemic came.

Although we have not yet returned to normal, we are slowly getting there. We can again experience gatherings of large crowds or travel around the world with no worries of contracting an infection. The

socialization program launched by the University of Nueva Caceres Senior High School Department was really a breath of fresh air. Learners were given a chance to lessen their anxiety and be able to meet their classmates and facilitators for the first time although strict compliance with proper health and safety protocol was implemented. It was nice to observe the learners interacting with one another and exchanging life experiences and pandemic-related stories. It was good to hear the learning facilitator and learners laughing once more. It is comparable to witnessing a prisoner getting released and returning to society. Their faces were filled with joy and enthusiasm. I believe that activity gave the learners and learning facilitators a fleeting sense that everything will be okay. In the end, socialization would assist us in regaining our mental, physical, and spiritual health,” Mr. Juancho Romero, a Learning Facilitator, said in an interview.

‘Pandemic Graduates’

326 learners graduate from SHS, share their experiences

BY FRANCINE IVANNA GABAY

After two years of distance learning caused by the Corona Virus Pandemic, 326 learners from the University of Nueva Caceres Senior High School (UNC-SHS) Department were hailed as graduates of batch 2022 - 2023 last July 31, 2022.

Last 2020, the said batch of graduates entered the SHS Department through the distance learning setup wherein they are all exposed to blended learning such as the Flexi-tech and Flexi-kit modalities.

With this, six graduates from the said batch shared their sentiments as they closed their journey in the SHS Department.

“It was a rollercoaster ride of an experience. I experienced a lot of difficulties as an SHS student--- coping with the new setup in order to learn, interacting with my classmates and schoolmates online, and my mental health being messed up at some point. But still, this made me a lot stronger, ready to take on the next journey of my life.”, ‘stan IU’, not their real name, from STEM B shared in an interview with The Pantograph.

This was also agreed by Nicole Ajero and ‘jgr’, not their real name, from STEM A wherein they said that their experience in the said department was difficult since they were not used to this setup.

Online Experiences. Six (6) learners shared their thoughts about their journey in SHS. “I was really looking forward to a 2 years relationship with my classmates but I think despite the set-up we had a bit of a connection. Still disappointed though since I was looking forward to a lot of things in this school like the events, the uniform, or even the fact that classes don’t end at 5 in the afternoon.”, ‘Shinn’, not their real name’, ABM B said.

When asked about the things they missed due to the pandemic, most of them answered the bond that they had with their friends, most especially their classmates, and the face-to-face activities.

“Physical activities that can only be done during face-to-face classes, and the overall experience of being an SHS student.”, ‘cess’, not their real name, from STEM E, explained.

‘Stan IU’ agreed with this as well when they said that they miss the bond that could have been built more with their classmates and schoolmates.

“For sure, there is a big difference between our school life this new normal, and the face-to-face setup that we are

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SHS learners express disappointment on 2022 Elections: ‘Ang hirap mong mahalin, Pilipinas’ BY: SARAH CARINAN AND DEXTER RICAFORT

“I just [thought] that the Philippines would do better but I guess not. I was surprised and disappointed.

Just like what some say, ‘hirap mong mahalin Pilipinas’,” Christian Lawrence Endrano, a Senior High School (SHS) Accountancy Business and Management (ABM) Student, answered when asked about his view on the 2022 Elections.

During his interview with The Pantograph using the messenger application, Endrano expressed his shock when he saw the initial result. He said that he expected a different result, a turnout that favors the candidates he supports.

“It’s just that during the campaign, I could feel that Atty. Leni would win. I could feel the hope from every Filipino on various social media and I saw it [in] person during the Grand Rally at Naga. I’m proud to say I [voted] for Leni but I can’t help but think this election is rigged. [Although], it’s not really proven so I have no other choice but to accept the result,” he said.

Endrano stated that the result led him

to feel baffling emotions, nervous, sad, and surprised. He admitted that he lost his will to do academic-related activities.

Meanwhile, Babylen Belen, a Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) student and the Treasurer of SHS Supreme Student Government, expressed his disappointment with the outcome of the elections.

“I was disappointed because the majority of candidates I voted for did not win. However, what can I do? The so-called “MAJORITY” voted [for] another candidate,” Belen answered when asked about her opinion on the elections.

However, Belen added stating how everyone has their own preference and that people should not demean them for having different choices and views.

“Everyone really has their own opinion when it comes to politics and we cannot push them all to have the same ideology with us and even some of our families will not agree with decisions. I do believe it is normal but people should not degrade someone just because they support a different candidate from yours,” said Belen.

According to Belen, it is important for people to simply ignore those with different beliefs and likings for the sake of their own sanity. She hopes for the new set of leaders all good and hopes that the Filipinos will do the same.

“We are all Filipinos and we should not wish for their failure because at the end of the day, it is our country who will suffer and it is us who will greatly be affected,” Belen added.

The 2022 Philippine general elections happened last May 9, 2022 for executive and legislative branches of the government both for the national, provincial, and local positions. The candidates who claimed the victory for the said election are: Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, President; and Sara Duterte, Vice-President. The candidates for the Senator position who secured a seat are: Robin Padilla, Loren Legarda, Raffy Tulfo, Sherwin Gatchalian, Francis Escudero, Mark Villar, Alan Peter Cayetano, Juan Miguel Zubiri, Joel Villanueva, JV Ejercito, Risa Hontiveros, and Jinggoy Estrada.

NEWS 9

Robredo holds grand rally in Naga, give thanks to the Bicolanos BY: SAMANTHA NICOLE IMPERIAL

Unforgetable Rally. Presidential candidate Leni Robredo conducts a grand rally in Naga with other artists like Ben and Ben.

On May 6, 2022, presidential candidate Leni Robredo conducted a grand rally in her hometown, Naga City, drawing an estimated 300,000 people who came to demonstrate their love and support for the fellow Bicolana.

Robredo, his running mate Senator Francis Pangilinan, and their senatorial slate gathered a massive crowd to the event, featuring artists, local officials, industry executives, and volunteer performers showcasing local culture.

Robredo described the skills and labor that her team had put in over the previous six (6) years. She emphasized that despite having a small budget, the Office of the Vice President (OVP) is there during times of crisis. Every time a Bicolano faced a difficulty, such as when the series of typhoons struck, they came to their aid. She said that they provided free housing projects in the Bicol region. It is located in Sangay, Camarines Sur, Guinobatan, Albay, and Lupi.

Additionally, the Commission on Audit (COA) has given Vice President Leni’s office the highest audit rating for three straight years. Even COA is aware of Robredo’s spotless record, according to Robredo. People started to trust her as she showed that she had a clear vision for the government.

UNC USG, Christ’s Youth in Action conduct candlelight event for VP Leni BY: JAYVEE B. FORTUNO

Because the citizens believe in her capabilities, people are now offering to donate funds and food.

“Ang inaagihan ta ngunyan, bakong sanang simpleng eleksyon…. Pero ang eleksyon na ini, iniyo an madesisyon kun pasain an satong nation sa masunod na anom na taon,” Robredo said when she opens about the intentions of the other candidates.

She also claimed to have distinct platforms from the other candidates. It is the public who will make decisions on the nation’s future. She also expressed gratitude to everyone who helped her with the campaign, particularly the Bicolanos who conducted house-to-house campaigns, produced Leni shirts, contributed financial support, distributed food to the volunteers, and even prayed for her.

“Aram ta gabos kun gaano kadipisil an laban na ini. An satuyang tigbabangga, garo pader pero pader na pinapusog nin mga darakulang politiko.

Iyan an binabangga ta ngunyan pero dawa siring,

makusog an sakuyang boot. Makusog an sakong boot na dawa anong kusog kan saindang politika, kan saindang makinarya, dawa anong kagulpihan kan saindang kwarta, mayo yan sinabi dahil an mayo sainda, kamo,” Robredo said as she points out the volunteers and the people who supported her.

On February 8, 2022, Robredo started her campaign in Naga, pledging to continue the leadership she and her late husband had established.

The Yearn of UNC Community. A candle light event was conducted at the UNC Sports Palace to whow hope for the students.

Amidst the interim, after the National Elections last May 9, 2022, the UNC University Student Government along with Christ’s Youth in Action spearheaded the “Liwanag sa Dilim: A Candle Lighting for Mama Leni” in support of Former Vice President Leni Robredo in her candidacy as the President, which was held last May 13, 2022, at the UNC Sports Palace.

Prior to the candlelight event, a mass was conducted at the UNC Chapel at 5:30 PM which was joined by the University President Fay Patria Lauraya, along with the UNC Administration, Faculties, Staff, and Students from the different departments.

The UNC Sports Palace was filled with silence and illumination of the candles, symbolizing the yearning of the UNC Community for VP Leni. Majority of the UNCeans who participated wore white and black shirts as per encouraged by the UNC USG. According to UNC USG President Anabelita Villete, the said candlelight event was conducted to help the students with their election distress and ignite their hope that despite the results of the elections, there is still room for hope.

Oil prices soar to 110$, hike troubles Filipinos BY: CURT JAIRUS PEREZ

Despite the ongoing recession felt around the global market, the price of oil per barrel continues to soar. West Texas Intermediate Oil (WTI) reached an all-time high of 110$ per barrel in the month of May.

Source: Rappler

WTI Oil currently sits in the range of 100$ to 110$ per barrel. In the month of June, oil was priced at 107$ per barrel. WTI oil gained a remarkable 77% increase from its median

The Soaring of Oil Prices. Jeepney drivers complain about the oil price hike and has stopped driving due to the same reason.

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average price of 61.4$ per barrel. However, the current oil price is still far from the all-time high of 139.64$ per barrel recorded in 2008. Based on market sentiment gathered in Capital.com, the mass expects oil price per barrel to further rise - bull run.

Analysts and economists are looking into price drivers as to why oil prices keep soaring despite the global recession. However, the major price driver according to them is the ongoing Ukraine - Russia conflict. Russia is the third largest supplier of oil according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). And due to the conflict with Ukraine, the United States and European Union banned in March the selling of Russian oil for the year 2022. This resulted in off-balance in the supply chain which is disproportionate to the demand of the mass.

“Actual price outcomes will largely depend

on the degree to which existing sanctions imposed on Russia, any potential future sanctions, and independent corporate actions affect Russia’s oil production or the sale of Russia’s oil in the global market,” stated the IEA. The ongoing inflation in the energy sector is proving to be a menace for ordinary Filipinos.

One out of five Filipino jeepney drivers in NCR has stopped driving due to the low income of 200 Pesos a day despite the high oil prices according to transport group, PISTON. The LTFRB has imposed a one peso fare hike for NCR, while two pesos fare hike for the rest of the regions to solve the ongoing problem of jeepney drivers.

Currently, the senate and congress are planning to suspend VAT and excise tax on fuel.

Koko Pimentel plans to suspend tax on fuel from Mean of Patts Singapore reaching a price of 80$.

‘Walang Masasayang’

Former VP Robredo launches Angat Buhay Program

BY FRANCINE IVANNA GABAY

“Hindi dapat masayang yung magandang nasimulan natin. Hindi man tayo nagwagi, nagtagumpay pa rin tayo (We should not lose what we started. We might not have win, but we still triumphed). We really started something very very special during the campaign,” Robredo said.

According to the Office of the Vice President’s official website, Angat Buhay aims to bring together public and private sectors to address the needs of families and the marginalized people of the country.

This program started in October 2016 that mainly focuses on reaching out to different areas in the Philippines by providing interventions and mobilizing support through six key advocacy areas such as food security and nutrition, universal healthcare, public education, rural development, housing, and resettlement, and women empowerment.

“Many of you are asking what we will do in Angat Buhay. Actually, for those of you who are familiar with how Angat Buhay worked when we were working with all of you at the OVP (Office of the Vice President), it is more or less the same,” Robredo said in Filipino during the Angat Buhay launching.

The former VP also explained that the said NGO will take the name Angas Pinas Inc. since ‘Angat Buhay’ was already registered with the

BY: JAY VHIE ABUNDA

Source: Manila Bulletin

Despite losing the Presidential Elections, Former Vice-President Leni Robredo continues to win the hearts of the Filipino people as she launches the non-government organization Angat Buhay last July 1, 2022.

Win or Loose. Robredo delivers speech on the Angat Buhay program Launch.

Securities and Exchange Commission, but she explained that the said program will still be called Angat Buhay.

Now that it is already an NGO, Angat Buhay will be focusing on four key areas such as health, education, disaster relief, rehabilitation, and community involvement.

Angat Kalusugan will be addressing issues related to food security, nutrition, and health care. While Angat Edukasyon will cover the establishment of community learning hubs and dormitories for students.

“The spirit that we want to develop in Angat Buhay is not to wait (for directions from us), but do what you want to do. Think of programs beyond the programs of Angat Buhay,” she

added.

To those individuals who are planning to donate, the OVP said that Angat Buhay will have its own phone application where they will be given three options: 1) Patron-based donations - to be done on a regular basis; 2) Project-based donations - to be dedicated for a certain project; 3) Disaster Relief Fund - will collect funds for future disasters.

“Yung challenge talaga sa’tin papaano natin mahaharness yung energies natin lahat (The challenge for us is how to harness our energy) into things that are productive. And we feel like the Angat Buhay will be the perfect platform for it,” Robredo said.

PSE Falls, Hurdles on Marcos’ Term

The Philippine stock market initially slid down as the traders reacted to the news of the country’s 2022 Election presidential winner, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, the son of the former dictator with a wide margin by the candidate in the second spot.

Bid Goodbyes. OFWs on their way to a challenging chapter for their families.

After a day of the election, the beginning of sudden loss in the stock market had a 3% downfall in the Philippines Stock Exchange Index(PSEI). It fell from 6,759.90 on May 6 to between 6,630.52 and 6,695.85 value on May 11.

As of June 30, 2022, the PSEI still continued to decline with a value of 6,155.43 and a change of -2.34%.

“The Philippines Stock Exchange (PSE) index is one of the few Asian equity markets that has not had a year-to-date decline as of early May 2022,” said Piero Cingari, market analyst at Capital.com.

Cingari also mentioned the sudden downfall is because Investors are currently waiting to see what economic policies the new President Ferdinand Marcos Jr would implement in his term.

Manny Cruz, a strategist at Papa Securities also believes that Marcos has to form an economic team right away to provide local market stability.

“Without an economic team and

pronouncements on his economic agenda, it will be difficult to see a rally for investors will be reacting mainly to global headwinds,” Cruz added.

President Bongbong Marcos will also face the challenges of the rising inflation rate of the country driven by higher food prices and fuel costs that already reach around P92 per liter for diesel, P87 for gasoline, and about P92 per liter for kerosene. The peso power also weakened with the exchange rate of P54.975 exchange rate in 1 dollar.

In a speech on Thursday, Marcos vowed to “find a way” to solve the country’s energy crisis, give food security a “preferential treatment”, and present a “comprehensive infrastructure plan” that will make sure projects that have already started will finish on the right schedule yet no concrete plan is given.

This morning, June 30, 2022, Marcos took his oath as the 17th President of the Philippines at the National Museum in Manila.

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NCYO RIWARIW: Encourage Youth Socio-Envi Involvement

Source: Naga City Government FB Page

BY: JAY VHIE ABUNDA

Call to Youth Involvement. The Naga City Youth Official (NCYO) establishes a program,

Riwariw, exhibiting activities and booths that encourage youth to participate in social and environmental issues.

To celebrate Youth Month, Naga City Youth Official (NCYO) presents the Riwariw, with the main banner “Youth Involvement to Socio-Environmental Issues” to serve as an opportunity for the youth of Naga or Naguenyouths to engage with the community along with their passion-driven skills and talents.

The Bicol term “Riwariw” comes from a bird that lives in cultivated land. “Just like the youth, they are adapting to the environment, they are changing, and they grow in different surroundings that shape them as persons,” said by the CYO officials mainly Jose Patricio Camato, the city youth mayor along with Ricci Kayla Orlin the PESO Manager and Denn Ramiro Fortuna as the Human Resource Officer during the interview using the messenger app.

The main purpose of the said event is to cultivate the Youth of Naga to a more participatory sector in the city’s well-being and also to spread awareness about the current issues in our society and environment.

“We want the Naguenyouth to take a more active role in our society, but aside from that, celebrating Youth Month has a lot more significance than many other people realize.

It will help spread awareness about the timely issues in our society and environment,” NCYO officers mentioned.

The said event started on May 14, 2022, up until the end of May. Riwariw event is divided into 7 main activities and these are Entrada: KickOff Program, Aking Sining Sinta: Art’s Week Fair and Exhibit, SAGUSO: Business Bazaar 2022, Arakaak.jpeg, Bangraw: Youth Karawat, Bisekleta kan Jovenes, Tanom para sa Kapalibutan, and lastly TINGOG DANGOG: Battle of the Bands.

NCYO officers mentioned that they faced challenges in properly giving the best execution and presentation of the said event. “[It is] the pressure that was given to us in executing the month-wide event was the sole challenge that we have faced. We, the City Youth Officials, are expected to be the voice of the people especially [of] the Naguenyouths. We must always be proactive and compassionate in serving the people of Naga,” they said.

Despite the pressure that they face for the said event, they believe that they serve and meet the objective of the event by discussing 12 NEWS

the correct information, involving the youth in environmental practices, and giving the youth the voice that they need to highlight their advocacy through arts and songs.

“Yes, Our goal is to give them a vessel for their empowerment and expression as to how they are indeed relevant in our city and even in the whole community. Dahil kitang Naguenyouth, may aram, may pakiaram, asin nakikiaram,” strongly said by the NCYO officers.

GAS hails as champion for B.O.T.S 2022 BY: SARAH CARINAN

After the four (4) days-long event last February 21-24, 2022, the General Academic Strand (GAS) was hailed as the Champions of the first-ever virtual intramurals, Battle of the Strands (B.O.T.S.), with a total score of 89 points.

Meanwhile, Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Strand was declared as the 1st Runner Up after garnering a total score of 64 points, Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) Strand bagged the 2nd Runner Up with a score of 62 points, and Accountancy Business and Management (ABM) Strand won as the 3rd Runner Up accumulating a total score of 59 points.

According to Krisha De Asis Cado, a participant from the GAS strand, the event served as an opportunity for them to showcase their talents.

“The event was fun and exciting. There were lots of activities that many would really enjoy watching. It helped the students to showcase their different talents and their beauty. Every strand [is] very cooperative and supportive also,” Cado said.

The virtual intramurals, with the theme “The hype never stops, along with the online setups,” consisted of various games and activities participated by the SHS students divided into four teams which are the STEM Mighty Predators, ABM Generals, GAS Howling Wolves, and TVL Spartans. These activities include Yell Making, What Do You Meme Competition, Illustrand, SHS Got Talent, Tournaments such as Axie, Call of Duty Mobile (CODM), and Mobile Legends (ML), and Mr. and Ms. B.O.T.S. Jessa Mae Abogado, one of the participants of SHS Got Talent, shared her experience in joining the said activity emphasizing how it served as an opportunity for her.

“I was anxious before my performance but seeing how my ABM strandmates cheered for me and supported me made me feel relieved and grateful. I’m thankful for the opportunity to represent myself and the ABM Generals,” Abogado said.

The B.O.T.S. was spearheaded by the UNC SHS Supreme Student Government via Zoom Meeting, Facebook Post, and Facebook Livestream.

Rocking our way to the Top. The band from

UNC SHS, TIMR and Co. won first place in TINGOG DANGOG: Battle of the Bands, one of the events held by Riwariw.

Ambrouse Rufel M. Quintanar, a participant in Battle of Bands and a senior high school student of the University of Nueva Caceres also believes that NCYO attained its purpose in the said event.

“The very reason why we join in this competition is we want an exposure for our band and we really want to perform in front of the audience again,” Quintanar said during the interview.

Quintanar also mentioned that he had fun at the event especially because he met people and had new friends with the same interest and purpose in life.

The Riwariw ended with giving awards to the participants and recognizing their participation and giving time to make the event successful.

The said event will continue as a part of the celebration of the youth month.

The Virtual Hype. For the first time, the UNC SHS

organized their virtual Intramurals as headed by the UNC SHS SSG, in which they have conducted Yell Making, SHS Got Talent, Mr. and Ms. B.O.T.S., and more. In the end, GAS became the overall champion in the said event.

Ukrainian refugee reaches 8.4 million in Europe, Philippines welcomes refugees BY: CURT JAIRUS PEREZ

As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues, many Ukrainians are left in disarray and fending for their lives. Over 8.4 million Ukrainian has left their homeland to seek refuge in European countries according to estimates by the United Nations High Commissioner and Refugees (UNHCR).

The UNHCR shows that out of 8.4 million refugees, 5.5 million of them have successfully fled to neighboring countries. However, only a handful of refugees, 3.57 million, have gained temporary protection. The refugee agency also tallied 3.09 million people crossing the border to Ukraine to volunteer in the ongoing war.

Despite the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the United States not helping Ukraine in terms of military power as they initially promised, the two still help the country in terms of military equipment. NATO also declared sanctions and an oil embargo on the invaders resulting in the Russian ruble losing 40% of its value against the US dollar in March. Furthermore, 93 nations including

the Philippines voted in favor of suspending Russia in the Human Rights Council of the United Nations.

With the ongoing refugee crisis in Europe, the Philippines has opened its door to Ukrainian refugees. This was confirmed by the former secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Teodoro Locsin Jr, in an event organized by the Romanian Embassy in Manila and the University of the Philippines.

In order for a Ukrainian to enter the country as a refugee, the individual must first use a tourist visa and then apply for a refugee status that would be handled by the Department of Justice according to former DFA assistant secretary, Eduardo Menez.

“The matter of refugee applications is under the DoJ (Department of Justice). What the DFA did was to allow Ukrainians to enter using tourist visas, and once in the Philippines, they could apply for refugee status. I do not have the numbers who availed of this so far,” said Menez in an interview with Manila Times.

Currently, the DFA has not shown any data on how many Ukrainian has applied for refugee status in the country.

Taliban Orders Another Decree for Women

BY JUSTINE MAE AGRAVANTE

The Taliban made it a requirement that women cover their faces when they are in public, and that women should only leave their houses when necessary, on May 7, 2022.

Tuesday, May 3, 2022, Afghan women walk through the old market while a Taliban fighter stands watch in the city center of Kabul. On Saturday, May 7, Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers ordered all Afghan women to wear head-to-toe clothing in public which heightened fear and barriers in international dealings. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi) The said decree requires women to use the burqa, a traditional Afghanistan clothing that covers from head to toes and allows women to see only through a small grille. For those who are too old and too young, the Taliban allows them to use the niqab, clothing that covers the whole face but not the eyes.

In addition, when they break any of these restrictions, their male guardian/relative will be put in court and detained for days.

According to Shir Mohammad, an official from the vice and virtue ministry, “For all dignified Afghan women wearing hijab is necessary and the best hijab is chadori [the burqa], which is part of our tradition and is respectful”.

Heather Barr, a Human Rights Watch, said in an interview on CBS News that “This decree is not just about clothing. It’s about saying women shouldn’t leave the house at all — which is much more than what they wear when they go outside.”

Women and the restrictions Since the Taliban’s regaining of power on August 15, 2021, and despite the promise of having gentler Taliban rules, citizens, women especially, continue to experience discrimination and violence.

Previous women’s restrictions include limited participation in the government, absence of their right to work, right to education, and continuous sexual and gender-based violence.

Due to the rising living cost, unemployment, and lack of trade and other involvement from other countries that don’t want to be involved, the citizens cannot earn money to buy food — leading to mass starvation.

According to Barr, “All donors (foreign capitals) should let the Afghan economy function again so that people can work, earn a paycheck, and feed their families.”

‘Pandemic Graduates’ From page 9

used to since we started schooling.”, they added.

Despite these challenges, the students who were interviewed by The Pantograph still managed to enter their dream school in college just like Ambrouse Quintanar of STEM A who said that he already complied with the requirements needed for his dream university.

“Everything’s going smoothly, I have already chosen a University. I just need to choose my course, schedule, pay the tuition fee, and submit the remaining documents.”, ‘cess’, expressed the same sentiments as well.

As they finally close this chapter of their lives, they managed to see a silver lining amidst the pandemic just like Ajero who realized that time and communication are important.

“I learned that there’s more than the academic life. The academic setup due to the health pandemic made me realize how essential it is to take care of yourself too, to cherish all the little and big things and opportunities you are blessed with in life. And also, to never quit; life is really hard in these times but these obstacles mustn’t pull us away from our goals in life.”, ‘stan IU’, said.

They also advise the incoming Grade 12 students to trust in themselves and allocate time and effort for their studies.

“Good luck and Enjoy your last year as a Senior High. It will be hard but I’m telling you, once you’re done, it will be okay again.”, Quintanar said.

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US-ASEAN Summit, Sends Signal For Stronger Ties BY: JAY VHIE ABUNDA

The United States President Biden welcomed the leaders of the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) for a historic US-ASEAN Special Summit, held for the first time in Washington, D.C. last May 12 - 13, 2022.

Re-affirming the United States’ enduring commitment to Southeast Asia and underscoring the importance of the USASEAN cooperation in ensuring security, prosperity, and respect for human rights.

The 45th anniversary of relations between the US and ASEAN pushes a deeper economic engagement and strengthens the engagement between the two parties on the said event.

“We’re not only celebrating 45 years of partnership and friendship between the ASEAN and the United States, we’re launching a new era in the US-ASEAN relations.” Biden mentioned.

Biden also announced 150 million dollars initiatives to deepen the US-ASEAN relation for different projects such as accelerating climate actions, sustainable development, inclusive prosperity, accessing education, expanding maritime cooperation, promoting global health and health security, and others.

“We seek to deepen our collaboration on transport connectivity, including air, land, maritime, and transport facilitation programs to advance sustainable infrastructure development and support emerging

Leaders. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks with leaders of the Association of Southeast

Asian Nations (ASEAN) forging commitment to strengthen and expand its engagement with ASEAN member states. (Photo by Reuters/Elizabeth Frantz)

technologies, including electric vehicles,” a paragraph of the Joint Vision Statement.

The Philippine Embassy in the United States believes that Filipinos stand to benefit from the US support and investment in clean energy transition, including nuclear energy, and sustainable infrastructure will help transform communities and enable inclusive economic growth in the country.

“Furthermore, digital transformation will positively impact our general population as

it brings ease and support to Filipino micro, small, and medium enterprises in doing commerce,” the Philippine Embassy added.

The United States and Southeast Asia will benefit from our far-reaching commercial and trade ties. ASEAN represents the world’s fourth largest market and the United States is ASEAN’s largest source of foreign direct investment, while our two-way trade amounted to over $360 billion last 2020.

Women’s Health in Danger as US Supreme Court Bans Abortion

BY JUSTINE MAE AGRAVANTE

Negative effects on women’s health and economics are being discussed as Roe v Wade, a constitutional landmark decision made 50 years ago, which gives women in the United States the right to choose and perform an abortion, was overturned by the US Supreme Court this June 24, 2022.

Resistance. Abortion-rights and anti-abortion demonstrators protest in front of the US Supreme

Court on June 24, 2022 in Washington, DC.

In some, abortion can be the act of killing an innocent child, but when the mother’s health is involved, abortions can be life-saving.

Amanda N. Kallen, an associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at Yale School of Medicine, said that pregnancy and childbirth have higher complication risks than abortion.

Restrictions on abortion can also be the cause of the delay in seeking abortion care and services which endanger women’s physical health.

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According to Ana Langer, a Harvard professor of the practice of public health, in a Harvard website article, “We’ve seen that these laws do not result in fewer abortions.

Instead, they compel women to risk their lives and health by seeking out unsafe abortion care.”

A doctor of an abortion clinic named Willie Parker, in BBC News, said, “We will come to recognize the full cost of criminalizing abortion when we start to see the bump in the rise of maternal mortality and morbidity

suffering, and death related to conditions that are unique to pregnancy.”

Since some states in America don’t plan on taking out the right for women to have an abortion, women in states that have the restrictions will be forced to travel to different states just to get the abortion care and services that they will need.

Aside from the health effects, economics is said to be greatly affected by this ruling.

According to an article in ‘Rutgers Today’

by Lisa Intrabartola, “Women who are denied an abortion because of restrictive laws not only are less likely to be employed full time,… live in poverty, and require public assistance.”

Women’s educational attainment and labor supply are also affected by not having legal access to abortion.

Roe v Wade Roe v Wade (1973), states that pregnant women have the right to an abortion during the first three months of their pregnancy, with limits and bans allowed for the second and third trimesters. Now, the court has overruled to allow states to outlaw abortions before 12 weeks.

Currently, there are at least 8 US states that legally banned abortion. According to the New York Times, it is expected that half of all the states will ban the said practice.

Tower of Hope

The Class Valedictorian and Salutatorian of Batch 2022 Graduates BY: JENNY VEN MAE CORDIAL AND SAMANTHA NICOLE IMPERIAL

The graduating class of 2021–2022, dubbed the “pandemic batch,” have successfully completed their Senior High School (SHS) years and are to embark on a new chapter of their life as the 5th Senior High School Graduation Rites took place in the UNC Sports Palace last July 31 with a total of 326 graduates.

Among the senior graduates, two stunning women from the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) strand completed and shared their stories with other students from their various strands, emphasizing that this batch is not an unlucky one for being able to experience the drastic change caused by the pandemic – the distance learning.

After performing the selection procedure, the SHS department announced that the class valedictorian is Francine Ivanna Gabay, followed by Jayvee Fortuno as the class salutatorian.

To get to know more about the class valedictorian and salutatorian, The Pantograph x Malaya interviewed them so the students will know about their struggles, coping mechanisms, inspirations, and plans after graduation.

Valedictorian’s labels “These labels don’t define us.”

Francine Ivanna Gabay, the class valedictorian, and from STEM A focused her address on labels, specifically being called the unlucky batch, pandemic graduates, and slow learners.

“We are not unlucky because even if the pandemic forced us to stay in our homes and be in front of our screens to the point that our weekends are also consumed by our schoolwork, still we learned a lot of things.

We learned how to take risks and be open to changes... Most importantly, we also learned how to respect each other and work as a team, I am sure that some of you are here because you helped your classmates understand the lessons and to these people, I am so proud of you,” she stated.

Additionally, she told The Pantograph x Malaya that she was surprised that she was hailed as the valedictorian.

“It was fulfilling not just because I was awarded as the batch valedictorian but because this only means that we are flexible.

Even if we are in an online setup, we adapt to these changes and be able to surpass all the difficulties. That’s why being given this award is not just my success, but the success of everyone,” Gabay said.

Gabay has already demonstrated academic

excellence since she was in Junior High School.

She was a consistent honor student and was at the top of her class. Given that she has to cope with more than just online classes in SHS, she said that this journey is difficult because she had to deal with financial issues, internet problems, and how to interact with other people. During the times that she is having difficulties, she communicated with her learning facilitators and classmates about her status. She also said that to cope with distance learning, a good support system is essential because as she always says, “energy management is more important than time management.”

When we asked her who her inspirations were, she said that it was God who has always been there for her. Second, her family sacrificed everything — whether it was their love and care

or financial support. Third, her friends whom she can always rely on. Fourth, to her learning facilitators and the rest of the academic team for proving the students with these opportunities despite the pandemic. Lastly, to Eunice, Sir Pau, Sir Eng, and Sir Juvin, who always help her sort out her mental jumbles.

“My advice for those students who aspire to become the batch valedictorian as well is to always be yourself, the things I did or the path that I am taking are not the same as yours.

God has a different plan for each one of us so ALWAYS DO YOU. My second advice is to never compare your achievements with other people.

Celebrate every achievement you have like waking up on time or being able to finish your online class. Third, is to give up some things or leave those people/stuff that drains you. Your feelings are always valid so don’t hesitate to rest,” she said.

Aside from being the batch valedictorian, she was also awarded with Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics and Pinakamahusay sa Larangan ng Komunikasyon

sa Wikang Filipino. Moreover, she was also the Editor-in-Chief of The Pantograph x Malaya, Chairwoman of The Students Commission on Elections, a member of Lupon ng Makata, Content Writer in the Unit-Based Marketing of the SHS department, and the Features’ Head of Juan Health PH. Gabay will now take a Bachelor of Science in Biology.

Salutatorian’s gratitude “— may we all remember that the only person that we have to compete with is the past version of ourselves.”

The class salutatorian and a student from STEM E, Jayvee Fortuno, highlighted in her salutatorian speech the difficulties of being faced in a tower of responsibilities such as multitasking and having no physical support system from friends.

“I believe that the majority of learners present today will relate to the situation of finding it difficult to carry a lot of these things at once and not having a physical support system. The afterclass bonds that we were fond of having with our friends, and simply the sharing of burdens like unaccomplished projects or school tasks.

— I am with you, for I also know how hard it is to be a child, a sibling, a student leader, a learner, and a working student all at the same time.”

Fortuno said.

However, amidst these, one thing remained and stood out in her speech — her gratitude. She admits that being in a pandemic has never been easy but she is deter mined to continue and sees the brighter aspects of this distance learning: being able to still continue our studies, hone our communication skills, and be able to be flexible toward academic and personal workloads.

Additionally, Fortuno told The Pantograph X Malaya that she had not anticipated being chosen as the class salutatorian.

“I feel blessed and grateful… being the Salutatorian is something that I didn’t expect to have and this is not possible without the people who stayed with me through thick and thin, so I owe this to them,” she stated.

For 14 years, Fortuno has already shown her activeness, chiefly in extra-curricular activities. In spite of changing her routine due to the pandemic, she said that she found a sense of excitement in the clubs and organizations she joined.

Aside from being the batch salutatorian, she was also given the JCI Youth Leadership and Excellence Award. Furthermore, she was the

Turn to page 36 Ø FEATURE 15

The BiCOOL Leaders BY: LEXINE RUST

Losing something you’ve worked so hard for is really something that a person may or may not be emotionally invested in. People do have their TOTGA or “The One That Got Away” and it is different when someone hoped for them to successfully achieve their goals but they were forbidden yet redirected by fate.

However, for others, it could also mean anyone and not just some lover. It could also mean someone who has been cool [excellent] to another or even someone who is a great leader that sparked volunteerism and passion for those people who want a better life and a better future not only for themselves but also for those people who are around them and who need it the most.

Bicolanos are known for being ‘maurag’ [great], friendly, and even sweet. With these attributes, it is not questionable to see that these are true with our fellow-’kababayan’ in Naga.

The Unforgettable Mayor of Naga As great leaders aren’t born but made through the ups and downs of everyday life which made them know what it is like to serve the same people they’ve had interaction with, the late Jesse Robredo is different. He is one of a kind.

Jesus “Jesse” Manalastas Robredo was the mayor of Naga, Camarines Sur for a decade during the years 1988 to 1998. He started becoming a mayor when he was just 29 years old which makes him the youngest mayor in the country. He then served another 9 years from 2001 to 2010 which also makes him well-known in the city.

He also made Naga proud as he received several awards that includes the Ramon 16 FEATURE

Magsaysay Award in 2000 and also the 1998 Konrad Adenauer Medal of Excellence. Not only that, but he also made sure that projects that benefit the city were also done to ensure the best city life possible for the Nagueños.

He was also appointed as the secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government in July 2010 until his death to which he was serving the country with all his best as he focuses not only to himself but to others as well.

“True leaders always practice the three R’s: respect for self, respect for others, and responsibility for all their actions,” Anonymous With respect to almost everything else, Bicolanos exhibit a trait of being not only caring but also mindful of what else there is to think of. Being mindful surely does give positive feedback and receive a positive outcome as mindfulness also means being responsible for all the things that should be kept in mind.

But all of these remain in our minds as something that won’t be forgotten as they are special to us due to the fact that he is long gone because of his tragic death in 2012.

The Head of the Better Road To reach somewhere greater, it is important to not just prepare for the trip but also enjoy and reflect on the journey as these

actions will help someone have a brighter, or say better, end.

Naga would be thankful for the longterm projects that have been implemented

by Sulpicio “Cho” Roco Jr. who served Naga city as the mayor and as the congressman for the third district of Camarines Sur in 1998 and 2001 respectively. As he was inspired to build the collapsed Mabolo Bridge, he can be seen as a leader who is caring and thoughtful for the people of Naga and their benefits to the said project. Without this, heavy traffic will be experienced as there is no other alternate route to and from the city. With this implementation, people get to maximize their chances of reaching their own destinations whichever road they want.

A better road for a better future never gets better than nothing. Even so, sir Cho Rocco didn’t stay long in the game of politics as there are those candidates who led the way, and that sir Rocco may have chosen to rest from serving.

These leaders may be a loss to the Nagueño people but this is, for sure, the star that lights up a bulb in the minds of these people that there definitely are politicians out there who have the sincerity and passion to lead and serve the public community.

Getting Over Grief

Like any competition, someone wins, and someone loses in elections. With over 67.5 million voters completed, 65.7 million are domestic voters, and 1.8 million are overseas voters, these individuals cast their votes to support the candidates whom they want to lead the country, believing they could make the nation more progressive than it is at the moment. But, with the recently concluded 2022 National Elections, the majority of the Filipinos who cast their votes have been identified to suffer from election grief, which is the distress after elections proven and seen in the sentiments of the people being expressed in protests, social media statuses, and other platforms where they could voice out their disappointment.

Grief is said to have five (5) stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. People who experience election grief also go through these stages as it is a ‘step-by-step’ process that will slowly lead to acceptance and recovery. It would be a typical reaction to frustration, especially if voters were disappointed that their candidate did not win and did not like the tallied results.

Additionally, experiencing election grief somewhat demonstrates love for the nation because you supported something you think will be for the better. Among the Filipinos who experienced this grief, the youth is the sector that is more prone to feeling it than the adults.

In a survey of The Pantograph x Malaya, among the ten (10) students coming from the UNC Senior High School Grades 11 and 12, all respondents answered that they experienced election grief, regardless of whether they were registered voters or not. The dominant reason they experienced it was because of the election results that they did not expect to turn out the way they did, followed by their firm stance that the candidate they support can do more. The majority of the respondents experienced election grief for one (1) to two (2) weeks

span, but an equal percentage goes both to them being free from the grief and not.

The results showed that the youth have their visions open about the importance of casting their votes right and being proactive regarding standing for what they think is right.

With the mentioned equal percentage of being free and still under election grief, they should not rush their coping with the aftermath of the election results and should be aware that their sentiments of stress, grief, or resentment are all valid.

To manage the distress, there are some ways that one can do.

First is to distance from toxicity wherein voters can divert themselves to anything that is not politics-related where they could take a break from all the sorrow it has caused. In this manner, they will be able to breathe from the stress it causes.

Adding to the list is to focus on yourself. It seems vague to hear and

read, but by focusing on yourself, you can divert yourself back into how things work in your life even before the election happened. It could also be a way for you to develop a character based on this experience, by which you can have a clearer vision of what power you hold as a citizen. Try creating projects for yourself. Do something that would make you happy, no matter how simple.

Lastly, seek support. Take comfort in others, and surround yourself with companions who can lift your spirits. According to the mental health organization Dear Future Self PH, talking with others who share your opinions can be reassuring. Being surrounded by people who make you feel that what you are feeling is valid makes it more convenient for you to assess what you think and determine how you will completely cope without being harsh on yourself.

Until now, a lot still do not accept the newly-elected officials, whether for the Local or National Administration.

Regardless, may this not be a reason for everyone to be close-minded towards being a proactive citizen that promotes a progressive society. May everyone generate the strength to carry on fighting the good battle, even with grieving hearts.

Even if it may have fallen short in the view of many, you persisted. The shared ambitions have given people strength, and there is no remorse.

Source: Bilyonaryo

Source: Business Mirror

BY: JAYVEE B. FORTUNO

FEATURE 17

To Be YOU-nc

(UNC’s Friendliness to LGBTQ Members) BY: LEXINE RUST

To Embrace From Within Choosing to be whoever you are is a free choice to make yet not an easy decision to be open for most especially for those LGBTQ+ Members who are still not ‘out’ or open to their sexual orientation yet.

Embracing them for who they are, even when one is not sure about their sexuality, will mean a lot because when one is in doubt, confusion, or hesitation, it is best to

18 FEATURE

acknowledge them as they are and be there to support them as beings.

When asked, “how friendly do you think UNC is towards the LGBTQ+ community?”

Blue (not real name), a male bisexual STEM 12 student, responds, “I’m not sure since I don’t have first-hand experience as we only have online classes for the whole two years in SHS. I’m a transferee so I don’t have any idea about it.”

It can be known that the friendliness of a school towards the LGBTQ isn’t that noticeable due to the fact that these students from the Senior High School Department are enrolled in both online and modular modalities which meant lesser to no face-to-face interaction at all for them to feel the welcome of being part of the LGBT community.

Though, when it comes to bad experiences, Blue shares, “Some of my boy classmates may have teased me for being bisexual, but it was not that serious.” However, there wasn’t any discrimination from other people since he is not yet open to the public.

For a friendly and warm appreciation, which is a good experience, from the UNCeans towards those LGBT people, “I experienced a friendly approach from UNCeans since some of my classmates accepted me for who I am after I revealed to them that I’m bisexual,” Blue said.

Not only the learners have shown respect and a friendly approach to them but also the learning facilitators of UNC as well. “In addition, some of my learning facilitators have respected me and provided me safe space for being an LGBT member,” he stated.

“I feel that I don’t have to pretend to be someone I’m not,” Blue added.

To pretend to be someone else is the hardest part for those people who are not yet out as they

regularly, if not continuously, have to put a mask on their sexuality to avoid any negative comments from those who are against the LGBT community.

Blue then thinks that “UNC should educate the youth about LGBT to prevent homophobia and provide school activities

related to LGBT.” As homophobia causes people to mostly show hate towards the ‘gay’ people in various ways such as verbal, physical, or even spiritual hatred and possibly abuse as well, it is best to have school activities where the LGBT community feels welcome and accepted. Not just tolerated.

Bisexual ABM Student: Dandelion Dandelion (not real name), an 18-year-old ABM student, thinks that “UNC is a healthy and friendly environment so I think UNC will accept a student like me.”

Having a good environment where one is accepted for who they are is truly remarkable as the LGBT continue to fight for their rights, safety, and freedom. It is healthy to have open communication with one another to prevent situations where hatred will be processed and broadened.

Just like Blue, Dandelion is also accepted for who she is as she has a lot of friends that are also members of the LGBTQ+ which made her feel more welcomed.

Creating a safe environment for the students who are part of the LGBT community and starting an organization where these students are supported are two of the many things UNCeans and its employees should focus more on to provide friendliness for the LGBT community, this is what Dandelion suggests as she believes, “this simple act will mean the whole world to us.”

Having a safe space for the LGBT members not only creates a haven for them but also hopes for a freer, more open, and better environment for all where they can just be themselves without worrying about their safety and rights.

With them being protected, we shield love from everything that causes it to cease.

n 2 o s a Se

Online Learning:

BY: JAYVEE B. FORTUNO

With the currently released guidelines coming from the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and Department of Education (DepEd), onsite recognition and commencement exercises are now allowed as long as it falls under the classification that allows limited physical interaction. This made this school year’s batch lucky as they experienced it on-site. Even so, the students who are now allowed to be given recognition onsite also experienced difficulty being in online classes for the past two (2) years, making them the first batch of students to be under the virtual mode of learning.

Given the alternative modalities of teaching and learning, the majority of students in the Philippines, with the rate of 79%, are in the online class modality, which means that they are attending virtual classes and complying with the school demands within the given deadlines. Meanwhile, the remaining percentage goes to the students under the modular modality, where they are given modules to study and answer. With these two (2) modalities being implemented, different levels of learning and understanding are not neglectable, given that the approach is completely different from one another.

In a Learner Enrollment Survey Forms survey, the parents of the students prefer face-to-face classes, with a total response rate of 42.5% or 8.8 million of the respondents.

The reason raised for this result is that parents prefer to have their child go to physical schools as they can observe that the online and modular mode of learning does not cater to the learning competencies their child must acquire.

Some parents are also open to having a blended mode of learning or a mixture of both online and face-to-face classes, with a rate of 18.84% or 3.9 million respondents. The parents who ought to have this mode believe their child can acquire enough knowledge by both modalities as it is flexible for them. The least rate goes to the modular way of learning, which raises the concern of the parents being teachers at their home and cases of parents accomplishing the modules instead of the students.

In a survey conducted by The Pantograph x Malaya both for Grades 11 and 12 learners, 60% of the learners gave a rate of 4 or ‘very good’ when asked about their online class experience for the past two (2) years. The ‘best things’ that have made their online learning memorable and worthwhile are; first, they have better time management given that they are just at home, and there is no need to worry about waking up early or going home late. This is followed by the bond built between the learners and their classmates despite not being able to see each other in

person, making them feel lighter during their classes. Adding to the list is the advantage of having the chance to save money because they do not have to pay for lunch or spend money on transportation fares. Lastly, the opportunities were easily accessible given that they could just send electronic mails with their application, concerns, and even for joining an organization. For these students, the online setup made things easier and possible.

On the other hand, some students faced struggles under the said setup, which is relatable to every different learner. The top battle on the list is the concern about the unstable internet connection, which makes it difficult for them to attend classes and submit their assignments on time.

In addition, the responses also raised the fact that since it is in a home setup, responsibilities have to be fulfilled, which hinders their time and focus on

demand physical participation in classes.

Regardless of what modality you are in, you must be proud of yourself as you were able to survive the past two years of distance learning. With all the trials and tribulations that everyone has faced and shared, the perseverance and determination to continue and be dynamic in terms of getting through it all are indeed remarkable, by any means and way.

accomplishing their school work and attending the class itself.

The same with the parents, the learners prefer face-to-face learning as they believe that this will help them acquire the learning competencies they have to master to use this knowledge in the work world. They also think it will help them further develop their skills in tertiary education, especially in the skill-based courses and those that FEATURE 19

A

Legacy

or a

Nightmare?

BY: JENNY VEN MAE CORDIAL AND LEXINE RUST

To live in what once was a nightmare for some and a legacy to another is definitely what people nowadays are both prepared and unprepared for what is to come under the new ruling of “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (BBM), the son of the late dictator, Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Just this 30th day of June 2022, his inauguration transpired; marking his six-year term as the 17th President of the Philippines.

However, the Martial Law victims’ wounds are still fresh. Due to Marcos Sr.’s assertion that violent protests were on the rise, he imposed Martial Law for eight (8) years, from September 20, 1972, to January 17, 1981, giving the military the power to dominate if the populace became irascible. Some saw it as a fantastic demonstration of the administration’s authority, while others were outraged by the destruction of democracy and the brutality of the implementation.

However, who can better tell us what happened than the survivors who experienced it first-hand? Let us be receptive to the experiences of the interviewed Martial Law survivors, Anna, Teresita, and Rey. First Martial Law Survivor: Anna Anna, age 58, is the first interviewee. She was in the 2nd grade and was seven years old when Marcos Sr. implemented Martial Law. She remembered how strict the curfew was. No one shall go outside beyond 6:00 PM. “Bihira lumabas ng bahay dahil maraming pulis na bantay.” – Anna added. ([We] rarely leave our house because there are a lot of police patrolling.]

However, Anna believed that Marcos Sr. was a good leader due to her father’s influence, who was a Marcos loyalist. She would often see and experience feeding programs and grocery donations from the former administration.

But when questioned about “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., she acknowledged that she didn’t support him during the campaign but insisted that, as the new president, we should give him an opportunity regardless of what had transpired in the past.

When asked what she thinks of Martial Law, she quoted the following: “Martial law is for the people that are against the constitution. That’s why they are punished.”

Second Martial Law Survivor: Teresita Teresita, the second Martial Law survivor, age 69, was born before the country was placed under Martial Law. When asked 20 FEATURE

how life changed after the implementation, she said in Bicol: “Masakit ang buhay kaidto [life was difficult back then.]”

However, when questioned about the former president, she replied that Marcos Sr. was a good but strict leader. As his son take over, Teresita mentioned that she will only support “Bongbong” Marcos if he deviates

from his father’s steps, but will be given a chance for he might be different from his father.

“We should give BBM a chance because maybe his administration will be better now and he might not follow his father’s footsteps.”

Teresita added that the families of the victims of Martial Law’s cruelty are probably feeling mad as it could happen again now that another Marcos is seated as the president of the country after being ousted.

When asked what she thought would happen if ever Martial Law would once again be made, she stated in a quotation: “There will be People’s Power again, for sure.”

Third Martial Law Survivor: Rey Rey, age 63, is the third interviewee.

Rey mentioned that when the law was implemented, his peaceful life was changed to chaos.

“I witness the time when Martial Law was in effect, I saw the victims violated of their rights.” – Rey said.

He added that Marcos Sr. was a dictator and despot who used an iron fist, killing many innocent people who were against his policy. He even said he knows victims who were red-tagged, harmed, and killed, mostly left-leaning students from prominent universities. Thus he said that these law survivors are probably terrified and mad.

When asked about “Bongbong” Marcos, he said that he was beyond disappointed due to their family’s record of violation of human rights and corruption, yet, Filipinos still voted for him.

“I will never support the son of the dictator because I believe that BBM can’t lead this country very well,... but we will give him a chance, but we will be vigilant in guarding our democracy.” – Rey added.

When asked what he thought of Martial Law, he stated in a quotation: “It’s not good for the country and its people. Surely, their rights will be violated.”

But who knows what exactly would happen? Is history going to repeat itself? Or not? Whatever happens, what stood out is that we must not let our democracy die and always let the truth prevail – the one the Martial Law survivors still crave.

The

in

BY: LEXINE RUST

LOVE brings out the best in us as we, ourselves, give our time, effort, and attention to important things such as participating in programs where volunteer work is needed and giving a helping hand to those in need.

It is love that causes people to enhance their skills and efforts for the good of other people. Such that it calls upon the hearts of those volunteers to do more than what they would normally do out of love.

Events Head, Solid Leni Bicol Youth Solid Leni Bicol (SLB) Youth is one of the volunteering programs in Bicol for political campaigns specifically for vice-president Leni Robredo and senator Kiko Pangilinan who were running for presidency and vicepresident, respectively, during the 2022 elections.

According to Russel John Achondo, a volunteer and event head for SLB Youth, “I was volunteering for the campaign of Leni Robredo and Kiko Pangilinan for president and vice president, respectively. But more than that, I was volunteering for the Filipino people who deserve a clean and honest government.”

Knowing that there are risks such as redtagging, bashers, and families disagreeing with those loved ones that allot their time, energy, and money into volunteering, Russel keeps in mind that he had gladly and willingly done the things that contributed to significant actions not only for his life but also for those around him.

What influenced this young man to volunteer is the youth of the Philippines whose

dreams and hopes for a better, honest, and true government need to be fulfilled as he expressed that, “To be a volunteer is a dream come true for the hearts of young [people] whose love for the country overflows.”

With love for the country and its people, the youth volunteers for their fellow countrymen for the better of society. With love, people get to come together to do things that one cannot achieve without teamwork, open communication, and commitment toward a better future for all.

Volunteer, UNC SHS Association of Community Extension Volunteers Alyssa Macabuhay, age 17 and a volunteer from STEM P - UNC SHS and also a Fields Committee from SLB Youth, shares with us that, “Love in volunteering can go as far as you want [and] as much as you are willing to do it sincerely. Maybe we can do more beyond our imagination as long as the heartfelt feeling is within us.” Serving humanity has also always been a passion of hers, which influenced her to do volunteer work.

Whatever it is that people imagine doing for others, for as long as there is that passion to do so, they will achieve success all because of that love where anything becomes possible.

By being willing to do volunteer work sincerely and wholeheartedly, moments, where genuine

smiles and gratitude are present, come to be a reality not just to those volunteers but also to those receiving the help.

There is definitely love in volunteering as Alyssa states, “Volunteering is about doing it wholeheartedly, hence I think there’s love. You wouldn’t really spend a lot of your time and such if you are not passionate [about] what you do.” To be able to provide others a part of your time, knowing that it is valuable and that it cannot be returned again, is something that only love can afford.

Despite volunteer work requiring a lot of resources and being prone to red-tagging, bashers, and families that disagree, Alyssa also chose to keep doing volunteer work as she is really passionate about it. “We can’t really neglect the negativity around us but as long as you truly know that your actions are right, you just need to continue,” she also adds.

As people volunteer, they get to be together and build skills that are essential and useful when it comes to helping those who need a helping hand. Love is everywhere and within ourselves. When we have love to give then that same love is to be given to someone else by others. We become bonded by love and that’s how the L in volunteering is love for it conquers all things. In other words, volunteer work is the union and action of love.

FEATURE 21

Who-Men

How Women are Treated in PH BY: SAMANTHA NICOLE IMPERIAL

As a woman, did you experience being catcalled? How about hearing the phrase “babae ka lang” when arguing with other genders? It is only a tiny portion of the many challenges a Filipina encounters. In our culture, women are expected to be conservative, polite, courteous, and obedient to anything a man says.

There are huge differences between women before and women now. Back then, women did all the house chores, including taking care of the children. On the other hand, women now spend more time with themselves and are independent enough to work for themselves. Another point is education is crucial. Men were the only ones who could receive an education back then, which further exacerbated the gender gap. Today, education is essential, and communities are healthy because both sexes are educated.

Who is a woman in a world full of men?

Now, let us dig deeper into this topic as we interviewed women in the Senior High School Department to know their struggles and how they are treated in our society.

Source: Borgen Project

Struggles of Women in PH In our society, women are judged quickly based on their looks, clothing, or gender.

We collected a woman’s two (2) everyday struggles based on the interviews.

The first struggle of a woman is the clothes that they are wearing. They are being judged based on their clothes. If they are wearing revealing clothes, people are catcalling

22 FEATURE

them, assuming they have no respect for themselves, or just wearing those to impress other genders.

Babylen Belen from 12 STEM B claims that cat-calling, slut-shaming, and harassment are all too familiar in our society. Women are often trained to be more modest, and sometimes clothing serves as a symbol of respect.

Zofhea Imperial, a student from 11 ABM K, also shared her story about cat-calling.

She told the Pantograph x Malaya that she was going home when an old man riding a motorcycle stopped beside her and asked her where is her home. She was so pissed since the man insisted on giving her a ride.

Fortunately, the man drove away and took a turn. She realized he lied, saying he was also heading my way straight ahead.

Another struggle is that other genders are degrading them. The survey conducted by the Pantograph x Malaya indicates that 63.3% of women are degraded because people are still belittling a woman’s capabilities, especially in a work environment. According to World Bank Blogs, most women who work are concentrated in low-skill jobs. Women in low-skill positions want to keep themselves

out of poverty, whereas women in high-skill jobs seek to choose careers with excellent earning potential.

“If you’re a woman living in the Philippines, you have to expect that you’ll be belittled, mistreated, and somehow deprived of certain privileges and opportunities,” said Rochelle Irlanda, a grade 11 student from ABM K. Effects of Struggles on Women The problems already discussed had two distinct consequences on women.

Women experience fear, shyness, and selfconsciousness since people always watch and criticize them. Some women consequently lack confidence in their sense of style and skills in their work.

According to Jenny Ven Cordial from 11 ABM K, being a woman is similar to being a woman by external standards. You must constantly possess a particular personality type and behave according to what other people say. Stereotypes are frequently present.

Favorably, one effect is that women are becoming more independent and are not always seeking the assistance of males since they have the skills to speak up for themselves and take a position because they are the ones who will defend themselves from violence.

“As a Filipina in this modern period, I got to be treated right. I am treated fairly; I am accommodated in different services and privileges that other genders also have.

I can voice out my concerns, opinions, and statement on different matters in my surroundings. We can do whatever we want in our own ways and motives,” said Danielle Favor from 12 STEM B. If we are going to process the struggles of a woman, we will think of how our society is still stuck in the traditional way of how a woman should behave. We need to shift our perspective and tend to accept that all women should be treated equally, loved, and welcomed in our society.

Are you toxic?

Signs of Toxic Masculinity

BY: JAYVEE FORTUNO AND SAMANTHA IMPERIAL

Young children are taught that boys should always be aggressive, fierce, and powerful. An example is when a kid experiences bullying at school for expressing his feelings, which causes toxically masculine conduct to occur when the boy feels the need to protect or affirm this unwholesome thought. It could intensify toxic behaviors, including denial of emotions, verbal abuse, and physical or sexual assault.

In our patriarchal culture, males are urged to assert their power over women. Therefore masculinity is prized over femininity. It can be shown through possessiveness, sexual objectification, and predatory conduct. Additionally, a scary sense of entitlement goes along with being more masculine: you have a right to be respected and influential among other genders.

In a survey conducted by The Pantograph x Malaya, we gathered responses from male Senior High School Students to know if they are experiencing the signs of toxic masculinity, such as: They are being conscious about their acts to avoid being discriminated against, whereas the stigma puts on a heavy standard that makes them act tough other t h a n

women. When these men show ‘feminine’ acts, they are being misinterpreted, and make people produce a narrative that they are ‘feminine’ or ‘less of a man.

A second sign is misogyny, where men have superiority over the other genders.

They have learned the culture that has “power over” women wherein they believe they can abuse other people, blame victims, bully, and criticize other women’s choices.

Another sign is refusing to seek help when struggling (mentally or physically) since men do not want to be burdensome to their friends or family. They are facing the problems alone because they are known as strong individuals. Also, they struggle to speak up for themselves because many dismiss their emotional problems as nuisances.

Adding to the list is engaging in risky behavior that might cause harm to oneself or others. It is incorporated into the act of aggression. In contrast, research concerning gender differences in violence and attack shows that men are reported to commit violent acts significantly more frequently than women. They are likely to be impulsive regarding what they do with their

emotions, and they tend not to consider the outcome and consequences.

Lastly, engaging in unhealthy behavior, like smoking and drinking. Peer pressure is common, especially in adolescence.

However, smoking, drinking, and hanging out with friends are standard for men.

Instances, where they have ‘no choice but to engage in such activities, can cause them to have unhealthy life habits.

Based on the results gathered from the survey, out of ten (10) male learners, the majority stated that they are not prone to experience the micro characteristics of having toxic masculinity. Furthermore, an equal percentage of responses were gathered about being discriminated against when they do acts of a woman.

The responses showed that despite acts being accepted in society, in general, the vast majority of people still find it feminine, making men often misinterpreted, which triggers the thought of being under the social standards, which leads to toxic masculinity.

The mentioned signs above show that men are not toxic, but their behavior can be. It is just up to the men if they will do all the acts which make the other genders think that they are toxic or not.

FEATURE 23

Abundance of Positivity BY: JAYVEE B. FORTUNO

Amidst trials and difficulties, have you ever crossed the thought of being positive or do you dwell on the misfortune you are facing? Either way, we surely have heard, met, and seen a lot of people, especially Filipinos being positive despite the challenges being faced. Well in fact, according to the 2022 World Happiness Report, the Philippines ranked second as the happiest country in Southeast Asia which gives off more about our people being positive. As an individual, have you ever wondered if what you possess is real positivity? Or a toxic one?

The idea that people should keep a happy attitude no matter how serious or challenging their circumstances are is known as toxic positivity. It is a “positive vibes only” way of living. And while being optimistic and practicing positive thinking have their advantages, toxic positivity, on the other hand, rejects painful feelings in favor of a cheery, frequently deceptively positive façade. The difference between a real and toxic one is that when you are really positive, you see an opportunity in every difficulty, while in a toxic positive, you voice out positive mantras and conscious or unconsciously neglect the problem that has to be solved which could worsen or worse, produce another problem.

According to a medical journal from Very Well, there are three (3) common signs that show toxic positivity. First on the list is ignoring issues than dealing with them.

In this case, some individuals are said to rather not think about their problems other than dealing with is which makes them remain unsolved. They may have no feelings of stress, moreover, the unsolved problem could add up to the future stress they could experience.

24 FEATURE

Second is hiding their true feelings which are caused by guilt or being depressed, enraged, or disappointed. Often, people who engage with toxic positivity hide their genuine sentiments behind positive sayings that seem more acceptable to society. In this act, the emotions will build up over time which causes these people to have periodical breakdowns for holding too many things and crying or venting it all out all at once.

Lastly, toxic positivity involves shaming other individuals for their negative attitudes.

This can be often observed when an individual gives a comment to a person which makes them feel and look better than the person they are referring to. This is also a common way for toxic positive individuals to get over their terrible feelings about something or a certain situation.

Do you relate to some of the signs mentioned? If yes, worry less as there are things that were narrowed down in order for you to cope with toxic positivity. First is to manage your emotions, but do not deny them. There is no need for you to neglect

what you feel as doing so will burden you more as this may build up in the future.

Handling them and seeking help for other people may help you manage them well and have them resolved.

Second, notice how you feel. Nowadays, people tend to follow “positive” social media accounts that could be a source of positive affirmations, however, you must first assess what you truly feel before you engage with these kinds of posts. Feeling guilty when seeing these types of posts could mean that you are prone to invalidating what you feel. You do not have to feel bad when you neglect these posts, as no one has the means to order or push you to a feeling that you do not feel.

Lastly, be realistic about what you should feel. As the saying goes “you’re a human, you can feel things too”, which makes it more applicable to feel stressed, rattled, and anxious about things that you cannot control at the moment.

The best way to get a hold is to practice being calm and to narrow down your thoughts and things that you can do to solve them. As simple as it seems but it takes a lot of courage to hold your resolve and to stay calm despite the anxiety that lingers in you.

Now that things have been narrowed about what toxic positivity is, have you determined whether you engage with it or not? We are all aware of the benefits of a positive view of life for our overall health.

But things in life aren’t always good. We all endure and deal with painful feelings and events. Even though they are frequently unpleasant, those feelings are necessary and should be expressed and handled freely and honestly. At the end of the day, it is important for everyone to remember that your feelings matter in an abundance of positivity.

The Assets of Political Candidates to Win? Or Not? BY: JENNY VEN MAE CORDIAL

For 87 days, the last election campaign happened in the Philippines, starting on February 8, 2022, until May 7 of the same year, with the 14th and 15th of April excluded.

Political fandoms naturally began to make more noise to encourage and persuade voters to support their candidate. Campaign jingles and music began to circulate, among other gimmicks and resources. It is unavoidable at this time, with no fail; it is repeated repeatedly.

Music and jingles became a huge part of the election campaign. Aside from the candidates’ platforms, citizens also anticipate the jingles and music they will release.

According to Heisbourg from Cambridge University Press, most political candidates use this tactic to shape voters’ perception of them, mainly regarding honesty, leadership, and competency, as it triggers the listeners’ emotions. When effective, it usually gets stuck with people’s heads rent-free, calling it the “Last Song Syndrome,” known as LSS. Raul Navarro, an associate professor at the University of the Philippines College of Music, interviewed by Rappler, said that songs are significant and influential in building a candidate’s positive image to voters because they focus on the positive attributes of the candidate, such as their promises and platforms.

“Tandaan natin na parte ng edukasyon ng tao ang musika, kung saan natututuhan natin ang abakada o alpabeto o wikang inaawit….

Kulturang pinapaksa sa awit at maging alaala, relihiyon, o recall sa makasaysayang personalidad,” – said Navarro in a webinar held by the UP Department of Speech Communication and Theatre Arts.

Political candidates also commonly use social media to boost the impact of their campaign materials because of its growing popularity and the limitations on face-toface communication. According to Fulcrum, Rodrigo Duterte, the former President, received the most votes thanks to social media’s help in amplifying his campaign and supporters known as DDS, or Diehard Duterte Supporters.

Politicians also use celebrities to increase the impact and visibility of their songs, as Filipinos tend to elect wellknown candidates.

The former tandem of the new President, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, and Vice-President of the Philippines, Sara Duterte, known as UniTeam, did this. During the rallies, famous celebrities, Toni Gonzaga and Andrew Ford Valentino Espiritu, most commonly known as Andrew E., showed support by singing at their rallies. One of his famous songs was

“Bagong Pilipinas,” with the beat of Flo Rida’s well-known song, “Low,” but slightly modified, with the famous lines of: “Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong mukha, may prinsipyo, may isang salita. Kaibigan niyo, kaibigan ko, siya si Inday Sara… Duterte,...

Bongbong… Marcos” Due to the enthusiasm and catchy beat of the song, it spread widely on social media, causing many to experience LSS as a result of reposting and resharing. As parodies began to circulate, some content creators from various social media platforms even had a change of heart about their decision, claiming that they felt more at home in the fanbase and were having more fun. It made the tandem, as mentioned earlier, more widely discussed—consequently, a successful first step in persuading people to vote for them.

However, aside from the political candidates’ efforts, they are also gaining strength from their fanbases and supporters. The youth was particularly captivated by the election campaign. Various fandoms would make fan edits for the politicians they are supporting on social media, primarily TikTok and Facebook, depending on their point of view, such as videos highlighting how kind and down-toearth their bets are.

Additionally, there were arguments from supporters in the comment sections of every political post, most notably those of Maria Leonor Robredo, the former Vice President of the Philippines’ supporters known as “Kakampink” and the UniTeam. There were also pub mats outlining the candidate’s qualifications to demonstrate to voters why they are worthy of the position.

Naturally, these are usually perceived as positive publicity since they are being endorsed, but they might not. Some fandoms can deteriorate from being supportive to toxic. Because of how hostile the fandom may become, new supporters sometimes decide to support a different candidate.

It simply implies that we must always broaden our understanding of every candidate as a responsible citizen.

Wea must not confine ourselves to what is only being fed to us as these merely highlight their positive attributes, but what about their loopholes?

The next time we vote, never devalue your right to suffrage because one creates millions.

Remember that we are the creator of the outcome; therefore, do we want our six years to be full of rue?

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Recycle 101:

Campaigning with Double Purpose BY: JAYVEE B. FORTUNO AND KYLE SAMUEL C. BAUTISTA

During the 2022 National Elections, campaign paraphernalia of the candidates for local and national elections was utilized to gain voters. While using these campaign materials is acceptable, their inappropriate disposal generates a lot of trash and waste that could be hazardous to the environment. Now that the election is over, what should we do with the campaign materials we still have at home, such as the tarpaulins, flyers, and posters displayed in public spaces?

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reported in 2019 that it had collected 29 truckloads, or 200.37 tons or 705.34 cubic meters, of rubbish from the campaigning for the May 13 midterm elections (from March 1 to May 16, 2019).

Jim Sampulna, the acting Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Environment Chief, stated in an interview last May 12, 2022, that the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 must be followed when disposing of campaign materials. According to him, win or lose, these candidates must consider the long-term consequences of their campaign materials in the environment. Therefore, they must encourage their supporters and volunteers to take down these materials, especially those made of plastic, and dispose of them properly.

As we support our candidates during the election campaign, we must adhere to the regulations on how these materials must be disposed of or recycled. In addition to contributing to pollution, specialists from the EWC reported that they discovered cadmium, a highly hazardous and cancer-causing substance, in campaign tarpaulins.

It means that in recycling the campaign materials, there must be non-food and non-child applications as tarps may contain

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hazardous chemicals.

How can we recycle these campaign materials? A variety of ways were presented by both DENR, MMDA, and EWC as they collaborate to aim at the goal of eradicating the waste coming from the elections: You may turn the recycled sample ballots into notepads using binding glue, a fastener, ribbon, or thread. In parallel, cardboard posters were transformed into nameplates, folders, bookmarks, and other school supplies.

Posters made of polyethylene plastic can be used again as book and notebook covers. On the other hand, stronger PVC plastic tarpaulin posters could be fashioned into various carry bags.

Additionally, the material might be made into aprons, tool organizers, laundry and

toiletry bags, and more.

Many Filipinos enjoy celebrating certain occasions away from their homes. If you still have any extra tarps from your campaign materials, you can link them together to form a temporary tent or parasol.

As awning and tent makers, all know the necessity for people to seek refuge from the sun’s heat and light rain.

Consequently, in a survey conducted by the Pantograph x Malaya, several students from the UNC SHS department also shared their own ways of recycling campaign materials: “I used it as a wrapper and for the big

tarpaulins we used it as a cover for motorcycles.” “[I used it to] create jars, piggy banks, and containers.“ The students were very creative in thinking of ways how to make better use of the campaign materials. Some of them were even able to make baskets out of it. The respondents also suggested that campaign materials like tarpaulins should just be reused (reprinted) to avoid excessive waste.

Advice to LGUs also suggests using materials recovery facilities to gather and restore recyclable objects and stringent enforcement of municipal statutes and regulations against illegal dumping, open burning and littering.

Additionally, local governments were advised to develop creative and secure methods for recycling and upcycling reusable campaign waste materials and to hold political event planners accountable for ensuring that the waste will be disposed of correctly.

As we promote our chosen candidates, we must also promote a safe and clean campaigning environment before, during, and after elections.

Through alternatives, we can eradicate waste pollution and uphold the essence of campaigning to have recycling as a purpose.

#LetEarthBreathe

A Simple Call For A Simple Action

BY SHIARA MAE HOSMILLO

Breathing is one of the simplest actions that we do every day. But in a matter of inhaling and exhaling, we eventually feel the comfort and the lightness of our burden— i.e. what the Earth needs as it goes through harsh exploitation and depletion of resources. To breathe is evidently everyone’s right, but does it go to our planet as well?

For several decades, we have always heard about global warming, climate change, and severe natural disasters from alarmed experts and scientists yet we never really listened. But, the more time goes by, the more we clearly see how our world is badly changing. Devastating fires, cruel strong typhoons, rising levels of floods, harsh heat waves, and persistent droughts are experienced all over the world and they just keep on coming.

“Things are getting worse”, said Dr. Petteri Taalas, Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organization, to The New York Times report, which issued a global climate report last 2019 due to the urgency of the situation. Glaciers and permafrosts, a permanent frozen ground, are melting at an unforeseeable pace as seas are warming and rising faster, posing risks of flooding to cities and low lands.

Scientists from Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany had witnessed the accelerating rate of ice loss and effects of climate change that may have brought the world “dangerously close” to irreversible changes, or tipping points.

“In our view, the consideration of tipping points hecy,” they wrote.

Although Dr. Taalas said that reducing greenhouse gas emissions and getting rid of fossil fuels in power production, industry, and transportation is the only solution, it requires drastic measures. It still didn’t stop

some people from standing up and fighting for the planet.

“So, I’m here because scientists are not being listened to. I’m willing to take the risk for this gorgeous planet,” Peter Kalmus, a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) scientist, implored in his emotional speech in front of the oil and gas company Shell UK Headquarters building in London to listen to the climate change warnings.

Based on the Guardian News report, Kalmus was one of the 25 scientists affiliated with the Extinction Rebellion (XR) activists to stop the plans on producing more oil and gas that harms the planet.

Additionally, he asserted that they have been trying to warn everyone for so many decades and that the world is heading towards a catastrophe. But, they are always being ignored while the government focuses on exhausting the planet by extracting fossil fuels from foreign countries that would be running for decades to come.

On the other hand, demonstrators from ‘Just Stop Oil’ disrupted a certain oil company by gluing their hands on roads and by climbing on top of their vehicles just to deliver their message according to the Sky News report.

“Our demand is to just literally stop all new licensing and production of fossil fuels.

We’re not asking for everything to be halted

immediately.

We know it’s not possible but we just have to stop it now because it’s only going to get so much worse,” Dillon, a student and one of the mentioned demonstrators.

However, XR activists, as well as scientists, and ‘Just Stop Oil’ demonstrators were arrested for civil disobedience.

On Twitter, #LetTheEarthBreathe was trending with various posts emerging from conveying awareness to giving steps on saving the environment as an individual by preserving energy. One of the cited ways is purchasing energy-efficient appliances such as lights, air conditioners, heaters, and washing machines; turning off electric devices when not used; lessening the use and not burning plastic or garbage; not cutting down any trees, and reusing and recycling materials.

All of these were aimed to call out the public and to be conscious of the future for the well-being of the next generations and for the sake of the planet that gave us everything we need. We are on the verge of bigger consequences that we could possibly stop if we unite against actions that harm the environment. We all must take action as it’s time for our planet to breathe.

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FAST-PETase:

A Platic-Eating Enzyme to Solve Philippine’s Battle With Plastics?

BY JUSTINE MAE AGRAVANTE

Plastics take centuries to decompose.

According to the WWF Australia website, plastics have different decomposing periods ranging from 20 up to 500 years, depending on the type and use. For example, plastic bags take 20 years to break down, whereas plastic bottles can take up to 450 years.

In the Philippines, which is ranked as the third largest contributor of mismanaged plastics in the ocean, and generates 2.7 million tons of plastic waste each year, it’s not an exaggeration to say that it is one of the country’s biggest problems.

Fortunately, recently, a study developed a special enzyme called FAST-PETase — an enzyme that can break down plastics within days.

The name FAST-PETase stands for “functional, active, stable, and tolerant” PETase. Made by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin, published in a journal called ‘Nature’ on April 27, 2022, the results of the study stated that special enzymes mutated from PETase can break down a specific type of plastic called Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), one of the most common types of plastics and is being used in plastic bottles, and the enzyme can work in different temperatures and PH levels.

PETase and FAST-PETase Professor John McGeehan discovered in 2016

that in a bacteria, Ideonella sakaiensis, there’s a plastic-eating enzyme called PETase that can break down these PET polymers in just a week. They also found out that it can cause depolymerization, or can break polymers of a material into its single building blocks (monomers). The enzyme can also re-polymerize or bring back every monomer to convert the previous product into another one.

According to an article by Ryan McConnell in PSU Vanguard, “Breaking down PET into its original monomer structures is like separating paint from a painting. Both the canvas and the paint become like new, and the artist can repaint whatever they desire onto the same canvas.”

There was only one problem with PETase — it only works in limited numbers of temperature and PH levels. According to a website article by Christian San Jose of Nolisoli, “Since 2005, there have been 19 identified kinds of these enzymes…

However, they only work at high temperatures and pH levels. That’s until the development of the FASTPETase enzyme.”

FAST-PETase can be used in various conditions. This new enzyme can degrade 51 different varieties of PET in a variety of settings and temperatures. FAST-PETase was developed by researchers feeding 19,000 proteins in an algorithm so that they can survive at different levels.

Hal Alper, professor in Chemical Engineering and author of the paper, said that the next stage is to test FAST-Petase on a variety of currently available and frequently used polymers. He also

said, “This also provides corporations from every sector the opportunity to take a lead in recycling their products. Through these more sustainable enzyme approaches, we can begin to envision a true circular plastics economy.”

Philippines and Plastic Pollution Plastic pollution is an issue we can’t just ignore. This kind of pollution interlinks with poverty because it affects local enemies like fishing. In the Philippines, despite many organizations such as ‘The Plastic Bank’ which promotes ethical recycling awareness along coastlines, and ‘The Blastik Project’ which equips farmers to reduce plastic pollution, the main problem, according to an article of Eco-Business, is the lack of disposal facilities.

According to Crispian Lao, head of the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS), in an interview with EcoBusiness, Waste leaks into the oceans because 70% of Filipinos lack access to sanitary dumps and disposal facilities.

The difference in time to manufacture plastics and how long nature took for them to naturally decompose is really alarming. With FAST-PETase, sanitary landfills won’t be so filled with so many plastics because these enzymes would just create a new plastic from it that can be of use in the future.

This plastic-eating enzyme would be the nation’s most efficient solution to solve the plastic crisis.

Family Planning Methods: Male Birth Control Pills BY: KYLE SAMUEL C. BAUTISTA

Family planning has now become an essential part of every family. The National Family Planning Program was implemented to ensure that every family has universal access to medically safe, effective, and culturally acceptable modern family planning methods. Currently, there are numerous ways of controlling birth, such as the use of female contraceptive pills, male and female sterilization, condoms, and many more.

In addition to that, because of the recent improvements in contraception, scientists have now created a contraceptive pill for males that is said to be 99% effective at preventing pregnancy.

There are numerous ways in avoiding pregnancy aside from these artificial or medical procedures. For example, good family planning is also an option that one ought to consider. According to a survey conducted by the Pantograph x Malaya, the majority of the respondents even prefer the natural way of family planning over the use of artificial methods.

However, according to Gunda Georg, a medical chemistry professor that leads the research, they have received positive feedback and volunteers which shows that there are a lot of people as well who would like to further develop this new method of contraception.

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Birth control is a little different for males and females. For males, the most common contraceptive method is through the use of condoms and through vasectomy. The latter is a surgical procedure that cuts and seals off the passageway that sperm uses in order to reach a man’s testicles. For females, on the other hand, the most common contraceptive method is through pills and tubal ligation – a surgical procedure that blocks, cuts, or removes the fallopian tubes that prevent sperm from reaching and fertilizing egg cells that are responsible for the pregnancy.

In practicing safe sex, any of these contraceptions can be used, however, negative side effects are more prevalent for females. The use of condoms for males does not cause any problems and has no side effects. Unlike females, however, the use of contraceptive pills can cause minor side effects like nausea, headaches, mood changes, weight gain, spotting, and many more. Consequently, serious side effects such as high blood pressure, breast cancer, and liver cancer risk, liver tumors, and blood clots are also present.

In terms of medical methods of contraception, females are once again at a disadvantage because tubal ligation is permanent, dissimilar to vasectomy which is reversible. As of the time of writing, it is still unclear whether these new contraceptive pills for male is safe or have side effects because clinical trials are expected to begin

just this year. But what we can expect is that according to the leading scientists behind this invention, since the new pill is non-hormonal birth control, then it is likely to have no side effects besides the reduction in sperm count.

Regardless of whether this new upcoming pill will have side effects or not, according to Heather Vahdat, the executive director of the Male Contraceptive Initiative, “Contraception is not a gendered thing”.

“This is about people having the ability to have better health outcomes by not having unintended pregnancies—for everyone to be able to control their own reproductive autonomy by being able to contracept individually or as a dyad”, he continued.

Since the goal of contraception is to prevent pregnancy, there is no right or wrong way of controlling birth, whatever methods will be used by two people will rely on their choice and preference.

The most important thing that we have to remember is that pregnancy is not a joke and it should be taken seriously and responsibly.

Always take note that every action has its own corresponding consequences. Before using any of these contraceptives, make sure that you are fully aware of what you are doing, whom you are doing it with, and how it will affect your life and the people around you.

One should be knowledgeable about these things in order to become prepared and have good family planning in the future.

COVID-19 and Friends

The Different COVID-19 Variants That We Should Know

BY SHIARA MAE HOSMILLO

One thing we know about the SARS-CoV-2 or the COVID-19 virus is that it is changing constantly, evolving naturally, and multiplying into variants.

Sure, it loves some company yet monitoring each one is essential ensuring that humans are prepared especially if it’s more aggressive, highly transmissible, and vaccineresistant than the original strain of the virus. That is why it is important to know them, hence, these are the variants of COVID-19:

protocols and guidelines.

Omnicron

Alpha The Alpha variant was the first highly publicized variant that appeared in Great Britain in November 2020. Its infections surged after a month and soon surfaced around the world as it dominated the United States until Delta came according to the article in Yale Medicine.

Based on the report of CNN Philippines, this variant was also detected in the Philippines last January 2021, yielding positive results from a Filipino who returned home from the United Arab Emirates.

In regards to its severity, Alpha was infectious believing that it is deadlier and it is 30 to 50% more contagious than the original strain of the virus. This is on account of its mutations in the spike protein, which helps the virus infect its host cells.

Fortunately, its spike protein is the target of the vaccines. Hence, most vaccines were effective in beating and preventing severe symptoms and hospitalization of patients with this variant.

Beta The Beta variant was first identified in South Africa and Nigeria at the end of 2020 that spread to other countries. In the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) declared six (6) cases of this variant last March 2, 2021. Moreover, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said that it is about 50% more transmissible than the

original strain yet there is not enough evidence that it causes more severe illness or death among patients with this variant.

Even so, experts, including Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, are worried about its several mutations and its potential to infect more hosts because it has an “immune escape” component, making it difficult for the vaccines to fight this variant. The manufactured vaccines of Pfizer, Moderna, BioNTech, and Johnson & Johnson reported modest and less protection against Beta.

Delta Delta first appeared in India in late 2020 and eventually spread throughout the world, becoming one of the strongest versions of the COVID-19 virus until Omicron took its place. In the report of PubMed Central, studies show that it is 60% or more contagious than the Alpha variant, causing more than twice as many infections as the previous strains of the virus.

It is the deadliest, being

responsible for countless surges across the world and more than 30 million infections and at least 430,000 deaths. Even vaccinated people can get infected by this virus but with less severe symptoms unlike the cases of the infected unvaccinated people.

Meanwhile, the Philippines detected at least 8,000 cases in its wake last December 15 as waves of cases appeared later to the point that its sources and lineages could not be traced.

It heavily affected the country, lasting until the late months of 2021 to the early months of 2022.

“Widespread lockdown or restrictions are no longer effective in the country,” Vergeire said in a press conference last August 2021. Consequently, she also suggested “loosened a bit” the restrictions and making lockdowns “more targeted” to make them more effective.

However, full vaccination with at least two doses is highly effective in preventing this disease from hospitalization and death.

But, no vaccine is guaranteed to be 100% effective as the public is still advised to follow health

This recent dominant variant is still being studied but it was first identified in the countries of Botswana and South Africa in around late November of 2021 as it soon multiplied among countries.

The Philippines was not spared as the DOH confirmed two (2) of its cases last December 15, 2021, from passengers who arrived from Japan and Nigeria according to CNN Philippines.

Cases peaked in the early months of 2022 but the government took quarantine measures and stern lockdowns, easing the severity of the situation.

However, the latter country is still experiencing a gradual increase in Omicron cases, especially on its sub-variants.

It detected 79 additional cases of the said variant last July 12 contributing to the 10,271 confirmed cases from July 4 to 10. They are now undergoing isolation and recovery as they presented mild symptoms.

Regardless of the health threats of this virus, the CDC and other health institutions claimed that keeping up to date on vaccination, especially on booster shots, is the best protection against this variant as well as following the health protocols.

The DOH also conceded as they assured the public to keep a keen eye on surveillance systems to detect new cases and to encourage them to get a booster jab, especially since the country has low booster coverage.

Studies and research are still being conducted on these variants, focusing on their severity, strength, and weaknesses. We never know what they are capable of as they are unpredictable and inevitable to cost and infect more lives. After what we went through during the recent pandemic, the best thing we can do is to prepare by being knowledgeable, following the health guidelines, and being vaccinated.

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Climate Apocalypse Pictures To Reality:

Envisioning The World After A Climate Crisis

BY SHIARA MAE HOSMILLO

Climate catastrophe, irreversible changes, and extinction are a few words that quite relate to each other when in reality we’re about to face it in the future— if things go sideways. It sounds apocalyptic but what could be the world or the images of our consequences if we didn’t stop our actions that harmed the planet?

In a survey of the PANTOGRAPH, they asked a few students from the Senior High School (SHS) Department at the University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) how they picture the world after a climate catastrophe. Here is what they imagined: “I believe that the sea level would rise because all the ice from the northern region

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[or the Arctic as well as the southern region or the Antarctic] melted due to excessive heat from global warming. It would put towns, cities, etc. that’s in a lower ground level in danger,” said Fuwacchi from ABM B of Grade 12.

Meanwhile, a student from STEM E of Grade 12 namely, Jayvee Fortuno,

claimed that the world would probably be unlivable “given that living things are part of the cycle which makes the world strive.

If this happens, the Earth may be covered by gasses and elements that would endanger the living which again, will make it uninhabitable.”

There’s a truth in their opinions and they are more likely to happen as we’re heading toward a grim fate. It will require us to swallow a hard truth and face our fears before accepting the fact that we’re on the verge of doom.

Moreover, a French photographer, Fabien Barrau, created a series called “News From The Future”, illustrating and capturing what famous landmarks look like in the aftermath of a climate crisis. With the help of his drone and his Photoshop skills, he takes us into an overwhelmingly excruciating experience that might mingle our inner environmental consciousness.

“I remain convinced that a simple image can have more impact on people, especially the youngest, to understand the probabilities of the consequences of inaction,” Barrau said in a VICE report, seeing himself as an explorer of the future that displays inundation, desertification, and destruction.

He shows images that play between surrealism and dystopia, presenting the Statue of Liberty submerged in waist-deep floods as New York City sank underwater; the once-lively France became a marine environment, and the Roman ancient Colosseum enveloped by inordinate amounts of sand.

Despite that most of his images are an inspiration, there’s still a possibility as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a report in February 2022 warning that the door to avoid future irreversible effects and catastrophes of climate change is about to close.

The world is heating up, floods are rising, the ground is drying, crops are failing and cities are about to be submerged. We are in a climate emergency and there’s an urgent need for action rather than dawdling our chances into other trivial matters. By supporting green project endeavors, using biodegradable objects, avoiding singleuse plastics, and lessening our energy consumption, we could shun the possibility of those climate apocalypse pictures to reality.

Pandemic V.2: Monkeypox BY: KYLE SAMUEL C. BAUTISTA

The coronavirus has been terrorizing mankind for over 3 years already and with vaccinations and worldwide efforts to prevent its spread, it is now subsiding.

However, it seems like the sun won’t shine yet because of the alarming cases of the monkeypox virus last May 2022.

Monkeypox is typically common in West and Central Africa until recently, 10 countries that usually do not have the said virus have reported several cases.

Fortunately, Monkeypox is not as lifethreatening as the coronavirus. However, people with underlying immunity are prone to serious medical complications and even death if not treated immediately and properly. This does not mean that people that have an active healthy lifestyle should be carefree already because Monkeypox can still cause secondary infections like loss of vision and symptoms like fever, intense headache, muscle aches, back pain, and low energy, swollen lymph nodes, and skin rashes or lesions.

Monkeypox is basically like a variation of chickenpox but the rashes are bigger and cause massive pimples all over the body. Just like Chickenpox, Monkeypox’s symptoms should subside in 2-4 weeks.

Monkeypox is a virus that first appeared in 1958, during a research experiment involving monkeys. The virus is mainly found in sick or dead animals, but since it is zoonotic, the virus can be transmitted to humans as well. Regarding how it

spread from humans to humans, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022) suspects based on early data that the virus spreads through sexual intercourse between male, gay, bisexual, or other males.

The World Health Organization clarifies that this data d oes not imply that those having intercourse are the only ones at risk of this virus.

Anyone can catch Monkeypox through any kind of physical contact, this includes physical touch, transmission through objects, bodily fluids, etc.

Currently, there are no vaccines that are specifically designed to combat the virus, there are however vaccines for smallpox – a similar kind of disease, that can provide some protection against

monkeypox, but this vaccine is not circulating worldwide yet and is unavailable to the general public.

On the bright side, Monkeypox is not an airborne virus and relies on physical contact in order for it to infect another host. This means that the virus would be less contagious than COVID-19. Unfortunately, despite the difference in transmission, Medscape (2022) claims that a study found out that the Monkeypox virus is evolving 6-12 times faster than expected. This is horrifying news, especially to the medical sector that is responsible for creating a vaccine that can fight Monkeypox.

The evolution of a virus means that the structure of its DNA/RNA also changes. The massive capability of this virus to adapt makes it harder to develop a vaccine that can fight it.

However, there are things that we can do in order to prevent the virus from spreading while the vaccines are still being developed. The first thing that we have to remember is to avoid physical contact with other people. Use your own utensils as much as possible and wear face masks to avoid the transfer of bodily fluids like saliva.

The battle against viruses is not yet over and it will continue to affect our daily lives. This is why it is important to instill it in ourselves to practice good hygiene and proper sanitation. Humans will surely develop a vaccine that can fight this virus, the process may be long, but mankind always finds a way and will keep on moving forward. We just need to wait, be patient, and do our part by avoiding contributing to its spread.

Social Media Domination: Virtual AI influencers BY: KYLE SAMUEL C. BAUTISTA

It’s a robot uprising! With the recent advancements made on Artificial Intelligence (AI), the future of mankind being dominated by robots is nearing. Over the years, hundreds of thousands of jobs were taken away by robots in the manufacturing industry. And now, they are slowly entering the social media industry through virtual AI influencers.

They are basically Computer-Generated Imagery (CGI) or special effects that are given realistic human-like characteristics, features, and personalities. Contrary to popular belief, these virtual AI influencers don’t necessarily do all the videos and posting all by themselves.

Behind each of these influencers are creators that handle the AI’s social media platforms, mainly Instagram. They are also the ones who decide on how they look, what they wear, and even who they interact with.

Some of the most famous virtual AI influencers are Lu do Magalu and Lil Miquela, having 5.9M followers and 3M followers on Instagram, respectively. The sudden popularity of these influencers is caused by their better control of media engagement. Since they are just characters that are generated by a computer, then they can basically do anything other influencers can. They can simply change their background and just travel around the world on a whim. Additionally, the creators can just take turns in creating content, so the AI’s don’t necessarily get tired which puts them at an advantage over other human influaencers.

Aside from becoming an internet sensation, virtual AI influencers are also being utilized by companies as a part of their

marketing campaigns. A lot of different bands now prefer to collaborate with these virtual faces because of their flexibility and efficiency when creating and editing promotional videos.

A renowned company like Samsung has already collaborated with the virtual influencer, Lil Miquela to be a part of their mobile

advertisement with the hashtag #TeamGalaxy.

The car brand ‘Renault’ also joined in on the trend by creating their very own virtual ambassador named Liv. Other industries such as fashion have also started utilizing these rising influencers to showcase brands such as Prada, Calvin Klein, and Dior.

The good news is that, in some way or another, these virtual AI influencers are at least still being controlled by an actual human and do not have self-awareness. However, we cannot neglect the fact that this technological advancement is also a potential threat to human influencers that can affect their number of followers and advertising contracts.

No matter how you look at it, the day when robots will dominate the majority of different industries and will take away jobs is slowly becoming a reality. According to a recent paper of economists at MIT and Boston University, by 2025, robots could replace as many as 2 million or more workers in the manufacturing industry. It is true that we must embrace modernization as our world is heading towards the future, but we must not overlook the consequences it may bring forth and remember what sets a human apart from a robot.

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Editorial

Ink of a Million Think In the midst of the virus of lies, a vaccine of truth is needed to cure our ignorance and will open our eyes– that once open, they will never close again. The new generation of the voice of the truth became the target of the virus and red-tagging. The spread of disinformation, oppression of the students, lack of supplies, budget, and initiatives, and discouragement putting on the minds of the youth on journalism become severe up to this day. This situation blocks the things that campus journalists’ role in our society. Campus journalism is not only a school-based report system, we play a big role in society and in the documentary of history.

In 2010, the number of harassment on campus journalists started to rise to almost a thousand based on reports by the College Editors’ Guild of the Philippines (CEGP). This scenario became worse with our generation remembering the Editor-in-Chief of the University of the East Dawn, Joshua Molo, who published a critical opinion piece on the Duterte administration’s COVID response that led to forcing Molo to release a public apology or else they would file a cyber case against him. “The PNP allegedly red-tagged me saying, hayaan lang daw ako mag-post para dadamputin na lang nila” he added.

Telling what we are currently observing with the backup facts and what’s really happening is far different from libel. Campus journalism has played a bigger role than others expected especially in our history and we need to recognize its importance of it.

“Without student journalists, it becomes difficult to shed light on the flaws and shortcomings of educational institutions that must be addressed to promote the general welfare of the students.” said columnist Joshua Corcuera. This is the main function and what other people think of campus journalism. Yet, 32 EDITORIAL

despite its importance of it, some schools do not give them the things and support that they need. Educational institutions are sometimes the ones who hinder the purpose of campus press. To cite an example, ten students from Miriam College in 1994 were suspended for the articles they wrote while at AMA University, a student publication was closed three times since 1997 due to the publication of articles that were allegedly critical of the school.

Also, there is a lack of funds on printing and giving initiatives for the student journalists, especially those in the province which is a crucial issue for the purpose of journalism like what Corcuero said “Fundamental issues such as funds seem to be sufficient in printing issues, and my fellow student journalists have a proper, albeit small, office to fulfill our duties.

Take note, though, that there are some issues, as expected, to be addressed and resolved just like any organization”. These are the things that we need and deserve with the purpose of spreading vital information.

The campus press should have the freedom without the threat, violence, intimidation, and fear to cover the issues within the community and the country. Despite being connected to the name of the schools, educational institutions must understand that as young journalists, the press needs to be critical and biased on the truth so those marginalized can be brought into the conscience of the community and we can address the issue. Campus journalism is not only about the school, it is about the spreading of the truth and creating a rapport between the people to address the problem.

No matter the timeline, campus journalism is vital. In our history, the campus press has become one of the assets of the liberty that we are currently enjoying now. During the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos, the campus press was one of the victims after the government took over and controlled the newspapers, magazines, and television facilities yet campus journalists will not let the truth be untold. Abraham Sarmiento, the editor-

in-chief of the Philippine Collegian led the early opposition and stated “Kung hindi tayo kikibo, sino ang kikibo? Kung hindi tayo kikilos, sino ang kikilos? Kung hindi ngayon, kailan pa?”. Despite campus journalists being part of the youth, in that crucial time, it functioned as an alternative media. We are more than a student, we are journalists in uniform and we hold the same function, morals, and normative standards as the journalists in the profession.

When no one wants to lead, youth is the one who steps in front and starts the fights for our liberty. In our history, we are not only schoolbased writers but a community of truthproviders.

Why is being a service become a way to be oppressed and be wronged? Despite the Campus Journalism Act of 1991, there’s still being oppressed. Just like what Regina Tolentino, the CEGP Deputy Secretary-General, asserted that the CJA “remains toothless.” We need a law that will fight for the right and for freedom without any fear for the students to be part of the nation’s issue. We need the budget that we deserve, the place of the universities and community to be able to serve, and the understanding of the schools and universities not to hinder and force a campus journalist to apologize for the facts that he wrote.

Campus journalists are the new voice that is arising coming from the youth. They are the ones who are ready to voice out and pinpoint the issue. If people keep believing the redtagging issues to our campus journalists, then it is evidence that the virus of disinformation has already spread out. We should do the action faster. If we are able to highlight the importance of campus press and give an initiative for the student to try writing that will help them to be a critical thinker, we can fight disinformation in the digital world. The only challenge that campus journalism will face is to start the vaccines of truth and let those people’s eyes be open to make them realize the important role that the school press plays in our society.

An Eye for an Eye By Shiara Mae Hosmillo

Blatant Ineptitude It is already historical enough to say that the Philippines has performed one of its controversial automated elections amid the menacing pandemic this 2022. But with the occurrence of the malfunctioning of aging vote-counting machines (VCMs) and their corrupted SD cards, unextended voting hours, rampant vote-buying, electionrelated violence, and the poll body’s slow response to problems and mishaps, last May 9th was quite a must-tell story in the future.

Preparation and Testing A week before the polls, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) had performed a national week-long final testing and sealing (FTS) of VCMs in the country, assuring that the machines are working properly.

The Comelec has at least 107,000 VCMs in the 2022 polls of which 10,000 were specifically leased for the upcoming elections, and 97,000 were used in the past elections but underwent renovation.

Meanwhile, 44 out of 70,000 had defects in terms of SD cards and needed to be replaced during the FTS. In cases of malfunctioning during the election day, Comelec Commissioner Marlon Casquejo said in a press briefing with Rappler that “all possible scenarios” have “contingency plan in place”, ensuring that “all systems go in relation to the conduct in the 2022 polls” as “failure of elections is not an option for the Comelec.”

D-day and The VCM Shortcomings When the day of the most awaited elections came, the International Observer Mission (IOM) quoted that the Philippine polls “fell short of free and fair” due to

several electoral shortcomings, and one of the most contentious of them all was the malfunctioning of the VCMs. The election watchdog Kontra Daya network reported that over 2,000 VCMs malfunctioned just in the first six (6) hours of voting and that there are several reports of corrupted SD cards according to The Post. This unpleasant situation has pushed voters with difficult options which are: (1) to wait until the machine is fixed to insert their ballots; (2) to sign a waiver allowing the electoral board to enter their ballots into the machine once it’s fixed; (3) or to return later in the day when the machine has been fixed then continue with voting.

“This is the fifth automated national election in the country and still the Comelec has not resolved the problem of massive machine failures that plague each election. Talagang napakapalpak ba nila o sinasadya na ito? We reject this ineptitude that wittingly or unwittingly jeopardizes the right to suffrage of our citizens and puts the credibility and security of our teachers on the line,” Raymond Basilio, secretary general of Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), asserted in an interview with The Post.

Concurrently, the veteran journalists Karen Davila and Mel Tiangco went viral on Twitter with the #ExtendVotingHoursPH after they heavily criticized the Comelec for their sluggish response to election-related problems and their refusal to extend voting hours due to several machine blunders, causing long queues on voting precincts.

Moreover, Twitter netizens have overly supported the mentioned reporters alongside other journalists who are in rage, strengthening the people’s call for the poll body to step up and be held accountable.

Comelec Commissioner and Task Force Kontra Bigay head Aimee Ferolino claimed that these are just sent to insult and to air their complaints against the Commission, saying that those reporting them do not want to testify, especially when the election trends fade.

Based on the news report of the Inquirer, six (6) people were killed on the election day while dozens were injured in 16 different incidents recorded mostly in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Though, the Philippine National Police (PNP) termed the situation as “more manageable” than the violence in the previous elections.

Nonetheless, the Comelec declared “failure of elections” in the municipalities of Tubaran, Binidayan, and Butig in the province of Lanao del Sur due to a violent incident that impeded the entry of ballots and led to the destruction of VCM according to the report of Philippine News Agency.

Nonetheless, may these 2022 elections serve as a reminder, not just to our current and future Commissioners in Comelec but also to our fellow Filipinos, to have more unquestionable elections in the future by learning from the past mishaps, thinking ahead of problems, solving them right away and carefully planning each action rather than allowing a blatant ineptitude.

Other Offensive Issues Other issues also rose during the election day including vote-buying and election-related violence.

In the report of PhilStar, Comelec had gathered 400 complaints of vote-buying cases with supporting evidence even before the election day. However, the

The Apparent Incompetence

Since the Comelec really had raised numerous eyebrows on their accounts of being an independent poll body in the recent elections, it is unavoidable if we find the public dubious in the poll results. If we count the years between elections, they had plenty of time to refurbish machines and fix technical issues before the elections; or to competently plan out a transparent voting system that would ensure the safety of the electoral board members, teachers, and voters and their suffrage. Regardless of how much time they had, they perceptibly utilized only a few especially on the preparation of the machines that caused several blunders and incidents.

Nonetheless, may these 2022 elections serve as a reminder, not just to our current and future Commissioners in Comelec but also to our fellow Filipinos, to have more unquestionable elections in the future by learning from the past mishaps, thinking ahead of problems, solving them right away and carefully planning each action rather than allowing a blatant ineptitude.

OPINION 33

The problem with Mandatory Military Service

ENIGMA By Sarah Carinan

Futile Exercise: A Plan for Nonexistent Problem Some people say that there is nothing more terrifying than a triple galaxy collision, or perhaps seeing a ghost and unknowingly living with one. Some would even say that nothing is more frightening than seeing your toothbrush in the rack while you are already brushing your teeth. However, for those who have been exposed to reality, nothing is more horrifying than having a leader who seems to not know what they are doing or a politician who hasn’t read the job description before applying for a position.

Vice President Sara Duterte shared during the Uniteam’s Alliance virtual caravan last January 19 her plan of pushing mandatory military service for all Filipinos reaching 18 years old. “Gagamitin ko ang aking opisina — Office of the Vice President — para kausapin ang ating Congress and the Senate of the Philippines to make military service for all 18 years old, male and female, mandatory in our country,” Duterte said.

Duterte also explained that unlike the Reserved Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), mandatory military service would not only last for one weekend or a month. She said that the individuals undergoing mandatory military service will be given a subsidy and asked to serve the country under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). She also mentioned countries that implement compulsory military service such as Israel and South Korea.

34 OPINION

This plan of Duterte received criticism, especially amongst the youth who are mostly the ones affected by this proposal if ever it will be approved and passed.

Many expressed their outrage while others showed support on the matter through various social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

Comparing the Philippines to countries like Israel and South Korea is unjustifiable.

These countries are far more developed than our country which is why it is easier for them to implement these kinds of programs.

The said countries are also currently at war with other nations. South Korea is in fact still at war with North Korea while Israel is in conflict with Iran, Lebanon, and Gaza.

In the current case of the Philippines, our country is not facing any threats to security and national defense. It is absurd to require the youths to undergo military service on condition. It is like combating a problem that doesn’t exist in the first place. Like what outgoing Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said, “We are not in a warfooting, and there will be little need of a general mobilization.”

Although some argue that the implementation of compulsory military service will help in resolving the Chinese threat on the West Philippine Sea (WPS), the long-standing dispute between our country with China in the WPS also cannot be solved by this program. The dispute in the WPS is a maritime problem that the maritime force or the navy should handle, not the infantry.

The budget that will be allocated for this program is another concern to be considered. Our country does not have enough money, to begin with. The country already has a lot on its hands and when this plan is put into action, there is a possibility that the government will allocate lots of money for it which can eventually become another excuse for them to increase the budget for the AFP. This plausible outcome would be unfair for the underfunded departments like the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Health (DOH) and knowing the government, they would rather allocate more money to the military than to education and healthcare. This was then proven when President Duterte signed the 2022 General Appropriations Bill last December 30, 2021 which gives the AFP a budget of P213.78 billion while the DOH was only given P188.3 billion, even lesser than the budget allocated for the Philippine

National Police (PNP) which was P190.69 billion.

There were also edited quote cards that circulated on various social media sites, especially Facebook where Duterte was quoted as saying that she will amend the K-12 program and change it to K-14, adding two years to the current Kindergarten to Grade 12 Basic Education.

The post circulating also claimed that Duterte will push for the reintroduction of ROTC in college.

“After my proclamation as VicePresident and immediate assumption as Secretary of the Department of Education, I will immediately asked the Congress to amend the K12 program to K14 basic education program. ROTC will be again compulsory plus two years mandatory service in the AFP without salary. Sa ikakaunlad ng bayan, disiplina ng kabataan ang kailangan,” the quote card attributed to Duterte-Carpio and dated May 15, 2022, read.

The spokesman of Duterte, Liloan Mayor Christina Frasco, then stated that the quote card was fake and Duterte has not released any statement on the matter. “This is not the first, and we anticipate that this will not be the last of these nefarious attempts to discredit, attack, and attribute lies and conjectures against (her) as she transitions into the role of the Vice President and the Secretary of Education,” Frasco added.

It was on January 23, 2002 when the Republic Act 9163 or the National Service Training Program Act of 2001 was signed and made ROTC optional. This also allowed college students to choose between ROTC, Literacy Training Service and Civil Welfare Training Service as part of their required National Service Training Program. The NSTP Act of 2001 was enacted in response to a heinous incident that led to the death of Mark Chua, a University of Santo Tomas student and cadet officer.

While the students are struggling because of the flawed programs imposed by the government, these leaders are out here proposing programs that will make the students suffer more. Instead of proposing solutions, they decided to prepare more problems that the students will be forced to follow. Since we are the ones mostly affected by such programs, silence should not even be an option. With the obvious oppression and abuse that has been happening around us, it is only right to speak, educate ourselves, and act according to what is right. Moreover, we should also work together to combat fake news and disinformation.

With the obvious oppression and abuse that has been happening around us, it is only right to speak, educate ourselves, and act according to what is right.

BUSTED By Francine Ivanna Gabay

I ronic Unifo r m With the start of the new administration ruling and the ease of pandemic cases, the Department of Education (DepEd) headed by Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte announced last July 18 that school uniforms are now optional for the upcoming school year. This is after the first-ever the Department of Education (DepEd) Order 34, s. 2022, released by the secretary, instructing public and private schools to have face-to-face classes for five days. Due to the sudden announcement, Duterte tried to sympathize with her countrymen, especially those who belong to the marginalized sector, by easing their financial burden– making school uniforms optional.

It’s good that the new DepEd secretary would actually want to understand the situation of the Filipino people especially those who lost their jobs and can only suffice the basic needs of their families. Buying school uniforms didn’t become a priority amidst the pandemic since students could just attend their classes as long as they wore decent clothes.

However, the same order released

by Duterte is ironic. The thought was there but the action done might make the situation worse.

First, removing school uniforms is anti-poor. Making it optional might increase the cases of bullying in schools that’s why in order to avoid this, the government must break the class barriers. Removing this might make it easier to spot those students with the most and least economic privilege just because of the clothes they wear. Through

school uniforms, we can see that all of them are students– the rich and the poor are blurred out.

Second, the removal of school uniforms might lead to potential injuries. This can’t only put the lives of the students at risk but also their teachers. Just like in the Philippines, there are some reported cases of teachers being harassed by civilians who pretend to be their students.

They weren’t recognized since they told these teachers that they are their students. On the other hand, students’ lives can be also put at risk. Wearing their school uniforms can increase their safety from wearing clothes that declare intentionally or inadvertently gang affiliation. However, if the students engaged in some crimes, wearing school uniforms will make it easier for the school officials to deal with their anti-social behavior.

A UK study found that almost 9 in 10 teachers believe that school uniforms reduce bullying. At the same time, 7 in 10 schoolchildren believe that wearing a uniform helps them to fit in.

Lastly, wearing uniforms can give a sense of community. It helps the students be identified.

At the same time, this can also contribute to the positive reputation of the school. Students tend to focus more as well if they are wearing their uniforms instead of just casual clothes.

Given these points, it would still be better if students will wear their school uniforms to feel their school spirit. This is something that the government should also focus on, giving the students more uniforms. Aside from that, this proposal is just a band-aid solution to the many underlying issues concerning the education sector of the Philippines.

EVEREST By Curt Perez

Cronnies in Malacañang, what happens now After five decades of struggling to regain power and the throne in Malacanang, the Marcos family has finally regained it. Ferdinand Marcos Jr. or more commonly known as “Bongbong” is the new chief of the country after a landslide victory over the opposition head, Leni Robredo. The first step Marcos took is to appoint department secretaries and his actions have raised eyebrows to many.

Appointing the former solicitor general, Jose Calida, as chairperson of the Commission on Audit is the first action taken

by Marcos. Calida is the person who proposed to bury the late dictator, Ferdinand Marcos Sr., at Libingan ng Mga Bayani. COA also flagged him and the Office of the Solicitor General in 2018 due to 10.774 million pesos honoraria and allowances given to 15 officials.

The new chief also appointed Jesus “Boying” Remulla who supported Marcos in his election campaign.

Remulla would succeed former Department of Justice secretary Menardo Guevarra. In many instances, the new DOJ secretary has redtagged individuals and groups and the most notable of these instances is during the campaign period. Remulla red-tagged the supporters of Leni Robredo on national tv after 47,000 attended the event.

With moves taken by Marcos’ camp, it is conclusive that Bongbong plans to secure his power solely for himself. Added the fact that Marcos appointed Sarah Duterte as head of the Department of Education and Martin Romualdez, his cousin as the majority leader of congress.

By appointing cronies, the checks and balances of democracy may be disrupted and instead replaced by a semi-dictatorial rule. Issues and scandals regarding corruption may likely happen in this kind of government due to the lack of supervision. Corruption would be discussed in the senate and congress, but resolution would likely be non-evident if the president ever steps in.

Despite awful results that may happen, a bliss of hope would likely be seen too. A new kind of opposition may form in the senate led by Risa Hontiveros, the only opposition who was able to secure a position in the 12 seats.

As for Robredo and Angat Buhay, which is now a foundation, would be fatal for Filipinos suffering and maybe a way to secure a spot in the 2024 senatorial elections.

In the end, Filipinos would be the ones suffering in the game of Philippine politics. With growing inflation, while also being in a period of recession, the status of life of many Filipinos in the lower middle class may likely downgrade. The 11.4 million Filipinos that identify themselves as poor would rise if inflation and recession would not be tamed.

OPINION 35

Tower of Hope...

From page 15

FACT OR BLUFF By Kyle Samuel C. Bautista

Preserve Facts!

Destroy Lies!

After recent events in the country, it has become undeniably clear that social medias like Facebook and Tiktok are now being treated by a lot of Filipinos as credible news outlets.

Technically, some information found in these online platforms are based on facts, but there are also some cases wherein people or even facebook pages would intentionally share false information that aims to destroy one’s reputation.

I think that anyone who is proven guilty of intently posting fake news that is harmful or will damage one’s image should be punished. Actually, there is already a law that penalizes someone who is guilty of libel by means of writing or similar means, but the problem is that this law is being overlooked and is not common for Filipinos. One of the reasons why this happens is because most Filipinos categorize harm as physical damage, whereas other types of damages such as mental and social harm are being disregarded. This mindset contributes to why our country fails to grow. Furthermore, this law is put into action once the person who suffered due to defamation sues for libel. In my opinion, anyone who witnesses this crime should have the ability to report and take legal actions against people who are suspects of libel.

It is true that it would be tiring because of the possibility that there would be countless cases of libel that would be reported per day. However, I believe that it would be worth it because the truth should always prevail.

I know that there is no way to filter out every single fake news that is spread across the internet, however we can do something to lessen it and do damage control. I think that it is a good idea that social media

36 OPINION

should now be required to have a fact checking feature that filters or gives warning to users when an information being posted is false and controversial. Since social media isn’t necessarily a news outlet, then people should not be banned from sharing what they want to share because that would also restrict our freedom of speech and expression. I believe that the best way for us to lessen the impact of fake news on online platforms is to at least provide the people the means of easily accessing factchecking information that can conveniently show them whether the information they are reading is true or not.

Others might argue that the people can fact check it themselves because it is their responsibility to know the source and the credibility of what they are reading. However, not everyone has this capability to check everything in the social media for credibility, either because of restrictions like, internet connection, time, or knowledge.

The developers of social media platforms however, have this capability, because if they can check our post whether it goes against their community standards or policy, then why can’t they fact check what is posted on their platform as well, right?

Associate Editor and a Feature Editor of The Pantograph X Malaya, the Vice-Chairwoman and STEM Commissioner of the Students’ Commission on Elections, Community Manager of the Senior High School Unit Based Marketing, and the University Student Ambassadress, emphasizing that being a student leader is her passion.

When asked who her inspirations are, her family and friends were her response.

“Seeing them doing their best at the fields they want to pursue makes me want to be with them in the process and at the same time inspires me to do and give my best in everything that I do. If they can, I can,” Fortuno said.

Moreover, when she was asked what her advice is to students who want to achieve the same thing, she expressed the following: “Go beyond what you can do and always give your best as if it’s the last time you’ll do it. But at the same time, make sure that while you are in the process, you enjoy every step and learn from it.”

Fortuno will study dentistry for six years in college.

If we do not take action on this matter, false information could reach millions of people that can change a person’s view or treatment towards a certain person or entity.

This effect might not be seen as detrimental to us or the society, but the spreading of false information is similar to how rust slowly weakens steel. We might not see the harm happening, but out of the blue, it will suddenly break us apart and we can no longer do something about it. So, while there is still time to make some changes, we should act with haste and try to address this problem as soon as possible.

This is how important credible news and facts are.

After thousands of years, mankind has spent a lot of effort in trying to preserve historical facts and knowledge, from stone writing, to paper, and now through digital writing. Our ancestors did all these things so that we, in the present, and those in the future, will be able to learn from their mistakes and enable us to make smart decisions. Are we really just going to throw away all their sacrifices?

Or are we going to do something about it by protecting the truth? The choice is yours to make.

This effect might not be seen as detrimental to us or the society, but the spreading of false information is similar to how rust slowly weakens steel.

We might not see the harm happening, but out of the blue, it will suddenly break us apart and we can no longer do something about it.

Less Protocols, More Freedom People’s Experiences On Loosened Health Restrictions

BY SHIARA MAE HOSMILLO

Opening face-to-face classes, reopening of theaters and some businesses, abreast seats in public transport vehicles, kids and teens going aimlessly elsewhere for fun, little to no health restrictions on foreign tourists— seems like the world is going back the way it’s supposed to be, except for the face masks. But, the ever-present pandemic is still there yet do people really feel its presence nowadays?

In a survey performed by the PANTOGRAPH, they managed to find out that 50% of the surveyed students of the Senior High School (SHS) Department of University of Nueva Caceres felt no presence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Everything is back to normal and I feel like COVID-19 is just like the flu,” said Starfish of STEM A, one of the respondents who felt the absence of the virus. Likewise, other students also reasoned the reduced health protocols, soaring number of public gatherings and celebrations, and fewer updates on the news about COVID-19.

In contrast, a student from

Grade 12 STEM E namely, Jayvee Fortuno, also said, “The safety measures are still being observed and regardless of the majority being vaccinated with booster shots, there is still a surge of cases from time to time in specific areas in the country”. Other students followed suit as they took into account the mandatory wearing of face masks, the presence of health restrictions and limitations, and the etched trauma of the pandemic from the preceding years.

Despite the differing opinions, the PANTOGRAPH also gathered their experiences of how the loosened health protocols affected their daily life. Some stating that they have more ‘freedom’ than before in the eventful times of the pandemic.

“I feel happy because I can see my friends again. Just yesterday (July 4), I managed to attend my friend’s debut. I haven’t seen her for some time, so I’m glad that the regulations against COVID-19 were loosened. Of course, I still wore a face mask and brought my vaccination card with me,” Fuwacchi of Grade 12 ABM B said.

“We’re already allowed to enter a lot of establishments, no

matter how crowded they may be.

But of course, it’s still according to the approved capacity to control the spread of the virus. At least, we can now do a lot outside than what we experienced two years ago, when COVID-19 was at its peak,” Hiraya said, a Grade 11 student from STEM P. While some are enjoying the perks, others are still anxious and concerned, preferring stern health regulations instead.

“I honestly prefer having the MECQ modification because it only allows a minimal number of people, unlike now that everyone, even the people that are at highest risk of being infected can go out of their residences”, shared again

by Fortuno.

Nonetheless, the presidential palace bolsters the ease of the health regulations, putting the country under the lowest coronavirus level until the first half of July or further while recognizing the requirement of a vax card before entering any establishment.

However, 37 areas across the country will be under alert level 2 according to the Business World report. This is due to the fact that alert level classifications are based on the number of total utilized beds in

each hospital in an area and the average daily attack rate of the virus. The lower those numbers and rates are, the lower the alerts will be in a certain region.

The World Health Organization (WHO) also claimed good news as they reported an increasing trend in vaccination rates in a media briefing last June 8, 2022. However, 68 countries have not yet achieved 40% coverage of vaccination since its first distribution 18 months ago.

Since a vast number of people remain unprotected, they believe that the perception that the pandemic is over is a misguided belief. WHO stressed that the pandemic is still not over and will repeat it over again until it is.

We may feel the mood and breeze of the old ‘normal’ times but no matter how we want to take it back, times have changed and the pandemic is still not over. There’s yet a chance for it to evolve and multiply in a matter of time. Hence, we shouldn’t be comfortable under the loosened regulations but follow them instead by conducting social distancing, wearing a mask outside, and always bringing alcohol— and also, use the ‘freedom’ wisely.

UNC builds dormitory for Greyhound Athletes

BY: CURT PEREZ

Student-athletes of the University of Nueva Caceres are set to have their own in-campus dormitory. This is after the university posted an announcement on its official page on June 14 that the institution is looking for contractors.

The building of the dormitory would be divided into two phases in which the first phase is the main priority. The first phase would be for female athletes of the university and would have a capacity of 16 beds. The two phases would also be fully air-conditioned.

However, due to the ratio of male to female athletes being much larger, phase one would be temporarily given to the male athletes.

Meanwhile, the second phase would have a maximum bed capacity of 22 beds.

“Once we are done with phase two, we will transfer the males with phase one, and then phase one will be for the female dormers,” stated sports development head Roel “Bing” Rosales in an interview.

According to Rosales, the dorm would be located backstage at the UNC Sports Palace.

The dormitories are proposed to be above the two dressing rooms. The dormitory cannot accommodate all UNCean athletes due to

the capacity. Thus, slots would be given to athletes who are really in need of temporary housing.

“It’s open for any varsity [depending] on who will be needing them (dorm) the most,” said Rosales.

The proposed dorm would not be added to students’ tuition. The funding of athletic dormitories would be taken from the savings of the sports development office through its athletic fee. Moreover, the sports development office also promised that there would be no hike in the athletic fee and the usual would be collected.

In the interview with Rosales, he pointed out that if the pandemic had not struck, the sports development office would push for the original dormitory. The said dormitory is a three-storey building, wherein there would be a section for carpentry, a living area, and a function hall. Rosales also explained their future plans for the dormitory.

“What will happen to the earlier dormitory [is] phase 1 is supposed to be an extension of the gym equipment, fitness gym because we have a gym on the ground floor of the dressing room near the stage. On the other side, we’re supposed to have our dance

studio. The ground floor for a smaller dance studio that small classes would require. The second floor would be a bigger dance studio for bigger classes and group dancing. It can be accommodated to those phases,” Rosales adds.

There is no information yet on who will be the contractor for the project.

SCIENCE & SPORTS 37

UNC, to add TVL Sports Track to offer to SHS Students BY: MARK ALLYSON FEDERIO

Students should have a clear idea of their future plans before entering Grade 11, if not for the rest of their lives. The Sports Track, one of the tracks available in Senior High School within the K–12 Basic Education Curriculum, the course can be offered to everyone, but only little schools offer the course.

TVL strand is good for students who like to do work after graduation, since the subjects and tracks in the strand are more hands-on. TVL strand is divided into several parts but the most well known are: Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Food and Beverage Management, and Sports Track.

The Sports Track, one of the tracks available in Senior High School within the K–12 Basic Education Curriculum, is open for all, but only a few schools offer the track. The track aims to provide students

with a foundation knowledge of methods and ideas behind Physical Education and recreation.

University of Nueva Caceres, a school which likes to join activities and competition outside the classroom, houses good students who are supported by the University, they ride on a scholarship sponsored by the School.

Adding Sports tack in their choices to offer to the Students in Senior High School can help nurture and perfect their movements in the sports that they are playing.

It is a track that may help grow one’s knowledge and skills in sports, so anyone who’s interested could have the privilege to participate—not just players, but also students who want to learn sports.

Students who wish to improve their talent in sports can have the opportunity to enroll as well.

According to Chrysler Kate Cleofe,

BUCAL finally resumes after three years, Season 4 set to happen in October BY: CURT JAIRUS PEREZ

After three years of suspending BUCAL due to the pandemic, the sports development head Roel “Bing” Rosales has finally signaled that the inter-university league is finally resuming this upcoming academic year.

Bicol Universities and Colleges Athletic League (BUCAL) is tentatively scheduled for the month of October, but no specific date within the month has been announced yet. The happening in October would only be for college varsities. Moreover, only three of the four founding schools signified their interest in participating in the new season. The three schools that showed interest are University of Nueva Caceres, Ateneo De Naga, and Naga College Foundation while Universidad De Sta. Isabel did not.

“For the basic ed, only two are ready to complete which are UNC and NCF. So, we are still waiting for confirmation from other high schools who may be interested to participate,” Rosales added when asked about the new season.

The upcoming season would be the fourth season of BUCAL since its founding. Streaming of games would be streamed on BUCAL’s official Facebook 38 SPORTS

page, @BUCAL2018. In addition to this, fans are now allowed to watch the games in the venue, but health and safety protocols would be applied.

BUCAL organizers came upon this decision after the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) and University Athletic Association of The Philippines (UAAP) allowed fan attendance.

Rosales also announced that local tv station IMJ interactive will not be streaming games of BUCAL anymore and instead GNN will cover all games.

The sports development head of UNC also pointed out that it is still unsure whether the organization would renew its contract with IMJ since they have an ongoing contract with GNN. “Another option would be I think GNN local tv station. Before we have the IMJ interactive, I don’t know if we still renew our contract since we already have GNN coverage,” said Rosales.

As to where the games would be held, Sports Development said that its location is not yet confirmed. The most probable venue are UNC, NCF, and ADNU. Rosales also added that USI is not yet ready to open its campus to outsiders.

who is a Taekwondo Varsity of the University “it would be of great help and very important on our part as a student athlete as we continue to develop our skills and talent on our chosen kind of sport.”

A sports track in the campus would benefit the ones who have already honed their skills in their own sports with this. It benefits the campus for producing caliber players ready to play at the professional level.

Not only student athletes can enroll in this course but it is open for everyone, even students with no sports or passion for playing sports can enroll in the course since Safety and First Aid are covered in the Sports Track curriculum. This is to guarantee that you possess the life skills and competences in security, injury prevention, and management in a variety of sporting and exercise environments for a rapid and appropriate response during emergencies.

Gregg Gaza, A football player, said, “It would affect the university in a way that they are able to produce homegrown players from bicol to be given the chance to play in professional level of sports and make a name for them to provide a good reputation for the school,” Due to how much more athletics contribute to recognizing and establishing the University’s name, the University will benefit more from it.

“A lot of students would be eager to join with their athletic skills honed and they would love to maximize their game in whatever sport they play. The sports track must cover a wide selection of sports .”

Gaza Added.

Adding The strand in the University can help boost its reputation in the sports side of the university, welcoming players and sports enthusiasts in the strand.

Cleofe Added in her answer, “It would be of great help and very important on our part as a student athlete as we continue to develop our skills and talent in our chosen kind of sport. If anyone who has the passion in sports, thinks he/she can excel in the field of sports then why not have it. I’m not sure if I answered it right but I hope it will help.” a sports track in the campus would benefit the ones who have already honed their skills in their own sports. With this, It benefits the campus for producing caliber players ready to play at the professional level.

BY: CURT PEREZ

Despite working out for several NBA teams, the homegrown Filipino basketball star Kai Sotto went undrafted in this year’s 2022 NBA Draft.

The 58th and last pick of the draft went to the Trail Blazers who chose Hugo Besson, a native of France.

After Kai Sotto’s name wasn’t called, his agent Joel Bell immediately said that Sotto would not be playing in the NBA Summer League and instead be focusing on helping Gilas Pilipinas for FIBA World Cup 2023.

However, the Filipino clarified on his Twitter account that no decision has been made yet.

Moreover, his team also said that Sotto would not be entertaining two-way contracts and the G-League.

“With the two-way contract, you’re not going to play that much. He needs to play.

He’s not gonna play very much unless there are a bunch of injuries or something unusual happens. You are the 16th or 17th player on the team and you just don’t play that much.

He needs to play. That’s why he wouldn’t do that,” reasoning of Joel Bell in an interview

with PlayItRight TV. In the face of adversity, Sotto still hopes to achieve his and the Filipino people’s NBA dream. “Not the outcome that we wanted, but it’s what I needed. My vision became clearer and I believe in God’s plans for me. I’m far from over and I’m not stopping till I get to fulfill my dream,” said Sotto in his Instagram post.

Pre-draft update that Sotto would not be drafted according to Homer Sayson’s source in the NBA proved to be true.

An undisclosed NBA scout from an article in SpielTimes said that Filipino’s body is not NBA ready. The scout pointed out the slow lateral movement of Sotto, especially in his

“first step”. The Filipino star also averaged 7.52 points with 50% field goal, 0.52 assists, and 4.48 rebounds per game in his time with the Adelaide 36ers.

Sotto is expected to be back in Australia to finish his two-year contract with NBL team Adelaide 36ers.

Asian prospects Hyun Jung Lee, Fan Bo Zeng, Johny Juzang, and Remy Martin also went undrafted. Only Vietnamese-American Jaylin Williams is the only Asian drafted, 34th pick by the Oklahoma City Thunders.

BY: MARK ALLYSON FEDERIO

A magnificent five-gold romp by gymnast Carlos Edriel Yulo marked the end of his participation in the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Hanoi, Vietnam.

The 22-year-old added two more gold medals to the three he had already earned on Monday. He added a silver to his collection of medals.

Yulo retained his floor exercise title at the annual meet with a faultless performance that demonstrated why he is among the best in the world.

He received a score of 15.200, with 6.300 for difficulty and 8.900 for execution, the gymnast also earned a total score of 14.400 last May 15, in the Men’s vault competition at the Quan Ngua Sports Palace in Hanoi, Vietnam, “If it’s up to me I wanted to win all the medals in all the event,” Filipino-speaking Yulo, 22 said.

Yulo led the nation to its best finish in recent years with a 7-5-1 score by winning medals in each of the three events he competed in on the final day of the competition at Quan Ngua Sports Palace.

The gymnast topped the all-around, vault, floor exercise, horizontal bar, and still rings to earn five golds on top of two silvers

as he became the most bemedaled Filipino for the second consecutive SEA Games.

“I thought I lost the gold there, “stated Yulo, who was told of the decision by Cynthia Carrion, president of the Philippine Gymnastics Association.

Carlos Yulo will earn approximately P1.7 million in cash bonuses as a result of his outstanding performance at the SEA in Vietnam, In addition, he received P150,000 for his silver medal in the parallel bars and P37,500 for his silver in the team all-around, which he won alongside five other Filipino gymnasts.

F o r m e r President Duterte Congratulates SEA Games medalist F o r m e r P r e s i d e n t Rodrigo Duterte doubled the rewards for Filipino medal winners in the biennial competition after being pleased with the Philippines’ performance at the Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam.

With 52 gold medals, 70 silver medals, and 105 bronze medals won, the nation finished fourth overall in the 11-nation regional competition.

“Please know that I really recognize all the tedious preparations you have made to perform your best in this regional sports competition,” On Tuesday, May 31, Duterte made a courtesy call to the Malacaang.

Each athlete in teams with at least five members is entitled to 25% of the monetary prizes for winning individual medals, according to the law.

Individual SEA Games gold medalists would get P300,000 under Republic Act 10699, while silver and bronze medalists will receive P100,000 and P60,000, respectively.

With 205 gold medals (the highest by any country to date), 125 silver medals, and 106 bronze medals, the host nation Vietnam took the top spot in the medal count after 19 years, earning 446 medals overall. Thailand and Indonesia came next, with Singapore and the Philippines completing out the top five.

Initially scheduled to take place from 21 November to 2 December 2021, it was ultimately rescheduled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam. The 31st SEA Games, also known as Vietnam 2021, was the 31st edition of the Southeast Asian Games, the biennial regional multi-sport event, and it was held in Hanoi, Vietnam and its surrounding cities from 12 to 23 May 2022. Featuring 526 events in 40 different sports, the edition follows the sports played in the Olympics.

SPORTS 39

BATCH 2022 TOP 10 LEARNERS

FRANCINE IVANNA GABAY First Honor

BAUTISTA, KYLE SAMUEL C. Third Honor

ABUNDA, JAY VHIE M. Seventh Honor

JAYVEE FORTUNO Second Honor

DELA ROCA, JANIELLA C. Fourth Honor

BELEN, BABYLEN N. Fifth Honor

CASTRO, ROMAR JOSH E. Sixth Honor

FAVOR, DANIELLE FRANCES ANNE F. Eighth Honor

BANIEL, KYLA R. Ninth Honor

RICAFORT, SANDARA MEAIDA DS. Ninth Honor