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Integrity. Reliability. Commitment.
Vol. LXXIX No. 1
AUGUST - OCTOBER 2018
FEATURE, page 6
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The Official University Student Newspaper of West Visayas State University, La Paz, Iloilo City
June-October 2018
WVSU says goodbye to SHS By RON ELIEZER G. DUHINA AND ERIC D. MORGUIA JR.
ILS grads to be considered.
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NEVER AGAIN. Protesters from all over Panay flooded the streets of Downtown Iloilo as they endure the scorching heat of the sun while commemorating the dark marks of history during the 46th Anniversary of the Declaration of Martial Law. MARIE ANDREA PEFIANCO
Starting next school year, West Visayas State University (WVSU) will no longer offer the Senior High School Program for Grade 11 students, however, WVSUIntegrated Laboratory School (ILS) completers “may just be considered.” An online post by ‘WVSU Senior High School Program’ Facebook page, October 6, announced the decision. “The main reason is tapos na aton obligasyon. Tapos na ang transition period. By that time, whole na aton first year, second year, third year, fourth year,” Dr. Luis A. Abioda, Vice President for Academic Affairs explained. The SHS Department will be under the ILS Office starting Page 3 next year and
Aquino pushes bill vs high inflation By GERLYN P. ROJO & ERIC D. MORGUIA JR.
To address the price increase in the Filipino people’s ‘basket of goods’, Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV discussed his proposed “Bawas Presyo Bill” or Senate Bill 1798, during a youth forum at the Central Philippine University, September 7. The proposed bill intends to suspend the upcoming tax increase on January 2019, especially in petroleum products. Currently, the Philippines already reached a 6.4 % inflation rate – the highest since 2009. “In fact, kanina po sa La Paz Market, dumaan po kami sa mga nagbebenta ng
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bigas. Nagulat po ako. ‘Yung pagkaraniwang presyo ng bigas ngayon 52, 54,” a 10% increase after three months, Sen. Aquino said. Nine months after the implementation of Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) Law, prices of basic commodities soared high due to higher taxes imposed and inflation of petroleum products in international market. “Please help us raise the alarm,” Sen. Aquino’s parting words to the youth leaders from various universities as he encouraged them to take part in current national issues. @forumdimensions
UNITED FOR TRUTH. Dr. Bobby Gerardo represents the University for the signing of the MOA for GMA election coverage together with other regional SUC heads. Photo courtesy JOECEL MAMON HUESCA
GMA seals partnership with WVSU for ‘Eleksyon 2019’
By NICOLE ANNE A. MOSCOSO
As the filing of candidacy for the midterm polls commenced the 2019 elections, the GMA network partnered with the University, other leading organizations, top universities in the @forumdimensions
country, and other regional schools for the coverage of ‘Eleksyon 2019’ with the label #PusuanAngTotoo, October 19 at the GMA Network, Quezon City. Page 3 facebook.com/forumdimensions
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LOCKED DOWN. New curfew, one entry and exit implemented in the University directs at the aim to guarantee the safety of the studentry. JOHN GLEN L. TEORIMA
WVSU ensures ‘safe and secure env’t,’ heightens security protocol By GERLYN JOY P. ROJO
With recent bomb threats reported in different schools in Iloilo City, the University implemented strict security measures and new curfew hours to ensure “safe and secure environment” within the campus. Memorandum No. 18-026 provides the guidelines for strict implementation of security policies in the main campus which includes: “No ID, No Entry” for both students and visitors; “No Vehicle Pass, No Entry”; the conduct of physical and ocular check and inspection of all vehicles before they are allowed entrance.
“Parents have the assurance that once their children enter the campus, they will be taken care of. Hindi taman gusto matabo diri that eventually they will be exposed to risks brought about by terrorism like bombing,” said Chief Administrative Officer Julius B. Undar. According to him, at present, the University has guards assigned to three shifts respectively: 7am3pm, 3pm-11pm, and 11pm-7am. A seminar conducted by the University Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (UDRRMC) also discussed the
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identification of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) which do not come in the form of conventional bombs. On the other hand, Memorandum No. 18-207 discussed the campus curfew hour which indicates that all faculty, staff, students, and visitors must leave the campus by 8:30 pm from Mondays to Saturdays, excluding Sundays and Holidays being ‘no class days’. As a warning, two short blasts will be turned on for four seconds each at exactly 8:15 pm giving students ample time to leave the campus, a siren will be turned on at exactly 8:30 pm for 20 seconds after which guards will be inspecting their assigned areas to make sure everyone has left, the gates will be closed at exactly 8:45 pm. Students staying in the University dorm should also be inside the grounds before the curfew or otherwise turn in their IDs and would be subjected to disciplinary investigation, explaining their reasons through a letter. “These measures are simply reiterations of existing issuances that we have to attain the goal of a safe and secure environment for students that is conducive to learning,” Undar pointed out.
Ilonggos slam admin’s budding dictatorship on Martial Law anniv. By NICOLE ANNE A. MOSCOSO and ZYNNIE ROSE C. ZARAGOSA
A sea of pickets barricaded the main roads of Iloilo in a nationwide rally at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol to criticize the Administration’s sprouting tyranny and remember the horrors of the Martial Law nearly five decades after its declaration, September 21. Iloilo being one of the 13 ‘Kabataan Kontra Diktador’ protest centers, the United People’s Action (UPA) spearheaded the rally with over 500 protesters from various sectors and organizations Pressing issues such as historical revision, inflation rate, and ill-gotten wealth of the Marcoses, women’s rights, and extra-judicial killings were condemned during the testimonies. “Nandito tayo, hindi lamang para gunitain and nakaraan, kung hindi para iparamdam at magtaya tayo sa pagbubuo ng pinakamalawak at pinakamalakas na pagkakaisa laban sa namumuo na namang bagong diktadura sa ating bansa,” Sen. Risa Hontiveros, said.
WVSU-SHS houses 2 exchange studes By MARIE ANDREA PEFIANCO and DOMINIC T. REGONDON
In accordance with providing intercultural learning opportunities, West Visayas State UniversitySenior High School accepted its first exchange students from the American Field Service (AFS) Intercultural Program. The University accommodated two foreign students from different countries with scholarship programs that lasted for a month from Sept. 12 to Oct. 18. Elisabet Kristjandottir and Matilde Niere, both 17 years old, from Menntaskólinn á Akureyri, Iceland and Instituto Scolastico Castelnuovo, Italy respectively,
attended separate classes in the senior high school Accountancy, Business, and Management and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics strands. “Everyone was very welcoming and friendly. The teachers showed me a lot of interest and my classmates were always making me part of the group, for example inviting me out for lunch. I will always be thankful for them,” Kristjandottir said. She added that even at a young age, it has been her dream to volunteer since she went to Africa in 2016 wherein she immersed with people’s lifestyles.
KRISTJANDOTTIR
Aside from being able to learn as a student they also got the chance to help children through charity works in elementary schools within Iloilo.
NIERE
AFS is a nonprofit organization that offers intercultural learning experiences through international youth exchange programs.
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SHS studes sit as gov’t official counterparts during IYD
By MARIA KAYLA T. TINGZON
Two senior high school students from the University were given the chance to experience how it is to run the provincial government of Iloilo as counterparts of various capitol officials during the ‘Linggo ng Kabataan’, Aug 28. Allen Dave Evidente and Maria Angeli Carbon, both from the Senior High School department, were chosen Boy Vice
Governor and Girl Sangguniang Panlalawigan Secretary of the province respectively. “We were invited to apply. Sang naka-apply na kami, may panel interview kag essay writing contest, at the same time, gina palista kami sang amon credentials as student leaders”, Evidente explained on how the applicants were chosen.
Their office duties, together with 15 other qualified student leaders hailing from various student councils and organizations around the province, lasted for four days. This has been originally practiced in order to impart the knowledge on how the government works after the Sangguniang Kabataan post has been removed as part of the local governing system in the country. Other major awards given in the pageant were Mister Earth Iloilo, Mister Metro Iloilo, Mister Youth Iloilo, Mister Grand Iloilo, and Man of the Globe Iloilo. The winners will be representing the province in the upcoming national advocacy-orinted pageants.
A CROWN FOR THE POOR. Pushing for a resilient community, Celis maintained the legacy of WVSU as a powerhouse of crowns when he grabbed the ‘Man of the Province’ title. Photo courtesy JOHN ROU PHOTOGRAPHY
Former Mr.WVSU turns crown to a cause, now ‘Man of the Province’
By JISSA P. PADIOS
It was the most handsome night in the province of Iloilo. Fifteen young men spiced up the whole Pototan Coliseum with their well-toned bodies and drop-dead faces, determined to snatch one of the four titles at stake in the widelyanticipated Mister Iloilo 2018. To former Mr. WVSU Dylan Thomas Celis, it was not just another male pageant; it was pushing an advocacy into greater heights. In the evening of June 24, he conquered those heights and stood out as the ‘Man of the Province of Iloilo’. A YOUTH IN A MAN’S BODY Crowned as Mr. West Visayas State University in 2017, 20-yearold Celis is no longer a newbie in the stage. As a senior Bachelor of Science in Business Administration student of the University’s College of Business and Management, he poises himself with complete demeanor and he gets plenty of votes in whichever pageants he chooses to join. “This is different than the other pageants I have previously joined because this one is advocacycentered,” he shared. Standing as the Ambassador of Jaro in the Mister Iloilo 2018 tilt, Celis pushed
for a more sustainable Iloilo City by advocating empowerment for the less-fortunate. YOUTH FOR NATION BUILDING The pageant, organized by Youth Proyekto Philippines Inc., is an advocacy-oriented event that conducts projects for the communities and promotes the essence of volunteerism. The Securities and Exchange Commission-registered youth organization also implements advocacies such as youth empowerment, leadership, environmental protection, and health awareness. Among the 30-day activity of the 15 young ambassadors in Mister Iloilo 2018 were street community immersion, program planning with the Ati community, a story-telling with children in a project “Smiles Children”, medical mission, preservation of ecotourism through a visit in the island of Concepcion, and a courtesy call with the Department of Tourism (DOT). LENDING A HELPING HAND “Together, let us become people helping people,” Celis concluded.
4 orgs lead assembly to take down tyranny
By ELLA HYACINTH GOLEZ AND JOHN AUBREY JAMERO
In commemoration of the 46th year declaration of the Martial Law, four organization spearheaded a talk entitled “Labanan and Diktaturya Noon at Ngayon” held at the University Research building, September 20. The United People’s Action Against Dictatorship, Youth Against Tyranny, Movement Against Tyranny, and Bayan Muna Partylist aimed to remind the youth to never forget the history during the Martial Law under the Marcos regime and also to invite students to join the rally in its commemoration. “Let this be a reminder sa youth nga damo sang young people nga nag buwis sang ila kabuhi para makaluwas lang sa Martial Law kag indi na siya maliwat.” Mr. Bryan Bosque, Chairperson, Anak Bayan Partylist- Panay said. The event ended with an open forum.
From WVSU says... a total of 40 students will be accepted. “These 40 students will be coming from the ILS department only but the standards are subject to change,” Dr. Emellie G. Palomo, ILS Director clarified. Based on R.A. 8292, DepEd only allows a maximum of 500 students including grades 1 to 10 from ILS and that if the University accepts students from the said department, there would be only one section of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). As what the Department of Education declared, the College of Education is only required to offer Elementary and Junior High School and with the University’s mandate of having a tertiary education, the SHS department is not required. From GMA seals... “The pace of information is quicker than ever. While this may be a good thing many believe, however, that this has also helped blur the line between truth and lies,” GMA’s Chairman and CEO Atty. Felipe L. Gozon stressed. Regional school partners from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao include the University of Pangasinan, University of San Carlos, Silliman University, West Visayas State University, Central Mindanao University, Capitol University, and Holy Cross Davao College. The University was represented by Vice President for Administration and Finance Dr. Bobby Gerardo.
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Setting the line between fame and public service After announcing her resignation from the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), pro-Duterte blogger Esther Margaux “Mocha”Uson stole the political spotlight anew as she confirmed that she will run for the 2019 midterm elections, an extra scribble to the tangled lines of showbiz and politics. Over a century after the Philippines held its firstever senatorial elections, the manner of favoring a candidate seemed to have altered its course from Filipinos prudently dissecting credentials to opting for those who have propelled their ways to the upper chamber of the bicameral legislature through resounding names in the catbird seats of fame and television. It seems that they have lost the real essence of being a statesman - that is to serve the people behindthe flashing lights from the cameras that they are accustomed to. These public figures have come to suit these characteristics that still remain ideal for the mass public who are blinded by the perfect figures they carry. Meanwhile, Vicente Sotto III has been juggling show business and politics for a very long time. According to an interview with Rappler, he said that he would not have been the politician that he is today if not for Eat Bulaga! that drove his way to the political world—a significant medium which boosted his popularity from 1979. Nine years after, he ran for Senate. He has been bashed and criticized concerning the issues on victim blaming, his joke on single mothers, and his proposed change in the lyrics of the National Anthem. His intention of giving opinions on various topics has come to the extent when he already sounds insulting and insensitive. Later after the people’s champ won a seat in the Senate, Emmanuel ”Manny” Pacquiao as a legislator has been criticized for dismissal of attendance, disappointing policy positions against reproductive health bill and anti-discrimination, and even comparing the LGBT Community to animals, “If men mate with men and women mate with women, they are worse than animals.” His lackluster term has put the media and the senate’s capacity in the line—to separate Pacquiao the boxer and Pacquiao the politician. While Pacquiao struggles to build a strong political will and trust among the Filipinos, the senator has been accused of misleading the public over his firm stands on some issues in the government. Marred by controversies from being a sexy star to a political blogger to a former palace official, Mocha Uson’s stint as the PCOO Assistant Secretary has been criticized for using her supposed personal blog for government work and spreading false and misleading news on her Facebook page, some of which was when she posted a photo of Honduran soldiers referring to them as Filipinos with the caption, “Let’s pray for our army,” during the Marawi surge. Given these misconducts as a public figure, is this the kind of government official we expect to be in position? The state of the country lies on the stroke of the 54 million registered voters’ pens. The specifications as to who is fit for the position may be subjective but the Filipinos must remember to choose candidates who they think possesses the suitable knowledge, skills, and capabilities in shaping the country. The background in politics of these aspiring politicians is very important as it shows how credible and appropriate they are for the position. In time when there is a need to establish whether they stand in the political arena or in front of the limelight where their jokes, punches, and remarks weigh greater than their thoughts, the Filipino people needs to evaluate the vote they cast – it is reviving the country from the holes of ignorance.
EDITORIAL
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THE OFFICIAL UNIVERSITY STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF WEST VISAYAS STATE UNIVERSITY ISSN: 2423-2769 | Member of the College Editors Guild of the Philippines Under the Banner of West Visayas State University
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Editor-in-Chief PAULA FLORIZ A. ACELAR Associate Editors JOE RENZ P. CATALAN ELLA HYACINTH R. GOLEZ Managing Editor JOHN GLEN L. TEORIMA News & Special Reports Editor NICOLE ANNE A. MOSCOSO Feature Editor JISSA P. PADIOS Sports Editor ZYNNIE ROSE C. ZARAGOSA Filipino Editor MA. KAYLA T. TINGZON Online Editor & Art Director BENGIE A. PANES Editorial Assistants JULIE ANNE L. COLLADO LEAH MARIZ L. DE VENECIA JONAR B. DORADO RON ELIZIER G. DUHINA JOHN AUBREY G. JAMERO ERIC D. MORGUIA JR. JOHN LYOD B. PACHEJO MARIE ANDREA PEFIANCO DOMINIC T. REGONDON GERLYN JOY P. ROJO REYNOLD L. SUMIDO JR. Adviser DR. BONNA S. PALMA Dean, Office of Student Affairs DR. NANCY S. SURMIEDA University President DR. LUIS M. SOROLLA JR. Letters/comments/suggestions/contributions are welcome in the Forum-Dimensions. Contributions must be sent to the ForumDimensions Office, 2nd Flr, University Student Center, La Paz, Iloilo City EMAIL:FD@WVSU.EDU.PH TEL NO: (033) 320-0870 LOC. 1610
/WVSU.Forum.Dimensions @forumdimensions
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NICOLE ANNE A. MOSCOSO
Moriarty A faint voice faded into silence as Romeo drew his pen faster, watching the scribbles turn into letters, building letters into words, weaving words into sentences that make up a reasonable length of a paragraph on that blank sheet of yellow paper amidst the candlelight. In a time like theirs, there wasn’t a better scene of a thriving young love. Typical. The two to four day waiting game of exchanging letters between star-crossed lovers was normal, or at
opinion To my darling, Juliet
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least, in the 19th Century. It was magical. Going out of the doorstep to pick up neat little envelopes with tiny stamps of wax that sealed them, with each letter radiating so much effort, you could feel the emotions bursting into the air as you rip the flap off and proceed to unravel the mysteries caged within a small piece of paper, nothing but pure innocent love. My grandmother used to show me all the letters she had received during her youth: Valentine cards, seasonal greetings every Christmas, and the best part was, they weren’t even from Grandpa. They were from dozens of men scattered across the town, making their way into grandmother’s heart, trying to win her over with a bundle of proses. It was a time where love ruled over almost everything— untarnished, untainted, untamed. Or at least that’s what I thought. As I my eyes skimmed past the grandma’s
final letters from all of these hopeful boys. In the end, she chose grandfather, leaving behind a trail of heartbreak in the form of crumpled up telegrams. I began to realize how powerful words can be. They heal and create, but they can also destroy. I look back at the times when it was hard to keep up with the people we love, you had to wait— for the days to pass to get that letter. But maybe waiting wasn’t a bad thing, it was a way of not getting too much, of not getting too connected that we take the time of others for granted. Today, the world is made up of mere clicks and swipes, chats and replies from social media platforms readily available on everybody’s phone. Every Facebook post, every tweet, every text linked together by the bytes that bind these technological advancements. This used to be a world where life was plain and simple, where nature
dominated above man and emotions were expressed through envelopes. Now I live in a world enveloped by evolution, where the hours tick to the demands of technology and people embracing innovations as they integrate them in their daily lives. This is where everything falls apart. Millennials oblivious to the values of love and friendship, to the rarity of time. The former Romeos brimming with the purest emotions are now deep down into the abyss of this generation, objectifying women and asking for nudes; and the Juliets that once roamed the Earth are now consumed by the hunger of “likes” and “shares” on their pictures and posts. I’m part of an age where people glorify heartbreak, where true love is reduced to Messenger notifications and Twitter interactions. Romeo and Juliet are dead, and technology killed them.
Straight to the point
Find me a market where sili is as costly as gold, galunggongs are imported and, despite being agricultural, still has a rice shortage; worse, a bukbok or rice weevils is served and sold. Juans, welcome to Pinoy modern talipapa! It is been more than two years since the country has put a man in throne and there you go: an everyday drama show. First day, campaign period became a promise land, the other day – it is in nowhere to have found. Where did it take us now? The Administration lacks consistency on its promises and plans, especially in agricultural sector. On these past few weeks, Department of Agriculture Chief, Manny Pinol is on hot water for saying that instead of complaining about high prices of chilli pepper, Filipinos should just
plant. In the midst of rice shortage, he also showed to the media of him eating a “bukbok” rice. And the worse part of the day, importation of galunggong or ‘GG’ from other countries bested all. How insulting these are. And instead of solving these issues, some men in government tried to shift public opinion, rather than focusing on solving the country’s problems. I may not be the first person or student-journalist to say this in newspaper, but we, Filipinos, should do something about it, or else, we will be in the literal golden age of Philippine economy and agriculture, where these basic commodities will become luxuries. So, for richer or poorer? I am afraid that one day that I can speak of other language because my fish came from other country; that I will be
called rich for having sili in my dining. That I will be eating another breed of rice. Poor us that we now have this 21st Century talipapa in the country that obviously mirrors the competence and response capacity of the agricultural agencies, such as the DA and National Food Authority (NFA), in the battle against this scarcity. Come to think of the root cause of this problem. It is no other than – the high inflation rate. It is because of the oil price increase in international market and drop of peso. For the past nine years, this 6.4 rate is the highest since 2009. And this statistics does not just freeze as mere data, however, a contributing factor to the price increase of the basic goods, commodities and services. It saddens me much that we go through this, wherein, in fact, we do not need to “if and only if” the system was
ERIC D. MOGUIA JR.
Kanin Lover
well managed and given top priority above anything else. Perhaps, this “talipapa thing” will just be another a piece of drop in the pile of the country’s headache. Maybe this is our fate in other people’s hand. Indeed, it is the exact time to show off our best budgeting skills in the market. Come now with your bayong, wallet and handkerchief as we together cry in entering our today’s talipapa. Are you now ready? Better be.
Feeling with Basis
LEAH MARIZ L. DE VENECIA
Anti-Hero Love had been given many meanings by people from different walks of life. It had been compared to rosaries and cupcakes, and had been associated with countless scenarios wherein you feel butterflies flutter in your stomach. Being in love requires you going out on dates, celebrating anniversaries, and the likes. We grew up with the knowl-
edge that loving someone entails the aforementioned things. If you think the previous statement is true, is love then socially constructed? Others’ experiences at love are what we base our budding relationships on. Inputs from friends and family are critical determining factors whether he/ she is worthy of you; whether your relationship will be a go or a no/go. Tweets and quotes we deem “relatable” plays a part in what we should feel about our significant other. We feel based on what they write. We feel based on what they tell us. With the advent of technology, proliferation of ideas regarding love became easier than ever. It became the fastest platform in sharing what we feel.
Everyone has something to say about it: how it is the most wonderful feeling they ever felt; the most fulfilling thing to have had happen to them yet also the most dangerous form of commitment. Things had always been ‘very’ when it came to love. Love became hypersubjective and everything about it became ridiculously superlative. However, along with it, we obsessed with what other people shared: their #RelationshipGoals and their #BestLoverEver. We aligned ourselves to what they have projected and conformed to their expression that love must be that way. No one should ever feel that their love is not enough just because they do not fit into others’ context of love. Couples should not think of themselves
less than other couples because they tend to forego grand anniversaries and settle for something economically practical. The love shared by someone who choose to have their date in Jollibee is just as great as those who choose to dine in 5-star hotels. Bounds are set by ourselves: we are the ones who put limits to things that can become something more. Statements about love by others should just remain statements, and quotes about heartbreak should just remain as creatively crafted words of expression. You should be the one to dictate the way your romance should sway: it may slowdance to a fast beat, or breakdance to an orchestral music. After all, if you read the first letter of each paragraphs, is the way love should be.
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How Miagao hablon weavers thread their own culture in modern times
Words by JULIE ANNE C. COLLADO Photos by JOHN AUBREY J. JAMERO
Complex. Mesmerizing. As their feet stamp in harmonious rhythm, pieces of fabrics are yielded. Weavers turn into personified spiders that kept on spinning web with utter speed and enthralling prowess. Like a bolt in a blue, textiles of different designs prevailed the moment their hands maneuvered the wooden machine. In such scenic moments, who would have thought that strife is just lurking in every stamp thereafter? Kilometers away from the heritage town of Miag-ao, situated at Brgy. Indag-an are weavers knitting the heritage of Hinablonas, their chosen vocation. Blessed with sharp eyesight and harnessed with excellent weaving skills, they make the best fabrics one could ever wear and use.
Yet, there’s no denying that Hablon weaving struggles to compete with emerging technologies in the same industry, leaving them the last in the race, when once, one of the greatest masterpiece. Anilene Tijing, a veteran on the field for almost 11 years, recalls her hardships in her job as a worker on “Indag-an Multipurpose Cooperative, Hablon Loom Weaving.” With her innocent child sitting next to her, she drops in plain honesty how their compensation was just as enough as their daily expenses. For every meter of fabric, they get to finish, they receive 50.00 php. Neither great or motivating. “But this is better than doing nothing at all”, she said between mild laughter. According to this hardworking and dedicated mother and em-
ployee, the business had always been in a full bloom until the supply of cottons evaporated due to several circumstances. During that time, they replaced the material with polyester. Although the sales decreased in large volume, the cooperative continue to operate with the hope of returning the traditional weaving method in the spotlight. Tramping an abandoned journey, weavers remained loyal to their jobs. Now that they started to bring back the usage of cottons, hope transcends to the entire place. With their tagline “WE WEAVE THREADS WITH LOVE AND PRIDE,” they are more than ready to conquer the upcoming dilemmas in or-
der t o produce better bandanas, hankie, shawl, uniform, placemat, patadyong, and all that is there to weave.
ONE STEP AT A TIME
Leaping through Cabatuan’s long-term plans as they pave way to community advancement Words by ELLA HYACINTH R. GOLEZ AND JOHN LYOD B. PACHEJO Photos by JOHN AUBREY J. JAMERO
Approximately seventeen kilometers away from the jam-packed city of Iloilo situates Cabatuan, a second-class municipality in the province. A huge breakthrough for the entire community is recorded as big infrastructure projects rise up, especially the old Iloilo International Airport. Taking the pace forward, its LGU is now laying out their plans on flights expansion to China, South Korea, and India and improving the airport itself with the proposed budget of P36 billion. “Makita mo man ina siya in terms of growing economy through the construction and investment of other companies in
Cabatuan. There are a lot of investors coming in and they are starting to look for areas they can develop,” Hon. Mayor Ronilo Caspe shared. Cabatuan’s improving disposition also includes the biggest public market in the whole region. Furthermore, the Local Government Unit improves the Cabatuan main road going to Aklan dubbed as “Tourism Road.” “Ang problem is the permit of cutting trees because of DENR which allows 2-3 trees in a minimum of 6 months. How much more kung hundred trees sa kilid dalan? Amo na super delayed ang road widening,” he added.
Despite being one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Iloilo, Cabatuan never lets the modern influence ruins its roots. One is the Tinu-om Festival that lasts for 24 days. “Tinuom” is a native delicacy of Cabatuan, Iloilo. Just like how the tinuom dish awes the people visiting the municipality, the Cabatuananons have finally found their way to raising high-level agenda that encourage more development projects in their town. Now is the time for them to do the step, hand-in-hand while keeping in mind the roots they have grown up with. The government is ready, and so are the people.
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BURIED BUT NOT FORGOTTEN Reminiscing the valiant exploits of the nineteen martyrs of Aklan in their pursuit of liberation Words by REYNOLD L. SUMIDO JR. AND JOHN AUBREY J. JJAMERO Photos by JOHN AUBREY J. JAMERO
Each place has its own stories to tell. Between shadow and spaces, there sneaks a tale that recounts a passage of time within each passing generations. History books teach how humans had constantly battled for independence until the very last breath escaped into their lungs. Blood and tears soaked the earth, but it was for the price of freedom. Savagery and lamentations echoed in the corners of motherland, but they still fought courageously. When the fierce revolution swept over the Philippines, the community of Aklan, boldly played its part in offering bloodshed against invaders. Today, a mausoleum and equestrian statue stood valiantly in the town plaza that served as a reminder that history once re-
spired in the place. Beneath the blinding rays of sunlight lies the figure of General Francis del Castillo prancing on his white horse and the remains of eighteen men that were slaughtered by the Spaniards. They are prominently known as nineteen martyrs of Aklan. Oblivious from knowledge of others, Katipunan did not only flourish in the Luzon region but it had also reached the zone of Aklan where it recruited many members in just few weeks’ time. Castillo was the head of the propaganda and together with other contingents, they planned a march to Kalibo for rebellion. These men gathered in massively built residence surrounded by a stone wall where they failed in protection because
their arrival was already anticipated. A shower of bullets from metal rifles was fired and the smell of death and broken hopes hanged in the air. A proclamation of amnesty was proliferated widely to all Katipunan members but this would not be in effect for those who will not present himself. It was through an inkling that the Colonel picked a number of whom he suspected and they were miserably confined into the solitude of prison bars. Hunger and thirst dominated their exhausting bodies while they were tortured mercilessly. In March 23, 1987 as the heavy rain poured wickedly, they were strung high up against the wall of the cell and the roaring tone of bullets ended their lives. It
was a moment of darkness and terror that blanketed the town of Kalibo as the wails of their loved ones disturbed the stillness of the night. To commemorate the death anniversary of the 19 martyrs, the Republic Act No. 7806 was made into law setting the 23rd day of March of every year as a special public holiday in the Province of Aklan. Death had brought end to the lives of these nineteen brave men but their martyrdom will stay. They will always be part of Visayan history that had yielded our freedom today. What they had sacrificed will always be remembered. They are buried in the depths of the ground but their legacy will never be forgotten.
OF THE TIMELESS PINOY ANTHEMS A nostalgic review of the most popular Filipino hits then and now Words by Maria Kayla T. Tingzon
Filipino music keeps going. Here comes the proof of New Manila Sound, the Original Pinoy Music (OPM) and the currently circulating indie songs swooping all over the Internet, which followed the steps of where it has all began. It never fails to portray the lives and the society every Filipino is in —the reason why it hasn't and will never be forgotten over the years. From the songs Ikaw Ang Miss Universe Ng Buhay Ko, Binibini, and Borrowed Time to today's hits such as Kathang-Isip, Muli, Sana and a whole lot more, let's take a few steps back and experience OPM in its early years.
1
Before this music type was dubbed as OPM, it was once the Manila Sound that was often considered the “bright side” of the martial law era and influenced all modern genres in the country by being the forerunner to OPM. It opened the gates for the bands Hotdog, VST & Co., Hagibis and Boyfriends to be the first ones to be in the limelight during the late 1960 to the 70’s.
2
The following year up to the 90s, the band Eraserheads paved its way to this era being the top group that had shone in the Phil ippine recording scene. Due to this, it has awakened more bands like True Faith, Siakol, Parokya ni Edgar and Rivermaya with the influence of a variety of the rock genre into their style.
3
Transitioned from rock n' roll to heavy metal and hard rock pro gressed in the year 2000. The Fili pino musical world was shooked by a loud thud as the emerging alternative rock bands Wolfgang, Kamikazee and Bamboo took on the stage.
4
The music of Silent Sanctu ary, Callalily, Sponge Cola and many others had come to play re peatedly in our ears for years now marking the new wave of OPM music as we get in the year 2000. At some point of the past decade, it has become the theme song for Pinoy tropas and barkadas.
5
Beginning from 2010 up to the present, there came the rise of different unsigned acts of dif ferent subgenres from another format of rock, and independent music. Making their own music and styles on today's Indepen dent music scene are Autotelic, IV of Spades, Ben&Ben plus more of these new wave artists.
spo
8
SPORTS The
FORUM
AUGUST - OCTOBER 2018
ILS swimmers create huge waves in Hinampang 18 '
By JONAR B. DORADO
Photos by DOMINIC T. REGONDON & MARIE ANDREA PEFIANCO
Despite being the youngest, the ILS team managed to gather the most number of medals wherein Vhee Junnyne Militar, a Grade 9 student secured four golds in 50m & 100m
backstroke, 50m breaststroke, 200m Individual medley and 4x50m medley. Militar also snagged one-silver in 100m breaststroke in women’s category. “I think my advantage is that I am a competitive
event. Venues of the events will be within the Central Luzon area – New Clark City, Subic, and Bulacan – and the events will be divided accordingly. The event will have its opening ceremony at the Philippine Arena at Bocaue, Bulacan and closing ceremony at the Athletics Stadium at Capas. The main hub of the event will be at the sports complex that is being constructed at New Clark City. It is confirmed that Manila will host basketball, boxing, volleyball and football, while Subic will host water sport events. As for where the delegates will stay, the National Olympic Committee arranged for the construction of mansions and villas for the delegations. Built around the area of New Clark
City, these mansions will have 15 to 17 rooms each. "We are not doing a SEA Games level of organizing the events, we are doing it as Asian Games level," he added. While the country is preparing for the event logistically, the respective sports committees were also coming up with a game plan. Several training camps were held for the athletes, scouts were sent across the country to look for quality players, and some athletes postponed their retiring to once again vie for the gold medal. Notable stars that are expected to tout gold medals are Ernest John Obenia the sensational pole vaulter, Eric Shauwn Cray the Fil-Am
'
With flawless dives, superb freestyles and an adult-like speed racing for a victorious finish, Integrated Laboratory School (ILS) conquered the waters in the University Hinampang 2018 at Iloilo Sports Complex, September 11-14.
swimmer. Wala man ko ga boast or something but, sige-sige ang akon nga training bisan wala upcoming nga competition,” Militar said. Militar’s teammate Andrea Gail Santos and Lordjane Precia both snatched the gold medal for sealing a tie in 4x50m freestyle relay in which Precia also brought home silver in 100m freestyle. Meanwhile, on the men’s category, August Delos Santos III, Grade 10, settled with two bronzes in 50m breaststroke and 50m backstroke. “Ang ma advice ko lng sa (mga) younger people na gusto man nila ma reach ang ila na achievements is work hard and focus ka gd sa imo practice kag give ka gid sang imo 100% kada training kag never let anyone interfere your dreams,” Delos Santos shared. The team also experienced difficulties in their training because of the conflict of time and venue. "To be honest ang nabudlayan ko lng sa training ay ang time kay sa ILS 5 pm amon buhi kag sa amon daan gina trainingan nga pool ga close 5:30 lapit man lang ang pool kaso gamay lang nga distance ma swim mo sa time nga ma bilin," Delos Santos added.
PH to host best SEA Games '
By JOHN GLEN L. TEORIMA Resurfacing from last year’s disappointing results, the PH now gears up for its shot of redemption as it accepts the challenge to hold the 30th edition of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games on Nov. 30 to Dec. 10, 2019. Aiming to surpass the 113gold medal record during the 23rd SEA Games held in Manila, the Philippine Olympic Council (POC) wasted no time in making a game plan for the upcoming event. "Our masterplan for 30th SEA Games [is that it] will be the best ever SEA Games," Ramon Suzara, the 2019 SEA Games planning and coordination office executive director, said. A total of 56 sports have been approved to be contested by the 11 countries in the biennial
h u r d l e r, Diaz the
and Hidalyn Rio Olympics weightlifter.