Ad Infinitum First Semestral 2023-2024

1st Sem, 2023-24

The Revival: Vol. 1 Issue 4

INSIDE: Rankings Rewind, New Facilities, Journeys of Lynxes, Need for Facilities, the Palestinian Genocide, Research Engagement

PARAGONS OF THE NORM

Lynxes’ Inspirations towards the lifestyle of excellence

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02

Editor’s Note

Paragons of Excellence: How we look up on our models for the journey

Editorial Board ASSOC. PROF. ALDRINE A. CAGANG, Ph.D. Publication Adviser JAMES BERNARD B. MONTEZA Editor-in-Chief YZA T. CUAJOTOR Associate Editor MYKE ALBERT SANTANDER Design Editor RHYCA YLLAH P. VILLANUEVA Managing and Finance Editor News Editor: Farah Dimpas Features Editor: Ma. Carmel Bajao Sports Editor: Kharl Tayco Proofreading Head: Aaqilah Mangarun Layout and Graphics Head: Renz Remotin Cartoon and Illustration Head: Jinky Boa Photography Head: Mark Villondo Human Resource Manager: Walid Omar Online Accounts Manager: Vince Emano Publication Secretary: Mea Rey Perez Staff: Jireh Maghinay, KB Reboldad, Mark Macaraya, Jhanna Solatorio, Stephen Guisando, Frenz Timtim, Jullie Momo, Zaashra Escutin, Raegel Besin, Gwyneth Taruc, Ada Bahian, Athena Flores, Hershey Niere, Miles Llagas, Hui Moon Cheong

ABOUT THE COVER

Paragons generally provide a glimmer of light into the dream of every IITian to be a productive Filipino and to be a world-class citizen. Thus, the journey to the langkit and diploma, the aspiration of all lynxes, are accompanied with the efforts of professors, the sacrifices of parents and to all who struggled along the way to build a world where Lynxes serve the community in their own capacities, one page at a time, illumining the world with the knowledge that comes from the prestigious halls of MSU-IIT Cover by: Renz Remotin

One of Ad Infinitum’s primary objectives is to continue inspiring Lynxes on their journey throughout the difficult hallways and mirthful journeys across CSM through the stories of our forebears, world-class alumni, and esteemed mentors who have displayed their prowess for the world, as paragons of excellence for IITians to follow.

What exactly is a paragon? By the dictionary definition, it is a gemological term used to describe a diamond or stone of high quality.

For the figurative lens, it means a model, a role for CSM students to aspire for, to inspire the next generation to be more brilliant, to keep achieving excellence not only as a competitive gem or glittering achievement, but also to live out excellence as a lifestyle, by continuing to inspire other Lynxes along the way.

At the finale of this semester, our competitions, great and small as they may be, continue to bring a beam to our faces of the toils and efforts that have passed over the course of a semester, on how lively the life of Lynxes are---not only excelling in academics, but also in achieving prominence in pageantry, sports and athletics, writing competitions, dance and visual arts, as well as performing their best in everything under the sun. This is the kind of excellence we aspire to be in line with our university vision, to bring forth the holistic development of the individual and society.

Finally, as the new year draws near, may we be inspired by our continued brand of excellence, and as editor-in-chief for the past four months, may this academic year bring more blessings and prosperity not only to Ad Infinitum, but to all CSM constituents. We have gone so far, yet excellence is both an unwavering commitment and a never-ending journey. The opportunities are limitless, the possibilities lie endless, and our mission still continues to deliver inspiration, from the newsmakers to the Lynxes, forever, onward.

James Monteza Editor In Chief

PAGE LAYOUT BY: GWYNETH ZOE TARUC

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NEWS

3

How did the First Semester go?

Insights from the Publication Adviser and Department Heads

First semester was a smooth ride, which is probably surprising given that freshmen are generally thought to have trouble transitioning to college life. I got to know amazing people and made contributions to Ad Infinitum, a powerful publication. I was apprehensive to present ideas to the group at first, but I ultimately became better at it. It was inspiring to hear the perspectives of other members to constantly look for and generate fresh ideas. Town hall meetings went from being incomplete to more than half of the participants present due to conflicting class schedules.

Without any academic pressure (just enough to finish this school year haha), the first semester was simply about growth and experience.

Yza T. Cuajotor Associate Editor Literary Department Head

This first semester has been a period of manifesting for the best things that happen in life, as well as the blessings of working with such talented people within the publication. While it has been s great struggle throughout Tuesdays and Fridays, with classes from 7am-7pm, I am grateful for my fellow design department members who took on the role of providing designs that give meaning to the Publication’s vision of continuing to move onward.

Moreover, as a new semester dawns, it is a sign of hope for all Lynxes, to embrace with gratitude the events of the previous semester, and to look for better opportunities to come in the year ahead.

Rhyca Yllah P. Villanueva Managing and Finance Editor Managing Department Head

Myke Albert Santander Design Editor Design Department Head

Setting sail in my first semester of college as a sophomore and as a member of the recently revived Ad Infinitum was a whirlwind of excitement and experience, like walking along a festive market aisle with an old friend. Seeing my team’s dedication in serving the school community hit me with the sense of nostalgia, and it felt as if it was just yesterday when the pioneering team had extended massive efforts in creating the kind of stable publication it is at the present. As months fell between the gaps of our fingers, I have found myself diving into a dynamic environment inhabited by creative people who are continuously collaborating on stories that weave a tapestry of campus life. All this, I could say, joining Ad Infinitum was one of the best decisions I have made throughout the entirety of college.

The work you all have done and the enthusiasm you all bring to the publication is very impressive. It is indeed crucial to keep our university, departments and students connected through honest and responsible journalism.

I support you in your endeavors, and may you continue to keep up the good work while striving to improve and innovate.

Assoc Prof.

Aldrine A. Cagang, Ph.D. Ad Infinitum Publication Adviser and Faculty, CSM Department of Chemistry PAGE LAYOUT BY: GWYNETH ZOE TARUC

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NEWS

4

Rewinding 2023's MSU-IIT's University Rankings Vince Emano

Proofread by: Stephen Guisando

Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology continues to transcend, procuring compelling ranking achievements in the recent months, marking milestones worth rewinding–the most notable of which came in the form of topping scientists in the AD Scientific Index, as well as being noted in QS Asia and AppliedHE: ASEAN rankings. Moreover, MSU-IIT was also a reporter in the Times Higher Education (THE) university metrics.

Lets rewind the tape of achievements and recount the tales of recognizing success

AD Scientific Index In the 2024 Alper-Doger (AD) Scientific Index, MSU-IIT ranks 4th among the Philippine Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), with a roster of 139 scientists from the university.

This citation index is a database between publications, ranking and measuring the scholarly work within its field. Dr. Jan Mickelle V. Maratas, the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM) Dean, has maintained his status as the country’s top scientist for three consecutive years. Dr. Maratas is credited authoring 114 papers which have been cited the same number of times by other researchers. Additionally, a remarkable i-10 index of 384, denoting the number of his publications cited for at least 10 times.

Among the top 10 scientists within the university, eight are from the Department of Biological Sciences of CSM. These include Professors Jan Mickelle Maratas and Angelina Bacala (Department of Physics), Professor Ellen P. Inutan (Department of Chemistry), and Professor Sergio Canoy Jr. (Department of Mathematics and Statistics). Meanwhile, Professors Cesar Demayo, Mark Anthony Torres, Mylah Villacorte-Tabelin, and Professor Emeritus Olga Nuñeza are the CSM’s top scientists.

THE University rankings

MSU-IIT retained its place as a reporter in the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) University Rankings along with other 768 universities. The institution documented 21,015 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) students, a student-to-staff ratio of 40.7, a balanced 51:49 female-to-male ratio, and 38% interdisciplinary research endeavors. The ranking methodology entails carefully calibrated performance across various dimensions of teaching (29.5%), research environment (29%), research quality (30%), industry (4%), and international outlook (7.5%), highlighting university’s dedication to multiple facets.

QS Asia University Rankings

Situated within the bracket of 701-750, the university achieved its place in the Asian University Ranking and claimed the 117th spot in the South-Eastern Asia Category of the 2024 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) University Rankings. Notably, MSU-IIT earned the 3rd position among the State Universities and Colleges (SUC) in the Philippines. 760 Asian universities were featured in the rankings, which is the largest compilation to date. A comprehensive analysis for the institutional performance was done with an evaluation criteria encompassing 40% academic reputation, 20% each faculty-student ratio and citations per faculty and 10% international faculty and international student ratio.

AppliedHE Southeast Asia University Rankings The institution secured the 46th position in Southeast Asia and earned the 3rd spot among Philippine public universities in the 2024 AppliedHE (Applied Higher Education) University Ranking. Its inaugural ranking edition was participated by 80 esteemed universities from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Despite MSU-IIT’s designation as one of the “non-reporting” universities, the institute underwent meticulous evaluation and yielded a commendable score of 56,11 accumulated from the general public and stakeholders assessing the quality of teaching and learning, research, community engagement, internationalization, and institutional reputation. The ranking system garnered the world’s most influential university ranking into a single measure of reputation and quality.

While 2023 came with its fair share of achievements and success in university rankings, MSU-IIT continues its commitment to provide quality education for the sustainable development of Mindanao, the nation, and the global community. The rankings may shift higher or lower when 2024 comes, yet MSU- IIT shall stand firm in the coming years to recount its beacons of excellence, planted through every student that comes in its halls to pursue excellence, forever onward PAGE LAYOUT BY: GWYNETH ZOE TARUC

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NEWS

5

New lab, lecture room and lib: CSM welcomes refurbished facilities KB Reboldad

Proofread by: Stephen Guisando

Cracked lab benches and hallway laboratory activities, as well as a cramped library welcomed new Lynxes last academic year, when CSM was still psychologically and infrastructurally reeling from the pandemic. Now with the support of Institute officials and the clamor of Lynxes towards better learning conditions in their journey towards excellence. In these new facilities, CSM Students continue to imbibe knowledge from world-class faculty through conducive learning facilities.

Refurbished CSM Library Learning Commons The CSM library on the third floor used to have a small learning commons space on the other side of the library, and a reading area where the students may read books and theses on the reserve and circulation stations on the right side. Now, it has seemingly been inverted for a more ergonomic layout, given that the former depository counter was overflowing to the brim with belongings from students coming not only from CSM but also from other colleges to borrow world-class books provided by the said library. Therefore, the new learning commons allows a more compact storage area for reading materials, as well as allowing students a more comfortable area to learn with a stronger Wi-Fi connection than most places around CSM.

Restored Biology Labs

Renovated CSM Room 201 The Institute Welcoming Week for IITians not only began with welcoming freshmen, transferees and returning students back into the University gates, but also marks the completion of renovating CSM room 201, used by the Department of Biological Sciences.

In an interview to DBS Chairperson Prof. Maria Reina Suzette Madamba last October 2023, Chancellor Alizedney M. Ditucalan took a great part in the renovation of the said lecture room, which was closed during the second semester of Academic Year 20222023. “He [Chancellor Ditucalan] said that the lecture rooms should be the same construction as Room 201 having a table and chairs, and that these facilities be improved for lecture purposes” she added. Moreover, Room 201 is also highly requested not only for lecture classes, but also as a venue for University events.

Recently, CSM Rooms 212 to 215 have been the recent installment in the saga of laboratory repairs, putting many Lynxes in hallway activities. “We still lack rooms, as you can notice, there are still those having classes in the hallway,” Prof Madamba noted.

However, the newly refurbished labs with middle working tables, polished floors and reinstalled tiles with no cracks have caught the attention of students and faculty in the Department of Biological Sciences. “They are happy and many would like to use that room,” Prof. Madamba concluded, as the newly renovated lab rooms are always fully booked as well as Room 201. Furthermore, more laboratory rooms are soon to be in use, as General Lab 2, better known as the Microbiology laboratory, as well as the Genetics Lab are also completing their renovation as of January 2024.

PAGE LAYOUT BY: GWYNETH ZOE TARUC

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EDITORIAL 08

Lynxes need more Undergraduate Research Engagement

The Opinion Team

Proofread by: Aaqilah Mangarun, Frenz Timtim, Jullie Momo, Stephen Guisando Cartoon by: Renz Remotin

Upon editing this year’s Reflecting on the past Bantogen Honors Hopefully, in the coming years, more CSM could utilize their OJT experience to LynxWrapped, Ad Infinitum’s recap of Convocation, where a myriad of undergrad students write presentable or even publishable papers research presenters from the College of CSM achievements over the past Engineering and College of Computer Studies on novel fields that they encountered while year, the first Semester of School Year were recognized as special honorees, CSM doing on-the-job training, especially in the 2023-2024 generally marked a boom undergraduate researchers are yet to make fields of microbiology, biodiversity, zoology, on undergraduate lynxes entering the the cut, with limited opportunities (until chemistry and statistics. halls of presenting symposium- and recently) to engage in presenting their works Engaging in research work beyond the on national and international fora and conference-worthy papers, with Cara competitions. undergraduate thesis requirement also allows Lynxes to forge networks with other Digo and Elaine Tabuada researchers within the University and beyond, Now that the community of Lynxes has seen accompanying their adviser Asst. Prof that would influence them to pursue Muhmin Manting into the Philippine the potential of how undergraduate students postgraduate studies and continue their fields can help their professors engage in research, it Native Plants Conservation is high time for the College to look into potential of interest, becoming full-fledged knowledge Symposium. Aaron Degamon, a BS opportunities to tap the potential of students to generators in the community. Research Chemistry alumnus, also presented help conduct research even as they are participation also enables Lynxes to harness their potential to work with superiors and his undergraduate thesis that finishing their degree. professionals in an ever-expanding research garnered awards in the 2023 One of the opportune times where CSM environment, and provide more challenging Department of Science and Undergraduate students may undertake learning experiences in the challenges of Technology Philippine Council for research is during their on-the-job training or university life.

Health Research and Development OJT period. The partnership between MSU-IIT Finally, as CSM is forged in a community of and the University of the Philippines-Los Grants competition.

Banos, especially on the Museum of Natural partnerships within professors, students and

the community, Lynxes who wish to pursue To cap off this year’s undergrad research History, has offered students going to on-the- research work should also be inquisitive on job training in the said institution to write engagement, another undergraduate BS the problems within the community and Chemistry student, Heisen Jane L. Esdicul papers on the botanical taxonomic specimens become innovators and problem-solvers stored in the said facility. was among the co-authors of Prof. Charlie towards the future, given the ever-increasing Lavilla’s study on Selected Mindanaoan resources and influence that our college has.

For example, Cara Digo and Elaine Tabuada’s Medicinal Plants as Potential Agents to Who knows, we might be able to witness a paper on “What Can Herbarium Records Improve Insulin Resistance in Skeletal Bantogen citation for a paper presenter from Reveal: Preliminary Survey of Piper species at Muscles Under Metabolic Stress, which won CSM within the next two years. The CAHUP-Museum of Natural History, UP Los first runner-up on the International opportunities are endless when we help Banos” aimed to inform the public how Conference on Drug Discovery and students seek the bounds of excellence, from herbarium data can be used as an avenue for Translational Medicine (ICDDTM) held at CSM, to the presenter’s podium, into students to conduct research.

Mines Beach Resort, Seri Kembangan, reputable research publications and beyond.

Selangor, Malaysia last December 4-8, 2023.

PAGE LAYOUT BY: ZAASHRA ESCUTIN

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COLUMN 09

One Step Forward, Two Steps Back: Why Hallway Laboratories Are Hindrances to Excellence Yza Cuajotor

Proofread by: Stephen Guisando

Throughout the decades, Mindanao State University Institute of Technology has embodied excellence in innovative research and commitment to quality education. Given that the College of Science and Mathematics bags programs with Center of Excellence awards, Lynxes are exhilarated because the department is going through a major facelift of its infrastructures coupled with the comeback of reclaiming the top on last year’s Palakasan and the newly honored No. 1 Scientist, Jan Mickelle Maratas, the Dean of the College of Science and Mathematics, brims Lynxes’ remarkable potential to influence the future which undoubtedly contributes to the overall enhancement of the CSM departments, especially under the Department of Biological Sciences.

However, to what extent does this influence the future when first-year students and the general studentry from other programs utilize classroom hallways for their laboratory and lecture while waiting to complete the facility's redevelopment?

We must pause and ponder: does this align with our vision of fostering holistic development, or is this pure negligence and a hint of oversight of the institution?

It is understood that the fast-approaching welcoming season and enrollment surges of MSU-IIT are some of the root causes of this campus crisis as they overlap with the renovation projects of the institution's CSM building.

Empathizing with the administration’s decision to provide a temporary solution, the classroom hallways as a substitute for in-wall lectures and laboratory activities may be pleasing to the ears of the responsible planning heads behind this, but it is critically disturbing and worrying for the students. How long do Lynxes wait to find comfort in their learning environment, especially during exam weeks? How well does this aid the curious minds of our bright students in their laboratory activities?

Resiliency and understanding of this matter are not the problem. The issue lies in the excellence of knowledge provided to students under these circumstances in adherence to what the institution’s upheld values present. Walk the talk MSU-IIT. Visualize how students sit in uncomfortably hot and cramped spaces, forced to absorb their learning material and understand the assigned tasks of their laboratory activity amidst the irking and obstructive arrangement of classes. Hallways are not designed for laboratory activities. It is always risky for the laboratory apparatus because it is prone to accidents, and the students are always accountable for it. It is a host of challenges and safety concerns.

Safety protocols and proper hazard management are essential when doing laboratory activities; however, with the hallway as a laboratory substitute, it is impossible to meet these standards.

The institution should have been keen on this year’s trackers, especially the tidal waves of applications throughout the years, which may disrupt plans and events held by the institution. Keeping the assigned committee informed about their progress and assessing preventive measures for problems like this and allocating appropriate places where they can effectively engage in their lab experiments and activities could have hindered this dilemma.

They need to realize how important it is to provide their students' basic needs and address the problem immediately, as equipment availability, safety, and a focused learning environment are crucial to comply with the standards set to create an effective learning curriculum.

As a department that nurtures ambitious and visionary individuals and a significant contributor to the advancing realm of science and mathematics, Lynxes deserve more than this. I hope that our laboratories will be available soon.

PAGE LAYOUT BY: ZAASHRA ESCUTIN

FEATURES

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06

MARK MACARAYA Proofread by: Stephen Guisando

A superhero in a lab gown is one of the best ways to describe a scientist. Beyond the safety goggles and piles of rough drafts, these scientists dedicate their blood, sweat and tears for groundbreaking discoveries and innovations. These people are the driving force that makes students who are in the same institution as they strive for the same excellence that they have achieved.

MSU-IIT is home to these superheroes who are constantly driven by the quest of knowledge and breaking boundaries.

Whether it's delving to the depths of the oceans by the scientists in Marine biology, deciphering lines of mathematical equations, or utilizing microorganisms for solutions to world problems under the scientists in Microbiology. MSU-IIT covers a wide scope of fields that these researchers could handle.

The Premier Research Institute of Science and Mathematics (PRISM) is designed to be the melting pot of various researchers in the field of science and mathematics. Housing state-of-the art equipment and research facilities, it is one of the defining features that MSU-IIT offers for its scientists.

Researchers from the innovative field of biotechnology to the endeavors of drug development can all be found in the four walls of PRISM.

The presence of these distinguished professors not only adds a gold star to the institution but also acts as a catalyst for its students who are inspired to follow their footsteps. Every superhero needs a mentor to guide them, and these scientists play a pivotal role in shaping their students to become a new generation of creators and thinkers.

“In PRISM, many researchers conduct various research and experiments, from simple ones that can take seconds to some that can take hours. Their accomplishments inspire me to become better as a student as the [number] of trials and efforts they go through for their hard work to bear fruit weighs heavier than me studying for a Yara Belleza, a first-year BS Microbiology test. I aspire to be able to be like student, talked about how being in an them, and persevere through institution filled with groundbreaking my studies,” Daclan stated. scientists has inspired herself, as a freshman, to continue striving for knowledge in the following years to come.

“One of the scientists in MSU-IIT who inspires me is the dean of CSM, Dean Jan Mickelle Maratas, as he had also been ranked as the number one scientist in the Philippines. As a freshman and a student of CSM, I am inspired to work hard and achieve feats that would help me in the future become like the scientists in our institution,” Belleza added.

John Martin Daclan, a first-year student in BS Microbiology, also expressed his admiration for these scientists as he has seen the amount of work and tedious processes they go through during his work immersion in senior high school in PRISM.

In the rapidly-changing world of research, these researchers have left marks using their work.

Brilliant minds who stay curious and fill their insatiable hunger for knowledge and answers whilst contributing to the society. Let these scientists be the heroes we look up to as freshmen students as a beacon of inspiration and of determination as we continue to trail our paths to influence the future.

PAGE LAYOUT BY: RAEGEL BESIN

FEATURES 07

vol. 1

The last stretch of getting ready to go beyond CARMEL BAJAO Proofread by: Aaqilah Mangarun Photo Courtesy of- CSM-EC (Welcoming Week Coverage)

We’re halfway through the school year, and it already feels like we’ve been through one hell of a ride last semester. Time is swift when you realize it was just last year since we first set foot on MSU-IIT after two years of pandemic. For some IITians, it is one semester down and more to go. But for some seniors like me, it is seven semesters down, and we are now on the brink of the final semester of our lives. We are just four months away from that maroon ‘toga’ and golden tassel.

However, as I approach the culmination of my academic journey, I do not merely count the months left but reflect on the countless moments of growth, friendship, and knowledge that have shaped my path towards this momentous occasion. Each lecture I attended, every late-night study session, every last-minute activity and the challenges I overcame with all my classmates and friends have contributed to the tapestry of my collegiate experience.

I only have one last hurdle to jump to, Yet, within these battles lie the seeds of but as the saying goes, “The last push strength and resilience. Each challenge requires the most effort.” Nowadays, faced, whether academic, personal, or seniors are immersed in creating their emotional, becomes a milestone in the thesis writing; every step of the process journey toward personal growth. is exhausting. I feel like everything is a trial-and-error process.

The So, as we approach the last semester of the unpredictable nature of research gives school year, let the anticipation of what lies me uncertainty, hopelessness, and, at ahead inspire us to make the most of the times, excitement. I navigated a path that time we have left together. The friendships requires intellectual exploration and we've forged, the lessons we've learned, academic self-discovery through and the memories we've created will perseverance and resilience. I also feel forever be etched in the pages of our story. like it’s just not me currently in that phase. Everyone calculates their steps so Let's make these final months a testament as not to be able to repeat mistakes. to the incredible journey we've shared and Ultimately, we all aim to end the the limitless possibilities that await each semester with flying colors. one of us beyond the horizon, as we continue to move forever onward, getting Every student has the battles that they ready to conquer the great beyond. are currently facing. Amidst the academic rigors of thesis writing, personal challenges add an extra layer of complexity to our journey. Balancing the demands of coursework, part-time jobs, and family responsibilities becomes a delicate juggling act.

PAGE LAYOUT BY: RAEGEL BESIN

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KOLUM

10

TW: GENOCIDE Pagkamkam ng Israel tungo sa pagkitil ng lahing Palestino Pusang Gala

Proofread by: Aaqilah Mangarun, Frenz Timtim

Mula sa pagsupil ng karapatang sibil, pagbobomba at pagbura ng mga lunsod sa Gaza tungo sa pagkitil ng daan-daang inosenteng buhay, hindi na makatakbo ang estado ng Israel sa mata ng pandaigdigang pamayanan na naniningil na sa mga krimen nito laban sa sangkatauhan.

Ang modernong estado ng Israel, kahit sa pagmamagandang-anyo nito sa pandaigdigang pamayanan, ay hindi na makapagtago sa madugong pinagmulan nito, sa pagkamkam ng lupain at paglunsad ng isang estadong apartheid---na tinitignan ang mga Palestinianong arabo bilang mga dayuhan sa kanilang sariling lupain, hinihigpitan ang kanilang karapatan sa libreng paggalaw, pantay na paggawa at kahit mga batayang pangangailangan tulad ng pagkain, tubig, mga gusali at edukasyon.

Sa panahon na laganap ang karahasan sa pamamagitan ng hukbong Israeli laban sa mga Palestinianong taumbayan, nagdulot ito ng isang pantaumbayang krisis na matagal na natugunan ng mga pandaigdigang organisasyon dahil sa pananara ng mga lagusan paloob ng Gaza, kung saan laganap ang karahasan sa pamamagitan ng pambobomba ng mga ospital at gusaling panlikas ng taumbayang Palestiniano---natatakot na baka sila'y sunod na asintahin ng mga pasabog Ng hukbong Israeli, isang malagim na takot na nagiging reyalidad na sa araw-araw na pamumuhay sa mga okupadong teritoryo sa Palestine.

Habang maling pag-isipan sa unang-una ang paglago ng Hamas bilang isang militanteng organisasyon, naaalala sa mga lente ng kasayasayan na kapag kinamkaman ng lupa ang taumbayan, lagi't lagi silang lumalalaban upang magkaroon ng kalayaan mula sa kanilang mga mang-aapi.

Upang matigil ang krisis na naibungat ng kaguluhang ito, kailangan ng pansariling determinasyon ng mga Palestiniano upang pamahalaan ang kanilang sarili, at magkaroon ng lupain at likas na yaman upang makapagpabuti sa kanilang mamamayan- dalawang bagay na kinakamkam rin ng Estado ng Israel sa makalipas na limang dekada.

Ang pagtanggi ng Israel sa kapangyarihang mamahala at yamang likas na dapat sana'y para sa lupaing Palestiniano ay nababalot sa mismong pambansang interes ng mga Israeli- punuin at angkinin ang "nakasaad na lupain".

Isinusulong nito ang isang expansionistang polisya- sa pagpapalawak ng teritoryo at pag-angkin ng pinakamatabang lupa, pinakamalaking industriya at pagpapatayo ng mga pader sa katiting nang mga bayang tinitirhan ng mga Palestiniano.

Ang panawagan ng karamihan na "from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" ay hindi nanawagan ng pagkamatay sa lahat ng mga taga Israel. Gayunpaman, nangangahulugan ito sa panawagang buwagin ang dekadekada nang pangangamkam sa lupain ng mga Palestinianong naninirahan sa lupain ng iilan nang mga henerasyon.

Ang hangad na bayan at lupain ng mga Palestiniano ay unti-unti nang nauudlot sa patuloy na pamamalakad ng mga partidong namamahala sa Israel na naglalayong palayasin ang mga naninirahan sa West Bank at Gaza upang gawing mga settlement, na para lamang sa mga dayong Israeli. Habang lumalago ang mga polisiyang ito, lumalalim ang sentimento ng mga mamamayang Israeli na nagdududa kung mapayapa pa bang mailunsad ang isang malayang estado ng Palestine, na mula sa 44 bahagdan ng populasyon noong 2017, ngayon, ang sumusuporta sa isang two-state solution ay nasa 35 bahagdan na lamang, ayon sa Pew Research Center.

Ang polarisasyon sa mga mamayang Israeli at ang matagal na pawawalang-kibo ng marami sa ating taumbayan sa sitwasyon ng mga Palestiniano ay bunga ng matagal nang umiiral na disimpormasyon at naratibo ng expansyon. Ang naratibong umiiral na ang Israel ay isang piling lupain na libre na lamang umangkin ay unti-unti nang hinihimay sa social media, sa telebisyon, radyo at mga dyaryo.

Malaki ang naging epekto ng malayang media, lalong-lalo na sa mga publikasyong pangkampus na ibalik sa mga silid-aralan ang diskusyon sa Palestine, na hindi ito isang sigalot sa relihiyon, kundi sa mga taong binawian ng lupain, kinuhanan ng identidad, pinatalsik mula sa kanilang dating maayos na pakikisama sa mga Hudyo at Kristyano sa panahong Otoman, hanggang dumating ang mga lumalaking bilang ng mga nakikipagsidatingan na mga Israeli.

Dahil sa mga peryodista, unti-unti nang nalalantad ang gawain ng Israel sa mga Palestinianong matagal nang nawalan ng lupa at kalayaan mula sa Nakba (sapilitang pagpapalayas) noong 1948, sa pag-angkin ng mga teritoryo sa West Bank at pagblokada sa Gaza noong 2005. Unti-unti nang naihahayag ang mga atrosidad na nangyayari sa mga Palestiniano upang magbigay ng daan para sa mga mananakop na Israeli upang maangkin ang lupain na hindi naman sa kanila.

Nabubuwag na ang mentalidad na dapat suportahan ang Israel dahil alyado ito ng malayang mundo- ng mga bansang Kanluranin- habang tinatadyakan nito hindi lamang ang lupain ng Palestine, kundi kasama rin ang mapaglayang sining, kultura at industriyang nabuo sa dating mapayapa na Gitnang Silangan.

Sa huli, gumigising na ang pandaigdigang komunidad upang lantarang ipakita na may kasalanan ang estado ng Israel sa humanitarian crisis na nangyayari sa Palestine. Mula sa mga ilog tuno sa karagatan, maangkin nawa ng Palestine ang kalayaan.

PAGE LAYOUT BY: ZAASHRA ESCUTIN

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KOLUM

10

Hindi Pagtitipid ang "Pagsusulit" sa Libreng Edukasyon James Monteza

Proofread by: Aaqilah Mangarun, Frenz Timtim

Kamakailan lamang, sa pagsimula ng ating taong akademiko noong Setyembre 2023, binulabog tayo ng mungkahi mula kay Benjamin Diokno na gagawaran na lamang ang libreng edukasyon sa mga makakapasa sa pagsusulit (o entrance test) at hindi na gagawing libre para sa lahat ng mag-aaral. Lubos na ikinabahala ng dating Kalihim ng Badyet at ngayoy gobernador ng Bangko Sentral na si Diokno ang pagtaas ng dropout rate at pagsasayang sa pera ng bansa sa libreng matrukula sa mga SUC. Isinabatas ang Free Tuition Law dahil gusto ng pamahalaan na bigyan ng oportunidad ang kabataang Pilipino na masugpo ang kahirapan at magkaroon ng mga Pilipinong propesyonal na siyang aangat sa ating ekonomiya. Ang unang mga mag-aaral na nakinabang sa libreng matrikula ay nagyo'y mga propesyonal na, nakakatulong sa ekonomiya, ngunit ang iba ay nagdropoit dahil sa epekto pandemya, ayon kay CHED Commissioner J. Prospero de Vera.

Ngunit, kahit pa ipilit ng mga may parehong saloobin ni Diokno na "sayang lamang" kung gawing panlahat ang edukasyon dahil may nandodropout: ang dahilan ng pagtigil sa pag-aral ng karamihan ay hindi lamang ang tuition, kundi ang gastos sa mga proyekto at gamit sa pagaaral. Sa panahon na kakarampot na lamang ang isandaang pisong baon ng isang boarding student, o kaya di na magkasya ang pamasahe pauwi sa kanila dahil sa taas ng presyo ng pagkain, kahit ang araw-araw na gastusin ng isang estudyante ay tumataas na dahil sa paglaki ng inflation rate na pumalo sa 6.1% sa simula ng First Sem. Tandaan na hinahati tayo ng sari-sarili nating mga pribilehiyo. Kung tatanggalin ang libreng edukasyon para sa lahat at gawin lamang basehan ang isang pagsusulit, tanging ang may pribilehiyong makapaghanda ang may malaking tsansang papasa sa gayong entrance exam.

Nawawala ang diwa ng edukasyon bilang isang public good—pag-aari at pinagpondohan ng bayan—at napupunta ang potensyal ng nangangailangang mag-aaral upang umunlad.

Kahit pa gusto nilang ihayag na may mga scholarship naman sa pamahalaan at pribadong sektor, limitado lamang ang nakakabenepisyo nito. Kahit pa gustong ihalintulad ng mga opisyal tulad ni Diokno ang limitadong absorptive capacity ng mga pamantasan sa buong bansa, naayon ngang ipaglaan ito ng pondo at gawing dekalidad ang edukasyon ng mga state and local colleges and universities. Sa panahon kung saan may pampamahalaang opisyal na nakakagasto ng 125 milyong piso sa loob ng labing-isang araw, ang mungkahing pagsusulit ay hindi na tungkol sa pagtitipid—ito ay usapan na ng prayoridad.

Hindi kailanman magiging sulit ang panggigipit sa mga oportunidad na inilalaan sa kabataang Pilipino. Dapat pa ngang lawigin ang pondo ng bayan na inilalaan para sa edukasyon, sa likod ng mga malawakang budget cut na kasalukuyang nangyayari sa mga pamantasan at kolehiyo ng bansa.

Gayunpaman, dapat tuunan ng pansin ng pamahalaan, lalo na sa ingat-yaman ng bayan, na gagamitin ang mga nakalaang pondo di lamang sa libreng edukasyon ng kabataan–kundi sa pagpapalago rin ng mga unibersidad at pagsasanay sa mga guro at propesor.

Ang tunay na pamumuhunan para sa bayan ay ang pagtuon ng pansin sa mga mamamayan nito. Kung ang kasalukuyang galaw ng investment ay pera mula sa labas ng bansa, siguraduin nyo muna na maganda o kaya'y disente na ang pamumuhay ng mamamayan na may oportunidad na umunlad. Kung sa gayong paraan ay sinusulit ang pondo para sa tao, ang bansa ay siguradong lalago.

PAGE LAYOUT BY: ZAASHRA ESCUTIN

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