The Forum Online Newsletter 2022

For Vinson, this has been a painful decision since cutting her hair also felt like curtailing the chance to be comfortable and confident by truly expressing

She hopes that one day, she can finally experience wearing the uniform prescribed for women by the College of

In recent months, there has been a reported increase in higher education institutions (HEIs) in the country becoming more inclusive in terms of allowing students to dress according to their gender expression and identity, particularly the Southern Luzon State University, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila, and PHINMA – University

While some students enjoy this gender-inclusive policy, this unfortunately remains a far-fetched story in the West Visayas State University (WVSU) as its uniform policy does not include stipulation for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) students who want to wear uniforms that affirm their gender identity.

Gwyneth Vinson, a Taga-West transwoman, can still recall the moment she almost cried when she was left with no choice but to cut her long treasured hair

ASHLEY DENISE B. FELICIANO, ERIC D. MORGUIA, JR., AND RYDE RENDELL B. PONSARAN

Groups hold protest against inclusion of First Lady Marcos in WVSU law faculty

“Reject Liza Marcos!”

This was among the several chants of the student activists during the First Day Rage protest as they reiterate their call in denouncing the inclusion of First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos in the University’s College of Law (WVSUCOL) faculty roster.

Arlie Bosque of Kabataan PartylistPanay and National Union of Students of the Philippines said the admission of the First Lady to the University poses a threat to the preservation of history.

“Hindi lamang ini isyu sang

kwalipikasyon… Si Mrs. AranetaMarcos mismo naga-advocate siya sang historical denialism. Isa siya sa mga enabler sang mga Marcoses sa pag-intra sang ila disinformation campaign kag pagpalapnag sang ini,” he stressed.

Bosque added that the First Lady’s intent to adopt her existing advocacy in the University’s College of Law is “politically motivated”.

University President Joselito Villaruz previously revealed that the First Lady expressed her intent “to adopt WVSU as her next advocacy university where she will be again adopting a set of

students that she can follow through until they get to pass the bar.”

Atty. Marcos will be a part-time instructor at the University, teaching Criminal Law 1 subject this Academic Year 2022-2023.

Around 16 rallyists from the National Democratic Mass Organizations existing in the University and offcampus joined the protest. The group of student activists also called on to oppose the mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, defend academic freedom, and ligtas na balik-eskwela, among others.

Taga-West among PH delegates in United Nations conference

A Taga-West is one of the Filipino delegates at the Asia Youth International Model United Nations (AYIMUN) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia held from September 30 to October 3.

Ronald Sarmiento II, a former University Student Council councilor, shared the good news in a Facebook post on Tuesday, September 27.

“It’s about time again to heed the call. Now in the international arena… I am glad to announce my participation in Asia Youth International MUN as an Official Delegate of the Philippines,” he said.

Sarmiento said he will work under the United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees (UNHCR) committee and will be the representative of Jordan.

Underscoring his fondness in reading redemption stories of refugees, Sarmiento shared that his assigned council prompted him to research and come up with solutions to help the people that have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, violence, and persecution.

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, “is a global organization dedicated to saving lives, protecting rights and building a better future for refugees, forcibly displaced communities and stateless people.”

EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE. Officials of the Department of Social Welfare and DevelopmentWestern Visayas distribute cash aid to students-in-crisis.

Gathering youth leaders from all over the world, the AYIMUN resumes its inperson delegation after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the theme “Cooperating and Collaboration in Pursuing World Peace”, this year’s conference in Malaysia aims to broaden the young leaders’ networks and to provide them an avenue to share their perspectives, particularly on peace and security.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Region 6 clarified on August 28 that students from state universities and colleges (SUCs) not receiving other scholarship incentives are still qualified to apply for the agency’s cash aid.

“Not all scholars are excluded. If a scholar is receiving free tuition only and is not getting [any] incentives, he or she is not automatically excluded for as long as he or she is a studentin-crisis,” Regional Information

Officer Atty. Mae Castillo said.

She reiterated in her statement that those who will not be included in the list of beneficiaries are “scholars receiving incentives on top of free tuition.”

The clarification was made as several complaints — mostly from students enrolled in SUCs — surfaced on social media, which she deemed as “misleading”.

According to DSWD Secretary Erwin Tulfo, students from the elementary grade until the college level classified

as “in crisis” are eligible to apply if the applicant is a breadwinner, a working student, abandoned by their parents, or living with a relative, a child of a solo parent or has parents with no source of living, a child of an Overseas Filipino Worker or of Persons With Disabilities, a child of HIV victims, a victim of domestic abuse, and a victim of natural disasters.

Among the SUCs in Iloilo City are West Visayas State University, Iloilo Science and Technology University, and the University of the Philippines - Visayas.

Students in SUCs with no other scholarship incentives qualified to receive cash aid — DSWD 6

GOING GLOBAL. Ronald Sarmiento II speaks before delegates all over the world on the issue of statelessness and displacement in conflict-affected areas.

Ronald Sarmiento II

NOVE JOY S. LOSBAÑES

A SHOW OF DEFIANCE. Student activists stage a protest in front of the West Visayas State University-Main Campus to denounce the acceptance of First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos as a parttime faculty of the College of Law.

Franz Chrysler Marie C. Delgado

DSWD Region VI

RJAY Z. CASTOR

As PH education goes back to normal, WVSU employs twoweek learning method

The West Visayas State University (WVSU) has devised a two-week learning scheme for the first semester of the Academic Year 2022-2023 as the Philippine education is going back to its prepandemic setup.

Degree programs in a specific college are divided into two groups, residential and remote, where each group will report to the school for in-person classes every two weeks.

The groupings are per the guidelines stipulated in Presidential Memorandum No. 22-216. Students in Group A conducted their limited in-person classes in August 22.

In 18 weeks, the first semester observed one week for obliged orientation, seven weeks for residential classes, seven weeks for remote classes, one week for a wellness break, and two weeks for major examinations.

In a memorandum dated August 9, the University has urged all students, staff, and other stakeholders to observe the revised guidelines as it is set to resume its limited in-person classes.

The guidelines are under CHED-DOH Joint Memorandum Circular no. 2021-004 and CHED Memo

no.01 s. of 2022 which “shall be observed by the WVSU community effective immediately”.

Major revisions were made to the minimum health and safety protocols such as the COVID-19 case management in the University and the maximization of classroom/ venue capacity at 100%, as stated by University Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Director Ian Van Sumagaysay

Compliance to physical distancing and medical insurance requirements as issued in CHED CMO No. 01 s. 2022 was also made more lenient.

Meanwhile, the College of Education, College of Business of Management, College of Arts and Sciences, College of PESCAR, College of Information and Communications Technologya, and College of Communication released their two-week learning schedule before the first semester started.

Student orgs join Pride Pyesta 2022 in Iloilo City, call for SOGIE Bill passage

West Visayas State University (WVSU) participated in the Pride Pyesta 2022 at Esplanade 1 Annex, Iloilo Skate Park, November 6.

Various student-led organizations from WVSU gathered in Festive Walk Iloilo to celebrate the 7th Iloilo Pride event and show support to the LGBTQIA+ community in the province.

DUAG-WVSU, Sandigan ng Mag-aaral para sa Sambayanan - WVSU, and several Taga-West launched the event with a march that started from Benigno Aquino Avenue to Casa Emperador in Festive Walk Parade. The march was joined by almost 5000 LGBTQIA+ members.

WVSU activates free campus Wi-Fi

With the implementation of blended learning modality and the increasing demands on digital education, the Management Information Systems (MIS) encouraged all Taga-West to register their identification (ID) card to access the University’s free public Wi-Fi, #WVSUConnects.

According to Elly Jun Tiope, system administrator of the MIS, students who wish to have access to #WVSUConnects must go directly to the MIS office located on the second floor of the Administration Building for registration.

Tiope said if the students cannot personally visit their office, they may send an email through mis@wvsu. edu.ph or networktech@wvsu.edu. ph, provided that an electronic copy of the complete details of their ID will be attached. The same procedure must be observed by returning students.

“In case nga for example ikaw bi naggraduate na, tapos ginpanas na imo account, tapos nagbalik ka or nagpaenroll, just the same procedure. They can always go to the office and ask for registration,” he shared.

For second-year students this

Placards raised and chants that surfaced the highway called for the passing Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression Equality Bill.

After the march, a program took place at Casa Emperador in which the recently crowned University’s Pag-iririmaw Drag Queens 2022, Blanch é Nana and ABCDEF Beatrice Windtower showcased their lip sync performance on Lady Gaga’s ‘Born this Way’.

This year’s pride celebration championed the theme “Selebrasyon sang Pagbalik: Painting the City of Love with Rainbows”

The Pride Pyesta was originally slated on October 30 but was rescheduled on a

later date due to Typhoon Paeng.

Meanwhile, Iloilo Pride Team cofounder and WVSU professor Justin Francis Castro Bionat emphasized the importance of championing inclusivity in educational institutions, especially with the recent issue of Capiz State University, where some LGBTQIA+ students with long hair was initially barred from entering the university.

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas, meanwhile, expressed that the city is a safe space for members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

“Always remember that it is never wrong to be your true self. Diri sa Iloilo City, baton kamo!” he said.

academic year, the MIS admitted that there was a delay in encoding their information to the Wi-Fi database system because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Citing the complaints of students on the unreliable internet connection inside the campus, Tiope said the MIS already increased the bandwidth of the #WVSUConnects from 300 Megabits per second (Mbps) last year to 400 Mbps this academic year. MIS explained that this is to allow a bigger group of users to have better internet connectivity.

JOANNA WAYNE S. HORNEJA AND ERIC D. MORGUIA, JR.

NOVE JOY S. LOSBAÑES

CYBELLE RIO JHANE B. HEMBRA

PARADE OF COLORS. LGBTQIA+ members and allies fill the Sen. Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Avenue (Diversion Road) with color ful colors of the pride flag on the 7th Pride Pyesta, November 6.

THE NEW NORMAL. Education students strictly observe minimum health protocols as they go back to the University for a face-to-face class after two years of distance learning.

NOW CONNECTED. Second year Hospitality Management students attend their online classes using the University’s free public Wi-Fi, #WVSUConnects.

Franz Chrysler Marie C. Delgado

Franz Chrysler Marie C. Delgado

Franz Chrysler Marie C. Delgado

Student activists oppose revival of mandatory ROTC on National Students’ Day

RJAY Z. CASTOR

In celebration of National Students’ Day, student activists held a picket protest in front of the West Visayas State University-Main Campus to oppose the revival of the mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), November 17.

The protest, joined by student activists from the National Democratic Mass Organizations (NDMOs) existing in the University and off-campus, urged the national government to allocate a higher budget for the education sector to ensure a safe reopening of schools, instead of reviving the mandatory ROTC.

“Imbis tani nga ang budget ihatag na lang sa pagensure sang safe reopening of schools, kuhaon pa ini sang mandatory ROTC,” said Crimson Labinghisa, Kabataan Partylist-Panay Regional Coordinator.

In 2002, the ROTC was abolished following reports of corruption, bribery, and abuses, including the murder of 19-year-old University of Santo Tomas student Mark Welson Chua. The death of Chua paved the way for a legislation that made ROTC optional in higher education.

With this, Labinghisa stressed that the mandatory ROTC does not instill an individual’s discipline, which is contrary to the claims of some government officials.

“Kung gusto naton tudluan disiplina, nationalism, and patriotism ang aton nga estudyante, balikan naton ang aton nga kasaysayan… ang aton nga mga national heroes,” she stressed.

While the proposal to revive the mandatory ROTC program is yet to be tackled in the Senate, Labinghasa said there are already attempts to make it mandatory in some schools, especially in instances where there are only limited slots given to Civic Welfare Training Service and Literacy Training Service programs.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., in his first State of the Nation Address, has called on Congress to pass a law mandating the ROTC program in both public and private senior high schools.

Vice President and Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Sara Duterte, meanwhile, argued that higher education will be better off spearheading the program. Duterte said DepEd will focus on other parts of the curriculum, which will instill among learners discipline and love of the country.

Commission on Higher Education Chairperson Prospero de Vera on September 28 shared that he is in talks with DepEd and other lawmakers in drafting a bill that would implement the mandatory ROTC course.

Pol Sci soph wins best position paper at int’l confab

A Taga-West bested over 70 delegates from more than 20 countries after clinching the Best Position Paper Award at the Haileybury Almaty Model United Nations (HALMUN) held last October 9.

Carlo Eric Villas, a second-year AB Political Science student, received the award for the first time as he served as the Delegate of France in the Security Council committee of the said conference.

As Haileybury Almaty School’s free MUN conference, HALMUN provides an avenue for the youth to improve their public speaking

skills, practice teamwork, and expand their knowledge about the developing world.

“To me, it is beyond a recognition of craft, but a validation of the fruition of a long process of acknowledgment of lacunae and the perpendicular accord for self-improvement,” Villas told Forum-Dimensions.

“I believe this [Best Position Paper Award] is a genesis for a promising direction and demonstration of the ability and potential of its members to reinforce Taga-Wests’ brand of excellence in the international level,” he added.

Villas founded the West Visayas State

WVSU hosts consortium workshop for administrators, officials

The West Visayas State University (WVSU) welcomed the administrators from different universities and offices on October 6 for the Regional Futures Consortium Workshop.

According to Philippine Futures Thinking Society (PhilFutures) Director for Strategic Education and Dean of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Valenzuela Michville Rivera, the purpose of the workshop is to “integrate the concept of foresighted futures thinking in state universities and colleges (SUCs).”

Rivera emphasized that the workshop does not only involve WVSU but also all SUCs in Region 6, and there are specific plans made to further improve the facilities in the University.

“Sir [Emmanuel De Guia], the staff of Senator Pia [Cayetano], is here to check the facility, particularly on allied sciences and the College of Medicine,

because Senator Pia is trying how to find funds for infrastructure development and at the same time, yung smart campus natin,” he told Forum-Dimensions.

Rivera also mentioned that they would monitor the compliance of the 11 participating universities, and he is happy to know that WVSU has already started the implementation of in-person classes.

The workshop, which is a hybrid of online and face-to-face meetings, started on Tuesday, October 4, and ended on October 7, at the Diversion 21 Hotel, Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

With the title course, “High Level Anticipatory Leadership & Governance Executive Course,” the consortium workshop is an activity led by various administrators since February, and Western Visayas was the 11th region they have visited to promote the concept of futures thinking and foresight.

University Model United Nations (WVSU MUN) Society last September 2022 where he currently serves as its Secretary General.

WVSU MUN is a student-led organization that provides Taga-West the opportunity to step into the shoes of world leaders and experience diplomacy.

“WVSU MUN Society will consistently send delegations to different MUN conferences both domestically and internationally, and also actively provide opportunities for our members and all Taga-West to learn,” Villas shared.

KEVEN RIZZO C. SITJAR

NOVE JOY S. LOSBAÑES AND CYBELLE RIO JHANE B. HEMBRA

VILLAS

EXPANDING LINKAGES. Administrators of various state universities and officials of the Senate Committee on Sustainable Development Goals, Innovation, and Futures Thinking visit West Visayas State University for regional futures consortium training, October 6.

REJECTION. Progressive groups hold a picket rally against the revival of mandatory Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, November 17.

Franz Chrysler Marie C. Delgado

Franz Chrysler Marie C. Delgado

PESCAR junior bags gold in inter-collegiate art competition

A Taga-West placed first in a postermaking competition of the Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH WV CHD) held at the Punta Villa Inland Resort, October 7.

John Paul Navarro, a 3rd-year student from the Bachelor of Culture and Arts Education program and an Artist Guild (AG) member, was chosen to represent the University by his fellow AG members with consultation from the AG advisers, Jeanette Simpas and Arturo Souribio, and AG Chairperson Joshua Celestial.

Emphasizing the importance of compassion and raising awareness of mental health concerns, Navarro learned that “art and science is the best married couple of all time”.

“I appreciate gid especially sa amon guest speaker nga nag-tackle about how various forms of art can and could heal a mental health problem,” Navarro shared.

Despite only having three days to prepare, two days of conceptualization, and half a day of practice, Navarro together with Celestial brainstormed ideas that would convey the importance of mental health as a universal concern.

Navarro took home Php 10,000 as the champion, while second placer Rica Abigail Anonoy from the University of the Philippines - Visayas and third placer Patrick Delgado from John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University won Php 7,000, and Php 5,000, respectively.

Spearheaded by Mental Health Connect, a mental health program of the DOH WV CHD, the art competition was also participated by Iloilo Science and Technology University, Central Philippine University, and University of Iloilo - Philippine Investment Management.

WVSU CATS. A Taga-West puts a collar on one of the felines in the University.

‘NGL’ anonymous message sparks ‘Project Collar for Cats’ initiative in Main Campus

SARAH L. ROSE LINAS AND KEMINOVA B. ACEPCION

NGL, or “not gonna lie,” an anonymous social application, paved the way for a non-profit organization for stray cats to be launched inside the University.

With the increasing number of domesticated animals loitering in the Main Campus, an anonymous message posted on October 15 prompted many Taga-West to create an initiative called ‘Project Collar for Cats.’

Third-year BSED Social Studies student Jamaica Illustrisimo, the anonymous sender of the letter, said the project’s goal was to ensure the cats’ continued access to food and water.

“At first, collars lang man tani ang aim ko but since very damo ang willing magjoin hands to help them, naka-form kami group chat and nag-aspire sang mga needs sang cats and dogs nga dapat i-achieve,” she said.

The anonymous message paved the way for the creation of the Organisasyon ng CATipunan at ASOsasyon sa WVSU (OCAW), a group which “takes the lead in promoting animal welfare and the preservation of all animals.”

Giving animal collars, treating cats with skin diseases, refilling mini food bowls, and providing food and water were the

priorities of OCAW.

The group also plans on neutering the cats and dogs in the University to avoid overpopulation.

“Happy gid ko nga sa simple nga post last month from one person, subong, whole university na ang ga-action for this,” Illustrisimo shared.

As of November 2022, almost half of the feline and canine population in the University already have collars.

Ilustrisimo has also pledged that by the time she receives her diploma, all of these animals will have identification collars and be adequately cared for.

Taga-West talents dominate competitions in Adlaw Sang Ciudad de Iloilo 2022

WVSU students bested their com petitors in four different competitions during the Adlaw Sang Ciudad De Iloilo 2022, held at SM City Iloilo, October 16.

Sweeping the top three spots of the competition was the University’s College of Physical Education, Sports, Culture, Arts and Recreation’s Teatro Tayo, who conquered the stage for the Short and Sweet Play Contest with entries ‘Sitio Paghigugma’, ‘Trapo’, and ‘Lin-ay’ securing the first, second, and third places respectively.

Talents from the West Visayas State University Little Theater, Teatro Daga mi, also graced the competition.

Bringing the stage down on the Street Dance Category was West Crew who claimed first place followed by the University of Iloilo’s Crewstyler Iloilo in second and dance troupe Devoted in third.

Meanwhile, Mark Key John Sultan, a proud member of the WVSU Panayana Cultural Group, graced the Singing of Original Ilonggo Compositions Catego ry and secured a silver medal.

Taga-West also dominated the dance floor in the Dance Sports Competition, with Czkha Gyle Garrucha and Kynne

Peter Castigador hailing as champions for Modern Standard Category along with Kealynn Therese Castigador and Cliff Justin Pareja who also clinched the top and sixth spots on the Modern Standard Junior and Modern Standard Open Categories

Furthermore, pairs Angel Mae Bacbac and Alvin Jade Gelera and Ma Victoria Cruz and Klynne Joseph Castigador also took podium finishes in third place for the Modern Standard Open

Category and Latin American Junior Category.

Winners were also granted cash prizes apart from the given trophies, medals, and certificates.

With this year’s theme of “Pagdi skubre sa Kinaadman, Ipabugal ka mga Ilonggo”, Adlaw Sang Ciudad de Iloilo, which commenced in October 5, is a historical-artistic celebration that aims to strengthen and exhibit exceptional Ilonggo talents.

JAPETH MARIE B. FERNANDEZ DE LEON

Franz Chrysler Marie C. Delgado

John Paul Navarro

DRAWING GOLD. Third year Culture and Arts student John Paul Navarro scribbles his art materials to win the top spot in the poster making competition of the DOH WV Center for Health Development, October 7.

JOANNA WAYNE S. HORNEJA AND JOMER J. RUEGO

WINNING SWAG. West Visayas State University Street Dance representative, West Crew, dance to the accented beats and syncopated rhythms in the Adlaw Sang Ciudad De Iloilo, October 16.

opinion

THE ‘PINOCCHIO-ED’ INFLATION SKEWERS FILIPINOS

A recent wave of inflation has pushed millions of people worldwide to poverty, if not, gravely placed them on a tightrope of budgeting and spending. Unfortunately, the same has struck home in the Philippines and yet, its implications are downplayed while its rate continues to go up.

“We are not that high.”

Last July 5, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. commented on the data of the Philippine Statistics Authority’s three-year high inflation rate in June, snubbing the 6.1% number, the fastest growth of price rate since 2018. In a later month of October, the high number maintained at 5.0 %, and yet the president mentioned only how it is a “concern” without sharing any specifics.

Amidst inflation, prices grow, lowering purchasing capabilities. It lowers pension and saving values, and variable interest rates on loans increase. Food security, stable jobs, and overall welfare are at risk, thus this phenomena should not be taken lightly.

The most hard-hit facet of Filipino living will be ensuring the food on the table in the face of growing prices. However, among the major causes of why prices currently rise in the Philippines is rooted in one of its foundations of food security and economic growth: agriculture. According to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, the Philippines is “the most food-insecure country in emerging Asia” because it relies on importing products rather than focusing on its own agricultural development. The amendment of the Rice Tariffication Law in 2019 that lacked safety nets for farmers from cheap rice imports is proof of the minimal attention towards the agriculture sector.

Specifically in the latter 2022, sugar prices rose to about Php 90 to Php 100 per kilogram which affected secondary products like sweets and beverages. Due to tight supply and low production of only about 1.8 million metric tons of sugar for a demand of 2.3 million, the sugar industry is on the edge affecting small and medium enterprises, including food industries, hence affecting consumers.

The situation in agriculture worsened when natural disasters entered the picture. For instance, the 2022 October headline inflation surged to 7.7% year-onyear growth due to the damage caused by subsequent typhoons that placed food price inflation at a 9.4% increase. Moreover, it should also be noted that there remains a struggle in coping with persisting oil price hikes and a weak peso adding

fuel to the fire as it reached the all-time low of USD 1 exchange for Php 59 during the latter quarter of 2022.

Government plays a key role in taming inflation since they have the power to enact and enforce policies that would remedy or at least ease its impacts. Although, this is also true in producing the contrasting aftermath as governments may worsen them. For example, how the Marcos administration is yet to appoint a Department of Agriculture Secretary. Currently, the president designated himself as temporTary secretary, dividing his time as state leader and department head. Ultimately for the agriculture sector alone, the administration needs to lift domestic production that is unfortunately hindered by so many factors, including the

It is implausible for those in government to admit how the country would economically struggle under their management. However, at the bare minimum, a comprehensive plan should be underway to combat the stumbling block the citizens would face in their daily lives. Though some of the factors that contribute to the growing inflation in the country stem from external factors that are beyond the direct control of the government, there are still ways to take control of the situation: developing domestic agriculture and building stronger industries.

Through policy-based steps, peoplecentered initiatives, bureaucratic shifts based on merit, and thorough economic planning, inflation should at least be tamed, easing burdens to Filipino citizens because its rate is just too high in the graph – a recognition that should’ve been done right from the beginning.

Through policy-based steps, people-centered initiatives, bureaucratic shifts based on merit, and thorough economic planning, inflation should at least be tamed.”

EDITORIAL BOARD

A.Y. 2022-2023

The hair dilemma: Side-splitting standards

SENTIDO KUMON

Sarah Rose M. Linas

Though she believes that time is expensive, for her, the best way to spend it is by

I like red hair.

It makes me feel strong, confident, and ready to take on the world of biology with the spirit of Rory Gilmore in me. It’s such a shame I wasn’t born or allowed to wear that color in the university because otherwise, I would’ve taken on the world.

Thus, it has always been an enigma for me why educational institutions impose high expectations on students’ hairstyle and hair color uniformity. Does it hinder academic performance? Does it offend other people’s

values or religion? What difference does it make if a boy has long hair similar to a girl’s?

It truly is harrowing to see the forlorn faces of my transgender friends when they had to cut their hair off for school, or when my non-binary friends dyed their hair back to neutral colors. I also witnessed my male friends’ disappointment because the security guard wouldn’t allow them to use a hairband for hygiene purposes, or their hair was simply “too long” or “indecent.”

This unwritten policy imposed by the system is an apparent link to

the fascist and repressed society foisted on students. No studies even correlate hair length and color to one’s academic performance, let alone measure one’s decency and hygiene. Indeed in this age, the world is now more lenient to variations in self-expression. Thus, the logic behind this hair policy is not only tyrannical but also erroneous because, technically, in the real world, nobody cares if you are a male doctor with long hair embedded with hair clips. You might even get applauded for that.

Campus journalism is a protest

The lack of progressivism by most university publications strongly urges a campus journalist like me to continue braving the streets where most farmers, peasants, and the minorities usually clamor for social justice despite the feeling of fear that comes with it.

My live coverages of protests fuels even more my enthusiasm in writing stories that will forward the causes of the oppressed. Theses scenarios also opened my eyes on the idea that journalism is also activism. However, this is not always the case to some campus journalists.

More often than not, publications serve as the mouthpiece of the administration. Even today, we can notice that other publications are

censored and conditioned to highlight stories that would beatify the image of the University. In return, the administration compensates all these posted accolades by giving them an additional budget.

For years that campus journalists have been at the forefront of providing accurate information, our reports should not be limited only to the institution’s accomplishments alone. Our duty is to be watchdogs and not mere reporters of school events. We do not glorify; we amplify.

While we take pride in all the recognition received by the University, it is also highly critical to accept that behind the mantra “Bast a Taga-West, the Best” are student activists who are

silenced, threatened, and repeatedly called out by our security personnel.

This particular situation simply means there is no room for neutrality at this very crucial time. Two years after I successfully entered the official school publication of the University, our progressive reportage is enough to say that we will always choose to stand by the story of the unheard and the marginalized.

Just like what we always remind our staffers, stories don’t come for us. We must find them. At the end of the day, campus journalism serves its real purpose once it promotes nation-building and opposes any form of injustice by comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable.

Nicole Anne A. Moscoso

MANAGING EDITOR

Richard D. Olano, Jr. Keven Rizzo C. Sitjar

Zynnie Rose C. Zaragosa ASSOCIATE EDITORS

Ron Eliezer G. Duhina

Rjay Z. Castor

Nove Joy S. Losbañes Clint M. Bellosillo

Sarah Rose L. Linas

John Paul A. Daquin

FILIPINO AND HILIGAYNON EDITOR

Jomer J. Ruego

SPORTS EDITOR

Jade Danielle T. Isidro

Maria Kayla T. Tingzon

LITERARY EDITORS

Angeline S. Acantilado

Franz Chrysler Marie C. Delgado

Justin Kyle G. Quinesio

Amethyst A. Alumbro

Karla R. Porras

Gwenneth Meg D. Soniso

Keminova B. Acepcion

Joshua A. Celestial

James Bryan U. Almonia

Ashley Denise B. Feliciano

Japheth Marie G. Fernandez de Leon

Cybelle Rio Jhane B. Hembra

Joanna Wayne S. Horneja

Ryde Rendell B. Ponsaran

John Lester T. Trafiero

ASSISTANTS Dr. Bonna S. Palma

CONTRIBUTOR

Dr. Nancy S. Surmieda Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz

Sarah Rose Linas is a 2nd year BS Biology student and is one of the Feature Editors for Forum-Dimensions.

sleeping.

Nove Joy S. Losbañes is a 2nd year BSEd Science student from the University’s College of Education. She serves as one of the News and Special Reports Editors of Forum-Dimensions.

This unwritten policy imposed by the system is an apparent link to the fascist and repressed society imposed on students.

Our duty is to be watchdogs and not mere reporters of school events. We do not glorify; we amplify.

NOBELIUM

Nove Joy S. Losbañes

Eric D. Morguia, Jr.

Franz Chrysler Marie C. Delgado E-NEWSLETTER DESIGN

THE LUMINARY

Jomer J. Ruego

The government should not waste time looking backward because education occurs most effectively in the classroom.

We’re finally back (kind of)!

The past two academic years swept like a flash as if nothing had happened.

About a month ago, Taga-west finally took their first steps in the university after two challenging years of distance learning. It was a breath of fresh air, seeing the classmates you only got to interact with online for who knows when. As someone who did not spend freshman year inperson classes, future activities are to be looked forward to.

My first-day morning was filled with jitters and anxiety as I was about to take my first in-person quiz in the first period. Though many of us longed to see one another, the

‘WALK THE TALK, WVSU’... (from page 1)

Inside the University where diversity and inclusivity are claimed to be celebrated and upheld, when will LGBTQIA+ students like Vinson be allowed to wear clothes based on their lived identity?

The uniform policy ‘needs revision’

As specified in page 108 of the January 2022 edition of the WVSU Student Handbook, students are prohibited from wearing ostentatious attire such as spaghetti blouses and short shorts. Students wearing rubber slippers and sports attire are also barred from entering the campus, except during Hinampang days.

The handbook also indicated that students must maintain proper haircuts and refrain from having unnatural hair colors. Male students, specifically, are forbidden to have hair lengths beyond the collar level and wear earrings.

Inclusivity is nowhere to be found among these stipulations. So, it goes without saying that the handbook either assumes absolute heterosexuality among Taga-West or it plainly fails to make the uniform policy inclusive despite the universally established fact that gender is a spectrum.

“Outdated na actually ang mga policy. Na-stuck pa kita sa mga old policies because if we’re going to allow this sa new policy (...) then ma-promote kita inclusivity. A safe environment away from discrimination for students,” said Journalism freshman Dexter Galeno.

In an e-mail response to ForumDimensions, Office of Student Affairs (OSA) dean Nancy Surmieda said the Student Handbook “does not provide stipulation for LGBTQIA [students].”

Surmieda emphasized that the OSA will reinforce the approved edition “not until the policy is revised”. As long as the University upholds the standard version of the handbook, the students must adhere to the traditional and prescribed uniform design that strictly aligns with their sex at birth.

thought of taking an examination in the classroom rather than in a Google Forms link was a bewildering experience.

A few weeks later, here we are, still transitioning to campus life and embracing the things college students should be doing while attending online classes on a rotational basis. The same goes with an other Taga-west, braving the unknown while upholding the tradition of excellence.

With the possibility of returning to full five-day face-to-face classes every week in the next semester, the gradual implementation of activities within the campus is also expected

to commence.

Currently, however, many university students face difficulties with the blended learning modality and the rotational online and inperson classes due to scattered schedules of subjects and poor internet connectivity.

Thus, the government should not waste time looking backward because education occurs most effectively in the classroom. The country needs to keep emphasizing in-person education while raising the bar for education overall. After all, investing in inclusive and highquality education means investing in a future worth looking forward to.

University, leads one of these efforts.

In their fight for expression and individuality, Education student and DUAG - WVSU chairperson Heart Mellizo said “it does feel sometimes like you’re screaming into an empty vacuum. But at the same time, it is a form of motivation... to be louder and to push our advocacy more, to the point that they have no choice but to listen to us.”

Walking the talk on gender inclusivity

University of Batangas found out that “an inclusive campus climate could promote self-actualization.” Based on the findings, the researchers recommended the creation of policies, groups, and activities centered on LGBTQIA+ students.

Dressing,

haircut

as freedom of expression

For Galeno, who identifies as gay, it was a “culture shock” for him when he was refused entry because of his long hair, previously thinking that WVSU was “very open”.

“Well, [it is] partially sad since, you know, I’m so confident with my long hair. It shows that the school [lacks] understanding regarding the essence of gender identity,” he added.

One sentiment is shared by students across the spectrum: How does gender expression and appearance hinder their capabilities as students? It does not.

According to the CHED Memorandum No. 01 S. 2015, “Gender mainstreaming in higher education is therefore essential not only to the individual but also national development.”

With systemic change becoming a student-led crusade, DUAG - WVSU, a student-run LGBTQIA+ organization in the

Forum-Dimensions pressed top and concerned WVSU officials on the issue of lacking gender-responsive uniform policy for LGBTQIA+ students.

According to Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla, the University “honors’’ the rules of gender and development (GAD).

But when asked if WVSU will follow suit with other HEIs that have implemented gender-affirming uniform policies, Dequilla said “in any policies or guidelines that we will be issuing, it will be anchored on data siguro, so that means we need to find out first a cause or a reason to have such issue.”

“If there are position papers saying that it will make them better performers, get good grades because they [wear gender-affirming uniforms]. But I do not know, maybe I’m exaggerating but … student affairs will handle it and then ipasaka ina siguro,” the VPAA added.

A 2021 study conducted at the

Meanwhile, for GAD director Jeanette Simpas, “the proposal on inclusivity when it comes to school uniforms should be clear and culture-sensitive, and those who propose a revision of uniform must have contemplated well on the pros and cons of their proposal.”

“We must admit the fact nga not all members of WVSU are that ready, are that open to embrace sang mga changes nga ini,” Simpas continued.

The University Student Council (USC), on the other hand, plans to have consultations with the students and the VPAA, OSA, and GAD office to create a resolution, saying “we must be inclusive to our students, as well as our faculty.”

Despite the uncertainties in terms of the uniform policy, Education student Vinson believes that it is high time for WVSU to “walk the talk” on gender sensitivity and inclusivity. “I think it’s about time nga i-practice na nila by accepting or allowing trans people and members of the LGBTQIA+ community to wear the uniform that they prefer.”

Jomer J. Ruego is a sophomore taking up Bachelor of Science in Biology and is the Sports Editor of Forum-Dimensions. They say nothing is impossible, so he proves them all wrong by doing nothing everyday.

A. CELESTIAL

Day 1

. Today, he takes the seat of the highest power with a landslide victory of 31.6 million votes, one of the country’s fastest vote tally, which is more than 16 million ahead from the second lead and his biggest rival Leni Robredo. The country is split. With one half cheering and mocking the other half who are enraged and in mourning. Everybody is contemplating the future while the Unity Team dine and savor the “Creamy Soursop Foam in Chocolate Sphere with Almond Crunch,” as a ‘sweet beginning’ dessert for his elevated inaugural fine dining.

Day 19

. Filipinos count the coins in their hands. Why does it always seem to be not enough? Some paid for their fare and settled comfortably, or however comfortable they can be in a jam-packed jeepney. Maybe it is because of this grueling transportation system, or a long day at work. Fares increased while supply in major cities largely stayed stagnant. Demand is also on the uptick with students and workers alike trooping back to on-site classes and work. All the while, social media is flooded daily once more with scenes of congested stations and transport terminals, with commuters bemoaning long lines even at the wee hours of the morning each day.

make it happen. The majority of the killed journalists were from the provinces, where neither the government nor the media pay any attention. Lapid had large audiences and online and radio followings, which is likely another factor in why authorities responded promptly to this case. If there’s one positive ta keaway, it’s that pushing back can work. Many journalists say a key reason the national government mobilized its justice department and law enforcement to respond to Lapid’s homicide was the reaction from the community. The challenge for Marcos is not only to stop the killings and human rights violations, but also to provide justice and accountability for those who were killed and whose rights have been violated.

Day 98

. Passersby scan the shelves of rice along the market’s corridor. I’ve kept walking in circles for quite some time, trying to find a price I could agree with. Everything lately has become a Midas touch which is extravagant and luxurious. Almost like a trip to Singapore. I wonder if the formula for solving sky-high inflation is in Formula 1? Marcos received criticisms over the visit to Singapore for the Formula One (F1) Singapore Grand Prix after expressing it as a “semi-official” event with some expenses covered by the government, a trip done a week after Super Typhoon Karding ravaged parts of the country.

Day 80

. There is an occurrence of unjustified killing of journalists again. What a throwback. It feels like the 1970s all over again. Rey Blanco, a radio broadcaster from Negros Occidental, suffered a death by stabbing in Mabinay, Negros Oriental. An occupational hazard, at this point. Another one was Benharl Kahil, an editorial cartoonist, was shot dead in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat. Both cases are still under investigation and perpetrators are unidentified. Wouldn’t it be tragic if another one was killed, say, 15 days from now?

Day 95

. Broadcast journalist Percy Mabasa, known on the air as Percy Lapid, died in an ambush in Las Piñas, as he drove home. This case proves that when it behooves the government to solve a journalists’ homicide, authorities can

Day 100

. People are saying he’s done a good job except in addressing inflation, unemployment and low wages. With every news patrol delivering bad news, nothing seems especially significant lately. But today marks a year since the deadline for the filing of candidacy. A hundred days done since he won, with six more years to go. Or more.

ASHLEY DENISE B. FELICIANO AND RYDE RENDELL B. PONSARAN JOSHUA

Nostalgia

How fashion statements break barriers

Everybody lives in a time where everything you can fathom exists and can be eventually achieved. However, it can be argued that we belong in the era most guided by nostalgia. Every individual longs for simpler times, barring the actual perils of that time, because anything is better than what the present holds.

Once upon our ancient past, men and women who were born otherwise, and those beyond and between this binary, had a place in society. However, in the 21st century, not conforming to the constructs of your sex and gender is life-threatening. Fortunately, death and the oppressed are old acquaintances.

Jarryd Roy Diotay, a Bachelor of Science in Development Communication graduate, who stunned and graced us with a stereotype-bending Barong Tagalog-Filipiniana fusion outfit during the 120th Commencement Exercises of West Visayas State University, which displayed the importance of resistance. The outfit, which was made and designed by Robbie Philip, aims to break stereotypes and fight against gender inequality. Despite his novelty actions, the greatest takeaway can be that male femininity, or female masculinity, should return to its roots –perceived not as taboo but as natural freedom. This natural freedom has long been stifled, especially by the rules of several institutions, but change is slowly nearing at hand.

Another groundbreaking moment in the University of the Philippines Cebu was when fashion designer Vienne Vildosola became the 1st transgender woman to march in a dress or wear their lived identities during their 83rd Commencement Exercises, a contrast to nine years prior, where the same institution wouldn’t

let any transgender woman to wear a dress to her graduation. Though acknowledging her defiance as one of the steps towards pure and full acceptance as well as UP Cebu’s growth, these actions can’t solve transphobia and homophobia instantly because a spark is only just a spark. This requires extensive and in-depth actions such as passing the SOGIE bill among others.

After all, history dictates that when people are oppressed, a revolution follows. In a time where everything you can fathom exists, but freedom to be oneself seemingly can’t be achieved, you can’t help but be nostalgic.

To the venting box: Taga-West 'NGL' as a safe haven

A fresh take on anonymity.

Whether sheer wit, light humor, or a wholesome emotional outpour, the Not Gonna Lie (NGL) application has offered a lot of drama, lessons, and stories among Taga-West. What started

as an instrument to receive anonymous confessions during boredom and breaktime became a safe haven for students for them to send their thoughts to others in the same way.

Built by a small team of designers and engineers in California, NGL is a new software that allows users to

generate a link where their followers can send messages. In its website, the app introduces itself as a space where teenagers can share their feelings without judgment from friends or societal pressures.

“Sometimes I find it funny while some find it entertaining,” says Aneeka from AB PolSci. Meanwhile, Jan Paolo, from BS Bio, shares, “Reading the confessions relieves my stress.”

On the other hand, Ron, a 3rd year senior from BS Bio, has a different take on the app. “It’s good when taken at a light context such as confessing admiration for someone, but using it as an alternative to rant about someone’s mistakes instead of confronting them could be inappropriate,” he uttered.

In terms of user safety, the app uses world class AI content moderation. They utilize deep learning and rulebased character pattern-matching algorithms to filter out harmful language and bullying. The algorithm can also detect the semantic meaning of emojis and the web scraper pulls specific examples of contextual emoji use. This means the app stays on trend, understands lingo, and knows how to filter out harmful messages.

In the WVSU community, NGL has become a source of daily tea and an avenue for confessions– making students braver in expressing their ideas, opinions, and feelings behind the mask of anonymity. In many ways, it has become a safe space for many Taga-West.

RYDE RENDELL B. PONSARAN

RYDE RENDELL B. PONSARAN

JOSHUA A. CELESTIAL

Jarryd Roy Diotay

Reincarnating Leaves

How an Ilonggo breathed life to inert beings and redefined the concept of modern art

RJAY Z. CASTOR AND NOVE JOY S. LOSBAÑES

Silhouettes of intricately carved leaves embellished the sky as an Ilonggo artist turned familiar faces and historical landmarks into a leaf art. Reimagining the many possibilities of artistic creations, a Jaro native, who is now a licensed architect, took advantage of nature’s blessing to portray fascinating figures on a raw material.

Edimar Paclibar, popularly known as Ukit Dahon, has left netizens awestruck across social media

platforms with his portraits that are given life on leaves by his artistic hands.

Being a passionate advocate of such art, Edimar is one of the many Filipinos who discovered it as a novel form of artistry during the height of pandemic restrictions and lockdowns.

“I got fascinated by portraying a specific figure sa dahon kaya I challenged myself to make leaf artworks with figures that most people are familiar

with,” he shared in an interview with SPOT.ph.

As it takes about two hours to finish the work, Edimar said a heap of patience and hard work are among the key ingredients to achieve a particular art piece.

Using only a sharp cutter and Talisay and Jackfruit leaves as canvases, Edimar captured not only the beautiful sites in the metro but also the hearts of every Ilonggo.

GROWING GREEN SPACES IN THE METROPOLIS

Decades ago, the industrial world strived for an advanced society and yet many have also struggled to keep the congested innovations tight on the reins to ensure health and environmental safety. While the two ideals wrestle, a balanced green and gray color became the perfect model for growth and sustainability. Coinciding man-made design to the beauteous architecture of nature, as well as revamping a bustling city to a sustainable and greener place is an aspiration for an ideal and harmonious world. Fortunately, Iloilo City has made its first stride to achieve such a vision.

Keeping up with the “Uswag” mindset,

the Iloilo City Government continuously ramps up its services for Ilonggos towards inclusivity and progress as the city paved to implement the “W.H.E.E.L.S On the Go,” a six-agenda platform that stands for Welfare, Health, Education, Environment, Livelihood, and Sustainability. With its primary goal of achieving inclusive progress, one of the planned projects is for tourism through sustainable development.

To accomplish a robust tourism industry through an eco-friendly lens, the City proposed the “Iloilo Tree Park ‘’ which aims to provide green spaces in response to climate change, and to

showcase Ilonggo artists their talents that are worthy of international recognition. This features installation of architectural structures, designs and native trees, all combined into one massive art of beauty and function.

Moreover, the Tree Park will be constructed on a three-hectare lot in the District of Jaro. It is set to have an activity that centers on the members of the Ati Community where they could convene to talk about topics and issues concerning the environment. Aside from this, the eco-friendly attraction will feature a display area where exhibits may be placed, a livelihood center like a bee

farm to cater job opportunities for the people, and rest areas so people could relax and unwind as well. All edifice to emerge from the project ascertains a design quality worthy of awe from the public in levels of art, as well as cultural and heritage references.

As the Iloilo City continuously seeks to put up infrastructures that ensure the preservation of our heritage and natural resources, it has also become a practice to aid in boosting the city’s tourism. With the inspiration of combining two worlds of development and sustainability, the Iloilo Tree Park is definitely an initiative worth anticipating.

KEVEN RIZZO C. SITJAR AND MARIA KAYLA T. TINGZON

Ukit-Dahon

Taktak Ilonggo

sports

FIRST HOMEGROWN FILIPINO BODYBUILDER SECURES MR. OLYMPIA 2022 SPOT

RJAY Z. CASTOR

A first homegrown bodybuilding athlete secures a ticket to represent the Philippines in the 2022 Olympia body-building competition, one of the biggest and most prestigious in the world, this December in Las Vegas.

Joven M. Sagabain of Bacoor City, Cavite cracked his Olympia ticket after he was crowned International Federation of Bodybuilding (IFBB) Men’s Physique winner in the Muscle Contest Philippines 2022 in Subic Bay Convention and Exhibition Center on October 8. Sagabain bested 140 athletes from 23 countries, including the other 66 athletes from his home country.

For Sagabian, it was a long journey of “persistence and hard work” as he started competing for a Pro Card in 2016 and has reached eight attempts before getting one in the Muscle Contest 2018 in Subic. Four years later, Sagabian reaped his reward after earning the right to compete against winners from around the

Faith in God, discipline and full trust in his coach as his sole guide in his stints are three of the factors the Cavite native considers that contributed the most in his recent triumph.

Heading to compete against champions of different countries, Sagabian is confident that “a Filipino can definitely compete and win on the international stage.” For his preparations, he shared that he and his team are building on the intensity of his workouts.

For young aspiring bodybuilders, the US-bound bodybuilder said discipline is always the key and to trust their coaches.

“This is one sport where you can never cheat. You reap what you sow. Your body will reflect the depth of your preparation. They should also fully trust their coach. He is the person who understands the right strategy for every contest you will join,” he explained.

In the fiery pit filled with drum beats and grooves, they were 12 but they were one— the West Crew came along and turned the heat up. Searing with passion and dance moves that set the stage ablaze the West Crew, the university dance company, added a new trophy to their long line of glory.

They flaunted their moves as they snatched the championship title in the Street Dance Competition of the Iloilo Arts Festival 2022 held last October 16 at the SM City Iloilo Activity Center.

Armed with their dance moves that beguiled the judges as well as the audience, the dance crew conquered the whole stage and truly rose above all others while the dance crews Crewstyler Iloilo and

JOHN LESTER T. TRAFIERO AND RYDE RENDELL B. PONSARAN JSSLYY

Devoted took the second and third place, respectively.

The dance crew’s banner was raised by Danielle May Aliling, Renemay Delapaz Bringquez, Cherilyn B. Buenaventura, Archie Vald Dayaday, Rey Agustin Divinagracia, Jeysa Francisco, Cherrie Anne Gacho, Crissa Jane Ganancialn Calderon, Floyd Hijosa, Jace Lunasco, Julie Vic Penoscas, and Luke Matthew Pijuan.

Iloilo Arts Festival 2022 was also in line with the local celebration, Adlaw de Ciudad de Iloilo, where West Crew also performed in the opening program dawning orange and green at the events launching last October 7 at the same venue.

Adlaw de Ciudad de Iloilo or “Dakbanwa

Ordinance No. 2020-097 whereas this year’s event commemorates the 133rd year since the inception of Iloilo City.

This cascade of performances also consisted of Dancesport, Short and sweet play, Binalaybay, and Singing Competition alongside other art shows in efforts to make one huge leap and make Iloilo City the Arts Capital of the Philippines.

For some, 12 is a lucky number. However, West Crew’s win last October 16 had nothing to do with luck. Rather, it is a testament of their complete dedication to their craft and their continued advocacy for righteous causes both on and off the stage.

Joven M. Sagabain