The Carrier E-Newsletter Vol. 4 No. 2 | January - June 2022

“For stories, we sail.

For truth, we deliver.”

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VO LU M E 4 N O. 2 JA N UA RY - J U NE 2 0 2 2

THE OFFICIAL STUDENT PUBLICATION OF JOHN B. LACSON COLLEGES FOUNDATION (BACOLOD), INC.

BACK ON TRACK

JBLCF-B resumes 100% face-to-face classes VINCE DAVE DUQUILLA

Lacsonians paddle for their PE 4 practical activity as JBLCF-B conducts 100% face-to-face classes.

MDPN. JERRIC CLARIDAD

After a two-year pause, John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation-Bacolod resumes regular face-to-face classes for all college programs.

With the virtue of Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memo No. 1 of 2022 and Inter-agency Task Force for COVID-19 (IATF), 100% student capacity for face-toface learning has been allowed in areas that belong to Alert Level 1 including Bacolod City.

The JBLCF-B faculty and staff have fully geared up by having themselves vaccinated and prepared for a safe and conducive learning environment.

“JBLCF-B has been awarded a Safety Seal Certification. We are in compliance with the minimum public health standards,” said C/M John Erll Destacamento.

For Mdpn. Carwin D. Pagunsan, a freshman, going back to his school for class is a

blessing he has been visioning for a long time.

“I’ve never been a favor of online classes. I just never felt as comfortable with it as I did with in-person classes.”

He confesses that he had to take a few months to adapt from online education for mental health and other personal reasons.

However, now that he is able to return to his institution, he wants to have a better learning experience. “I’ve always found that I learn better in a classroom situation, especially when there are other people around,” he said.

Furthermore, for a graduating student like Mdpn. Michael James Canoy, he was excited to finally spend the remaining days of his college years back in the campus.

“As a graduating student, I was really hoping to attend in face-to-face class again so that I could experience what it is really like to be a student and learn more in this set-up especially that my course [Marine Engineer-

maritime news

news

editorial

171 CHED scholars graduate; 22 with honors

A Den of Political Dynasties

MARINA approves Free Seaman’s Book for first-timers, 50% off for renewals

read on page 03

read on page 04

read on page 03

ing] requires us to be skilled and technical.”

He also expressed his fear about adapting back to the face-to-face setup after two years of online classes.

“I was worried of the transition from online to face-to-face because all of our laboratories were done virtually and we have to do it in person now. But thankfully, I was able to adjust swiftly as I became motivated thinking that we are blessed to be allowed to be in face-to-face classes again.”

It can be recalled on Jan. 17, President Rodrigo Duterte approved the progressive expansion of face-to-face classes for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Consequently, the Interagency Task Force on Emerging and Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) released instructions on this gradual growth in order to strengthen the Philippine education system in the midst of the pandemic.

feature Faith beyond pandemic

read on page 09

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02 news TheCarrier

VOLUM E 4 NO.2 JA NUA RY - JUNE 2 022

Coalition launches ‘Local Youth Agenda’ in Bacolod City

MDPN. RUER G. TORCULAS

In working toward influencing and educating the youth on various issues, Bacolod Youth Coalition for Democracy (BaCoD) publicly released its “Local Youth Agenda” (LYA) at the Hulot sang Pamatan-on at Negros First Cyber Center in Bacolod City on April 8.

Prior to administering the project, the coalition conducted a month-long consultation from February 18 to March 18 this year, alongside the various organizations from different sectors.

BaCoD Networks and Volunteers Head, John Dyrick Dormis, headed the assembly with the Negrosanon Young Leaders Institute, Inc. Youth Empowering Youth Initiative Inc., Philippine Youth Network for Interfaith Dialogue, Humanist Alliance Philippines International, and Youth for Climate Hope.

“The main purpose (of the project) is to engage youth sectors to be in action-driven dialogue, especially in time of elections where they can air out their major call to actions,” Dormis said during the activity.

Dormis also stressed that they aim to introduce LYA to the local youth development councils

so that the program projects and activities of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) federation will be more issue-based and action-driven.

The partnered organizations participated in the consultation process on different dates to discuss the factors that comprise the agendas, namely, education, health, fisherfolk and coastal areas, agriculture, climate justice, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sexual and reproductive health and rights.

Yuval Adera of University of Negros Occidental Recoletos (UNO-R), who shared insights and recommendations for the education sector on February 19, said because the pandemic brought an abrupt change, many students are still uncomfortable with the new learning method.

“This makes learning difficult for the students,” Adera said, citing the challenges in availing the government subsidies for students like them who rely on government vouchers.

BaCoD also presented the LYA after the public release to the One Western Visayas Youth Coalition in Roxas, Capiz, to further advance the call of the youth on the issues faced in Bacolod City and Western Visayas.

Prior to administering the project, the coalition conducted a month-long consultation from February 18 to March 18 this year, alongside the various organizations from different sectors.

YOUTH MOVEMENT. Bacolod Youth Coalition for Democracy (BaCod) released its ‘local youth agenda’ to the public with the aim of influencing the youth.

BaCod

The Carrier holds 1st project to campaign vs ‘fake news’ MDPN. MARC CORTEZ

The Carrier, in partnership with 824th NROTC Unit and Fact-check Philippines, hosted its first-ever webinar that aims for the Lacsonians to be critical in identifying factual data in credible sources to equip themselves with an understanding to campaign for truth via Zoom, March 26.

Furthermore, this event sought to bring back their confidence in the media and other concerned organizations that provide factual information amidst the widespread false information on different social media sites.

Marchel Espina from the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines discussed the role of a journalist in combatting false information and explained the difference between misinformation and disinformation.

“If someone is telling you it’s raining outside, it’s your job to find out if it’s true,” Espina stressed.

She also added if the information came from an anonymous source, find multiple sources to corroborate that story to confirm and verify.

Albert Pagunsan of Fact Check Philippines discussed how to properly fact-check and the im-

portance of fact-checking to avoid misinformation and disinformation.

“That’s the danger of ‘fake news’, they are using your emotions to make you believe in something that is not true,” Pagunsan said.

Jumpstart was the first-ever

project of The Carrier which can be a platform for the John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation (Bacolod) Inc. community to be socially aware of the issues that surround our society today.

THECARRIER FACT CHECKING. JBLCF-B publication ‘The Carrier’ launches Jumpstart to fight the spread of fake news.

T H E O F F I C I A L S T U D E N T P U B L I C AT I O N O F J O H N B . L A C S O N C O L L E G E S F O U N D AT I O N ( B A C O L O D ) , I N C .

TheCarrier

news 03

VOLUME 4 NO.2 | JANUARY - JUNE 2 0 2 2

MARINA OKs free Seaman’s Book for first-timers, 50% off for renewals MDPN. SEAN LADRIDO

HIAP Facebook Page

CBE opts for flexible On-the-Job Training JASELE MAE PRIOLO

During the Second Semester of A.Y. 2021-2022, the two courses under College of Business Education of John B. Lacson agreed on flexible on-the-job training for their fourth-year students.

Even though Bacolod City is placed on Alert Level 1, wherein higher education institutions have been allowed to conduct 100 percent student capacity for face-toface learning by the Inter-agency Task Force for COVID-19 (IATF), the department still opted for an online OJT program in order for the students to complete it on time.

According to Ivan Catalan, Program Head of Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, it is possible to have face-to-face on-the-job training and allow students to have actual experience in a hospitality establishment, but it would not be the best option for now because processing the necessary documents and requirements would take a long time, especially since the students are a few steps behind finishing the program before the tentative graduation date.

Throughout the BSHM’s 600 hours practicum, Hospitality Institute of America-Philippines Inc., the program provider, supplied modules, video lessons, and assessments through a portal that would track the progress of each student enrolled in the program.

“Having our OJT on a virtual setup is quite challenging because our industry requires industry-re-

lated skill sets, but I believe that this is simply an opportunity for us to learn in a different way and do our best to still acquire the professional skills and development that we can get on a face-to-face basis,” share Tyrone Ephraim Vasquez, BSHM 4 student.

Meanwhile, Bachelor of Science in Customs Administration students took a 300-hour online practicum.

“For compliance, our on-thejob instructor contacted several brokerage firms to see if they could provide online training for us to meet the 300-hours requirement of our course.

There were five companies who offered to assist us organize a free online training,” Shanilone Palma, BSCA 4 student, stated.

“Even though it was an online training, it was nonetheless enjoyable, thrilling, and memorable to meet new people that share our enthusiasm. Indeed, these are former students who now run brokerage firms and work for a variety of huge corporations,” she added.

Their OJT emphasizes the need to consciously develop their abilities and stay updated with current trends and technical breakthroughs in order to meet the industry’s demands. Their experience has provided them with valuable insight into what to expect in the profession and what skills they need to possess and develop in order to acquire a job and become a relevant and competent workforce.

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) approves the free Seaman’s Book for “first-time” applicants and 50% discount for renewals to help the seafarers alleviate the cost of acquiring the document, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced on their Facebook page.

This program has been approved by the MARINA Board which will significantly cut the cost that formerly ranges from P1,000 to P1,800 in getting and renewing the Seaman’s book.

According to DOTr Secretary Art Tugade this will be of great help for the seafarers, especially in this pandemic.

“Ito ‘ho ang tulong natin sa seafarers, ito ‘ho ang isang tulong natin sa ating mga bayani habang may pandemya (This is our help to seafarers,

this is our assistance to our heroes during the pandemic),” Tugade said.

He also said the renewal discount will remain until December 2022.

A seaman’s book is a comprehensive document, like a passport, that details the professional life of a seafarer and is a standardized requirement for the profession.

It contains the details of where, when, how, and which vessel a seafarer has served on as well as other personal information which is valid for 10 years.

UNTVnews

171 CHED scholars graduate; 22 with honors

JBLCF-B MDPN. RENGIL MANA-AY

One-hundred seventy-one scholars of Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Student Financial Assistance Programs (StuFAPS) graduate with eight Cum Laude and fourteen with High Honors, June 22 at SMX Convention Center, Bacolod City.

With the various scholarship programs, a total of 95 scholars under the Tulong Dunong Program, 69 scholars under CHED Scholarship Program (CSP) with 21 full merit beneficiaries and 48 half merit beneficiaries finished their college education, and seven scholars under the Unified Financial Assistance System for

Tertiary Education (UniFAST).

“As a student undergoing financial problems, CHED’s Tulong Dunong program motivated me during hard times of my financial crisis and taught me that this is a privilege that I should maintain and be grateful for,” Anthony James Toquero, a Marine Engineering graduate, said.

He added that the increasing value that his tuition gained throughout his studies defined his obligations as a government scholar student to be more studious and that it helped his mother alleviate the weight that she carried for his payables.

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04 editorial TheCarrier

VOLUM E 4 N O.2 JAN UARY - JU N E 2022

A Den of Political Dynasties

For decades, politics has been a game of political dynasties. In the Philippines, it appears that influential clans can write and incorporate governm e n t positions in their Last Will and Testament - a hereditary monarchy is what it seems to have become. This system has thrived since time immemorial, but when will this den come to an end?

According to Rappler’s research, the number of political families in the country significantly raise to 163 after the 2019 midterm elections, with “fat” political dynasties accounting for 29% of local positions - elected senators, congressmen, governors, and other officials in local government units (LGUs) who are from the same family.

In an interview with The Manila Times, Julio Teehankee, a professor at De La Salle University in Manila, stated that the archipelago generated roughly 319 dynastic families dating back to when the country was a US territory in the first half of the 20th century.

“Dozens have withered, but in 2019, members of at least 234 such families won positions,” he noted. One of the most prominent and longest dynasties is the Marcos family. Its beginnings can be traced back to the pre-Commonwealth House of Representatives, where Mariano Marcos, the grandfather of the incumbent President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., was elected to office. Decades

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after, their dynasty peaked as Ferdinand Marcos Sr. sat as the country’s head for two decades.

Since then, their names have never gotten out of Philippine politics.

The data show that while the Philippine government was founded to serve its people, economic and political monopoly may always be expected because most of the elite families sit and hold positions there. Philippine politics has become a popularity contest.

How many Aquinos, Revillas, Villars, Dutertes, Binays, and Marcoses have switched places solely to maintain their political power, or, more importantly, is it

BEANNE JACA

only political power that they hold?

Maybe politics is merely a stepping stone for them to pursue a higher desire. The Philippine government has seemingly become a family business where we, the ordinary citizens, work hard and pay taxes right

in the hopes of a better country.

We cannot place all of the blame on those privileged clans because some Filipinos have refused to educate themselves and instead vote for members of powerful political families, viewing them as idols or dispensers of political and/ or material favors. This is also this is rooted in the decades-long problem in education and years of utilizing factories of false information over social media to deceive the masses. It is important to note also that political dynasties have the power and might to spend during c a m paigns than their competitors. They have the pieces of machinery and other campaign paraphernalia, not to mention the vote-buying, that could greatly improve their winning chances.

With the election results of 2022, it is apparent that the PH government is a nest of political dynasties. The more powerful and well-known your family is, the more likely victory will come to you personally.

“Power begets power,” as Professor Julio Teehankee put it, “the longer they stay in power, the more power they accumulate, the more powerful they become.” Ending the long list of political dynasties will never be a walk in the park, but it’s not impossible either. We do not know when just yet, but if we work hard enough collectively at it, it is possible.

E DITOR- IN- CHIEF Mdpn. Rengil V. Mana-ay

ASST. MAN AGIN G EDITOR Mdpn. Chryshan Nheil F. Alejano

LITER AR Y E D I T O R Mdpn. Carlo Miguel O. Barodi

ASSOCIATE E D ITOR Jasele Mae S. Priolo

N EWS EDITOR Mdpn. Jerric R. Claridad

SPOR T S E D I T O R Mdpn. Gerald C. Diano

MANAGING E D ITOR Mdpn. Ruer G. Torculas

FEATU RE EDITOR Mdpn. Mark John P. Priolo

LAYO UT AND G R AP HI C S E D I T O R Emmy S. Nava

S.Y. 2021-2022

T H E O F F I C I A L S T U D E N T P U B L I C AT I O N O F J O H N B . L A C S O N C O L L E G E S F O U N D AT I O N ( B A C O L O D ) , I N C .

TheCarrier

opinion 05

VOLUME 4 NO.2 | JA NUARY - JUNE 2 0 2 2

Divided with Stand, Together We Fall Have you ever seen an optical illusion? It is commonly an image that creates distortions the longer we perceive them, tricking us into thinking of it as something that it is not. One of the most famous examples of this would be the internet trend of 2015, where millions of online users came to a disagreement over a single washed-out image of a dress. Users could come to an understanding of its true color, with some saying white and gold, while others claiming it to be black and blue. Up until now “the dress” has been the topic of numerous discussions and investigations into neuroscience and vision perception. It is also our key to understanding how political divides work and how social media enhances it, so keep that dress in mind.

However, let us first establish a basic foundation, when we speak about subjects that we are divided over, most of the time the subject contains some sort of social element within it.

Contrary to that, we don’t tend to fight over subjects that are purely physical, like say, the properties of water. With purely physical subjects we tend to be open to evidence and we tend to converge on a common understanding of that issue.

But when you bring in a social element, the picture suddenly changes, like when I say that the population will rise over the years and will create an influx of poverty.

Even with this simple statement, something within you is provoked, a flash of negativity may appear on your mind as you read this and you may start G R A PH I C A RT I S T Beanne Y. Jaca S T A FF W R IT E R S Angelic Cheil Feril Jeremy Josh Alojado Mdpn. Marc Cortez Mdpn. Sean Ladrido

We tend to be congratulatory towards our own views and derogatory towards those that oppose them, often seeing ourselves as intelligent and the people that agree with us as intelligent as well, while viewing those that disagree with us as dumb and uninformed.

Carlo Miguel O. Barodi carlomiguel.barodi@gmail.com

TastelessThough ts

to wonder who I am, and what exactly am I getting at. I n other words, mental guards in your head started going up, tiny and subconscious as they may be.

If you are one of the people who were provoked by the statement, it is perfectly normal, that is because when we talk about social subjects we don’t think in an open and exploratory way, unlike with physical subjects, instead, we think with our preferences. Our preferences are the center of our thought process, and anything we think up instantly will bend to accommodate our preferences. I know it’s a little uncomfortable to read, but in order to understand the nature of the political divide, we need to be open to this uncomfortableness. The reason we fight so much over politics is that we think using our preferences, and our preferences can distort our thinking when we go over social subjects.

It is primarily an intuitive process, we make quick and intuitive judgments about politicians, policies, and ideas, even going so far as to make our judgments using political spectrums. And when we think about them, it either seems right or wrong to us the more we P H OTO & VIDE O E DIT OR Nele Stephen M. Pacurib P H OTOGRAP H E RS Mdpn. Bab Christian Sanchez Mdpn. Vince Dave T. Duquilia MODE RATOR Alyn G. Libertad, MAEd

contemplate it. They are either appealing or unappealing to us.

Those quick intuitive flashes shape our preferences on certain issues, and from there, our strategic reasoning comes in to collect evidence and convince ourselves that our intuition was right all along. With social issues, our intuitions heavily bias us to perceive certain issues in a personal particular way.

So, it turns out that when we want to believe in something, our brain finds permission to believe it. This, in turn, creates low standards of evidence, in fact, we can just find one piece of pseudo-evidence, and then we stop our search because we already have the permission to believe that evidence, regardless of its validity.

Similarly, when we don’t want to believe something, our brain searches for an escape route, even a single piece of evidence that doubts its claim is enough for us not to believe it. There are certain subjects we don’t attempt to fully understand and base our beliefs on, rather we selectively confirm the views that we have. Just like in the case of “the dress”, some people look at it and want to believe it as gold and white, while

EDITORIAL POLICY. TheCarrier is published twice every year as the official newsletter of John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation (Bacolod), Inc., Pauline Village, Alijis, Bacolod City. TheCarrier accepts original articles from students and faculty. We edit contributed articles and provide correction for write-ups that need modification or improvement. All contributions must be legibly written and double spaced. All submitted articles automatically become properties of TheCarrier

others look at it and believe it is black and blue. Even more erratic is sometimes what we see is all we get, ignoring even the most crucial of evidence just to establish our own personal and made-up idea of the situation, which gets worse the more we try to force and shape it. And that is what creates the rift that often divides and splits us apart.

We tend to be congratulatory towards our own views and derogatory towards those that oppose them, often seeing ourselves as intelligent and the people that agree with us as intelligent as well, while viewing those that disagree with us as dumb and uninformed. This is what researchers Gordon Sammut and Frank Bezzina call: Naïve Realism, where people tend to think that their perception is objective, thinking they see the world as it is and that people that disagree with them are biased.

So, if you ask me why we are divided, the answer I think is simply because we aren’t trying to be divided. And I know I am simplifying things by being binary, in reality, there can be multiple sides and perspectives towards certain social subjects.

The point is that we must be willing to think outside of our own perspective. It can be said that to fully understand something, you must first be willing to do it with an open mind. Because in the end, it doesn’t matter if the dress is black or gold, what is important is that it fits.

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06 opinion TheCarrier

VOLU M E 4 N O.2 JANUARY - JUN E 2022

Activism is Not a Form of Terrorism beginning of the Duterte administration, activism is now in danger in the country. The country has been known to be one of the most dangerous places for environmental activists with 30 being killed, linked Jeremy Josh Alojado to the same cause in the same year Jcuison559@gmail.com and more than anywhere else in the world. More than 6 years have QueerFrontier passed and the hunt for activists has been turned into the idea in which choosing to support activists Activism has been a major factor is a form of recruiting for Comin how society now functions and munist factions such as the NPA. The government chose to hanis known as it is. Imagine a world wherein females are not given the dle this during the previous adminright to vote, and a set-up wherein istration with the use of Senate Comeducation is considered to be a mittee Report No. 10, which seeks to privilege only accessible to the enforce on schools increased police rich and powerful. All of this and military presence on campuses would be how our world works in and reviews/investigations on curthe absence of activism. With the ricula and faculty. However, this is conclusion of the presidential and a form of contradicting the right of national elections in our country, the people to freedom of speech. we should be able to put into factor Apart from protesting, activism how important activism is and takes several forms. A kind of activavoid confusing it with terrorism. ism is any deliberate and energetic participation A s in the pursuit defined by M a r c e l o Activism is not a form of a righS v i r e s k y of terrorism nor does it recruit teous cause, whether on from Cardiff to enter terrorist the ground U n i ve r s i t y. people Activism is groups. Standing up against or online. But defined as in- injustice is no crime and should what makes the protest volving local instigations not be condemned as it serves action so cruof new series as a form of democracy in this cial is that it unites these of elements country. efforts into intersecting a single tanthe actual, generating new collective enunci- gible, communal demonstration ations, experimentations, and in- of devotion and accountability to vestigations, which erode good and the cause, fellow activists, and the common sense and cause structures people they serve. All concerns are to swing away from their sedimented intertwined in people’s movements.

Activism is not a form of terroridentities. This just goes to show the power that the people should behold ism nor does it recruit the people and know, and yet many are scared to enter terrorist groups. Standing to speak up for fear of being red- up against injustice is no crime tagged by the higher-ups of society. and should not be condemned as Activism in the Philippines has it serves as a form of democracy long been portrayed in the history in this country. The voices of books including the Edsa revolution the people should be heard not which placed an end to the reign of silenced and history should not be the late Ferdinand Marcos. It can rewritten. Activism is not fueled by even be traced back even further hate, rather it is fueled by love for during the colonial times wherein a better future, hunger for good activism played a major role in governance, and hope and dreams exposing the abuses under the of the future generations to come.

Spanish regime. 2 years after the

Tap Into the Rabbit Hole of concern coming from the right people. However, we subconsciously or deliberately seize its purpose. We became too intimidated by the thought, we got Angelic Cheil Feril scared, and eventually throwangelicferil30@gmail.com back unnecessary criticism.

TheRabbitYonder As globalization rises, we have no choice but to deal with differences. Hence, this Jawaharlal Nehru, the former phenomenon caused a conflict prime minister of India, once because of criticisms due to beliefs.

Sometimes stated, “What we are matters diverse the criticism you face has its more than what other people think of us.” Starting from point in a different context. the moment that we all have Each side of the issue must be our sense of selves, we do not understood and must adjust owe an explanation to others. to make everything balanced.

If you are afraid of criticism Perhaps this practice of being non-explanatory toward judg- and end up just being defined ment seems elusive due to some by it, you have to widen your context. However, we must not perspective and be brave to create a baseline to define the defy and understand why such criticism exsense of ists. Merely our being submitting because If you are afraid to the idea of self-exof you, p l a n a t o r y of criticism and end up made by d i srespec t . just being defined by it, someone, is Why do you have to widen your a disrespect you think perspective and be brave to yourself. we are what to defy and understand If you we are? It are a person is simple. It why such criticism exists. in a differis because ent context we chose questioning the this from the moment the endlessly identity of others, you have to independence of our senses understand that the world does began. And before choosing what comfort zones we must not revolve around a single enter, we already decided to context. The world would be so be this way. Nonetheless, the boring without complexities.

The quote goes both ways, concept faded away when we not merely from a one-person started to open doors for intruperspective, “stepping outside sive comments about our lives. your comfort zone” became too According to the Guardian mainstream that we hardly even Professional, criticisms are practice its essence.

Hence, difficult to handle since nobody wants to be regarded as “wrong,” it’s time to face the fear of but it has its competitive advan- stepping into the unknown diftage. Criticism can be a medium ference and dare to understand.

T H E O F F I C I A L S T U D E N T P U B L I C AT I O N O F J O H N B . L A C S O N C O L L E G E S F O U N D AT I O N ( B A C O L O D ) , I N C .

TheCarrier

opinion 07

VOLUME 4 NO.2 | JA NUARY - JUNE 2 0 2 2

Dissent is duty “Blind belief in authority is the greatest enemy of truth.”

These are the words of the great Albert Einstein that resonated with me as I looked back to the dark horrors of the past that have started and continue to unveil, yet again.

One of the pillars of democracy is the fundamental human rights in which every person is entitled to enjoy the freedom of speech and belief free from fear and intimidation, especially when individuals have dissenting opinions. Today, we favor democracy as the most acceptable form of governance because a citizen has a right to dissent without fear of victimization — as long as such dissent does not lead to inhuman or unconstitutional action. By contrast, dissent in an authoritarian, dictatorial or colonial regime could lead to the severest of punishments — loss of life — as happened in our country 50 years ago under the Marcos dictatorship.

With the return of the former dictator’s son to the palace, will the trepidations of the past reoccur?

In a democracy, non-governmental organizations provide a platform to civil society to dissent in an informed and reasoned manner.

Rengil V. Manaay

rengil.manaay@jb.jblfmu.edu.ph

bigEGO They serve as an equalizer especially when the government perpetuates the culture of stifling dissent. This is because Filipinos are not wired to simply do what is asked of them.

They are not recorders that simply repeat what is said. They do not readily accept whatever is presented to them. They pose questions and demand responses. They elevate the discussion in order to reach a fair solution. They disagree in whatever ways they can. However, these all seem so different over social media.

With the rise of platforms such as vlogging and blogging, the truth has become elusive. Social networking sites play a vital role in the dissemination of information and in the discourse of opinions

It needs to be highlighted that whoever is in the position needs not to be glorified at all times. We have to be vigilant for the power is in us. among Filipinos. Being tagged as the “social media capital of the world”, Filipinos usually source their information from various social media applications and sites. Consequently, a problem however arises when news obtained from these platforms are false, misleading, or unverified.

The fight again misinformation and disinformation has transpired into an uphill battle. The propagandists, ‘fake news’ peddlers, and irresponsible vloggers and bloggers seem more believable over well-trained and experienced journalists and experts.

If you ask a question, you will be labeled as a state enemy. Voice your opposition and you become a destabilizer. If you provide factual information that refutes

what has been asserted, you will be red-tagged. Fact-check, verify and correct the unverified claims, people will call you biased. This is now considered to be normal.

People are reluctant to express their opinions out of concern that they will be bullied or called names or worse, they will be hunted down by those who are in the government.

It needs to be highlighted that whoever is in the position needs not to be glorified at all times. We have to be vigilant for the power is in us. Democracy diminishes when we don’t encourage dissent and conversation.

Developing solutions that will improve the country requires actively listening to others’ opinions. Though differences of opinion are unavoidable, it is crucial to know how to respect them, particularly when they are based on facts rather than merely conjecture. If we disregard dissent as a fundamental of democracy, then what our forefathers fought in the streets to achieve the freedom and rights that we enjoy would make no sense. Let us not allow the dreadful years come back again.

We are not that high, aren’t we?

Do you recall the last time your parents’ stories about how such goods and supplies are cheap and affordable? Well, now that is a mere tale compared to the current cost of items. Credits to the rate at which prices grow over a specific period known as inflation.

As we grew older, we all became aware of and experienced the swings in cost. We all have needs and wants, so we have different expenses. Families are worse off when prices rise faster than the income they receive. It is because they have less money to spend. Therefore, their actual income after inflation decreases, lowering their disposable income. The earnings serve as a stand-in for the level of living. The standard of living rises in tandem with growing real wages and vice-versa.

Year-to-date, average infla-

Vince Dave T. Dequilla vince.dave1126@gmail.com

Davutism

tion stands at 4.1%. According to Rappler, the Philippines’ inflation rate rose to 5.4% in May, as skyrocketing global oil prices continued to seep through other goods. And as stated in an Inquirer.net article, the country’s headline inflation rate in June 2022 was 6.1 percent according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The leap in rate is very evident in such a short period because having a high inflation

Some might perceive the increasing exchange rate of the dollar as a benefit, when in fact, it unknowingly defeats them.

Stronger dollar exchange rates result in higher remittances in pesos, but rising inflation negates the perks. rate

is considered harmful.

With that being said, inflation is anti-poor since high inflation expands the percentage of the low-income earners and diminishes the actual minimum wage thus increasing poverty.

As for the dollar earners, some might perceive the increasing exchange rate of the dollar as a benefit, when in fact, it unknowingly defeats them. Stronger dollar exchange rates result in

higher remittances in pesos, but rising inflation negates the perks.

Money goes up the economic ladder as more individuals fail financially. As a result, a smaller number of people hold an increasing amount of wealth. This occurs because inflation deprives those with lower earnings while enriching those with higher incomes.

This calls for attention that the economy of the Philippines should be prioritized and in need of a solution. If inflation is kept under control and at a reasonable range, the economy may succeed. It enables many people to improve their standards of life, pay off debt, and accumulate money, and it can stimulate the economy as a whole. But if the inflation rate continues to grow, we will suffer even more.

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VOLU M E 4 N O.2 JANUARY - JU N E 2022

NOPSSCEA SPIRIT LIVES ON. Students from various private schools in the province vie for different titles in 2022 NOPSSCEA Literary and Musical Competition.

VINCE DAVE DUQUILLA

NOPSSCEA LitMus tilts start anew after two years MDPN. GERALD DIANO

As Bacolod City settles to Alert Level 1, John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation-Bacolod was arms wide open in hosting the Negros Occidental Private Schools Sports Cultural Educational Association (NOPSSCEA) Season 41 Literary-Musical Competitions, with the theme “NOPSCCEA Never Outdone at 41.”

“Our team NOPSSCEA, headed by our president Dr. Ryan Mark

Molina, is so happy to bring back NOPSSCEA again for our students.

We are here to support their potential and co-curricular activities. We are gradually adjusting to the normal,” said Cheryl Pagunsan, JBLCF-B Student Activity Coordinator.

Waving the banner of JBLCF-B was Kyle Jenelle Salazar, coached by Mr. Mark Anthony Apurado, as he clinched the gold medal in Oration.

Furthermore, Rengil Mana-ay, who was coached by 2/E Charles

Mangga, secured 3rd place in Impromptu Speaking. On Vocal Solo, Mardyll Gonzales placed 4th, while Justine Gonzales and Shiela Mae Guarin took 5th place in Vocal Duet.

The three of them were coached

by Mr. Cheryl Pagunsan together with Jeaven Musni who was hailed as the Mutya ng PRISAA Sports.

12 Elementary Schools, 22 Junior High Schools and Senior High Schools, and 10 Tertiary Schools competed for the said events.

NOPSCCEA is an annual event joined by most of Negros Occidental private schools which showcases talent, skills, and sportsmanship.

However, it was halted two years ago due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The on-site competitions were only witnessed by fully-vaccinated coordinators, judges, contestants, parents, and coaches at the school’s covered court.

HM Department crowns 1st Mr. & Ms. HMC

BAB CHRISTIAN D. SANCHEZ

JEREMY JOSH ALOJADO

After its 2 years hiatus, the Hospitality Management Council Week celebration was brought back to life as the College of Business Education (CBE) department of John B. Lacson Colleges Foundation held its 17th culmination

activities last May 18 to 20.

To showcase the talents and skills of the students, various activities have been conducted such as Napkin Folding Competition, Bed Making Relay, Waiter’s Relay, Table Skirting, Table Setup, Chef Wars, Fruit and Vegetable Carving, and Cake Decoration.

Furthermore, Ella Joy Singian of BSHM 3-Alpha and Nele Stephen Pacurib of BSHM 2-Bravo bagged the Miss and Mister HMC 2022 crowns.

“I am so grateful for this competition as it helped boost my self-confidence and become a better version of myself. Not only I have gained another beautiful experience, but also I am able to say that I am proud of myself for conquering something that others cannot. And by saying that, I meant facing a lot of people, spreading my own advocacy, and influencing my co-students,” Singian shared.

She also added that joining the pageant while having a hectic schedule was no easy feat. She had to juggle her research defense, final examination, and the

culminating activities. However, having a supportive family and friends helped a lot in order for her to strive harder and do her best as she faced the crowd.

Singian also won the Miss Photogenic, Best in Production Number, Best in National Costume awards.

Meanwhile, Aliya Niña Flores of 2-Alpha and Rhod Stephine Serato of BSHM 1-Charlie was hailed as the Miss and Mister HMC 1st runner-up. Serato also bagged the Best in National Costume award.

Bianca Shannen Pabuaya of 3-Alpha and Cyrus Yunel Nueva of 1-Charlie finished as 2nd runner-up. Nueva was awarded as Best in Production Number.

T H E O F F I C I A L S T U D E N T P U B L I C AT I O N O F J O H N B . L A C S O N C O L L E G E S F O U N D AT I O N ( B A C O L O D ) , I N C .

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VOLUME 4 NO.2 | JA NUARY - JUNE 2 0 2 2

Faith beyond pandemic

SOCCOM CORRESPONDENT OF ST. ROCH-TANZA

MDPN. MARK JOHN PRIOLO

As the world is slowly healing from an unseen foe, the lives of the people continue to go on and the once halted traditions emerge again.

It has been two years since the Roman Catholics’ tradition during the Holy Week was put into pause. Devotees were nowhere seen in the premises of the church but inside their own houses. No processions, mass, Visita Iglesia, yet the spirit of their devotion and faith were a fire undying.

Pandemic could be seen as a hindrance of faith but for a true believer it was a time to strengthen one’s devotion. Nurtured by a God-centered family, Irving Tuares, shared his experiences with the sudden changes in their practices.

“The pandemic has drastically affected my faith in a sense that it has further strengthen my devotion.”

Tuares is currently the President of the Knights of the Altar, a Social Communication Respondent of the Diocese of Bacolod, a member of the Catechist, one of the committees of the PPCRV during elections, member of the Circle of Discernment (Voters’ Education), and a member of the Synodal Team.

Growing up serving the church, he has seen how the pandemic affected the church community.

“The unexpected shift of tides caused by the pandemic has disrupted our everyday way of living and service to the community of God and optimistically speaking the pandemic has given me and my family a quality time to spend together and an ample time for self-reflection, by being connected with the persons you love the most is the most precious gift God could

give me and I am forever thankful for that and that despite the challenges the disasters of pandemic has given us we were not abandoned by God,” Tuares expressed.

The church activities never paused the entire pandemic. Instead, the faithful became diverse to spread the word of God. Masses were made possible online and church activities was based on government health protocols. “The Triduum celebration (3 commemorative celebration of the Life of Christ before Easter, which is part of the Holy Week celebration) were still celebrated but attended and celebrated by the Priest alone,” he said.

A proof that no matter the reasons serving God was never impossible.

Delighted by the resumption of traditions in Holy Week celebration, despite the limitations, it indicated a recovering world from the adversities brought by COVID-19. “To all the young people, serving God has never been boring, it is the other way around— it is very exhilarating and it is a privilege. The Church is a place of molding people to better understand themselves and the mission God has sent them, I for one could say that we serving at the Church are well rounded people trained in learning the way of the living and life, understanding it and embracing its being. The Holy Week celebration is one of the many occasions that I could think of in where every people could start to venture sacredness and who seeks to grasp meaning of how beautiful life could be,” he added.

Serving God is not a duty to be fulfilled but a way of life that everyone should live. Tuares is a prime example of a Lacsonian who live by the value of Godliness. Despite the obstacles, paying adoration to the creator was never a struggle.

SOCCOM CORRESPONDENT OF ST. ROCH-TANZA

EMMY NAVA

Potato Commotion: Global Shipping Crisis ANGELIC CHEIL FERIL

If there is one inexpensive food dinner that Filipinos won’t ever become weary of eating, that is the French fries. Such a dearest thing cheap food chains in the nation are offering it to cafes in enormous bits, yet additionally in pail sizes. Sadly, a uber serving of the seared treat is right now not accessible in numerous cafés today Various famous foods, including marmite and cream cheddar, have confronted shortages in the midst of store network interruptions created by the Covid pandemic and outrageous climate. Potatoes are the most recent to join the rundown, opening up in certain nations and cheap food chains due to the conversion of variables.

China, Russia, India, and the United States are the world’s top potato makers. In any case, last year, U.S. ranchers needed to obliterate an overabundance of millions of potatoes after lockdowns, and remaining at-home requests prompted a lofty decrease popular, including from cafés. The U.S. potato crop declined by 2% in 2021, as indicated by a November report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“If your business relies on shipping goods into or out of the country, the recent upheaval in the container shipping market would have taken its toll. Trying to forecast company profits and losses while shipping costs are so uncertain can make it difficult for any business owner to keep a tight rein on expenditure.” Global shipping crisis as defined by the Dynamic Business.

This phenomenon affected various famous fast food stores such as McDonald’s, KFC, Jollibee,

and more. Some people aren’t aware of the shortage yet and got frustrated with the limited distribution of the famous french fries due to the global freight crisis.

There has been a commotion about the potato shortage issue.

Some random netizens on Facebook ranted that the fast-food stores in the Philippines rely too much on importation which resulted in a food security problem. The netizens suggested supporting local farmers and lessening the importation as they can grow potatoes too.

According to Statista, “In 2020, the total volume of potato imported by the Philippines amounted to around 26.64 thousand metric tons, reflecting an increase from the previous year’s total. Overall, the import volume of potato had been gradually increasing over the past five years.”

The Philippines isn’t the main nation experiencing a potato shortage. In January, the Washington Post composed that COVID-19 and different factors, for example, terrible climate and work disputes were causing issues with the potato store network. Following that, nations, such as for example, Singapore and Indonesia have experienced huge spud deficiencies prompting limits on french fry orders.

In South Korea, the issue is awful to such an extent that McDonald’s there has as of late depended on supplanting french fry side requests with chicken tenders or cheddar sticks instead. As per The Washington Post, The potato shortage overall can be a consequence of various variables — from the continuous pandemic to “awful climate, scourges, or work disputes.”

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SP RTS VOLU M E 4 N O.2 | JAN UARY - JU N E 2022

@PREMIER VOLLEYBALL LEAGUE

A PERFECT PVL CONFERENCE: Creamline Cool Smashers Smooth-sailed PVL Open Conference Finals MDPN. GERALD DIANO

After dispatching the biggest threat Petro Gazz Angels, the Cool Smashers shared their feast of glorious celebration inside Ynares Sports Arena, April 8, with Alyssa “The Phenom” Valdez bombing with 20 points to cap off the series 2-0.

A redemption story inside the historic Arena, unbothered by the fact they were once shocked

last year’s bubble conference by Cherry Tiggo. Smashers proved themselves again as they managed to be the winners of three of the last four Open Conference titles.

Dropping the 2nd set alone, a clear display of dominance was shown as the score of 25-18, 15-25, 25-23, 25-16. Unsung heroes like multi-time best setter Jia de Guzman kept up her stellar play with 35 excellent sets, while former MVP

Jema Galanza added 17 points.

Meanwhile, Petro Gazz’s Gretchel Soltones tried her best to impact her team despite a problem in her right knee but ended up scoreless in a short-time appearance. Nicole Tiamzon grasped her way with a 14-pointer run, Myla Pablo, and MJ Phillips added 13 apiece.

PH Women’s E-sports Team wins 31st SEA Games Tournament MDPN. CARLO MIGUEL O. BARODI

Philippine women’s E-sports team, GrindSky Eris, bagged the gold medal in the League of Legends: Wild Rift women’s E-sports tournament held in Singapore, following a complete sweep over the competition during the tournament held on the consequent days of May 17 to 18.

The GrindSky Eris squad made up of five participants Christine Natividad, Rose Ann Robles, Charize Doble, Giana Llanes, April Sotto, and Angel Lozada spared no expense in a complete crushing victory of 3-0.

The squad was able to dominate the first game against Thailand, 1-0.

The second game the squad encountered a tight situation but found the opportunity to clinch the victory in

mid to final moments of the game, winning 1-0 against Singapore. In the semi-finals, the squad faced up against Thailand and was once again able to win the upper hand bringing the victory to 3-1. Finally, in the Gold medal match, the GrindSky Eris squad effortlessly won against Singapore in the final match being 1-0, bringing the squad’s final standing to 3-0, ensuring them the gold medal.

Victory in regards to the tournament has opened up a new direction for a more diversified Esports setting, allowing women to rise up to the challenge and gain confidence in a field they are passionate about, something GrindSky Eris squad completely agrees with.

“We are so proud of our female Wild Rift teams who have made his-

tory by bringing medals home and demonstrating what representation in esports looks like. The results of this year’s SEA Games reaffirm that women have the skills and talent to truly impact in esports in their local communities and on a global stage,” Ban Chee, League Operations Manager of Wild Rift for APAC, said.

Curry clinches first All-star Game MVP MDPN. MARC CORTEZ

The unanimous Most Valuable Player and reigning 3-point king, Wardell Stephen Curry made history during the allstar game as he sunk 16 triples and won the Kobe Bryant all-star game MVP to cap off a historic all-star performance.

The two-time league MVP was the 2nd selection of Team Lebron. Lebron James and Stephen Curry have been a deadly tandem since they have never dropped a single all-star game when the two played together at the said event.

As the game tipped off it was clear that Curry was swinging for the fences, whenever he held the ball he always looked to shoot and finished the half with eight 3-pointers, a shy away from the all-star game record for most threes in a game that Paul George set during the 2016 all-star game.

As the 3rd Quarter came, the greatest shooter in the history of the NBA didn’t hesitate to continue his onslaught, and clearly never lifted his foot on the pedal as he ended the Quarter with 15 made 3-pointers, shattering the previous record and pushing it to new heights.

The last quarter of the all-star game was the quarter that mattered the most where Curry elected to focus more on winning the game by moving the ball and giving his teammates opportunities also to score. As the game approached the last minutes of the final quarter the score was a wire to wire where Lebron made a tremendous midrange fade away to put his team on the high side. After making the shot, they followed it up with one last defensive stop to clinch the game.

Finishing with 50 points, clearly Stephen Curry was the brightest amongst all-stars, and he won the Kobe Bryant all-star game MVP, shattering another 3-point record.

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T H E O F F I C I A L S T U D E N T P U B L I C AT I O N O F J O H N B . L A C S O N C O L L E G E S F O U N D AT I O N ( B A C O L O D ) , I N C .