Welcoming Week of Bukidnon State University
by: Gil Oclidina
On August 24, 2024, the Bukidnon State University had successfully held its first day of their five-day welcome week orientation program, designed to informed new or incoming first year students and also remind those old students about the school polices and the do’s and don’ts of the school. Those five days of orientation served as a crucial introduction to college life for incoming students.
A joyful mood was instantly created upon the students’ arrival, and there was a noticeable sense of excitement, particularly among the firstyear students. As the orientation began, which was spearheaded by our active faculty and staff and the student body organizations who provided crucial information about academic polices and regulations. The program also included some ice breakers to refresh the students. Leadership and students involvement are key elements of a thriving school community. As the second day commenced, the organizations organized their separate election processes whereby candidates campaigned by stating stands, putting forward visions, and answering questions from peers, elections challenge the students to embrace democratic processes, make proper judgment, and perpetuate leadership and accountability cultures.
Following the in-person activities, the orientation program transitioned online, with the main campus talking the lead lasting for three days. Their virtual sessions aimed to provide students with a deeper understanding of the institution’sacademic framework, policies, and available resources, ensuring they are well prepared for their studies. The online platform allowed students to access important information from the comfort of their homes.
BukSU Medina Campus Intramurals 2024: Building Bridges Through
by: Gracelyn Sonalan
Sportsmanship
The Bukidnon State University Medina Campus concluded its thrilling three-day intramurals 2024 with the theme “Camaraderie through Excellence: Celebrating Culture and Sports” were a celebration of athleticism, teamwork, and school spirit.
The Intramurals kicked off on the first day with a lively parade. Students, faculty, and staff gathered at the municipal ground, proudly representing their respective tribes: Tribu Umayamnon, Tribu Talaandig, and Tribu Higaunon. The parade wound its way through the streets, eventually converging at the South Covered Court where the main event took place.
The remarkable opening ceremony started with the symbolic torch lighting, participated by representatives from each group– Tribu Umayamnon, Tribu Talaandig, and Tribu Higaunon, signifying the spirit of unity and friendly competition. After the torch lighting, Justin Alba led the oath-taking ceremony, a moment of commitment were all participants pledged to uphold sportsmanship, integrity, and teamwork throughout the events. With the formalities completed, the game declared open by the school head.
The first day featured a vibrant line-up of competitions, including a Flag Race which tested both speed and teamwork, followed by Bench Chant competition, where each team showcased their creative chants and impressive energy. Next came the Festival Dance, where dancers from each group performed culturally inspired routines highlighting the rich traditions of their teams. The Dance Sports competition followed featuring a graceful and energetic dance forms that captivated the audience. The Heroic Cosplay, and Modern Dance competition brought a contemporary flair to the event, with teams delivering powerful performances that blended athleticism and artistry. Tribu Umayamnon ended day 1 with a commanding lead of a total tally score of 333, followed by Tribu Higaunon with a score of 281, and the Tribu Talaandig with a score of 235.
BukSU Medina Campus Intramurals 2024:
Building Bridges Through Sportsmanship
by: Gracelyn Sonalan
The second day brought the intensity of the sports competitions, concluded with several key match-ups set for the final day’s championship rounds. The basketball court witnessed fierce battles, with both men’s and women’s divisions showcasing exceptional skill and determination. The intense battles resulted in exciting finishes, leaving Tribu Higaunon and Tribu Umayamnon to clash for the championship titles in both the men’s and women’s divisions. Similarly, the volleyball matches were filled with powerful spikes. Tribu Higaunon and Tribu Talaandig secured their spots in both the men’s and women’s championship games. In the world of esports, Tribu Talaandig take hold the first place in the Mobile Legends tournament. Tribu Higaunon and Tribu Umayamnon secured second and third place respectively. Badminton doubles matches saw Tribu Higaunon and Tribu Talaandig advanced to the men’s championship match while Tribu Umayamnon and Tribu Talaandig secured their places in the women’s final, both the men’s and women’s singles badminton championships will be contested between Tribu Higaunon and Tribu Umayamnon. The chess competition showcased strategic thinking and intense focus. Tribu Umayamnon won the women’s division championship, followed by Tribu Higaunon and Tribu Talaandig. In the men’s division, Tribu Talaandig took first place, with Tribu Umayamnon securing second and Tribu Higaunon placing third.
The final day was filled with thrilling energy and competitive spirit as the campus tribes faced off in championship rounds for badminton, volleyball, basketball, and mobile legends. Even though we saw the hardship they faced, they showed perseverance and determination to continue. Their dedication and commitment were truly inspiring. Despite the challenges, they actively participated in the Intramurals 2024 with great enthusiasm. Every team demonstrated a strong spirit of sportsmanship and teamwork. The competition was intense, but it remained friendly and respectful. In the end, their efforts and passion made the event a memorable and meaningful experience for everyone.
ukSU Medina Campus Intramurals 2024:
uilding Bridges Through Sportsmanship
by: Gracelyn Sonalan
Tribu Higaunon dominated the badminton court, winning both the men’s singles and doubles categories. Tribu Umayamnon secured the women’s doubles championship. The women’s singles match saw Tribu Higaunon once again securing the top spot, with Tribu Umayamnon close behind. In volleyball, Tribu Talaandig emerged victorious in the women’s division, and the Tribu Higaunon secured the men’s title. The basketball championship was a hard-fought battle, ultimately won by Tribu Higaunon. Esports added a modern twist to the day’s events, with Tribu Talaandig proved their digital skill, taking home the Mobile Legends championship.
In the overall standings, Tribu Umayamnon was declared the overall champion of the BukSU Medina Campus Intramurals 2024, while Tribu Higaunon secured a strong first place, followed by Tribu Talaandig in second, showcasing their consistent performance across various events. The hard work and dedication they put into their performance were greatly appreciated by the audience, who truly recognized and valued their efforts.
The 2024 Intramurals were a resounding success, demonstrating exceptional skills, unwavering sportsmanship, and a strong sense of camaraderie among the students. The event brought together students for three days of friendly competition, with each match fuelling the excitement and fostering a sense of unity and school pride among participants and spectators alike, leaving a lasting impression on the entire BukSU Medina Campus community.
LUKAY played an important role in documenting the event by providing in-depth coverage after each day of competition. Our team shared daily summaries, featuring game results and overall team performances. Additionally, we kept the school community engaged by posting updates on our Facebook page, announcing the winners of each sport and ensuring that everyone, whether they were there or not, stayed connected to the excitement of the event.
Upholding Accountability: The Impeachment Case Against Vice President Sara Duterte
by: Loversten Guidacan
The impeachment of Sara Duterte, the vice president of the Philippines, has drawn a lot of attention and brought up significant issues regarding responsibility and leadership. Activists and civil groups accuse her of grave crimes, including stealing public funds, threatening President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., engaging in unlawful activity, and failing to defend the West Philippine Sea from foreign threats.
If confirmed, these charges demonstrate a grave breach of the public’s confidence and a constitutional infraction. The allegation that she threatened to kill the president is particularly troubling since it violates democratic norms. Protecting the integrity of public office also requires a thorough investigation of claims of corruption and misappropriation of private finances.
A strong democracy depends on holding leaders accountable, regardless of their identities; a fair and transparent resolution is required to bring justice and restore public trust; President Ferdinand Marcos has dismissed the impeachment efforts as unimportant and claimed that they don’t affect the lives of ordinary Filipinos; lawmakers must handle the impeachment process with fairness and honesty; the investigation should be based on evidence and avoid political bias; and the impeachment process should demonstrate that no leader is above the law and that the government always acts for the good of the people. If the charges against Vice President Sara Duterte are confirmed, she ought to be removed from office because of grave breaches of the Constitution and public confidence. The abuse of private cash intended for pressing national needs is one of the main accusations. The credibility of the government is harmed by improper handling of these monies. To hold officials accountable and demonstrate that corruption will not be tolerated, impeachment is required. It is also quite concerning since she was accused of threatening President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. It is blatant abuse of power and goes against democratic values if it is true. It is the vice president’s responsibility to maintain the stability of the administration, not to cause trouble or jeopardize its leaders. The nation’s democratic system would deteriorate if such measures were ignored.
025 Ala ime Wa
s in the Philippines experienced an increase in crime. The red us with news reports about murders, rape, kidnapping, robbery, stabbing, and other alarming and dangerous crimes, which presented a serious challenge to public safety and social order. This surge in criminal activity shook Filipinos' peace of mind, especially considering the relative peace and stability experienced during the Duterte administration.
I agree, during the Duterte administration, crimes, including violent crimes like rape, were unnoticeable. Women felt safer walking alone at night due to increased security measures implemented by local governments. The strict implementation of the war on drugs, even though controversial, resulted in a significant decrease in drug-related crime, leading to a perceived increase in the government's power and a corresponding decrease in criminal activity. While War on Drugs resulted in many deaths, on the other hand it also instilled fear among criminals. Nothing is more valuable than safety, peace, and order. These were given as freely available during the Duterte’s administration, but the current administration is drastically different. There's a huge difference between the Duterte and Marcos’ administrations; the previous access to extensive security has been replaced by fear and trembling due to widespread criminal activity. Killing is becoming normal, and life is losing its value. Unlimited access to peace and security given by Duterte’s Administration has ended
Poverty is the main reason for the drastic increase in crime since the start of 2025. High unemployment has left most Filipino citizens jobless and without money, leading some to commit crimes for survival. The return of drug addiction and rising mental health problems further increase the possibility of crime. Easy access to weapons like guns makes it easier to harm others. Even innocent people are not exempt in this situation. However, since Duterte’s administration has ended, we no longer have access to his services. What would we do now? We need to work together to solve this problem. Providing people with jobs, homes, and mental healthcare can help meet their daily needs and prevent crime. By focusing on children's development, we can keep them out of trouble, which reduces the number of future criminals. When these children grow up to be responsible adults, they can positively contribute to their communities. Additionally, making it harder to access guns can lower gun violence. Limiting gun access, especially for those with mental health issues or violent backgrounds, can create a safer environment for everyone. This can also help reduce police brutality; when officers are less afraid of being shot, their interactions with the public can be less dangerous. Finally, it's important to elect a strong leader who can govern as effective as Duterte did. A strong leader can put in place policies that tackle the root causes of violence, such as poverty and unemployment. They can also enforce laws better, improve law enforcement, and help create a sense of security and stability in the community.
Joera Samantha Burlado
The Hidden Struggles: Mental Health Challenges for College Students
by: Paulyn Zarate
College life is often seen as a time for learning, freedom, and new experiences. But for many students, it is also stressful and affects their mental health. Schoolwork, money problems, social pressure, and personal responsibilities make things harder. These challenges can make it difficult for students to focus, do well in school, and take care of themselves.
One major stress for students is schoolwork. Exams, papers, and deadlines can feel overwhelming. Many students push themselves to get high grades because they are afraid of failing or disappointing their families. Handling many subjects at the same time can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, and even depression. The pressure to do well is even worse when students compare themselves to others or face strong competition in class. Money problems also add stress. Many students struggle to pay for tuition, transport, food, and daily needs. Some have part-time jobs, which makes it even harder to manage their time and energy. Worrying about money can make it difficult to focus on school. Some students even drop out or take big loans just to continue their education. Family expectations also cause stress. Many students feel the weight of their family's hopes, especially if they are the first in their family to attend college. The pressure to succeed and provide a better future can be both motivating and overwhelming. This can make students feel trapped, anxious, or guilty if they struggle in school or with money. Despite these struggles, mental health is not talked about enough. Many students do not seek help because they are afraid of being judged or do not know where to get help. Mental health support is important, but not all students know about services or have access to counseling. Schools need to provide easy-to-access counseling, mental health programs, and safe spaces where students can talk about their problems.
To help students, schools should promote mental health awareness, encourage open discussions, and provide support. Teachers and school leaders should understand student struggles and create a supportive learning environment. Workshops, stress management programs, and peer support groups can help students cope. Encouraging self-care, time management, and seeking help when needed is important for mental health. College is not just about getting a degree, but also about staying mentally healthy. Schools should build a supportive culture to help students handle stress while taking care of their mental health. Understanding student struggles and providing solutions can create a better and more productive learning space.
Freedom of Expression on Social Media: A Student's Perspective
by: Paulyn Zarate
As students, social media has become a central part of our daily lives. It is a place where we connect with friends, learn about different topics, and express our opinions. One of the most valuable aspects of social media is the freedom to express ourselves. It gives us a platform to share our ideas, thoughts, and experiences with a global audience. Through these platforms, we can talk about various issues, challenge the way we see the world, and engage in important discussions.
Freedom of expression on social media is essential for many reasons. It allows us to speak up about topics that matter to us, whether it's social justice, environmental issues, or personal experiences. As students, we can use social media to share our views on school events, raise awareness about causes we care about, and participate in conversations that can spark change. Social media gives us the power to make our voices heard, even if we are far from decisionmaking tables. It gives us the chance to be part of global movements and have a say in shaping public opinion.
However, with the right to free expression comes a responsibility. Social media is a space where anyone can post anything, but this does not mean that every opinion shared is always respectful or kind. The same freedom that allows us to share our thoughts can also be misused to spread harmful content, such as hate speech, misinformation, and cyberbullying. These negative actions can harm others and create an unsafe environment online. As students, it’s important to be mindful of how our words and actions can affect others. We should be careful to express ourselves in ways that contribute positively to discussions and create a safe space for everyone. Moreover, it’s important for us to remember that freedom of expression on social media is not an excuse to disrespect others. While we have the right to express our thoughts, we must also consider how our words might affect the feelings and well-being of others. Engaging in healthy, respectful conversations can lead to more productive discussions and can help create a stronger sense of community online. It’s essential to recognize that social media is a shared space, and we all have a role in making it a safe, inclusive, and respectful place.
In conclusion, freedom of expression on social media is a powerful tool that allows us to speak up, share our ideas, and make our voices heard. It helps us stay informed, connect with others, and engage in important discussions. However, with this freedom comes the responsibility to use it wisely. As students, we should aim to create positive and respectful environments online by being mindful of the impact our words and actions have on others. When used responsibly, social media can be a force for good, bringing about change and fostering a more inclusive society.
Acquaintance Party 2024: Pista sa Nayon
by: Gabreal Bird Dumagat
The celebration commenced with a grand entrance parade, where students wore their modernized traditional Filipino attire, showcasing the diverse cultural heritage of the Philippines. The program was then followed by the BukSu Medina's Student Leaders Production number lead by the very own Sidlak Performers. The venue was adorned with festive decorations reminiscent of a traditional Filipino fiesta, complete with colorful banderitas and native crafts.
On September 6, 2024, the Municipal Covered Court in Medina, Misamis Oriental, came alive with vibrant colors and joyous sounds as Bukidnon State University Medina Campus through Student Body Organization led by Michael John M. Ypil hosted its annual Acquaintance Party. The event, themed "Pista sa Nayon: Reliving Filipino Culture Through Friendship and Talent," aimed to immerse students in the rich tapestry of Filipino traditions while fostering camaraderie among the BukSU Medina community.
A highlight of the event was the talent showcase, where students exhibited their skills in various performances, including Modern Ethnic Dance Competition and dramatic Harana Competition. These performances not only entertained the audience but also served as a platform for students to express their creativity and deepen their appreciation for Filipino arts.
Acquaintance Party 2024: Pista sa Nayon
by: Gabreal Bird Dumagat
In addition to the performances, the event featured the Bahay Kubo Booth of each Block, and games, allowing participants to engage in friendly competition and relive childhood pastimes. The collabortive spirit was further enhanced by a potluck feast, where students shared homemade Filipino delicacies, embodying the essence of filipino culture.
The "Pista sa Nayon" Acquaintance Party successfully achieved its goal of bringing the BukSU Medina community together, providing a space for students to build lasting friendships while celebrating and preserving Filipino culture.
STUDENTHUSTLE: THECHALLENGESANDTRIUMPHSOF WORKINGSCHOLARS
by: Judy Ann Padonia & Jay-Ann Sabuero
Many students juggle work and studies, proving that perseverance leads to success. Despite long hours of labor, they achieve good grades and qualify as scholars Their journey is not easy, but their resilience and dedication allow them to push through challenges and reach their goals.
Balancing work and school demands immense time management skills. These working scholars wake up early to attend classes and spend their free time working in various departments on campus, assisting in offices, libraries, and cafeterias. Others work outside campus to support their education, taking on roles in retail, food service, or administrative tasks.
One such student shared her inspiring journey Coming from a low-income family, she took on multiple jobs while attending classes. She faced exhaustion and self-doubt but remained determined to achieve her goals. "There were times when I wanted to give up, but I reminded myself why I started," she shared. With the support of her family and the motivation to secure a better future, she persevered.
Despite the struggles, working scholars develop valuable life skills, including discipline, time management, and financial responsibility. Their experiences prepare them for the workforce, making them more adaptable and resourceful. Some even inspire their peers, showing that challenges can be stepping stones to success
Working scholars at BukSU Medina Campus are more than just students; they are fighters. Their stories remind us that success is not just about intelligence but also about grit and determination. Their journey may be tough, but their achievements prove that with dedication, anything is possible.
