The Central Echo - E-Newsletter November 2020

NOVEMBER 2020

centralecho the

N O

V O I C E

C P U A D A P T S L M S TO C O P E W I T H ‘ N E W N O R M A L’ U N I V E R S I TY

U N H E A R D

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CenVAS holds “Art-for-a-cause” exhibit for working students

BY KARREN JAY ASGAR

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entralian Visual Artists Society (CenVAS) organized a month-long Art-for-a-Cause Exhibit themed, “Kutitap: Bringing Light to Hopes and Dreams” for the benefit of the working students of CPU. “Kutitap,” which indicates “sparkle of light” was an art exhibition put up by CenVAS, a student-based artists association of Central Philippine University aimed to help ease the financial burden of working students during this time of the pandemic.

“Right after the lockdown started, a friend of ours, a Centralian work student, went through one of the toughest times. Then came the opening of classes and we realized that it will be another hurdle, not only for her but for other working students as well. In this project, we aim to help our Centralian Work Students by showcasing the talents of our local artists,” event coordinator Efraim Alfaras said.

The exhibit is a collaboration between CenVAS and various Centralian artists such as Althea Villanueva, Glyn Poblacion, Beverly Patingo, Sarah Jane Lacerna, Therese Faith Brasileno, Alessandra Marie Omemaga, Vic Nabor, Cris Barredo, Paolo Gabriel Nabor, Dave Loui Gumarang, Vic Fario, and Efraim Alfaras.

Alfaras also noted that, as artists, they knew that their talents given by God are “not just for appreciation but also to be of service to others for they are the bearers of God’s light.”

CENVAS

OPENING DOORS, CREATING FUTURE. CPU President Dr. Teodoro Robles and Board of Trustees Chairman Atty. Von Lovel Bedona lead ribbon-cutting, opening the exhibit for public viewing.  C P U W E B S I T E

ON PAGE 3

Sumagaysay, Salvadico finalists for Cinemalaya B R AV I N G T H E B AT T L E : ONLINE CLASSES AND THE PLIGHT FOR GADGETS F E AT U R E S

PAGE 12

BY RYAN DAVE T. PORAL

Centralian filmmakers Kat Sumagaysay and Richard Salvadico made it to the top 10 finalists with their film, Utwas in this year’s Cinemalaya Film Festival.

The duo started their filmmaking career in 2018 and participated in both regional and national film making competition. The two have done a lot of films on indigenous people and environmental awareness which made their film unique.

FILMMAKERS

OFFICIAL STUDENT MEDIA OF CENTRAL PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY

ON PAGE 4

VOLUME CX ISSUE NO. 1

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ON THE LEAD. CPUAA-UK President Jose Ariel Lanada brings home One Nation UK ‘Leadership Award.’  ARIEL LANADA

CPUAA-UK Chapter President bags One Nation UK ‘Leadership Award’

THE CENTRAL ECHO

NO VOICE UNHEARD

BY KATHLEEN E . FRUGALIDAD

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entral Philippine University Alumni Association United Kingdom (CPUAA-UK) Chapter President Jose Ariel Lanada bagged the Leadership Award by One Nation UK, which aims to recognize individuals who have demonstrated exceptional and valuable leadership acts in the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Receiving the award, Lanada felt “humbled and honored,” saying “It’s a great intention and recognition of your hard work and what you are doing.” He thinks that it is important to acknowledge the contribution of the leaders and that it will “hopefully inspire others to do more.”

Lanada shared that leadership for him is not the position but an act of getting things done with others.

“Leaders are here to make a difference, we are here to make everybody equal. The reality is nobody can do this job alone,” Lanada said, adding “So it’s empowering, enabling, inspiring, and motivating others to get things done. We are pretty transient, what we do as leaders are building emerging young leaders, so someday they would also lead the community.”

He also believes that faith without good works is dead. ”I translate my faith into actions, something that is good work, and others can benefit. I believe that serving people is serving God,” he said.

As the president and chairman of three associations, he advocates for communities that aim to be a “voice for Filipino Nurses, provide a support and advocacy network, and encourage personal and professional development.”

One of the associations is

the newly founded Filipino Nurses Association UK (FNA-UK), born at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We created a network and a platform where people come together and discuss issues of common interest.

We listen, learn from each other, and we share,” he said.

He explained that it was established in response to the call for help of Filipino Nurses and Filipino Nursing Associates, who are working in the UK. In April, two (2) of their members died due to COVID-19, and 49 were quarantined. Lanada said that it was the “toughest time” of his life as the Chairman of the Filipino Community of Oxfordshire.

“It was hard, but as leaders, we need to act fast. We set up prayer meetings, and the GoFundMe account to help the bereaved families,” he added.

He then shared that what made him through the challenges he faced was to reassure himself that there is God of supreme power.

“As a believer of the Supreme Power, I believe that we can only do what we can do, the rest we need to surrender to God,” he said.

He dedicated the award to his Filipino Colleagues, especially to the fallen Filipino health care workers due to

COVID-19.

Furthermore, he thanked CPU for the spirit of service-hood. He noted that the University molded and taught him values that have been embedded in his personality which, “helped achieve what I have achieved today.”

Lanada had been recognized as one of the 100 Filipino Leaders in the United Kingdom, a Leadership Award

by Ladies of All Nations International in 2019. He is the Chairman of the Filipino Community of Oxfordshire, President of Central Philippine University Alumni Association - United Kingdom Chapter, and the National President of the Filipino Nurses Association of United Kingdom.

He is also working as an associate lecturer at Oxford Brookes University, teaching advanced research design, project management, operational management, and leadership, and at the same time, taking up Doctoral Degree Program in the said university.

One Nation Awards UK is a collaborative project of the multiawarded UK news magazine ONE PHILIPPINES and JhermiNATION Events.

Lanada was virtually awarded via the One Nations Award UK Facebook group page last September 26.

Poral joins ABS-CBN’s #KwentongKwarantin

BY KARREN JAY ASGAR

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PORAL

Second year Communications student Ryan Dave Poral was one of the participants who produced a documentary in the ABS-CBN's #KuwentongKwarantin Online Workshop Season 2 held last June 15. #KuwentongKwarantin Season 2 was created by ABS-CBN’s #NOFILTER team to help young minds generate stories that will serve as the voices of other Filipinos through joining a free online documentary production workshop.

“I was scrolling my Facebook feed when I saw that application for #NOFILTER of ABSCBN is open. Even if I had doubts, I realized that this would be a life-changing opportunity for me if I qualify,” Poral recalled.

He received an e-mail on June 14 informing him that he was qualified and it made him “happier and shocked at the same time” as it was his hobby to watch characterbased documentaries during his free time.

During the 2-day webinar session, the participants focused more on making documentaries using a mobile phone. On the first day, #NOFILTER TEAM and Mr. Jey Leyco discussed about pre-production processes, visual storytelling, and editing.

On the second day, Mr. Raphael Bosano and Ms. Chiara Zambrano, ABS-CBN’s news Journalists, shared their knowledge in in producing, writing documentaries, and insights on “the story, the character, and the filmmaker” in documentary production amidst the pandemic.

After their sessions, the participants

were given enough time to think of their own concept. Poral, chose his grandfather as his case study. He made an 8-minute documentary entitled “Libangan” that chronicled his grandfather’s leisure time during this pandemic.

“Our #NOFILTER Team advised us that we should find someone who’s accessible for our documentary. I chose Lolo Leodegario, my paternal grandfather, because his life story is fascinating,” Poral said, adding “Even if he’s already 82 years old, nothing can stop him from doing his hobby of planting crops that helped his children finished their studies.”

“I hope that this documentary will encourage other people to start planting, especially during this time of the pandemic,” he said.

The webinar aimed to help students produce narrative stories that would impact viewers amidst this pandemic. It was virtually participated by 15 students from across the country.

Various documentaries can be watched on the ABS-CBN #NOFILTER page, that officially airing, August 31.

Poral is the current web administrator of the Central Echo, the official student publication of CPU.

 RYAN DAVE T. PORAL

CENVAS, FROM PAGE 1

BY YUSIMAY V. HABLADO

Central Philippine University College of Medicine held its first virtual graduation on air at CPU TV Channel last November 11, to commemorate the completion of the 87 graduates for batch 2020 was Dr. Raul M. Quillamor, the president of the Academy of Medicine of the Philippines and an alumnus of Central Philippine University High School batch 1972.

In his talk, he emphasized the three things in which we all have in common- science, faith, and commitment, wherein faith and science can exist in harmony as evident in the practice of medicine.

“What helped us through this difficult and demanding journey to medical school is our faith in God. It is the faith in which our Christianity is deeply rooted, and it is the same faith that brought us together today,” he stated.

Dr. Quillamor also added that commitment comes with a price of sacrifice, but never giving up will lead you to success.

THE CENTRAL ECHO

The ceremony started with a message given by the Dean of the College of Medicine, Dr. Henry Gonzales, reminding the graduates to remember where they are right now and the people who helped them along the way.

Furthermore, he emphasized that God should be the center of their lives, and whatever they will do, they should commit it to the Lord for their plans to succeed and become a “magaling na doktor.”

Iloilo City Mayor, Hon. Jerry P. Treñas, also extended his congratulations and encouragement to the graduates saying, “I firmly believe that for as long that you accept the challenge to become a real lifelong learner, you will eventually survive whatever life will bring to you.”

The guest speaker for this year’s commencement exercises

“There is also the manpower shortage in processing the letters and permits and other physical preparation since there were volunteers only. But even then, it did not hinder these members to help. We commend everyone for their efforts in making sure that this project will be a success,” Alfaras added.

CenVAS started from a small team of four, a group chat via Messenger, brainstorming on the possibility of pursuing the plan – an art exhibit – amidst this pandemic. Online communication made it possible to connect ideas from four distant locations (Parañaque City, Guimaras Island, Barotac Nuevo, and Pavia) to form an action plan.

“We have to double/triple everyone’s workload in order to make up for the lack of manpower. We also wanted every Centralian group and community to be there during this event but a headcount limit was established to make the event safe for everyone,” he stated.

An online pre-screening of the artworks happened last October 19-20. Chosen works were put on sale at Robinsons Place, Pavia from November 9 to 30.

“We were brute-forced to adapt to this “new normal” environment that took us out of our comfort zones. Fear constantly loomed at the back of our minds; fear for the whole team, fear for their families, fear for everyone in this event. But all those fear washed away as the program started and we saw the VIPs coming in, the Centralian community gracing the event. Everyone who participated and came to this event not only has a great appreciation for art and our local artists but also has an intense desire to help and be of service,” he concluded.

The first art show outside CPU campus started last November 9 at Robinsons Place Pavia, Iloilo City.

NO VOICE UNHEARD

CPU College of Medicine holds first virtual graduation

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CINEMALAYA, FROM PAGE 1

Their film “Utwas” is about a boy named Toto who lives on an island where the primary source of livelihood is the ocean. Toto wants to learn how to spearfish like his father and “dives into trouble not knowing that it’s there.”

The film also delves into the effects of dynamite fishing to the sea.

“We were inspired by the people we’ve met on an island. These people told us about an island that is inhabited by dynamite fishers. So, we thought of producing a film that is set in an island where industrialization is about to happen,” Sumagaysay added, “Utwas’ differs from the other films and its strength is the uniqueness of its setting and cinematography. It highlights the coexistence that we embody with nature.”

Sumagaysay also pointed out that filming Utwas was a “very challenging task.” “Unlike shooting on land, we can’t control the environment as we were shooting amidst the ocean. Thus, we can’t control the noise that the waves and the birds make. Also, to shoot

underwater was hard for us because we didn’t have any diving equipment, so we were not able to catch up with our actors that had a good pair of lungs,” she said. “[Filming] it requires hard work, determination, sacrifice, and patience to get that perfect angle shots and that good quality of audio.”

She also recalled the challenge of experiencing a storm for three days after the production and having to reschedule everything.

“We had to reschedule everything, and as we heared back to the main island we were welcomed by huge waves which made us scared because if the boat capsized, we might lose our films and equipment,” she said.

Sumagaysay hoped that after watching Utwas, the audience will realize that people coexists with nature.

“The films wants to tell the audience that we coexist with nature.

Whether we do bad or good things, it will always come back to us,” she said.

When asked her message to some aspiring filmmakers, Sumagaysay

answered, “Don’t quit. Sometimes your passion will make you feel heavy and tired. Sometimes it will feel like there is nothing in store for you but rejection and judgement. Cliché as it seems, but you have to keep fighting because it will always be hard to bring a fighter down.

Don’t be afraid to start over or fail. Begin again, stand up and this time do it with God. Have faith in yourself and your craft. You’ll make it-we can all make it.”

Sumagaysay is a graduate of AB Mass Communication (2019) while Salvadico is a Digital Media and Interactive Arts graduate (2018).

CAS to virtually celebrate 95th Anniversary NO VOICE UNHEARD

B Y Z H A R I N A M A R I E S T E P H A N I E P. L U G O

To highlight the talents and skills of CASimanwas, and to give value to the college, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Council, in partnership with CAS Voice Prints crafted a set of virtual activities to celebrate the 95th Anniversary of CAS themed, “CAS @95: Pagbalikid sa Nakaligad, Ululupod sa Pag-umwad” starting November 20 to December 24.

Daryl T. Lutero, the incumbent governor of CAS, said that together with the college’s provincial council they formulated six possible themes to be presented to Prof. Stella G. Fernandez, the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

College of Arts and Sciences COURSES OFFERED: BACHELOR OF ARTS IN HISTORY BACHELOR OF ARTS IN POLITICAL SCIENCE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOLOGY BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PSYCHOLOGY

THE CENTRAL ECHO

BACHELOR OF ARTS MAJOR IN POLITICAL SCIENCE & PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CHEMISTRY

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SOCIAL WORK BACHELOR OF ARTS MAJOR IN ENGLISH BACHELOR OF ARTS MAJOR IN MASS COMMUNICATION

“The idea of our theme came from our battle cry, Unity beyond diversity,” Lutero said.

Supported by the ASVP adviser, Prof. Rhys Camacho, the council believes that using the local language Hiligaynon will be “meaningful.”

“I had chosen Hiligaynon as a medium for us to also reminisce lessons of the past amidst diversities of courses in the college. With 95 years of excellence since 1925, the theme connects the past and present glories and challenges the Centralian CASimanwa had experienced,” Lutero added.

The virtual program is fdivided into five main parts: (1) Pasundayag sa Paskwa, (2) Pasaload sa Paskwa, (3) Kasaysayan at Karanasan,(4) FB Frame Making Contest and (5) Pagdayaw.

“Pasundayag sa Paskwa is designed for enrolled CASimanwa students who want to express their hearts in art, music and drama. I highly encourage our beloved CASimanwas to virtually attend the 95th anniversary of CAS,” Lutero emphasized.

Pasundayag sa Paskwa has three sub-parts namely Balangaw, a poster making contest depicting the CASimanwa spirit at Central using the

general theme; Indak at Galak, a singing and songwriting contest focusing onthe CAS 95th anniversary guided by the central theme in an open genre; and CASerye, a radio-based drama contest featuring stories either fiction or nonfiction.

“Pasa Load sa Paskwa: 95-95-95 is a voluntary sharing of load amounting to 50 pesos and above. In relation to the 95th anniversary of CAS, 95 students will be tapped to sponsor chosen 95 working and indigent students,” Lutero explained.

Kasaysayan at Karanasan, a special virtual event will select and feature distinct CAS alumni who have shown excellent service during their stay at Central through a video.

Despite the challenges during these unprecedented times, the provincial council is trying its best to give a “meaningful” program for our Centralian CASimanwas.

Lastly, Lutero reminds his fellow CASimanwas, “The 95th anniversary will be held only once, so I strongly encourage that all of the CAS students to participate. We would also like to invite all Centralian students from other colleges to take a glimpse of our activities.”

CPU adapts LMS to cope with ‘new normal’

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BY KARREN JAY ASGRAR & RYAN DAVE PORAL

NO VOICE UNHEARD

EMBRACING NEW NORMAL. CPU Faculty observes social distancing protocol in online training  CPU WEBSITE

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entral Philippine University adapts with the “new normal” in education through the Learning Management System (LMS) as a tool for the new mode of learning. video for an online class.

“Enhancing video recording means giving asynchronous components a larger share in the learning process because the recorded lecture is part of asynchronous and online education is more of it,” he stated.

Phase 3 is scheduled for November 25. The training will focus on online education so the faculty could learn the correct methods of online teaching.

Another strategy discussed by Dr. Rio is teachers’ training which the University has spent 2 million pesos. He said that it is needed to “equip the faculty for the new mode of learning” According to CHED, CPU is the first university to conduct massive LMS training with 684 faculty members participated.

“One training is not enough, we realized. We also believe that peer-mentoring is very effective,” Rio said, emphasizing the need for further training.

THE CENTRAL ECHO

The University began using LMS last June 1.

“As for basic education, MS is a package deal. Everything is already there. LMS is already using a platform but teachers must develop its content,” Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Irving Domingo Rio said.

According to him, the University has also surveyed on the usability of CANVAS as a web-based LMS and results show that 58.4% of Senior High School students are satisfied and 41% are very satisfied with using Canvas. With “good results,” Rio said that the University then conducted Canvas LMS Training that is composed of three (3) phases.

“Phase 1 is about teaching basic skills on an online basis.

What is important is to equip them so that they can teach online. We were also required by CHED to offer only summer and 1st- semester courses on an online basis,” Dr. Rio said.

Last November 11, the administration conducted Phase 2 of the training which involved teaching the faculty how to record

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CPU Library launches ‘Chat Bertha’ VRS

NO VOICE UNHEARD

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Z H A R I N A M A R I E S T E P H A N I E P. L U G O

T

o accommodate the information needs of the Centralian community during these times, Henry Luce III Library launched “Chat Bertha,” one of the latest components of the library’s Virtual Reference Services(VRS) on Facebook.

According to College of Law Librarian and Centralian Cataloger Allana Delgado, “Bertha” was originally an idea by Library Director Ma. Cynthia Peleña and has been on the works even before the pandemic.

“Her idea was to have a ‘virtual library assistant’ that can cater to information needs online,” Delgado said.

She further stated that Bertha was inspired by Ana Bertha Houger, the University’s first American librarian who served from 1910-1940.

“Our Director thought that it would be a good idea for the library assistant to be inspired by her to also pay tribute to CPU History,” she said.

Delgado also emphasized that even though virtual library assistants are not new, Henry Luce III was the first university library and CPU the first university in Western Visayas to adopt a virtual service with an ‘avatar’ represented by Bertha.

“To our surprise, Bertha would become popular with our students and she has even inspired fan art. Eventually, people even started to ‘ship’ her with Graciano, the library VA of West Visayas State University,” she shared, adding how the official hashtag and ship name “#GraBe” became trending online.

“We just decided to go with the flow, created a story-line, and Bertha

eventually became more than just a virtual chat service - it was as if she became a full-blooded character that people could relate to.” Delgado said.

Prior to Bertha’s launch, librarians had to undergo series of trainings on conducting online services.

“Actually, the ones answering questions are our librarians, and we have a schedule for those who are assigned as ‘Bertha’ for each day. We held a series of training for the librarians on conducting online services before launching Bertha last June 2020. Dr. Reysa Alenzuela, our library consultant and also a professor for the Graduate School helped and trained us,” Delgado said.

To contain information about the library and provide a link to open access resources on the internet, http:// library.cpuedu.ph, the library’s website was also updated. Delgado also said that they subscribe to online databases such as ProQuest and eLibraryUSA to provide users with the information they needed even they are at home.

“When CPU was closed to students due to the pandemic, the library initiated this service for the students and the Centralian community to connect to the library and use our resources even when they can’t visit us physically. Bertha is only one part of the Virtual Reference Services or what we called VRS,” Delgado said, adding, “Aside from Chat Bertha, we also have scanning services, online resources, and webinars.”

Furthermore, Delgado shared that the library is planning to expand

 LUKE ISAIAH S. ISMAEL

its online platforms. For their next project, they plan to establish an online digital repository for the university’s publications and research.

She also said that they had dealt a massive number of requests when Bertha was introduced in the online Library Orientation. During those peak times, they assigned more people to man the chat service. With feedbacks and their experiences in the virtual plain, they are continuing to learn and adjust the service.

Delgado had also highlighted the benefits and advantages that Bertha can offer to Centralians.

“Since most of our students, faculty, and researchers are on Facebook, we try to go where our users are. Bertha makes it easier for them to contact the library if they are already on social media. ‘Bertha’ is also easy to recall. For those who prefer e-mail, we also set up a new e-mail address for information inquiries (berthahll@cpu. edu.ph),” she said.

Lugo is Champion in CORE National Youth Summit 2020 Essay Writing Contest

BY YUSIMAY V. HABLADO AND KATHLEEN E . FRUGALIDAD

THE CENTRAL ECHO

Zharina Marie Stephanie Lugo, a 3rd year BA Political Science and Public Administration student of Central Philippine University was awarded Champion during the CORE National Youth Summit 2020 Essay Writing contest with the theme, “Angat Probinsya, Angat Pamilya.”

Representing Region VI, Lugo came out on top among all other participants from different universities across the country, with Sydney Joseph Torrenueva from Region 5 as 1st Runnerup and Israel Portugal from CAR as the 2nd Runner-up.

According to Lugo, “Without COVID-19, I think the experience would be better but this year’s Virtual CORE Youth Summit 2020 was honestly an amazing and new experience to all of us.”

When asked about the challenges she encountered in the process of winning the award, she said that during the lockdown, she had been busy applying to virtual leadership training and online writing competitions. She

shared that she had been rejected by most of the programs and that it made her felt “drained.”

“The challenge was keeping myself motivated and strong despite these tides of disappointment smashing my head. I never expected to receive this laurel and now I’ve realized that the whole process was a blessing in disguise from God,” Lugo added.

Furthermore, she expressed her love and gratitude to the people who believed in her and supported her throughout her journey, “Love and gratitude to our God Almighty, who placed me in institutions and organizations that enriched my ideas and thoughts,” she said, adding “I would

like to express my love and gratitude to all of you for transforming me into someone I thought I could never be.”

This Constitutional Reform (CORE) National Summit 2020 is an avenue where young people could express their thoughts and ideas through debate competition, digital painting, songwriting, essay writing, and doing Tiktok challenges.

Lugo was virtually awarded via the CORE Philippines Facebook page last November 23.

Lugo was the former Editor-inChief of the Central Echo and currently the Associate editor of the same publication.

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Ambos bags LEAD Philippines Excellence Award

BY KARREN JAY ASGAR

College of Education professor Maredil Ambos was one of the recipients of the Excellence Award by Leadership in Education Academy and Development (LEAD) of the Philippines last October 3.

According to Ambos, he was informed by a friend that LEAD Philippines had an ongoing search and he was hesitant to participate at first, but his friend insisted that he was qualified for the prestigious search and nominated him.

“I was informed by a friend who was a winner of the Metrobank Foundation as Outstanding Teacher/Filipino that LEAD Philippines has an ongoing search,” Ambos added. “After the nomination, the secretariat was asked to submit my curriculum vitae and credentials for evaluation. The next step was the evaluation of some documents online.”

Because of his numerous achievements, and enormous hard works for several years already, he was chosen

by LEAD Philippines as recipient for its Excellence Award.

Ambos was also awarded 1st place

in the Search for Outstanding Workers/ Employees in the Private Sector at Western Visayas (DOLE Region 6) last 2016, and recognized as Outstanding Teacher during PRISSAAP Search for Outstanding Teachers of Region VI (2011), and the Most Outstanding High School Teacher (2009) at CPU (Sponsored by CPUDHS Batch ‘53).

“I recognize that to us, much has been given, and from us, much more is expected. Recognition is priceless, and status is much more than money.

It increases employee loyalty, enhances performance, and brings forth greater success. Providing positive recognition of achievement serves to raise individual self-esteem, reinforce their worth to the institution/organization, improve their self-image, and encourage them to accomplish even greater future results,” Ambos stated.

The Leadership in Education Academy and Development (LEAD) is an educational organization that aims to provide seminars and workshops for educational leaders and teachers in the Philippines and ASEAN countries.

It launches an annual search to honor teachers and professors from different fields in the country to distinguish and give prestige to teaching in general and teachers in particular.

The awarding ceremony was held virtually through Facebook Live last October 3 after a reschedule from the original date, April 18.

Ambos, a 43-year-old resident of Pavia, Iloilo, is a proud Centralian who took up Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Computer Science Education and graduated Cum Laude at Central Philippine University last 2001.

CAS offers new Double Degree Program Z H A R I N A M A R I E S T E P H A N I E P. L U G O

concerning the migration curriculum that we have prepared for 2nd year and 3rd year students. Several questions from the students have to be answered especially on the length of time that they will spend to finish the program, also on subjects taken previously that were no longer part of the new curriculum.” Dela Pena explained.

Dela Pena also elaborated that another challenge they faced was when they presented and defended the new program to the University Curriculum Committee for deliberation and scrutiny, to ensure that such was able to cover the mandate of the two CMOs. Dela Peña had also noted the lessons they learned during the whole process of fusing both core competencies, “In revising the curriculum, participation coming from the different stakeholders is needed. The Program Design must take into account and satisfy the following desired outcomes, such as the compliance with the CMOs, political practice expert, public administration expert, pre-law track expert, change counter-checker, alumni and student experiences and views.”

Professor Dela Pena also highlighted that on the revision process, procedures were followed based on the prescribed form and content in revising a curriculum, even in the midst of the pandemic.

DOUBLE DEGREE

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Students will study two degrees at the same time.

Hence they will receive two degree title also.

COMBINATION OF:

Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Bachelor of Public Administration AIM:

“Equip graduates with competencies to respond to a myriad of political problems that require particular policies, programs, or in general, political action” -Professor Renia dela Peña, Coordinator BA PSPA and MPA Programs

THE CENTRAL ECHO

“It is a double degree program that assures its graduates of receiving two diplomas, one for BA in Political Science and another in BA in Public Administration. Thus, making the graduates more competitive and adept as future civil servants, including working in the foreign service. Further, the program also aims to equip graduates with competencies to respond to a myriad of political problems that require particular policies, programs, or in general, political action,” explained Professor Renia dela Peña, coordinator BA PSPA and MPA programs.

Dela Pena had also shared the challenges they have encountered during the revision of the double degree program, saying “It was a challenge to the department in general, on how we will be able to convince the old/ existing students to support the new double degree program, to consider that some were already incoming 2nd year and 3rd year when the new program was implemented last August 2020-2021.”

She also emphasized that making the students understand the advantages of the new program was also a challenge.

“The time itself when the transition happened was part of the challenge.

At the height of the pandemic when classes were suspended we still have to find means on how to reach out and discuss important matters to the students,

What’s with the NO VOICE UNHEARD

To produce graduates that are equipped with competencies to respond to political conflicts that require political action, Central Philippine University College of Arts and Sciences revised and fused the curriculum of the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Bachelor of Public Administration based on the guidelines set forth by CHED Memo 51, s. 2017 and CHED Memo 06, s. 2010 effective on S.Y. 2020-2021.

THE CENTRAL ECHO

NO VOICE UNHEARD

opinion

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Redtagging: Banta sa Malayang Pagpapahayag

EDITORYAL

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akapalan ng mukha ang red-tagging na ikinilos ni Antonio Parlade, heneral ng Armed Forces of the Philippines kay Liza Soberano matapos nitong bigyang babala ang dalaga na nagpalabas lamang ng pahayag sa pagsuporta sa Gabriela.

Ang Red-tagging o Red-baiting ay isang paraan ng pag-uusig o panliligalig sa isang indibidwal o grupo na kilala o pinaghihinalaan na kaaway ng gobyerno. Ang terminong ‘Red’ ay ginagamit bilang isang impormal na katawagan para sa mga tinaguriang Komunista o Sosyalista sa isang komunidad. Ito ay tumutukoy sa dating Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Ang bandera ng Soviet Union ay pula, dinisenyo na may gintong martilyo, karit, at bituin sa itaas na kaliwang sulok nito na sumisimbolo sa mga palasak na katwiran laban sa mga autokratang pamamaraan ng gobyerno. ` Ang pangyayaring ito ay pilit na sumasakal sa karapatan at bumubusal sa mga boses ng mga Pilipinong nais magpahayag ng kanilang mga hinanakit o mga opinyon laban sa tiwaling pamamalakad ng gobyerno na nagpapawalang bisa sa Article 3, Section 11 ng 1987 Philippine Constitution. Sa halip na pagsisira ng puri at pagsanhi ng panganib sa mga Pilipinong nais gamitin ang kalayaan sa pamamahayag; ang administrasyon ay nararapat na maghanap ng mga masasanling na paraan upang magkaroon ng diskuro tungkol sa mga mararapat at lehitimong pagpuna sa mga polisiyang ipinapatupad.

Ginagawa ba ito ng gobyerno dahil sila ay natatakot rsa taong-bayan? Naabala na baka ang kanilang di-makataong ordinansa ay matuklasan ng karamihan?

Nangangambang makarinig ng mga reklamo laban sa kanilang serbisyo?

Nasaan ang karapatan ng bawat isa para magpahiwatig ng mga hinanaing at reklamo? Sapat ba ang kanilang kapangyarihan upang hadlangan ang bawat isa para makapagsalita laban sa kanilang mga imoral na kagawian sa administrasyon?

Kahit na ang mga tanyag at popular na tao ay hindi nakawala sa pananakot na ito. Sila ay nakatanggap ng mga bumagabag at balisang mga mensahe na lumikha ng alarma sa karamihan. Noong Oktobre 21, binantaan ni Lt. General Antonio Parlade Jr. sa isang Facebook post si Liza Soberano. Ayon sa post, makararanas at magdudusa si Soberano sa kaparehong kapalaran na nangyari kay Josephine Anne Lapira, di umano’y miyembro ng New People’s Army na namatay sa isang sagupaan noong 2017. Ito ay nangyari matapos magbitaw si Liza Soberano

ng pahayag tungkol sa suporta sa Gabriela. Siya ay naglahad ng sariling opinion patungkol sa mga karapatang dapat panindigan at ipaglaban ng mga kababaihan.

Kahit ang mga tanyag na tao sa larangan ng sining ay nagpakita ng kanilang suporta sa mga artistang tinukoy at kinilala na kasangkot sa red-tagging sa pamamagitan ng paggamit ng pulang lipistik.

Ito ay ang kanilang paraan upang ibahagi ang tatag at tibay laban sa mga akusasyong naging laganap.

Maging ang mga mambabatas, hindi pinalampas ang anila’y red-tagging at “mansplaining” ni Parlade kay Soberano.

Kami ay sumasang-ayon sa pagtutuligsa at pagpupuksa ng hindi makatarungang akusasyon na patuloy na ginagawa ng Gobyerno sa mga indibidwal at grupong nagsusumbong ng mga daing at karangan tungkol sa kanilang baluktot na pamamalakad sa bansa.

Ang diskusyong ito ay laganap na sa bansang Pilipinas sa loob ng mga nakaraang dekada subalit naging mas sumidhi sa administrasyon ni Presidente Rodrigo Duterte. Ang kanyang kasunod na ipinalabas tungkol sa Executive Order (EO) 70 na pinapamagatang “Whole-ofNation approach in defeating the Local Communist Terrorist Groups” ay ang naging rason upang nabuo ang National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC). Dahil sa mga kilusang nailikha laban sa mga taong tinaguriang terorista, lumatag ang mga pananakot, pambabanta, at pagliligalig laban sa mga taong tagapagtangkakal ng karapatang pantao, organisasyon, at inaasintang indibidwal.

“

Ang pangyayaring ito ay pilit na sumasakal sa karapatan ng mga Pilipinong nais magpahiwatig ng mga hinanakit at opinyon laban sa pamamalakad ng gobyerno Kung ang korte ay sumangayon at pumabor sa desisyon ng gobyerno, ang mga tao at grupo na may kinalaman at kaugnayan sa CPP-NPA, sila ay maaring magdanas ng matinding pagbabanta. Pwede ring ipagbawal sa kanila ang paggalaw o paggamit ng kanilang ari-arian, o kahit sampahan pa sila ng kaso at ikulong ng walang sapat na ebidensya. Kailangan nating ipaglaban ang karapatan na pinaghirapang makamit ng mga bayaning inalay ang kanilang buhay para sa kasarinlan ng bansa.

Mas nararapat na siguraduhin ang paglikha ng mga kongkretong panig sa proteksyon at kaligtasan ng mga indibidwal. Hindi kailanman solusyon ang pananakot at pagbabanta sa buhay ng bawat isa. Nasaan na ang malayang pagpapahayag?

GOVERNANCE

BY DANICA MAE V. HABLADO

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Political Fanaticism and Demanding Accountability Amidst Calamity On Wednesday night, November 11, Typhoon Ulysses made its first landfall in the province of Quezon. It has since then become the deadliest tropical cyclone to hit the country in 2020, leaving multiple provinces submerged and hundreds of families stranded in the dark.

The water rose very quickly, trees were toppled to the ground, roofs were blown off, citizens were begged for help and waited to be rescued, and yet amidst all this, the common cry of the Filipino people was, “Nasaan ang pangulo?” Almost two weeks before, this was already the most asked question after Super Typhoon Rolly, the strongest tropical cyclone observed worldwide in 2020, struck the country and left terrible damage.

Two destructive tropical cyclones and thousands of families displaced later, the question remains unanswered.

On the night of the battering of Ulysses, people flocked to Twitter and filled the national trending list with pleas for help, asking for—and organizing—rescue teams, demanding the whereabouts of the president, and even just phrases showing utmost disappointment to the lack of response.

What the Filipino people wanted at that time was a real leader—a steadfast president at the helm that can guide his constituents into safety, a reliable head of the state that can mobilize aid and rescue to those who were left stranded at the roof of their homes.

Instead, what we got was a foolish statement during his address to the nation, saying that he would have wanted to swim in the flooded areas if he were allowed to. "Gusto kong lumabas, gusto kong lumangoy; matagal na akong hindi naligo eh. Kaya lang, ayaw nitong mga sundalo."

CALAMITY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE Of course, tropical cyclones are natural calamities that cannot be prevented. The effects can only be mitigated with proper preparation—a combination of communication, engineering, science, and disaster readiness.

Project NOAH, a risk prevention and mitigation program, became another trending topic on Twitter when netizens recalled the defunding of the project in 2017 due to lack of

HANDLING OF DISASTERS The previous administration wasn’t free of scrutiny and criticism either. In the days that followed Super Typhoon Yolanda’s destruction, many Filipinos have also been critical about the Aquino administration's handling of the disaster. The response has been described as lacking, slow, confusing, and frustrating among others.

Arroyo was also slammed for her failure in directing

If we can invest hundreds of millions in Manila Bay’s white sand project, why can’t we do the same for disaster preparedness and mitigation? management response in 2009 after Ondoy swept across metro Manila and killed almost 280.

This only shows that no matter who the person at the forefront is, as long as they are not doing their job effectively, the Filipino people will always be ready to raise questions—and rightfully so.

POLITICAL FANATICISM While netizens were involved in circulating information about those left stranded and calling for the presence of the president, Duterte supporters have also busied themselves with responding to tweets under the #NasaanAngPangulo and #UselessPH tags.

Critics of the current administration were immediately labeled as a dilawan, or what they would call the supporters of the Liberal Party, without even bearing in mind that there are not only two ends in the political spectrum. This narrative of false binaries has been going on for so long and isn’t it about time that we start looking more beyond the limits of specific political labels?

POLITICAL

The Independent Student Media of a Free Student Body

©2019 All rights reserved. Copyright reverts to the respective authors, illustrators, and photographers whose work appear in this issue.

FOUNDED 1910

Kathleen E. Frugalidad Zharina Marie Stephanie P. Lugo M A N A G I N G E D I T O R Rachel D. Beatizula W E B A D M I N I S T R A T O R Ryan Dave T. Poral L A Y O U T A R T I S T S Gad B. Castro, Danica V. Hablado G R A P H I C A R T I S T Prince Ric Emmanuel Q. Paciente O N L I N E W R I T E R S Yusimay V. Hablado, Kalanie N. Saldajeno, Coleen F. Casanova, Karren Jay G. Asgar C O N T R I B U T O R Seth Thornton A D V I S E R S Ron Adrian A. Dionaldo, Rea Angelica F. Villeza EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

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Gad B. Castro This publication is not for sale.

ON PAGE 11

OFFICE 3rd floor, Alfonso Uy Student Union Bldg., Central Philippine University, Jaro, Iloilo City 5000 CONTACT  329-1971 loc 1051  central.echo@gmail.com  Central Echo (Facebook page)

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The Central Echo is an independently managed and financed student press.

Opinions expressed herein by the authors, respondents, and artists are exclusively theirs and do not necessarily reflect those of the University or the entire editorial board.

NO VOICE UNHEARD

WHEREABOUTS OF THE PRESIDENT After #NasaanAngPangulo became a trending topic on Twitter, Duterte defended his absence and reasoned out that they were working—in a summit that was going on when the typhoon was passing by. He was indeed at the virtual opening ceremony of the 37th ASEAN Summit on Thursday, the morning after Ulysses made its landfall. At that time, some provinces were already sinking in floodwater and the LGUs, together with the common people, were actively organizing donation funds and disseminating information on social media.

“The goods are there, the people have been mobilized and deployed, kaya pagdating ng bagyo nandiyan, nagtrabaho na sila. Kaya may magsabi na walang ginawa, natutulog, wala kaming tulog dito.” He continued to defend that they were working and not just sleeping through the night. However, this was not widely felt by the Filipino people, as voices crying for help were continually heard in the dark on that unfortunate night with no one to answer.

funds. The project would have proven itself more useful in times like this if only it had lived long enough, with its detailed maps that identified areas at risk of impending floods.

Additionally, the problem of media as crucial disseminators of information was brought to light. Earlier this year, ABS-CBN, the largest media company in the country, went off-air due to refusal of franchise renewal. The ‘information gap’ left by the network was widely felt since its wide reach among far-flung areas and utilization of regional groups have proved useful many times before during disastrous calamities.

paniplat

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 RYAN DAVE T. PORAL

NO VOICE UNHEARD

Gear up! Be battle-ready

BY RACHEL D. BEATIZULA

I

t is like a battlefield. When the Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19) pandemic started, strict protocols were implemented— lockdowns, border restrictions, curfews, and other health safety protocols. Adverse effects were visible...businesses shut down, ...when schools suddenly had to end, the places looked apocalyptic....hence the struggle of every citizen that led to changes... people still had to go out...but with impose limitation.

Combating an invisible enemy. Covid-19 is a tricky and lethal enemy and theworst thing about it is you cannot see it.

This adds to the fear and anxiety of a person everytime he or she goes out and interacts with people not knowing whether they are carriers or symptomatic.

Wear your armor and practice your battle stance.

Going out on the battlefield created by this pandemic, certain gear like face shields, facemasks, and sanitizers were crucial for protection. Not only your armor but also your battle stance.

Practicing at least one-meter physical distancing to minimize acquiring the virus.

Grab a ticket. During the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ), to go to the market or public places,

quarantine passes were handed out to people under the allowed ages of 21-59. These passes had certain requirements like body temperature, symptom checking, and contact tracing. The pass only lasts for 24 hours. So better, be quick in getting your necessities.

An easing situation, or is it? Recently, the tight protocols were slowly being loosened and that gave people a façade of the situation getting better. That is not what it seems. The virus is still out there and lurking, waiting for its next victim, so do not let your safeguards down (literally and figuratively). Be aware and beware of the situation. Still wear your armor and practice your battle stance every time entering the battlefield against the infamous COVID-19.

THE CENTRAL ECHO

POLITICAL, FROM PAGE 9

DEMANDING ACCOUNTABILITY Politicians are public servants with an obligation of serving the people.

They are not idols or celebrities who must be simply excused or forgiven for “only being human”, and thus being lacking, in a large-scale emergency such as this. Aren’t those who were left screaming for help in the cold, under the rain, and just a little above floodwater, also humans?

The Philippines have had a long history of destructive typhoons. Because of our geographical location, we are prone to tropical cyclones and heavy rains. Information and statistics accumulated from many years have laid out how

vulnerable we are to damage. Thus, the blame this time goes beyond the catastrophe—and falls on the people in power who have the authority and funds to mobilize action and increase preparedness.

If we can invest hundreds of millions in Manila Bay’s white sand project, why can’t we do the same for disaster preparedness and mitigation?

Typhoons will only keep coming and we can only do so much with resiliency. The next time a natural calamity befalls us, may there be fewer excuses and more demands for accountability from those who are in charge.

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BIDA Solusyon sa COVID-19: Summoning Heroes of the New Normal B Y Z H A R I N A M A R I E S T E P H A N I E P. L U G O

Claws of fear and anxiety began to slice into reality, dragging the whole nation into the swamps of stagnation and economic depression. Behind the masks, we hid ourselves, our breaths fogging our vision, while uniting each other’s mind and heart in isolation.

Now we gaze upon our digital windows, lurking into our screens and watching the numerical figures of the damage of COVID-19 rise and fall day by day.

Emerging from the voids of confusion and conflicting information swirling during this pandemic, the heroes of “BIDA Solusyon sa COVID-19” carried the blazing torch of truth, knowledge and hope, that will encourage the Filipino people to join the battle against the invisible enemy named COVID-19. By transforming ourselves into BIDAs during these times, we will thrive into the outside world armed with the right behavior that will save the whole nation.

As what the Department of Health elaborated on their offical website, “Bida Solusyon sa COVID-19” aims to encourage Filipino citizens to take an

“

B

Bawal walang mask

Isanitize ang mga kamay

D

I Dumistansya ng isang metro

Alamin ang totoong impormasyon

A

THE CENTRAL ECHO

active role in the war against the common enemy, which is the virus or also known as the ‘COntraVIDa.’ BIDA stands for: B-Bawal walang mask; I-I-sanitize ang mga kamay, iwas hawak sa mga bagay; D-Dumistansya ng isang metro and; AAlamin ang totoong impormasyon.

We can be BIDA heroes by simply wearing our masks diligently as we go out our homes; Sanitize our hands time to time while avoiding touching unnecessary things; Keep a one-meter distance from people and; seek the truth behind COVID-19 -related information before believing it.

These four behaviors reflected

by BIDA will help the government play its crucial role in bridging the gap between the new normal and the citizens.

It will also pave a way for people to enjoy a safer future. Through creative platforms such as TV commercials, radio commercials, posters plastered in public and infographics found on social media, this health campaign will break through the barriers and challenges owned by the pandemic with the cooperation of the Filipino people.

“BIDA Solusyon sa COVID-19” was implemented and practiced on all parts of the country, especially in Western

that will be the catalysts of change during this unprecedented times. We shall be HEROES in our own little ways for it means: H-Healthy living individuals physically and mentally at home; E-Empathetic for every Filipino citizen; R-Responsible in following the four new normal behaviors of BIDA solusyon; O-Obedient in following health protocols; E-Encouraging others to join the campaign of BIDA solusyon and; S- Searching for the truth on pandemicrelated news and information before jumping into conclusions.

The battle against the monsters of the pandemic will not be easy, but together as one humungous force we shall be united in isolation as we become the HEROES of our motherland. Let us be the solution; Let’s “BIDA HEROES” of the new normal.

NO VOICE UNHEARD

In these times of health crisis, it is important that we should be BIDAs who are well- equipped with the armors of hope and faith

Visayas. In the face of Iloilo City, Mayor Jerry Trenas showed his support to the national campaign by posting informative materials that contained health protocols.

This gesture will serve as a reminder that every person in Iloilo City should keep safe and practice being a BIDA amidst the pandemic.

As posted on the Compliance Officers-Barangay Officials Department page on Facebook, Fernando Jose Rico and Efrain Paredes are executive assistants of Brgy. Affairs in Iloilo City that marched into the heat of the sun together with their constituents as they installed posters containing health protocols to be followed this COVID-19. The materials also emphasized the Apprehension of R.O. 2020-061(Not wearing face mask) and R.O. 2020-066 (Physical Distancing.)

These BIDA solusyon efforts might look simple, but it can save lives as the information on those tarpaulins prioritizes the safety of everyone.

In these times of health crisis, it is important that we should be BIDAs who are well- equipped with the armors of hope and faith as we courageously wield the torch of wisdom, truth and understanding of the health protocols.

We should see through the light of truth as we slice the fogs of infodemic and fake news.

As Filipino people, we should also do our part as we align ourselves with discipline into the battle cry of BIDA Solusyon. Through threading into this health campaign, we should open our vision and connect our minds as we surf into websites that will update ourselves with the right figures of COVID-19 cases.

By echoing the campaign’s battlecry, with sincerity, compassion to others and honesty, we should discipline ourselves and also convince our family members and friends to do their parts as well. We must also learn from the infographics of BIDA Solusyon sa COVID-19 and watch DOH’s Beat COVID-19 Media Virtual Forums to keep ourselves aware of the health status of the Filipino people. These virtual platforms will shed information that will mitigate the lethal effects of conflicting health conspiracies that causes confusion to the public.

The road directed into the new normal might be bombarded with despicable challenges, but as we move forward we must “BIDA HEROES”

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BRAVING THE ONLINE BATTLE:

NO VOICE UNHEARD

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ONLINE CLASSES AND THE PLIGHT FOR GADGETS Z H A R I N A M A R I E S T E P H A N I E P. L U G O

She stood alone on the battlefield of life, unafraid to slice through obstacles and challenges in front of her. The bruises carved into her soul reminded her of pain. But all she knew was that she must move forward, wearing the golden armor of faith and love wonderfully made for her by God. Because she is a warrior of hope. And warriors never give up.

Sophia Marie Ynion is a third year Political Science and Public Administration student and a student assistant assigned to the Office of the Vice President for Finance and Administration.

Hailing from Valderama, Antique, Sophia said that carrying her dreams and aspirations has never been an easy task. Upon admission to the University, she had to find a way to sustain her tuition fees and expenses.

She battled all her doubts and fears, applied to multiple scholarships, and was luckily able to score one.

With the pandemic came a new battlefield to conquer for Sophia. As soon as the online classes began last September, she braved herself to face not just the physical battle, but the virtual battle that came along with it.

Living in an area where internet signal was unstable, she had to find a way to attend her classes while doing household tasks as well.

“I have to go to town in order to have a stable connection. I am staying in the house of my aunt. [And] in exchange for my lodging, I help in the household and cook the food [for] the elderly,” Sophia shared.

“I have to wake up early and do some work and had to endure the pain in my eyes because of too much exposure to my cellphone,” she added.

Along with these physical tasks and exhaustion also came the task of having to look for ways to gain access to the internet as she did not have the finances to have WiFi or load

THE CENTRAL ECHO

Ilonggo through the looking glass: A leap into Iloilo’s Luminescent future GAD B. CASTRO

allowance like most students did.

“It is also a challenge for me to be brave to ask for sponsors of my load. Even if I am reluctant and shy I have to do it, for the sake of attending my class,” she said.

Being provided with these basic needs for her classes was just the tip of the iceberg as there were other struggles she had to face as well.

Sophia shared that despite having load sponsors, there were times that her classes were cut short or that she

“

Despite all these, Sophia said she must press on in the battle for her education. She said that these experiences made her realize that this world is full of good people almost was not able to attend to her classes.

“I experienced the expiration of load in the middle of the class. When I returned, the discussion is over and my classmates are already saying goodbye,” she shared.

There was also a time when her aunt had a scheduled interview and needed to borrow her phone so she had to find other ways to attend to her classes.

“I [had] to borrow a phone to attend my class because my phone is needed by my aunt for her interview. I

Alice was woken up by the whistling and rushing of the spring air. Little by little, she gained consciousness and became aware of her surroundings. Ah! The same old ceiling. She sat down and stared at the mirror in front of her. It always fascinated her but this time it was different. As the wind howled into her room, a blue butterfly appeared in front of her. Without even blinking, the wind brought the creature inside the mirror.

After witnessing what seemed to be a fantasy, out of curiosity, Alice instantly followed the butterfly by leaping into the unknown realm, inside the mirror.

Like Alice, this has been our

[had] difficulty in borrowing because almost every person had their online class. Luckily, somebody [lent] her phone to me for two hours,” she said.

Despite all these, Sophia said she must press on in the battle for her education. She said that these experiences made her realize that this world is full of good people and if we need something, we should not be shy to ask. She also noted that if we ever feel tired, we just need rest, not a full stop.

“I remember our grade 12 slogan, ‘Obey first before [complaining].’ This online class maybe not favorable to everyone, but if there is a will, there will be a way. We have to find ways.

The battle is not easy and will never be, that is why we have to be ready and we have to equip ourselves with necessary weapons: knowledge and education, healthy habits and lifestyle, and strong and unfailing faith,” she concluded.

During these challenging times, Sophia kept her faith within her mind and heart by always reminding herself that “This too shall pass.” She believed that she has to hold on until everything is over. With all her heart, she told herself that she will finish her studies and graduate no matter what happens.

routine as we attend our online classes; we stare at our gadgets and leap into the world of the internet that is uncertain and unpredictable.

But for some, the internet world can be a place where their imagination is the limit.

This is true for John Rovic Sipacio, a first year Bachelor of Science in Advertising student, the internet has been his world and he wants people to see different universes through the looking glass of his gadget. For him, it might be a leap into the future for the City of Love.

I

Karito: A Youth-led Organization emerges Against All Odds Z H A R I N A M A R I E S T E P H A N I E P. L U G O

outbreak in our community, Gallarda believes that this pandemic showed us the flaws and beauty of genuine leadership.

When asked about a specific moment during the project which made a significant impact on his life, Gallarda elaborated their conversation with vendors, PUJ, tricycle drivers, and security guards at the Metropolis of their municipality.

It was March 29, while they were distributing sanitary kits and relief goods to people. One of the recipients of their sanitary kits and goods told them a statement that made Gallarda astonished every time he came across a similar scenario. “Maayo pa kamo mag-ubra inisyatibo, samtang wala gid ya batia and mga pulitiko.” Under the scorching heat of the sun, a trike driver reached out his arms to receive their good gesture.

“The realization is, when we really initiate genuine goal-driven errands to the community, it does not only engage people to manifest ideas. It also helps them to realize the flaws and lapses of the system and those who are in power,” Gallarda said.

“This pandemic is a clear manifestation that we are all victims of this flawed capitalist system and educational malpractice. While I agree that compassion and kindness can be found in relief drives and donations, education can be seen in webinars and online classes; it shouldn’t be the reason to create false opposition between those mentioned and the concept of challenging

13

“

The realization is, when we really initiate genuine goal-driven errands to the community, it does not only engage people to manifest ideas. It also helps them to realize the flaws and lapses of the system and those who are in power the system for genuine structural reform,” he added.

Gallarda encouraged other Centralian youth to voice out their thoughts regarding issues that affect them and their community.

“Let us stay safe but not silent,” he said.

NO VOICE UNHEARD

Despite the challenges and threats brought by the virus, the spirit of volunteerism and servant leadership inspired Alester John Gallarda to bring Karito into existence to engage and empower the youth especially in the province of Guimaras in any democratic space on promoting environmental revolution, creating policies for the welfare of youth sectors, and championing literacy and good governance in alliance with government and non-government organizations.

Gallarda stated that Karito, a youth-led organization, was also established because they have noticed that despite Guimaras being an island province, the spirit of volunteerism is not really given emphasis and there is no genuine representation for the youth sector.

“Probably, it’s the collective audacity and genuine will-power of my comrades to represent the Guimarason youth. Also, even we don’t have yet a clear scope for our organization, there are progressive and mass-oriented individuals from outside of the province who are current members of Karito and that is something I am very proud of,” Gallarda said.

Gallarda also shared the challenges that he encountered and how the pandemic affected his organization.

“I have been threatened and ousted several times because my beliefs do not conform to the norm, but I believe those were valid acts as it somehow entails care. As an individual, there were undeniable and uncontrollable silent battles I had to overcome that I actually did because of the genuine people around me,” Gallarda added.

Since Karito was established to also respond to the effects of the viral

n these times of crisis, our ability to physically socialize with others is hindered due to the health protocols. Only the frontliners and those who are above the age limit are allowed to step into the outside world.

Unfortunately, the youth sector was advised to stay at home giving them the chance to focus their attention on enhancing their talents and skills, doing household chores, rejuvenating connections to the environment, or surf with the waves of social media posts.

 ALESTER JOHN GALLARDA

usual,” Rovic shared.

“From conceptualization up to the days I spent working on it, that has been the setup. There’s always music, and at times podcast notifications related to school and studies are ever-present.

Sometimes, I am also conversing with people through the internet as I work,” he said.

Rovic’s work “Inaudible Sonics From the Other Side” became viral on Facebook last October 10 with over 616 likes and reacts and 419 shares as of press time.

The art was a modernistic take on Iloilo City with photos of Iloilo’s notable

places in Mandurriao along SM City.

“I have always wondered what it would be like to live in the future - to be born and be alive in the coming years, where technology and techwear

[wearable technology] shall have taken over, when the definition of fun shall have abruptly changed from what it is today, and when culture shall be open and inclusive.

So I decided, why not visualize the city where I am living now in that particular time and world.”

ILONGGO

ON PAGE 14

THE CENTRAL ECHO

THE LEAP As the global pandemic started, one of the sectors that became affected by this is the Arts. Gigs, live acts, and concerts have been canceled leaving some artists to find ways to still continue their craft by working double jobs.

Because of the current situation, creative people are finding ways to stay creative and productive. As for Rovic, this art discipline became an escape to the four corners of his dimmed room.

“I work inside my room. The lights are dim most of the times, and all kinds of music playing on my earphones as

Inaudible Sonics From the Other Side by John Rovic Sipacio

THE CENTRAL ECHO

NO VOICE UNHEARD

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14

ILONGGO, FROM PAGE 13

BEHIND THE GLASS According to Rovic, it was inspired by Cyberpunk 2077, an upcoming role-playing video game

by CD Projekt Red. A self-confessed science fiction enthusiast, he said his concept art series emerged from envisioning Iloilo City in the world of cyberpunk – a sci-fi sub-genre – and vaporwave – a microgenre of electronic music and a visual art style.

“If I were to be asked how this city would possibly look like if it existed in such a universe, my work would be my answer,” he said.

Rovic said he was ecstatic to finally be able to do the series but there were moments when doubt clouded his mind.

“There is so much to consider when trying to pull off such a concept. This is actually the first time I integrated 3D modeling for some graphics in my work, so in the process, I was also still learning, which was really a challenge.”

This series, Rovic shared, became a sort of escape from the reality that we have right now. He said it allows us to catch a glimpse of the things we could create in our minds.

“Reality can never go perfectly into the plan, but the fantasies we create could. Given the current situation of the world right now, creating these futuristic concept art series gave me and hopefully, my fellow Ilonggos who have seen my work, a break from reality. This may

tell them to keep looking and moving forward despite what's in the present.”

Rovic also shared how this became a way for him to be more productive.

“The situation right now has put a number of my plans to a halt which is frustrating. Yet it urged me to find new venues to stay productive, not just as an artist but as a person.

COVID-19 situation reminded me of what our species itself has been doing for thousands of years now, which is to constantly adapt.”

As Iloilo is slowly making a name for itself for its culture and arts, he said that it feels very humbling to be a part of that scene.

“It's amazing seeing many emerging creatives grow together with the city,” he said, adding, “The future of Iloilo would be bright if we want it to.”

To make this future possible, Rovic encourages budding artists to feed their mind with things that may spark their curiosity.

“Feed yourself with things that interest you the most, or those that charge your curiosity. Be it a book, a genre in music, an artist, or even learning about a topic. That way you don't feel directly forced to create, as inspiration may come by itself knocking on your door. For a time that restricts us from going full-on, creating passion projects would encapsulate or release the drive and energy within us.”

BACK TO REALITY Just like Rovic, this pandemic can be an opportunity for us to utilize our time to get to know, improve, and take care of ourselves as we stay inside our homes. Anything can be possible as long as we believe in the beauty of our dreams. Like the art piece, it radiates and sheds light on our complex yet wide imagination.

Thus, as we leap into our online classes we can create a better future by allowing ourselves to go beyond the four corners of our room. The world is not just consisted of what we touch or feel, sometimes it might be in our minds waiting to be unleashed and be our reality.

“

Given the current situation of the world right now, creating these futuristic concept art series gave me and hopefully, my fellow Ilonggos who have seen my work, a break from reality.

15

A Tribute

BY YUSIMAY V. HABLADO

I

n every battle, those who fight on the frontlines are the strongest and bravest.

They charge in the battlefield of uncertainties with impending dangers of every side, driven by their selfless sense of duty. In this fight against COVID 19, our front liners are fighting the unseen enemy. They are equipped by masks and gowns, with their determination and faith as their greatest weapon.

Angelito TerunĚƒes ParrenĚƒo, a graduate of CPU Development high school in 1984 and Batchelor of Science in Comers in 1989. He is a Police Executive Master Sergeant and a City Executive Senior Police Officer of the Iloilo City Police office.

Amor Padilla-Gatinao, a graduate of Central Philippine University Developmental High School Batch 1987 and a nurse at St. Charles Hospital, Ladbroke Grove, West London, United Kingdom.

The war is still raging, and many have fallen in this battlefield, including our Centralian frontliners.

They might be gone, but their legacy will always be remembered.

We give honor and gratitude to our Fallen Centralian Heroes.

Lalaine Lopez Pesario, a nurse at Mumbles Nursing Home, Swansea, United Kingdom. She had been a student of Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Central Philippine University until third year.

Ma. Luisa L. Docil, a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1992 and an agency registered nurse in Chicago, Illinois, USA. She is a true blooded Centralian who went to CPU from kindergarten to College.

THE CENTRAL ECHO

Oscar King, Jr., a hospital porter at John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, England. He graduated Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering in 1996.

NO VOICE UNHEARD

Marlon Jimenea, a graduated Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1997 and a nurse at University Hospital Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

Divina Amo-Accad, a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Nursing batch 1969 and a nurse at John D. Dingell Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA.

isports ISPORTS NGAYON

BY RYAN DAVE PORAL

Isports sa Kasagsagan ng Pandemya

S

a mundo na ating ginagalawan sa kasalukuyan, marami sa atin ay bilanggo sa apat na sulok ng ating kuwarto. Halos lahat ay takot sa pinsala na dulot ng pandemya at hindi rin maiiwasan para sa karamihan na isipin kung paano haharapin ang bukas na darating. Sa mga nakalipas na buwan, lahat tayo ay napaisip kung ano ba ang ating mga nagawa para sa ikauunlad at ikasisigla ng ating sarili?

Marahil, ito rin ang iniisip ng marami sa atin na mahilig lumahok o manood ng isports. Isa ang isports sa mga libangang malubhang napinsala ng COVID-19, lalong-lalo na ngayong kanselado ang mga palaro at pinayuhan ang marami na manatili lamang sa loob ng bahay.

Noong ika-10 ng Mayo sa taong kasalukuyan, ang Washington Post sa Amerika ay naglathala ng isang artikulo kung saan nakasaad ang mga katagang, “The pandemic has reminded us: We don’t need more sports in our lives- we need less.”

Bilang isang aktibong tagahanga, ako ay naniniwala na hindi hadlang ang pandemya sa maayos at ligtas na laro dahil hindi lamang ito libangan para sa iba kundi pinagkukunan na rin ng kabuhayan.

Nakalulungkot isipin na ang ibang tauhan, mga coach, mga manager, at mga manlalaro ng bawat kuponan ay kasali sa mga lubos na naapektuhan ng "No work, no pay" na patakaran dulot ng malimit o walang laro dala na rin ng pandemiya.

Ang isports ay naging parte na ng tao. Noon p a

RTS O P S

man, bata man o matanda ay may kanya-kanyang kinahihiligan na isports na laruin o panuorin. Aminin man natin o hindi, karamihan sa atin ay natutuwa pag may laban at panalo si Manny Pacquiao, may kanyakanya tayong manok na sinosuportahan sa NBA finals kahit hindi naman natin alam ang buong pangalan ng mga manlalaro.

Ang pakikilahok sa mga labanan sa panahon ngayon ay hindi lang dahilan ng pagdami ng kaso ng COVID-19 o dahilan ng paglabag sa protocol na naayon sa pag-iwas ng pagkalat ng naturang sakit, kundi isang bagay na dapat pagtuonan ng pansin dahil sa mga positibong epekto nito sa mga manlalaro’t manunuod. Pinaniniwalaang ang panunuod ng mga pampalakasan ay mainam na pampalipas oras at distraksyon sa mga pagsubok at kapighatian ng pangaraw-araw na buhay. Para sa iba, ito ay naging tulay upang makalayo mula sa mga balitang nakalulungkot, tiwali, at mga kontrobersiyal na isyu sa mundo.

Ngayon na may pandemya, kinakailangan natin maging malusog at labanan ang lungkot. Karamihan nga sa mga sports activities ay bawal pa sa ngayon, pero meron namang iba na puwede nang gawin, tulad ng pag bibisekleta at pag takbo. Naging symbolo naman ng pag-asa sa karamihan ang pagbabalik ng NBA noong July matapos ito na kansela noong Marso dulot pa rin ng COVID-19. Sa pagbabalik ng NBA, ito ay isang pruweba na maraming tao pa rin ang may gusto at may hilig sa larangan ng isports.

Kasabay ng pagbukas ng ibang sektor ay nararapat ring bigyang pansin ang kahalagahan ng isports sa panahon ngayon. Importante na maiparamdam sa kanila ang ating pagpapahalaga sa kanilang larangan lagi’t laging nasa gitna tayo ng isang malaking pagsubok at kailangan nilang paghugutan ang suportang ibinibigay ng iba. Kung nagawa ng NBA at PBA na maibalik ang kanikanilang liga kahit nasa kalagitnaan tayo ng pandemya, siguro naman kaya din natin itong magawa sa ibang mga sports activities o liga sa bansa, basta sundin lang ang mga minimum health protocols ng Inter-Agency Task Force. Naniniwala ako na balang araw, baka sa susunod na buwan o sa mga susunod pa ay mabigyan ng pagkakataon muli ang mga manlalaro na magpakitang gilas sa kanilang sariling mga entablado.