Bagwis AY 2023-2024 1st Sem NOVEMBER

bagwis.

NOVEMBER 2023 VOLUME 43 | ISSUE 03

the official student publication of Mindanao State University General Santos City

journo is dead

02

bagwis editorialboard

editor-in-chief associate editor managing editor circulation manager

jefferson quipit herkurt tamba jasmine panes adrian joven kimbian lim

departmentheads news editor lynxter leaño opinion editor leonard tucjayao feature editor mia dorothy marcos sports editor niel zsun vega head cartoonist louise abing layout director kevin asombrado photo editor krishtine rivera head videographer clarenz caballero

publicationstaff news writers

maria silva

trainees news writers opinion writers feature writers

sports writers cartoonists

layout artists photojournalists videographers

opinion writers

herkurt tamba jasmine joy panes feature writers ronajean lavado jefferson quipit sports writers berjan pagadatan kimbian lim cartoonists lyle jome dela madrid sharif ryan beldia layout artists krisczer dave david tycoon james flores photojournalists adrian joven katrina elises ashley loyloy hidden avila john ross sambanan videographers gwyneth lubaton krizza maningding louise jordan rhynchielyne melgar miles uchi

lourenz loregas ian villacencio guia rebollido daniella doce aljim kudarat cathylene bulado keziah cariño krystel lubaton leslie payongayong joseph carl estrera vaness villafuerte ma. angelica pio micha pancho jezrah gamutin jewel tapel muhamad miras denzel jade caluyong ylen criz balanon john russel camia rayjie carillo jibrylle mohammad christian alburo jared adlawan alsimar ibrahim

editor’s note Press suppression was admittedly a surprise threat for our mere campus publication.

During the past, we have had internal red-tapes, higher-up intervention, and academic threats. These are all bearable; it was something that our senior members preempted for all of us even before we entered Bagwis.

But when the threats turn upside down, as if our feet are higher than our heads, and life is on the line, we reassess.

We revile the truth beneath the lenses and refurbished writeups. This is where we are now—on one’s last legs.

JEFFERSON QUIPIT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

table of contents 01

COVER

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EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR’S NOTE

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TABLE OF CONTENTS ABOUT THE COVER

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NEWS Incomplete gym to resume construction in 1st quarter of 2024

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NEWS MSUans lack knowledge of guidance office’s existence - guidance coordinator

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COLUMN Unflattering familiarity

08-09

EDITORIAL Oversaturated Blur

10-11

COLUMN On the Press-ing demands of time

12-13

COVER STORY Journo is dead

14-15

MSULOGY

16-17

FEATURE Aruga ng Amuma: Embracing Diversity, Carrying out Inclusivity

18-19

FEATURE Centro: Sa Uhaw at sa Gutom

20

FEATURE Resilience Amidst Shattered Grounds

21

SPORTS EDITORIAL Sports beyond boun(ce)ds

22-23

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SPORTS NEWS SDO, MSUan reps to leverage SAA January ’24 postponement for extended preparation

about the cover November is the month of lit-candled melancholy and grief as we celebrate the passing of our loved ones during All Souls and Saints Day—the days of the dead.

The cover is a play with the analogy of what the publication reminisces about during this month: the death of our safe threshold, the death of our fire, and the death of journalism itself.

It is the contemplation of these heavy narratives that made us realize that our feet feel closer to the ground. Perhaps just too near, like 6 feet under.

4 NEWS

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Photo by John Ross Sambanan

LYNXTER GYBRIEL LEANO, GUIA REBOLLIDO

Incomplete gym to resume construction in 1st quarter of 2024 After four long years of waiting for the unfinished gym to resume construction, Sheila J. Loable, Vice Chancellor for Planning and Development (VCPD), emphasized during an interview that the 75 million peso budget for its second phase of construction was approved by the Senate, prompting the VCPD office to make a phase two plan for its implementation and for it to be built by 2024.

“Kakagaling ko lang man sa senate

budget hearing then it was already approved and even in our National Expenditure Program, before siya naano sa senate na plenary session kasi approved na lahat ng budget ng SOX. It is a comprehensive release, ibig sabihin from first quarter or second quarter of the year next year, nandiyan na yung pera,” Loable said during the conduct of interview last November 17.

She explained that construction of the gym is composed of three phases,

GYMNASIUM CONSTRUCTION PROTOCOL

noting that phase 1 has a budget of 50 million pesos and 75 million pesos for phases 2 and 3, amounting to a total of 200 million pesos.

With the given amount, the second phase will take six to eight months to finish, while its construction is expected to begin by February or March next year.

“Kung mas dako ang kwarta na imong ibutang, mas dako ang program of works nimo. Kasi imoha manang

PHASE ONE Constructed Php 50M budget Initial funds reallocated to pandemic

PHA

Senat Start a

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iprogram mo man kung unsa ang iyang mahuman. Nakaproject kasi ‘yan kung pila ang pondo, kung pila ang funding.

Kay sure na 2024 ang pera, kailangan ding gastasin ang pera na ‘yan until December, or maobligate mo until December 2024,” the VCPD expounded.

Moreover, the second phase will include the erection of a ceiling to allow students to utilize the building.

However, if the budget for the third phase arrives, then the construction will continue, and the gym will remain offlimits to students.

When asked why the gym’s second phase of construction took years to continue, Loable explained that project funding was initially requested by the Department of Public Welfare and Highways (DPWH), the office of the former Senator Manny Pacquiao.

In 2020, the government reallocated the

ASE TWO

NEWS 5

funds meant for infrastructure towards the pandemic response, halting the construction of the gym and infirmary.

However, in the following year, the DPWH was unable to request the 75M budget for the gym.

“Lahat ng infra kasi noon, pinabalik sa government. Kasi actually, nasa funding na ni Senator Pacquiao yan, pumasok na sa kanya as FLR. And then eventually pinabalik lahat, kasi gamitin nila yung fund for pandemic,” the VCPD explained.

According to Loable, she once again lobbied the project, together with Acting Chancellor JD Usman D. Aragasi’s initiative, to the Department of Budget Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman earlier this year.

ang DBM dito, ako ang nagpresent nun actually, sinabi ko na di na siya ingon na white elephant, white octopus na gid siya,” Loable expressed.

The VCPD said that the new gymnasium will cater up to 8,000 people and is expected to house a commercial section in its lower area.

However, she emphasized that despite offering a larger space for students to hold activities, large events such as university commencement exercises will still be held outside because of the gym’s limited capacity.

According to Loable, once the new gymnasium is finished, the old gymnasium will not be torn down and will instead be utilized for classes.

“Wala na yung sa gym kasi kay Pacquiao man yun, so tayo na ngayon ang nagrequest sa DBM. Nung pumunta

te-approved Php 75M budget at Feb-March 2024 with 6-8 months duration

PHASE THREE Lump amount Php 200M New gym will cater 8k students

6 NEWS

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LOURENZ JAY LOREGAS

MSUans lack knowledge of guidance office’s existence - guidance coordinator “The students still don’t know the existence na may office of guidance and counseling and we can offer counseling services.”

These were remarked by Hania-Persia F. Usman, RPm, guidance coordinator of the Office of Guidance and Counseling, during an interview, drawing insights from the needs assessment that their office conducted via Google Forms.

The interview was made after the mental health workshop they initiated last October 18 at the Regional Science Research Center (RSRC), where they convened student leaders in the university with the aim of letting the students know about the existence of their office and the availability of services that they offer.

Available Mental Health Services The guidance coordinator enumerated the range of services provided by their office, located at the OSA building, which includes assessment, counseling, and a referral system, while detailing the process for each service.

“With the assessment services, it involves pre-interview before the counseling and, the use of standardized psychological tests. ‘Pag sinabi nating standardized psychological test, may mga personality tests ‘yan, emotional quotient, career for career assessment, or intelligence test. These are actually available outside, but sa university natin,

they are available as well, so everybody can go to the office and avail those services,” Usman detailed.

In cases where the office’s resources might be insufficient, Usman highlighted the existence of a referral system that connects patients to outside professionals in the area.

“Of course the office has very limited services. We cannot provide medical help na kumbaga ‘yung mga gamot for mental health issues, so we can always help in referring them to the outside professionals na within the area lang din. So ‘yon ‘yung process nung services natin sa office of the guidance and counseling,” Usman said.

facilitate smoother student referrals when necessary.

Despite these systems in place, she also shared that she perceives the guidance office as somewhat inactive.

“May mga ganyang system na tayo. But then, I have to admit na the office of guidance and counseling, para siyang silent office and we do not want that na parang napaka passive nong office.”

Usman said.

Efforts to enhance accessibility of services

On another note, the office recently also initiated workshops, like the mental health workshop for student leaders on October 18 and a similar session for university administrative staff members on October 25 where Usman herself provided insights on stress management during these workshops.

Usman recounted her assignment to the office around 2021 and shared that her first initiative is to establish a streamlined process for students to access services and strengthen the availability of these services.

Additionally, the office started utilizing email newsletters, disseminating mental health information, especially concerning recent events like the recent earthquake, through institutional emails.

She added that the first thing that they did was purchase standardized psychological tests, and when they had already established a referral system, they disseminated referral forms to various university offices—the Medical Services Department or the infirmary, the Office of Student Affairs (OSA), and the colleges—to

The office also recently created the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Team (MHPSS) as their auxiliary team to further their reach to the students and eliminate the factor of fear of going to their office due to negative notions associated with going to guidance offices.

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COLUMN 7 incident is made by the English Society of RMMC-Gensan, when they posted a replica of the birthday greeting design of College of Social Sciences and Humanities Student Organization of MSU-GSC. Howbeit, they immediately posted a public apology, holding themselves accountable for such actions.

Copying could be seen as a genuine form of appreciation and inspiration of one’s admirable talents. In the words of George Bernard Shao, “Imitation is not just the sincerest form of flattery – it’s the sincerest form of learning.”

However, as flattering as it is, the narrative shifts when copying becomes an outright form of plagiarism. In the Philippines, plagiarism may not be a crime, but it is the same with copyright violation and is still punishable under Republic Act No. 8293, also known as the Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines.

JASMINE JOY PANES

Unflattering familiarity Art by Micha Pancho

I

mitation, as they say, is deemed as the sincerest form of flattery. Since then, artists have sought inspiration from others to craft their own versions of masterpieces. In the recent months, the students of Mindanao State University – General Santos City (MSU-GSC) have encountered a few recognizable layouts and designs while browsing Facebook, sparking a series of disputes between the MSUans and students from other involved schools. Evidently, the digital era has amplified the frequent copying of one’s original creative works, crossing the fine line between inspiration and ethical considerations.

One of the issues that caused a huge stir is when MSUans spotted some images of officers from the College of Agriculture and Fisheries Students’ Society (CAFSS) of South East Asian Institute of Technology (SEAIT) wearing polo shirts, strikingly resembling the official department shirt of MSUGSC’s College of Agriculture, Crop Science Students Society (CSSS) for the Academic Year 2022-2023. The similarity is undoubtedly evident, spanning from the color scheme and tribal patterns to the placement of the designs—except the CSSS logo that was replaced with ‘CAFSS’ lettering. What exacerbated the situation was the apparent lack of accountability on CAFSS end; instead of acknowledging their actions, they

instead added further mockery and sarcastic remarks following their separate Facebook post, a so-called ‘public apology’, after it was called out for being AI-generated. Furthermore, there have been similarities with intramurals sports shirt design of both Nursing Department of General Santos Doctors’ Medical School Foundation, Inc. and MSU-GSC’s College of Education. While differing in color palette, the geometric patterns on the sides of both designs bore an obvious resemblance. Coincidence? Only one can hope.

Whilst benchmarking is a common thing to do, replicating is another story. This series of plagiarism has caused dismay to the student artists of the university, as they have put through a lot of effort to produce highquality outputs for their respective organizations. At the very least, acknowledging the original work through simple citation would suffice, yet such recognition is not present in those incidents. The students could not also be blamed for butting in these issues, for they believe that calling out plagiarism is a must to safeguard the integrity of their fellow MSUans.

Additionally, there has been an uncanny resemblance between Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges-Marbel, Inc. (RMMC MI) publication material (pubmat) updates for their Hinampang 2023 and to Bagwis, the Official Student Publication of MSU-GSC’s Intramurals 2023 sports updates. The placements of the elements were undeniably similar, with the former blatantly copying the latter’s design. The layout artists of Bagwis have expressed their profound disappointment, as they felt like their efforts and countless art blocks were devalued when their designs were easily replicated. When confronted, a professor from RMMCI MI admitted that they have tried to alter the design as much as possible—to which they haven’t. Another pubmat plagiarism

Plagiarism is not exclusive in MSUGSC; they also occur elsewhere, where artist’s intellectual properties are infringed upon. Society needs to heed with the ethical boundaries in drawing inspirations from others’ works. Imitation indeed serves as a form of learning, yet the rights of the co-artists must be preserved.

Artists did not dedicate so much time, research, and passion in their works, just to have them easily copied through the internet. As we scroll through our social media, may the words “Hmm, familiar!” never be uttered again, for the display of extreme disrespect is much unflattering, especially for the creative minds of the entitled individuals.

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Editorial

Oversaturated Blur

Cartoon by Maria Angelica Pio

B

etween an oversaturation of the barely qualified and a feeble attempt of upholding democracy: the recent Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and barangay elections stands teetering on either side, painting the situation of local governments with its qualified, competent, or undeserving officials alike further into a picture of an oversaturated blur.

Instead of anticipating a sharpened focus, however, yet more uncertainties lie ahead: for the first time since almost half a decade of postponements and delays, the Philippines finally held local barangay and SK elections last October 30, with a total of 1.41 M candidates rearing for either the 828,644 barangay council seats or the 585,843 youth council seats all over the country.

In exercising their rights, the fate of the masses lies within their hands: Commission on Elections (Comelec) data reports around 67.8 M and about 23.2 M registered voters for barangay elections and SK youth councils, respectively.

One gaping flaw amidst the ‘norm’ of campaigning among pollution with plastic, tarpaulins, excessive posters littering the streets, or the visual clutter assaulting passersby’s eyes, is the lack of effort to provide substance and depth into an otherwise pothole-deep way of garnering votes. It is during these times when environmental organization Ecowaste Coalition reported that the

Philippines especially generates more trash, and just as pollution significantly increases in the streets, the whole event of elections have come upon a point where the process is convoluted into a empty shell of its former self.

One must remember: serving one’s community is a duty, a job. In regular employment, applicants fall all over themselves bulking up their resumes and curriculum vitae, filled with qualifications and achievements that could prove their competence.

Meanwhile, in the case of barangay elections, the bare qualifications necessary in order to run for office according to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) includes local citizenship and residency, being a registered voter, and literacy in English, Filipino and/ or any local language or dialect. The only difference is that to run for SK, candidates must have no blood relation to any elected official, especially to the local officers, and must not be convicted of any crime.

Local elections have come to the point where they are watered down to at least meeting the bare minimum requirements for candidacy. What the Filipino people need are concrete reasons justifying how candidates are deserving, qualified and competent for the positions which they are running for. Instead, what they receive is bare qualifications patched over with gaudy campaign poster materials and eargrating, endless jingles that only give vague clues of what candidates have to offer, an evidence to the deterioration of democracy put into practice.

Once rock-bottom, there is no way but up. Just as normal jobs require proof of competence and qualifications from its applicants, it is imperative that voters do not settle for less, particularly the meager information barely informing them of what putting certain candidates into positions of power shall have in store for them. Last year, in the latest assessment by Transparency International, called the Corruption Perception Index (CPI), the Philippines

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scored 33 out of a scale of 100, with 100 as very clean and zero as highly corrupt: the latter is indisputable proof of how far gone governance and voting within the country has gone.

While word of past performance is one of the most reliable points of differentiation for officials running for elections, impressions no longer suffice to be worthy of votes, but rather, the plans that shall go into motion once a candidate assumes office: an approach deserving to be made standard in an otherwise glorified popularity contest with an entire community’s welfare at stake. In a 2013 study by Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT), participating informants reported awareness of graft and corruption practices stated with R.A. 3019 or the AntiGraft and Corrupt Practices Act in the Philippines; regardless, they also admitted to involvement in acts such as malversation of public funds, bribery, abuse of power, among others. Furthermore, the latter study found that corruption was mainly instigated by bureaucratic dysfunctions, delays in releasing of budgets, and politically socializing with older, corrupt barangay officials passing on the so-called ‘techniques’ of corruption to the much younger informants: a case of polluting the downstream river flowing to the next generations, in line for assuming positions of power in the future.

Local government councils have the exact platform that shall allow them to make a rippling change: though small in scale, their impact could go far and wide. According to Section 17 ‘Basic Services and Facilities’ of R.A. 7160 or the ‘Local Government Code of 1991’, barangays are entrusted with duties for basic services and facilities such as agricultural support, services in health and social welfare, general hygiene, sanitation, beautification, information and reading centers, among others. SK officials, this time around, may raise the bar that has already fallen six feet under. They

EDITORIAL 9

may end up possessing different perspectives that may maximize the scope of their efforts for the community as electees.

Calling for credentials is not the cure-all for Philippine elections: even educational attainment, as evident in the last presidential elections, is not as significant as the ability to tug on heartstrings to secure victory.

Ironically, elections in the country are lawless lands: even those in prison or those deserving to be in prison can run, and a lot have won.

In the absence of clamoring for credentials, the smoke screen of vote-buying issues, violence and fatalities during the voting days, upon which paradigm, then, shall Filipino voters drop their anchors when it comes to voting public figures into power? To vote wisely, one’s free will must first be empowered; being drugged with ignorance and deprived of information is no different from manipulation by deliberately withholding the truth. Transparency is a timeless standard that very few can achieve. With scant amounts of effort from those running for office, alongside obstruction by rampant media and information illiteracy, the Philippines is burdened by a problem wherein tools that could’ve aided in voting wisely such as internet access is unbridled, while disinformation masquerading as legitimate fact during crucial times such as the elections is the modern plague.

Local governance within the country is a hit or miss with success, possession of credentials, and overall competence. Reflecting the options Filipinos are given and have chosen from, the recent elections could either be a breath of fresh air or yet another strain of diluting competence within the local government. Transparency in candidacy and governance: the simple truth couldn’t be any clearer, more so when facing a predicament where local governance is blurred with an oversaturation of barely qualified elected officials, versus those who are worth their votes.

‘‘

Calling for credentials is not the cure-all for Philippine elections: even educational attainment, as evident in the last presidential elections, is not as significant as the ability to tug on heartstrings to secure victory.

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10 COLUMN

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HERKURT TAMBA

On the Press-ing demands of time Art by Jewel Tapel

W

e often turn to television to check on current news and public affairs happening around the globe, where mainstream media outlets have provided us access to crucial information extending from local events to international scenes. This may have been true years ago when social media was still carpentering its domain, far from what it has become now.

Just recently, we have seen the rise of artificial intelligence as the new catalyst for change: ChatGPT redefining our learning process, AI-generated casters challenging

traditional media delivery, and, at large, the enormous expansion of the social media productivity frontier. It takes more to imagine how our world becomes fast-paced as new breeds of technology just pop up right around the corner, from which the field of journalism is trying to remedy its purpose amidst the pressing demands of time.

Looking at the status quo of media providers and news stations in the Philippines, it is agonizing how changes have definitely put the fourth estate in a tightrope, one end

for the opportunity of innovation and the other for the absolute opposite, becoming obsolete. In the data provided by the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) regarding NTC operating television stations nationwide, it was presented that of the current 32 free TV channels available in the NCR, only 10 carry news and public affairs. In line with it, GMA, one of the TV networks with the largest audience share, airs news and public affairs programs for 23.3 percent, or 280 minutes, of its 1200 minutes each day; TV5, 19.3

BAGWIS percent, or 220 minutes; and A2Z, 15.8 percent, or 180 minutes, of their 1400 minutes. By looking at the fraction of the airtime for news and public affairs and the number of TV channels with news segments, this tells us that delivering the news closer to the Filipino people is still an exigent test for which the purpose of journalism remains distant from actualizing it.

On top of that, the closure of ABSCBN has brought about a drastic change in the condition of press freedom. On a particular lens, we felt the repercussions of not having local news within the bounds of our district. So much was lost from the shutdown of the largest media network, not just the closure of 53 regional ABS-CBN stations that broadcast in six languages but also the retrenching of 11,000 workers, including local journalists, who committed to reinforce the cause of journalism. In addition to the rocky situation of press freedom and traditional media, print media is further struggling to survive as the pressure of cost production, declining readership, and the presence of social media as an effective replacement platform reset the momentum of the common ways. With this transpiring perplexity, the burden really is a crux to the journalism environment in the Philippines.

Hitting rock bottom is becoming clear if we do not install our safety nets as we traverse the “tech-enabled Armageddon,” as referred to by Nobel Laureate recipient Maria Ressa.

On the bright side, we have seen

COLUMN 11 the potential of the internet and social media in transforming the mechanisms of this world, which means journalists and media providers can harness their capabilities in incorporating themselves in the process of this technological convergence.

Just as the remodeling of ABSCBN as “content creator,” as to Laurenti Dyogi, ABS-CBN head of TV production, taking a new route to continue their business while also providing sustenance to its people despite the jarring halt it has to experience from the bureaucratic incongruence of the previous and current administration. The gateways of social media are essential for us to restructure the press freedom movement that was manned before us to persist even in the most challenging environment in the Philippines.

For now, journalists must forge ways of delivering news and information because, in times of societal turbulence, being grounded with the right knowledge and awareness empowers people to be critical in taking part in the social process. As argued by Melinda Quintos De Jesus in her report on the state of media freedom in the Philippines, distribution is just as crucial as content creation, and it is imperative that journalists follow their audience across media platforms. Hence, with the significant advancements in the area of content and information delivery, it is consequential to incline toward the demand for new operations.

‘‘

The gateways of social media are essential for us to restructure the press freedom movement that was manned before us to persist even in the most challenging environment in the Philippines.

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cover story

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When we entered the publication of Bagwis back in first-year college, I remembered being screened and interviewed thoroughly by past publication senior members. I recall the verbatim briefing: on how joining Bagwis is never just a bragging meritbased badge, “Hindi lang clout ang pub na ito; maraming na-reredtag dito, kaya mo ba if papasukin ka namin?”

Of course, I nodded. Of course, I said yes. And of course I relayed my prepared lengthy anecdotes relating blurred cases of red-tagging you hear on TV to my former high school publication experiences that I prepared before the interview. “Nakaka-experience rin po kami ng ganyan sa publication namin sa high school, gaya po ng…”

And of course, you never felt the weight and gravity of the threat and how your prepared past anecdotes are merely a facade of what you thought was the epitome of ‘threat’ in journalism - until two years later, from a right-wing connection that one of your executive members have, “Ayaw mo’g kahadlok te, ha? Pero ana akong isa ka-friend from [redacted] na naa na ta Bagwis sa watchlist nila - like naa inyong names nakabutang, [redacted] department.”

Of course, I already marked my words during the interview pre-acceptance in the publication, “...life and death man po talaga ang journalism, ate. Pero para sa lakas ng pamamahayag kakayanin ko po ang any forms of criticisms - or even red-tagging sa akin po, if makapasok ako.”

The weight of those words suddenly feels lighter now. Maybe because ‘life and death’ now feels… real.

BLOOD RED AS SEEN ON TV The anecdotes and news I heard on the news about journalists dying from unwarranted gunshots and heads inside a flimsy sack struck a sense of threat inside me. It seemed like, if these could happen to veteran and well-renowned journalists in the country, with enough resources to protect themselves, it’s hard to believe that it might not happen to me or us with our names clearly included in

COVER STORY

the watchlist.

In fact, the thought of that radio broadcaster who was fatally shot dead inside his studio in the sanctuary of his own home in Calamba while live on Facebook was extremely traumatizing.

This is just a fleeting story, one of the 27 journalists and media workers who were brutally killed since the administration of Duterte.

Perhaps, it is justified for me to argue, and I believe journalists would agree, that truthful and investigative journalism does not stand a future in a flawed democracy like the Philippines-in a country with vile self-interested and corrupt politicians. In this country, journalism does not warrant its own death, its life is forcibly taken from it.

One by one, they are all dying - ‘we’ are all dying from bloodstained hands, whose justice will never see the light of day.

DESPERATION OF BRANDING IT ALIVE But even if one contends the vibrant life of journalism through campus media outlets like Bagwis in Mindanao State University - General Santos City, or even the quantity of college and department publications that have emerged in the campus, one thing still remains unknown to the many. The commodification of news reporting even in local campus settings scares the future of journalism in the long run, or even the emergence of pitik culture, and the romanticization of the general majority threatens the principles of photojournalism from the get go.

If you think about it, you would think that campus journalism is very much alive. But it scares me that these situations have shifted the narrative away. It is this new angle of how the people see journalism makes the desperation of branding on clout-based metrics kills journalism.

“Oi! Bagwis! Bagwis! Pitiki pud mi diri,” the clamor of students at every in-campus event reverberates like a deathbell. “Pag-dili lagi ko maapil dira,

refund na lang akong 80 pesos beh,” it makes you believe that while journalism is alive, it is already not breathing and is already nearing its unstoppable death.

The weekend we received the news about the intangible threat that we have in our publication was All Saint’s Day. My family went to my grandfather and uncle’s grave in the local cemetery.

We placed our store-bought flowers, a bilao of kakanin, and chocolate cake from Mix N’ Magic that my uncle always loved. Then, we lit our candles and erected them over their gravestone.

“Sayang jud kaayo si angkol nimo ba,” My father remarked. “Kung naagapan lang iyang diabetes unta naa pa siya karon; lain kaayo mawalaan og manghod - pinakabunso sa pamilya.”

My family had an infamous lineage passed generation by generation - death through any cardiovascular attacks. My grandfather died from stroke; my uncle died from heart attack - worsened by diabetes. My distant relatives all suffered from a high blood pressure or high sugar levels.

“Maong ikaw jud, ‘nak, exercise jud always. Dili ka magpa-tambok, alagaan jud ang health. Liwat-liwat lang gid ni ang mukuha sa atong kinabuhi ani.”

I digress.

“Di lagi, pa. Dili guro ko mamatay tungod sa stroke o heart attack, malabo gid ata,” the scenes from the exploded skull of the Calamba reporter surges.

I lit a second candle as remembrance of something that changed inside of me. Knowing my name was written on someone’s watchlist, it was the death of my high school journo self; it was the death of my safe passion. And it’s the fear of relatability of what was once I only thought happened on distant TV. Journalism is dead, and perhaps it will also drag me to its grave. I won’t die from diabetes or any heart attacks, I fear.

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16 FEATURE

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It (Amuma) normalizes the idea that gender is a spectrum and that individuals should be able to use facilities that align with their gender identity

Photos by Adrian Joven

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FEATURE 17

Aruga ng Amuma: Embracing Diversity, Carrying out Inclusivity LESLIE ANNE PAYONGAYONG

To embrace diversity is to carry out inclusivity. These inclusivities may come in many shapes and forms — but all these lead to one thing: respect to all. And that’s what the Amuma is established to do.

made an initiative to incorporate a gender-neutral comfort room for Amuma. Composed of three rooms — one each for males, females, and for those who are within the wide gender spectrum.

Amuma, in the Bisaya language, translates to “to nurture,” or “to care.” It encapsulates the whole idea of caring for all — and giving respect to all. Concerning someone’s physical, emotional, and physical well-being is one way to do it. And like any other care-providing institutions, Mindanao State University also has its own way of nurturing its constituents!

The said comfort rooms are provided with all the basic hygiene necessities an individual may need, including tissues, sanitary pads, and more. The Amuma is open for the public, but it is highly emphasized for every student to be responsible with their use. As users of the Amuma and any other comfort rooms, it is the basic, unspoken rule to reciprocate the respect you received upon utilizing the facility. Indeed, instituting this facility takes us one step closer to a more gendersensitive, equitable, and progressive community.

Established within the Laktanan Wellness Garden is the “Amuma,” the newest physical manifestation of “care” that immensely sheds light to genderinclusivity. This pioneering bathroom aims to foster representation, space privacy, and safety for all its users.

Alleviating gender stereotypes, the novel Amuma is a groundbreaking comfort room — considering all gender preferences! This initiative pursuits to have everyone be identified to whatever they want to be identified with, and serves as a safe space that leads to genuine appreciation from people of all gender spectrums.

“It (Amuma) normalizes the idea that gender is a spectrum and that individuals should be able to use facilities that align with their gender identity,” Dr. Alma Celesthia Dumalag-Aguja advocated how the Amuma mainly destigmatized gender stereotypes upon its initiation.

As mandated by the Republic Act no. 9710, The Magna Carta of Women, private and public institutions shall have programs giving emphasis to a progressive correlation with gender and its development.

Spearheaded by Dr. Alma Celesthia Dumalag-Aguja, the focal person for Gender and Development of the AMSUA Multipurpose Cooperative and a member of the Gender and Development Focal Point System of the university, the Amuma simply arose due to a practical reason: having no near comfort rooms around the Laktanan Wellness Garden, in which she has also headed in establishing. With the nearest restrooms being inside the University Library and the Y Building which both have strict office hours, she initiated to have the comfort room accommodate MSUANs in more flexible hours — being more aligned with the students’ day-to-day university lives.

To make it more student-inclusive, it was planned to be opened also during the weekends! And since her projects are all kindled with gender-sensitivity, she

Inclusively, Amuma emphasizes the appreciation of the LGBTQ+ community. The LGBTQ+ community includes the lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgenders, queers, and many more gender preferences which are continuously adding up today. But there’s more to these than meet the eye. Embracing people with arrays of gender identities, this community serves as the cradle of comfortability to one’s genuine individuality.

As the world evolves, the social acceptance of this community, along with other diverse community groups, also progresses. Communities like these hold the power to present themselves as equally-significant individuals.

Yes, there may be stigmatizations and stereotyping ideas along the process, but once the society gets to sincerely recognize the contributions made by these communities and their unique identities, there would be no more room for social discrimination, inequality, and division. All varying circumstances and stigmatizations a person of this community may face are not faced alone — but are conquered by the whole community itself. Indeed, through Amuma, we are approaching a more inclusively-embracing society to people from all the diverse walks of life.

Amuma not only teaches us how to be responsible as constituents of the university, but also on how to be inclusive at all times. This sends us a vivid message that progressiveness towards acceptance of diversity and inclusivity, integrating the societal acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community, may come in varying shapes and sizes — be it through physical campaigns, mental support, or emotional presence. Continuing to develop, the society, together with the whole MSU environment, strives to attain a safer place for all diverse students; a place nurturing respect to one’s unique individuality and identity. With Amuma being one of these progressiveness, to carry out inclusivity is, indeed, embracing diversity.

18 LATHALAIN

BAGWIS

Centro: Sa Uhaw at sa Gutom FELINA MUNINGNING

Sa kumakalam na kalamnan ng MSUan— lalo na ng mga estudyanteng sinasakto lamang ang Isang libo sa isang linggo, hanggang isang buwan— ang mausok, maalikabok, at maingay na Centro ang kanilang naging takbuhan.

Ang Centro ay isang maliit na palengke na matatagpuan sa pusod ng Fatima, Uhaw, General Santos City. Limang minuto lamang ang lalakarin mula sa likurang entrada ng Pamantasang Mindanao. Kadalasang matutunghayan dito ang iba’t-ibang kwento na bumubuo sa talaarawan ng bawat MSUan. Nakalagda sa isa hanggang higit pang kabanata kung saan isinasalaysay ang kahalagahan ng lugar sa kanilang buhay kolehiyo.

CENTro: Abot kayang presyo Ang ‘Cent’ o Centavos sa ingles na katumbas ng sentimo sa filipino ay siyang pinakamababang kantidad ng pera sa Pilipinas. Sa kabila ng mababang halaga nito, kumpara sa ibang salapi, hindi maisasantabi ang reyalidad ng malaking importansya na ginagampanan.

Hindi man katumbas ng sentimo ang presyo ng mga bilihin sa centro, may dala pa rin kaginhawaan sa pinansyal na aspeto ng mga mag-aaral at mamamayan ang lugar. Isang simbolismo na ang Centro ay tulad ng sentimong piso na bukod sa abot kaya itong halaga, ay gumaganap bilang isang malaking parte sa kwento ng mga mag-aaral ng pamantasan .

“Convenient kaayo ang Centro kung naay school o personal needs. Dili man kompleto pero naa na tanan kailangan sa estudyante. Aside sa accessible kaayo siya, barato pa jud ang mga palitunon, swak kaayo labin nag ting katapusan.” Litanya ni Lawrence S. Entrina, kasalukuyang nasa ikalawang taon bilang estudyante ng Civil engineering ng Pamantasang Mindanao.

Ayon sa kanya, ang lokasyon ng Centro ay mainam sa mga mag-aaral lalo pa at napapagitnaan ito ng Zone 2 at Zone 1, kung saan kadalasang umuukopa ang mga dormers at boarders na MSUan. Laman ng lugar ang samut-saring pagkainan mula sa sinabawan hanggang inihaw, sa merienda hanggang sa ulam.

Sa nagtataasang presyo ng mga bilihin, ang Centro ay nagsilbing tagapagsalba ng mga estudyanteng gipit. Sa

singkwenta pesos na ilalaan sa buong araw, ay maaari ng itawid ang gutom at uhaw. Sari-saring paninda na naglalaro sa limang piso hanggang singkwenta.

Isa na roon ang buko juice ni Manong sa harap ng karinderya na tig-sampung piso ang isa, at sikat na milktea ng Emmanuel’s na sa halagang trentay nuwebe pesos ay pantanggal uhaw na sa mainit na klima ng Fatima. Cheese pie, tuna pie, at pizza roll, pati na ang tinatangkilik na fried chicken ng Pastilan, na sa halagang kinse pesos ay ‘cravings’ solb ka na!

Bukod pa roon, mayroon ring nakaugaliang panalbang ulam na pastil, sisig, at mga lutong bahay na sakto sa badyet ng estudyanteng nagtitipid. Takbuhan ng mga tao na nasusuka na sa delata at pancit. Nagsisilbing pagasa sa mga hinahabol ang badyet. Mayroon ding botika, grocery store, bilihan ng appliances, pati na ng mga kagamitan sa eskwelahan at dormitoryo. Kung tutuusin, halos nandito na ang lahat ng kinakailangan ng mga estudyante ng MSU. Banaag ng Umaga Samut-saring kwento rin ang matutunghayan mo sa Centro tuwing umaga. Kadalasan, mga gutom na magaaral na humahangos pumara ng habal-habal at mga estudyanteng panay ang suri sa relo habang hinihintay ang proyektong pinapaprint. Minsan naman ay may mga kumukuha ng allowance sa Palawan Express at mga namumroblema na mag-aaral ng ROTC na ayaw sa gupit ng barbero. Sa kabuohan, saksi ang Centro sa paghahanda ng mga estudyanteng MSUan sa pang akademikong bakbakan.

At sa tuwing nagsisimula ng lukubin ng gabi ang araw, nag-iiba ang naratibo ng lugar. Napupuno ito ng mga estudyanteng mag-aaral na kakagaling lang sa eskwelahan at naghahanap ng pang-hapunan. May isang grupo na nagsasalo-salo sa isang kalderong kanin habang kumakain ng inihaw at hinging sabaw, at magkakaibigan na nagkukuwentuhan.

Katotohanan sa likod ng Ligaya Habang lumalalim ang gabi, ang Centro ay nananatiling buhay. Binabalot pa rin ang lugar ng mga estudyanteng gutom na nais bisitahin ang mga

BAGWIS 24/7 na tindahan, habang ang iba naman ay nagtitipon upang makipagkaibigan at mag-inuman matapos ang nakakauhaw na araw sa pamantasan. Ngunit, sa likod ng kasiyahan ay may iilang naratibo rin ang Sentro na nais iwasan ng iilan.

“It’s not the safest place kay naa sad mga possibilities na naay away or ramble kay daghan gashat na dili mga taga-MSU nga taga Uhaw ra sad.” Saad ni Princess Carmiane Talledo, kasalukuyang nasa ikalawang taon bilang mag-aaral ng Marine Biology ng Pamantasang Mindanao.

Hindi mapagkakaila na sumasabay sa kadiliman ng gabi ang iilang naratibo sa Centro. Isa na roon ang mga naitalang kaganapan tulad ng ramble ng mga nagiinuman at reklamo ng mga dormers o boarders sa hindi mapayapang gabi dahil sa ingay at tawanan.

Dahil ang Centro ay nasa gitna ng Fatima uhaw, naging pook ng pagtatampok din ito ng mga mamamayan ng barangay. Bukod pa roon, ang isyu sa tamang regulasyon sa basura at daluyan ng tubig ay nanatiling tila tanikalang hindi maresolba.

Kaya naman, habilin sa lahat ang ginagampanang papel ng mga taong parte sa naratibo ng Centro; mula sa mga mag-aaral, nagtitinda, drayber at local na namamahala.

Sa muling pagtalaga ng panibagong administrayong local ay siyang pagsiklab din ng pag-asa para sa katahimikin at mapayapang karanasan ng lahat.

Centro: Higit pa sa isang lugar Sapagkat ang Centro ay hindi lamang isang pisikal

LATHALAIN 19 na lokasyon; ito’y isang karanasan, isang kolektibong tibok sa talaarawan ng mag-aaral na malayo sa kanilang kabahayan. Mga kalimitang ‘dormers’ at ‘boarders’ ng Pamantasang Mindanao na nilalakbay ang masalimuot na mundo ng akademya. Pagkatapos ng isang mahirap na araw ng mga leksyon, laboratoryo, at diskusyon, ang Centro ay nagsisilbi bilang isang santuwaryo, isang lugar kung saan nahahanap ang panandaliang kasiyahan, pakikipag-kaibigan, at kahit paminsang pahid ng tahanan.

Kawangis ng sentimo, ang Centro ay nagbibigay kaginhawaan sa bulsa at may ginagampanang halaga.

Hindi lamang sa mga estudyanteng mag-aaral, ngunit pati na rin sa mga mamamayan ng barangay Uhaw.

Ito ay nagsisilbing pamatid uhaw sa mga ginagapang ang buhay at pag-aaral sa disyerto ng oportunidad, at pang-salba gutom sa mga nalipasan na ng pag-asa na magpatuloy pa.

Sa pagsapit ng madaling-araw, at ang mga huni ng tawanan ay unti-unting nag-uudyok ng tahimik na pag-ikot ng gabi, ang Centro ay tumatayo bilang isang tahimik na saksi sa maraming kwento na nakaantabay sa bawat kanto nito. Ito ay hindi lamang isang lugar; ito ay isang integral na bahagi ng paglalakbay ng bawat MSUan, lalo ng mga mag-aaral na naghihikahos at may problemang pinansyal.

Nilulukob nito ang kolehiyong yugto ng mga estudyanteng uhaw sa karunungan at gutom sa akademikong tagumpay.

Photos by Ashley Loyloy

20 FEATURE

BAGWIS

KEZIAH REIGN H. CARIÑO

Resilience Amidst Shattered Grounds In the face of adversity, our strength lies not just in the ground beneath us but in the unyielding spirit that binds us together.

O

n a quiet afternoon in November 17, 2023, General Santos City got hit by an unexpected tremor that shook the very foundations of our homes, roads, and institutions. The 6.8 magnitude earthquake left a trail of panic, damaged structures, and, sadly, casualties in its wake. Among the affected was Mindanao State University (MSU), usually a peaceful place for learning that suddenly turned chaotic.

MSU, like the rest of the city, was caught off guard during that fateful afternoon.

As the clock struck 4:14, MSU was conducting its usual classes when the ground beneath began shaking. The atmosphere was replaced with fear and uncertainty as students and faculty grappled with the unexpected quake.

The instinct to duck, cover, and hold was overshadowed by the collective urgency to seek refuge outside, away from the potential dangers of falling debris. Some students, overwhelmed by panic, even fainted in the chaos.

Professors and university staff, just like the students, were shocked. The usual sounds of classrooms were replaced by cries and hurried footsteps. Classes stopped abruptly, and everyone rushed home, worried about their families and the safety of their homes. The aftermath

Photos by Aihk Kenneth Barona / rappler.com Kinneth Bendijo / facebook.com

of the earthquake prompted students returning to their provinces, seeking solace for their loved ones. MSU, despite being an institution of higher learning, suddenly found itself at the epicenter of a human drama, with the resiliency of its community being tested in unforeseen ways.

Yet, facing adversity, unity and camaraderie prevailed not just within MSU but across the city. The Public Safety Office, the Office of the Building Official, and the City Engineering Office collaborated to assess damage and implement safety measures. Red Cross Volunteers, alongside dedicated public servants, played a crucial role in aiding those heavily affected. This response showcased remarkable solidarity and resilience, emphasizing that, in times of crisis, the community can rise above challenges.

Mandated building inspections led to class suspension from November 20 to 21. A memorandum from the MSU Chancellor’s office instructed asynchronous classes from November 22 to 24, providing time for recovery.

This break allowed MSUans and the people of General Santos to regroup and find solace, discovering strength in the unspoken bond that unites the

community despite the physical shake.

Amidst aftershocks, MSUans and General Santos residents unite, embodying the Filipino adage: “Bayanihan sa Gitna ng Kalamidad” (Unity in the Face of Calamity). Nongovernment organizations provided aid to the vulnerable, while restaurants and shops generously supported responders. Compassion extended to the private sector, with major malls aiding employees with groceries, ensuring their families were cared for during inspections and cleaning.

Some benevolent hands also took it upon themselves to alleviate the transportation struggles faced by the residents. “Libreng sakay” or free rides were offered, providing a lifeline to those navigating a city in disarray.

Reflecting on that fateful November day, let’s recognize the triumph of the human spirit rising above the earthquake’s devastation. Amidst the shattered grounds, humanity’s true measure lies in the unwavering spirit that lifts us beyond wreckage, painting the indomitable story of a community rising, one resilient heartbeat at a time.

BAGWIS

SPORTS EDITORIAL 21

NIEL ZSUN JOHN VEGA, VANESS VILLAFUERTE

Sports beyond boun(ce)ds Cartoon by Jezrah Gamutin

N

estled within the cultural tapestry and intellectual excellence that constitute Mindanao State University—General Santos City, there is a tremendous opportunity to further enrich the educational experience.

Beyond its scholastic achievements, the university is at a crossroads where athletics, which are often considered the pulse of civic spirit, may be a conduit for developing a more open and vibrant atmosphere through widening the breadth of sports options.

While conventional sports like basketball, volleyball, football, table tennis, and sepak takraw have long been a part of the university’s athletic scene, there is still a representation gap. The absence of sports activities like archery, arnis, pencak silat, and pickleball on interscholastic competitions, including Intramurals, not only reduces the range of accessible recreational possibilities but also ignores the rich cultural legacy buried within these disciplines.

Despite being introduced in physical education classes, pickleball’s broad appeal and comprehensive nature remain untapped on campus. Its absence in university-level competitions denies enthusiasts a platform to showcase their skills, limiting its potential as a competitive sport on campus. Similarly, archery, pencak silat, and arnis, all emblems of Filipino history, await inclusion on the institution’s sports curriculum, providing students with a combination of culture and physical prowess to thrive in.

In the ever-changing world of sports, former archery athlete Cathylene Bulado feels compelled to share her thoughts on the expansion of the university sports scene. “Given that our university has its branding of being the home of the champions, expanding the Intramurals sporting scene would be a good way to venture to the arena of sports locally and nationally,” remarked Bulado, who is currently pursuing a BS in Biology at MSU-GenSan.

Expanding its sports portfolio allows MSU-GenSan to reflect the different student abilities and interests, embracing the global recognition of gaming shown by the 4-year BS Esports degree at Lyceum of the Philippines University Manila. This progression beyond casual hobbyism demonstrates a forward-thinking strategy that aligns the university with the changing dynamics of sports in order to create a more altered athletic community.

Additionally, Jessfe Masalon, the captain of the Badminton Team, addressed the pressing concern of sports diversity at our university. “Many students at our university often struggle to gain recognition to showcase their talents within the traditional sports setup. By embracing these unconventional sports, our university lays the groundwork for a more inclusive and diverse sports community,” he noted.

The university’s consideration of expanding its sports program isn’t solely about increasing leisure opportunities; it also marks a dedicated commitment in promoting holistic student growth, while embracing a broader range of sports allows MSU-GenSan to reflect the vast mix of aspirations woven within the students.

He further emphasizes that this expansion will unlock opportunities for athletes devoted to non-mainstream sports, nurturing a more extensive and diverse sports community.

Diversification in athletics at our university unlocks hidden talents and nurtures individual strengths, serving as a gateway to unparalleled student performance. Offering a broader range of sports alternatives generates opportunities for MSUans to excel in activities that match their unique strengths and passions, aligning with our university’s commitment in fostering a vibrant athletic community.

Furthermore, by broadening the university’s focus and developing an inclusive and diverse athletics program, MSU-GenSan may strategically improve its standing in a period where academic performance isn’t the only factor considered when evaluating colleges.

In the varied curtains of the sporting landscape, the discourse around adding more sports is greater than simply a list—it’s an open conversation demonstrating our dedication to disparity. Whilst assessing the benefits and drawbacks, remember that sports, in all their splendor, serve as valuable avenues for personal development, uncovering the distinct essence that characterizes the university.

22 SPORTS

BAGWIS

BERJAN PAGADATAN AND KIMBIAN LIM

SDO, MSUan reps to leverage SAA January ’24 postponement for extended preparation Instead of feeling frustrated by the recent announcement of the rescheduling of the Mindanao State University System Athletic Association (MSUSAA) Competition, initially slated for December 15–22, 2023, to January 2024, the Sports Development Office (SDO) and MSU-GenSan representatives viewed this as an opportunity to boost motivation as they now have an additional month to train for a potential 5-peat.

Professor Sammielyn Lavente, the SDO Director, initially expressed concern about the postponement, particularly regarding training during the Christmas break, stating, “I’m happy, kasi we still have month prep for the team events; ang downside lang sa team events kay manguli sila during break.”

However, she assured that the office, along with the coaches, would devise strategies to maintain consistent practice among athletes.

“Pero diskarte na sa coaches, kahit nasa bahay sila, continue pa rin ang training, mag-submit per week ng monitoring ang mga coaches sa ilaha nga team. Dapat naa sila portfolio nga ga work out jod ang athletes biskan sa balay, para makita nga ga-practice,” Prof. Lavente added.

Athletes, on the other hand, have just started their official training in early November. In an interview, John Jiffer To-os, a badminton representative, outlined their intense preparations, including a 6 PM–9 PM training on Mondays and Thursdays, a 5 PM physical training on Tuesdays, and an early

morning road run on Saturdays.

When asked about the MSUSAA postponement, To-os, being a graduating student, voiced his dismay. “Gusto na unta nako karong December na, kay para maka-focus nako sa thesis next year.”

On the other hand, Therese Dawn Pugasa, a women’s athletic representative, conveyed the disadvantage if the SAA were to push through this December. “Dili enough ang time kay daghan ug holidays tapos midterms ug finals pud medyo kulang na sa time to prepare.”

A soccer team member, Niel Zsun John Vega, also expressed his joy when informed about the postponement. “I think this could serve as an opportunity for MSU-GenSan athletes na i-improve pa yung individual skills at camaraderie ng team through training na talagang kailangan ng mas mataas na oras para ma-develop.”

Meanwhile, away from the sporting’s heat, Angelo Buenavista and Cyrille Mae Marcilla, crowned Mr. and Ms. MSU, also shared their preparations, seeking to conquer the Mr. and Ms. MSUSAA’s spotlight.

Away from the intense world of sports, Angelo Buenavista and Cyrille Mae Marcilla, recently crowned Mr. and Ms. MSU, are also fervidly preparing to vie for the awaited Mr. and Ms. MSUSAA titles.

Focusing more on the pageant’s

wits, Marcilla shared her academic preparation, as she immersed herself in articles, assessing national, societal and cultural issues, anticipating the questions that may be asked at MSUSAA. In contrast, Buenavista injected humor to the conversation, revealing a struggle that many might envy, a fast metabolism. However, he acknowledged the importance of building his physique, currently embarked on a journey of healthier eating, to command action on the pageant stage, Amidst the initial preparations, the pair remains committed to maintaining their academic excellence. Balancing their academic obligations, they are currently gearing up to commence their pasarela training as early as December, showing excellence in both realms.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Buenavista shared, “For now, I’ll say I’m 85% ready to compete and that number will even increase in the upcoming weeks as I’ll have my proper training with the coaches together ━ I hope that the stars will align for the both of us, me and Cyrille.”

The rescheduling of the MSUSAA Competition initially stirred a mix of emotions, from concern to disappointment and even joy among participants. However, what emerged more was a collective dedication from the SDO, athletes, and Mr. and Ms. MSUAA representatives to make the most of the extended preparation time.

BAGWIS

SPORTS 23

FORGING GENERALS | Despite the postponement of the Mindanao State University System Athletic Association (MSUSAA), football varsity players Andriane Marc Pericon and Kenneth Paul Mina from MSU-GenSan remain dedicated to their rigorous training, striving for victory in the highly anticipated competition.

Photos by Katrina Elises

the death of journalism When anecdotes of unresolved cases of a bullet inside a skull or a sacked head as seen in the media sprung up one by one, it had little effect on the safety morale of a mere campus-based publication.

But when the threats slowly proliferated in what was once thought to be a ‘safe’ space, new sentiments were unearthed.

It is in the realization that there are no net-positive merits in this niche of journalism. Either we die for it, or it dies first.

photo by bagwis staff

bagwis.

NOVEMBER 2023