The Forum Tabloid 2022

West Visayas State University is working for internationalization by building linkages and exploring research collaborations with international and local institutions, according to University President Joselito Villaruz.

Linkages will improve WVSU's academic portfolio, making it at par with global educational trends, specifically in terms of "comparability and compatibility" of curricular programs, Villaruz had said during the University's 120th founding anniversary.

For the University to keep pace with the best academic institutions in the world, it has to double its efforts and elevate its game plan, he had said.

At the forefront of Villaruz and the University's mission for internalization is the International and Local Linkages Office (ILLO) headed by Director

Edel Carmela Subong-Csoka. The office takes the lead in building significant connections with other universities, industries, organizations, and institutions.

One of the Villaruz administration's priorities is to expand the University's linkages and partnerships. "We have gradually made precise strides" to achieve this "with relevant policies formulated and implemented," he said.

Moreover, Villaruz in his State of the University Address and 2022 Midterm Report in February committed to advance WVSU as a leading research institution in the Asia-Pacific region. Now the University is working to make this happen too through partnerships.

The West Visayas State University's College of Nursing garnered a 100% passing rate in the November 2022 Philippine Nurse Licensure Examination with 19 out of its 134 passers hailed as topnotchers, the Professional Regulation Commission announced.

Jezrel Alijid ranked second with a score of 89.80% while Emmanuel John Aggabao placed third with a percentage rating of 89.60%.

Obtaining a grade of 89.40%, Carlos Jose Cerrada, Pauline Mari Haro, Terese Angel Lee, and Emielle Ong shared the fourth spot.

On the International Women's Day celebration, March 8, West Visayas State University (WVSU) accepted P12.1 million from the European Union (EU) for the amelioration of women's access to legal services.

WVSU is one of the six universities awarded in the Philippines as part of the EU's Governance in Justice Programme (GOJUST) that aids the government's efforts in strengthening inclusive legal services.

Other universities that also received grants include Adamson University, University of San Carlos, University of the Visayas, Father Saturnino Urios University, and St. Louis University.

The Official University Student Newspaper of West Visayas State University

After Leni-Kiko loss, Taga-West fear ‘attack’ on free speech, truth under Marcos admin

Univ receives P12.1M EU grant to improve women’s access to justice

VOLUNTEERISM IN THE STREETS. Supporters stage a “Busina Para Kina LeniKiko” in front of the West Visayas State University Main Campus to show support for former Vice President and presidential aspirant Leni Robredo and her running mate former Senator Kiko Pangilinan, April 29.

RJAY Z. CASTOR

KEVEN RIZZO C. SITJAR

Franz Chrysler Marie C. Delgado

‘Brightspace’ is new LMS in second semester

West Visayas State University (WVSU) underwent a halfway transition to the newly acquired learning management system (LMS), Brightspace, in the second semester of the academic year 2021-2022.

In lieu of Google Classroom, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla said Brightspace by D2L was chosen among other LMSs based on its features, interface, and the University's budget after a series of checking, rechecking, and presentations between service providers and the administration, which

started in June 2020.

According to the VPAA, although they are targeting a good percentage for onboarding of faculty members, they still need actual data as to how many instructors are going to utilize Brightspace for the second semester.

"Some are still asking to use Google Classroom. This is understandable. But roughly, LMS administrators have created the shells for the courses in the second sem," Dr. Dequilla told ForumDimensions via Messenger.

Last February 8, students were enjoined to attend the University-wide virtual orientation on the new LMS which was administered

by the Office of Instruction, Management Information System, and the VPAA Office. Most classes in both undergraduate and graduate levels are conducted in Brightspace as of writing. The subscription to the LMS is expected to end in December.

Last academic year, the University created a committee to take charge of the survey and needs assessment on the new LMS headed by Dr. Ma. Beth Concepcion. A technical working group was also identified which was composed of various representatives from different colleges of the University.

A College of Medicine (COM) alumna ranked 8th in the March 2022 Physician Licensure Examination (PLE), the Professional Regulation Commission announced March 18.

Ma. Phoebe Subo, who secured an 87.08% rating, is among the 1,427 passers out of the 2,837 hopefuls that took this year's licensure exam.

The topnotcher shared that she was supposed to take the licensure exam in September last year but had a fever a week before the exam. However, she saw the circumstance as a "silver lining" since it gave her extra time to prepare and study.

When asked what is next on her journey, Subo, in an interview with the Iloilo Metropolitan Times Conversations, shared that she hopes to go into an internal medicine residency program.

Meanwhile, the newly installed COM dean, Dr. Victor Amantillo expressed his vision to have more topnotchers and a high percentage of passers in the 2022 Physician Licensure Examination.

WVSU logged an 81.08% passing rate after 30 out of 37 of its graduates passed the PLE.

Pauline

Meanwhile,

West Visayas State University was ranked 5th among the top performing state universities and colleges (SUCs) by the Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP) after securing the highest number of Level III and Level IV accredited programs in 2021.

The University is currently home to 10 Level IV and 12 Level III accredited programs. Level IV is currently the highest accreditation accorded to a degree program based on the AACCUP guidelines.

The University also received a plaque of recognition for institutional accreditation following the Level III Accreditation Status during the conduct of the Institutional Accreditation visit last April 12 to 16, 2021.

The recognition was given during the 35th AACCUP Annual National Conference and 2nd Virtual National Conference last March 11, 2022.

New resource center, museum and archives to rise soon

West Visayas State University (WVSU) President Joselito Villaruz in his midterm report on February 8 revealed that the University plans to establish a 7-storey learning resource center and University Museum and Archives.

WVSU has prepared for the funding of the aid building after completing several upgrades in various facilities such as the College of Medicine advanced research lab and clinical skills lab, smart campus project or smart lab for science and math education, College of Dentistry phase one building, University gymnasium, and infrastructure projects in some of its satellite campuses.

spot attaining a grade of 88.80%.

The University also secured the first spot to belong in the overall roster of the top performing schools. The exam took place on November 12 and 13

Villaruz said that among the priority projects of his administration are infrastructure development and facilities modernization that are "responsive to sustainable development goals."

The president added that his administration plans to "maximize, if not optimize, the University's utilization of physical resources, making WVSU campuses' future-ready and smart to embrace learners, both local and international."

West is one of top SUCs for 2021; 10 programs now Level IV-accredited

Castro, Sarah Joy Demetillo, and Mark Aron Martirez landed in sixth place with a rating of 89%.

Francis John Gargarita and Ernesto Gargaritano III both earned the seventh

RJAY Z. CASTOR

ZYNNIE ROSE C. ZARAGOSA

ZYNNIE ROSE C. ZARAGOSA

Alona Belarga

Zynnie Rose C. Zaragosa

Domingo Subo

Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla

SUBO

ZYNNIE ROSE C. ZARAGOSA

VPAA Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla, Dr. Ma. Beth Concepcion, MIS Director Mr. Louie Cervantes, and other representatives from the University meet with D2L Brightspace agents prior to the conduct of the training for the new LMS.

CONSTRUCTION UNDERWAY. The ongoing construction of the College of Medicine advanced research lab and clinical skills lab is among the priority projects under the administration of University President Dr. Joselito Villaruz.

PROOF OF EXCELLENCE. Plaques of recognition awarded to WVSU by the AACUP during the 35th Annual National Conference,

‘Gutom kami!’

Clad with defiance and placards in hand, the hunger of the neglected fueled them to resist against what they believe is a violation of one of their basic human rights: access to food.

More than 100 unfed persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) of the Iloilo District Jail - Male Dormitory in Pototan mounted a rooftop protest on August 24. The demonstration was attributed to the alleged misconduct among jail wardens against PDLs in the detention center for giving them meager food rations.

MEASLY MEALS

In an interview with the Daily Guardian, the PDLs shared that "only P70 per day is allotted to cover the meals of a detainee in [a] facility run by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and the

food, vitamins, and medicine delivered by relatives are crucial in making up for the inadequacy in supplies."

Despite their meal arrangements, they added that food brought by their families were "not allowed" inside the detention center.

Further, they were only allowed to receive money, which they can use to purchase items from the jail's 'overpriced' cooperative.

While they conducted their demonstration, the PDLs also sought for public traction as they called out the media with their "Media, pasok!" placards.

'WARDEN, LAYAS!'

Aside from complaining of hunger, the protesting PDLs also demanded the jail warden, Chief

Inspector Norberto Miciano, Jr. to leave his post.

The clamor only subsided after the prison officials and Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr negotiated with the PDLs. The latter voluntarily stopped their noise barrage thereafter.

Following the protest, Miciano was relieved from his position, and was replaced with a new warden. In addition, the inmates' families were permitted to bring them food.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government pledged to conduct a thorough investigation about the complaints raised in the district jail.

Meanwhile, the governor committed to discuss with the BJMP about the province's potential additional assitance to the district jail's detaninees.

WVSU receives P1M for agriculture-fishery research, assessment project

The University received one million pesos from the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 6 (DARFO-6) to assess the resources and capabilities of Local Government Units in a rapid appraisal study by providing extension services in the agricultural and fisheries sector.

The fund was formally turnedover during the blessing and inaugural ceremony of DA-RFO6's Smart Green House and

other agricultural facilities at the Western Visayas Integrated Agricultural Research Center in Jaro, Iloilo City, March 31.

A memorandum of agreement, which is enforceable and effective for a period of one year, was signed by DA-RFO-6 Executive Director Remelyn Recoter and WVSU President Joselito Villaruz.

According to the University website, the fund will be utilized and liquidated in compliance with the University's approved Work

and Financial Plan.

Both the parties involved in the project recognized that the study will be "a pivotal reference point in the establishment of the Provinceled Agriculture and Fishery Extension System (PAFES)."

The institutionalization of PAFES will strengthen the collaboration among the DA, local government units, academe, and private sector; and to extend the department's services to the grassroots level.

According to the EU, the awarded universities will implement the Supreme Court's Clinical Legal Education Program that will serve as a way for women and other vulnerable groups to access justice.

The program is a credit-earning teaching course that aims to provide law students with the knowledge, skills, and values needed for the delivery of legal services, application of the law, and promotion of social justice.

The EU also stated that WVSU "will set up a legal desk for women, children, and marginalized groups in need of legal support and assistance."

"The University will leverage its Gender and Development Office and

collaborate with the Women and Children Protection Unit of the West Visayas State University Medical Center to develop the help desk," the EU announced on their website.

EU Ambassador to the Philippines

Luc Veron said that gender equality is one of the EU's core values, emphasizing that women having equal access to justice is "fundamental to building a fair, inclusive, prosperous, and peaceful society."

GOJUST also works closely with the Supreme Court of the Philippines, Department of Justice, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and several local communities for their cause.

RJAY Z. CASTOR

The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases repealed the policy requiring college students attending limited in-person classes to comply with the medical insurance requirement, Malacanang announced, May 27.

Citing the policy as a burden to most students, level II student nurse Robert Mathew Opong who returned back to the University on June 6 for in-person classes, stressed that "[the] retraction of the previous directive is just what WVSU needs," as it will alleviate the financial burden on students' end.

Earlier this year, the government allowed colleges and universities under areas with COVID-19 Alert Level 1 to hold in-person classes at full classroom capacity, provided that those attending classes are fully vaccinated and are enrolled in PhilHealth or have equivalent medical insurance that covers medical expenses for COVID-19.

Students aged 21 and above, who have no capacity to pay for the premiums may enroll in PhilHealth as indigent members. Meanwhile, students below 21 years old may be classified as dependents of their parents or legal guardians.

RJAY Z. CASTOR

Med insurance no longer required for students in F2F classes

WVSU

PDLs in Iloilo cry for enough food in prison roof protest

Zarraga News Live Station

PROTEST ON THE ROOFTOP. Over 100 persons deprived of liberty take their protest on the rooftop of Iloilo District Jail - Male Dormitory in Pototan, Iloilo.

ANGELINE S. ACANTILADO

Backlash from commuters, jeepney drivers following Iloilo City’s new transport plan

Transport groups and commuters expressed their dismay about the new public transport plan and routes approved by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in Iloilo City.

Chairman of Metro Iloilo Transport Service Cooperative Joemarie delos Reyes lamented that the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) might displace jeepney drivers and commuters.

"Number one ang aton mga commuters. Ikaduha ang mga jeepney operators kag drivers naton, basi ma-displace...We are not ready. Come to think of the volume of passengers," Delos Reyes said in an interview with Aksyon Radyo Iloilo.

The LPTRP which took effect on June 12 through City Regulation No. 2022-027 was approved by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas on January 28.

The plan introduced seven new and 17 rationalized routes, which limits the number of provincial jeepneys en route to the city by leading them to functional boundary terminals.

Delos Reyes added that the city government is not yet ready for its implementation and have to make adjustments citing that the city-loop jeepneys cannot cater the bulk of passengers in the metro.

Due to backlash and complaints, Trenas suspended the plan last July 1 for 45 days, followed by another 45

Youth agenda in 2022 elections pushed on ‘Day of Valor’

Ahead of the 2022 national elections, Ilonggo youth groups asked leaders to be proactive in addressing various concerns as they pushed for the Iloilo Youth Agenda on the Day of Valor, April 9.

The youth press conference "Aton ang Gahum: Kamatuoran kag Panindugan" was held at the Washington Sycip Board Room at the PHINMA University of Iloilo to shed light on the youth's stand on issues in health, education, economic empowerment, the environment, and citizenship.

"The Iloilo Youth Agenda is a product of various

conversations among youth organizations present and active in the area (Iloilo)," the agenda read.

According to DAKILA Iloilo member Gian Bermudo, the agenda is a "living document" that reflects the issues and concerns affecting youths on the ground, which she further emphasized will be lobbied to institutions and networks in the national government.

DAKILA, a nongovernmental organization "committed to advocating social consciousness formation," served as the lead convener for the youth agenda.

days after finalizing the extension until October 6.

The suspension cited the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, prices of commodities, and the increase of commuters due to the resumption of inperson classes, among others.

Trenas acknowledged that there is a need for an in-depth discourse with stakeholders and the Iloilo Provincial Government before the LPTRP can be fully set in motion. He also said that he is open to making adjustments.

For the meantime, traditional jeepneys operate in their normal designated routes as more of the target modernized jeepneys are yet to arrive.

A total of P5.78 billion incurred damage of the Super Typhoon Odette (Rai) were tallied by the Department of Agriculture Regional Field No. 6 on the region's agricultural sector after its landfall on December 16, 2021.

In the progress damage report dated January 11, a total of 114,194 farmers and fisherfolks were severely affected by the typhoon with an equivalent of 1.212 million metric tons of production losses.

Palay suffered the highest impact of Php 2.168 billion estimated losses and 83,363 farmers affected followed by 5,153 farmers distressed by a Php 1.75 billion loss in highvalue crops.

Odette has left Western Visayas with a casualty count of 54 where Negros Occidental took the most impact having about 57,000 families homeless.

President Rodrigo Duterte has declared a state of calamity in the region, allowing the local governments to utilize their calamity funds for relief and rehabilitation efforts to typhoon-hit communities. The declaration also results in an automatic price freeze.

As of December 22, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council reported 1,071,440 individuals affected by Odette.

JOHN LESTER T. TRAFIERO

RICHARD D. OLANO, JR.

JOANNA WAYNE S. HORNEJA

Odette-hit Western Visayas suffers P5.78B loss in agri-sec

Philippine News Agency

YOUTH IN ACTION. Youth leaders cap off the conference with a short film screening by local filmmakers, poetry reading, and musical performances at Lola Umá CaféCantina y Taberna.

Hermz Gacho

Jeffrey Gelangre

LONG WAIT. Commuters bound for Iloilo City wait for hours at Mohon Terminal during the initial rollout of the Local Public Transport Route Plan (LPTRP) in June.

‘NO

RJAY Z. CASTOR AND ERIC D. MORGUIA, JR.

Few weeks before he stepped down from office, President Rodrigo Duterte said he will not apologize for the thousands of deaths caused by his administration's controversial war on drugs.

The outgoing president's deadly campaign has resulted in 6,252 killings as of May 2022, according to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

"I would say and I would insist, during the tail end of my administration, that I did the right thing. I won't back down. No apologies...For me, I did the right thing," Duterte said.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary, Menardo Guevarra, meanwhile, described Duterte's drug war campaign as "fairly successful" amidst admission that rogue cops commit excesses in carrying out the operations.

"People now feel safer in the streets even at night due to the visible reduction in drug pushing incidents," Guevarra said at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum, June 15.

According to him, the DOJ has put up a committee to investigate reports of abuses since "clearly there were excesses that have even been brought to the attention of international groups."

A 'BLOODY' DRUG WAR

With over six thousand casualties according to the government estimate, and some 27,000 to 30,000 killings including the vigilante-style ones based on human rights groups' count - there is one face that serves as a reminder of Duterte's brutal legacy: Kian delos Santos.

The Department of Health (DOH) advised the public to continue observing the health protocols that are implemented same with COVID-19, in order to prevent the spread of monkeypox as the Philippines has detected its first confirmed case, July 29.

Health Undersecretary and DOH spokesperson Beverly Ho confirmed that the first case is a 31-year old Filipino national who tested positive on a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction test on July

28 after arriving from abroad on July 19.

According to Ho, the carrier has already been discharged and is continuing its isolation at home while 10 of the close contact was being monitored and showing no signs of symptoms during the 14 to 21 days of quarantine.

The Philippines is the 8th country in the World Health Organization-Western Pacific Region (WHO) to have reported confirmed cases of monkeypox.

Monkeypox was declared a public health

Marcos admin bares plan to lower debt by 2025

RJAY Z. CASTOR

In the first month of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s presidency, the country's outstanding debt climbed to P12.89 trillion, figures from the Bureau of the Treasury showed.

Marcos Jr. inherited a debt that stood at P12.79 trillion in endJune, the last month of office of former president Rodrigo Duterte. His borrowings were accrued mostly in providing cash assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic and the high infrastructure spending it maintains.

In his first State of the National Address, Marcos Jr. revealed his plan to lower the country's debt to 60 percent debt-to-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio by 2025.

To achieve this vision, the Chief Executive said his administration will implement tax reform to further increase its collection.

"Kian was helplessly killed by cops in a dark alley near his house on August 16, 2017. Surveillance videos from closed circuit television in the area, along with eyewitness accounts, revealed that the minor was dragged by cops in the alleys and then into a corner, where he was shot," online news outfit Rappler reported. Three cops were later found guilty of killing the 17-year-old student.

The United Nations Human Rights Council has previously called on the Philippine government to "end its abusive anti-drug campaign and investigate and prosecute those responsible for killings and other human rights

DUTERTE VS ICC

The International Criminal Court (ICC) in September 2021, noted that it has a "reasonable basis" to probe the crimes against humanity committed in the government's anti-narcotics campaign. Duterte, meanwhile,expressed his refusal against ICC saying he would allow [himself] to be judged by white people in another place outside of [the] country." He further argued that ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines since it has withdrawn from the Rome Statute

The Supreme Court, however, rebuked Duterte's stance and pointed out that the country "shall not be discharged from any criminal proceedings" since the withdrawal only took effect on March 17, 2019. The higher court stressed that the crimes committed falling into the dates are still under ICC's jurisdiction.

emergency of international concern by WHO and can be spread through intimate contact or bodily fluids.

The country currently has 4 confirmed cases of monkeypox with the recent 25 year-old Filipinonational as the only case that has no travel history.

In their public briefing, Ho reminds the public to stay vigilant, "there is a very clear need to be more careful about who we interact with, particularly sexual, intimate contact", she added.

CYBELLE RIO JHANE B. HEMBRA

Navigating the gray areas:

A probe on Brightspace as the University LMS amid blended learning

As part of its COVID-19 response, the West Visayas State University (WVSU) administration initially declared a two-week class suspension from March 16-31, 2020. In the weeks that followed, the continued increase in COVID-19 cases required a major shift in the mode of instruction—from the traditional face-to-face to remote, virtual learning. Barely four semesters since the onset of the pandemic, Google Classroom became the widely adopted online learning platform across the University. However, this changed when students and the faculty experienced a halfway transition to the Universityacquired learning management system (LMS), Brightspace, during the second term of academic year 2021-2022. In this special report, Forum-Dimensions looked into the current status of learning with D2L Brightspace.

UNFOLDING THE EARLY BLUNDERS

The University initially utilized Google Classroom for remote learning. Students and faculty members alike have easily gauged through the platform due to its handy interface and the familiarity of Google Workspace. Despite this, Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla in January revealed that the University has been planning to use a new LMS.

During the University's planning stage, a series of checking, re-checking, and presentations with various service providers took place as early as June 2020. D2L Brightspace was chosen among other LMSs based on its features, interface, and cost. The University allocated a total of Php4.6 million for a one-year subscription, expected to end in the last week of December.

"Google Classroom is okay but its features have been limited. If you are conferencing, you have to pay, and it's a lot more expensive than the package that we got from Brightspace," said University President Joselito Villaruz in an August 23 interview with Forum-Dimensions.

Prior to full implementation, a series of onboarding and virtual orientation sessions for students and faculty was organized to equip them with the necessary information on the use of the new LMS. In its infancy, stakeholders have shared their struggles with the untimely switch and the complexity of Brightspace.

A NOT-SO-BRIGHT SPACE?

The WVSU community was divided in the reception of Brightspace. While others appreciated its progress tracker feature, a huge fraction of the stakeholders voiced out their difficulties. Many complained about challenges in navigation, accessibility, and its high data consumption

To assess the level of utilization of the LMS, ForumDimensions has reached out to eight college council chairpersons in the Main Campus. However, only five have responded to the Publication's request for a survey as of writing.

Based on the responses, Brightspace is currently considered as the "primary" LMS in the University. But a number of students and faculty members still opt to use Google Classroom because of its "accessibility and student-friendly nature," Francis Cabinos, College of PESCAR Chairperson said. For College of Arts and Sciences Chairperson Netanya Gwyneth Catubuan, the platform "complicates the learning experience" because "it is difficult to navigate and notifications are not frequent."

While College of Dentistry (COD) Chairperson Shaila Veronica Paris agrees that the LMS "doesn't notify when an assignment, quiz, or new material is posted," she said it is "easy to navigate and understand."

The issue on the platform's unfriendly notification feature is a common theme among the chairpersons' responses. For College of Information and

main LMS, a common answer was the conduct of an orientation to the platform. This is a measure the University has employed since but has not addressed the actual problems confronting the stakeholders, resulting in a problem-solution mismatch.

Meanwhile, the COD has found its way around the problem. According to Paris, they have "set people in charge of notifying the class FB (Facebook) Messenger group chat whenever something new is posted."

Last February 24, the University's Facebook page posted an announcement on how to enable Brightspace notifications.

Currently, no data is publicly available on the effectiveness and efficiency of Brightspace as an LMS. According to Management Information System Director Louie Cervantes during the July 26 'Kaathagan', "it will be under the Office of the VPAA to conduct an evaluation and make a recommendation whether we will continue to maintain the subscription."

INTO A BRIGHT FUTURE

Communications Technology Chairperson Allyn Navarra, "it causes late submission [of] course requirements." Meanwhile, it has left students in the College of Communication in the "adjustment and exploration stages," according to Chairperson Raymart Eufracio.

PROBLEM-SOLUTION MISMATCH

When asked about their respective college's response to the growing hesitancy in using Brightspace as the

On November 16, the Commission on Higher Education released a memorandum urging all higher education institutions to implement full in-person or hybrid learning. With this, it is crucial to ask: what is there for Brightspace in the University? Upon the expiration of the University's subscription period by the end of 2022, would the expenditure of additional thousands be worth it considering the features that Brightspace has to offer?

To date, the accessibility and efficiency of Brightspace are still openly reprehended. As these issues continue to prevail far past the University's "exploration" stage, its future remains uncertain. Now that the final decision depends on the University administration, it must heed the students' and faculty members' plight on the platform, rather than trying to push a platform that takes thousands of pesos out of the University's budget that does not even cater to the actual needs of users who utilize it on a daily basis.

"As issues continue to prevail far past the University’s “exploration” stage, Brightspace’s future remains uncertain.”

Joshua A. Celestial

The University employed a blended learning modality: a combination of traditional placebased classroom methods (residential) and online educational opportunities (remote) using Google Classroom and the new learning management system Brightspace.

In the implementation of the blended learning

‘Mabudlay kag magasto’ Taga-West laments blended learning modality woes

Embracing the demands of the new normal, West Visayas State University (WVSU) implemented the blended learning modality in the first semester of academic year 2022-2023, a move that was welcomed with mixed reactions after two years of remote learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

modality, the University adopted a framework where General Education courses are conducted in a remote modality, while all major and internship courses are done in a residential setup.

The blended learning setup, however, produced significant challenges for Taga-West: some students and teachers have to attend and conduct in-person and online classes on the same day inside the University, and the scattered schedule of courses under residential modality.

‘ONLY ONE RESIDENTIAL CLASS A DAY’

Freshman students Sherymae Alias and Yzzell Marie Simpas, who are traveling from their hometown to the University, lament the burden of traveling just to attend one residential class.

Alias, who travels for at least one hour from Alimodian, said her greatest struggle is commuting.

"Ang pinakabudlaygid kanamon is ang byahe tapos ma-online. Okaylang daad ja kung sa isa ka adlawrako amon klase pero isa man lang dayon online man," she told Forum-Dimensions.

Traveling from New Lucena to attend her residential and remote classes at the same time, Simpas described blended learning modality as "difficult and expensive".

Mabudlay siya (blended learning) kag magasto kay for someone nga ga-travel pa from the province, may online class sa aga dayon pagka-hapon may face-to-face [class] naman. Mabalik kami diri sa school, isa man lang gale amon nga face-to-face

[class]. After that, mabalik naman kami kay may lagson naman kami nga online class" she narrated.

APPEAL TO RESCHEDULE

Second-year Development Communication student Gilbert Cerillo, meanwhile, appealed for an adjustment to the schedule of courses in the residential classes. He emphasized the scenario of going to the University at 4:00 p.m., being dismissed at 5:30 p.m., and arriving home late in the evening.

He requested the possibility of having all classes that are set for residential modality be scheduled in just one day instead of separating it in different days of the week.

"Tani kung face-to-face sa amo na nga adlaw, tani tanan nga subjects nga face-to-face [ibutang] sa amo na nga adlaw. Indi nga i-scatter nila sa bilog nga week," he suggested.

While Vice President for Academic Affairs (VPAA) Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla understands the plea of the students, she stressed that merging all residential classes in just one day would be impossible.

For students traveling everyday to attend on-site classes, Dequilla advised they have "to live near the campus. Even if you live far, this is now your life here."

The VPAA admitted that the administration has no definite solutions yet for the said problems, but left Taga-West with "more than 50%" possibility of returning to full five-day face-to-face classes every week in the next semester.

‘Wellness break’ a good move, but Taga-West wants ‘stricter’ implementation

Plagued by heavy demands from distance learning, the University implements a ‘wellness break’ to give students a breathing space from online classes and a “time for self-care”.

"

All course facilitators will not meet asynchronously with their classes to allow students to have a break from mental work. No tasks or assignments, neither required submissions, will be given within the week. The topics allotted for the week will be left to students for independent study." the memorandums released by the University in the previous semesters consistently reads.

Students, however, raised an often overlooked reality on the implementation of the week-long academic wellness break: teachers giving academic tasks days before the break takes effect and a deadline set a week after.

A ‘BENEFICIAL, GOOD’ INITIATIVE

Expressing their appreciation of the University's efforts to look over the students mental well-being, Taga-West said the wellness break gives them ample time to rest

from the academic stress.

"It is really beneficial having a 1-week wellness break. It gives us time to distress, to be away from academic life, and to give ourselves time to rest and meditate," shared Elexer James Baylon, a 2nd-year Bachelor of Science in Biology student.

For Gaddiel Agura, a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education student, the week-long health break gives students "a little bit of peace of mind" and a pause from the stress coming from the course and the adjustments imposed by the pandemic.

‘STRICTER’ IMPLEMENTATION FROM ADMIN

With the apparent cases of negligence of several teachers, the students have urged the University to strictly implement the facets of the wellness break.

Agura stressed that "there should be stricter implementation of the wellness break" through a

thorough information dissemination about its very purpose to teachers.

She believes that these instances unfortunately defeat the purpose of the break: "When you say there's going to be a wellness break, that's supposed to be a break - it's in the name. There should be no work [and] a time when students would be able to recuperate."

Sharing her fair-share of encounters with this issue, financial management major Kaye Marie Rubin, reiterated the need to have a "full force" implementation by informing the teachers of the memorandum's provisions.

In response to the growing concerns regarding the non-compliance of teachers to the guidelines enshrined in the memorandum, Forum-Dimensions arranged an interview with the Vice President for Academic Affairs Ma. Asuncion Christine Dequilla. However, the VPAA is unavailable as of writing.

EDITORIAL BOARD

A.Y. 2022-2023

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF

Richard D. Olano, Jr

Zynnie Rose C. Zaragosa

MANAGING EDITOR

Nicole Anne A. Moscoso

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

Ron Eliezer G. Duhina

Keven Rizzo C. Sitjar

NEWS AND SPECIAL REPORTS EDITORS

Rjay Z. Castor

Nove Joy S. Losbañes

FEATURES EDITORS

Sarah Rose M. Linas

Clint M. Bellosillo

AND HILIGAYNON EDITOR

John Paul A. Daquin

SPORTS EDITOR

Jomer J. Ruego

LITERARY EDITORS

Jade Danielle T. Isidro

Maria Kayla T. Tingzon

ONLINE EDITOR

Angeline S. Acantilado

SENIOR PHOTOJOURNALIST

Franz Chrysler Marie C. Delgado

CREATIVE DIRECTORS

Justin Kyle G. Quinesio

Amethyst A. Alumbro

ART DIRECTORS

Karla R. Porras

Gwenneth Meg D. Soniso

CIRCULATION AND EXCHANGE MANAGER

Keminova B. Acepcion

SENIOR CARTOONIST

Joshua A. Celestial

SENIOR EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Reesa T. Azarraga

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS

James Bryan U. Almonia

Joanna Wayne S. Horneja

Japheth Marie G. Fernandez de Leon

Ashley Denise B. Feliciano

Ryde Rendell B. Ponsaran

John Lester T. Trafiero

Cybelle Rio Jhane Hembra

CONTRIBUTOR

Eric D. Morguia, Jr

To Kill a Messenger

Keeping the title "world's deadliest country for journalists" for more than three decades per the 2022 Global Impunity Index by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), the Philippines has undoubtedly progressed far beyond the realization that shooting the messenger is futile and ineffective.

The murder of Percy Lapid, a renowned journalist and critic of the current administration, last October 3rd has made headlines, but the frequency of such attacks on journalists is met with an ambiance of callousness. These incidents are not separate entities. Instead, these nurture a society that normalizes impunity and hostility against truth-tellers, narrowing the line between criticism and terrorism.

Predominantly, the poignant history of murders done on journalists in the country, with the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) recording the death of 197 journalists since 1986, is parallel to the tales of the 22 members of the press that perished under former President Rodrigo Duterte's command and two more in the current administration.

As these killings increase, the light on media practitioners weakens, and campus journalists are discouraged from being critical and outspoken.

Even with enacting the Campus Journalism Act of 1991, the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) cited cases of press repression in higher education institutions last 2019. At the campus level, student journalists are being directed to tolerate societal matters.

Further, threats to the press community extend beyond killings, as journalists are also blatantly harassed. These threats

were substantiated by bloodstained circumstances, such as when Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa was discredited and convicted of cyber libel. These charges have been criticized as being politically motivated and a way to shut down independent media in the country.

Another would be when blocktimer Flo Hervias was assaulted after his program outside RMN-Iloilo just three days after Lapid's death. Prior to this, Hervias reported on a controversial story on a rehabilitation project of the city's public market.

These occurrences instill widespread dread in journalists expressing their scrutiny and, possibly, in mere civilians practicing democracy.

Despite the government's condemnations and laws enacted to strengthen democracy and press freedom, there is still no assurance of safety in expressing one's views, especially when the critics in mainstream media are painted as enemies not of the system but of the state itself.

Thus, Filipino journalists must remain steadfast and undaunted. Practicing freedom in reportage should not be hindered by fear of death. Instead, it should be a motivation to choose better handlers of the system-ones who are not afraid of criticism and the truth.

With every death mourned, the reality persists that killing the messenger does not eliminate the message and that the truth of Filipino journalists will always prevail.

A lesson from the bedside

IMPETUS

RICHARD D. OLANO, JR.

OUTGOING STAFFERS

A.Y. 2021-2022

Gerlyn Joy P. Rojo EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Dr. Bonna S. Palma ADVISER Dr. Nancy S. Surmieda DEAN OF STUDENTS Dr. Joselito F. Villaruz UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT Julie Anne L. Collado

MANAGING EDITOR

Reynold L. Sumido, Jr.

Jonar B. Dorado FILIPINO AND HILIGAYNON EDITOR

John Aubrey J. Jamero SPORTS EDITOR Ella Hyacinth R. Golez John Glen L. Teorima ONLINE EDITORS

John Lyod B. Pachejo SENIOR EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

"Daw malupok ang akon tiyan (My abdomen feels like it's going to explode)." He exhibited facial grimacing and guarding behavior; his daughter, at a loss for words because of shock, sat frozen on the edge of the rusty hospital bed. It was an emergency, or so I thought.

R.T.P., as we would call him for patient confidentiality, was the first patient assigned to us when our hospital exposure began. Over a week ago, he underwent low anterior bowel resection as surgical management for his rectal cancer, then was discharged. He was supposed to come back after a month for the closure of his stoma. But he was there that day, not even two weeks after his surgery. I rushed to the clinical clerk on duty, who immediately performed gastric decompression that relieved his distended abdomen.

When you're in the ward, you don't hope to see your patients again. Not that you dread being involved with their lives posthospitalization. Sure, it would be nice to cross paths with them, perhaps in Esplanade, as they take a walk after they've recovered from their broken thighbone. Or in a grocery store while they shop for a healthy diet after they survived breast cancer. But because seeing them again, in the ward most likely, could only mean complications or further deterioration of their health.

When patients get discharged, you hope they get their life before diagnosis back - or at least some parts of it.

I knew of the overwhelming workload and the high nurseto-patient ratio in the wards, so I see the dire need for the

Philippine government to initiate radical systemic change in healthcare. I anticipated nursing would require a caring attitude and empathy. But I wasn't prepared to have the deep fortitude necessary to meet my patients again if their prognosis turns unpromising. I'm just starting to learn and live with it now.

FILIPINO

Richard D. Olano, Jr. is a level III student nurse from the University’s College of Nursing, serving as one of Forum-Dimensions’ chief editors. He has a deep love for cinema and spends his free time reinventing classic Filipino dishes.

"When patients get discharged, you hope they get their life before diagnosis back — or at least some parts of it.

Joshua A. Celestial

Olaf is my Gandhi

BRAINROT

At the age of five, I pledged in front of my fellow kindergarteners that I will become a teacher like my mother. Six years later, I told myself that I will become a doctor after constantly being in and out of the hospital. Now, as a graduating BA Political Science student, only one thing remains certain; getting advice from a Disney side character makes much more sense.

Ironically, the older I get, the less I become certain of what the future holds. Apparently, no one told us that life becomes vaguely impossible to fathom the moment we thought we already got the hang of it. From memory, life was not rocket science until isolation took the better of me during the pandemic. I dealt with heartbreaks, betrayals, and loss of selfconfidence in a span of one year. From an enthusiastic elementary valedictorian whose destiny is written in the stars, I became a 21-year-old who cried herself to sleep and suffered memory gaps on a daily basis.

Luckily, I found my go-to moral force during the peak of my quarter-life crisis. Olaf in Disney's Frozen

Nicole Anne A. Moscoso is a

"Ea,

ZYNNIE ROSE C. ZARAGOSA KEVEN RIZZO C. SITJAR

may appear as if his only role is to look fluffy and act cute but in actuality, he is the most sensible character in all of Disney films. Olaf is always optimistic and sometimes a little bit clueless and while others may find this hilarious this is exactly how the transition to adulthood feels like. The line "One day, when I'm old and wise, I'll think back and realize that these were all completely normal events" humbled me in ways I couldn't imagine because I have always been dreading to ace my life after university. However, Olaf told me to take it easy because "growing up means adapting."

The older we get, the less we have control on things around us. Olaf has put me into place. No matter how unorthodox this sounds, I'm taking his advice. Being exhausted after years of hustling in anything that we are so passionate about is our only reminder that we are built to rest and find solace in failures. Afterall, as human as we are, we're fashioned to treat ourselves humanely.

‘Cornelia Street’

I was never a die-hard Taylor Swift fan. I did not stay up until 12 am to wait for the Midnights album, nor did I put 'All Too Well' on a loop all day long. But this one song of hers, Cornelia Street, appears to have summed up the last six years of my life.

The song speaks about how much a person dreads the thought of walking down the same street where her lover left her. But unlike Taylor's version, my Cornelia Street is not a reminder of memories that I want to shove back into the deepest corners of my mind, it is the opposite.

Coming from a province in Mindanao, I have always known that all the years of my life spent here for school would be temporary, that eventually I'd have to leave everyone and everything behind. As I am now in my last year in college, the time to finally say goodbye is drawing to a close faster than I wanted it to be.

Lost in translation

These were the sounds I was used to at home, but when I left Aklan and exposed myself to the overall Western Visayan community, it was a tonguetwisting journey.

When I found out I was about to study in Iloilo City, a concern dreaded me for days: how to talk to people. Like all new kids in school, there was an imminent challenge of socializing with others, but it was doubled for me. Not only did I have to pull some confidence out to talk, but I also had to know how to actually talk.

It was fine if I couldn't converse much with my fellow students, but it was a nightmare when the professors didn't teach us using English or Filipino. I had to ask my classmates who were willing to translate the discussions from time to time. There

may be similar words and expressions that Akeanon and Hiligaynon languages share, but some have different or even opposite definitions.

Amid my daily battles in communication, Filipino and English were my refuges - the Philippine official languages. It was the only way I could deliver my thoughts to my classmates, answer questions from my professors, and talk with people outside the university. All the language lessons drilled on me since kindergarten proved their usefulness.

In a country that is divided geographically and culturally, it's easy to get lost in translation. Due to so many polarizing factors that could hinder us in understanding, much effort must be put into work for language and culture studies. Not only it's an exploration of our identity's beauty, but an effective way to evade conflict and hostility.

ISSN: 2423-2769 | Member of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines

Under the banner of West Visayas State University Forum-Dimensions Publications Inc.

I have picked up so many pieces of people - little habits and phrases as I went on to dive into the culture and values of Ilonggos. Now, I can boldly say that I am a mosaic of everyone I've ever loved here, of people - friends turned family who simply made me who I am.

It is amazing how easily a memory of a place propels its way into our individual stories as a witness to both our downfalls and milestones, but most importantly, as a witness to our "in-betweens" - the stories we keep to ourselves and rarely, sometimes even never, tell anyone.

Iloilo is my Cornelia Street and one day my memories of this place will be overshadowed by newer stories, but one thing is for sure, wherever life after college takes me, I want to remember Iloilo longer than I have lived in it.

EMAIL: fd@wvsu.edu.ph TEL NO.: (033) 320-0870 Loc. 1610

HONORABLE DATU

ie, ei, eo, eu."

Zynnie Rose Zaragosa, 22, is a 4th-year Bachelor of Arts in Political Science student who serves as one of Forum-Dimensions’ editors-inchief. She is a neophyte existentialist who believes that extra pressure cracks a person open.

Keven Rizzo C. Sitjar is a 4th-year Political Science student who advocates for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He dances a lot and rewatches anime to relieve stress. He’s a perfectionist and a procrastinator: a perfect combination for a master crammer.

"Being exhausted after years of hustling in anything that we are so passionate about is our only reminder that we are built to rest and find solace in failures.

"In a country that is divided geographically and culturally, it’s easy to get lost in translation.

VERITAS

NICOLE ANNE A. MOSCOSO

4th year Medical Biology student and has been a campus journalist for 12 years now. She often writes about topics on science and development. Her life’s core revolves around doing what excites.

Now, I can boldly say that I am a mosaic of everyone I’ve ever loved here, of people – friends turned family who simply made me who I am.

‘Eleganza extravaganza’: Dissecting the status quo on drag

In most recent times, drag has evidently diffused into the Filipino culture despite how "traditional" ours may seem. By definition, drag is an art form where a person dresses in accessories and cosmetics intended to emphasize a particular gender identity, typically of the opposing sex.

This is most notably seen in the mainstream media such as RuPaul's Drag Race Philippines and with the recently concluded Clash of Queens of West Visayas State University. After the two generations of drag queens performed live in the University Pag-iririmaw in 2019 and 2022, drag is gradually finding its place in the tradition of every Taga-West. Yet what happens after the curtains are drawn? In this year's edition of West Post Test, Forum-Dimensions looks into the status quo and assumptions surrounding drag.

PUTTING IT INTO A TEST

Clutching our printed emojis and placards, we screened 20 random students that were hanging out at the University's mini-forest. We first showed them two pictures of Drag Race performers, Precious Paula Nicole and Manila Luzon, and asked them to describe what they see in the photo. Thirteen out of 20 students answered the name of the performers or the show itself. Meanwhile, the photos received mainly positive feedback from the remaining seven. We then asked them if they were aware of drag in the Philippines and only one was unfamiliar with the art form.

Next, to get a glimpse of how they feel about drag, we asked them to choose among the six Facebook emojis namely, like, heart, care, sad, wow, and angry. Most respondents raised their "heart" and wow emojis which signify their "love" and "astonishment" for drag, except one who raised a like emoji. As instructed, they will only raise "like" when they feel indifferent or unaffected about the subject at hand.

Finally, we asked them about their perception of the status quo of drag queens and performances in the University, as to whether the WVSU community is accepting or merely tolerating it. Out of 20 students, 17 believed that the University is very accepting of drag with some students from the College of Business and Management believing that the Clash of Queens is a "first step" in recognizing this form of art and expression.

country, 13 believed that the country is merely tolerating drag, while others believe that the Philippines is still in no way near tolerating or accepting it. "50-50," said Mark from the College of Communication, emphasizing the continuous battle fought for the passing of the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Expression (SOGIE) Bill that seeks to protect people from SOGIEbased discrimination.

IS IT ‘SHANTAY, YOU STAY’ OR ‘SASHAY AWAY’?

Based on the survey's results, one can assume that with the incorporation of drag in University events, students have become open to the idea that it is more than an entertainment stint but a call for inclusivity in the campus. On a wider scope, the students expressed that the country as a whole was slow on its feet as it is still yet to accept concepts and laws that promote equality for all, including members of the LGBTQIA+, such as the SOGIE bill. The responses unveiled that while society allows the drag community to grow, it's hampered by the walls we created. This is only exacerbated by our unchanging minds and bygone rules that the Filipino community fails to let go of. As a whole, we still have to learn to accept these changes in order for us to be truly accepting individuals, considering that these changes do not offend anyone, nor do they stop on the rights of others. Without these realizations, the LGBTQIA+ community will remain to be a group of our brothers and sisters that dream of a safer and more accepting space where they can freely express themselves.

Student Regent’s Desk

HERSHEY GELINE D. SUMPAY

We, the students, continuously discuss the steps the University has taken toward a more progressive institution, yet we still need to be inclusive. With policies that restrict our students from self-expression, we are still far from the West Visayas State University (WVSU) that we envision. I believe that we should not impose restrictions on how students express themselves. As an academic institution, we must be the first to promote inclusivity and safe spaces for our students' welfare and development.

Long-standing issues regarding mental health should be taken seriously. We need to hire more guidance counselors or outsource medical practitioners who are experts in this field and have credibility in dealing with situations that involve our students' psychological and psychosocial needs. We should also place the utmost importance on having students undergo training to become peer facilitators to cater to their needs and the needs of other students who are too afraid to approach teachers. Let us build a community where everyone is helping one another. Currently, we have very limited guidance counselors who cannot accommodate the more than 19,000 students at WVSU.

Furthermore, the lack of facilities for students' non-academic activities is one of the problems that must be addressed. To provide the best learning experience to our Taga-West students, our facilities must be efficient enough to accommodate them.

Despite these, the students will continue to call for our academic and democratic freedom. As the microcosm of our society, we cannot separate our institutional struggle from the masses' struggle. We will continue to serve and deliver the best to every Taga-West.

In contrast, when asked about drag's place in the Zynnie Rose C. Zaragosa

CHAIRPERSON UNIVERSITY STUDENT COUNCIL

ASHLEY DENISE B. FELICIANO, JOHN LESTER T. TRAFIERO, AND ZYNNIE ROSE C. ZARAGOSA

It was 1902. Hoping to educate hopeful Ilonggo students, this modest "normal" school found itself in the narrative of Iloilo, besting warfare and political affairs decades later. Books and archives were left decimated amid World War II, but history was told in the halls in the heart of the West Visayas State University (WVSU)- Main Campus: Quezon Hall.

Every legend started small and evolved into a masterpiece deserving

respect and memory.

History may not have paved WVSU's path with gold, but the people who have made it successful and the school's exciting history are the real gems that deserve praise and admiration.

The illustrious Quezon Halls has weathered the reigns of several Philippine presidents and American governors, in addition to various natural calamities, social and political upheavals, and the pandemic that affected the whole world.

TALES AND TORMENT

Haunting stories about the halls have plagued both students and outsiders because it was said to have

operated as a Japanese garrison during World War II, making it a staunch witness to the atrocities that occurred during those dark times. Tales circulating have also rumored that there is a tunnel below the wooden tiles of the structures that connects to the adjacent Iloilo Mission Hospital.

Quezon Hall,throughout the century, is undeniably an epitome of history, honor, excellence and the values WVSU has strived to conserve. As of the latter half of 2021, the structure now illuminates several light colors at dusk, including red for the liberal arts, blue for education, and green for medicine, health, and associated sciences.

The concrete walls of Quezon Hall, its accompanying buildings, and the atmosphere of yesteryear that it radiates are all imbued with the long, glorious history of our nation's abundant cultural heritage and works of

creative expression. Behind these infamous hallways are untold tales that serve as witnesses to the struggles the building has faced in the past, the endeavors it is now conquering, and the challenges it will encounter.

OF HISTORY AND HONOR

Currently, it is the centerpiece of the main campus, not only as an avenue of learning but also giving students a sense of connection to the university's roots. Standing against the test of time for 120 years is something that Taga-West can take pride in, knowing that these halls will continue to be a haven of memories for many more students to come.

As a cradle for honor and excellence, may it never be plagued by repression and tainted by darkness again, for these halls will continue to construct our country's

future. This has resonated between the lines of the WVSU hymn:

"From a dream, a university grew, stirring hearts with a hero's refrain. Out of the darkness, faith renew that our toils should not fade in vain."

Amidst intrigues and controversies, Quezon Hall will invariably never cease to be a mirror of our rich history, our potent honor, and a representation of Taga-West's tradition of excellence.

CLINT M. BELLOSILLO AND JOMER J. RUEGO

The concrete walls of Quezon Hall, its accompanying buildings, and the atmosphere of yesteryear that it radiates are all imbued with the long, glorious history of our nation’s abundant cultural heritage and works of creative expression.

Silent torments in the north

RJAY Z. CASTOR AND FRANZ CHRYSLER MARIE C. DELGADO

Flaxen weeds affixed to rocks are swaying along with the current, decorating the sunkissed waters in the northern part of Iloilo Province.The once-brim-full containers of emerald riches can now barely hold half of what they once did. Though a golden picturesque can be witnessed, unlike real gold, it no longer holds any value to the hungry stomachs and empty wallets of the seaweed farmers of this humble little town.

The Tiabas Seaweed Growers Association of San Dionisio, Iloilohas over 700 farmers who have relied on seaweed farming as their main source of income for more than a decade. There are about 2,000 people who live in the village.

Nilor Balontong, former captain of Brgy. Tiabas, has been a staunch witness to how the seaweed industry bloomed and how it is now withering.

He also recalled how far seaweed farming has brought the lives of the locals to greener pastures. According to him, this thriving sea-based economy has produced professionals and prominent individuals.

"Sang una, hindi pa madamo ang professionals sang wala pa diri mag-abot ang seaweeds. Pag abot niya, amo ini ang gin halin nga nagdamo ang professional diri sa amon," he shared.

Nilor furthered that students studying in the nearby towns, particularly in Estancia are selling seaweed products to help them with their daily allowances.

UNDERWATER RICHES

As seaweed farming offered major economic advantages, municipal, national, and private sector support grew. Post-harvest infrastructure and equipment have been supplied by the DOST, DTI, and various NGOs.

Various schools have also introduced skills for growing seaweed. Seaweed growers claimed they learned drying procedures, market pricing, and how to improve their operations via training. To

pay the kindness forward, their seaweed types are named after the people who aided them.

Locals utilize these salty, savory seaweeds to make salads, pickled meals, chips, and kropek (crackers). These livelihood projects gave seaweed growers revenue options that changed their lives.

THE DILEMMA

Nilor, who also pioneered the adoption of seaweed farming in the community, was among the hundreds of farmers who are struggling amidst the low turnout of their seaweed harvest.

"Sa subong masakit ang natabo sa Brgy. Tiabas. Sa 100% nga produkto, halos wala na sang 30% ang production sang seaweed diri sa amon. Ang mas mahal namun nga variety sang seaweed hindi na kami kapadako. Kapila na kami magsulit padako kag ang resulta amo man sa guihapon. Amo ina subong ang gina palibugan namun— kung paano ina namun masolbar," Nilor woefully narrated.

One of the underlying causes Nilor cites is the chemicals coming from commercial fertilizers used in the fish pens and fish cages of Bangus (milkfish). Nilor speculated that the toxic chemicals contained in them may have accumulated in the area and degraded the water quality.Though already inoperative, he also lamented that several production plants previously had their sewage and industrial waste discharged into the sea.

"We hope that you can help us, especially the authorities concerned. I am earnestly asking help from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to look into the problem and give us an answer because, for all of us here, this is where we get to live."

In general, seaweed production necessitates an environment with adequate nutrients and light for growth, as well as salinity and temperatures that are not harmful to the species being cultivated—an environment that Brgy. Tiabas may no longer be able to sustain.

FIFTH TIME’S A CHARM

How a 55-yearold PNLE passer persevered for her dreams

When we were little, we wore our dreams on our sleeves and we felt like the world was a factory of happy endings for as long as we wished it to be. However, growing up, we realized that life is a journey that goes a long way, not a race to shortcuts. But no matter how old we get, we never stop dreaming. Just like Jean, who stumbled several times in pursuit of her goal, it didn't daunt her to try for it again at age 55.

WHAT DREAMS ARE MADE OF

It all began with a simple dream to wear a white uniform. Yet, it inspired Jean Billones [now Corillo], a native of Ajuy, Iloilo, to fully achieve her ambition of becoming a nurse. Thus, in 1992, she earned her Bachelor's degree in Nursing from Iloilo Doctors' College. However, her trek was an uphill battle as she didn't pass the licensure exam not twice but five times more.

Having a family to raise while preparing for the exams strapped their finances hard. Jean then decided to put up a small variety store at their home in Ajuy, and in 2006, she put her dream on hold after coming up short at her 4th attempt. 16 years later, with the persuasion of her two children, especially her eldest daughter, Anne Franceine Jean Corillo, a Taga-West alumna from Batch 2017 and a nurse working in the United Kingdom, Jean grabbed her 5th shot for the RN dream last May 29-30, 2022.

FINALLY, THE RESULTS 'RN'!

Her youngest daughter, Fionnula saw her name first among the sea of official passers of the Philippine Nursing Licensure Exam (PNLE), who then relayed the good news to Franceine. But it was their cousin in Ireland who finally gave the great news to their mom over a phone call at 1 o'clock in the morning.

frustrated at the absence of her name.

These were the first words of the teary-eyed Jean upon learning that she, after 30 long years, earned the two letters "RN" after her name.

FROM ONE DREAMER TO ANOTHER

At the age of six, among other things, Franceine was already skilled in taking vital signsthanks to her mother's teachings. Although before becoming a full-fledged nurse, Franceine also shared that her mom always had the heart of a nurse for she never hesitated to extend a helping whenever needed. A few years ago, Jean also helped deliver a baby in their barangay; at the time was the only person available who had a medical background. She was protected by the Good Samaritan Law of the Philippines which protected any person from any civil or criminal liability who helps in good faith during an emergency.

As the eldest daughter, Franceine witnessed how Jean scrambled through the newspaper pages only to be

"Indi swerte ginikanan mo. Te ikaw panindigan mo, nga ikaw nagdala swerte sa ginikanan mo," Franceine shared, pertaining to the opportunities she was given by life that her parents did not get to experience.

FAITH. GRIT. DETERMINATION.

As Jean becomes a full-fledged nurse, she hopes to answer her heart's calling in serving her fellow Filipinos through quality healthcare.

"Don't give up a dream. When you have a passion for something, never stop believing or doubt yourself until you achieve it because it is worth the wait," Jean shared.

For some, the third time's a charm. While it took Jean five attempts to capture hers, it didn't waver her faith in herself and in God to reach her goal. Like her, when we think that once our dreams are lost, we just need to find our inner dreamer and dream once more. After all, it just takes one dream to begin again.

ELLA HYACINTH R. GOLEZ AND JOANNA WAYNE S. HORNEJA

"Lord, you are so amazing!"

Franceine Corillo

FROM ONE GENERATION TO ANOTHER. Beneath every nurse uniform is a story that witnessed the hardship and sacrifice of a future nurse to become a full-fledged member of the profession.

THE ONE THAT DREAMS. The culmination of a college student’s hard work is reaching graduation day and Jean was one of the many dreamers from IDC nursing school whose labor was rewarded in 1992.

Lying within the country's current economic plight, there are stories that struggle to spark a flicker of hope amidst the surrounding darkness of difficulties. Although often smothered as quickly as it appears, some stories remain worth telling for others to fathom the realities that are frequently overlooked.

This holds true to the silent struggles of West Visayas State University's working students. And in light of their efforts, three students shared how they juggle academic pressure alongside their careers;

ONLINE SIDE-HUSTLE

Ma. Aira Felice Gayonoche is a first-year student of Bachelor of Science in Development Communication. She is an online seller who, despite her young age, aims to be financially stable.

"It has already been more than a year since I engaged in the field of online selling. I choose to be a working student to be able to financially support myself [and] be independent," states Aira. She further adds that her

Let them eat sou p

RYDE RENDELL PONSARAN

No other eyes are more open than those of Phoebe Plummer and Anna Holland, two Stop Oil activist organization members who threw soup at Van Gogh's painting, "Sunflowers," and who continue to taste the lingering acrimony of climate activism on their tongues. Holding Heinz soup in one hand and the other glued against the wall, they scream the bitter question: which is more important for the people, the preservation of art or life?

Though the soup they threw at one of Van Gogh's paintings did not tarnish the art, Plummer admits what they have done seems ridiculous. Nonetheless, this act and prior disruptive protests since February, such as tying and gluing themselves to structures and blocking road paths, caused the conversation to stir towards their methods of protests, not the problem posed in their activities. Even so, their actions received what they have always wanted: attention.

After the initial outcry, while Plummer still had the public's awareness, her organization diverted our eyes to a dish heavily disregarded: the neglect of renewable energy in favor of fossil fuels, revealed by the numerous fossil fuel licenses granted by the late U.K. Prime Minister Liz Truss, and the spiking energy costs directly affecting the U.K.'s current price of living crisis.

The public took a bite of the stunt, blinded by its outrageousness. It declared the flavor profile irrelevant and

business aids in saving for academic necessities.

WITHIN THE CORPORATE JUNGLE

Meanwhile, another student by the pen name Julia from AB Political Science works as an ESL teacher at a BPO company. Her line of work requires a rigorous schedule which exerts a toll on her time for school. Yet she continues to persevere to lessen her parents' financial burdens.

"Sometimes imbis i-reviewko or ubra assignment, matulog nalang ko because of kapoy," shares Julia. "I work para kahit papaano, mabawasan ang problema sang akon familykung diin makwa sang akon allowance."

LIVING IN BOTH WORLDS

During lunchtime, while most students frolic around the Coop building to have a meal, Jessel Aaron keeps herself busy at the West Side Cafe - not as a

customer, but as a kitchen crew. At 19, Jessel had to work to financially support her school expenses and allowances. She shares that despite her father being an OFW, his earnings can only do so much to support two daughters in college, an intern son, and a sick wife. Willing herself to not ask for more allowance from her father, Jessel engaged in part-time work.

"Even though I'm tired from school andwork, I always remind myself that I should finish mystudies para maka pahuwayna obra si tatay," Jessel says.

THE PATH TOWARD THE DREAM

Some time ago, students' dreams were as simple as passing and graduating. But as the current economy staggers through skyrocketing inflation, some students have to go through a different path, albeit aiming for the same destination. These are just some of the stories that unveil a facet of striving for one's ambitions, especially those that are beyond independence.

ineffective, cooking up the narrative of a war against art. One compared the act of throwing soup to suffragette Mary Richardson's significant damage to the painting "The Rokeby Venus" in 1914.

Instead, the target was to address public ignorance and systematic corruption, which lead to planetary destruction and, in this case, people unable to afford to heat their soup. Some may have tasted the implications of this cause, but there's no telling whether they can keep their eyes open long enough for it to mean anything.

Every story, and every historical event, is a dish. And for every dish, two kinds of patrons would dare taste it. One with eyes open and one with eyes shut.

However, the soup's intent was not to destroy one of Van Gogh's many iconic oeuvres or to inhibit other people from doing their usual tasks due to their "nonviolent civil resistance" in public places.

ASHLEY DENISE B. FELICIANO AND ANGELINE S. ACANTILADO

With one hindered by physiological limitations from moving as they wish to, and another thwarted by societal limitations to express who they are, both found ways to express what their hearts desire. By dancing to the beat of music and raising their flags to the world, these souls to claim the spotlight and stand their ground.

SERVING LOOKS AND EQUAL RIGHTS

With a rainbow flag gripped in one clammy hand and a flailing fist in the other, the Ilonggo LGBTQ+ community, bedecked in vibrant arrays of colors, sashayed fashionably through the city's bustling streets. For others, it may be a mere parade. But for them, it is a protest - a fight for a seat at the table to reinforce Iloilo's antidiscrimination ordinance.

Even though this regulation has been in the books for four years, some Ilonggos from the community still face discrimination and controversy against the same rights that this policy claims to safeguard.

With this, the Iloilo Pride Team lent its hands to the community by organizing annual celebrations of their existence, including

A HEART’S PIROUETTE FROM THE PERIPHERIES TO THE SPOTLIGHT

As flowing bodies intertwine with soul-stirring music, and while each pointed foot conveys a multitude of emotions, hearts are held captive with every beat and move, bringing "Restless Heart" to life. A brainchild of Bereber Sayaw for Parkinson's Disease, Restless Heart is a dance for a cause that gathered artists from all over the country and the world for the benefit of the non-profit organization. Behind its curtains and the array of professionals stood Novy J. Bereber, an Ilonggo artist passionate about aiding patients diagnosed with Parkinson's disease through dance and music therapy. Parkinson's disease is a brain disorder that leads to involuntary movements like tremors, stiffness, and a lack of coordination. According to Bereber, many believe that "those affected

JOHN LESTER T. TRAFIERO AND JAPHETH MARIE G. FERNANDEZ DE LEON

Steave Francis Quiatchon and Sayaw PD, Dance for Parkinson’s

WVSU nakaangkon sang QS Stars University Ratings, ginpasidunggan sang CHED

Ginkilala ang West West Visayas State University sang Commission on Higher Education pagkatapos makaangkon sang Quacquarelli Symonds University Star Ratings sa ginhiwat nga Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) ICONS Internalization Awards sa syudad sang Pasay, Agosto 26. Ang nasambit nga pagkilala sa Unibersidad ang magapabakod sa gina-ambisyon sang buluthuan nga mangin isa ka hayag nga "research university" kag magapasanyog sang dekalidad nga edukasyon para malab-ot ang "societal transformation" kag "global recognition".

Ginbaton ni Prof. Carmel Edel SubongCsoka, direktor sang International and Local Linkages Office, ang nasambit nga pasidungog bilang tiglawas sang WVSU. Lakip sa nabaton sang Unibersidad amo ang sertipiko kag tropeo.

Ang ASEAN ICONS Internalization Awards ang nagakilala sa mga dumalagon nga bulut-uhan ukon "exemplary Philippine Higher Education Institutions" nga may kontribusyon sa pangkalibutanon nga reputasyon sang Higher Education sa Pilipinas.

Kompositor ng WVSU hymn, pumanaw na

Namayapa ang batikang kompositor at dating guro sa West Visayas State University (WVSU) na si Prof. Romulo Pangan noong Marso 23. Siya ay nakapagsulat ng 236 na komposisyon kabilang na ang himno at martsa ng WVSU.

Kilala bilang isang beteranong kompositor, ang tubong Hagonoy, Bulacan na si Pangan ay nakapag-iwan ng legasiya sa larangan ng musika at pagtatanghal. Kabilang dito ang pagbuo ng iba't-ibang orkestra hindi lang sa WVSU kundi pati na rin sa Central Philippine University, Colegio Del Sagrado de Jesus, Seminaryo ni San Vincente Ferrer, at Colegio de la Immaculada Concepcion.

Sa paglarawan ng kaniyang naging dating estudyante at ngayo'y WVSU Cultural Director na si Prof. Liberty Porras, ang yumaong guro ay isang napakagaling ngunit mapagkumbabang tagapagsanay.

Sa loob ng apat na dekada, nakalikha si Pangan ng 22 na kanta sa Ingles, 26 sa Filipino, 66 na awiting pangsamba, 27 na kanta sa Ilonggo, 44 na kantang may temang kabayanihan, 13 na kanta para sa Panayana, at 38 para sa WVSU lamang.

Paano ba maging isang mag-aaral?

Hindi ang ginigitgit na katamaran ng isang estudyante na tulad ko ang tumutulak sakin upang unit-unting putulin ang marupok na lubid na nakahawak sa aking pangarap.

Hindi kailanman magiging madali ang bumangon mula sa pagkakadapa lalo na isang estudyante na palaging taas noo kung iwagayway ang pangalang nakaimprinta sa kanyang landas. Ganoon kahirap ang maging estudyante muli sa katulad kong minsang nagpadala sa alon ng aking bagyo.

Dahil sa naging pilas ng pandemya, pagbabago sa modalidad ng pag-aaral at hindi nakasanayang paligid, isa ako sa lubos na naapektuhan nito. Ang mga maliliit na lungkot at paghikbi na kinupkop ko ay isa na palang hudyat na nasusugatan na ang aking mentalidad at kalaunan ay nauwi sa tinatawag na depresyon.

Sa pagsisimula ng online class, isa ako sa mga bumati ng may poot at reklamo sa modalidad na ito dahil sa kakulangan ng preparasyon para sa mga guro at estudyante na haharap dito. Dala na ang kawalan sa kagamitan at malakas na internet na alam naman nating marami rin ang dumadaing para sa kakailanganing ito. Hindi mailalarawan ang siphayong nararamdaman ng tulad ko na aktibo ang partisipasyon sa klase sa tuwing babagal ang internet at mawawala sa koneksyon.

Dagdagan pa ng tambak na pagtapon ng mga gawaing may mabilisang palugit, hindi lang kaba ang dumadagundong sa akin tuwing hindi ko naipapasa ang gawain agad-agad dahil nga sa mga salik na ito.

Ngunit hindi naman talaga natapos ang mga reklamo, pinilit ko lang ikubli ang pagmamaktol na ito sa kadahilanang hindi naman nabibigyan ng tugon ang mga ito. Dito ko napagtanto na hindi na masaya ang pag-aaral.

At sa pagharap ko ng depresyon bilang isang estudyante, ako ay tumatangis na nawa'y maunawaan din ng iba na hindi madali ang sumubok muli maging estudyante na hangad nila.

Panapos na palatuntunan sa Buwan ng Wika, idinaos

Matapos ang mahigit dalawang taon nang tumama ang pandemiya ay muling ipinagdiwang sa loob ng West Visayas State University (WVSU) ang Buwan ng Wikang Pambansa, Agosto 26. "Filipino at mga Katutubong Wika: Kasangkapan sa Pagtuklas at Paglikha" ang tema ng pagdiriwang na dinaluhan ng mga magaaral mula sa programang Batsilyer sa Pansekundaryang Edukasyon Medyor sa Filipino.

Kabilang sa mga naging pangunahing aktibidad ng selebrasyon ay ang lektyur ni Prop. Aries Cabahit, dating direktor ng Sentro ng Wika at Kultura sa University of Antique, tagisan ng talino, spoken word poetry, at patimpalak sa Lakan at Lakambini ng Wika 2022.

Ginawaran din ng sertipiko ng pagkilala ang mga nakilahok at nagwagi sa mobile photography, poster at slogan, pagsulat ng tula, at pagsulat ng sanaysay. Pinangunahan ang pagdiriwang na ito nina Bb. Lindsay Mitch Lim, tagapangulo ng Kapisanan ng Diwa at Panitik; Dr. Ernalyn Cepeda, puno ng Filipino Language Teaching Division ng Kolehiyo ng Edukasyon; at Dr. Romeo Espedion, Jr., direktor ng Sentro ng Wika at Kultura sa Pamantasan. Samantala, sa gitna ng pagdaraos ng Buwan ng Wika sa buong bansa, mariin pa

rin ang panawagan ng iba't ibang sektor na ibalik ang pagtuturo ng Filipino at ng Panitikan sa kolehiyo. Sa katunayan, inihain ng mga kinatawan ng ACT Teachers Partylist, Gabriela Women's Party, at Kabataan Partylist sa unang regular na sesyon ng ika-19 na Kongreso ang House Bill No. 564.

Layon ng panukalang batas na ito na itakda ang "hindi bababa sa siyam (9) na yunit ng asignaturang Filipino at tatlong (3) yunit ng asignaturang Panitikan sa kurikulum ng kolehiyo". Matatandaan na tuluyan nang tinanggal noong 2019 bilang mga core subject ng General Education Curriculum ang Filipino at ang Panitikan, kasama ang Philippine Constitution. Ito ay matapos pagtibayin ng Korte Suprema ang naunang desisyon nito noong Oktubre 2018 na pabor sa Commission on Higher Education Memorandum Order No. 20 noong 2013, na nagtanggal sa mga nabanggit na asignatura sa kolehiyo.

Sa kasalukuyan, isa ang WVSU sa mga pamantasan at kolehiyo sa bansa kung saan ipinatupad ang kautusang ito. Hindi na required subject ang Filipino at ang Panitikan sa paaralan simula noong unang semestre ng Taong Panuruan 2019-2020.

CYBELLE RIO JHANE B. HEMBRA KAMINGAW

JOHN PAUL A. DAQUIN

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

WVSU COE - Kapisanang Diwa at Panitik

ERIC D. MORGUIA, JR.

IPAGBUNYI ANG PAGKA-PILIPINO. Bitbit ang lakas ng loob, nakilahok ang pares ng mga mag-aaral na nagme-medyor sa Filipino mula sa Kolehiyo ng Edukasyon sa patimpalak na Lakan at Lakambini 2022.

PANGAN

Sa likod ng isang namamayagpag na kultura at tradisyon ay ang mga bagay at pagkakataong humubog sa mga ito upang patuloy na tumindig sa kabila ng samot-saring pagbabago at marating ang ngayon. Umabot na tayo sa panahon kung saan kailangan na nating suriin ng malalim at ng may kabuluhan ang ating umuusbong na kultura, maging ang mga tradisyong unti-unti na ring naglalaho bunsod ng modernisasyon at globalisasyon, mahalagang maunawaan natin ang mga ito bilang tanda na hindi nawawala sa ating puso at isipan ang pagpapahalaga at paglingon sa ating kolektibong nakaraan. Ang kasaysayan ay palaging nakaagapay sa pagtahak sa kasalukuyan, patungong hinaharap. Dahil dito, kahit makabago na ang panahon nakakahanap pa rin ang ating mga manlilikha sa larangan ng sining, musika, at pagsulat na ipagmalaki kung paano binuo at patuloy na hinuhubog ng siya mismong pinagmulan ang ating pagkakakilalan bilang mga Pilipino.

Instrumentong Sining na Mananatili Instrumentong Sining na Mananatili

Iniuukit sa ating mga tanyag na pelikula ang mga naimprentang kultura ng mga lugar dito sa ating pulo. Sa bawat kuwento na kalakip nito ay mga gawi at tradisyon na sinasariwa at binabalikan upang muling muklatin ang mata sa hiwagang dala ng sariling atin. Ilan sa mga nagbigay karangalan sa buong Panay ang mga pelikulang "Katagman" at "Sa Paglupad kang Banog", kung saan umani ng iba't-ibang internasyonal na parangal at pagkilala ang mga likhang sining na ito.

Sentro ng pandarayuhan ng mga Espanyol ang lugar na Oton o dati pa ay mas kilala sa tinatawag na "Katagman". At sa makabagong lente ng kamera isinasalaysay sa maiksing palabas na ito na likha ni Ramon Tenoso ang kanilang epikong punong puno ng mga matikas na sayaw, nakakahalusinasyong himno ng mga salmo, at iba't-ibang karakter. Katulad ni Datu Paimburong at ang kanyang gintong maskara na hinuwad sa kanyang pagkakahimlay at ngayon ay naging parte na ng selebrasyon sa nasambit na lalawigan. Simbolo nila ang mga makabuluhang papel sa pagkakakilanlan ng mga taga Oton.

Pagpapayaman naman sa katutubong kultura ang naging sentro ng pelikulang "Sa Paglupad

kang Banog" ni Elvert Banares kung saan itinampok dito ang isang katutubong Panay Bukidnon na si Amang Baoy at ang kanyang anak na si Rohan. Ibinahagi ng ama ang kilalang epiko na si Humadapnon at ang paglason sa kanya ng mga binukot. Kabilang na ang patuturo rin sa kanyang anak ng sayaw ng lawin na tinatawag na "Binanog" na sumisimbolo naman ng pag-asa at selebrasyon para sa kanila.

Sa patuloy na pag-ukit ng linya patungo sa makabagong uri ng sining, isang karangalang maituturing na ang mga kultura, tradisyon, epiko, sayaw o kanta ng nakaraan ay nakapagbibigay tagumpay at parangal sa atin. Ngunit higit na importansiyang dala nito ang muling pagpapakilala kung saan nagsimula ang ating lahing kinaklahan at siya ring dahilan kung bakit tayo nababalot ng mga masigabong selebrasyong puno ng kasaysayan.

potograpiya ngayong taon, Agosto 19.

Ang tubong Patnongon, Antique na si Laureano ay naging kabahagi na ng pakikipagsapalaran sa larangan ng potograpiya nang kaniyang ibahagi ang mga kuha nito kasabay ng paghakbang tungo sa rebolusyonaryong kahusayan sa larangan ng potograpiya. Ang kaniyang kahiligan at kabuhayan ay tila nagawang maging instrumento kung bakit may tinatamasa pa tayong dokyumentasyon ng mga pangyayari sa nakaraan. Kahit pa man kakaunti lamang ang nakakakilala at nakaaalam ng ambag niya sa lipunan, hindi pa huli na ito'y matutunan.

Papel ng

Kahapon sa Kasalukuyan Papel ng Kahapon sa Kasalukuyan

May mga pagtatagpong nagresulta sa pagkakahubog ng mga pang-araw-araw na gawain hanggang sa maging parte ito ng pamumuhay ng isang komunidad. Saksi sa prosesong ito ang tradisyonal na pamamaraan sa pangingisda na kilala sa tawag na panagbo ng mga Capiznon at ang mismong kapaligiran na pumukaw sa interes ng pinakaunang litratista sa bansa bilang tanda ng pag-asa tungo sa kaunlaran.

Mula sa nakasanayang pagsalubong ng kanilang mga kaanak sa mga mangingisdang pauwi galing sa kanilang arawang huli, binigyang pagkilala ang tradisyong pinagyayaman sa lalawigan ng Capiz gamit ang mga likhang-sining ng mga indibidwal at grupong may dalang layunin ng pagpapahalaga sa sariling atin, sentro sa asosasyon ng isa sa kilalang produkto ng lugar: ang uga o binurong isda, na nasa pangangalaga ng Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art.

Habang naging tahanan naman at binigyang buhay ang kasaysayan ng mga kuwentong nakaimprinta sa 55 larawang kuha ng yumaong batikang retratista na si Felix Laureano na kabahagi ng eksibisyon nitong "Bugasong to Barcelona: Life and Works of Felix Laureano, First Filipino Photographer" sa National Museum of Western Visayas na binuksan kasabay ng pagdiriwang sa pandaigdigang araw ng

Mga bagay ng nagdaan kung ating wawariin ay tila kay ganda lamang balikan gamit ng ating alaala. Ngunit para sa mga taong naging matapang at maparaan sa paghukay ng mga ito upang hanapin at ungkatin ang angking kabuluhan na mayroon ito. Gamit ang kanikanilang malilikot na pag-iisip at malikhaing paggawa, lalo pang nadagdagan at napayabong ang ating nalalaman. Naibalik natin ang ating mga sarili sa mga panahong kay-yabong pa ng mga kultura at tradisyong ito. Kung kaya ay laking tulong ng mga pagbabaliktanaw sa paraan ng sining, pelikula at mga eksibisyon na nawa'y magpatuloy lang habang atin ring tinutuklas ang iba pang mga kabahagi sa pakikipagsapalarang ito.

Elvert Bañares at GMA Regional TV Youtube Channel

MARIA KAYLA T. TINGZON AT CYBELLE RIO JHANE B. HEMBRA

Antolohiya sang naratibo sang mga QueerYouthsa Panay, nominado sa FRCA

RJAY Z. CASTOR KAG JOANNA WAYNE S. HORNEJA

Sa pagdulot sang nagkalain-lain nga kolor kang tinta sa kada pahi sang sugilambong, gintaw-an limog kag patag ang mga Ilonggo nga manunulat nga kabahin sang Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual+ (LGBTQIA+) community.

Bilang isa ka minoridad, gapati ang Iloilo Pride Team upod ang Hubon Manunulat kag Kasingkasing Press nga ang pagsulat ang isa ka bahin para maipautwas kag maipabati sang Panayanon queers ang ila mga realidad kag istorya - isa ka dako tikang pakadto sa representasyon. talento nga ini ginkilala sang mga miyembro sang Ilonggo LGBTQ+ community pagkatapos maupod ang Pagsulat Duag: Queer Youth Narratives of Panay sa listahan sang Filipino Readers' Choice Award (FRCA) 2021.

Suno sa isa sa mga awtor sang Pagsulat Duag nga si Professor Early Sol Gadong, may ara sang dako nga butang ang representasyon sang isa ka minoridad kag sa simple nga pagsulat kag pagkilala sang mga istorya sini ang isa ka pamaagi para ipakigbato ang kinamatarong sang tagsa tagsa. Pagsaysay ni Professor Gadong, "There is [an]

Gintawo liwat ang Maragtas: Pagtukib sa istatwa ka mga datu sa Antique

Sa surusubra tatlo ka oras nga biyahe halin sa siyudad kang Iloilo pakadto sa bagatnanon nga bahin kang Panay, mapasalwan ang pagdamol kang daragkol nga kakahuyan kag paglapad kang mabalud nga dagat. Indi ang lawig nga sikutot sa sarakyan ang rason agud magpirongpirong timo sa tunga kang biyahe kundi ang baskog nga tagiti kang init kag silaw ni haring adlaw nga gapanganinaw sa mahining-hining nga katubigan kang Malandog sa Hamtic, Antique. Luwas sa makalam nga baras kag hinay nga hampak kang tubig, daw sa wara man ti kinalain ang Malandog sa iban nga parte kang probinsya.

Ugaring, kung ikaw makasiplat kang daragkul nga istatwa kang mga tawo nga lunsay sa isturya lang ka mga kamal-aman masigahum, mabatyagan mo gid kung ano ka manggaran ang kasaysayan nga matukiban sa amo ka dya nga lugar.

Pira ka semana antes ang paghiwat kang Binirayan Festival, makit-an ron ang palahid-lahid nga kunyag kang mga tumandok. Indi lamang ang kinaandan nga hirikuton ang anda ginahulat kundi ang pagabot kang ginaantisipar nga mga istatwa kang pulo ka datu nga bida sa epiko nga Maragtas. Ang mga datu

nga dya, ginapangunahan ni Datu Puti kag ginapatihan naghalin sa Borneo. Sanda nag dungka sa nasambit nga lugar kang tyempo antes nag-abot ang mga Espanyol kag nag-istar sa rapta nga bahin kang Panay.

Sugod kang Hulyo 13, lima run ka 15-pulgado nga mga istatwa nga ginporma halin sa saway ang na plastar sa Esplanade kang Malandog nga amo kanday Datu Sumakwel, Bangkaya, Dumalugdog, Lubay, kag Puti. Suno sa supervising administrative officer kang Antique Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs nga si Juan Carlos Perlas, ang mga istatwa ginpakomisyon sa sangka artist nga si John Alaban agud mataw-an pasidungog ang legasiya ka dya nga parte ka kasaysayan bilang "cradle of civilization" sa Panay. Sa bulig kang Gobyerno Probinsyal kang Antique, anda ginapasarig nga mag-abot ang iban nga istatwa nanday Paiburong, Dumangsil, Balensusa, Paduhinogan, kag Dumangsol sa Disyembre tuig 2022.

Naglawig ti haros anum ka bulan ang pagtipon ni Alaban kang impormasyon sa kultura kag kasaysayan kang Antique antes magporma ka konsepto. Amo ka dya ang patimaan kung ano kahanggud ang pagulikid kang probinsya sa anda mabinungahon nga kahapon.

immense power in representation... The mere act of writing down your story and telling the world your story is already an act of pushing not only for your own rights but the rights of the whole queer community,"

Suno pa sa iya paagi sa mga inubrahan nga ini maipakita ang kinaiya sang iya sangkapreho.

"Growing up... kasubo bilang lesbiana nga wala ako sang may mabasahan nga sugilanon nga parehas sa akon o sa imo. Isa ni sa mga deepseated gid namun nga inspirations...Finally, kung represented kita sa libro, sa arts, sa movies, kahit paano nagaka-validate ang aton nga existence," dugang pa niya.

Nakigbahin ang Pagsulat Duag sa Nonfiction Category sang Batch 2, kung sa diin may yara sang kinse (15) ka lain-lain nga mga kategorya nga bukas para sa duha ka batches.

Isa ang Pagsulat Duag sa 24 nga libro halin sa Western Visayas nga maswerte nga napilian sang FRCA, kung sa diin pagabotohan ini sang masa sa online ballot nga makita sa FRCA page kag BDAP website.

Ang top three sa kada kategorya amo ang mangin finalist sa sunod nga parte sang kompetisyon kung diin mapili ang mga hurado sang tatlo pa gid ka tig dumalaog.

Sa padayon nga pag ambit sang ini nga talento sang tagsa ka Ilonggo youth queer, ginapaablang nila ang representasyon sang LGBTQIA+ sa pungsod para mas manginalamon sila tubtub sa topiko nga ini.

ANGELINE S. ACANTILADO KAG ZYNNIE ROSE C. ZARAGOSA

Iloilo Pride Team

In a first, COC produces summa cum laude graduate

RICHARD D. OLANO, JR.

Sam Sydryk Dealagdon made history as the first-ever summa cum laude graduate from the West Visayas State University (WVSU) College of Communication.

The Hinigaran native took up Bachelor of Science in Development Communication and was conferred the honor during the 2022 Commencement Exercises at the WVSU Cultural Center, July 21.

"I think ang secret lang guid kon gusto mo nga mangin achiever sa imo nga academic journey is, of course, maninguha ka, magpanikasog ka sa imo nga pag-eskwela," said Dealagdon in a July 27 episode of IMT (Iloilo Metropolitan Times)

WVSU student leaders qualify in AYLC 2022

Joining 84 student leaders from various schools all over the Philippines, three Taga-West bring pride to the WVSU community after qualifying for the 2022 Ayala Young Leaders Congress (AYLC).

Richard Olano, Jr, Krista Emanuelle Tabanar, and John Paul Supapo secured their spots in the final list of participants for the said congress after a series of screening processes and a panel interview conducted by the executives of the Ayala Group of Companies.

Conversations.

For him, it is not intelligence that is the most important ingredient in graduating as a summa cum laude, but rather hard work and determination.

During the same interview, Dealagdon shared that engineering was his first choice for college.

"Sang Grade 12 ako, gusto ko tani [mag-engineering] pero months before that (college applications) na-realize ko nga kon mag-engineering ko basi indi ko makaya - indi man ko amo na ka indi sagad sa mathpero daw wala ako sang kusog para i-handle ang pressure sang amo sina nga program," he said. But after researching

about the Development Communication program and taking into consideration his skills in speaking and writing, he was convinced to take it up.

With his degree, Dealagdon hopes to bridge the gap between communities and the government."Kon empowered, educated, kag informed ang aton nga constituents, makabulig man ina sa pagboost sang aton economy as a whole."

Dealagdon was raised by a single mother, who is an overseas Filipino worker in Singapore for over a decade. As the eldest, he said he aims to help his siblings financially, especially with their education.

After the defeat of opposition tandem former vice president Leni Robredo and former senator Kiko Pangilinan, some Taga-West students expressed fear of possible attacks on freedom of expression and widespread disinformation with the return of another Marcos to the Malacanang.

Researchers have found that the "online revisionism project" of the Marcoses stretches back to the early 2000s, initially propagated through Friendster and Flickr, The Washington Post reported.

Ma. Victoria Inobe, a Science Education major, believes the Marcos Jr. administration poses a threat to freedom of expression, especially to most TagaWest who are skeptical of the new leadership.

"I observed that it is in our culture to become sirens, so I fear that we will lose our ability to become sirens of truth under the current administration," Inobe told Forum-Dimensions.

Meanwhile, transwoman Gwyneth Vinson, a Taga-West "Kakampink" volunteer from Alimodian, Iloilo, said she is concerned about the "safety of those who supported the Leni-Kiko tandem" and is "most afraid" that people are at risk of losing freedom of speech.

"Kakampink" refers to supporters and volunteers in the electoral campaigns of Robredo and Pangilinan.

Marcos Jr. defeated Robredo in the presidential race by around 16 million votes, while his running mate Sara Duterte beat Pangilinan in the vice presidential contest by around 22 million votes.

Convening on July 2, the qualified students participated in a 5-week leadership congress in hybrid setup with face-to-face activities for delegates converging in three areas: Clark, Pampanga; Nuvali in Laguna, and Cebu City.

The AYLC is the Ayala Foundation's "student leadership summit designed to build confidence, hone leadership skills, nurture commitment, foster nationalism and idealism, and encourage faithful stewardship."

"I think it's the freedom of speech gid, not just of the members of the LGBTQIA+ community, but also of the other sectors and government officials," said Vinson.

These, however, are contrary to the statement of the president at the Manila Overseas Press Club, where he guaranteed "conviction in the importance of upholding the universal right of free speech and press freedom as well as giving and receiving accurate information."

Students, alumni, and various organizations at West Visayas State University showed support for the Leni-Kiko tandem at the height of the national elections campaign period.

Former University president Luis Sorolla, Jr. joined the more than 100 education leaders that signed a joint statement of support for the LeniKiko tandem.

Members of the University Students' Alliance (USA) on April 29 trooped in front of the University's Main Campus for the "Busina Para Kina Leni-Kiko." USA said the tandem "possesses the values of competence, responsibility, and integrity" that they are committed to uphold.

Meanwhile, the Sandigan ng Mag-aaral para sa Sambayanan said the tandem was the "true epitome of opposition" and "manifestation of Filipinos' win."

While she lost the bid for presidency overall and in 66 provinces, Robredo won in Iloilo with 728,781 (54.81%) votes, according to Commission on Elections data.

Ex-USC vice chair receives TOSIA 2022 award

KEVEN RIZZO C. SITJAR

Former University Student Council (USC) Vice Chairperson Louela Marie Prado was awarded the Junior Chamber International (JCI) - Regatta's The Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards (TOSIA) 2022.

Among other student-awardees from different state universities, colleges, and high schools, Prado was the lone Taga-West who received the said recognition.

According to TOSIA, the awardees have "showcased their achievements and prowess in line with the 4 Pillars of TOSIA: Academic Excellence, Leadership, Community Involvement, and Faith."

The awardees went through a "rigorous selection process" which included an online bid screening, essay writing, and rounds of interviews.

JCI is a non-profit international non-governmental organization of young people that aims to develop leaders with members in about 124 countries.

Syd Dealagdon / Facebook

DEALAGDON

KEVEN RIZZO C. SITJAR

TOSIA Facebook Page

HONOR AND EXCELLENCE.

Louela Marie V. Prado received a medal and a plaque in the awards night of The Outstanding Students of Iloilo Awards (TOSIA) at Robinsons Place Iloilo on July 10.

After Leni-Kiko loss, Taga-West fear ‘attack’ on free speech, truth under Marcos admin

FROM PAGE 1

RJAY Z. CASTOR AND NOVE JOY S. LOSBAÑES

COM conducts groundbreaking ceremony for 2 add’l structures

In its quest to lay the groundwork for access to more globally inclined opportunities in Western Visayas, the University held the groundbreaking ceremony of two new buildings for the College of Medicine (COM), February 9.

This expansion includes a new building to "increase the carrying capacity of the College of Medicine": COM Annex Bldg. 3Phase 1 and a clinical skills laboratory; and COM Annex Bldg. 2 - Phase 1.

The ground breaking ceremony was led by West Visayas State University (WVSU) President Joselito Villaruz. Also in

Med students dominate interscholastic clinicopathologic confab

Four medical students from the University's College of Medicine secured the first place in the virtual panel discussion and clinical case competition during the 49th Interscholastic Clinicopathologic Conference (ICPC).

Nelson Christian Co, Shaun Andre Tan, Nathaly Kate Bohulano, and Joshua Sydney Tomas of the West Visayas State University (WVSU) team garnered 96% average in the overall presentation and

dominated other representatives from 16 medical schools, March 19.

WVSU also brought home a minor award for having the Best Visual Presentation. Meanwhile, the team's presenter, Co, was named as the Best Speaker of the competition.

The ICPC is an annual event conducted to provide an avenue for exchanging ideas, exhibiting clinical prowess, and experiencing

WVSU links up with int’l universities, institutions

FROM PAGE 1

ESTABLISHING GLOBAL PRESENCE

The University has explored collaborations with universities in Asia, including King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi and Kasetsart University in Thailand; Yeungnam University Medical Center and Korea University of Media Arts in South Korea; and Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology in Indonesia.

In addition, WVSU officials met with the European Commission in Brussels, Belgium, from November 1 to 6 for "dissemination meetings" on Project FORTH (Formation of Teachers in Emerging Challenged Areas in the Philippines), an Erasmus Mundusfunded project that aims to extend assistance to areas in the Philippines

facing difficulties in basic education.

"For WVSU, Project FORTH is for educating the future through trailblazing innovations and honing champions," said Villaruz. Project FORTH was launched in WVSU in 2019, during the administration of then University president Dr. Luis Sorolla Jr.

INKING INT’L PARTNERSHIPS

Additionally, the United States Embassy in the Philippines paid a courtesy visit to the University on October 15. ILLO said the visit sought to "strengthen existing partnerships with US institutions and for WVSU's expansion, especially in student and faculty exchange [or] mobility."

Representatives from the US Agency

an atmosphere of formal scientific gathering.

The University of the Philippines College of Medicine Medical Students' Society (UP MSS) and the Department of Pathology, UP College of MedicinePhilippine General Hospital sponsored the event with the theme "Second Wind" reflective of the struggle of medical students and their communities during the pandemic.

attendance were members of the WVSU Board of Regents namely: Meylene C. Rosales, OIC-Regional Director of the National Economic and Development Authority-Region VI); Peter Ernie D. Paris, President of the WVSU Faculty Association; and Student Regent Hershey Geline D. Sumpay.

In his State of the University Address, Villaruz underscored eight priority areas his administration would like to focus on. Among these are infrastructure development and facilities modernization.

for International Development, or USAID, Mission to Burma visited the University on November 2 to discuss a possible collaboration that will enable them to send in Burmese students for undergraduate and graduate programs.

Further, the University signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Mohawk College of Applied Arts and Technology in Canada to "formalize partnerships for internationalization, research, and program development."

To strengthen its efforts in collaborating and creating networks with higher education institutions in Canada, WVSU participated in the 2022 EduCanada Pathways to Partnership Session held in Grand Hyatt BGC, Taguig City, on October 21. Sixty-six Canadian institutions attended the event.

Singer and actor Ian Veneracion serenaded Ilonggos in his 'Ninuno, A Thank You Concert' at the West Visayas State University Cultural Center, June 12.

Headlining the event is his first single "Ninuno" which talks about our ancestors' bravery and boldness in facing challenges and of how we could acquire inspiration from them as we fight our own battles in life.

The actor said that the concert was a form of gratitude for the experience he had in the city and province while filming the Philippine adaptation of the Korean drama series 'A Love to Kill'.

Part of the proceeds of the concert will be given to the indigenous children of the Panay Bukidnon in Calinog, Iloilo to provide for their education. He has chosen them since he was fascinated by their culture especially when he was able to witness their Binanog chants.

WVSU among UniRank’s ‘most popular’ universities in WV

NOVE JOY S. LOSBAÑES AND

ROSE M. LINAS

The West Visayas State University (WVSU) ranked third as the "most popular" university in the region in the 2021 Western Visayas University Ranking by UniRank.

The ranking was based on the estimated global, national, and local ranking of the universities - relying significantly on the schools' traffic, trust, authority, and quality link popularity.

A set of selection criteria was formulated by the UniRank, which included the following: being chartered, licensed, or accredited by the appropriate Philippine higher education-related organization; offering at least four-year undergraduate degrees

(bachelor degrees) or postgraduate degrees (master or doctoral degrees); delivering courses predominantly in a traditional, face-to-face, non-distance education format.

According to their website, the ranking is primarily intended to give a non-academic fixture list of the top schools and higher education institutions in Region VI "based on valid, unbiased, and non-influenceable web metrics provided by independent web intelligence sources".

Central Philippine University was the top-rated school in the said ranking and was followed by the University of the Philippines Visayas, WVSU,

University of St. La Salle, and the University of San Agustin - Iloilo, Aklan State University, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, University of Antique, University of Negros Occidental, University of IloiloPHINMA, and Iloilo Science and Technology University among others.

Of the 18 recognized Western Visayas-based universities that met UniRank's selection criteria, only Filamer Christian University was unranked.

UniRank is one of the leading international higher education directory and search engines that includes reviews and rankings of over 13,800 officially accredited universities and colleges worldwide.

KEVEN RIZZO C. SITJAR

MARIA KAYLA T. TINGZON

Actor Ian Veneracion holds concert for IPs in Panay

NICOLE ANNE A. MOSCOSO

Franz Chrysler Marie C. Delgado

SOON TO RISE. President Joselito Villaruz leads some of the top officials of the University in the groundbreaking ceremony of additional structures for the College of Medicine (COM) on February 9.

WVSU College of Medicine Library

SARAH

MEME NA!

Taga-West ended their fully remote learning mode in the second semester of A.Y. 2021-2022 and commenced their blended learning in the first semester of A.Y. 20222023. For the past eleven months, we made headlines and stories that encapsulated the glimpses of our journey as students of this University. At this point, let’s take a trip down memory lane and savor every passing moment we had with our University.

The long queue of students outside the University gate was in temporary panic after being barred from entering the grounds for not wearing the prescribed uniform and not presenting I.D. cards. They were greeted with “you are not allowed” before entering the WVSU campus. It goes without saying that we must fight for what is right and never let others hinder you from succeeding in things. No one can get in our way to reach our goals and we will do whatever it takes to prove that being a Taga-West is really the best.

Ten months of this fruitful year has passed and we are so close to “gusto ko nang bumitaw,” while cramming our assignments, requirements, and extracurricular activities. This is what most of us are feeling right now and it feels great when we rant about anything to our family, friends, partners, and even strangers. Burnouts frequently occur when too much stress has been draining us, especially during this pandemic–which is totally normal. Scream your heart out, let go of all the negativity around you.

...feel victorious after all my hard work paid off. Yes, we break down in the middle of doing school or organization work and well, it’s worth crying for. This little girl represents our “Me when I” submit our outputs or finish our school duties–we manage to laugh as tears stream down our faces. Despite everything we have been through, we take time to smile and cry at ourselves the moment we reach the finish line. Pat yourselves at the back, you deserve it.

You know that we love WVSU! At the end of the day, our efforts weren’t wasted as we, Taga-West, smiled through the pain and shouted the famous line “mama thank you very much.” Of course, we should always be thankful for the people behind our success—our mothers being one of them. Appreciate the mother figures in our lives who stood beside us when things went south. Without them we wouldn’t make it into the University that screams “Basta Taga-West, Da Best!”

COMMON

LEGENDARY

RARE

KEMINOVA B. ACEPCION

JOSHUA A. CELESTIAL

OWNING THE DISCS

JOMER J. RUEGO THE LUMINARY

When we think of sports, we usually have activities in mind that are physically engaging, ones that get our blood flowing, leave us gasping for air, and drenched in sweat. However, we have limited our perspective of what sports are to basketball, tennis, soccer, and the like. Someone sitting in front of a screen playing video games is not a typical description of an athlete.

Esports, short for electronic sports, being considered an official sport, has long been an ongoing debate because of its unique nature compared to conventional sports. After all, they merely consist of people playing video games online against each other. Is that really all that is to it?.

According to popular belief, athletes must possess intense physicality to succeed in their chosen sport. Do Esports players fall into this category?

Similar physical demands to those of other sports are placed on gamers. It takes years of arduous training and a tactical mindset to compete competitively, not to mention the amount of pressure from live audiences and fans watching the broadcast.

The definition of "sports" is still trivial to the growth of Esports. Whether or not it officially gets accepted as an official sport in the Olympics, the future of Esports will only get bigger from here. With the industry valued at 1.38 billion U.S. dollars, rising stars have emerged from the field, only contributing to public acclaim.

To me, a spectacle of physical prowess isn't the only determining factor of a sport. Sure, it may "just" be regarded as a showcase of mental firepower. Still, the people it brings together through shared competition say otherwise.

SARAH ROSE M. LINAS AND CLINT M. BELLOSILLO

Discs are shifting around on the mid-afternoon skies in between clammy hands. A hand raised above her head, avoiding the hands of her fellow players, the disc shied away from her grasp towards her teammate behind the golden cones.

A score.

This is the life of the students in white outside of studying life in WVSU. Away from the antibiotic disks they left in Rizal Hall, they fling discs across the field you wouldn't imagine nerdy biology students in - the Ultimate Frisbee.

INCIDENTAL CONTACT

It all started with a physical education (PE) class, a freshman Biology major who plays frisbee, and some tired

students who wanted to pivot away from microbes for a few moments during the day.

Cindy Belle Barcelona, currently a first-year medical student, was once a freshman who poached the succeeding generations of Biology majors to pass on the spirit of the Ultimate Frisbee. Playing with her seniors who were only in it for a PE class inspired her to pursue playing and teach her friends the rules of this game.

"I did not expect nga this would become a tradition sa bio. Nakilig lang gid ko every time makita ko nga may gahampang frisbee nga biology students sa field", Barcelona stated.

WEEKLY RECHARGE

Presently, the captain of the senior Frisbee team, Nicole Moscoso, a fourth-year Medical

Biology student, leads the younger years to pursue the said game by organizing weekly tournaments.

Fusion Ultimate, an established frisbee team in the city, also proposed to train willing biology students in the University field on Friday nights.

"Five days a week, we get swamped with academic requirements, but ironically, a sport as physically draining as frisbee somehow recharges us to face, yet again, another week of academic labor," Moscoso noted.

COMPLETED PASS

Despite being in its early days, players from Microbia vows to pass the solace brought upon by the frisbee disc and aim for skills enhancement for the sport.

ILS dancers clinch awards in Palarong Pambansa 2022

JOMER J. RUEGO

Two dancers from West Visayas State UniversityIntegrated Laboratory School (WVSU-ILS) bagged multiple medals after waltzing their way to stardom during the Palarong Pambansa 2022 National Dancesport Championship in Lucena City, Quezon, July 28.

Cliff Justin Pareja and Kealynn Therese Castigador, grade 10 and grade 9 students, respectively, seized the spotlight with four silver medals and two bronze medals from various categories.

Bolden leads PH to kick off first AFF title

If you thought she was bold, wait until she gets bolder.

After booking the country's first ticket to the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, Sarah Bolden's show-stopping heading seals yet another championship bag in a 3-sorry victory against Thailand in the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Women's Championship 2022, July 17.

It was her synergy with Sarah Eggesvik's corner kick at the 89' mark that nailed Thailand to its coffin and clinched the Philippines its historic AFF championship title for the first time after its 2019 feat where they placed fourth.

Two early goals were courtesy to Jessika Cowart and Katrina Guillou's performances in the first half while Bolden capped off the victory in the second half earning a clean 7-0 spree coming from a 4-0 sweep against defending champions Vietnam in the semis.

8,000 roars filled the Rizal Memorial Stadium after Cowart got the ball rolling and built momentum for Team PH as she headed in the first goal at the 8th minute mark thanks to team captain Tahnai Annis' corner kick.

The tournament's four-time champions Thailand never backed down from their

opponents' aggression as they denied multiple attack attempts through the efforts of Chotmanee Thongmongkol, the team's goalkeeper.

However, it was not until the 20th minute of the first half where Guillou welcomed a well-executed set piece from midfielder Jessica Sawicki and shot straight through Thailand's stumbling defenses from the six-yard box-doubling the Filipinas' advantage halftime and rubbing salt in the opposing team's wounds.

Alongside the newly crowned champions were Thailand and Myanmar as the 2nd and 3rd place winners, respectively.

With their determination and burning passion for dancing, Pareja and Castigador were able to raise the banner of the whole Region VI and dominate the stage with the following awards: 2nd place in Modern Standard Solo Dance Viennese Waltz; 2nd place in Modern Standard Solo Dance Foxtrot; 2nd place in Modern Standard Solo Dance Quickstep; 2nd place in Modern Standard Solo Dance Grade A (WTVFQ); 3rd place in Modern Standard Solo Dance Waltz; 3rd place in Modern Standard Solo Dance Tango.

The duo was coached by Professor Liberty Porras and trained under Jose Michael Angelo Cabarles.

A total of 16 pairs participating in each category showcased their prowess in the field of dancesport, all representing their respective regions in the said competition.

How BS Bio students built a tradition on playing frisbee

Attacking, defending, watching for flanks— sounds like a sport to you?

JOANNA WAYNE S. HORNEJA AND JAPHETH MARIE G. FERNANDEZ DE LEON

Philippine Football Federation

Franz Chrysler Marie Delgado

Mary Helen Pareja

THE BOLD MOVE. Leading scorer of the 2022 AFF Women’s Championship, Sarina Bolden of the Philippines maneuvers around Chuong Thi Kieu of Vietnam in the semifinals of the 2022 AFF Women’s Championship

SPIRIT OF THE GAME. Taga-west Biology students fully engage in their daily frisbee game, with Job Matthew Garcesa about to pull off a forehand throw and Jericho Paulo Daquil standing his ground by playing defensively.

Alive Esports competition would not be as thrilling without its enthusiastic commentators. Apart from the wide, glaring screens, deafening sound effects, and incredible gameplay among players, a good caster is the fundamental aspect that cranks up the audience's adrenaline levels to maximum. With each pickoff, he hypes up the atmosphere while logically breaking down the strategies between teams. Despite the rising number of people who want to get into the profession, becoming a shoutcaster is difficult if you don't have a deep knowledge of the game you're casting.

As for this young Esports sensation, stepping into the shoutcasting stage came through a series of unexpected twists and turns. This is his story.

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Arjay Santie Magcalas is a 20-year-old, second-year college student at West Visayas State University taking up Bachelor of Science in Tourism Management. He has been making waves in the MLBB community after becoming one of the official casters among

the MPL-PH talent pool for Season 9. Magcalas himself can't believe he made it this far, as many others have tried and failed to make it to the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League. Being one of the casters of the MPL is already an astonishing feat; being the youngest among the group takes it to a whole new level. Though he never really aspired to become a shoutcaster at first, the incidental twists and turns along his way proved how destiny, hard work, and enthusiasm can propel us down the right path.

Growing up in Ivisan, Capiz, Magcalas participated in numerous local tournaments in the community. He dreamed of being in the big leagues like becoming a professional MLBB player but being a shoutcaster never crossed his mind. "Hindi ako halin sa may kwarta nga pamilya, mahuluy-on ako, wala ako talent, and hindi ako humorous. Hard work lang ang pambato ko," he shared.

This was the plan until a pivotal moment unfurled on a random day when Santie took the leap of faith and strayed away from his playing routine. Santie and his team took their shots in a barangay tournament for MLBB. As parties were ready to rumble, it was brought to their attention that no one was there to keep the audience engaged in the action. The absence of a shoutcaster during the tournament urged him to fill in the post and temporarily abandon his usual cutthroat role as the team's tank. There, he found a haven and a newfound career.

TEAM'S TANK NO MORE

But this is not your typical zeroto-hero story. Behind the spotlight lies rejections, hesitations, and uncertainties. When he first tried his luck on the caster search for the MPL, he was not chosen, yet he persisted. He carried on with the gigs and shoutcasting for amateur tournaments, which eventually landed him the position of content lead in handling the Filipino broadcast for the M3. Seeing his determination, the official publishers of Moonton asked if he was ready to take the shoutcasting stage of the MPL, to which he answered yes, despite being hesitant. And in two years, Santie became the youngest official talent of MPL Philippines.

Santie says he owes much of his success to his grandparents and those who backed him up. "I've learned [in my career] to appreciate people more," he added. He also gave a noteworthy piece of advice: "Along with hard work, enjoy the things you do and never lose the fire."

Taking chances doesn't always guarantee success, but no matter the outcome, it is always important to never lose yourself in the process.

As for Santie, shooting his shot ended up with him casting the shots.

"Though he never really aspired to become a shoutcaster at first, the incidental twists and turns along his way proved how destiny, hard work, and enthusiasm can propel him down the right path.

JOMER J. RUEGO

Bolden leads PH to kick off first AFF title

MPL Philippines