SHS Starlight E-Newsletter Vol. XXXIV, Issue 4

FAMILIARITY. After two years of online modality and blended learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students of the University of Negros OccidentalRecoletos Integrated School (Grades 11 & 12) finally returned to the university grounds for the resumption of full face-to-face classes, November 3.

Nearly a thousand Senior High School students coming from Science, Technology, Mathematics, & EngineeringEngineering & Information Technology (STEM-EIT) and Allied Medical Health (STEMAMH) Strand, Humanities & Social Sciences (HUMSS) Strand, and Accountancy & Business Management - Technical

Vocational & Livelihood (ABM-TVL) Strand filled the SHS classrooms.

“[...] it feels great that I can finally interact with the people I know on set B and from other sections. Despite the worsened noise in the classroom, at least everyone was much happier,” expressed Gyle Eriq Anasta, a Grade 12 STEM student from St. Ezekiel Moreno - 07.

The School Year 2022-2023 of the UNO-R SHS officially opened last August 15, kicking it off with a Virtual General Assembly and Rekoleto Week to enculturate Grade 11 students.

Grade 12 students pioneered the in-person classes in the first month of the school year, followed by the Grade 11 students during the full F2F classes in November.

UNO-R SHS resumes to F2F classes

MARIZ CALMERIN & LOIS IMMANUELLE VELASCO

HANDUM dominates seats in

SHSSAO 2022 Election

SELWYN JACO

FLOODS BLUE. HANDUM Party dominates the seats of the University of Negros OccidentalRecoletos Senior High School Student Affairs Organization (UNO-R SHSSAO) as the results of the SHSSAO 2022 Elections on August 30. With a total of 554 votes, Marjoe Toquillo, a student from Grade 12

HUMSS St. Augustine01 and spearheading the HANDUM Party, bags the Presidential seat, and Leiryn Khate Magalona, a student from Grade 12 STEM St. Ezekiel Moreno - 06, secured the VicePresidential seat with 561 votes.

[...]. They trusted me with this because they

The Official Student Publication of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos Integrated School Grades 11 & 12

REAWAKENED

BACK TO NORMAL. Senior high school students of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos crowd along the campus corridors as the university finally commences full face-to-face classes last November 3.

saw something in me and I think I must not waste this opportunity,” expressed Toquillo, he also said that alongside his VP, they “have planned to implement policies and activities that promote socialization, camaraderie, and friendship.”

Completing the SHSSAO National Officers are Ma. Beatriz Arabella Dianongco as Secretary with 670 votes, Kyle David Ebro as Treasurer with 621 votes, Casey Jann Baterna as Auditor with 574 votes, Andre Louis Gaviola as Public Infomation Officer with 569 votes, and Grechelle Faye Haro and Ileana Marie Tolentino as Business Managers with 615 and 522 votes, respectively.

A total of 880 students casted their votes last August 25 during the voting day.

After careful verification of votes by the SHS Commission on

Elections (COMELEC) for 3 days, 29 votes were considered invalid bringing a total of 851 valid votes, and results of the election were then confirmed by the commission.

Mary Joy Salise, STEM Strand Representative, Justine Peter Laza, ABM Strand Representative, and Elaiza Mae Camacho,

STEM Organization Public Informaton Officer, are the only candidates from the opposition, the SINAG Party, who managed to secure seats in the SHSSAO.

SHSSAO officially assumed office through an Induction Ceremony held last September 9 at the St. Nicholas of Tolentine Oratory.

Presidents, and the Lay Administrators.

The Institutional Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Bernard Amparado, OAR, the Prior Provincial of the Province of St. Ezekiel Moreno, Philippines.

UNO-R SHS commemorates the Month of the Holy Rosary

JOCHELLE FRANCINNE ARLOS

Rev. Fr. Alve takes charge

AUGUSTINIAN RECOLLECT LEADERSHIP.

Rev. Fr. Joel Alve, OAR officially took on leadership as the 18th President of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos during the Investiture Rites last August 31, at

the University Gym.

The event commenced with the Mass of the Holy Spirit that started through a procession with the marching of the Knights of the Columbus, followed by the UNO-R priests, Recoletos School

Preceding the Eucharistic Celebration, the Investiture Rites for the Installation of the 18th President happened as Rev. Fr. Don Besana, OAR stepped down from the position and humbly gave the responsibilities to his successor.

Furthermore, a Message of Acceptance by Rev. Fr. Alve as the official 18th President took place, along with the Closing Message by Rev. Fr. Rafael Pecson, OAR, the REAP President.

The occasion concluded with an academic recessional.

MYSTERIES UNVEILED.

The mysteries of salvation were unveiled as the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos Grades 11 & 12 celebrate the Month of the Holy Rosary, November 3.

Over a thousand Senior High School students filled the University Gymnasium to witness the said event with the theme “Mary Mediatrix of the Pilgrim Church, sharing her mission for the redemption of the Humankind” and began with a solemn prayer for the living rosary followed by a gospel reading by Mr. John Lloyd Belbar.

Selected sections from the Grade 12 of each strand presented a tableau of the 5 Sorrowful Mysteries of the Holy Rosary, namely St. Nicolas of Tolentine - 01, St. Augustin - 01, St. Ezekiel Moreno - 01, St. Ezekiel Moreno - 06, together with the Tuman del Arte club.

Students from various sections then honored the Virgin Mary by offering flowers.

The culmination concluded with the crowning of the Virgin Mary and a song dedicated to her.

Former UNO-R president steps down,

JERI MAE TERRY & ELIXY KHIEL TURLA

DECISIONS MADE. Members from the two parties vying for office, HANDUM Party and SINAG Party, gather to file their certificates of candidacy at the Engineering AVR last July 20 in preparation for the Senior High School - Students Affairs Organization 2022 Elections.

ANOTHER ERA. Rev. Fr. Joel Alve OAR delivers his Message of Acceptance following his inauguration as the 18th President of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos during the Investiture Rites held at the University Gymnasium last August 31.

TOGETHER TO NEW HEIGHTS. After 2 years of hiatus due to the pandemic, the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos once again celebrates U-Week for the University’s 60th Anniversary with the theme “UNO-R@60: Together to New Heights” kicking it off with an Opening Ceremony at the University Amphitheater, November 14, 3:00 PM.

The program began with the entrance

UNO-R fetes 60th anniv with U-Week ‘22

Rev. Father Jose Alden B. Alipin, OAR which was then preceded by the Declaration of the Opening of University Week 2022 by Rev. Father Joel A. Alve, OAR.

Food stalls filled every corner of the vicinity as well as a carnival with games and rides located at the university parking lot.

Various activities were held in the duration of U-Week 2022, ranging from academic to extracurricular, such as Quiz Bees, Essay Writing and Poster Making

Contests, Research Expos, Academic Exhibits, Seminars, Sports Fests, Literary-Musical Contests, Mass Baptisms, Outreach Programs, and Miss UNO-R.

The Senior High School department also held its own activities for U-Week 2022 such as General Knowledge Quiz Bee, Bible Quiz Bee, Color Splash, SHS Academic Exhibit, LitMus 2022, Clash of Clubs, SAO Night, and Battle of the Bands.

Colorful booths of various SHS clubs and

organizations were also set up along the SHS quadrangle and SHS park.

The week-long festivity officially ended with a Dance Craze participated by the faculty of UNO-R and a closing ceremony led by Rev. Fr. Jose Alden B. Alipin, OAR last November 19.

Winners of the activities held during U-Week were also announced during the awarding ceremony.

Limson slays Ms. UNO-R 2022

JAZMINE TRAFIERO & ELIXY KHIEL TURLA

CROWN WITH A HEART. The University of Negros OccidentalRecoletos Senior High School Department waved its banner with pride as Zoe Clarisse Limson of Grade 12 Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand St. Augustine01 was crowned as Ms. UNO-R 2022 at the University Gymnasium, last November 15.

“If the next

Ms. UNO-R, given a chance I would like it to be the Crown that Nurtures because in this institution, this university nurtures the students, the faculties, and all the other people in this community to nurture their hearts to give, to nurture their hearts to appreciate, but most of all to nurture their hearts to love,” answered Limson during the final Q&A portion.

Other than securing the crown, Limson also bagged the Ms. Photogenic, Best in Production Number, Best in Talent Portion, Best in Swimsuit, and Best in Evening Gown award.

Prior to the Coronation Night, Ms. UNO-R 2022 was split into two events: the Sashing and Project Pitching last November 8, and the Talent Night last November 10.

MARIZ CALMERIN & JAMEA KHEY

WAVE OF VICTORY. Following her triumph, Zoe Clarisse Limson from the Senior High School Department gleefully waves at the crowd as Miss UNO-R 2022 during the Coronation Night held last November 15 at the University Gymnasium.

FINALLY BACK. University President Rev. Fr. Joel Alve, OAR delivers his speech, officially declaring the launch of the long-anticipated University Week 2022 during the Opening Ceremony held at the University Amphitheater last November 14.

3 UNO-Rian women bag YLEA

ELIXY KHIEL TURLA

GIRL POWER. Three female students from the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos were recognized as awardees for the Youth Leadership Excellence Award 2019-2022 last August 20. The three UNORians were Geamaika Marisse Manderico, 20192020 JHSSAO President; Cate Louie Ogapong, 2020-2021 JHSSAO President; and Ileana Marie Tolentino, 20212022 JHSSAO President.

“[...] I felt like my hard work has paid off the past years of being in the SAO of the JHS

Department. As well as it made me realize how much I want to serve more, and lead my fellow students to what road we may take in the future.” expressed Tolentino when asked how she feels receiving the award.

The awarding ceremony was organized by the Junior Chamber International - Bacolod, Inc. and the event aims to recognize and motivate young leaders here in Bacolod City for their academic excellence, service to the student body, and the community.

UNO-Rian Student leaders hone skills through Leadership Training

LIGHTING THE FIRE WITHIN. Leadership skills of UNO-Rian student leaders were sharpened during the Leadership Training spearheaded by the University of Negros OccidentalRecoletos Senior High School Student Affairs Organization (UNO-R SHSSAO) with the theme “Leadership Towards Immersion and Inclusivity, Exhibiting Service for the Community” last September 24. 60 student leaders coming from SHSSAO, Student Discipline Organization, SHS Starlight, COMELEC, Academic, Special, and Religious Club

Presidents, and Affiliated Organization Presidents filled the President’s Hall during the said event.

“My key takeaways were on how I should handle myself when it comes to leading. It also takes a lot of challenges but when you overcome them, you’ll find it very worth it and fulfilling” said Vladimer Marco Vieja, a Grade 11 student of St. Joseph - 05 and President of Innovatus Club.

The event concluded with the awarding of certificates to the attendees by SHSSAO President Marjoe Toquillo and Mr. Caballes.

UNO-Rian bags Bronze in PhIMO

WIZARD OF ODDS. A UNO-Rian Math Wizard was awarded bronze in the Philippine International Mathematical Olympiad (PhIMO) 2022 Final Round Virtual Awarding Ceremony, October 15.

Jhon Daived Castillo, a Grade 12 St. Ezekiel Moreno - 01 student of the University of Negros OccidentalRecoletos, was one of the delegates representing

SELWYN JACO

the Philippines in the said competition held last September 25. “Considering that the scope of this competition is international, winning a bronze award is excellent fulfillment and satisfaction, especially since this is my first international competition. Although the competition was really nerve-wracking

and brain-teasing, I still finished and survived,” said Mr. Castillo.

Before the Final Round, participants of the PhIMO undergone the Heat Round held last April 10, where Castillo bagged the Silver Award. PhIMO is an international math competition spearheaded by the Math

JOCHELLE FRANCINNE ARLOS & SELWYN JACO

Olympiads Training League Philippines, Inc.

ONE LEADER TO ANOTHER. Director of Student Affairs, Mr. Dexter Paul D. Dioso, PHD stands before participating student leaders from various organizations of UNO-R SHS to deliver his talk as part of the Leadership Training held last September 24, 2022 at the President’s Hall.

Courtesy: Gearla G. Manderico

Courtesy: John Daived Castillo

EXCELLENT LEADERSHIP. UNO-Rian student leaders Cate Louie Ogapong, Ileana Marie Tolentino, and Geamaika Marisse Manderico were granted the Youth Leadership Excellence Award through an event spearheaded by the Junior Chamber International - Bacolod, Inc. to acknowledge outstanding student leaders in Bacolod City held last August 20 at Ayala Malls Capitol Central.

UNO-R SHS film entries haul NIFF nominations; “Sa Halalban” wins Best Screenplay

JUVENILE PRODIGIES. UNO-Rian talents were proved as two film entries of Senior High School students of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos hauled nominations and a win in the SineNegrense: Negros Island Film Festival 2022 Intercollegiate Category last November 26 at Seda Hotel Bacolod.

Reutsche Colle Lima, a Grade 12 St. Augustine - 01 student of the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand, won the “Best Screenplay Award” for the film “Sa Halalban” which she directed.

“Originally, it was supposed to be a pure documentary only but I changed my mind and added some

kind of narrative that other people may also relate to.[...] Thanks to the recommendations from my Editor, Crispino Cepida III who also pushed me into finishing the screenplay and to my 1st AD, Elaine Carmona who also helped me proofread the script, and to my crew and other people who believed in me, thank you!”, Lima

when asked about how did she come up with an idea on the screenplay.

“Sa Halalban” also garnered nominations for Best Actor and Best Sound Design.

“Pugong”, a film directed by Cate Louie Ogapong of Grade 12 St. Ezekiel Moreno - 06 of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics - Allied Medical Health (STEMAMH) strand, was also nominated for Best Cinematography, Best Actress, and Best Sound Design.

“PUGONG” tells a story of a 22year old probinsyana named Bibit from the town of Pulupandan that was given a job opportunity in Manila, but hesitant to do so because of her past sentiments.

“Sa Halalban”, meanwhile, tells a story of a burned out filmmaker who strives to recover from the adrift of his passion after the pandemic.

SineNegrense: NIFF is an annual film festival in Negros participated by both amateur and expert Negrense filmmakers.

UNO-R SPRCY joins HINUGYAW 2022; nabs 2 wins

SELWYN JACO

HUMANITARIAN

RECONNECT. The University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos Senior Plus Red Cross Youth (UNO-R SPRCY) joins HINUGYAW 2022 in line with the Red Cross Youth Month with the theme “RCY Reconnect” last November 5. Activities of HINUGYAW 2022 include HINUGPONG, a literary-

musical contest, held in the morning, and HINAMPANG, a set of outdoor games to be participated by the volunteers held in the afternoon.

UNO-R SPRCY bags multiple wins in the HINAMPANG, namely, 1st place in Water Relay and 2nd Place in Calamansi Relay.

CHASMIRE BANTIGUE & STEPHANIE GASTON

Courtesy: RCine Films, PATDAN Productions, & SineNegrense

Courtesy: UNO-R SPRCY

DREAMS AND SCREENS. Screenwriter of the UNO-Rian-made film “Sa Halalban”, Reutsche Colle Lima, bears the trophy as the film wins Best Screenplay in the Sine Negrense: Island Negros Film Festival 2022 Intercollegiate Category during the awarding ceremony, November 26 at Seda Capitol Central, Bacolod.

TOGETHER AS ONE. Members of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos Senior Plus Red Cross Youth gather as participants in HINUGYAW 2022 to celebrate the Red Cross Youth Month held last November 5.

Literary Guild fires up Literary Week, holds 2 contests

ELNIE ANJELIE FLORES

VOICES THROUGH PENS. To showcase the geniuses and imaginativeness through words of UNO-Rian writers, the Literary Guild of the University of Negros OccidentalRecoletos Senior High School department released two (2) contests in celebration of Literacy Week last September 6 to 10.

With Literacy Week’s theme: “Transforming Literacy Learning Spaces”, the club commenced their Literary Week through Blackout Poetry Contest and Essay Writing Contest on September 8, open for all Grades 11 and 12 students.

Mechanics and criteria for the contests were posted on Literary Guild’s Facebook page to inform participants how to join the contests and winners will also be announced on their page.

SHS Clubs and Orgs conducts donation drive

SERVE TO ALLEVIATE.

Driven with compassion, the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos Senior Plus Red Cross Youth (UNO-R SPRCY), in partnership with UNO-R College RCY (UNO-R CRCY) and Senior High School Clubs and Organizations, conducted a donation drive last November 3 to 9 for the victims of Typhoon Paeng that hit

the country recently. The dropoff location for the donations was situated at the UNO-R lobby and was tended every afternoon by the partnered SHS Clubs and Organizations, namely, the SHS Student Affairs Organization, Student Discipline Officers (SDO), Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) Organization, Euclidean

QUALITY IN QUANTITY.

To gear up for their research journey this semester, Grade 12 students of the University of Negros OccidentalRecoletos took part in the Jr. Statisticians Camp with the theme “Quantitative Research: from Data Collection to Data Analysis,” September 27, at the University’s Little Theater.

360, Debaters’ League, Tuman dell Arte, Alpas, Social Science Club, Peer Facilitator’s Club, Polaris, and SHS Religious and Outreach Coordinator. The accumulated inkind and monetary donations will be given to the people badly affected by the typhoon that hit Negros Occidental last October.

Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics - Engineering & Information Technology Cluster (STEM-EIT) and Allied Medical Health Cluster (STEM-AMH) strands filled the venue.

Junior Statisticians Camp gears up UNO-Rian researchers

Eighty (80) Junior Statisticians, each representative of their research groups, coming from Accountancy & Business Management - Technical, Vocational, & Livelihood (ABMTVL), Humanities & Social Sciences (HUMSS), and Science,

Organized by the STEM-EIT cluster in partnership with the Research cluster, the event aims to train students in statistics as a preparation for the research studies they will be conducting this semester for the School Year 2022 - 2023.

Gabrielle Ulysse of Grade 12 HUMSS St. Augustine - 02 said that the event would significantly help their group in their research.

SELWYN JACO

SELWYN JACO

READY TO EXCEL. A Junior Statistician learns how to use Microsoft Excel to analyze statistical data during Jr. Statisticians Camp held last September 27 at the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos’ Little Theater.

Ignis ignites Lit-Mus ‘22 stage, hailed overall champs

SET THEM ON FIRE.

The Kingdom of Ignis set the stage on fire as they dominated the annual Senior High School Literary-Musical Competition held at the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos University Gymnasium, on November 16.

Passion filled the air as students witnessed the performances presented by the different kingdoms, namely, the Kingdom of Mons of the Accountancy and Business ManagementTechnical, Vocational, and Livelihood (ABM-TVL) strand; the Kingdom of Ascia of the Humanities and Social Sciences (HUMSS) strand; Science,

Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics - Allied Medical Health (STEMAMH) strand together with the odd-numbered sections of the 11th Grade as the Kingdom of Ignis; and the STEM - Engineering and Information Technology (STEM-EIT) strand along with the even-numbered sections of Grade 11 as the Kingdom of Coronam. The following Ignis representatives were hailed champions in English and Filipino Declamation, Vocal Duet, and Hip-hop, while 1st Runner-Ups for Impromptu and Vocal Solo competitions: Jecelle Alova, Hannah Hibaler, Kadesh Uzziel Niño, Carl

Ortega,

“What a rollercoaster [of] emotions! My heart is full of joy, gratitude, and peace. When my category event was over, I went outside of the venue and cried my heart out. I thought my performance was not enough [...],” exclaimed Hannah Hibaler, the champion for Filipino Declamation from St. Ezekiel Moreno -

THE ART OF GIVING.

06, when asked about her Lit-Mus experience as a contestant.

Ultimately, students who witnessed the event and cheered for their teams experienced the first Lit-Mus event after the two-year hiatus of the University Week celebration.

“For me, the experience on this year’s Lit-Mus is spectacular because I can see the dedication of the students to achieve their goals, which is to win every competition that they are into,” said Hillary Lape of the ABM strand St. Rita of Cascia - 02, when asked of her experience during this year’s competition.

UNO-R SPRCY launches “A Helping Hand” project

Exhibiting the Augustinian Recollect values through giving, the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos Senior Plus Red Cross Youth (SPRCY) kicked off the “A Helping Hand” project through the distribution of food packs outside of the Corazon Locsin Montelibano Memorial Regional Hospital on November 4.

Led by Chelzy Jallienne Subaldo, a Grade 12 student from the Science, Technology, Engineering, and

Mathematics - Allied Medical Health (STEMAMH) strand St. Ezekiel Moreno - 07, with her fellow UNO-R SPRCY Pledge 25 Committee members, the project successfully handed over fifty (50) food packs.

“[...] Seeing them standing in the hot sun, waiting for hours, and not being able to get food and water made me feel sad. They are always in a rush, they have no time to take care of themselves...” said Subaldo when asked about the reason behind the project.

JAZMINE TRAFIERO & ARABELLA FAYE ROJO

ELNIE ANJELIE FLORES

Marie Castañeda, Philip Gabriel Villanueva, Iristy Pearl Sun, Kent Hulguin, Krisha Gwen Tabinas, Madeline Arbuya, Juliana Marie

Gemney Evangelio, Dane Gabriel De Castro, Deceree Baylin, Lori Mae Emeterio, Rheinhart Placido, and Ashley Mae Catuiran.

Empty Words

Academic institutions and the government oftentimes brag about the inclusivity of education here in the Philippines, however, what they are saying contradicts what they are doing. Inclusivity in our educational system is quite questionable when students face constant restrictions on gender expression, depriving learners with disabilities (LWDs) of the right to an accommodating learning environment, and the growing inaccessibility of education.

Recently, sentiments from students and youth groups flooded social media platforms calling out non-inclusive policies of academic institutions. Particularly, not allowing LGBTQIA+ folks to wear clothes matching their identity and forcing them to cut their hair to abide by the institution’s haircut policy. Last August 24, a post from a salon sparked debate among people. The post contains a before-and-after photo of previously long-haired queer teenagers’ in their crew cuts and short fades. Violent reactions dominated the comment section with lines of “haircut policies lowering self-esteem and being outright discriminatory” and “hair length not having to do anything with one’s education” prevailing. Similarly, four transgender Senior High School students were allegedly not allowed to attend their graduation rites in their dresses and long hair last June but were granted to do so eventually after a wave of calls from netizens. This just shows that academic institutions are still non-

inclusive toward students outside heteronormative standards and contradicts the Department of Education (DepEd) Order No. 32, s. 2017 or Gender-responsive Basic Education Policy. Inclusivity in schools also includes one’s physical capabilities. Last March 11, Republic Act No. 11650, or the act instituting inclusiveness for LWDs was signed. This gave hope to LWDs who have long been struggling with their education. Lack of facilities, services, and equipment needed to handle LWDs are some of the struggles they are facing. However, that ray of hope quickly vanished following the news that the P532-million budget proposed for the Special Education (SPED) Program by DepEd was not considered and will be receiving zero budget in the 2023 National Expenditure Program (NEP). Nonconsideration of the budget proposal for the SPED program could imply that they pay little to no care to an accommodate the education of millions of LWDs in the country. Contradicting once again their claim of an inclusive educational system.

Lastly, when education becomes inaccessible to everybody, inclusivity is at stake. For instance, price hikes due to inflation hinder students of low-economic status from their education. The fare for public transportation alone can already drain one’s pockets, leaving little to no

money to devote to other things such as meals and school expenses. No wonder why students chose to drop out instead of pursuing education. According to DepEd and the National Statistical Coordination Board in the Philippines, only 7 out of 10 children complete elementary school and only one of those seven could proceed to college. But proceeding to college is uncertain because recently, nearly P10-billion budget for State Colleges and Universities (SUCs) for 2023 was slashed. This decrease in budget will force SUCs to restrict the number of students they could accommodate, further limiting students’ access to education.

Academic institutions and the government haphazardly throws the word inclusivity these days. However, this “inclusivity” will remain empty words so long as there are students who feel excluded. Genuine inclusivity could only be attained if students could fully express themselves without restriction and discrimination, LWDs could have an accommodating learning environment, and everyone has access to education.

JOSEPH KARL C. TATLONGHARI,

HARRY S. MAGLUYAN, MAEd Principal

REV. FR. ROMEO BEN POTENCIO JR., OAR Integrated School Director

Imbulong ng Implasyon, Butas sa Bulsa

Pagbabago raw ang natatanging ‘di nagbabago sa sanlibutan, ngunit mistulang ang patuloy na pagtaas ng implasyon ay naging palagian na rin sa buhay ng mga Pilipino. Nitong Setyembre inanunsyo ng Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) ang pag-akyat ng implasyon sa Pilipinas sa 6.9%. Humigit-kumulang 0.3% na pagtaas kumpara noong Agosto, at 2.7% na mas mataas kumpara sa Setyembre noong nakaraang taon. Patuloy itong nagaganap sa kalagitnaan ng matinding pagbaba ng piso laban sa dolyar, kasabay ang mabilis na pagtaas ng presyo ng mga pangunahing bilihin.

Sa kabila ng pagimbulong ng implasyon, ang sweldo ng mamamayang Pilipino ay nanatiling pareho. Kung magbabago man, tanging pag bababa lamang ang nagaganap. Kabalintunaan, ang pagtaas sa minimum na sahod ay kadalasang nagiging sanhi pa ng pagkawala ng trabaho ng ibang mga manggagawang mababa ang sahod sa isang labor surplus na ekonomiya tulad ng sa Pilipinas.

Mahaba na ang lista ng mga bilihing patuloy lang ang pagakyat ng presyo kabilang na ang bigas na siyang pangunahing pagkain ng mga Pilipino. Dagdag pa diyan ang pagtaas ng presyo ng delatas, softdrinks, kuryente,

gamot at lalo na petrolyo. Wala nang maabot ang kakarampot na sweldo ng mga manggagawa. Sa panahon ngayon, kulang talaga ang sahod sa pagtaguyod sa isang pamilya. Isang kahig isang tuka pa rin ang bawat pamilyang naghihirap. Mataas na ang bilihin sa kasalukuyan at may posibilidad na mas lalo pang tumaas sa susunod na mga buwan.

“Saan aabot ang bente pesos mo?” Matatandaang linya mula sa patalastas ng Cornetto. Saan nga ba makaaabot ang bente sa kasalukuyan?

Kung noon ay biro lang na walang maaabot ang bente, ngayo’y mistulang naisabuhay na ang kinakatakutan ng karamihan. Estudyante man o hindi, ang bente pesos ay hindi pa magkakasaya sa pamasahe papunta’t pauwi kahit pa pasok ka sa minimum na distansyang patutunguhan ng dyip. Hindi ka na rin makabibili ng isang kumpletong kainan na may kanin at ulam.

Hindi mawari kung bababa pa ito o patuloy na lang na aakyat sa paglipas ng araw. Nakaamba pa ang pagpapaitaas ng presyo ng gasolina, kuryente at tubig na siyang nagiging sanhi ng lalong pagaray ng bulsa ng bawat Pilipino. Kaya naman nararapat lang na itaas na rin ang sweldo ng bawat manggagawa, nang sa gayon ay maabot na rin nila ang presyo ng mga bilihin.

Higit pa sa Pag-martsa sa Lansangan

Ang mga kabataan ngayon ay madalas na punain ng mga matatanda at may awtoridad sa pagiging matinig sa pananaw nila sa mga isyung sosyo-politikal, online man o sa lansangan— kapag sumasali sa kilos protesta. Ngunit ang aktibismo ay higit pa sa kung ano ang nakikita ng karamihan, lalo na ng mga nakakatanda. Sa pagiging bahagi ng kilusang ito, mapapagtanto mo na ang pagkatuto ay lagpas pa sa apat na sulok ng silid-aralan. Ang katotohanan sa kalagayan ng ating lipunan ay makikita lamang sa labas ng paaralan. Ang mga problemang kinakaharap ng mga tsuper, tindera, magsasaka, maralita, at katutubo, kung iyong tignang maigi, ay hindi magkalayo at kadalasan naka-angkla pa ang problema nating magaaral sa kanila. Kaya dapat makibahagi tayo sa mga diskusyon at pag-aaral na nauugnay sa ating lipunan. Tumindig kasama ng mga naaapi sa kanilang mga panawagan. Ang edukasyon ay dapat na higit pa sa mga marka at gantimpala, lalo na kapag ang mga taong dapat siyang dapat nating paglingkuran ay nilulunod at nagdudusa. Ang pagpuna ng mga matatanda sa kabataan sa pakikibahagi sa isyung sosyopolitikal, kesyo daw “bata pa at wala pang

alam,” ay sumisira sa papel ng kabataan ang pagpapabuti ng lipunan. Dagdag pa diyan, ito ay labag sa konstitusyon dahil ayon sa nakasaad sa Seksyon 13, Artikulo 2, Konstitusyon ng 1987, binanggit na dapat hikayatin ng Estado ang paglahok ng kabataan sa mga gawaing pampubliko at sibiko. Walang sinuman ang “bata pa” para makialam at makibahagi sa isyung sosyo-politikal dahil sila rin ay naapektuhan ng mga nangyayari sa lipunang kanilang ginagalawan na kanila ring mamanahin.

Marami nang nakamit ang aktibismo, katulad ng libreng kolehiyo na siyang ipinaglaban ng mga hanay nating kabataan sa lansangan at parlyamentaryo. Ang tagumpay na ito ay hindi nakamit ng iisang tao sa simpleng pagsasalita at pagkatuto. Matatanto na ang sama-samang pagkilos ay napakahalaga sa kilusang ito.

Ang mga bagay na ito ay nagpapakita na ang aktibismo ay higit pa sa pagmartsa sa lansangan na taas kamao. Isa itong plataporma upang maisulong kung ano ang nararapat, hindi lamang para sa sarili kundi pati na rin sa nakakarami. Kaya bilang kabataan, dapat tayong tumindig, makialam, pag-aralan ang lipunan, at paglingkuran ang sambayanan anuman sabihin ng nakakarami, basta alam mo ang ipinaglalaban mo.

SELWYN JACO selwynjaco0726@gmail.com

JOCHELLE FRANCINNE ARLOS jochellearlos@gmail.com

JERI MAE TERRY jeriterry217@gmail.com

Confidential Education

With the newly proposed 650 million funds for the department under Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte — the Department of Education and Office of the Vice President have caused questioning and reallocation from the public and some senates. Teachers and learners have expressed their disappointments and were dismayed about the current education system. With the shifting of the learning modality from online to onsite learning, the public is hoping that these confidential funds will be utilized for the learning needs and teaching materials for the safe return to schools.

The Vice President confirmed that these funds will be used for “surveillance and intelligence,” but does DepEd really need to prioritize these aspects? With the transition of the learning modality, the proposed budget should focus on educational reform to fill the shortages in classroom equipment and school supplies for the satisfaction and comfort of the learners and educators. This does not solely affect public schools, but also private institutions.

People pay their taxes, yet the government is showing no transparency when it comes to budget processes, especially when it comes to the educational system. Its lack of transparency is one of the factors why the Philippines continues to struggle in fighting poverty. Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III eyes the realignment of the 150 million budget for the department, “It is not in the practice or culture of DepEd to have confidential funds. This must be placed in terms directly related to teaching or learning, not confidential funds and yet, they will claim that it will still be for education.” The demand for budget transparency has caused suspicion from the public, especially because people have the right to know where their taxes are invested.

In line with this, all Cabinet members agreed with the Vice President during the Cabinet meeting regarding the details of her request. If the confidential funds will be spent for the beneficiary of the country, why is there a need for it to be called “confidential?” How did all Cabinet members agree to

the controversial budget so easily without any protest?

Senator Risa Hontiveros stated that the budget prioritization is misplaced — the so-called surveillance activities for the security of students and teachers is even higher than what the State’s intelligence agency asked for. She further added to leave the intelligence and security to the professionals. The public is questioning the need for confidential funds. Yet, there is no improvement for the education system as it focuses more on the national security of the country, so how is it

related to education?

Education is the key to attaining an individual’s desire in the future, it helps them grow, and develop to become better citizens that will aid the country into a place where they could live comfortably. By giving the educational system budget transparency and sufficient funds for learning modalities, educators would be able to invest in top-notch learning, and Filipino youth will be able to get more opportunities in showing their achievements.

THE DO-IT-ALL

Pop! HALT! reacts to messages and links with positive connotations but plans to HALT! all parts of the work. The heart button is a HALT! button despite him not being HALT! with his groupmate’s work. Efforts are not HALT! by him for he wants HALT! to go his way. HALT! to his plans are not counted, and suggestions are neglected. Doors for his HALT! are not open for recommendations because he knows HALT! Last-minute all-out HALT! are his thing as the group works to become his HALT!

ONE MAN SHOW

Working in HALT! has made every flood of homework easier to pass through. However, HALT! choose to put HALT! first before others. There is no doubt that people should prioritize HALT!, but putting HALT! first to the point of causing HALT! to others crosses the line of HALT!. What’s infuriating is when HALT! get the same HALT! as the others even if HALT! never exerted a tiny bit of effort into the work. All HALT! ever do is let others do all the HALT! while HALT! get to do their HALT!

ORG HOARDER

Being part of HALT! cannot be avoided during our High School life. However, there are this people who HALT! HALT! Join HALT! here, join HALT! there. There is no problem with that if you look at it, but these HALT! oftentimes are not even HALT! on the HALT! they are joining. They oftentimes just join for HALT!, added HALT!, or another HALT! to their FB bio where you can see their HALT! of HALT! But when they are assigned to do some tasks, they HALT! What’s worst is when the HALT! achieves something, they appear out of nowhere to join with the HALT! as if they HALT! something. It seems that, for them, HALT! are pokemons, gotta catch em all I guess!?

By giving the educational system budget transparency and sufficient funds for learning modalities, educators would be able to invest in top-notch learning...

Amidst the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the virtual corners of the screen became the ground for learning. However, after two years of battling educational dilemmas, backpacks are now filled with hope with the hunger for knowledge with the reopening of academic institutions.

For most of us, school is a venue for the fight for success. Although, reaching it is not a walk in the park. It needs a lot of hard work, sacrifices, and dedication. The shift from the original onsite learning to online and modular learning has taken a toll on students’ well-being. Now, students gear up for another voyage- the route to re-opening of face-to-face classes.

Amidst the gloomy weather on August 22, 2022, the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos opened its gates to its Grade 12 Senior High School students for the 1st day of limited face-to-face classes. Following the social health protocols, the classes successfully started with subject orientations and funfilled activities that promoted a love for knowledge.

For a STEM-AMH SEM06 student, Shanley Sara, this marks the start of the journey that will enable her to gain lifelong skills and lessons that she can apply in maneuvering her future. According to her, being in an online learning set-up impacted her individuality to make her appreciate the beauty of face-to-face classes.

Moreover, from the perspective of a STEM-EIT student under SEM02, Alwyn Roi Guerrero, the limited face-to-face classes is another process of adjustment and adaptation to changes. However, it is an opportunity with a great responsibility for actual learning since the strand requires onsite activities. Also, he is very enthusiastic about meeting the people behind the virtual faces and voices in the online world of education.

Meanwhile, Yleona Jann Demontaño from HUMSSSA01 would describe face-to-face classes as having both advantageous and disadvantageous effects on students because everyone is not privileged enough to sustain school and fare expenses when going to school. However, as she scrutinizes the implementation of limited face-to-face classes, she believes that students need good quality education to become more effective, efficient, proficient, and competent.

Change is the only constant thing that remains in this vast universe. It can bring irreversible phenomena. However, with the changes in the educational system, the constant need for flexibility in adapting is highlighted. From the burden of virtual education, students are now carrying the weight of their backpacks. As the bags are packed, students are now ready to go to unravel the quests that await.

due to the pandemic?

Seth Andrei Gedalanga, SRC - 01

As a new student, it makes me feel welcome to see the faces of my classmates, acquaintances, and friends, and because it is a face-to-face activity, we don’t have to worry about a lack of good internet. Though I may have difficulty talking with others and am occasionally nervous when speaking to other students, it is simpler to communicate with others.

Niño Steven Garbo, SRC - 02

Well, it’s good to be back in face-to-face classes and it’s very good to hear my classmates chatting and my teachers discussing without the worry of losing internet connection. Though adjustments are needed, I’m satisfied that I have experienced once again this type of learning system.

Errica Felize Juanico, STV - 02

My experience so far has been thrilling. Though I admit that I had some difficulties when it came to keeping up with my classmates, I still had an amazing time with them nonetheless. It was amazing to be back to school in person, especially when I was with people who kept up a joyful mood throughout the day.

Sheila Mae Bombio, SJ - 05

My experience with back to in-person school made me happy and excited of what’s to come. I was happy because roaming the school and seeing where our classrooms used to be reminded me of nostalgic memories. I am also excited because we will finally return to a proper place for learning and studying.

Mikaela Gwen Pusag, SJ - 02

Since I came from a different country without an idea about how school was like in the Philippines, I can say that it was a very new and refreshing experience. Various doors of opportunities were opened yet I am still struggling to keep up. However, I know that progressively, I will be able to adapt and have fun.

Erich Kim Berduque, SM - 01

It was great, I get to bond with my old and new classmates, and we all became friends right away. It feels surreal. Having face-to-face class helps us understand our lessons more. We get to see our subject teachers and adviser during the face-to-face schedules, it helps a lot compared to online classes.

“All my bags are packed I’m ready to go I’m standin’ here outside your door I hate to wake you up to say goodbye.”

ALEAH ANN TORRES

GRAPHICS BY: ALYSSA MAE DELES

Scroll. Pause. HAHA react. Share. Repeat.

Mainpop Girls Stanposting, Meme$ Out, Tarantadong Kalbo, or Cartoonist Zach. If you’re a Gen Z or a Millennial fond of using Facebook or Twitter, these names would probably pop up on your feed every now and then. Under these names were a plethora of bizarre pictures containing texts, called memes, with the aim to give us giggles. Surprisingly, this has become such an effective tool for countering disinformation.

In this digital age, information that are primarily false or manipulated were making rounds on the internet with the goal of revising history or to fragrance rotten people. This propaganda has already resulted in the poisoning of the minds of the Filipinos and most of them were now disregarding facts. Rotten people were also able to run away with their wrongdoings and not hold accountability as an effect of this phenomenon.

However, Filipino Gen Zs, or people born from 1997 to 2012, with their oh-so-heroic attitude and with the hopes of having a better world to live in, were creating measures to counter disinformation. They have been utilizing memes to do such which, in fact, was very strategic and effective. Memes being a type of short-form content and easily digestible for people was really an advantage in opposing the rampant disinformation. Contents of these memes were mostly accurate as it was mostly based from news or proper researches. Memes being humorous also hooks a lot of audiences in contrast to the factchecking campaign of news outlets and organizations that are more serious-sounding. It also spreads rapidly effectively countering the fast-spreading nature of disinformation.

“Meme$ out 4 du30: news horizons” and “Meme$ out 4 diktajunior: united front” were the two of the most famous Facebooks groups containing memes of political nature. With more than 500 thousand members, mostly young Filipino people, and consistently garnering reactions, comments, and shares not lower than a thousand, the group highlights the atrocities and wrongdoings of the Dutertes and Marcoses under their regimes. From the violent events during the Martial Law era and repressive authority of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. to the bloody Drug War and human rights violations under Rodrigo Duterte’s presidency, the contents of the group oppose the glorification of such atrocities fueled by the disinformation campaign. While being mainly a meme group for female

pop artists like Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj, and Taylor Swift, “Main Pop Girls Stanposting” actively debunked false information, especially during the peak of the disinformation campaign during the election campaign season. They have been utilizing female pop artists for memes and making them as if they were citizens of the country experiencing its dilemmas. They also advocated for good governance and poked fun at people with a history of corruption. Another meme group against the disinformation campaign was the “House of Representa-thieves: Butasang Pambulsa” which pokes fun and calling out politicians stealing millions from the Filipinos. Moreover, the “Filipino Squatterposting” meme group highlights the poverty in the country opposing the “Golden Era” that is oftentimes mentioned in the disinformation campaign.

Popular Facebook Pages whose posts had gone viral includes Tarantadong Kalbo and Cartoonists Zach. One of Tarantado Kalbo’s works, which is also revolutionary, was his artwork “Tumindig,” a graphics art of a fist standing firmly as others surrounding it bowed. It hooked the interest of several artists and even normal people on social media and personalized their own fists standing up. The message they sent became clear— to stand up even if it feels like you’re the only one doing it. Some of Tarantadong Kalbo’s works also include short funny comics highlighting the social realities of the country. On the other hand, Cartoonists Zach stirred the netizens with some of his satirical cartoons which also give light on sociopolitical dilemmas of the country.

Another popular meme maker is We the Pvblic— a media/news company with over 604 thousand followers on Facebook. Besides news, their captivating memes hinted at the rust in our system, and the public was quick to criticize their works. Nevertheless, the organization continued its daily uploads, painting the lives of the populace where plenty sees them as relatable.

Whilst memes can be an effective way of countering disinformation, this still does not change the fact that the most reliable information can be gathered from proper research. Additionally, despite memes being funny most of the time, it can spark healthy discourses toward other people. This type of unconventional way of fighting false information is one way to promote socio-political awareness amongst the masses. In a shadowed nation, memes are one of the keys to unlocking the lurking colors strangled by the state; it has become the voice of veracity among the sea of deceit.

SELWYN JACO, JOHN PATRICK SERUT, & JAZMINE TRAFIERO

TORCH OFCINEMATOGRAPHY

Creativity comes from within, but in UNO-R, we have it embedded in our culture. As the seniors hand over the torch to the cultivators of cinema in our institution, Patdan Productions and RCine Films, both a collection of UNO-R Senior High School learners, shone in SineNegrense’s Negros Island Film Festival. With exploding colors of emotions, what our representatives showcased brought out a film of the people by narrating stories of life through modern cinematography. With the theme, “Negros Wave - Resurgence,” participants flocked to compete in NIFF to put their blazing talents to the centerstage and ignite their passion through a glimpse of the film industry.

“...To generally give you the basis, our film wants to make our viewers contemplate about their decisions in life,” said Cate Louie Ogapong.

Providing antique scenery in a traditional Filipino home in the rural area, Patdan Productions narrated a film entitled, “Pugong,” unmasking a superstition taught by many older generations. Eerie sound effects and catchy background music stormed their production, as the actors mirrored emotions through their facial expressions. Behind the scenes, the production team encountered hurdles high as those met by the protagonist in their film. “Super challenging gid ang pag gather sang equipment since we have limited gadgets lang, we needed to find people nga ma hulman or ma rentahan sang gamit,” said Cate Louie Ogapong, director of Pugong, when asked of their pre-production and filming experiences. It was not a mere mix and match of concepts, set-ups, and scripts, but overcoming challenges for an ideal blend of cinema.

From the ashes rose a filmmaker to rekindle a flame in his heart and follow a pavement towards his passion. “Sa Halalban” of RCine Films is a story

of a burned out man redirected to find a torch of talent he left that was blown by the wind. Despite not wanting to partake in the film festival, Reutsche Cole Lima, director of Sa Halalban, was inspired to put on her mittens and create a documentary-narrative film after watching one in her filming workshop. Steering away from her usual melodrama, romance, and other narrative films, Lima chose an unfamiliar genre for their entry. As filming is her passion, she wanted to explore the film industry by expanding her knowledge and experiences in the field. Desiring greatness in the quality of their film, the production team juggled their academics and filmmaking as they battled the unpredictability of the weather. “...But luckily, my crew was diligent and cooperative enough to troubleshoot and organize the filming, and we filmed the sequences the day after and it turned out great,” narrated Lima on the production of their film. Their entry is a story of two worlds: one on-screen, and another behind, and as they explored through the woods of the film industry, they were able to establish cinema from their hearts.

“The main message of our film is that all of us experienced the feeling of being burned out even when it comes to our passion and the things we love to do,” said Reutsche Cole Lima.

Raised in the world of filmmaking, these students aspire to build something from their passions. While others perceive themselves in an office collaborating with their colleagues as they accomplish their tasks, these young filmmakers are carpenters of the industry who bring inspiration to the population through cinematography. NIFF is a medium for these students to keep their talents on fire; a resurgence amidst the socio-political dilemmas around the globe. In UNO-R, creativity is not a mere part of the culture, but a skill fostered by many students to showcase to the world.

JOHN PATRICK A. SERUT & ELIXY KHIEL TURLA

Nationwide price hikes troubles studes

ARABELLA FAYE ROJO

NO CHANGE LEFT TO SPARE. Along with the Philippines’ transition into in-person classes, most of the students of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos struggles in the financial aspect as transportation fares and prices of goods have spiked these past

few months.

“Commuting is not difficult, but paying for the jeepney fare is. It is another thing that students have to take into consideration when budgeting [...]” Kayesha Mana-ay, from ABM St. Nicholas of Tolentine - 01, on how hard commuting

became due to the price hikes.

“Before, I could do buy a lot of things with 100 pesos, but now it’s shocking that sometimes you still fall short with the amount,” ABM-TVL Governor Marchade Decena expressed. Decena also shared that the price hike urged her to be more practical and wiser when it came to budgeting and spending her money, like buying what she needs and saving money for important matters.

The increase did not only distress the commuters seeing that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has approved numerous price hikes for consumer goods this month.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), the inflation rate has eased down to 6.3% this August.

BANTIGUE

BURDEN OR BENEFIT?

The Department of Education (DepEd) plans to declare a ban on Extracurricular Activities (ECAs) for this School Year 20222023.

This was mentioned in the speech of the Vice President and DepEd Secretary, Sara Duterte, on her visit to Don Pedro Vasquez Memorial School in Jordan, Guimaras, last August 25.

VP Duterte said that the reason behind this was for students to catch up on what they lost during the years that they were not in classrooms due to the COVID-19 pandemic and that academics should be the priority this year.

Varying sentiments from students flooded social media platforms, swearing that the removal of ECA does not make sense for DepEd’s aim for students’ holistic development.

Youth envi groups, RE advocates oppose LNG project

SELWYN JACO

FOSSIL FUEL

AGAIN!? Youth environmental groups stood in solidarity in the fight against the planned construction of a 300-Megawatt Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Combined Cycle Powerplant in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental.

Youth for Climate Hope (Y4CH) was one of the envi groups opposing the construction of the

LNG plant led by Reliance Energy Development Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of San Miguel Corporation for reasons that it will harm the ecozone and community in the area.

San Carlos Bishop Gerry Alminaza, convenor of broad clean energy consortium REpower Negros, asked why they seek to add a fossil fuelpowered plant to the

renewable energy capital of the Philippines. Despite having “natural” in its name, LNG is no less dangerous from its coal counterpart as they are both fossil fuels, the main culprit of the global warming and climate change.

Construction of the project is expected to start by the third quarter of this year.

DepEd’s spokesperson Atty. Micheal Poa said that they have planned to offer psychosocial support to students when asked to enumerate the activities proposed by the department to combat the students becoming “burnt out” if school is purely academic, last September 1 during a press briefing.

He also added that DepEd is yet to issue a memorandum concerning the removal of extracurricular activities.

DepEd plans to eliminate ECAs, students oppose

CHASMIRE

Courtesy: CNN Philippines

Courtesy: Rica Cabalatungan

DSWD AICS funds drained

AID NO MORE? As a result of insufficient funds, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Assistance to Individuals in Crisis (AICS) pay-out ended last September 24.

In a recent radio interview with DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo, he expressed that the allotted P1.5 billion budget for the program was not enough for the almost two million students that registered.

Cholera cases rise to 27; outbreak declared in Bacolod barangays

GABRIELLE PALALON

GUT-WRENCHING

OUTBREAK. Cholera cases in Bacolod city rise to 27 as of November 30 according to the City Health Office (CHO) with the declaration of outbreaks in two barangays in the city.

Brgy. Alijis was the first barangay declared to have a cholera outbreak issued in the advisory released by CHO last October 25.

Brgy. Mandalagan then followed after two dug wells in the area tested positive for vibrio cholerae bacteria based on the result of the water sampling

conducted by Bacolod City Epidemiological Surveillance Unit (BCESU) for Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM).

According to Dr. Ma. Carmela Gensoli, Bacolod City Health Officer, cholera is brought on by consuming water or food that has been contaminated with the cholera bacterium, which results in severe diarrhea and vomiting for the affected person.

Since September 1 until November 26, 16 barangays are positive with food and water borne diseases.

Tulfo stated that for the educational aid to continue, the department would be needing an additional P200-P300 million in funding. “Yung ating educational assistance, una nakakatuwa po dahil kahit papaano po ay talagang naging successful po ‘yung anim na Sabado na pamamahagi natin ng ating educational assistance,” DSWD spokesperson Romel Lopez, when asked about the program in a radio interview.

Lopez claimed that the funds intended were all exhausted and the department even used additional funds, pin-pointing that an extension will be unlikely.

In support of the students in crisis in the country, Kabataan Partylist recently passed their Proposed Budget Amendments which

included a call for an additional P5.3 billion of funds for the DSWD-AICS program.

The program aims to give assistance to students in crisis like working students; children of unemployed parents, solo parents, overseas Filipino workers in distress; orphaned; abused; and victims of calamities.

When registered, up to three students per indigent family could receive financial aid ranging from P1,000-P4,000 depending on their current education level.

Around P91 million was given to the DSWD Western Visayas to accommodate the applicants for the educational aid. Negros Occidental distributed P37.28 million to 13,292 students for 6 Saturdays.

Transpo crisis in Bacolod hassles studes

ALYSSA GABRIELLE PALALON & ARABELLA FAYE ROJO

INSUFFICIENT WHEELS.

With the swell in oil prices that affected small drivers and operators and fewer jeepneys to combat the rise of passengers, student commuters face struggles as the transportation crisis looms over Bacolod during the return of faceto-face classes.

Timothy John B. Jingco of Grade 11 St. Rita of Cascia - 01, shared his take on the transportation system of the city that it is imperfect but enough to

fulfill his need for daily transportation.

“The only major concern I have is traffic delay, which significantly comprises my morning routine to school, perhaps also the costly fares from time to time,” he added.

“Our current transportation situation is hard for both the drivers and students since gasoline prices are expensive which affects both [...],” Lady Marianne M. Lamela from Grade 11 St. Joseph - 03, residing in Bago City, expressed.

ARABELLA FAYE ROJO & AZRINAZ AZIL DE LA CRUZ

ALYSSA

UNFALTERED. Students and parents line up for the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) financial aid for students outside Ayala Malls Capitol Central in Bacolod City held for six Saturdays that ended last September 24.

Courtesy: Sunstar Bacolod

Courtesy: Suns Star Bacolod

NOPSSCEA Season 42 opens, UNO-R returns

START LINE. The University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos, along with 42 participating schools, attended the Negros Occidental Private Schools Sports Cultural Educational Association (NOPSSCEA) Season 42 Opening Ceremonies last September 23, at the VMA Global College Gymnasium.

The NOPSSCEA Season 42 opening was marked by various activities under the theme “Celebrating Breakthroughs.”

“[...] today, we are happy to have a strong roster of 43 member schools and in a time of great need and direction for private educational institutions, this year more than ever, is a year where each of us will be needing one another,”

said Mr. Juan Antonio Villaluz, NOPSSCEA Vice President.

Following the welcome remarks was the raising of the NOPSSCEA banner and the Oath of Sportsmanship led by Regeena Dela Cruz, Gold Medalist Beach Volleyball, Season 41, and the torch was then lit by the Colegio de Sta. Ana de Victorias (CSA-V) Basketball Boys.

The declaration of the opening was then made by Dr. Nelly H. Pareño, the NOPSSCEA President.

This season of NOPSSCEA also marks the return of UNO-R after suspending their membership for a year last 2019 due to concerns not adequately addressed by the association’s board.

WOOLY VICTORY. Softness did not prevail as the University of Negros OccidentalRecoletos Lady Rams rammed the defenses of St. Joseph SchoolLa Salle Lady Knights in their best-of-three series and automatically took the victory with 57-28 in the Negros Occidental Private Schools Sports Cultural Educational Association (NOPSSCEA) Season 42, last November 27 at the UNO-R

Gymnasium.

In their second game, Rams swiftly conquered the Lady Knights, unleashing an intense firepower that was boosted by Star Amacio, who had her greatest game to date after scoring 20 points making her the Most Valuable Player (MVP).

The win marked the school’s 12th consecutive victory overall since 2008, except during the pandemic.

The Official Student Publication of the University of Negros Occidental - Recoletos Integrated School Grades 11 & 12 VOLUME XXXIV,

LOQUI TUI VERITATI.

AZRINAZ AZIL DE LA CRUZ

ELIXY KHIEL TURLA