NEWS FEATURE | THE COURIER
A.Y. 2020-2021
Official Student Publication of the College of Arts and Sciences
Artwork by Angelie Joy Bulquerin
Gold, Silver, & Bronze: Flying Colors of the College of Arts & Sciences
Alaina D’Cunha
Even in the hard most work dauntingreapsof endeavours, success. On November 5, 2021,of the students of the College Arts andreapSciences (CAS)of their were able to the fruits labor through the CAS Virtual Parangal 2021, held online via the Zoom video conferencing platform history. for the first time in The program was held tostudents, award the outstanding organizations, and faculty of CAS for their exemplary performance during school years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021. The ceremony kickedbyoff with musical intermissions talented CAS students words and some inspirational of
wisdom from theEcube, college dean, Dr. Ma. Elfleda and guest speaker, Dr. Mark Christian Monroy, who had graduated Summa college inCum 2016. Laude from the The highlight of place the ceremony, however, took asservice the various academic and awardees receivedontheir virtualas medals flashed screen, evidence of their exemplary achievements. Student leaders of organizations hailing from the college were also given service awards, and MICROBIA, the official organization ofemerged the BS with Biology student body, the reigning title of Best CAS Student Organization for 2019 - 2021.
Faculty awards were also togiven throughout the program the outstanding researchers with complete researches in 2019 and 2020, university research awardees, extensionists, and retireesactive of the college. The event ended asMagallanes, associate dean, Dr. Elizabeth extended her to allwarmest congratulations the awardees. Once again, CAS has proven itself a college that lives up to the name of excellence and service upheldVisayas by students of West State hardships,University. to the stars! Through
OPINION | THE COURIER
02
Don't Mine Our Oceans
Sean Lerry Jim Claud
Athesmall island nation couldmarine harm unexplored environments withWetheir plans ona deep-sea mining. need to put stop to this before they get started. Nauru, withphosphate its deleterious history ofa massive mining, gave two-year deadline to the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to finalize the Mining Code. This will dictate how, when, and where deep-sea mining will undertaken. If the ISA cannotbe
establish these regulations, they will be forced to give provisional mining licenses. Nauruan president Lionel Aingimea argued that this exploitative activity could help mitigate its economic recession due to the health crisis brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. They evil. also think that it is a necessary However, means. the end cannot justify the
The Official Student Publication of West Visayas State University - College of Arts and Sciences
A.Y. 2021 - 2022
ALAINA D’CUNHA Editor-In-Chief
DE MARTIN Editorial Assistants FRANCESAssociate ANDREA NICOLE RAZZAN GALILEA Editor
EVEROSE ASIDOY HENRICH MATTHEW CHUA FRANCINE PALOMAR Associate Editor JACELLE ANNE GEONANGA
SEAN BERNARD AGRAVIADOR YUN BAYOTAS Managing Editor KAELA DAWN MALAKI
JOSEPH ANTOINE LUIGI SALUDO SEANFeature LERRY JIM CLAUD Editor KAYLA MAYE JUANGA
LOIS ANGELLA MANANSALA GABRIEL OMILLO III ALLEXANDRA DASMARIÑAS News & Sports Editor
CYBEL BARRIOS MARZELiterary ANN GUTIERREZ BEA ISABELLE MENDOZA Editor EUNICE NOLASCO
VILLORA PRECIOUSOnline THERESE ERICAH VILLACARLOS Editor JEMIEL ARIAN PORRAS
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VIGOR THERESE ROSELLE Photojournalist
This new venture poses a myriad of unforeseen consequences. Scientists knowthemore aboutof deep space than depths our oceans. Many marine ecosystems are unexplored and undisturbed sohappen we don’t know what will if they send amphibious bulldozers to excavate the seabeds. Such irresponsible choices couldis waiting risk harming wildlife that to we be studied and scrutinized; wouldn’t get that chance habitat. if they start to mine its natural
"
There is always a choice, and it should be the one that ensures a sustainable future. Intakeaddition, this pursuit Nauru’s should into account avaricious past as aandcautionary tale. During the 60s themany 70s, the pacific nation found “white gold” or Developed phosphate reserves on the island. countries like Germany, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and Japanthe land participated in cauterizing and left large amounts oflocals uninhabitable craters. This led to reside onpassed the coastlines. Decades have and Nauru is among the countries with the highest obesity rates as locals partake of imported processed since they lack agriculturalfood production. Instead ofNauru repeating theconsider same mistakes, should finding other They optionsshould to expand its economy. have learned their lesson and must focus on resolvingthemalnutrition and rehabilitating areas which suffered from bombardment. There isbealways a that choice, and ita should the one ensures sustainable future.
THE COURIER | FEATURE
03
Photo by Kim Komenich
Heaven is Looking at You
Sean Lerry Jim Claud
Iclouds peekedandthrough windows of squinted at the blinding lights anfromisland below. It was my home; in the shape ofsmelled a sock. Itheremembered how I petrichor every time it rained onfather the muddy kampo where my worked. My friends and onI chased each other sugarcane which towered overin our heads. Now that I’m heaven, that was.I still miss everything Sadly, as toI look used atmypeople, goldenI telescope realized that they tried to rewrite history — our stories. Don’t theyto remember whatI happened me and how looked likelyinga helpless sigbin that was on a hospital bed?
"Negros Island
will always be my forever home.
By the way, Iafter diedMartial in 1985.LawIt was 14 years started late dictator stripped and the the hacienderos and
sakadas of their lands. He literally gave them to his best friend that lived there. With that, Negros, being the center for sugarfaceproduction, crumbled on the of the Earth. Thisa agricultural crisis led to province-wide famine. Isuccumbed was amongto 641 children that malnutrition and its complications. Farmers had no sources ofno income, hence they had money for sustenance for their families. As I recall,forwemeatateandratspoultry. as a substitute Also, my to hunger family to was accustomed the point where we did not know that we werewasactually suffering. Everything too late whento they admitted me Montelibano Hospital; I was already skin and bones andI looked like the rodent that once ate. Students, teachers,nuns,activists, social workers, and priests tried to call thein attention of the government Escalante City. However, instead of listening to rallies them, they shot bullets at their and killed at least 20 people on the scene. Igaze increased the magnification to at a young woman, twice my age, as she defended the
acts of the Marcos Administration as the Golden Age of the Philippines. Pain wandered inside my blood vessels, excruciatingly triggering pangs to every nook and cranny. It felt like our deaths were ignored and unaccounted. I will always
"
A thousand cuts will never justify anything.
remember that their day because if it wasn’t for conjugal dictatorship, I with wouldmystillown be here, maybe family. I can’t do anythingNonetheless, about it anymore. Worry notplace. because I amwings alreadyas inwhite a good I have as snow withof duldul. feathersI softer than pieces also wantedfrom to share thatsame the children the hospital areI need now my friends. In the end, you to think about me, everyday, just sonever that what happened to us will be your reality.
04
FEATURE | THE COURIER
History of The Courier: Decades of Service to the College of Arts and Sciences
Alaina D’Cunha
Some sayarethatone’s the golden four years of college years, built onfriends, everlasting memories with teachers, and schoolmates. Surely, every West Visayas State University student has a great college story to share – and these experiences abound at the College of Arts and Sciences. Many CAS students can they still recall the first time stepped foot into – – and probably skidded across the polished floors of Quezon Hall, brimming withandbright scholars full of dreams ambitions. Students may recount the various orientations, acquaintance parties,heldplaydays, and other activities bywere the college, where pictures taken to lastStudents them a may lifetime of memories. recall reading all these stories in
magazines and newsletters handed out yearly across the campus, recollecting just how much experienced duringfun the they schoolhadyear. Yet behindof allthethese scenesmemories and at the core were staffersTheofCourier, the college publication, taking candid photos of every CAS event and preserving the students’ memories on ink, paper, and nowdocumentations the Internet into permanent ofyearsevery student’s four at theCAS college. With four ondecades of historyof imprinted the College Arts and Sciences, Thecollege’s Courier has served as the official student publication.toThe Courier was established be an outlet of students’ ideas and a source of reliable
Photographed by CAS Parangal Event Organizers
information, as wellmembers’ as an avenue to develop potentials and thepromote camaraderie among staffers ofthis,theThe organization. Along with Courier has actively produced outstanding students and multiple promising andin award-winning writers various journalism competitions. Yet before publication it became it theis successful today, The Courier, like all other college organizations, had its humble beginnings. The Courier was able to interview Dr. Hansel Roxas, a previous adviser of the publication, who took a walk down memory lane into the history of the college publication. The roots of the Courieradviser, can be traced to its first-ever Dr. AlbertotheJ. “A.S. Trinidad, who established Hi-Lites”, anamed newsletter for theof previouslySchool Arts and Sciences. Along with Editor-inChief Henry Albertdoctor, Sianson, now a practicing he managed to transform the A.S. Hi-Lites from8x10a newsprint simple mimeographed material that featuredof news and announcements CAS into a blossoming publication, soon to become known as “The Courier” in the late 1980’s. From there, TheitsCourier went on to expand role at the College of Arts and Sciences, gaining members the and earning a new spot throughout
THE COURIER | FEATURE
years in theat departmental paper awards the byregional competitions held the Philippine Information Agency (PIA). Overtotime, The Courier managed produce writers and artists who consistently reaped prizes at going these journalism competitions, on become theirtochosen fields.successful in "We had fun working together, brainstorming, assigning topics, staying up late at the printing press, trying to beat the deadline, etc.,” said Dr. Roxas when asked experiences at The about Courier. his “Being around those young,
05
staffers experienced when winning competitions and reaping the fruits of their hard work. “Hearing their names called to the stage as winners of the yearly regional contest sponsored by the Philippine Information Agency, and seeing them being awarded the medal for their excellence in their field of writing – that was acknowledgment and confirmation of their talent and hard workhethey Courier,” said.poured into the Dr. Roxasin isa now a part-time teacher Kumon Learning Center in Oswego, Illinois and a
Photographed by The Courier Staffers
talented, and Their smart writers was aandprivilege. enthusiasm youthful perspective …wasI inspiring and exhilarating learned as they, much Ifrom themhaveas much as hope, learned from meof – persistence, particularly the values patience, sacrifice, and confidence in doing what had totabloid be ordone to put heoutadded. the magazine,” When asked abouta longthe highlights of being term Courier recalled the adviser, joys heheandfondly the
full-time pharmacy technologist at Walgreens. While recounting his experiences at the Courier, he further mentioned that the staffers and faculty he had previously worked withwriters, went on to become doctors, professors, cartoonists, and other successful professionals. When asked forpresent a message to give to the Courier staffers and all other young aspiring journalists, Dr. Roxas said: “Just be the best version of yourselves. Be accountable
and responsible, reliable and fair … Write something worthwhile. Uphold the fellow rights and dignity of your students. BeBeobservant and empathetic. creative and resourceful. Listen to wiser your adviser. She’s older and and hasyour ‘beengood there,instincts. done that’. Follow Edit and proofread with eagle eyes.”
"Built on decades of exemplary achievements, tiresome press work, and cherished experiences, The Courier thrives today as the college’s publication.
Built on decadestiresome of exemplary achievements, press work, and cherished experiences, Thethe college’s Courier thrives today as publication. Under the current advisory of Dr. Jeannemar Genevive Figueras, it itsremains steadfast in achieving goals ofkeeping empowering CAS students, them updated, and telling their stories through its various publications. Along with this, Thehome Courierforremains an amiable all its staffers, remaining an avenue for its members to gain a newfound family and hone their talents and skills in the realms of art and journalism.
06
OPINION | THE COURIER
The Cruel Shards of Internet Mobs
Frances Andrea de Martin
I’m pretty sureis onalmost everyone we know social media. We do not just communicate; we share our thoughts and opinions too. Sharing dataeasy,ontoo these platforms is easy, that it can put us at the danger of being careless with what we ofsay. theTheinternet very mechanics makes us thelazy thinkers,of because of dissonance what is real and what isonline not. Our participation in discussions group weus flock into categories, where with other birdsof thatfeather have theas same kind ourselves. Thesemobs. are the socalled internet In this article, let’sandget the to know the shadows harmful shards of these crowds. Cancel Culture
The of activities cancel culture isinternet onepractice of themobs that partake in. By definition, itbeing involves a prominent figure called out andfromostracized by the mob the community for his/her/their problematic behavior. Truly, people that have power should be accountable for their errors because ofwetheir influence. However, cannot deny that if we abide by the rules ofthose the welaw, think everyone,do even not
deserve them, is ofgranted with the presumption innocence unless proven guilty. Dehumanization
Multiple occurrences proved that random ordinary people can be targets of these internet mobs. Even‘cancelling’, when theirif they acts differ from see it fit for their idea of
"
The modern world carries its modern threats, which are not so different from the beasts that our ancestors have slain.
‘justice’, theythey will persecute the individual(s) think deserve it.dehumanization Oftentimes, oftherethe istarget. the They almost always failthatto consider that behind virtual identityhuman is a livingbeing. and breathing Dehumanizing theirare target, forgetting that there many
others doing the persecution too, and ultimately failing to consider that even one of their insultslife; is enough to ruin someone’s that rippling to a thousand-fold. Versus the Mob
Itweis tohumans be expectedarethatsocial since creatures, have atherd instincts. Wewefeel safer the
THE COURIER | OPINION
mask of a collective identity. The modern world carries its modern threats, which are not sothatdifferent from have the beasts our ancestors slain. On the other hand, the principles circling within the mob may often lack the quality ofan being evaluated. There is inherent human tendency to follow the ofdangerous, the mob. especially This can bebeliefs very when people think that their number pardons their hostility. The casewho of the group of women took almost everything from is the community pantry an example. They were caught on camera, whichinternet, was uploaded on the and available millionsmade of people online. to
Illustrated by Therese Roselle Vigor
07
This becamethetrending and immediately ladies were attacked byfrominternet mobs.to Ranging insults degradation andso trolling, thisto attack went far as infiltrating their personal lives, and them being constantly assaulted online. Even their own families were not spared. They too, received countless death threats. Though what they did was truly selfish, do they really deserve all the violence and hostility? The answer to that is precisely the reason why vigilante justice will not productive. morebeharm than good.It can do Misguided Justice
Every individual will havemeans. their own idea of what justice The truth is that the laws we have may be far from perfect, but theyandprovide us the neutrality distance we need when itabout comestheto accusations making a verdict thrown, evidenceinvolved. obtained, andIt the people entails a thorough examination, with people behind it that take years and years of studying how tosystem properly practice it. Every we have created efforts, that involves our own human including the judiciary system, will beis permanently flawed. This simply because we ourare ownin it. We have biases, feel andourhave own emotions, our personal ideas and beliefs about how Thetheinternet world should operate. mobs practice a justice. very misguided sense of Everyone can online, post orbutshare their opinions not everyone can place a good opinion that takes into account
its released.consequences once The cruel shardseverof thought internet mobs are rarely of. There weareshare consequences whenever what’s on our minds. You can type an insult towards a person you dislike, but it We doesn’t mean you should. all have negative thoughts that are reactive in nature Meaning we might haveof hadourthemownin the heat emotions. There are glasses shards left from the window we brokenofbecause the have thousands rocks weof
"
The small shards are cruel because though they might seem miniscule, they have the ability to wound our fickle skins and scar us for life.
threw. Theythe can remain buried in people that have wounded them. Instead oftargetlookingonline, for yourpractice next cultivating a criticalin mind. Be aworld sensible citizen the real and the virtual spaces. Itthoughts is best to sit with your first and think carefully of what the be possible consequences might once you let your words out. The small shards are cruel because though they might seem miniscule, they have the ability to wound our us forfickle life. skins and scar
08
Artwork by Cybel Barrios
FEATURE| THE COURIER
Thinking Outside the Box: Unboxing Neurodiversity and its Potentials
Everose M. Asidoy
Our mind is a blank canvas,also and differ. we areNeurodiversity the painters. Just like a virtuoso, our strokes per sebrains is notare,allit’sabout how different the tangible parts of our about the uniqueness of the way we perceive and analyze things. The Kaleidoscope Lens
Looking into the lens of neurocognitive abilities, neurodiversity is inhighlights fact, a medical language that diversity of the human mind. the This meansYes, thatweyoumayandlearn I think differently. the same thing, take the same test, and maybe end up withbecause the same test scores. However, of being different, webutmay look into the same lens, our eyes will not end up seeing the same imagery. Itdiving may intosoundthe fascinating, but realm of how people think the way they doreally is a bit of a challenge. We can’t tell how they perceiveDespite things this, and insociety what manner. was criteria able intoorder buildto fita standardized within the norm.
"
"the spectrum" was born an umbrella term that is used to describe “neurodivergents”.
ROYGBIV
The world isn’tour monochromatic and ILetamme sureputthat brains aren’t too. it this way,namely: the rainbow has different colors, Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, and Violet. Now, weareallaknow that beyond these colors multitude ofintocolors how itthatis. can polarize the world Describing our minds in howa metaphorical concept reflects diverse our aren’t brains supposed are. Theretoare people who be
measured with“thea spectrum” standardized criteria, hence, was born, an umbrella term that is used toMeanwhile, describethose“neurodivergents”. whocriteria fit intoof society’s standardized normalcy are called “neurotypicals”. This categorization is notit tantamount to exclusion. Rather, isableda limelight wherein differently individuals could also be understood.
Photo retrieved from: unsplash.com
The Color Palette
Inarea scholastic setting, students with who medically diagnosed neurocognitive disabilities Deficit like Autism, Attention Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD),as Down Syndrome, etc. are labelled ‘special’. Inspecial mainstream media, people with needs are often misrepresented with a linear criteria ofneurodivergent. what it is like to be a These people are often characterized by the entertainment industry as protagonists with unfathomable IQs or, more commonly, “theOnbrainiacs” orhand, “the gifted ones”. the other there whothings are unable decodearethethose simplest and areto
often personified astwo“therepresent dumb kid”. Neither of these the traits of the spectrum. However, defining people with theseof labels is just a mere form stereotyping. Over the time,truth it could further encapsulate from the masses. It is imperative to know that thereto istheno ‘uniformity’ whenYouit comes human mind. cannot navigateexpect the worldthattheeveryone way you do.can When you create aused. masterpiece, color mixing is often Justusliketo our identity, it often impels mix andour match abilities in order to build ownour school of thought.
THE COURIER | FEATURE 09 More Than Just the Two Sides of a Coin
While some of youancient might fall into the cracks of these stereotypes about people with different abilities, let me debunk the myths and misconceptions first. To clear things up, a differently wired brain does not mean that it has to fit between the two categories of society. Even within theuniverses community, we have multiple wherein individuals with the sameas we condition may not be as identical oughtus toneurodiverse think. Yes, some of people areout.extremely good at figuring things We may exhibit different traits that could lead to outstanding results. Although that may be true, our excellence does not outweigh the struggles. We are not immune to the side effects of our quirks. In fact, these potentialities could often unleash our coping mechanism tothefit inworld — masking. A way to blend in oftraits neurotypicals whereto our atypical are invisible the naked eyes. Due to social stigma, masking has been a go-to for most
Photo by Kyle Head on Unsplash
ofthatus.weWhile there couldourbeactions, instancesit must mind does mean that we have tonothidenecessarily our authenticity. Like any other person, burn-out, we also experience exhaustion, and ofknown course, behavioraldysfunction. difficulties also as executive Our identity ofasfeeling an individual entails ait possibility drained. Yes, is hard, but if you are dealing
Painting the Stained Glass
those who aretravel ‘disabled’ thatpath needsof fixing. As we along the acceptance, keep will in mind thata thinking differently never be hindrance to reach greater heights. With properthinking supportoutside and inclusivity, someday the boxof would create a chain reaction potentialities. Thelikemajority must recognize that just a painting, we all have different strokes. After all, we are no Van Gogh.
Adapted from Shahzad Editz on YouTube, and from BitterbluePine on redbubble.com
Society now acknowledges the different colors of neurodiversity. While it might take a while bridge, before we actually cross the rainbow the important thingdifferences is that now the recognition of our exists. Inpropertherepresentation entertainment industry, of the people within the spectrum is still a struggle
with an underlying condition, itreally is an absolute turmoil. No one knows the struggle of every neurodivergent but themselves. However, the neurotypical world could also alleviate these struggles by condemning the stereotypes. Keep in mind that mental conditions should not be romanticized. After all, having a daily struggle is not that grand.
that we mustandsurpass. However, thisis grandiosity misrepresentation acommunity wake up callbutnot also only within the for the neurotypicals. These film producers and movie makershence, capitalize on mental disability, making money out of disseminating misinformation. May be enlightened what weother people think,that it isunlike not
"May we be
enlightened that it is not those who are 'disabled' that needs fixing.
10
SPORTS NEWS | THE COURIER
WVSU Leviathans Conquer the Rift
Gabriel Omillo III
West Visayas State University’s (WVSU) League of Legends Wild Rift Team Leviathans snatches victory over Technological University of the Philippine’s (TUP) Gearhawks in the Division A group stages, Day 1 of the University October 31. Alliance Cup S3, Leviathans’ lineup consisted of Joseph “Joe” Segovia (AB – 2A Political Science), Marquis “Maq” Chu (BSBA – 4A), King Kristian “Kiiing” GuillenJohn(Education BSED Math 3-B), Denzel “telo” Sotelo (BSBA (BSBA – 4A), –and4A)Edison “Ed” Gomez with Vince Julian “Lineve” Delfin and Charles Agustin “MiracLe”
Monreal completing Levianthans’ team roster. the TUP Gearhawks was the crowd favorite during the University Alliance Cup S2, expectations however failing to meet the thus finishing second, while Leviathans had a slow climb from Division B tobracket, A, dropping early to the loser and eventually worked their way against tough opponents as well. The matchup featured off-meta picks like Xin Zhao, Katarina,as and Alistar from Leviathans well as the— Rengar pick from Gearhawks a breath of fresh air from the meta-based
picks in the current season. Gearhawks had an early lead against WVSU in terms of accumulated gold; however, the opposing team managed to be much more aggressive, forcing early teamfights and getting valuable picks from the clash, giving the Maq’s Xin Zhao an early kill advantage. WVSU’s by Ed, proved tomanbe alongside theAlistar, team’splayed most reliable point Xin Zhao, Katarina, Renekton, andcomposition Ezreal against TUP’s stacked team of Rakan, Camille, Rengar, Kai’sa, and Diana, where playmaking served as a factor for Leviathans to win crucial teamfights.
Leviathans had a aslow start, with Gearhawks gaining 4,000 gold lead atto 11their minutes in, gnawing their way advantage by carefully picking theandright timevaluable to initiate a teamfight getting picks and objectives. Maq’s Infernal drake steal definitely turned the tide for WVSU as telo picked up four kills, successfully eliminating all members ofthemGearhawks, ultimately costing the game with a score of 2415, in favor of WVSU Leviathans. "For ourour game, wewith madethesure to match playstyle roundrobin format. Especially since there's no way of earning points if we losetoa game, we drilled it in ourselves practice hard andouridentify which champions suited win condition. We'll keep planning onourwinning through sheer force in futureas games until we reach play-offs well”, said Guillen (Kiiing) during a post-match interview upon being asked strategy. of their game-winning The next7thscheduled matchfollowing would bea on the of November round-robin format against various Alliance schools.
Photos from West Esports
THE COURIER | SCI-TECH
11
Anxiety on the Safety of GMO
Yun Bayotas
panic over hear this disease considering that they cancer as lethal, which is true. In fact, cancer isdeath one ofparticularly the leading causes of in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control andis Prevention (CDC) as of 2019. It a non-communicable disease, yet apeople serioushardly complication which many recover from. Nevertheless, it was proclaimed by the American Cancer Society that there istonoincreased evidence orof GMOs that link decreased risk of cancer.byThisCancer claim isResearch also strengthened UK. They that there is no reliableasserted evidence
to distinguish between GMO and non-GMOfeeding animals.
Artwork by Nicole Razzan Galilea
Biotechnology has been both widelyin used in many countries, industrialized and less developed states. It plays a significant role bein people’s lives, and this can witnessed in hospitals, However, markets, and farmlands. reservations about this never shoot off considering the claims made by aaccounts multitude of independent negative opinions onexpressing this fieldtheir of science. One examplemodified is putting GMOs (genetically organisms) into existence. GMOs whose are plants, animals, or microbes have been altered in a way DNA that
"There is nothing
via Adam Bouse on Unsplash
does notdesirable happen spontaneously, produce characteristics.to The reservations regarding GMOs that are listed in the minds of the people include the risk of getting cancer, toxicity, allergy, and antibiotic resistance. However, taking a look atduties, the health and food agencies’ it is truly their practice tosafety have standards GMOs meetas the same strict all other conventional foods. Substantial evidence was alsoa revealed which can yield possibility the masses.of clearing the doubts of Animal research hasare suggested that GM foods causally associated with carcinogenesis, the formation of cancer cells. People
that GM foods disease. give rise to this noncommunicable Another significant health risk foris organ toxicity. The Institute Responsible Technology (IRT), an anti-GMO advocacy group, reported that ratseffects had virtually experienced adverse in their organs after ten days of feeding a diet with GM potatoes. They said that the toxicity was the outcome ofandgenetic modification techniques not a specific case for that certain potato. However, scientists across other the United States and from countries tested the declarations ofof the IRT. Different types modification in various crops have been tested and found no evidence that cause adverse health effectsGMOs or toxicity.
This was also supported by the group of scientists from the National Institute ofKorea. Toxicological Research inthrough Seoul,feeding This was done the rats a diet with either GM or non-GM potatoes. After the their rats died, they carefully tested health through histopathological examination. Thereafter, results toshowed that there is nothing distinguish between GMO and non-GMOfeeding animals. Rats werethey tested inacceptable this experiment because are models for humans, in view of the fact that they are very similar to people genetically according to the Foundation for Biomedical Research. Thus, experimenting with rats by feeding with GMOs can predict human response.
12
SCI-TECH | THE COURIER
Aside from toxicity andissue cancer, anis allergic reaction is an that also feared by many,genes sincefromsome GMOs may contain an allergen. Nonetheless, the World Health Organization (WHO) discourages genetic engineers to use genes from allergens, unless proven that theproblem. gene itselfAlso,does there not causeis the allergenicity testing that ofis conducted in the process developing GMOs to make sure that the proteins produced in a plant are not allergens. In fact, there are no reliable reports of allergic reactions that linkbrought to GM out foodinconsumption that are the market. Hence, people with allergies are notin alienated from involvement biotechnology benefit from. which they can Another worrying associated risk of eating GM crops is antibiotic resistance. is relevant but not only in GMThis cropsissue consumption
assessed approval. for associated risks before The National Academy for safe Science concluded that GMOs are for human health and the same conclusion was asserted byscience many prestigious health and organizations from variousthepartsPewof the world. Moreover, Research Center released a report in 2015 regarding the views of the American public and U.S scientists (American Association forAAAS) the Advancement of Science or on science-related topics. Among these, GMOs have the largest difference in data which is very concerning. It illustrates that 88% ofGMOsAAAS scientists safebelieve that are generally to eat butis. only 37% of the public thinks it This dataunaware can result in confusion for people of GMOs. Anyway, sticking to thesoviews ofshould scientists is more credible there be no further worries. The public should
''Biotechnology truly has a huge contribution to overall world development, especially in economy and health.
Artworks by Aneeka Samantha Yue Sin
also in the daily lives ofantibiotics people, wherein taking improperly makes antibiotic resistance arise in an individual. This isyoudangerous becauseinfections, the next time have bacterial taking antibiotics will notthese be effective to fight against illnesses. In relation modified to this, crops there are some genetically that contain genes thatantibiotics. make themA resistant to certain concerning theory exists that when this GMO is ingested, the genes canof be transferred to the gut bacteria humans or animals and thesedevelop types ofantibiotic microorganisms could resistance. However, the risk of gene transfer is low as stated by HealthareOrganization. Plus,thetheWorld GMOs individually
not share about information if they are uncertain it as this could be spreading misinformation. Thus, relying evidence is beneficialonfor scientific public health. For instance,organism one popular genetically modified is Btis aCorn. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) soil bacterium that produces proteins toxic tofor insects. To create this, isa gene a particular Bt toxin selected and inserted into stage. the cellsIn ofeffect, corn the at the embryo corna built-in itself isdefense now provided with against insect attacks. And there areas many Bt crops that are made such cotton and potato. This is important for farmers in terms of productivity hence higher profit is obtained. This
ispests because ofreduction the resistance against and in the useNotof pesticides and water as well. only istothis beneficial, but ittoxic is alsoto safe consume — not humans or byotherthemammals — as confirmed Entomological Society of America in 2018. Another fascinating GMO is golden rice. This is more nutritious than normal rice for the reason that this GM crop is modified to produce beta carotene that is This not normally present in rice. dietary compound is converted to vitamin Abody. whenSuch metabolized by the human is a great assistant for strengthening the immune system, improving our vision,This and type makingof our skin healthier. GMO can lighten theadults problemswithof children and malnutrition, especiallyIn addition, in less developed countries. because ofarethesealsoGMOs, food supplies improved considering the higher yields toof balance the growing population the world.is Thisonecan prevent hunger, which of the most concerning social problems that we are facing today. Food and always Drug guarantee Administration regulations that GM food must be as safe as nonGMO food. Theyof aretheircarefully studied in terms health effects in various aspects before they areUnited distributed to theagencies public. Inaretheworking States, three together to ensureplant, that GMOs are safe for human, and animal health.FoodTheseandagencies are the U.S. Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and (USDA). U.S Department of Agriculture The FDA sets food safety standards to for be followed by those responsible producing, processing, storing, shipping or selling. GMOs are not onlyto considered safe toevidence, eat according tons of reliable butboththeyproducers are also beneficial to and consumers. Biotechnology truly has aworld hugedevelopment, contributionespecially to overall in economy and health. Since there are public this interests biotechnology and concerns with development until evidence now, relyingand on the research assertions expertsconcerning is a great way tosafety. preventofanxiety our