Pacemaker by NAO PACEMAKER

contents

foreword

News

5 schools, 500 students, 1 ANENO

Aneno 2.0: Back and Better

BY CHESKA SARABIA

BY RHEEM T. MUNDOC

From RN to MD: AdZU Physician Licensure Examination Passers 2020

15 billion pesos pocketed

Zamboanga City COVID-19 Response

BY NATHANIEL JOHN SULADAY

BY MARIA MONTECALBO

BY CHARISMA PASTOR

Feature

Adzu culture amidst the new normal

Finding the middle ground between natural and medical practice

Never settling always roaring

BY TASHA EUGENIO

BY REYES, RICHELLE MAE

BY RHEEM MUNDOC

Confessions of a nursing tita

Covid 19 pandemic access to healthcare

Re-search: Tree of life

BY RHEA MURCIA

BY GRENA KRYSTA LHAR GUAN

BY ALMIRA ALMIÑANA

Editorial

When the sleeping dragon awakes

Black Lives Matter: a clamor for equality, not a trend

Apoliticism: a travesty of citizenship

BY DERSLY LANE ARADO

BY CLOUISE RENOLLA

P I

Pacemaker continues to be the avenue of creative writing and art for nursing students. It is our utmost duty to be the vessel of freedom of expression and truth. The writers, photojournalists, cartoonists, and layout artists have emulated excellence in their craft. Such admirable feat cannot be possible without their

Sports

courage and passion to convey their views, artistry, and personality into their

PBA Player: The Second COVID-19 Case in the League’s Bubble

Fil-Am Wesley So snatches the Skilling Open Crown against World Champion

The How’s of NBA Bubble

BY HASAN ALAMIA II

BY YUSRHINA USMAN

BY SHARIEFA JHAN JADJI

work. May our efforts in this endeavor not return to void but shall resonate in the hearts and minds of the readers. Ultimately, the glory is not to us but to God. We dedicate the fruits of our work to Him alone. Soli Deo gloria. Only to God be the glory.

ANENO 2.0: Back and Better!

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R H E E M T. M U N D O C

ANENOnation just reached a whole different level of excitement upon the news that the memorable three-day webinar of their summer break was back! The participating schools dropped the announcement on their respective social media pages last September 9, 2020 and the response was massive.

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ANENO: Adapting to the New Normal is a collaborative initiative of the Nursing Academic Organization of Ateneo de Zamboanga University and Western Mindanao State University-College of Nursing Student Council, in partnership with Brent Hospital and College Incorporated, Pilar College Nursing Program, and Universidad de Zamboanga School of Allied Medicine Nursing Department. The first ANENO was one for the history books – and the second one will totally be on par with it.

Anen

CHESKA M. SARABIA

ive hundred nursing students coming from five schools in the city of Zamboanga unite as they embark in the 3-day webinar series dubbed as Adapting to the New Normal or ANENO. Spearheaded by the AdZU College of Nursing and in collaboration with WMSU, UZ, Pilar College and Brent, the webinar first occurred on July 17, which gave emphasis on current events: Deciphering COVID-19, discussed by Dr. Sala, Head of Antimicrobial Stewardship program in ZCMC, debunking myths and disinformation about the pandemic; Facing the New Normal by Mr. Olasiman; The Screen between Us by Mr. Andaya; and Prioritizing Self-growth during Quarantine by Ms. Tiong, the AdZU College Guidance counselor, in which she encouraged the students to master the CBT Thought Process, reiterating that “Feelings are neither right nor wrong but they are true. No one has the right to make you change that but yourself.” On September 20, ANENO 2.0 resumes with a new set of speakers along the theme “Adjusting to Online World as a Student and as a Learner.” Coach Lyqa Maravilla, an Author, Motivational Speaker and Online EduCreator gave the students ‘Study Hacks’ to balance their time between schoolworks and personal life. 04 | NEWS

She emphasized that “who you become means more than what you become.” Dr. Sison, Head of Women’s Wellness Center at Makati Medical Center talked about Mind over Matter: Surviving the Battle Within. According to Sison, students must know when what they have done is good enough. “We all have our limits,” she added. Aside from meaningful discussions, the session also consisted of Leadership training activities to strengthen the relationship and camaraderie among students from different schools. The students were able to express themselves fully and quench their thirst for knowledge. “As student-nurses, the clarification helped us know better what are the steps to take as management to reduce the risk of infection to be able to educate the people in the community,” a student affirmed. “I think the most important thing aside from keeping ourselves healthy, is to develop self-growth during quarantine,” another student added. The webinar series ended successfully and was acknowledged by one of the speakers as the most organized student-led events during quarantine.

E-NURSING: SURVIVAL GUIDE In any multiple-day events, the first day will always be the most anticipated and ANENOnation can attest to that – especially if the speaker is an EduCreator with one million YouTube subscribers. Coach Lyqa Maravilla, a registered psychometrician, an author, a motivational speaker, and an Educational Content Creator, gave a strong headstart for the webinar series as she discussed tips on surviving online classes. “Online learning is possible but it is not going to be easy.” Coach Lyqa emphasized as she went on with a question to ponder on: “But how far are you willing to go to learn?”. Transitioning to online learning is in many ways challenging but it is up to oneself to take on that challenge and pull through. The session went on with Coach Lyqa giving study tips that not only prioritizes the physical aspect of learning but the psychosocial and pedagogical as well. She then ended her discussion with a statement she told everyone to remember and that is – “Who you become means more than what you become.” MIND OVER MATTER: SURVIVNG THE BATTLE WITHIN Learning in an online set-up is stressful especially if there is a whole pandemic lurking around our other worries. COVID-19 continues to impede our mental well-being and it is about

time that we get an opportunity to check on ourselves. Dr. Gia Grace B. Sison, MD, DPCOM, MOH, the speaker for session two gave the participants an insightful talk about mental health during a pandemic by emphasizing that your emotions, by all means; may it be negative or positive are all equally valid. “The more you recognize how you feel, the better you cope.” Dr. Sison said. Most of the time, we thought that doing the opposite – suppressing emotions would help it subside but it turns out that we are only bottling up negativity which is then bound to explode one day. It is better to constantly let ourselves feel what we are supposed to feel than to hold everything in only to end up feeling drained and destroyed. Remember that emotions have their own threshold too. BETTER SORE THAN SORRY: ACTIVE NURSES LEARN BETTER The last day of the webinar certainly lived up to the quality and hype of the previous sessions. The topic may have appeared like a random choice but it actually turned out to be fitting in the situation of student nurses – and just everyone in general. Derrico Gabriel R. Diamante or “Sir Gio” is graduate of De La Salle University Manila with a Degree in Bachelor of Arts in Sports Management. He also happens to be the current Vice President for Sales and Marketing in Spartan Race Philippines. Given his credentials and experience, there is no question as to who could have graced the role of the speaker better other than him. It was undeniable that the situation might have felt like a typical PATHFIT class but the participants can collectively agree that the session was way more enjoyable. Everyone learned a thing or two about the technicalities of work-out but there is a piece of advice that the ANENOnation will forever cherish: “Exercise can boost your mental health.” Sir Gio said. It was an eye-opener because words like ‘exercise’ and ‘work-out’ were often associated with the physical aspect and rarely on the mental when it is fact that these two always go hand-in-hand. Henceforth, it is mutual hope that every single student nurse will always prioritize their physical and mental health.

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From RN to MD: AdZU Physician Licensure Examination Passers

2020 CHARISMA E. PASTOR

ven though nurses and doctors have distinct roles in the health care setting, nursing as a pre-medicine course is quite a common choice. It not only preps one of the theoretical aspects but also in the interpersonal and interactive aspect of treating clients. The Ateneo de Zamboanga University aims to mold students in fields of healthcare with Ignatian principles. Despite the pandemic, the school succeeded in the 2020 Philippine Licensure Examination (PLE). The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has conducted two regular Physician board exams this year. The first batch of PLE takers at PRC testing centers in Metro Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Lucena, Tacloban, Tuguegarao, and Zamboanga have been held last March 8-9, and September 20-21, 2020. Out of 1424 examinees, it was announced by the PRC that 800 attained a passing score. Forty (40) out of forty-six (46) aspiring students from the Ateneo de Zamboanga University School of Medicine made it through. Hence, the school scored an impressive overall performance of 86.96% and batch passing rate of 90.48%.

The second batch of PLE takers were held last November 10-11, and 15-16, 2020 in the same regions. Out of 4704 takers, 3538 passed the examination as announced on November 26, 2020. Regarding examinees from the Ateneo de Zamboanga University, it has been documented that there were only four students who took the exam with three passers: rendering an overall performance of 75% and a batch passing rate of 100%. However, according to Ms. Laarni Cuario, an Office Support Staff of the School of Medicine, there has been an unintentional discrepancy in the official report of the PRC. A correction of this matter can still be inquired directly to the Commission. Nevertheless, the Ateneo de Zamboanga University College of Nursing applauds the nursing alumni that have achieved this medical degree. Indeed, it is pride and honor for these registered nurses to join the rota of Ignatian physicians committed to be men and women for others and for social transformation. These are the twenty-six molded AdZU CON physicians ready to register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals and serve the greater good:

Photo: Ateneo de Zamboanga University Facebook Page – https://www.facebook.com/ ateneodezamboangauniversity/posts/10157635452327966

MARCH & OCTOBER 2020 Austin Lorenz Richie Alvarez Ma. Rubelene Arcillas Ed-Robert Arnad Geode Allan Diansuy Sara Mae Hamsain Jehan Lakibul Marielle Malonzo Aisha Manzur Caeralyne Memoracion Princess Shelmerry Dawn Que Jeanne Louise Sta. Teresa Sitti Shalimar Tahir

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NOVEMBER 2020 Fatimah Jazia Jaz Abdurajak Il Yasin Bara Abdul-Aziz Bensali Nortjalexis Cabrera Eazels Cadag Elise Anne Chiong Patrick Feraren Ian Daryl Idjirani Halima Neneth Jowak Mikhail Miko Maadil Lyneth Quidilla Laila Radjuli Mary Louise Sereño Mohammad Zeid Tungupon Eunice Yap

P15 Billion Pocketed by PhilHealth Executives By Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File via https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/10/16/20/ pacc-over-p153-billion-lost-to-philhealth-dysfunction-in-5-years

NATHANIEL JOHN R. SULADAY

pproximately P15 billion of the funds of PhilHealth went into the pockets of the executives of the state-run health insurance firm through various fraudulent schemes, disclosed by a former official on August 5, 2020. ACCUSATIONS “Naniniwala po ako na ang perang winaldas at ninakaw ay humigit kumulang P15 billion,” said Atty. Thorrson Montes Keith in his testimony in the Senate hearing on the alleged corruption. (I believe that the amount of the money that was misspent and stolen is approximately around P15 billion) “Ang akin pong natuklasan sa PhilHealth ay matatawag na krimen ng taon dahilan sa pagsindikato sa pamimigay ng cash advance – ang Interim Reimbursement Mechanism, at pagoverpriced at paulit-ulit na pagbili ng IT equipment,” said the resigned anti-fraud legal officer. (What I discovered in PhilHealth can be called as the crime of the year because of the syndicated disbursement and the repeated purchasing of overpriced IT equipment) The IT equipment was commercially available for P62,000, but was acquired by PhilHealth at more than P3,000,000 pesos each as pointed out by Senator Lacson. Atty. Keith additionally, explained that the P15 billion covers the agency’s unauthorized release of funds intended for unforeseen events such as pandemics to hospitals that have no reported COVID-19 cases. Some of these hospitals have reportedly been defrauding PhilHealth by

collecting the benefits intended for COVID-19 cases through falsely diagnosing patients as COVID-19 cases. Senate minority leader, Franklin Drilon, also questioned PhilHealth for releasing P15 billion to hospitals even if only P1 billion was liquidated. This was a non-compliance to a Commission on Audit rule that no cash advances will be allowed to push through not until the previous cash advance is settled first. Atty. Keith also accused ex-president of PhilHealth, Ricardo Morales, of asking him to negotiate on the case regarding the overpriced COVID-19 testing kits. This led Franklin Drilon to further grill Morales regarding the prices of the testing kits which was revealed to have been P8,150 per package. The price was cut down to P3,409 two weeks later. DENIAL Atty. Keith claims that his investigation regarding the corruption within the agency resulted in the delay of his salary. This, and what he claims to be an “unfair promotion process” led him to resign from his position. Morales, however, later discredited him of his accusations and deemed his actions to be an “act of revenge” because he was rejected for a position he yearned for. In addition to this, he added that Atty. Keith’s allegations are questionable since he has failed to submit any reports regarding the irregularities that he claims to be present in the agency. Morales has since denied any corruption allegations or involvement in the anomalies within PhilHealth.

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Zamboanga City COVID-19 Response MARIA GRACE FELICETTES MONTECALBO

amboanga CityThough the transmission of COVID-19 has been slowly decreasing, the local government, together with the PNP and Western Mindanao Command, still set sharp eyes for the protective measures and rules to be abided heavily by the public. In a Facebook live, premiered November 16, 2020, Mayor Beng Climaco-Salazar addressed to the public the improvements of Zamboanga City’s COVID cases, declaring that the city is doing better than before. Upon answering the questions sent by netizens, she mentioned visiting a mall after the 7 months of lockdown and expressed being upset with how people use face shields like headbands instead of wearing it with the aim to protect their eyes, nose, and mouth from the infectious disease. “Ta usa con el maga face shields dol maga headbands. Hinde ta pensa cay este para tapa el diila maga ojos, naris, y boca,” she said in a dismayed voice. “Face shield is in need to help us. It serves as a protective measure against COVID 19,” she added. In line with the strictly proposed rules, citizens are informed to wear mask wherever they go and to always include wearing a face shield that can cover their faces in order to prevent further transmission. “We are appealing to all our malls, stalls, and even to entities who are doing business to make sure that our employees are protecting themselves and protecting customers so that they will not be able to have COVID cases. Let us abide to the minimum health protocols,” Climaco said.

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Photo: National Economic and Development Authority – http://nro9.neda.gov.ph/pia-ix-leads-inzampens-bantay-covid-19-briefings/

Regarding another concern in the city the possibility of the lifting of the moratorium as per the disembarkment of the Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs), Climaco responded that Tourism Officer Sarita Sebastian has not yet declared the scheduled date of departure of the Locally Stranded Individuals. “The synchronized and uniform lifting of the moraturium so that all the cities, provinces, municipalities of REGION IX will be able to work accordingly because it will be very difficult if Zamboanga lifts the

Upon the current state of Grandstand, Mayor Beng Climaco-Salazar informed that

this has been anonymously planned to be used as quarantine and isolation facility should the need arise. The Task Force COVID Zamboanga is still expecting a set of increase in the COVID cases: “Improvements of Zamboanga is visible but we will expect for a set of increase for as long as there are people coming from outside and according to Dr. Dulce Miravite, quedar sila host del virus que te causa COVID.”

moratorium and the other provinces will not lift because we are the entry point and thus, will have people being stranded in Zamboanga - so being a locally stranded individual out of Zamboanga, they will again be stranded in Zamboanga,” she said. The COVID-19 funding was also brought to the session, central to the city’s management and finance. Mayor Beng Climaco-Salazar infers having utilized a billion peso for the emergency already. “We are already having limited funds; in fact, food and other allocations are already depleted because we have not reside any funds for the

pandemic,” she added. The funds for the year-end are still in process. She respectfully appeals to the August body Sangguniang Panlunsod to cause not any delay in time and approve with the 2021 budget as soon as possible. “This serves as the fund for gasolines, medicines, and basic supplies of the City Government and more importantly the COVID response which will benefit the 98 barangays in each assistance for their additional funding of 405,000 pesos per barangay.” “We appeal for cooperation in the Bayanihan: Heal as One Spirit. Con el maga friends diila na social media, si tiene maga tan post y ta mira vos o otros ta viola sila con el COVID, please report this violation in real times so we will be able to apply the necessary disciplinary measures.” This covers all gatherings and occasions done without following the protocols set forth by the government. Should people violate the COVID protocols and be found guilty, they will be made responsible for paying the medications. An estimate of 30,000 per vial which has not yet included the medication for oxygen and ventilator for those COVID patients who will need it. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the hospitalization which costs 300,000-500,000 pesos. And, if there are comorbidities, they will need to put the patient under dialysis which would cost almost 1,000,000 pesos in total including, or without yet, the PhilHealth. “We are responsible for our actions. The life given to us by our Creator is too precious, so let us not waste it by our own irresponsibility.” “Si gasta man quita - let’s say 10,000 pesos para na party, pensa kita que ta huga kita vida del maga vivientes. El diatun mismo querpo que mas grande el gastos y nuay kita sostenimiento na fondo si man rely lang kita todo na gobyerno local.” Mayor Beng Climaco-Salazar then pushed for the request: “Funding for COVID is really needed. Otherwise, they will not be able to survive and sustain.”

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When the Sleeping Dragon Awakes China: The Big, Bad Bully BY: DERSLY LANE Q. ARADO

世界都在看

“ ” (Shìjiè dōu zài kàn). The world is watching. These are the words that frontline China’s biggest video hosting platform, Youku, which aims to reflect the message of its large-scale influence on the internet. The very same words fit the crevices of this era’s burning matter as the whole world witnesses China fully extending its dragon claws towards global domination, leaving behind a plethora of oppression and destruction on its trail. In this modern tale of David and Goliath,

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the Philippines turns out to be the little guy, albeit without any magical slingshot to recreate the original epilogue. And as a Filipino, I am compelled by duty and blood to respond to the jeremiad of my homeland. Confined by the resources and influence of a mediocre student, I am left with a computer and words fueled by patriotic fury to retell the story of the continuous perversion and subjugation our country suffers from the draconian force of the Red Country. As China works its way to being the global superpower, it becomes clear that they bow to

no one, respect no boundaries, and thumbs their nose in the face of international relations. This jarring display of bravado solidifies the idea that communism works just as effectively as democracy in gaining global influence; diplomacy and free trade catapulted mighty America into the zenith of power, but the hammer and sickle are paving the way for China at breakneck speed but behind all the success China has achieved are violent repercussions that even its citizens become victims of. According to the Freedom House report, “China has become home to one of the world’s most restrictive media environments and its most sophisticated system of censorship, particularly online” (2019), the intensity of this statement is evidenced by the fact that even a fictional, child-friendly character like Winnie the Pooh is censored from the whole of China merely because of its uncanny resemblance to Xi Jin Ping. As the Philippines grapple to uphold democracy under a fascist regime, Filipinos must open their eyes to the perilous effects of surrendering our hard-fought freedom to the state. The Filipino youth who live in this time of terror and suppression of human rights is duty-bound to be vigilant and stay informed as democracy threatens to go off-kilter in the hands of retrogressive dictators like Xi Jin Ping and Rodrigo Duterte. In the theory of Eternal Inflation by Alan Guth, the universe expands with no boundaries leaving behind a small area for other space matters to occupy. Xi Jin Ping must have been so fond of Star Wars that he seems to have adopted this theory into practice as China continues to expand, going as far as defying geography and gatecrashing the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone. As China continues to

stake a claim on every piece of land within its reach, weaker countries are forced to submit like dogs waiting for bones and survive with whatever leftovers China pacifies them with. This Machiavellian modus operandi is executed in third-world countries like Ethiopia and Nigeria. Remarkably, the Philippines has received a more amicable treatment from China, perhaps due to Duterte’s consistent performance as Ping’s little drummer boy, as we are not threatened by war and hostility instead our top officials are given head scratches and belly rubs in exchange for Filipino soil and our country’s sovereignty. As a Filipino, there is no other emotion that we should allow to prevail other than anger; anger towards the manipulative Chinese government, and anger towards an enabling Philippine government. The Duterte administration’s blatant reluctance to defend its people from foreign abuse should be our driving force to fight with the Filipino people, for the Filipino people. From the very school that molded Harry Potter comes a saying; “Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus,” Never tickle a sleeping dragon. But much to Dumbledore’s horror, the world has now witnessed the awakening of a dragon, one that breathes out catastrophe, with claws that leaves fatal scars, and where each flap of its wings is a death sentence for weaker nations. The only question left to be answered is; how do we extinguish its fire?

The Lyons Share — https://lyonssharepro.com/2016/09/is-this-sleeping-dragon-ready-to-awaken/

EDITORIAL

Black Lives Matter: A clamor for Equality, not a Trend CLOUISE JUNICE B. RENOLLA

Image by Gina Ferazzi via Los Angeles Times

ystemic racism is the greatest plunderer of black lives. It cost us the death of George Floyd, Trayvon Martin, Breonna Taylor, Aura Rosser, Atatiana Jefferson, Alton Sterling and countless others. The arrest of George Floyd on May 25, 2020 at the hands of four Minneapolis police officers is a tragedy not only pertaining to the abuse that Floyd had endured during the remaining moments of his life, but also to the American justice system and law enforcement at large. The event stirred the public globally and everyone were collectively appalled and outraged by it. Amidst the coronavirus pandemic, thousands of people marched and rallied against black oppression, inequality, and police brutality in the streets of America and even across the continent. The #BlackLivesMatter is used in every social media platform as a support to the Black community and anti-racism movement. But the message should not end in a hashtag or a trend;

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it must bear a deep-rooted, longstanding change in the minds of every human being and in the system that celebrates white supremacy. If we trace back time, history will show us which skin color matters and is regarded as human. It will also tell us that the color of your skin dictates the worth, respect, privilege, and favor you receive. Dark-colored skin was deemed undesirable and unclean while lighter skin tones were remarked as aesthetically pleasing. These definitions that we label on skin colors have social implication that encourages a culture of violence and racial discrimination that a black person has been subjected to ever since 1619 which marked the beginning of African slavery in America. Statistics show that 13 percent of the U.S population are black, and yet they are 31 percent of police shooting victims, and 39 percent among those are killed by the police even though they did not commit assault. The US sentencing commission had reported an

analysis that exhibits racial bias in the criminal justice system. In the study, black offenders are 19.1 percent predisposed to longer prison time compared to white offenders even if both commit the same degree of crime. These killings and occurrences of racial prejudice in prosecution are rampant because the law has been lenient to white perpetrators and law enforcers. The 14th amendment was ratified in 1868 that vows to not deny equal protection of laws to its constituents regardless of race, gender, and religion. Regrettably, the justice system has failed to uphold this law. It failed to protect the lives of black men, women, and children that died in the very soil of America and under its oppressive rule. A trend fades and expires but a movement prevails and endures over time. It is imperative that we begin perceiving racism as a real struggle experienced not only by African Americans but also by Asians, American Indians, Hispanic, and Pacific Islanders. The Black Lives Matter movement was established in 2013 by three black women, Alicia Garza, Opal Tometi, and Patrisse Cullors, as a protest after Trayvon Martin’s murderer, George Zimmerman, was acquitted of second-degree murder and manslaughter charges. Black Lives Matter (BLM) gained popularity not only in social media but also in business and politics. The overwhelming expression of support to the movement is indeed a force to be reckoned with. However, it is only fair that we also need to talk about Black Lives Matter movement as something that transcends trends. This does not mean that your tweet about BLM is trivial. This means to challenge you to take part and be a proactive advocate. Your post is not insignificant, do not let someone tell you otherwise. There are significant ways we can do that can bring about long-term and actual transformation within ourselves as we disassociate from a system that needs reformation. First, we must assess our preconceived notions about black people. You can support BLM outwardly, but still have prejudice about the black community. That is why it is vital that we educate ourselves about racial stigma and always accentuate empathy, kindness, and love before we pass our judgment and agree to a myriad of opinions that need factchecking. Second, business establishments have also joined the fight against racism. However, it seems like the Black Lives Matter movement has become a bandwagon or a business opportunity

to some business owners, rather than an event that can make a positive difference to the lives of black people. Racism in workplaces and employment are also prevalent. According to Trades Union Congress’ publised analysis, black employees with degrees earn on average 23.1 percent less than white employees. Furthermore, the unemployment rate of ethnic minorities is 12.9 percent higher which is twice as much compared to the 6.3 percent for white people. If business owners are genuinely angry at the system that discriminates black people, they must change their own system first by, for instance, firing a racist Human Resource employee if they must or upholding equal pay for both white and black workers. Third, never stop sharing. People you consider as family, friends, or loved ones may try to invalidate your support or may attempt to silence you. There will always be an opposition to an advocacy, and that is not going to change unless we resist and continue to educate others using veracious information. The greatest service that we can do for others is love (Mark 12:31). This biblical instruction reminds us to tune our hearts to love and design our minds to think impartially. Racism kills, and as long as we turn a blind eye and nurture a system that sustains it, black people will remain chained to an unjust social structure that cultivates fear. Whether you come from a different denomination, ethnic group, or culture, it is your social responsibility to fight for justice, for the oppressed, marginalized, and ostracized. There is nobility in every struggle because your efforts will not go in vain, but in history books where our struggles are going to be featured and there, we will witness how we finally achieve the change we want to see.

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THE MESSAGE SHOULD NOT END IN A HASHTAG OR A TREND; IT MUST BEAR A DEEP-ROOTED LONGSTANDING CHANGE IN THE MINDS OF EVERY HUMAN BEING AND IN THE SYSTEM THAT CELEBRATES WHITE SUPREMACY.

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Apoliticism: A Travesty of Citizenship Register to Vote, NAO!

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Apathy has become democracy’s most insidious enemy.

CLOUISE JUNICE B. RENOLLA

Photo: Rappler — https://www.rappler.com/voices/thought-leaders/explainer-can-philippines-postpone-2022-elections

N Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s words mirror the contemporary Philippine society characterized by the Laodicean attitude of Filipino citizens to engage in political affairs. The value of citizenship is demoralized by one’s choice to remain a mere spectator or a bystander, instead of actively mobilizing and participating in political events that have a prospect to improve and advance further the interest of our country. To be political is a challenge to become a sagacious and informed citizen. Politics is not a playground for inciting hate and divisiveness, but a learning space for educating and breeding well-guided and responsible citizens. We must not rely on others to be political for us; we need to be one. The level of our knowledge and concern about political matters have great bearing on the future of our country’s political environment because we decide the people who we entrust our country with. Being apolitical is not merely a feeling of indifference and cynicism; it is a complete act of disregard to maximize one’s privilege of having citizenship. Citizenship authorizes us to demand change and progress from people we have granted executive powers through election. We do a great

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disservice to our country, the people we love, and the posterity if we remain complacent and ignorant citizens overlooking the faults of political figures and condoning their administrative incompetence. Registering to vote and voting are gestures that we can take part in politically. Let us not waste the opportunity to reform what needs changing. The apothegm “Bella esperanza de la Patria Mía!” which translates to “The youth is the fair hope of the motherland” is Rizal’s immortalized line from A La Juventud Filipina. It has echoed for decades in the Filipino culture and frame of mind. We carry the torch of our ancestors and patriots who illuminated and paved the path for our generation to traverse with ease. We commemorate their sacrifices by upholding and exercising our social and political responsibilities as citizens. We share their burden as we continue to resist forces that threaten and jeopardize our freedom and rights. The 2022 election is approaching and so does our chance to employ our citizenship and right of suffrage by registering to vote. If you are of legal age, 18, a Filipino citizen who is settled in the Philippines for at least one year and a resident of the place where you

plan to vote for at least 6 months, then you are eligible to register. You may file your application in the Office of the Regional Election Director COMELEC located at 2nd Floor, Estanislao Bldg., Veterans Avenue, Zamboanga City. If you believe that the Philippines have reached the standards of a progressive country and emulates a political setting free of fraudulent activities, then I challenge you to reevaluate your conjecture after checking your privilege. We will suffer from stagnation if we do not clamor for improvement and rectification of corrupt culture that resides within the confines of our justice system and governing body. Our duty as citizens should not solely limit to our individual gains, but should extend to the people who have been deprived, misrepresented, and neglected. Let our voices reverberate as political thinkers of our generation in the upcoming election. But for now, our responsibility is to read, learn, and become well-informed and discerning citizens. We owe the people before us and those who will come after us our service. Start honing your political judgment and let your vote become a meaningful one.

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Life Life

Muzhaheeda Ismi (3, 4, 5, 7, 8) Zefanie Fernandez (1, 2, 6, 9)

Nija Dear S. Abam (2, 5, 7, 15) ”Only with the new normal can there be recovery” “Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes”

Ma. Clara Natasha F. Martin (3, 8, 9, 16) “Despite the virus, people seem to have gone back to their daily lives but with masks”

“The sun rays of vitamin D—isplay light from your screen,”

1 “Blue light’s the only thing that’s lighting up this quarantine.”

in in

7 6

quaranquarantine tine

“Behind every closed door is a burned out student forced to be accustomed to this new normal.”

“Been keeping us sane, give it life.”

tine

NEW NEW NEW NEW NORMAL NEW NORMAL NEW NORMAL NEW NORMAL NEW NORMAL NORMAL NORMAL Joshua B. Edaga (1, 10, 13, 14) Kezzia Jeiel R. Luzon (4, 6, 11, 12)

DIGITAL

Mohammad Abdel-Aziz Awab (2, 6, 9) Nur-hathi M. Sanaani (1, 6, 9) Nurbrianne Nafysha P. Anupol (4, 6) Francis Jae I. Oliveros (1, 6, 9)

“YEMEN”

“KAPIT LANG!”

“MENTAL HEALTH DURING ONLINE LEARNING”

“THE FOUR HORSEMEN OF ONLINE APOCALYPSE”

5 “RETDEM AND SIBLINGS”

“MAN CAN CRY”

“ROMANTICIZED HEROES”

6 “BEFORE & NOW”

“KILLER BLACKOUTS”

ART

I S S U E

N O .

PACEMAKER EDITORIAL BOARD Moderators: Dr. Dyana Marciana M. Saplan & Mr. Julius C Lapasaran

Editor-in-Chief Renolla, Clouise Junice B Associate Editor Mundoc, Rheem Managing Editor Usman, Yusrhina News Writers Head: Pastor, Charisma E. Montecalbo, Maria Grace Felicettes F. Sarabia, Cheska Suladay, Nathaniel John Sports Writers Head: Alamia, Hasan II S. Jadji, Shariefa Jhan S. Usman, Yusrhina Feature Writers Head: AlmiĂąana, Almira P. Eugenio, Tasha Guan, Grena Krysta Lhar M. Mundoc, Rheem T. Murcia, Rhea Jane A. Reyes, Richelle Mae F. Cartoonists Head: Awab, Mohammad Abdel-aziz Anupol, Nurbrianne Nafysha P. Oliveros, Francis Jae I. Sanaani, Nur-hathi M. Editorial Writers Head: Arado, Dersly Lane Renolla, Clouise Junice B. Photojournalists Head: Edaga, Joshua B. Abam, Nija Dear S. Fernandez, Zefanie F Luzon, Kezzia Jeiel R. Martin, Ma. Clara Natasha F. Ismi, Muzhaheeda S. Layout Artists Edaga, Joshua B. Yap, Dran Dranreb C.