The Bold, The Beacon, The Brilliant (The Pandemic Issue) - Magazine 2021 (Dimensions) by Forum-Dimensions

imensions December 2020 - November 2021

Vol. XLII No.1

The Official University Student Magazine of West Visayas State University

the bold

the beacon

No Missed Calls

The Good Doctor

A story of human persistence amid pain, loss, and the unforgiving COVID-19 pandemic

the brilliant

When an angel doesn’t have wings but a stethoscope

Lab Coats for Capes

How a Filipino scientist and his team developed a low-cost COVID-19 testing kit in a time of worldwide shortage

ISSN 2423-2750

Integrity

•

Reliability

• Commitment

Integrity • Reliability • Commitment

FORUM-DIMENSIONS

Editorial Board ACADEMIC YEAR 2020-2021

JOHN GLEN L. TEORIMA Editor-in-Chief ZYNNIE ROSE C. ZARAGOSA Managing Editor

About the cover Treading through the buzzing downtown where a jumble of various scenarios often transpire, at some point, we find ourselves lost in the sea of people from different walks of life. Finding ourselves in their midst, do we ever wonder what kind of story they have to tell from deep within?

GERLYN JOY P. ROJO Associate Editor ERIC D. MORGUIA, JR. News and Special Reports Editor JULIE ANNE L. COLLADO Feature Editor MARIA KAYLA T. TINGZON Filipino and Hiligaynon Editor

This year, the façade of Dimensions shows a crowd of diverse souls in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. We may be grappling against one immense unseen foe but the people we get to see still encapsulate life stories of what it means to be bold, beacon, and brilliant.

REYNOLD L. SUMIDO, JR. Literary Editor JOHN AUBREY J. JAMERO Sports Editor NICOLE ANNE A. MOSCOSO Online Editor and Art Director JONAR B. DORADO Circulation & Exchange Officer REESA T. AZARRAGA CLINT M. BELLOSILLO RON ELIEZER G. DUHINA ELLA HYACINTH R. GOLEZ RICHARD D. OLANO, JR. JOHN LYOD B. PACHEJO KEVEN RIZZO C. SITJAR Senior Staff JADE DANIELLE T. ISIDRO KELLY P. RONVEAUX Editorial Assistants ANGELINE S. ACANTILADO JOSHUA A. CELESTIAL FRANZ CHRYSLER MARIE C. DELGADO KARLA R. PORRAS Contributors DR. BONNA S. PALMA Publication Adviser DR. NANCY S. SURMIEDA Dean, Office of Student Affairs DR. JOSELITO F. VILLARUZ University President

E Forum-Dimensions Q D @forumdimensions

This is the new normal. Cover photo by John Glen L. Teorima

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Avegaile Jude F. Fabular • Romel Flogen • Kevin Patrick Casipe • Anne Franceine Jean Corillo • Alyssa Jude Montalban • STEWARDS, Academic Organization of Silliman University - Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences • Living Laudato Si • Paulino V. Santiago • Pedro Santos Panadero Jr. • Nathaniel Belarmino • Altavas Historical Research Society • Altavas Rural Health Unit • Richard John Dagairag • Mark Ryan Lavente • Dr. Anjelica Izabelle Napala • Dr. Maria Inez Benedicto • Jissa Padios • Atty. Loyd Viterbo • Allen Esteban • Dr. Bonna S. Palma All the photos, statements, and information of the subjects included in the articles of this publication were utilized with the proper consent of the people and authorities involved.

This is the new dimension.

Forum-Dimensions is the official university student publication of West Visayas State University in Iloilo City. It was founded in March 1939 and remains as one of the top tertiary student publications in Western Visayas.

ISSN 2423-2750

Ger l

Zyn n

It feels like it all happened in a split second. One moment we were sleep-deprived students taking our midterm exams in the university, a little relieved that classes would be suspended for two weeks. Before we knew it, we found ourselves stuck at home for almost two years, trapped in an endless cycle of worry, selfdoubt, and fatigue—carrying the weight of isolation. This pandemic turned our world upside down, our hopes and dreams seemed to have gotten into a haywire unable to untangle itself back on track. No corner of the society is left untouched by this unseen enemy. Everyone’s fate took a different turn as if they were scenes taken straight out of a science fiction novel. Millions have perished from this deadly virus and millions still thrive in fear as our fate has been entangled with danger and uncertainties. The physical touch and in-person interaction that we once took for granted became out-ofreach. The livelihoods that kept families from living off scraps and alms were hastily taken away. The once vibrant pool of hustling individuals was left forsaken, only to gather silence and loneliness. It was as if we were suddenly shoved to a precarious abyss —secluded and confused. As we begin to accept our future living in the midst of the disease, humanity has

E Forum-Dimensions QD @forumdimensions

first ink

also found comfort in the simplest of things, like the mere thought of loved ones being safe and healthy, the newfound appreciation to things found in nature, and the dedication to a passion project. Undeniably, the impact of this pandemic is felt differently by people depending on their status and privileges in the society. While some have succumbed to the depths of despair, others took a bold leap outside their comfort zone. The COVID-19 pandemic will forever leave a mark in history. Being able to live and survive physically, mentally, and emotionally to tell the story, is in itself a great feat.

With this, we have gathered all kinds of stories to bring you the “pandemic issue” of Dimensions. What we offer through the pages of the magazine is not for the faint of heart. As we try to transport you through the crevices of this pandemic, you will find yourself surrounded by baffling realities, hopes, and what ifs. From the woes of frontliners on foreign lands; the triumph of a topnotch dreamer who wishes to serve the society through medicine; to the regrets of individuals deceived by instant gratification, a multitude of stories that capture the different faces of the pandemic await your every flip of the page. FD

The Official Student Publication of West Visayas State University

Contents

ISSN 2423-2750

Dec 2020 - Nov 2021

Vol. XLII No.1

West V Stories

Profile

Centerfold

Letters from London

Tale As Old As a Hundred and Five

More than a year into the pandemic

How an Akeanon grandmother survived the three biggest human threats in her lifetime

A collection of photographs narrating the pandemic struggles

Two stories of struggle, courage, and resilience igniting in two Taga-West nurses in London

Faith

Development

Cover Story

The Becoming

Two-Dimensional Development

The Bold

Why the Dumaguete Reclamation and Aklan Hydroelectric Power Plant Projects are the antitheses of development and why they shouldn’t have come this far

A story of human persistence amid pain, loss, and the unforgiving COVID-19 pandemic

A Taga-West’s pursuit of a long-cherished dream and what it takes to set it in motion

FORUM-DIMENSIONS

No Missed Calls

Integrity ∙ Reliability ∙ Commitment

ForumDimensions

Sining at Hinaing

Ask Pido

Cover Story

Culture & Arts

Safe Space

The Beacon

Padayon sa pag-Hala Bira sa tunga sang Pandemya

In Search of Silver Linings

The Good Doctor When an angel doesn’t have wings but a stethoscope

Ang paghanduraw sa pagselebrar sang kapiyestahan ni Señor Sto. Niño

With all the arrests and discrimination faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people there lies hope

Cover Story

Science & Technology

Society

The Brilliant

Going Viral

Roulette Game Gone Wrong

Lab Coats for Capes How a Filipino scientist and his team developed a low-cost COVID-19 testing kit in a time of worldwide shortage

The evolution of the term ‘viral’ before and during the pandemic

E Forum-Dimensions QD @forumdimensions

In this gamble for wealth, on whom do you place your bet?

The Official Student Publication of West Visayas State University

Letters London from

Two stories of struggle, courage, and resilience igniting in two Taga-West nurses in London

FORUM-DIMENSIONS

Integrity ∙ Reliability ∙ Commitment

West V Stories

Dear my fellow Taga-West, I left the country the first chance I got.

under England’s National Health Service (NHS).

That means when I graduated in 2017, I worked on my papers and was in London by 2020. The day that I left, I slept the whole 17 hours while on the plane, waking up only for meals. It was 10 hours from Manila to Qatar, then 7 hours from Qatar to London Heathrow. I thought of writing about the guilt, the disintegration of the identity I dedicated my whole young adulthood to. But who am I kidding? I am a deserter. I left my country the first chance I got. I don’t deserve to be justified. So I slept. So that I can forget that I studied so hard so that I’ll be good enough to take care of a Filipino. That is why it hurts so much, to be told that you are good at what you do. To be told thank you by a middle-aged patient known for his rudeness. To laugh with an old lady with bad tremors from her multiple sclerosis because you buttered her toast way worse than she did. To be told that you are different, that you can clean a butt well, that even if they don’t see you again, they will never forget you. To administer drug after drug, without thinking of the cost. To explore treatments without considering the financial toll on the family. It hurts so much to see that only the best is being done because you are only used to seeing the worse. It was magnified a hundred times during the pandemic. I couldn’t look at the pictures of the frontliners who stayed, even when I almost dropped out of exhaustion after rows of shifts in a COVID ward, or even when I drowned from the anxiety of being sent to a different area every single shift. Because I know no matter how hard we fought at the trenches, no matter the fear, the exhaustion and the uncertainty, it is magnified a thousand times by the lack of resources on the other side of the globe. On the side where we come from, from where we are more needed. Most days, all I can ask myself is what am I even doing here. Once, a white colleague asked a question. We are in the middle of a discussion regarding free stem cells and chemotherapy treatments

E Forum-Dimensions QD @forumdimensions

“What happens in your country then, if you haven’t got the money to pay for the treatment?” “You die.” It was said in unison. I turned around, another Filipino colleague had given the same answer to the question. A fellow staff snorted in laughter, perhaps it was because we delivered the answer like a punchline that the truth became so funny. But that is how it is, isn’t it? When you are poor and a Filipino, you die. I remember scrolling through my Facebook page once. A Filipino writer based in New York had posted about how to channel funds to nurses in the Philippines. They had been using their own phone data so dying patients could see their families for one last time. I remembered how I almost dropped a brandnew iPad on a shift trying to make the family conferencing app work. I had to ask the family liaison personnel to work it out. He came straight away, making sure all the information reaches the families was his only job after all. The call had to be at 3 pm, one of her daughters lives in Spain and had to be at work after that. I wondered how our nurses could have afforded all those calls, I had to subsist on fifty pesos per day before I left. I supposed they didn’t, couldn’t even eat. Some days, when the guilt gets so bad, I would sleep through the days to get it over with, I remind myself that nurses and medical professionals have no country, no borders. The goal is to heal. But just as soon, I get woken up by the beat of the felt drum of guilt, low and resonating. Are you where you are needed the most? Maybe that’s why it hurts so much, to be where I am now. Love,

Lys

ALYSSA JUDE M. MONTALBAN

The Official Student Publication of West Visayas State University

Dear my fellow Taga-West, Pandemic. Infectious disease. Worldwide. Those are just keywords. Who would have thought that the World Health Organization would declare COVID-19 as a pandemic last March 11, 2020? There were pandemics way before that but the modern age was still unarmed despite the resources from previous studies and researches. Every pandemic hits differently. But each has a great impact to the medical and public health. An uneven toll in a healthcare system given its country’s resources. In that very same week, I left the Philippines to pursue my nursing career in the United Kingdom. Although there was something inside me which filled an empty space for a complete feeling of guilt, I had to leave. Leaving means staying in the sense that you are carrying that emptiness inside you. It doesn’t go away. It stays with you. I had to leave despite the uncertainties. There’s a slight fear of being infected, I guess. But it is overpowered by the eagerness to help others. On the other hand, I am actually afraid of failing myself. I am afraid of my decisions. I am afraid that for once in my life, I had to plan ahead and it would just go wrong— that tomorrow will be just a noun or an adverb. Something which I will never look forward to. Fear and anger are consuming me— filling my very system with all the negative energy like having an empty powerbank in the middle of nowhere. I am lost and financially challenged. Everything isn’t just right. Everything is out of control. I didn’t even have a chance to properly say my goodbyes. It seems like I am leaving my sanity back home. There was no excitement in reaching the other side of the world. Perhaps, it actually is the same world in a different time zone. I found myself in Euston Road guilty of leaving my countrymen in the middle of a pandemic. There were different alarms and tubes which I am dealing with for the very first time. But why are there the same people?

In fact, being on the frontlines in a pandemic taught me that my patients will always be the same people. I realized that the guilty feeling was transformed to a different energy to heal. From first surge to second surge, it’s not going anywhere. It’s becoming even worse. My colleagues and my unit are on BBC news. Operating theatres were transformed to ICU beds. We had more than 1:1 patient ratio. I had my own piece of frustration. But while most of my colleagues were fighting for their mental health, my fellow Filipinos will continue to go to work unarmed by none other than— resiliency. Resiliency which is not to be romanticized. Resiliency that is overpowered by the fact that no matter how difficult life might get, it’ll be fine because we’ll definitely have worse back home. I continued to thrive in a completely different country where Florence Nightingale also lived and died. I continued to thrive with the calling even though there are times that I can no longer hear it myself. Nursing in the Philippines will always be different. It is not perfect and never will be but it is beautiful. But to pursue a career abroad is a risk and it means giving your all— sweat and blood. From being underpaid to using that very same resources for your expensive examinations. Passing will never be a guarantee as well. After all the sacrifices, the endpoint is a promise. A better salary and a better role in the healthcare team. But why am I carrying this guilt? You see, this is a love and hate relationship. I shouldn’t carry the guilt. It’s not my fault that I am seeking better opportunities. It is our healthcare system’s. Yours from afar,

p m a G y e r i Sa ANNE FRANCEINE JEAN B. CORILLO

Alyssa Jude M. Montalban and Anne Franceine Jean B. Corillo are alumnae of the College of NursingWVSU (2017) and one of the former editors-in-chief and associate editors of Forum-Dimensions from 2016-2017, respectively.FD

FORUM-DIMENSIONS

Integrity ∙ Reliability ∙ Commitment

Sining at Hinaing

Isinulat ni Angeline S. Acantilado

TUMINDIG!

Sa gitna ng mahahabang paliwanag kung bakit tayo ay dapat na manindigan, nagmistulang suntok sa buwan ang panawagang lulan ng isang larawan ng kamao na umusbong sa social media, na sa 'di inaasahang pangyagari ang siyang nag-udyok sa taumbayan na maglunsad ng kilusan kaugnay sa ipinaglalaban ng likhang ito. Ang manlilikhang si Kevin Raymundo, na mas kilala ng madla sa tawag na “Tarantadong Kalbo” ay isang mangguguhit na umagaw sa pansin ng publiko nang ibahagi niya ang kaniyang gawa na pinamagatang “Tumindig.” Nagmistulang dagat ng kamao ang social media, kagaya ng Facebook at Twitter, dahil sa naglipanang mga interpretasyon ng kaniyang likha mula sa iba't-ibang mga kilusan at organisasyon bilang kanilang kontribusyon sa pagpapaigting ng panawagan. Marami rin sa mga netizens ang nagsipalitan ng kani-kanilang profile pictures bilang suporta sa kaisipang pagpapanatili ng katatagan at katapangan sa gitna ng kinakaharap na krisis. Ang pagnanais ni Tarantadong Kalbo na pag-isahin ang sining at pagdulog ng mga hinaing ay hindi na-ilimita sa usaping pulitika

lamang, dahil ito rin ay kaniyang ginamit upang talakayin ang mga pangyagari sa pang-arawaraw na buhay, sa paglalayong magbigay ng karagdagang kaalaman tungkol sa tunay na paghihirap na pinagdadaanan ng isang pangkaraniwang mamamayan sa gitna ng pandemya. Kaakibat ng pagsasalaysay ng mga kaganapan sa gitna ng pandemya, ang panawagang solusyon patungkol sa bawat isyu sa lipunan ang siyang nagsilbing epektibong paraan para kay TK upang iugnay ang kaniyang mga likhang sining sa mga mensaheng nais niyang ibahagi. Bunsod ng makabagong estilo ng pagguhit, presko sa paningin ang mga iskit na gawa ni Tarantadong Kalbo. Hindi lamang impormatibo ang mga ito, nakakaaliw din, nakaka-engganyo at nakakatipid pa sa oras ng mga mambabasa sapagkat hindi na nila kailangan pang gumugol ng mahabang panahon sa paghimay-himay ng bawat salita upang maunawaan ang nais iparating ng mga ito. Sa kasalukuyan, mayroong higit 200,000 likes ang page ni Tarantadong Kalbo sa Facebook. Dahil sa kaniyang malikhain, mautak, at palabirong pakikiugnay sa mga tao ay lalo siyang tinangkilik, higit na nitong panahon ng pandemya.

E Forum-Dimensions QD @forumdimensions

Si Tarantadong Kalbo ay isang halimbawa na ang ating mga talento ay maaaring gamitin upang magsulong ng mas malalaki at mahahalagang layunin — na ang pagiging malikhain ay hindi lamang nakalaan upang magbigay lugod sa mata ng mga manonood, bagkus, ay maaari ring maging tagapagsalita ng mga ideolohiyang nais nating ipabatid at ipaglaban. FD

The Official Student Publication of West Visayas State University

Becoming The

A Taga-West’s pursuit of a long-cherished dream and what it takes to set it in motion

Words by Julie Anne L. Collado Photo courtesy Maria Inez S. Benedicto

A topnotcher topnotching again isn’t something we always see. Thus, when Maria Inez Sellado Benedicto, a graduate of the University’s College of Medicine (COM), topped the September 2021 Physician Licensure Examinations five years after landing the 7th spot on the September 2015 Medical Technology Licensure Examination, everyone couldn’t help but be amazed and wonder if she ever sleeps. Maria Inez shared the top spot with Jude Philip Cebrecus of the Cebu Institute of Medicine with a rating of 87.83%. Both bested more than 1,500 medical students according to the results released by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on September 24, 2021.

A dreamer and firm believer in passion and hard work, Maria Inez ticked off her goal of becoming a medical doctor and did it exceptionally. THE HEAD START Unlike others who just realized becoming a physician only later in their college years, Maria Inez already dreamed of treating other people since she was six – a desire that gave her a sense of direction and gave her a head start in the journey of being a fullfledged MD. Residing in La Carlota City, Negros Occidental, she is the youngest child of Mr. Richard and Mrs. Mirasol Benedicto. His brother, who’s less than a year older than her, was his classmate from elementary to high school.

10 FORUM-DIMENSIONS

Growing up, her parents were surprised when she was top of her class even with minimal supervision – which according to her was the start of her academic excellence. Ever since, her mother became her personal tutor. “The discipline that my mother taught me was actually the reason why I have great study habits,” Maria Inez shared. She was in the top of her class and graduated class valedictorian in high school. But there’s more to her than just her intelligence. Maria Inez loves to join extra-curricular activities like Journalism, literary contests, and even pageantry. In fact, during college in the University of Negros Occidedental – Recoletos (UNO-R) where she studied Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, she was crowned Miss UNO-R 2011. Eventually, she graduated Magna Cum Laude which is no longer a surprise given her mental capacity and

academic background. But even with that, Maria Inez remained grounded. After her victory during the Medical Technology Licensure Exam, she rested for a year before pursuing medical school. MED LIFE IN WVSU Maria Inez recalled that as a child, she would answer “to be a doctor” as a reflex whenever someone asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up. But as life happened, that desire seemed to burn out, only to be re-ignited by her encounters with healthcare professionals and sudden illnesses in their family. “After evaluating my life, I decided to enter med school, and I only applied in WVSU,” she said. “And I was grateful that the WVSU’s curriculum really suited me,” she added. Not denying the fact that she missed on a lot of occasions while attending medical school, Maria Inez blurted

Integrity ∙ Reliability ∙ Commitment

Faith PRIDE OF THE FAMILY. Together with her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Benedicto, Maria Inez posed for the camera with a smile of victory and content.

ONE FOR THE BOOKS. Dressed in a white Filipiniana, Maria Inez took her Hippocratic oath during the Online Oathtaking of the New Physicians last October 25, 2021.

DAZZLING. Maria Inez wearing her best outfit–success.

that she was still able to enjoy her life by hanging out with her friends, playing basketball, and even joining parties—contrary to what many people believe that studying is all what medical students do. When asked about what kept her going, she said “ I am so grateful for having a good support network, my supportive family, and understanding friends and teachers.” With all the timemanagement, hard work and dedication she put into her study, in [year] Maria Inez graduated as class valedictorian– another milestone in her life. PREDESTINED VICTORY For Maria Inez, preparing for the board exam was never easy on her part with all the travel restrictions and lockdowns, plus the burden of reviewing on an online set-up. According to her, the exams were hard and she just relied on her test taking skills on answering many of the questions. “I was sure that not the best version of

HOME AWAY FROM HOME. Clasping each other’s arms, Maria Inez and her medical school classmates showed that they have built not just a lasting friendship but a family.

myself will be entering that exam room. My goal is just to pass. I don’t want to put an extra pressure on myself on topping the exam,” she confessed. When the results came out, Maria Inez was playing mobile games, and it was her brother who informed her she passed. After reading some congratulatory messages from her friends, she checked the list of top 10 and saw that she nailed it. On passing the licensure exam, she stressed the importance of passion and diligence in studies, “It is really important to want something to really do it and not get burned out”. Aside from that, Maria Inez emphasized the role of her family on such success. “I wouldn’t be where I am right now if they didn’t support and believe in me.” She offers the achievement to her parents who really sacrificed a lot and to WVSU, her alma mater, which was hailed as top 4 performing school in the said licensure exam.

E Forum-Dimensions QD @forumdimensions

FUTURE PLANS After all the enduring season of studying, Maria Inez plans on resting for another year to reflect about pursuing residency training in internal medicine. And by resting, she means doing community service with her brother who is currently a city councilor in their locality. “I want to evaluate my life, enjoy things the way I did before, and rediscover myself.” When asked about her advice to those who wanted to become doctors, Maria Inez said, “Do not lose that passion to serve other people, do not give up on your dreams. This success wasn’t served on a silver platter. I worked hard for it. So before you commit yourself into something, make sure that you really want it. “ Despite being blessed with such intelligence, Maria Inez emphasized that hard work beats talent. One way and another, she proved it twice. FD

“Do not lose that passion to serve other people, do not give up on your dreams. This success wasn’t served in a silver platter. I worked hard for it. So before you commit yourself into something, make sure that you really want it.”

The Official Student Publication of West Visayas State University

Tale As Old As a Hundred and Five How an Akeanon grandmother survived the three biggest human threats in her lifetime

Words by Jonar B. Dorado & Keven Rizzo C. Sitjar

What would it be like if you get to live to tell several tales in history? What would be the odds if you experience another unfortunate yet significant piece of event? From being a first-hand witness to the battle cries of your comrades to celebrating the wars you won and weeping together over your losses? But just when you thought your life was already extraordinary enough, your fate decided to introduce you to another chronicle of a lifetime.

12 FORUM-DIMENSIONS

This is the kind of story Brigida Hilario SantosPanadero or “Lola Beding” has—in her 105 years of existence. Born on September 5, 1916, Lola Beding lived through a time when liberty was fresh from its birth, when an outside force came to threaten it but rose victorious along with her allies, and when two invisible enemies plagued the earth on two different occasions. Right at the edge of the province of Aklan, Lola Beding resides in the municipality of Altavas for more than a century now. Her name is already prominent being the oldest person in

Altavas, and at 105 she still manages to be the talk of the town, most especially when she got vaccinated against the Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) in July 2021. BORN IN BATTLE Due to her age, it is not a surprise that Lola Beding has already encountered several global health threats in her life. Hence, the current pandemic is not her first and only. In 1918, more than a year after her birth, the Spanish flu emerged worldwide as the most deadly influenza in human history that had taken away about 50 million people around

Integrity ∙ Reliability ∙ Commitment

Profile

LIVING HISTORY. Lola Beding captured in photo for the Altavas Historical Society archive. Photo courtesy Paulino V. Santiago

the world, of which, 90,000 were Filipinos. The Philippines was not spared from the Spanish flu in 1918. During the advent of the said pandemic, three of Lola Beding’s six siblings perished. At the time, science was not yet as advanced as today thus, treating such diseases was difficult, challenging and sometimes, even impossible. Vaccines were non-existent, knowledge was very limited, and people relied on traditional ways, specifically herbal medicine to treat symptoms of the flu. But the people in Altavas, including Lola Beding,

The centennial Aklanon radiates the quintessential wisdom, power, and experience. Photo courtesy Pedro S. Panadero, Jr.

survived the ordeal with their strong grip on healthy living and observance of physical distancing, as they only have a small population. AIDING THE BATTALION Decades after the global plague of influenza, Lola Beding had to face another fight for survival. This time, a battle against threats that shattered the nation’s liberty during World War II. During the pre-war, Lola Beding spent time on books, chalks, and teaching children after being hired by the American government to teach students in

E Forum-Dimensions QD @forumdimensions

elementary schools. However, all of these changed when she was admitted to the United States Armed Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) as a telephone operator in the United States Signal Corps to help allies against the Japanese. Being fluent in speaking English herself, Lola Beding played a crucial role in ensuring security and safety from invaders through communication.

As a telephone operator, she connected callers who telephoned her then plugged the wire to the call recipient’s slot. She covered the Northeastern Panay under the commands of then Major Macario Peralta. When the war was over, she went back to the world of education. She

The Official Student Publication of West Visayas State University

RECOMMENCE. Frontline workers moved past their workplace and traveled to Lola Beding’s humble abode for her to get inoculated for COVID-19. Photo coutesy Altavas Rural Health Unit

of 65. Since they are the most susceptible, lockdown measures and social distancing have been stricter to them than to any other age group. They are also the top priority to get inoculated when vaccines were finally available and accessible.

“ Though they possess invaluable wisdom and have lived longer in society, they are the most fragile group in the population due to age.”

continued her civilian life until retirement and despite her playing a significant role during the war, she never claimed any compensation and recognition for her valuable contribution. When asked why, she said, “My love for my country carries no price tag.” HER SECOND PANDEMIC Fast-forward to 2021, Lola Beding finds herself isolated from the outside world, restricted to go out of her house and being challenged by a pandemic, the second time in this lifetime. But the new disease comes with greater challenges

than the first one as the world is now more globalized and with her being a senior citizen. Senior citizens are the most vulnerable in all health-related hazards in the world and things were never easier for them when the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in the early months of 2019. Though they possess invaluable wisdom and have lived longer in society, they are the most fragile group in the population due to age. According to the Frontiers publisher in 2020, early reports have shown that about 80% of reported casualties because of COVID-19 are those over the age

When the vaccination roll-out began in Altavas, Lola Beding’s family did not hesitate to get her vaccinated immediately. She only knew she was not allowed to leave their house, entirely oblivious that the world is in complete disarray. However, despite her unawareness, she trusted her children and got her first dose of the Sinopharm vaccine. “May pisti nga ga-eapnaag, hay magpa-injection ka ag magpanghadi ka,” [There are pests lurking, so get yourself vaccinated and pray] Lola Beding’s son, Pedro Panadero, said to easily convince his mother to get vaccinated without any second doubts.

Surviving through a hundred years is not impossible and the stories encapsulating the very core of Lola Beding’s centennial journey made her a woman of might who stays steadfast against threats no other age could ever defy. As they say, the voyage is more important than what waits at the end. Indeed, Lola Beding is a living testimony that life, no matter how long it is, is worth living for. After all, stories like Lola Beding’s may seem long and arduous, yet it is one of the most gratifying series of life narratives a person could ever tell. FD

14 FORUM-DIMENSIONS

Integrity ∙ Reliability ∙ Commitment

Ask Pido

Comics by Kelly P. Ronveaux

E Forum-Dimensions QD @forumdimensions

The Official Student Publication of West Visayas State University

STEWARDS OF THE SEAS. The cerulean hues of the Dumaguete coast serve as a second abode to both divers and diving enthusiasts who share the same battle cries against the proposed reclamation project. Photo Courtesy Rhiyad Maturan

TwoDimensional Development

16 FORUM-DIMENSIONS

Integrity ∙ Reliability ∙ Commitment

Development

Scientists believe humankind has entered a new era – one defined by our own impacts so paramount that the Holocene must give way to a new unit of geologic time outlined through the potentially irreversible footprints of development. THE AGE OF MAN The genesis of the Anthropocene epoch does not have an established date in history, however, sources identify that the dawn of human dominance was put in motion during the industrial revolution, signaling the age of technological advancements.

Why the Dumaguete Reclamation and Aklan Hydroelectric Power Plant Projects are the antitheses of development and why they shouldn’t have come this far Words by Ron Eliezer G. Duhina & Nicole Anne A. Moscoso

E Forum-Dimensions QD @forumdimensions

Most of humanity’s successes including medicine, machinery, and electricity spurred during the industrial revolution, but in spite of that, the most monumental brainchild of what is considered as the “turning point of history” is the disposition that maintaining sustainability is not considered a priority at par with the concept of development.

The Official Student Publication of West Visayas State University

INTRODUCTION TO ENTROPY Dumaguete City, situated in the island of Negros, is home to the grandeurs and complexity of the marine ecosystem. The city is at the forefront of scientific research, with its living marine laboratory that serves as a site for biological assessments, not just in the Central Visayas region, but in the whole Philippines. However, its coastal areas teeming with over 200 species of fishes, seagrass, and mangroves are constantly being threatened by the

UNSUNG HEROES. Young stewards convene in a petition signing against the reclamation project; from the vantage point of this generation, the city’s remaining beautyt deserves to be conserved and protected. Photo courtesy Matthew Tabilog and Floramae Joyce Neri

proposed 174-hectare “Smart City” Reclamation project – one which scientists and students alike fear to etch a footprint so catastrophic that the city famed for its rich coastal waters might not recover from an ecological collapse. Ecologist Dr. Rene Abesamis from Silliman University’s IEMS, during a Zoom interview with ABS-CBN, said that the project entails massive ecological destruction. “I think we really need to avoid this because there is no doubt in my mind that is going to be a monumental ecological disaster…we have to understand how big this is," Abesamis further explained. He also added that the opposition stems from the absence of transparency and consultation from Dumaguete’s Local Government Unit, a manifestation of how tradition forged government institutions into prioritizing economic prosperity and development above everything else. This ideal has later on prompted the primary goal of governments across the world — the devotion to the idyllic purpose of continuously elevating the standards of living, regardless of the consequences.

for Development and Sustainability (STEWaRDS) is an organization of undergraduate and graduate programs of the Institute of Environmental and Marine Sciences (IEMS) of Silliman University fully geared towards the call to oppose the building of an artificial island within the vicinity of Dumaguete City’s coastal waters. “Development is always a good thing. But unsustainable development, as blatantly shown by this proposed project, is not. This proposition clearly ignores and undervalues the ecosystem services provided by Dumaguete’s coastal and nearshore environment,” STEWaRDS wrote in their ‘statement of opposition to the project’ posted on their official Facebook page. Moreover, STEWaRDS generated a map that showed 62.5% of seagrass beds and 60.5% of coral reefs in the area will be buried should the reclamation project thread through. They also cited landscape fragmentation, alteration of the sea-bottom topography, and erosion as major consequences of the project, all of which could contribute to a lifetime of ecocide. INCREASING ENTROPY

#NOTO174DUMAGUETE LIFE WITHIN. Dumagueteño diver snaps a shot with a sea turtle, along with other marine flora and fauna living within the city’s shoreline; it seems as if plastic pollution is not the only threat to these endangered species. Photo courtesy Uzzy Alima

18 FORUM-DIMENSIONS

Students Toward Environmental Welfare and Research

Over 500 kilometers away from Dumaguete City is the Province of Aklan, these two areas

Integrity ∙ Reliability ∙ Commitment

Development may be separated geographically, but they seemingly share the same dilemma. In the first quarter of the year 2022, the Strategic Power Development Corp. (SPDC), a whollyowned subsidiary of San Miguel Corp. (SMC) Global Power Holdings Corporation plans to establish a 300MW Aklan PumpedStorage Hydro Power Plant Project. This will be located at Nabaoy, Malay, Aklan. This offers, according to the project rationale, to “cover a portion of the renewable energy requirement to the Visayas Grid particularly during peak hours.” This means that the project will be one of the sources of energy during moments where electricity consumption is at its highest level. It will also be an avenue for employment and livelihood, increased revenue of LGUs, reduced power rates, lessen fossil fuel dependence, among others. This project, however, covers a total 122.79 hectares, with 97.89 hectares within forest land, and 24.90 hectares within a protected zone. Undoubtedly, this will cause inevitable destruction, not only to the actual area, but to the surrounding area as well. IRREVERSIBLE IMPACTS According to the second law of thermodynamics, there is an increase in entropy for any

system undergoing an irreversible process. Living Laudato Si’, an environmental conservation organization, in their statement regarding the issue said that, “Various issues are being raised since there was no proper consultation with the communities as provided by the provisions of the Local Government Code, the lack of transparency, the absence of cost and benefit analysis… constructing facilities within the natural park will greatly affect the area's ecosystem and natural processes. It is a false solution for Panay Island's energy needs… we cannot sacrifice biodiversity to pave the way for a false solution couched as a renewable energy initiative.” While the project proposes different mitigation processes such as reforestation or rehabilitation, it cannot bring back the flora and fauna once inhabiting the area. There is no amount of compensation which can cover the possible loss that can be acquired should the project push through.

man and earth is not supposed to change the factors that sustain life, but to gradually change the way people perceive the value of these factors. It is now apparent that the dilemma of the developing world is the mental burden to build a common concept of development – one that identifies the fine line between achieving short-term economic prosperity and maintaining long-term sustainability. FD

Nabaoy River, Malay, Aklan. This river is one of the natural heritages set to be destroyed upon pursuing the establishment of the said dam. Photo courtesy the local government of Malay, Aklan

PAINTING A BIGGER PICTURE Humankind continues to change and transform to elevate life in general – blinded by every benefit these projects have to offer and not seeing what is being taken away from them. The mutual coexistence between

E Forum-Dimensions QD @forumdimensions

Nabaoy River, Malay, Aklan. As a source of potable water for the surrounding residents as well as Boracay Island, no project benefit could compensate for the losses entailed by the destruction of this natural heritage. Photo courtesy the Nabaoy river Facebook page

The Official Student Publication of West Visayas State University

20 FORUM-DIMENSIONS

Integrity ∙ Reliability ∙ Commitment

Centerfold

More than a year into the pandemic Words & photos by John Glen L. Teorima MASKING THEIR PAIN. The pandemic has not been kind. Many people’s lives have changed in so many ways, but for some, it became harder and harder. Clutched by the vice grip of poverty, these people have suffered more than they should as victims of the cascading incompetence by people with power. As they continue to wear masks for protection against the COVID-19 pandemic, they continue to suffocate under the uncertainty that they might be just another statistic. Another one who lost the fight against COVID. Another one who struggled to breathe their last breath.

E Forum-Dimensions QD @forumdimensions

The Official Student Publication of West Visayas State University

JUST A LITTLE NAP. After finishing a work contract, Tatay Roming, a transient construction worker, decides to rest in front of a closed businesses’ storefront while waiting for available work rather than buying a three-hour commute ticket to his hometown.

HOW ABOUT THEM? The pandemic dealt so much damage to society. We can always see politicians making new promises and then not delivering. Medical professionals in PPEs risk their lives in the frontline without much compensation. Family members looking for hospitals – which are full 24/7 – that would accept their infected patients; and patients who die of non-COVID reasons because primary healthcare facilities are locked down. RACING FOR COINS. Manong Jerry, a jeepney driver for 20 years, straightens his bills and sets them aside in the glove compartment of his dashboard. He shares that despite the increase of the fare, it could still barely keep up with expenses for the jeep’s fuel, maintenance, and his family’s needs.

22 FORUM-DIMENSIONS

Integrity ∙ Reliability ∙ Commitment

Centerfold

BEGGING FOR KINDNESS. Despite her old age, a senior citizen beggar continues to do her rounds on a Sunday at the San Sebastian Church in Bacolod City, asking for spare change and kindness from indifferent passersby.

As the times are getting harder, the poor keep on getting poorer. Yes, we admire and glorify those who stand up for the people; the leaders who deliver results, and the frontliners who risk their lives to serve the people. But what about the common folk? The ones that do not have the privilege to stay at home or else they will die of hunger. Who will tell their stories? Who will give them a voice? FD

E Forum-Dimensions QD @forumdimensions

The Official Student Publication of West Visayas State University

“Avegaile knew death so well that he could recognize it coming. But even with such familiarity of death, his fear of it persisted when it almost came for his mother and for himself.”

the

Bold THE LEADER WITHIN. Chairperson Avegaile (center) alongside other Sangguniang Kabataan officials of Barangay Matinabus, Sigma, Capiz. Photo courtesy Avegaile Jude Fabular

24 FORUM-DIMENSIONS

FAR FROM FAMILY. Avegaile’s ‘home’ during his 14day quarantine, a tent in Capiz Gymnasium. Photo courtesy Avegaile Jude Fabular

Integrity ∙ Reliability ∙ Commitment

Cover Story

No Missed Calls A story of human persistence amid pain, loss, and the unforgiving COVID-19 pandemic

Words by Richard D. Olano, Jr.

There are phone calls that change our lives forever. At times, these are the same calls that when picked up, could spell the difference between life and death. But more often than not, when you are on the receiving end, most calls could feel like a final verdict — a fact you just have to accept. Avegaile Jude Fabular, a fourth-year student at West Visayas State University taking up Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Social Studies, received two of these calls in a span of one week. On November 14, 2020 at around 6 a.m., he awoke to the ringing of his phone — the tone he would later grow fear of upon hearing. The screen displayed ‘Sigma RHU’ (rural health unit); he tapped the ‘answer call’ icon. “Sir, nag-abot na ang imo nga result,” the voice on the line said. “Pero positive ka, Sir. So, dal-on ka namon subong sa Capiz Gymnasium, didto ikaw i-quarantine kag bantayan.” It was a Saturday when Avegaile was informed he tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19); five days after he sought medical check-up from their rural health unit, four days after he was swabbed, and three days after he received a call about the death of his uncle from the same disease. While Avegaile needed positivity at that period of his life because of prior happenings, it was not a positive COVID-19 test result he

hoped and prayed for. In July of 2020, his ‘tatay’ (grandfather) passed away and a couple of weeks before his diagnosis, his mother was found out to have gallstones needing immediate treatment. “For years, we thought ang ginabatyag ni mama ulcer lang or something sa tiyan niya. Little did we know nga may bato na siya gali sa gallbladder. Ang worst pa guid kay ginhambalan si mama sang doktor sang gina-ultrasound siya: ‘Ay, Ma’am, maglupok ini, indi na ikaw magdugay.’” Avegaile knew death so well that he could recognize it coming. But even with such familiarity of death, his fear of it persisted when it almost came for his mother and for himself. On the day he was transferred to the quarantine facility, a frail woman was transported to a hospital because she could no longer breathe—a stark reminder that someone’s first day could be somebody’s last. “Pagsulod ko guid didto sa Capiz Gym, later that night, may gindala sila (healthcare workers) sa ospital kay daw naglain na guid iya (quarantined individual) pamatyag. Hambal ko, basi amo ‘ni man bala akon maexperience sa sunod. Basi tomorrow, indi na’ko gali kaginhawa,” he said lightly. Avegaile had to stay in the quarantine facility for two weeks. “Thankfully, may mga

E Forum-Dimensions QD @forumdimensions

classmate ako, friends nga nagdul-ong sa akon sang food, fruits. Pero mabudlay guid ka tama ang sitwasyon ko kay isahanon lang guid ako,” he expressed in a poignant tone.

reply ang creator sang TikTok: ‘You cannot end your life because your soul knows that there is something prepared for you,’” he reminisced with a warm smile.

After completing the 14-day quarantine period, Avegaile was released from the facility. However, as the elected Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairperson in their locality and a fourth-year college student running for latin honors, it was a long time he needed to make up for. “Igo ako naka-recover (from the backlogs), January (of 2021) na. Ayawan ako lagas kag grabe nga pinulaw ang akon gin-ubra,” he recalled.

Avegaile said, “Siguro amo ini ang way sang akon soul sa pag-tell sa akon nga there is something bigger nga naga-await for me. And that time, grabe guid akon prayers. Hambal ko, ‘Lord, bisan ano man ang matabo sa akon, ikaw lang guihapon ang bahala.’ And amo ‘to, na-realize ko nga nothing is permanent man guid sa problema. Tanan-tanan, ginaagyan ta lang ‘na. It will come to an end.”

Financially constrained and emotionally unstable, the recovery he expected for himself and his family was a bit further than he imagined. In December of 2020, Avegaile’s father was involved in a vehicular accident and suffered from broken ribs after crashing into a stockpile in an ongoing road construction. A month later, his younger sibling survived head injuries from another road accident. Both of them, according to Avegaile, are still recovering. One may call Avegaile’s 2020 a series of unfortunate events, but he believes otherwise. “Sadto, may na-encounter ako nga TikTok post. Then, nag-comment ako nga ‘I want to end everything but it seems that I cannot.’ After that, nag-

In October this year, Avegaile’s mother underwent surgery for the removal of her gallstones. While she is still under recovery and has other health concerns, their family is hoping for the best outcomes. Avegaile is also now back to his academic and SK responsibilities. For many, it is a nerve-wracking experience to answer a call from an unknown number. But if there’s something we can learn from Avegaile and his family, it’s the importance of having the courage to pick up our cell phone whenever it rings, clicking on the ‘answer call’ icon, and listening to the voice on the line. After all, in life, we will not always be at the receiving end. FD

The Official Student Publication of West Visayas State University

“I think what helps me in that fight is that I know who this fight is for.”

the

Beacon THE ANGELIC DOCTOR. Doc Anjel makes sure to give her patients her best smile during consultation amid a long day ahead. Photo courtesy Dr.Anjel Napala

26 FORUM-DIMENSIONS

SELFLESS COMPASSION. Doc Anjel’s commitment in giving her fellow Filipinos quality healthcare even in far-flung areas, knows no bounds. Photo courtesy Dr.Anjel Napala

Integrity ∙ Reliability ∙ Commitment

Cover Story

The Good Doctor When an angel doesn’t have wings but a stethoscope Words by Ella Hyacinth R. Golez Dirt roads, rough paths, steep highlands, and far away from home. But when duty called, Doc Anjel did not hesitate to answer her patients’ medical needs as the “Doctor to the barrio” (DTTB) in the rural community of San Isidro, Davao del Norte during the pandemic. Never daunted by the likelihood of contracting the coronavirus disease herself on duty—Doc Anjel continued rendering her service in the name of kindness and compassion. Like other Filipino health frontliners, Doc Anjel’s selflessness illuminates through one of the darkest days in San Isidro but even the light in her spirit is being challenged by the unseen enemy to dim. And this is her story. THE ONE WHERE IT ALL BEGAN Dr. Anjelica Izabelle F. Napala, also known as “Anjel” to her loved ones, was born into a close-knit and loving brood in Davao City on August 14, 1981. Although their family is considered “unconventional” after her parents had separated, they were still able to nurture a healthy relationship with one another. Doc Anjel may be a walking sunshine to people around her, but she often finds herself in profound matters most especially about God. Furthermore, her love languages are manifested through extending help and quality time—she wants to be remembered as a servant at heart. In fact, she once dreamed of becoming a missionary to help those in need and share to them the Lord’s gospel. But life took her to a relatively similar

turn when she entered the University of the Philippines-Mindanao as a Biology major and Cellular Molecular Biology minor in 2008. Every week, she trekked mountains along with her sorority, to reach the Matigsalug tribe for their outreach activity. “I remember when we were going up to the mountains when I was in college. I saw people who never saw doctors, ever. A lot of us do not have access to good medical care.What inspired me were those moments where I realized there was a need for the community to have more doctors to the barrios,” Doc Anjel said. From then on, she envisioned that when she became a doctor, she would be helping those like the Matigsalug and the underprivileged sector of the society. THE REALIZATION OF A DREAM “I think it is already part of my character. I’m a fighter so I don’t give up easily. But I think what helps me in that fight is that I know who this fight is for. If you know what you’re fighting for, who you’re living for, and who you’re willing to die for. It’s hard but you can do it,” she explained. AN “ANJEL” FROM HEAVEN After becoming a licensed physician, she was deployed in the mountainous San Isidro, Davao Del Norte, a fifth class municipality. On her first year there, she adjusted to the village’s culture and lifestyle while attending to her patients’

E Forum-Dimensions QD @forumdimensions

needs—there were even instances where she financed their medication. Next thing she knew, in 2020, she was battling an invisible threat with the villagers, unequipped with knowledge and enough resources to triumphantly eradicate the problem. Although her spirit was extremely challenged during that time, she also felt the sense of fulfillment in serving her fellow Filipinos— because for Doc Anjel, she would rather have a meaningful and purposeful life than to have a purposeless and directionless life at all. During the first onslaught of the pandemic, she was working alongside the Municipal Health Officer of San Isidro—at that time, they did not only answer the people’s health concerns but they also made policies, risk assessment, and management for everyone’s safety in the village. Their job was not entirely easy and there came a time she wanted to quit but she found strength in her faith in God. “There were so many times na we had to do things na were not already in our contract. There were a lot of times na tapos na ang aming job 8AM-5 PM lang pero 12 midnight, 3AM tinatawagan ako para mag responde. So I said ‘Lord, gusto ko ng magquit.’ But everything was overpowered by God’s mighty voice saying not to give up. For me, personally, si Lord talaga is my comfort and strength,” she said. Furthermore, as the officer-in-charge and facility manager of the pandemic facilities of their municipality, it showed her the value of

intersectoral collaboration and having sound decision -making through research and verified news. “I realized that the last thing that healthcare had to do was to be responsive. It must be preemptive. We, the health professionals and leaders have to be equipped, wise, and skilled,” Doc Anjel emphasized. When her DTTB contract concluded in January 2021, she asked herself and the Lord what would be next for her. Her prayer was answered when her heart and mind told her to go back home and spend time with her family. At home, she started checking up on patients online and she realized that God was bringing her closer to families. Thus, she decided to specialize in Family Medicine. In August 2021, she received her Master’s degree in Public Health from UP Manila and at the present time, she is working in the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth). “People should know that doctors are just humans too. People should know that there is just one beacon and that is the Lord Jesus Christ who said ‘I am the way, the truth, and the light,’” she highlighted. Doc Anjel is just one of the many people who proved that good deeds never run out in good-willed people like her. Like other medical frontliners, Doc Anjel is an angel who walks the Earth not with a pair of wings and a halo but an angel clothed in personal protective equipment and a stethoscope—the light amid the darkness. Doc Anjel truly lives up to her name. FD

The Official Student Publication of West Visayas State University

“We [scientists] are also citizens of this country. We are also bound to respond to the country’s needs.”

the

Brilliant PROUDLY FILIPINO-MADE. The GenAmplify™ COVID-19 rRT-PCR Detection Kit developed by a team of 15 Filipino scientists headed by Dr. Raul V. Destura. Photo from Jilson Tiu/ CNN Philippines

28 FORUM-DIMENSIONS

OF VIALS AND SPECIMENS. A scientist doing laboratory work at the Philippine Genome Center where they developed the COVID-19 detection kit. Photo from CNN Philippines

Integrity ∙ Reliability ∙ Commitment

Cover Story

Lab Coats for Capes How a Filipino scientist and his team developed a low-cost COVID-19 testing kit in a time of worldwide shortage.

Words by Gerlyn Joy P. Rojo

In the early months of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, when the Philippines had just started to realize the severity of the disease and ordered strict lockdowns nationwide, essential medical supplies for both ordinary citizens and medical personnel became scarce. The demand for masks, face shields, rubbing alcohol, personal protective equipment, and the newly developed COVID-19 test kits have ballooned worldwide but the supply was too low as manufacturing companies were caught off guard. There was even a time in the first week of March 2020, when confirmed cases were at almost 20 people and rapidly climbing, but the testing capacity of the country which had over a hundred million citizens, was only 4,500 individual tests—and only half of it was left. With more people coming forward to be tested while testing capacity was very limited, Filipino scientists stepped up and proved that local brilliant minds have the capacity to be at the forefront of innovation and be a source of hope and pride for the people. In the second week of March 2020, it was announced that a SARS-CoV-2 detection kit was developed in the Philippines by a team of scientists from the Philippine Genome

Center and University of the Philippines Manila’s National Institute of Health. This is known to be the GenAmplify™ COVID-19 rRTPCR Detection Kit which is a real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction kit. It is able to detect the virus via nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs. According to the Department of Science and TechnologyNational Research Council of the Philippines, Manila HealthTek Inc. was the spinoff company established to produce these test kits. They are relatively cheaper in cost as each kit is commercially sold for Php 1,300 while the units being sold at hospitals during that time were around Php 8,000. The team of 15 Filipino scientists who worked on developing the test kit was headed by Dr. Raul V. Destura, a microbiologist and infectious disease expert, the inventor of Biotek-M which is also a rapid test kit for Dengue, a clinical and research associate professor of medicine at the UP-College of Medicine, and the Deputy Executive Director of the Philippine Genome Center. Dr. Destura’s research focuses on “developing low-cost technologies for the control of infectious diseases in the Philippines and the generation of new knowledge

E Forum-Dimensions QD @forumdimensions

to find sustainable and equitable solutions to disease of poverty,” according to an article from CNN Philippines.

an advisory approving the commercial use of the locally-made test kits and its distribution to hospitals.

In an interview with the ABS-CBN News Channel, he expressed that when the news broke that there was a novel coronavirus and that the number of cases has increased around the world, he already knew that he would have an important mission to do for the nation. Dr. Destura was already taking note of the numbers that when the senate summoned UP-NIH for advice, he already declared that they will prepare a testing kit.

This display of brilliance by Filipino scientists goes to show that Science is alive and thriving in the Philippines. Even with limited budgets, especially for the Science community, a problem that Dr. Destura’s team was no stranger to, Filipino skills, talents, and intellect continue to compete globally. What more if they had more advanced resources?

After China released the whole genome sequence of the virus to other countries in January 2020, Dr. Destura and his team started working on the test kits. Leading the team of scientists, he likened himself to a “conductor of symphony” since he had the idea and experimental design but he trusts and assigns scientists to every step of the process and they convene at noon, night and even at the break of dawn due to time constraints. With the tedious work that they have done, finally, in March 2020, the Food and Drug Authority approved its field trial with gene sequencing and in April 2020, the agency released

In a CNN Philippines article, he mentioned that his takeaway as the lead scientist was fairly simple. He said that, “We [scientists] are also citizens of this country. We are also bound to respond to the country’s needs. It’s our duty, actually. We are scientists, then we should be scientists. We’re not politicians. We’re not artists.” Truly, the COVID-19 pandemic has greatly affected the lives of people worldwide. It incited panic, worry, and loss of hope especially for the marginalized in the Philippines. At a time of uncertainty, brilliant Filipino scientists accepted the challenge of providing a lifeline to their countrymen. It is thrilling to look forward to what the Filipino minds come up with next. FD

The Official Student Publication of West Visayas State University

Padayon sa pag-Hala Bira sa tunga sang Pandemya Gindihon nanday Maria Kayla T. Tingzon kag Zynnie Rose C. Zaragosa

Ang madinu-agon nga mga biste sang kada tribu, malaba nga hilera sang lunsay mga pagkaon kag produkto nga nakalatag sa mga dalanon sa siyudad, mga borloloy nga nakasab-it sa li-og kag nakapuron-puron sa ulo sang mga tumandok kag turista, kag ang indi guid madula nga paglinagumba sang tambor bilang senyales nga ang kasadyahan maga-umpisa na.

Mga laragway nga ginkuha ni Carl Don S. Berwin

30 FORUM-DIMENSIONS

Integrity ∙ Reliability ∙ Commitment

Culture and Arts

HAYAG NGA EMOSYON. Indi lang ang madinuagon nga mga kolorete, borloloy, kag biste ang bugal sang kada tribo kon indi pati man ang makalilingaw nga mga ekspresyon sa nawong sang tagsa ka manog-saot nga masami resulta sang ila sinsero nga pagrepresentar sang bugana nga kultura sang mga Ilonggo.

E Forum-Dimensions QD @forumdimensions

The Official Student Publication of West Visayas State University

Sang una, amo ini ang klase sang kasako nga naandan sang mga Ilonggo kada ika-apat nga Dominggo sang Enero. Ugaling sa aton kahimtangan sa karon, kon sa diin may yara kita sang ginapangatubang nga isa ka kasumpong nga indi makita, halos tanan nga butang kag mga hilikuton ang nagbag-o. Madayon pa ayhan ang aton pagdagyang? Bantog ang tuigan nga selebrasyon sang kapiyestahan ni Señior Sto. Niño sa nagkalainlain nga lugar sa bug-os nga pungsod. Isa na diri ang paghiwat sang Dinagyang Festival sa siyudad sang Iloilo bilang simbolo sang himpit nga Kristohanon nga debosyon kag pagtu-o sang mga Ilonggo. Sa pagbutlak pa lang sang adlaw, mabati-an na pagdinaguob sang mga tambor, ang huni sang kasadya nga amat-amat nga nagadominar sa bilog nga siyudad. Nagasugod naman sa pagdamo ang mga tawo bangod sang nanari-sari nga mga gimik nga tatak lokal guid sa mga ka establisyemento kag dalanon. Sa tunga sang mga eksperyensya nga ini, ginaantisipar guid sang tanan, tumandok man ukon dumuluong, ang madinuagon nga pagpasundayag sang mga tribu nga kabahin sa Ati Tribe Competition bilang highlight sang kapiyestahan. Indi lang bangod sang kasagad sa pagsaot kag ang world-class nga paghimo sang ila mga biste ang rason kon nga-a

32 FORUM-DIMENSIONS

tuman guid ang pagsubaybay sang publiko, kon indi pati man sa kon paano nila ginagamit ang ila abilidad kag ihibalo sa pagpasangkad sang aton kultura paagi sa paghiwat sa sini nga singkwenta y tres anyos nga tradisyon. Apang indi guid m apanginwala sang kadam-an ang halit nga gintuga sang COVID-19 kapin pa sang nagsulod na ini sa aton pungsod. Luwas sa linibo nga nagtaliwan bangod sini, madamo man ang nasamaran— pisikal, emosyonal, sikolohikal, kag mangin sa pinansyal nga aspeto. Wala man nagkaladayon ang mga kahiwatan nga nagadala kasadya sa tagsa ka pumuluyo sa nagkalainlain nga mga lugar sa Pilipinas tungod sa mga restriksyon nga ginapatuman sa pagbato batok sa makahalalit nga kagaw, gani, wala guid nasalbar ang pagselebrar sa sini nga mga hitabo. Sa kadugayon sang tion nga aton ginahiwat ang Dinagyang, naandan na naton ang kompetisyon nga ginabuylogan sang nagkalain-lain nga mga tribu gikan sa mga eskwelahan nga natukod sa pito ka distrito sang siyudad, ugaling bangod sa halit nga dala sang pandemya, kinahanglan sang plano nga magasanto sa polisiya nga ginaimplementar sang Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) agod mapadayon ang paghiwat sang kapiyestahan. Tungod kay indi man madala

Integrity ∙ Reliability ∙ Commitment

Culture and Arts

sang kada tagpalasakop ang ngalan sang ila school-based nga tribu sa kabangdanan nga wala sang face-to-face classes, nagdesisyon ang mga nagadumala sang kahiwatan nga kada distrito nalang ang pag-grupo kag wala lang anay sang kompetisyon nga matabo. Amo nga apisar sang kabudlay, mas nangin makusog ang pakighimbon sang mga tribu para bisan sa virtual lang nga pamaagi, maga-sige saguihapon ang pagdagyang. Sa pagdumala sang gobyerno lokal sang siyudad kag Iloilo Festival Foundation Incorporated, paagi man sa intersesyon ni Señior Sto. Niño, natigayon guid ang selebrasyon. Tungod sa sining pasipala, natukod ang Ilonggo Artists Festival Association, isa ka asosasyon kon sa diin kabahin ang nagkalain-lain nga mga artist, director, choreographer, dance master, musical director, costume designer, visual artist, kag mga performers nga nagpanikasog agod mangin madinalag-on ang selebrasyon bisan limitado ang ila paghulag dulot sang mabudlay nga sitwasyon. “Kami ginaconsider namon nga kami ang backbone, isa man ka haligi sang magpatukod sang Dinagyang festival. Nagplano ang mga stakeholders kon paano ipadayon ang tradisyon sang Dinagyang Festival,” pag-ako ni Mr. Romel B. Flogen, presidente sang Ilonggo Artists Association Incorporated.

E Forum-Dimensions QD @forumdimensions

Kon si Sir Romel ang patan-awon, ang pagpa-iway sang pagpa-indisanay, nga kon kaisa ginatunaan sang suya-ay kag indi pag-intiendihanay, ang nagpabakod agod maghugpong bilang isa ang mga Ilonggo apisar sang mabudlay nga sitwasyon. Kaangay sang iban nga sektor, wala man sila naluwas sa mga pagpamatok ang ila pagdayon sang selebrasyon, mangin ang ikaayong-lawas sang mga kabataan kag iban pa nga katapo sang virtual Dinagyang ang isa man sa ginkabalakhan nila. “Ginhawa namon katago ang pagconduct sang drumming, and of course gintago namon sa studio, through ang mga drums and instruments and musical accompaniment namon, so kabudlay gid magrealign sang choreography sa music knowing nga separate rehearsal siya,” siling ni Sir Romel, may angot sa kabudlay magtago sang mga performers nga naka-biste sa posibilidad nga dugukan sila. Kon sang-una may kahilwayan ang mga tribu sa paghatag sang ila interpretasyon sa tema, para sa tuig 2020 ginsentro ang topiko sa mga panaysayon kon paano natukod ang pito ka distrito sa siyudad paagi sa ila himpit nga debosyon kay Santo Niño, agod mag-angot sa tema nga “One Dinagyang, One Iloilo halad kay Sr. Sto. Niño." Nagbukas ang virtual Dinagyang sa pag-abi-abi nanday Miss Universe-Philippines

The Official Student Publication of West Visayas State University

“Kami ginaconsider namon nga kami ang backbone, isa man ka haligi sang magpatukod sang Dinagyang festival. Nagplano ang mga stakeholders kon paano ipadayon ang tradisyon sang dinagyang festival." Rabiya Mateo, Mayor Jerry Treñas, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., kag Atty. Jobert Peñaflorida, Presidente sang Iloilo Festivals Foundation Incorporated kag isa man sa nagdumala sa pag-organisa sang kapiyestahan. Ini ang ginsundan man sang isa ka video nga nagapakita sang aton kultura nga asta sa karon ang saguihapon nga ginapasanyog sang mga Panay Bukidnon. Gindala man ni Mateo, kaupod si Rocco Nacino bilang host, ang mga tumalan-aw sa nagkalain-lain nga mga lugar nga masami ginalagawan kag ginakadtuan, kaangay sang Iloilo River Esplanade, ang baybay sa Villa, Parokya ni Santa Ana, ang pamoso nga mansyon sa Molo, kag ang maanyag nga anggulo sang pagtunod sang adlaw nga ginabalik-balikan guid sa Fort San Pedro. Pagkatapos ipagwa sang pre-filmed presentation sang mga tribu, sila man ang nangin isa sa paghatag pagkilala sa aton kultura kag relihiyon paagi sang isa ka

34 FORUM-DIMENSIONS

dance drama bilang pagtakop sa bug-os nga kahiwatan. Wala man naton pisikal nga na-eksperyensyahan ang pagparada sang kada tribu, paglinagumba sang mga tambor, kag pagsinadya sa mga dalanon, nagserbe pahanumdom ang amo sini nga presentasyon sang Dinagyang Festival agod aton mabalikid ang matuod-tuod nga rason sa likod sang paghiwat sang sini nga kapiyestahan— ang pagpamalandong kag pagpasalamat sa pag-ubay kag mga grasya nga ginbuot sang Mahal nga Sto. Niño sa aton. Ang mga pagbag-o ang kasubong man nga ginbaton sang mga Ilonggo, bilang patimaan nga wala guid sang imposible kapin pa kon ang tanan naga-ugyon para sa isa ka kawsa—ang mapadayon ang paghala bira apisar sa pagpatunga sang bisan ano pa man nga mga pagpanghangkat. FD

Integrity ∙ Reliability ∙ Commitment

Culture and Arts

MGA ATI SA DALANON. Tuman guid nga ginaantisipar sang mga tumandok man ukon dumulu-ong ang Ati Tribe Competition nga ginapasakupan sang nagkalain-lain nga mga tribu gikan sa siyudad sang Iloilo.

E Forum-Dimensions QD @forumdimensions

The Official Student Publication of West Visayas State University

36 FORUM-DIMENSIONS

Integrity ∙ Reliability ∙ Commitment

Science and Technology

GOING VIRAL

The evolution of the term ‘viral’ before and during the pandemic Words by Reesa T. Azarraga & Reynold L. Sumido Jr. The term viral, in its first meaning, comes from the Latin word “vïrus” that refers to a poisonous liquid. Although the etymology of the word is already archaic, its meaning describes the concept that it is set to relate—a poison that generously flows but proliferates rapidly and its result is hostile and unstoppable.

E Forum-Dimensions QD @forumdimensions

The Official Student Publication of West Visayas State University

CONTAGIOUS. Medical frontliners transport a COVID infected corpse while donning their PPE, as the disease is being transmitted through physical contact. Photo from The Japan Times

LITERALLY A MONEY PLANT/ MILLIONS OF MONEY PLANT. Sansevieria BG regale hybrid, a one in a million Philippine plant displayed at the MOA exhibit primarily priced at 1 million until offers reached 10 million. Photo from Agriculture Monthly

These properties perfectly encapsulate the pathological condition that replicates aggressively in the human body causing it to be a special term being used in the medical community. But its application as a word underwent another meaning when the digital revolution utilized it as a term for administering marketing and information management. Today, the term is not only exclusive in the medical sense because it has sneaked its way colloquially, denoting social or cultural phenomena circulating swiftly on the global web. As the term adapts another transformation in our verbal play, it seems like it is also changing our discourse when we talk about what it really means to “go viral”. ON THE CUSP OF

DOMINATING THE INTERNET. Content uploaded to the internet by any user that gained many interactions can easily spread and become popular. Photo from ie University

38 FORUM-DIMENSIONS

DANGER In December 2019, a new disease was born in Wuhan, China, called the novel Coronavirus (nCOV) with its causative virus Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARSCoV- 2), the causative virus of COVID-19; its source, however, is

unknown. The world was in surprise for having a pandemic that, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), has a mortality rate possibly 10 times or more than that of most strains of the flu. Coronavirus is not new as it is already common to animals such as cattles and camels, but it was only in 1965 when scientists discovered a coronavirus strain known to cause colds in humans. It was named after the Latin word “corona” because researchers found out that when examined under the microscope, the virions appeared to have a semblance to the structure of a crown. In February, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially named it as the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic — possibly the greatest pandemic of this century in terms of scope and speed with the highest number of global mortalities and infection fatality rate. Sometime in March, the whole country has already imposed lockdowns, observed both maximum and minimum health protocols, strict home quarantine, and travel restrictions that led to the closure of establishments and

Integrity ∙ Reliability ∙ Commitment

Science and Technology

institutions due to the rapid rise of COVID cases and death count. The pandemic is not only a health crisis, but also a threat to the global economy. A table from World Bank (2020) forecasted that the global economy is expected to decrease by 5.2% this year which is by far, the deepest recession since World War II. OUT OF THE FOLDS However, aside from COVID-19, there’s another kind of “virus” that set the internet in a craze in 2020. The rise of TikTok—an application that shows primarily video content that is 15-seconds in length, has become a daily staple where anyone can show-off their goofy side, dance their hearts out, and distract people from thinking about the present situation too much. Moreover, a few months into the community quarantine, Filipinos have turned to plants causing the rise of plantitos and plantitas (local colloquial term for plant owners) with their wide array of plants and homegrown gardens. Others ventured into

starting small businesses by selling plants online where some delicately expensive plants can be sold at least P100,000 to P300,000. Undeniably, the online web, along with newly discovered hobbies during quarantine has become a form of escape from the unprecedented disruption brought by the pandemic. Now more than ever, the dynamism of language is also at its peak as some phrases and expressions were forged including the infamous sana all (means “How I wish everyone experiences that”), luh (short for hala), oof (“Oops!”), awit (describes the feeling of pain or disappointment), and sakalam (inverse of the word malakas). These are some of the words that facilitate our varying emotions through language that make meaning of our experiences and perspective in light of today's circumstances.

Philippines. Mass media and social networks are platforms designed for a broader range of communication, but lately, these have turned into breeding grounds of uncertainties. According to a recent report by the WHO, in the first three months of 2020, nearly 6,000 people were hospitalized wherein recent research suggests that during this period at least 800 people may have died because of COVID-19 misinformation. Furthermore, misinformation has cost lives where immunization campaigns do not meet their target so the virus continues to thrive heightening the risk for conflict and paranoia for the public. The spread of fake news during this time is rampant because of the overwhelming weight

of information that the mass public can no longer tell the difference between reliability and inaccuracy. Just like a virus, it infects the mind in motivating it to take actions that counteract its own best interest. The sense of the word itself evolves through time illustrating the dynamism of language. They appear to be brought by the changes in society, especially in culture and technology, where they seem to be widely and quickly accepted nowadays. As we fight against the adverse consequences of a newborn virus, it seems like we are also retracing our steps in defining the context of what it really means to go viral in the modern world. FD

WHEN IT SPREADS LIKE A WILDFIRE Fighting misinformation and fake news in time of the pandemic has been one of the great challenges grappled by many countries, most especially in the

E Forum-Dimensions QD @forumdimensions

The Official Student Publication of West Visayas State University

In search of silver linings With all the arrests, harassment, and discrimination faced by lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in the community, there lies hope

Words by Julie Anne L. Collado & Richard D. Olano Jr. “I believe we can all come together, because if you take away the labels, you realize we’re far more alike than we are different,” crafted especially for the LGBT people, this encouraging line from Ellen DeGeneres, TV host, and comedian is just one of today’s messages that resonate around the world. A simple yet uplifting statement that we all probably need to hear. Every day, the LGBT people face discrimination in almost all aspects of their lives. Perhaps most painful of all, and unlike other minority groups, many face violence and rejection from their own families and religious communities. While these issues are extremely challenging, LGBT people are taking control of their own futures and winning major victories. In the University, two LGBTs shared their struggles, shortcomings, and fulfillment especially during these trying times. In this safe space, you will discover the salient moments of their lives intended to facilitate communication and self-

expression without fear of further marginalization. TAKING THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED BY Richard John Dagairag, a 4th year Bachelor of Physical Education student, considered himself part of the LGBT community after he entered Junior High School. “Ever since grade school din naman I felt something odd about me like, loving some stuff other boys would not do so. I often reenact how each member of the Winx Club transforms, I remember.” Mark Ryan Lavente, a 4th year Bachelor of Science in Information System student, on the other hand, came into terms with himself in his childhood and by the end of junior high school he had fully embraced who he really is. Both shared that being gay in a society where judgment is indelible is a downright struggle. “It’s discouraging actually, how you can’t join discussions and talk opinions, for example in politics, if your opinion is opposite with them do you know where will they attack

40 FORUM-DIMENSIONS

you? Not in your opinions or stands, but with who you are,” Richard John said. These two, amid knowing the painful consequences of coming out as gays, chose to travel the path different from most, and wholeheartedly flaunted their colorful wings. WHERE HOPE LIES When asked if the University is LGBT-friendly, Mark Ryan and Richard said yes. “Since I stepped into the university, I don’t feel like hiding anymore, I can be who I am and be proud. The university made me feel the warmth with the gender identity options they added for the enrollment forms,” Mark Ryan said. “I haven’t read nor heard news about discrimination in our university and our university is composed of LGBT members from students to teachers actually. We are also introducing LGBT through activities and like-themed programs and organization also,” Richard John added. Among the things that Richard and Mark Ryan

are looking forward to is acceptance and normalization so that no one would feel rejected. This collective cry for acceptance and equality from all the other LGBT people and everyone that loves and supports them spark a glimmer of hope that, when ignited further, would burn brightly. “To those who are still afraid to come out, the world is too beautiful to be in the closet. Prejudices and criticisms will be there even if you are straight so why stop yourself from deserving the best,” Richard said. Perhaps, the silver lining in the LGBT community’s current struggles is the fact that they have each other as safe spaces. Not everyone has someone they could go to for comfort, understanding, and affirmation. Richard John and Mark Ryan, proved that even with all the chaos going on and the verdict thrown at them, they could count on their LGBT family for respect and love – and sometimes, that’s all that matters. FD

Integrity ∙ Reliability ∙ Commitment

Safe Space

Artwork by Jericho Fazon

E Forum-Dimensions QD @forumdimensions

The Official Student Publication of West Visayas State University

Roulette Game Gone Wrong

In this gamble for wealth, on whom do you place your bet?

Words by Clint M. Bellosillo & Julie Anne L. Collado Earlier this year, the name “Chiyuto” became infamous as online publications and media companies started reporting about the ‘alleged investment scam’ perpetrated by Patrocenio C. Chiyuto Jr. also known as “Don Chiyuto”, a resident of Roxas City, Capiz, through the Chiyuto Creative Wealth Document Facilitation Services (CCWDFS). According to a sworn statement by one of the investors, Don Chiyuto is enticing the public to invest in CCWDFS that will double

their money in one day, 30 days or 45 days depending on the promotion. They are giving a 5% referral commission to someone who can bring additional investors to him. They are also giving away brand new cars and motorcycles through raffle entries to entice more investors. But the issue began when most investors who could no longer be paid on the payout schedules tried to seek for the intercession of the Capiz politicians, but to no avail.

Photo from Pinoy Adventurista

42 FORUM-DIMENSIONS

Integrity ∙ Reliability ∙ Commitment

Society

In February 2021, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has revoked the incorporation and registration of CCWDFS One-Person Corporation (OPC) in connection with several violations of the Securities Regulation Code (SRC) arising from a “double-your-money” roulette game scheme that duped Capiznons into investing “hundreds of millions of pesos.”

The SEC Enforcement and Investor Protection Department (EIPD) also directed the Chiyuto Creative entities registered with the SEC and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), as well as proprietor Patrocenio Chiyuto, Jr., to pay a total fine of Nine Million pesos (P9,000,000,000).

Chiyuto and OPC were found liable for violating Sections 8.1 (offering and selling unregistered securities), 28.1 (acting as a securities broker without a license), and 26.1 (employing fraud and engaging in Ponzi schemes), according to a 30-page order on SEC EIPD Case Number 2021-3115, dated February 15.

And just like that, the game was over for the investors.

E Forum-Dimensions QD @forumdimensions

A VICTIM’S LAMENT After investing a sevendigit amount of money to CCWDFS, “Chinee”, a nursing student at the University and his family, endured eight long months of waiting for their return of investment. But to no luck, the accumulated fruit of hard work and labor of Chinee’s family disappeared into the wilderness of uncertainty, recklessness, and hellhole as it appeared that the CCWDFS won’t hold itself accountable for all the money it devoured.

has to speak. Most of the time, speaking comes with consequences. The Don Chiyuto issue has opened her eyes to these consequences that she, a newbie, has to deal with. It was January 25 this year when she first wrote about CCWDFS. Chiyuto was a big name in Capiz —she was aware of that, too. When her news story was published on the said station’s Facebook page and website, the backlash was almost unbearable. To quote some violent reactions: '#YesToBomboRadyoShutdown??'

'Patay huya!' 'Fake News. Bobo.'

'Mga mahisaon gid.' .'

“My family was robbed not just of hard-earned money, but also of peace, clear thinking, sound mind, happy heart, and financial stability,” Chinee shared. The waiting game has already taken a toll on their mental health, several relationships, and even friendships. Another delay means another doubtful day, and Chinee for one, could just no longer afford it. IN THE SHOES OF A JOURNALIST Jissa Padios was fully aware of the nature of her job when she started working as a broadcast journalist at Bombo Radyo-Iloilo Station: everything is never done privately because she

To make things worse, Chiyuto aka Don Chiyuto aka Don Zhang Lee Chiyuto, the CEO himself, had read the story and got fuming mad. He posted Jissa’s picture, along with the pictures of her two other colleagues (the anchor and the reporter) on his Facebook wall, saying they were 'spreaders of fake news' and 'tan-awon ta lang kun maka-guwa kamo sa Capiz.' It was a threat, of course, that his thousands of followers have supported. Their photos were all over Chiyuto’s supporters' feed, they were laughed at, cursed – over and over. “I remember crying. I remember crying so much that night I was so afraid to write again,” Padios shared.

The Official Student Publication of West Visayas State University

UNBOTHERED. Don Chiyuto with a pile of money — a typical pose of an Investment Guru. Photo from Radyo Todo - Capiz News

At the moment, Bombo Radyo was tagged as the antagonist in the story. No matter how many times they presented the statement of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the SEC, the notion was the same: Bombo has robbed the chance of people to double their hardearned money. The same old foul words did not stop immediately. Everyday, the station was flooded with curse words.

'shady' because Bombo Iloilo has no jurisdiction over the people of Capiz, but they have deemed it necessary to sustain the story because many, not only Capizeños, have fallen victim to opportunistic strategy of the rich and opportunistic people in time of a global pandemic.

But amid it all, Jissa and her colleagues armed themselves with facts, because at the end of the day, she was reminded that, 'wala ta ya nagahimuhimo istorya di.' It was a running issue. They sustained the story. Many argued that it was

This investment scam could be better comprehended if we do not limit our knowledge to the perspective of victims alone. Atty. Loyd Viterbo, legal counsel of the University, also shared his insights regarding the subject for further enlightenment.

THROUGH THE

According to Atty. Viterbo, the CCDWFS was operating a Ponzi Scheme which is essentially the payment of profits from investments collected from other investors. The company does not operate any legitimate business. It exists solely for soliciting investments and "rolling" these investments to pay earlier investors. Of course, the facilitators keep money for themselves.

“On the side, the corporate name Chiyuto Creative Wealth Documentation Facilitation Services OPC, itself, does not show that it is operating as an investment company. For all we know, it is merely a photocopying enterprise. This is another reason why its investors should have been extra careful before shelling out money to invest,” he shared.

EYES OF AN EXPERT

As a legal counsel, Atty. Viterbo advised that people should perform due diligence when it comes to investment like checking the company out with SEC since it usually issues advisories in its website warning the public against illegitimate companies or questionable investment schemes.

Perhaps, the saying “Never put your eggs in one basket,” is true. If only the investors were extra critical in choosing their investment vehicles, they might have not ended up losing their money all at once, and this roulette game might have never existed in the first place. But the damage has been done and victims could only hope that Chiyuto, amid the ‘alleged kidnapping’ incident that happened to him, would have the heart to bring back all their money as they have certainly placed them on the wrong bet.

44 FORUM-DIMENSIONS

Integrity ∙ Reliability ∙ Commitment

IN MEMORIAM To the lives we lost in this battle 2020-2021

Join our FB group

Like and follow: E Forum-Dimensions Q D @forumdimensions