EDITORIAL
TobeLoudAmidst theTerrors pg2
95 yearsof campus journalism TheReflector,Ang Aninagwinawards inDSPC2025
Ink-stainedhandsbrought forthvictories.
NegrosOccidentalHigh School(NOHS)OfficialFilipino andEnglishPublications,Ang AninagandTheReflector,took homeawardsintheNegros OccidentalDivisionSchools PressConference(DSPC)2025
IndividualandGroupContests heldatHinigaranNational HighSchool(HNHS)lastFeb.13 and21.
cont.topage9
MTRCB,NOHSpromotes ‘Responsableng Panonood’
|ZaynOsorio
Aimingtoempower Filipinostomakeinformed choicesaboutmedia consumption,over150Negros OccidentalHighSchoolSenior HighSchool(NOHS-SHS) studentsattendedtheMovie andTelevisionReviewand ClassificationBoard’s(MTRCB) ResponsablengPanonood (RP)seminar,heldattheNOHS AudioVisualRoom(AVR),Nov. 15. cont.topage9
FEATURE
FootPinned ontheGrave pg10-11
JournalistsKilledinPHfrom2008to2024 via Statista
NOHS-TheReflectoradvocatesforstrongerpressfreedom |AeonMontañez
AAaronJoshuaVilloga,editor-inchiefofTheReflector,presented statisticaldataofjournalistskilledin thePhilippinesfrom2009to2024,with thehighestnumberbeingintheyear 2009,when36journalistswerekilled, accordingtoStatista.
“Itisquitealarmingtoseethese numbers.Thesejournalistswerejust
Scanformoreupdates.
doingtheirjobtoinformanddeliver newstothepublic,andtheynow formpartofthestatistics,butthis shouldn’tbethecase.Wecanhonor theirsacrificesbycontinuingourfight fortransparentnewsandserviceto thepeople.Wemustnotforgetthem,” Villogasaid.
TheReflectoreditorialstaffthen discussedrecommendationsonhow studentscandefendpressfreedom, confrontmediacensorship,and ensuretheprotectionofjournalists bothinandoutsidetheschool.
“Ourroleasjournaliststranscends theconfinesofourschool.Wedo notwriteforcompetitionsonly.We arenot‘contest-writers’alonebut championsoftruthandtransparency. Thisgoeswithoutsayingthatwewill beexposedtothreats,especially whenyoucovernewsoutsideofthe school,”saidJahnMichaelToquiro,
SCI-TECH
FieryGiantof NegrosIsland Awakens pg16-17
smisinformationdispersesalongwiththegrowingjournalismrealm,theliberationandthevoiceofthejournalistsareslowlybeingdismantledby thoseagainstpressfreedom,urgingthestudent-journalistsoftheNegrosOccidentalHighSchool—TheReflectorandGrade10SpecialProgramfor Journalism(SPJ)studentstoholdapressconferencediscussingtheneedforstrongermediaprotectionanddischargeofpressfreedom,Jan.30.
schoolpaperadviser.
Furthermore,Toquirostatedthat thered-taggingandtheunjust labelingofjournalistsandtruthseekersasstateenemiesremain apressingissue,asitendangers thelivesofthosededicatedto exposingthetruth,particularlyinthe Philippines.
AccordingtotheCommittee toProtectJournalists(CPJ),159 journalistsandmediaworkerswere killedinthePhilippinesfrom1992to 2024;thePhilippinesremainsone ofthemostdangerouscountries, ranking134thoutof180countrieson ReportersWithoutBorders’World PressFreedomIndex.
“Nowadays,woundsandblood canbeassociatedwithjournalismas theincessantthreatsanddangers standrightbesidethejournalists, almostlikeashadowthattailsthem
wherevertheygoanditisimpossible toleavetheirside,”saidAeon LoraineMontañez,newseditorofThe Reflector.
Globally,CPJlistedatleast124 killedjournalistsandmediaworkers, marking2024asthedeadliestyear forjournalistsandcallingita“recordbreaking”yearforpresskillings. :
‘‘ Wedonotwritefor competitionsonly. Wearenot‘contestwriters’alonebut championsoftruth andtransparency.
|A.Montañez
TobeLoudAmidsttheTerrors rom
NoliMeTangere: TouchmeNot and
victimineveryexcruciatingfactor.
Sexualharassmentisasocialissue thatcontinuestoaggravateand causedistresstocountlesspeople tothisday.Itincludesunwelcome sexualadvances,requestsforsexual favors,andotherverbalorphysical harassmentofasexualnature, whichcanalsobeperpetratedby anyone;thatmeansitcanhappen attheworkplaceorinalearning environment.Asof2023,81percentof womenand43percentofmenhave facedsexualharassmentintheirlives. Thisstatisticservesasevidencethat sexualharassmentisaproblemthat manypeoplehaveexperiencedorare likelytoexperienceatsomepointin theirlives,regardlessoftheirgender.
TheRepublicAct(RA)7877,which istheAnti-SexualHarassmentActof 1995,wasenactedtomakesexual harassmentillegalintheworkplace, schools,andtrainingenvironments.It
of
theradio,seeingthemfuel upthestreetswiththeiradvocaciestogetridoftheunworthyandbrazenlyrevealingthetruthtounfoldthedirtylies lyingbeneaththesociety,thevoicesthatonceopenedeveryone’seyesaresilencedastheaftermathofthecrimes focusedonthepress,andthesubtledismissaloftheinstitutionsandthegovernment,whosupposedlyaretheoneswho shouldbeprotectingtheinformers.
Astheyearsgobyanddifferent generationscometoreceivethehonor ofbeingajournalist,thewaysofthe governmentstillhavenotchanged,andthe threateningstateofthecarriersofthetruth isstillhangingbyathreadinhopesthattheir fatewouldstillbechangedandtheirblazing passiontogivevoicetothesilencedbe seenandprotected.Anyattempttosilence, censor,ormanipulatethestands,reports, andinformationpublishedortobepublished bystudentjournalistsandpublicationsas awholebyexternalforcesisaviolationof theveryprinciplethatjournalismstands for.Measurestopreventthismustbetaken notjustbystudentjournalistsbutalsoby theacademicinstitutionitbelongstoand thegovernment.Theauthoritiesshouldtake measuresandstrengthenthelegislation createdforcampusnewsmenformore ensuredprotectionwhiletheyaredoing theirjob,especiallyfortheaspiringstudent journalists.
Imploringanurgentcalltoactionfrom thegovernmenttoactforthesafetyand freedomofthecampuspressiscrucial.On July18,lastyear,theCollegeEditorsGuild ofthePhilippines(CEGP)handedovertheir findingsoncampuspressfreedomviolations (CPFVs)totheCommissiononHumanRights (CHR)upontheconclusionofthe‘Stateof theCampusPressAddress’forum.Itwas confirmedthattheCEGP’srecordsindicate atotalof206CPFVsreportedthroughout 2023to2024.Withtheserecords,theworld ofjournalismbecameafieldthatseemed alarminglydangerousasacareer.Itbecame aprofessionfilledwithendlessthreatsof beingkilled—seeminglylikeconveyingthe verityofthemostimportantthingsthatthe countrymenshouldknowisoneoftheways toputyouinharm’sway.
TheConstitutionunderArticleIIIofthe BillofRights,Section4,providesthat“nolaw shallbepassedabridgingthefreedomof
speech,ofexpression,orofthepress,orthe rightofthepeoplepeaceablytoassemble andpetitionthegovernmentforredress ofgrievances.”Thislegislationparticularly statedthatthefreedomofspeechshould notbeabridged,yetseveralmendoitwith impunity.Campuspublicationsweremade inthefirstplacetodeliverthetruth;itis theirresponsibilitytocollect,inform,and spreadfactualinformationthateverybody needstoknowdespitebeingawareofits life-threateningscare.Thefactthatthe governmentcontinuestodoeverythingthey cananduseeverythingtheyhaveinhand tosilencethestudentpublications,dueto thefactthattheseyoungjournalistshold somuchpowerininfluencingandshaping otherpeople’sopinions,especiallythenew generations,isanimmatureact.
Whenwilltheauthoritiesfinallyrealize thattheorganizationtheyaretryingtoshut downisthesignificantpuzzlepiecethatwill shapethefuture?Nonetheless,itiswiththat factthattheyarethreatenedwiththeirsocial position.
TheRepublicActNo.7079,otherwise knownastheCampusJournalismActof1991, statesthat“theStateshouldupholdand protectthefreedomofthepressevenatthe campuslevelandpromotethedevelopment andgrowthofcampusjournalismasa meansofstrengtheningethicalvalues.”It isironicthattheauthoritiesapprovedthis legislationthemselves,yettheytrysohardto bringthepublicationsdown.
Dataofredtaggingandcuttingof fundsofschoolpublicationshavebeen recordedfromthepastuntilnow;censorship fromschooladministrationhasalsobeen observed,particularlyiftheworkspublished revolvedaroundpolitics,sexuality,andrace; theseactshavebeenoneofthemostsubtle yetdamaginginattemptstosilencethe press.
Studentjournalistsholdanimportantrole indeliveringthelatestnewsandspreading awarenessabouttheheatedcontroversies; theyhavefoughtincountlessbattlesagainst thevilesandcontinuetobestrongerto unveilthetruthbehindthefilthydisguiseof sweetswayingwords,especiallyduringtimes ofelections.
Itissignificanttoexecutemeasurements, seekaccountabilityforthecrimescommitted tojournalists,andforthegovernmentto strengthenthelawsprotectingthenewsmen, makingtherightsandfreedomofthe pressstrongerthanever.Thevoicesofthe pressshouldneverbesilenced;thestudent journalistsandcampuspublicationshave therighttoexpresstheiropinionsandpublish theirarticles.Thecountryhaslostenough determinedjournaliststocontinueonbeing blinddespitebeinginfrontofthescene.The media,civilsocietygroups,andevenstudent journalistsshouldnotbeafraidofperforming theprofessionthattheychoose.Theurge tospreadthetruthmustneverbeabridged byanybody,notevenbythegovernment; campuspressfreedomshouldbegranted.
Theresoundingvoicesshouldecho entirelytowheretheyaremeanttobeheard; wecallanendtoimpunityforthosewhowish tosilencetheclamor. :
RA NO. 7079 CAMPUS JOURNALISM ACT OF 1991
Thestateshouldupholdand protectthefreedomofthepress evenatthecampusleveland promotethedevelopmentand growthofcampusjournalismas ameansofstrengtheningethical values.
wasimposedwiththemainpurpose ofprotectingtheindividualsfrom anyunwantedflirtationoractswith maliciousintent.Thepenaltytobe receivedbytheoffenderwillinclude imprisonmentofonetosixmonths andafineof10,000to20,000pesos, bothofwhichareatthediscretion ofthecourt.Thislawshouldbe strengthenedbytheauthoritiesfor amoreensuredsafetyofthepeople fromanyundesirableactionswith malevolentintentionsthatmaycause distresstothepeople.
Furthermore,theimpactsreceived bythevictimsofsexualharassment donotonlylimittostressbutalsoto significantfactors:psychologically, physically,andlackofself-esteem andself-confidence.Someincidents ofsexualharassmentcancause traumatothevictims,oftenshowing withdrawalfromaperson’stouchor
panickingwhenanindividualgets closeindistance.Anotherfactor wasphysical;sometimes,asaresult, victimswouldoftenportrayfeeling unwell,havingsleepproblems,and refusingtoeatduetoalostappetite. Theymayavoiddiscussingtheir emotionsandwhatisbotheringthem becausetheyquestiontheirownvalue andtheveracityoftheirbeliefs,feeling depressed,nervous,andagitated.
Anymaliciousactsorattempts tosexuallyharassapersonshould bestopped;thegovernmentshould heightenthelawmadetoprovide protectiontoallpeopleandcontinue toimplementprogramsagainst sexualharassment.Predatorswhoare readytopreyonpeoplearehiding inplainsight,andtheirillintentions wouldalwaysbeintheguiseof sweetness;hence,peopleshould alwaysbeawareoftheirsurroundings
andalwaysspreadknowledgeabout it.Theyshouldalwaysrememberthat sexualharassmentdoesnotonly occurtoonegender;ithappensto everyonedespitethedifferencein gender,age,orsocialstatus. :
PoliticiansMustRisetotheChallenge |CherithBriol CheRISH
Thecitizens’crieshappenatalmost everytropicalstorm.Therefore, electedofficialsshouldtakeaction notonlyduringandafterdesperate timesbutalsoimplementlong-term solutionsandconductpreparations beforehand.
OnOctober24,TyphoonKristine madeitslandfallinDivilacan,Isabela, inNorthLuzon,andevenbefore itstouchdown,italreadycaused severalseverefloodsandlandslides thataffectedalotofcommunities, resultingingrievancesand,sadly, evencasualties.Multiplefamilies havesufferedthroughoutthestorm, especiallythosewhoaredirectly affectedbyit,yetsomehowonly severalpoliticalleadersshowedup toaidthem.Theothersappearedto haveresortedtogivinghelponlyas anaftercare,ortheysimplygaveup onputtingeffortinandhavecometo theconclusionthatnothingcanbe done.
cheaptricktoswaytheheartsofthe peopleintheirfavor,buttoprovide genuineaidandsupportrecovery,to recognizeandaddresstheunderlying weaknessesoftheircommunities, upholdaccountability,andkeepthe steadinessofthecommunityfrom spiralingoutofcontrol.Intimesof crisis,peopledeserveleaderswho standbythem,provingwhythey areseatedinthoseseatsinthefirst placewithintegrityandunwavering commitmenttotheirneeds.
Yearafteryear,thesame communitiessufferbecauseofthe lackofsustainableinfrastructure thatcanwithstandextremeweather events,resultingincommunities beingrepeatedlydevastatedby eachtyphoon.Politicalcontributions areindeedcrucial,oftenremaining reactiveratherthanproactive,and moresystemic,long-termsolutions areneededtobuildresilienceand reducethehumanandeconomic costsofnaturaldisasters.
communitiesbeforedisasterstrikes, notjustreactingwhenit’stoolate. Theirresponsesduringandafter calamitieswouldnotmatteriftheir actionsbeforedisastersareadequate toaddressthethingsthatamplifythe effectsofcalamities.
Theseelectedofficialsplaya vitalroleinaidingthecommunity, especiallyduringtimesofcalamities. Therefore,conductingpreparations andimplementinglong-term solutionsshouldbedoneinorder topreventfurtherdestructionin communities.Inthefuture,where tropicalstormscontinuetolandinthe country,theseleadersshouldactwith urgencyandfulfilltheresponsibilities handedtothemasofficials. :
Hernaez Sts., Bacolod City
EMAILADDRESS nohs.thereflector@gmail.com
Theirroleshouldneverbetaking advantageofthemediaspotlight, appearingonlywhenthecameras arerollingtousethesufferingof communitiesasabackdropforselfpromotionthatseemsnothingbuta
Trueleadershipisshownnotin promisesbutinconsistentaction; hence,electedofficialsshould investindisasterresilienceand takeproactivestepstoprotect
Forseafarers,sacrificesandhardships areinevitableintheirprofession.
Fortunately,alawisenforcedforthem.
However,thegovernmentmustaddress therisingtuitionfeesinmaritimeschools, asnotallaspiringseafarerscanaffordthe necessaryexpenses.
OnSeptember23,2024,President Ferdinand“Bongbong”MarcosJr.signed RepublicAct(RA)No.12021,theMagna CartaofFilipinoSeafarers,intolaw.This lawseekstoimprovemariners’qualityof lifebyaddressinglong-standingconcerns, strengtheningprotections,andupholding theirrightsasworkersanddignified individuals.
However,thelegislationalsocreates abarrierforthemarinerswhoarenot capableofsufficingtherequiredamount forthetuition.Accordingtothe2021Global EducationMonitoringReportofUNESCO, atleast36%ofFilipinofamiliesacquire
loanstoaffordtheirchildren’seducation.
Despitethis,someofthecrewcourse takersareoftensonsanddaughtersof farmers,fishermen,constructionworkers, orsimplyfromlow-incomefamiliesand struggletoacquiretheseloans,whichis whythegovernmentshouldfindanother alternativetothis.
Increasingthetuitionfeeonlyincreases thefinancialburdenonaspiringmaritime studentsatthecostofqualityeducation.
AccordingtothePhilippineAssociation ofMaritimeInstitutions(PAMI),whichis composedof73schoolsnationwide,the provisionsofthelawonShipboardTraining ofCadetsmayleadtohighercharges; fromP25,000perterm,itmayincreaseto P200,000—analarmingeightfoldincrease. Giventhatsomealreadystruggleto financetheP25,000feeperterm,the governmentmustimplementscholarships oreducationloanprogramstoalleviate thisissue.
Ratherthanprovidingmuch-needed support,itseemsthegovernmentis makingitharderforseafarerstopursue theirdreams.InLife(2021)expressedthat theaverageestimateoftuitionfeesfor privatetertiaryschoolsisP110,000,almost halfoftheneededfeepertermunder thislaw.Insteadofincreasingfees,the governmentshouldinvestinmaritime educationbyallocatingmorefundsto schoolsofferingthisprogram. Inconclusion,thegovernmentmust rethinkthelawofincreasingthetuition ineverymaritimeschoolsincenotall studentscanaffordthefeetheyrequire. Higherfeescreatestress,makeaspiring seafarersunheard,andriskreducing thecountry’smaritime workforce.WhiletheMagna CartaofFilipinoseafarers givesbenefitstoourFilipino seafarers,analternative solutionmustbefoundto preventfinancialexclusion. :
|DaveLlacuna DAVEine
AlthoughthecitizensofMetroManila anditsnearbyprovincesfacethe issueofinsufficientwatersupply,the governmentshouldconsiderifthe projectsproposedarebeneficialnot onlytothecitizensbutalsomaintain thestateoftheenvironmentand respecttheintimatetiestheindigenous communitieshaveinthearea.
ProposedbythePhilippine governmentin2012,theKaliwaDam Projectisawatersupplyprojecton theupperpartoftheKaliwaRiver Watershed,butitsconstructionposes riskstotheSierraMadre—thebackbone ofLuzonthatservesasprotection againstcatastrophes.TheKaliwaDam shouldnotbebuilt,especiallyatthecost oftheSierraMadre,asitwilljustbring moreproblemstoface.
ThebiodiversityoftheSierraMadre servesasahabitatfornumerous species,whichiswhytheprojectshould notbeconstructed.Deforestationwould resultfromthedam’sconstruction; itwillthreatenecosystemsandput wildlifeindanger,especiallysincethe mountainishometoanestimated 3,500plantspecies,and58%ofthem areendemic;losingSierraMadremay leadtoirreversibleconsequencestothe environment.
Moreover,indigenouspeople(IP)that inhabittheSierraMadreregion,suchas theDumagat-Remontadopeople,will beuprootedfromtheirlands.Thesocial injusticethatthisprojectsymbolizesis furtherhighlightedbythelossoftheir ancestraldomainsandthedestruction oftheirculturallegacy.Thefactthatthe governmentdidnothaveanybackup planfortheIPfurtheremphasizes whytheKaliwaDamshouldnotbe constructedwithsuchformidable effects.
Ultimately,theKaliwaDamshould notbebuilt;ourgovernmentshould consideranothersolutionsothatnone ofthemajorfactorswouldbeaffected withitsconstruction.Development shouldbeforall,andnotjustforall;it shouldbeequitable;theKaliwaDam projectmaylooklikeasolution—a solutionthatcomesatagreatcost. ”
of them are endemic
Learners’RiskyStudyBuddy AsIsatonmydeskstaringatmypiled-upschoolwork,stressandregretweretheonlythoughtsgoing oninsidemyheadinsteadofthetopicsandinformationIhopelesslyreviewed.Withdeadlinesclosing inandmymindcloudedwithpanic,Ididn’tevenknowwheretobegin.Itslowlydawnedonmethenthat crammingisnotamannerthatshouldbenormalized;itshouldbechangedwithoutadoubt.
Crammingistheresultof deliberatelypostponingtasks untilthelastminute,forcing studentstoabsorblarge amountsofinformation.Studies showthat86%ofstudents cram,makingitacommonbut ineffectivestudyhabit.Though itmayseemlikeasolution,it onlyaddsstressandlong-term academicstruggles.
Manystudentsbelievethat pressureenhancesperformance. Butthisisadangerous misconception.Whileitmay provideshort-termmemory benefits,itrarelyleadstodeep understandingandoftenresults insleepdeprivation,anxiety, andprocrastination.Developing structuredstudyhabitslike spacedrepetitionisformore
effective.
Crammingfostersstressand weakacademicperformance, makingitanunhealthylongtermhabit.Itiscrucialtobreak freefromthiscycleandbuild bettermanagementskills.True learningandgrowthcomefrom consistency,notlast-minute desperation. :
ViewersDiscretionisAdvised HaciendaVicentaFarmers: JusticeBetrayed,JusticeIgnored Promisesarethesweetestliestheytell,butasfortheHaciendaVicenta’sfarmers’case,thepromise
a writtendocumentthatremainsunfulfilledandforgotten.Ithasbeenlongenoughtodrag
on
andseveralliveswere alreadytakenbeforetheyacceptedtheirpromisedlandundertheComprehensiveAgrarianReformProgram(CARP).Theyhave enduredviolenceanddeprivation,servingasareminderofthecountry’sflawedlandreformproject.Thisisnotjustamatterofeconomic injustice;itisamatterofhumandignityandbasicrights.Thegovernmentmustfulfillthelifelongpromiseoflandownershipitmadewith thefarmworkersnowandstrengthenthisreformprojecttoservethelocalfarmers,nottheiroppressors.
Eradicate Modern Slavery TheMovieandTelevisionReviewand ClassificationBoard(MTRCB)isagovernment agencyhereinthePhilippinesthatregulates andclassifiesmovies,television,andhome videosbeforepublicizingit.Initially,this programwascreatedbyformerPhilippine PresidentFerdinandMarcosSr.through PresidentialDecreeNo.1986,withtheprimary goalofregulatingtelevisionprograms andrelatedpublicitymaterials toensurethey adheredtosocietal standardsofdecency andmorality.
Usually, theyounger generationsare moredrawninto showsthathave exhilarating themes.Dueto thisreason,they areoftenseen watchingfilms notsuitableto theirage.MTRCB’s mainfunctionisto classifymoviesorshows intodifferenttypesthatrequire ageverificationtoprotectandprevent
exploitationofsensitivecontentfromthe viewers,especiallytheyouth.
Speakingoftheyouth,theMTRCB’srole istomanagethecontentsshowntothe public,andthisaimisdirectedtoprotectthe childrenfromviolentoradultcontentonline. Withoutanyguardiantoguardthem,they wouldbeexposedtosensitivecontent notappropriatefortheirage.
Noteverythingexhibitedon televisionshouldbeshown toallviewers;thereisan appropriateagerangeto fullymitigateandprevent thenegativeimpact oftheinfluence ofcarelessness whenitcomesto viewingcontent.The country’smedia agency,MTRCB, shouldcontinue toexpandtheir missionthroughout thewholenation andputastopto theexploitationof sensitivethemes. :
CleanSweep Despiteprogressintechnologyandpolicy,destitutionisstillone
Slaveryandhumantrafficking arenotnewtothePhilippines.To counterthis,ourgovernmentmust strengthenlawsandpoliciesto safeguardtherightsofpeopleand provideimmediateactionand supporttothevictimsofslaveryand humantraffickingtonotonlylessen theproblembuttoeradicateitasa whole.
According to the Global Slavery Index, an estimated 859,000 Filipinos are victims of modern-day slavery, which includes human trafficking. Sixty-six (66) percent are considered to be vulnerable to abuse and harassment, with a 59% government response. This is deeply alarming, and two reasons expound this: the dangers slavery and human trafficking bring and the rights of the victims.
Servitude and human trafficking pose immense dangers. The Counter Trafficking Data Collective (CTDC) expressed that since 2014, more than 4,000 deaths have been recorded annually on migration routes worldwide. This shows how unenlightened local government units are, but they can solve this by swiftly implementing policies that catertoremovingslaveryandhuman trafficking.
Victims have human rights that the government should recognize.
Articles 4 and 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) state that “no one shall be held in slavery or subjected to torture or inhuman treatment or punishment. Local government units must strengthen laws and policies that protect the right to life of every person
Finally, our government must strengthen laws and policies to secure the rights of people and give instant action to the victims of slavery and human trafficking to not only lessen the problem but remove it as a whole. As we go by our days, let us never bear to live knowing that people are dying and crying for help that are just within our areas. ”
As we go by our days, let us never bear to live knowing that people are dying and crying for help that are just within our areas.
For12agonizingyears,30farmbeneficiaries ofHaciendaVicentaLaCastellana,Negros Occidentalanticipatedthe26hectaresof landownershippromisedunderCARPin2012. DespitethepassingofRepublicAct6657,the ComprehensiveAgrarianReformLaw(CARL) ProgramonJune10,1988,whichaimedto redistributelandfromaffluentownerstoqualified farmers,theongoingtormentcontinues.The lawhasbeenriddledwithloopholesthathave allowedpowerfullandownerstoexploitthe system,pushingvulnerablefarmersintoa never-endingcycleofpovertyandviolence.The DepartmentofAgrarianReform(DAR),whichwas supposedtoensureafairprocess,hasfailedto protecttheverypeopleitwascreatedtoserve. TheinterventionoftheOfficeofthePresident (OP),wherethecasecurrentlyresides,isnotjust necessary—itisurgent.
ThefarmersofHaciendaVicentaface relentlessthreats,includingintimidationby armedmenandthedemolitionoftheirhomes undertheguiseof“activelanduse.”Leftwith nothing,theyhavebeenforcedintodestitution. Mostheartbreakingly,aseven-month-oldbaby losttheirlifeafterexposuretohazardousmud deliberatelydumpedontheland—acrueltactic toforcethefarmersout.Theyhaveexpresseda multitudeofpleastotheirbarangayofficials,yet theyrefusetointervene,citingprivateproperty rights.Farmers,alreadyvulnerable,arelefttoface theabuseoflandownersalone.Itisanoutrage thatthosewhoshouldprotectthepeopleare insteadturningablindeyetotheirsuffering.
Moreover,theCertificatesofLandOwnership Award(CLOA)iswhatthefarmbeneficiarieshave beenwaitingforyearstoreceive,anditisnotjust alegaldocument;thatdocumentsignifiesthe yearsofhardworkandsacrificethatthefarmers needtogothroughtobeabletosecuretheir landandrights.Yetunfortunately,accordingto aninvestigativereportbythePhilippineCenter forInvestigativeJournalism(PCIJ),someofthe beneficiarieshavealreadydiedwaitingfortheir CLOAStobedistributed.Thatinitiatesaquestion topopup—howmanyfarmersandresidentshave todiebeforethegovernmentgrantsthemtheir long-awaitedproperty?Whenlivesshouldnot havetobewastedasthecultivatorsareworthy enoughfortheofficialstogranttheirpromise,the farmers’families’livesandthenextgenerationlie inthefulfillmentofit.
Thefailuretofullyimplementlandreform underCARPhasdeepenedruralpoverty,leaving farmerswithnosecurityorstabilityintheir livelihoods.Withoutaccesstotheirpromised land,manyareforcedtosacrificebasichuman needs,strugglingtoprovidesufficientfoodfor
theirfamiliesandforgoingessentialmedicalcare whenillnessstrikes.Parentsandtheelderlyface theheartbreakingchoiceofeitherprioritizing theirchildren’seducationorsecuringthemost basicresourcesforsurvival.Byneglectingthe promisesmadeunderCARP,thegovernment notonlyabandonedthesefarmersintheirtime ofneedbutalsothreatenednationalstabilityby perpetuatingarelentlesscycleofpovertyand deprivation.Thisongoinginjusticeleavesfamilies vulnerable,robbedoftheirdignity,anddeniedthe futuretheywerepromised.
Additionally,theattainmentofthepledge mightbethelasthopeoftheHaciendaVicenta farmworkersoffinallyescapingthetwistof hunger.Initially,DARhadpreviouslyruledin favorofgivingthefarmworkersrightstothe land.However,in2020,DAR’sLandUseCases Committee(LUCC)alteredthisdecision,granting the2015landowner’sapplicationforland conversion,whichleftthefarmersdismayed.As thestatusoffoodandlivelihoodofthesefarmers isbecomingincreasinglyinaccessibledueto theconversionoftheirland.Asaresult,thefarm workersbegantocultivatetheemptylotintheir areaasaprotestandtoaddresstheirongoing conflictwithhunger.
Beyondindividualsuffering,thiscaseis adirectthreattothenation’sfoodsecurity. Agriculturallandisfiniteandirreplaceable, essentialforproducingfoodtosustain thepopulation.TheHaciendaVicenta land,enrichedwithirrigatedwater andmeetingDAR’srequirements foragriculturaluse,should haveprovidedstabilityfor thefarmers.Somehow,the landownerwasableto requestanappealtothe conversionofhisland, discontinuingthefarmers frombenefitingandgaining theirrightfulland.Thisledthe chairpersonofHaciendaVicenta Farmerstoexpress,“Leadersare violators.”Topreventfurtherinjustices, theDARmusturgentlyreformits processestoensuretransparency, fairness,andaccountability, safeguardingfarmers’rightsandthe integrityoflandreformefforts.
Despitethis,farmerscontinueto tilltheland—atestamenttotheir resilience—buttheirfightisfar fromover.Thegovernmentmust reassesstheimplementationof RA6657andholdperpetrators accountable.TheOffice
ofthePresidentmustprioritizeandoverturn thefarmers’appealtoreclaimtheconverted land.AsthecitizensseekjusticeforHacienda Vicenta’sfarmers,theymustequallyrecognize thelargerbattle.Theonce-trustedprogramthat thefarmersenvisionedbecametheirgreatest challenge.Thecitizensoweittothefallenchild, theelderlyfarmerswhohaveperished,andthe countlessotherswhoseliveshanginthebalance. Justiceforthesefarmersislongoverdue,and theirfightservesasapowerfulreminderofthe workthatremainstoensurethatnofarmer standsaloneinthepursuitoffreedomandequity. Theirlongfighthastostop:itistheirrightfulland andrightsbeingtalkedabout,whichinthe
SolutionorIllusion
SamanthaAlimoot SAMurai
|DaveLlacuna
DAVEine
AngelGlaizeBenuelo ANGEL’SJUDGEMENT
YsabellaTrayfalgar
HaciendaVicentafarmerspushforlandrights A.Montañez
Agricultureisvitalbutneglected.
Thiswastheresoundingmessage oftheHaciendaVicentafarmersofLa Castellanaadvocatingfortheirrights throughapetitionhighlightedduring theLupangHinarangFilmShowing andTalkBackattheUniversityofSt. LaSalle(USLS),Nov.26.
Thefarmersarecalling onPresidentFerdinand “Bongbong”MarcosJr. (PBBM)toprotectirrigated agriculturallandand supportthemandate oftheComprehensive AgrarianReformProgram (CARP)forlandredistribution tolandlessfarmers.
“Iftheirissueissuccessfullyaddressed bytheOfficeofthePresident,itwillnot onlybenefitthembutalsoprotectother irrigablelandsthatareatriskofbeing converted,whichposesaseriousthreat toourfoodsecurity,”KAISAHANArea CoordinatorGilPortillosaid.
Headdedthatthisisamajorglobal challengethatneedshelpandsupport, especiallyfromtheyouth,astheyare
moreknowledgeableabouttechnology andcanuseittoreachPBBMand addresstheneedsofthefarming community.
Alongsidethefarmersintheirfight undertheCARParetheNegrosanon YoungLeadersInstituteInc.(NYLI)and KAISAHANcampaigningtogetthe attentionoftheOfficeofthePresident.
“Agricultureisveryimportant,butit isoftenleftbehind.Beforetheprogram canbesuccessful,manyproblemsand challengesneedtobefaced,”Portillo stated.
Additionally,theNegrosOccidental HighSchool-SupremeStudentLeaders Government(NOHS-SSLG)andtheNOHS EnglishandFilipinopublications,The ReflectorandAngAninag,participated intheeventalongsidethestudentsfrom theUSLS. :
SlowFood,NOHS-SPJ promotessustainablefood Good,clean,fair.
TheseweretheprinciplesoftheSlowFood MovementCommunityhighlightedduringthe 2-in-1Forum,partoftheOrganicFarmingFestival, incollaborationwiththeNegrosOccidentalHigh SchoolSpecialPrograminJournalism(NOHS-SPJ) andtheschoolpublications,AngAninagandThe Reflector,heldattheNOHSgymnasium,Nov.14.
The Slow Food organization, founded in Italy, united local groups and activists worldwide with the goal of making good, clean, and fair food accessible to all and is now active in over 160 countries, including the Philippines.
“We want everyone around the world to have access to sustainable, healthy food and a healthy diet. This ensures that foods, beverages, and meals contributing to sustainable and healthy diets are easily available, accessible, affordable, pleasurable, and widely promoted,” Elena Aniere, director of Southeast Asia and Pacific Region of Slow Food International, said.
Aniere added that the Slow Food movement encourages everyone to be involved in sustainable food systems and to consider the various aspects of sustainability.
Reena Gamboa, president of the Slow Food Community in Negros Island, also served as a resource person, emphasizing the importance of collectively working towards food sustainability throughout the province.
The Slow Food Community also highlighted food mapping, which identifies local ingredients, some of which may enter the Ark of Taste—a list of culturally significant, endangered foods—and gain international recognition through Earth Markets and Terra Madre events.
“In Slow Food, what we want to protect is the disappearance of our local food, cultures, and traditions because that grows naturally in our environment,” Gamboa said.
To conclude the program, the two speakers provided students with an opportunity to ask questions, encouraging engagement with the Slow Food movement’s emphasis on sustainability and diversity in food production and consumption. :
NegOccconcludesOrganicFarmersFestival ChristianLhyleNulada
ProvinceofNegrosOccidental endedthisyear’s17thNegros IslandOrganicFarmersFestival withthetheme“AbanseKitasa OrganikongaPanguma”andthe 2ndTerraMadreVisayasthemed “RESTORINGOURRELATIONSHIP WITHNATURE”attheNorthCapitol Road,BacolodCity,Nov.23.
Thefestivalwasheldin partnershipwithTerraMadre Visayas,throughtheSlowFood InternationalandCommunity organization,withtheobjectiveof promotingandpreservingorganic agricultureaswellastraditional foodofNegrosIsland.
“InourcelebrationoftheNegros IslandOrganicFarmersFestival, [itisto]firstshowcaseorpromote theNegrense’sorganicproduce andalsoserveasavenuefor usorganicadvocatestogather
andstrengthenourinitiativesin organicagriculture,”Provincial OrganicAgricultureFocalPerson DorlynVergarasaid.
Moreover,accordingtoMatthew John,PresidentoftheInternational FederationofOrganicAgriculture Movements-Asia(IFOAM-A), theproposedNationalOrganic CongresstobeheldinNegrosnext yearwillhighlighttheprovince’s effortsonaglobalstageand provideanopportunitytolearn frominternationalcommunities.
“Letuscarryforwardthe spiritofunity,collaboration,and stewardshipthathavegotushere. Letuscontinuetosupportour farmersandfisherfolk,advocate forsustainablepractices,and inspireotherstojoinourcause,” Johnstatedinhisclosingremarks.
NegrosOccidentalGovernor
Neg.Occ.farmerstoget P162Mseedallocation FarmerswillbegrantedP162.785millionworthof seedallocationfromtheDepartmentofAgriculturePhilippineRiceResearchInstitute(DAPhilRice),under theagency’sRiceCompetitivenessEnhancement Fund(RCEF)-SeedProgram,Jan.29.
Forthisyear’swetseason,NegrosOccidentalwill receive118,592bagsat20kilogramsperbagwithan estimatedcoverageareaof54,676hectares,while forthe2026dryseason,76,128bagswillbeallocated totheprovincewithanestimatedcoverageareaof 35,096hectares.
“Thisispartofthesharedcommitmenttowards advancingricefarmingintheprovincebyensuring accesstohigh-qualityriceseedsforlocalfarmers toboostriceproduction,”DA-PhilRiceNegrosBranch DirectorOmmalAbdulkadilstated.
Additionally,Abdulkadilstressedtheimportance ofcollaborationandinnovationindrivingbetterrice communitiesbyuplifting
The
Literacyambassadorpromotes Nat’lReadingMonth Readingdeliversyouopportunities.
ThiswastheadvocacyemphasizedinKenPaoloGilo’s speech,theNegrosOccidentalHighSchool(NOHS)Reading Ambassadorandanalumnus,duringtheliveinterviewof theEnglishDepartment,alongwithNOHS-TheReflector,in celebrationofNationalReadingMonth,heldattheTa-ala Court,Nov.20.
Themed “Sa pagbasa, may pag-asa,” Gilo highlighted the Philippines’ poor literacy rates, noting that 90% of Filipino children aged 10 have trouble comprehending and writing basic texts, and emphasized how reading can open many doors to opportunities.
“I was very fortunate because my teachers were supportive, but you know what? It’s really a challenge. Our literacy rates decrease due to a ripple effect. What we can really do is help each other out. Reading could be a difficult task; encourage each other to read more and then discuss. It takes everyone to help in the advocacy to make people appreciate reading and to increase the country’s literacy rate,” Gilo stated in response to the Philippines’ low literacy rates.
NOHSalumnareignsasDiwatasangKali EugenioJoseLacsonexpressed thatthesuccessoftheOrganic FarmersFestivalandTerraMadre Visayasservesasmotivationto furthereffortstowardamore sustainableandresilientfuture, notonlyfororganicfarmingbut alsofortheSlowFoodmovement inNegrosOccidental. Certificatesandcashprizes wereawardedtothewinners oftheBestBoothContestfor LGUsandSlowFood,aswellas thePINAKAContest,followed bytheceremonialturnover ofCompostingFacilitiesfor BiodegradableWaste(CFBW) torecipientfarmersinNegros Occidental,alongwitha congratulatorymessagefrom Lacson. :
He also expressed that reading can give the capacity to empathize and love more—it allows you to appreciate things, and you can use that power of appreciation and empathy to improve your life, develop yourself, and bring tangible results.
Moreover, Gilo led a reading session, after which Ma. Elna Z. Reyes, English Department Head, presented him with a ‘Certificate of Appreciation’ in recognition of his dedication, passion, and storytelling.
Gilo is the National Chairperson of the Student Council Alliance of the Philippines, the former Editor-in-Chief of NOHS - The Reflector, and the former Supreme Secondary Learner Government (SSLG) president.
Gilo is currently running for councilor of Bacolod City, making him the youngest candidate to run for office at 23 years old. :
JamaicaBantigueearnedhertitleasshecompetedalongsideotherrepresentatives fromvariousbarangaysandtraineddailyinpasarela,stagepresence,andQ&Acoaching inpreparationforthecompetition.
“AsthereigningDiwatasangKali, wanttobeaqueenwithapurpose,onewhodoes notjustwearacrownbutcarriesavision.Mygoalistocontributetotheprogressof DonSalvadorBenedicto(DSB),transformingitfromabloomingtownintoabooming municipality.
wanttousemyplatformtohighlightdevelopmentalinitiativesthatwillupliftour communitywhilepreservingitsnaturalbeautyandculturalheritage,”Bantiguestated.
Shesaidthatwinningthetitlewasajourneyofsacrifices,dedication,andgrowth, addingthatbalancingacademicswithpageantcommitmentswasamajorchallengebut theexperiencewasultimatelyrewarding.
Moreover,othercontestantsreceivedtitles,includingKarrylAlimbuyaoofBarangay BungaasDiwatasangKatubigan,JeahNavarroofBarangayBagongSilangasDiwata sangKatawhan,JulianaMarieBenituaofBarangayPinowayanasDiwatasangKabukiran, andChloegenCauntaoofBarangayIgmayaanasDiwatasangKahanginan.
“Toeveryonewhostoodbyme,myfamily,friends,mentors,andsupporters,thankyou fromthebottomofmyheart.Yourunwaveringbeliefinmekeptmegoing,eveninthe mostchallengingmoments.Thisvictoryisnotjustmine—itisours.Everycheer,message, andwordofencouragementfueledmydetermination,and dedicatethiscrowntoallof you.Ipromisetousethisplatformnotjusttoreignbuttoserve,”Bantiguesaid.
TheDiwatasangKali2025pageantservesasaplatformtoempowerwomen,celebrate culture,andpromoteadvocacy-drivenleadership,achievingitsobjectivebynotonly crowningawinnerbutalsoinspiringyoungwomentostepup,takeaction,andusetheir voicesforpositivechange. :
Flagswaved,drums echoed,andsportsdelegates marchedastheProvincial SchoolSportsAssociationMeet commencedwiththePlayground DemonstrationofNegros OccidentalHighSchool(NOHS) studentsatPanaadParkand Stadium,Jan.29.
TheProvincialMeet,themed “AbanseBeyondAll:Nurturing StrengthThroughExcellence,” wasattendedbyNegros OccidentalGovernorEugenio JoseLacson,CouncilorsJason VillarosaandAlEspino,Sectoral HeadCarmeliZayco,Schools DivisionSuperintendent AnthonyLiobet,alongwithother LocalGovernmentUnit(LGU) officialsandschooldivision
superintendentsgracingthe event.
“Whatsportsteachusis anothercharactertraitthatmust bedefinedintheBacolodnon, intheNegrosanon,andinthe Filipino:theaspectoffairplay,” CouncilorAlEspinoreiterated.
Espinohighlightedthe importanceofdisciplineinthe principleoffairplay,noting thatallathletespracticeand persevere.
Furthermore,athletic delegationsfromLaCarlota, SanCarlos,Silay,Victorias, Himamaylan,Sagay,Escalante, Bago,Bacolod,Hinigaran, Kabankalan,andotherathletes participatedintheopening parade.
Meanwhile,SirRaffyCayao,an NOHSMAPEHteacher,mentioned thatdespitelimitedpreparations, thestudents’dedication,unity, andcooperationallowedthemto successfullyachievetheintended outcomeforthePlayground Demonstration.
Itcanberecalledthatthe NOHSperformedaplayground demonstrationintheopening ceremonyoftheDivision
Association
on December17. Theceremonyfeaturedthe ceremonialreleaseofdoves,the
and
oftheurn,the Athletes’OathofAmateurism, andtheOathofofficiating officials.Additionally, thecompetition ofathletesfrom differentdivisions willtakeplaceon January30thuntil February2nd. :
ZaynOsorio
NegrosOccidentalHighSchool(NOHS)alumnaconqueredtheDiwatasangKali2025 crownrepresentingtheSangguniangBayanOfficeduringthecoronationnightheldat themunicipalgyminDonSalavadorBenedicto,Feb8.
K.Gasendo
SamanthaAlimoot
CAMPUSNEWS
CULTIVATION.
NegrosOccidentalfarmersreceivePHP162millionworthof seeds,boostingagriculturalproduction CourtesyofProvinceofNegrosOccidental/FB
TatakProbinsyalalumnipass Chemist,ChemTechLicensureExam Outof3,799examinees,10alumni ofNegrosOccidentalHighSchool (NOHS)acedtherecentChemists andChemicalTechnicians LicensureExam,Oct.24.
Thepassers,allgraduatesof theTechnologicalUniversityof thePhilippines—Visayas(TUPV), includeJudeAngeloGonzaga,Trixie JoyCordova,BethelJoyTapalla, AmyGraceAlgara,ReyJustin Lanada,andLeahTabulong,who completedbothexams,alongwith JadeAnneGemarangan,Trisha Cristales,HannahJaneLabayan, andJamaicaLagnason,whotook theChemicalTechniciansLicensure Exam.
“MytimeinNOHSgavemethis kindlingpassiontolearnchemistry.
It’sahardfield,andit’safact,but the‘Eureka’momentsyougetwhen youunderstandit—it’spricelessand rewarding,”Gonzagasaid.
Gonzagasharedonepieceof advicefromhisjourney,whichis beingkindandprioritizingoneself, emphasizingthatthebattle continuesevenaftertakingabreak.
Furthermore,Gonzagaformerly servedasaradiobroadcasterfor theNOHSEnglishpublication,The Reflector,whereasAlgaraworked asaphotojournalistfortheNOHS Filipinopublication,AngAninag.
NOHS-STE,STEMbagawardsin RegionalSciMathlympics SophiaSibonga
Soaringtotriumphoncemore!
NegrosOccidentalHigh School-Science,Technology, andEngineering(NOHS-STE)and Science,Technology,Engineering, andMathematics(STEM)brought homeachievementsfromthe 2024RegionalSciMathlympics heldatGuimbalNationalHigh School,Nov.22-24.
Tefi Moreno of 9-Altair won First Place, Best Paper, and Best Poster in Mathematical and Computational Science Individual, while Kenjie Francisco of 11-STEM Excellence secured Second Place and Best Presenter in Physical Science Individual; Ion de Paula, Yohann Alamon, and Gegan Cahilig of 11-
STEM Kindness earned Third Place and Best Poster in Mathematical and Computational Science-Team.
“It is rewarding to see all my hard work and effort paid off, even though it was intense because other studies were also wonderful.
Winning the category gives me a sense of accomplishment and motivates me to keep pushing
myself on the national stage and perform even better,” Moreno stated.
Sir Russell Gorre, Ma’am Kalvin Joy Bauno, and Ma’am Sharon Villagracia served as their coaches for the said competition.
Additionally, Moreno advised that students should formulate studies that make significant contributions to the Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting that success in this contest requires not only high self-esteem, confidence, and an approachable demeanor but also strong critical thinking, creativity, and resilience in overcoming challenges.
The competition aimed to showcase the importance and practical applications of science and math principles to students, as well as to highlight the talents of Filipino youth by giving them a platform to present their innovative studies and creative ideas; the event sought to inspire young minds to explore new solutions and contribute to a better and more sustainable future for society. :
KanlaonTaskForcedistributes ricesackstorefugees
Tomeettheneedsofdisplacedfamilies affectedbytheeruptionofMt.Kanlaonin NegrosIsland,thegovernment’sRegional TaskForceKanlaonprovided659sacksofrice throughtheNationalFoodAuthority(NFA)on Jan.30.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) procured the rice, which was distributed to five local government units (LGUs).
PROVINCIALNEWS
Gov.Lacsonurgesunity forNIR’sgrowth A.Montañez
NIRwillbecomeamodel.
ThatwastheresoundingmessageNegros OccidentalGovernorEugenioJoseLacson deliveredtoleaders,entrepreneurs,and stakeholders,urgingthemtoworktogetherfor theadvancementoftheNegrosIslandRegion (NIR),Jan.31.
“Wehaveadutytoactdecisivelyand collaborativelytoensurethattheNIRbecomesa model,notjustofprogressbutalsoofinclusivity,” Lacsonsaidduringtheforumoneconomic prospectsforthenewregion.
Lacsonemphasizedthattheregion’sunification wouldeliminatebarriersandallowformore efficientuseofsharedresources,suchaswater, energy,andland,toprovideabetterstateofliving foritsresidents.
Furthermore,theforumincludeddiscussionson variousopportunitiesforNIR,suchasthebamboo industry,agribusiness,realestate,andtheneed forreliablepowersourcesastheprovince experiencescontinuouspowerinterruptions lastingforalmostaweek.
AccordingtoLacson,NegrosOccidentalhas alreadytakenstepstoimplementabamboo propagationprogramaspartofitscommitment toenvironmentalsustainabilityandwatersecurity.
NIR,consistingofNegrosOccidental,Negros Oriental,Siquijor,andBacolodCity,was establishedthroughRepublicAct12000,signed byPresidentMarcosJr.,whichwaspassedonthe 11thofJunelastyear,aimingtobringa“waveof development.” :
NOHSalumnusfinishesAustralian Academy,setforPhilippineArmy A.Montañez
Soaringtonewheightsofmerit!
SpotlightingtheglobalexcellenceofFilipinocadets,aNegrosOccidental HighSchool(NOHS)alumnusgraduatedfromtheAustralianDefenceForce Academy(ADFA)inCanberra, Australia,andisboundtojointhe PhilippineArmy,Dec.20. CAMPUSNEWS
“It should be supported by the situation report of the LGU, showing the affected population,” Maria Christina Ilustre-Mayor, the public information officer of OCD-Western Visayas, stated, adding that they handle requests for rice assistance through the NFA.
La Castellana, the hardest-hit LGU in Negros Occidental, received 310 sacks; La Carlota City, 70; San Carlos City, 15; and Bago City, 10.
Canlaon City in Negros Oriental received 254 sacks.
La Castellana has the highest number of displaced individuals, with 1,400 families or 4,311 people affected.
Additionally, the OCD-6 announced the construction of a tent city in Himamaylan City, NegrosOccidental,toaccommodateevacuees if the alert level of Mt. Kanlaon increases from 3 to 4. :
VFhoststrainingagainst humantrafficking,OSAEC
A.Montañez
Asthedarkwebofhuman traffickingtightensitsgrip,children vanishintotheshadows,their innocencestolenbythehandsof exploitation,promptingVoiceofthe Free(VF)toholdtheiFightCampus Tour&StudentLeadersTraining, armingstudentswithknowledge againsthumantraffickingandthe OnlineSexualAbuseandExploitation ofChildren(OSAEC),attheNegros OccidentalHighSchool(NOHS)Audio VisualRoom(AVR),Oct.29.
Thetrainingcoveredvarioustopics suchasdomesticslavery,mail-order brides,saleofhumanparts,childrenin armedconflict,childlabor,sexslavery, andpornography—aswellascybersex traffickingandchildexploitation.
“Thenumberonecrimeisdrugs; thesecondishumantrafficking. Whenitcomestohumantrafficking, humansarebeingsold,anditisthe mostformidableandabusiveact,”
VFRegionalMedicalCoordinatorMa. BerjaneRoasaid.
ParticipantsfromthePNP, DepartmentofSocialWelfareand Development(DSWD)RegionVI,VFiFight,aswellastheDivisionofNegros OccidentalFederationofSupreme SecondaryLearnerGovernment (DONOFSSLG)andprojectofficersalso tookpartinthesaidevent.
2ndLieutenantLordWillet GocotanoPA,agraduateof theUniversityofNewSouth Wales-AustralianDefenceForce AcademyundertheAustralian JointProfessionalMilitaryEducation program,completedhistraining throughanexchangesystem.
“Ashismom, definitely cannotcontainthejoythathis achievementhasbroughttoour family.Hissuccess,especially takingplaceoverseas,isperhaps oneofthosedecidingmoments where cansaythatIhave succeededasamother,”Lt. Gocotano’smother,LenGocotano, said.
Shealsomentionedthat Gocotano’stimeatNOHSreflects theschool’sexcellence,and hisachievementsembodythe NOHSianspirit,ashecompleted JuniorHighSchool(JHS)aspartof theClassof2018.
Gocotanowasamongthe threePhilippineMilitaryAcademy (PMA)cadetswhocompletedtheir trainingatADFA,alongwithCadet RoaldErasXavierViernesBautista fromBaguioCity,whowillserve inthePhilippineAirForce,and CadetMariaDeniseSilvestrefrom MuntinlupaCity,whowilljointhe PhilippineNavy.
“Hisdedicationtoserving thecountryasamilitaryofficer reflectsastrongsenseofdutyand patriotism.Thisbringspridenot onlytoourfamilybutalsotothe NOHScommunity,knowingthat oneoftheirowniscontributing tothenation’ssecurityand internationalrelations,”Lyca Gocotano,the2ndLieutenant’s sister,added.
Allthreegraduatesreceived meritawardsforexcelling inmilitaryskills,academic achievements,anddemonstrating advancedabilitiesinsocial, technical,anddefensemastery. :
BCDtobuildlargestanimal shelterworthP10MinPH RobeDelfin
Tocaterandprovideharbortoanimals inBacolod,thecityplanstoconstructthe biggestanimalshelterandanimalhealth clinicworthofP10millioninBarangay Granada,accordingtotheinitialplan,Jan 31.
DA-WVconductsScholarshipCaravan A.Montañez
DepartmentofAgriculture-WesternVisayas(DA-WV)heldan Agriculture&FisheriesScholarshipInformationCaravanthemed “KabataansaAgrikulturaParasaBayangMasagana”attheNegros OccidentalHighSchool(NOHS)gymnasium,Nov.15. Opening up opportunities for NOHS-Senior High School (SHS) students, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), and the Landbank of the Philippines presented information about the scholarship programs they offer.
“Our goal is to encourage the youth to pursue agriculture and related courses. With our farmers’ average age now at 57, we urgently need younger generations to ensure a sustainable food supply for our communities,” James Earl Ogatis, Chief Regional of Agriculture and Fisheries Information section, said.
Ogatis also hoped to continue this initiative in 2025, with the creation of the Negros Island Region (NIR), and expand it to more schools.
The said agencies also provided guidance and counseling to the students on the application process, as well as potential career paths they may pursue after completing the agri-fishery-related courses.
“Food security is essential for our existence as an agricultural stampede; this should not be a concern because our land is blessed with anything that can grow from it; its fertility ensures that no Filipino will suffer food insecurity and that every family will have food on its table,” Assistant Principal II in Senior High School Academics Donna Bella Aposaga said.
In 2023, 44.7% of the Philippine population experienced moderate to severe food insecurity—a higher percentage than the global average of 25.5%; for this reason, DA is reaching out to Filipino youth to educate and empower them to become future citizens, contributing to addressing food insecurity.
During the program, speakers gave merchandise prizes to the winners of the trivia and raffle, as well as to the participants who performed intermission numbers.
This event is a target initiative of the DA’s Regional Agriculture and Fisheries Information section that aims to encourage and entice grade 11 and 12 students, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), to pursue agriculture and related courses.
AccordingtoDr.JecCabuguason, assistantcityveterinarianofBacolod City,thereisalreadyafundallocatedfor theconstructionoftheshelter,whichwill includeacovereddogshelter,agated opendogarea,andanattachedanimal healthclinic.
Thesaidanimalhealthclinicisbeing proposedtobesubsidizedbythecity government;furthermore,itissaidtocater uptooneto2,000dogs. Theshelterwilloffercheapertofree treatmentsandconsultationstoanimals, whichcannotbecomparedtoprivate veterinaryclinics.
Additionally,theyalsoproposedto BacolodCityMayorAlfredo“Albee”Benitez theestablishmentofananimalcemetery andcrematorium,whichwillbebuiltin barangayFelisa. :
Together4Teachers: WTDHonorsEducators Tohonorthededicationandsacrificesof educators,NegrosOccidentalHighSchool (NOHS)celebratedtheWorldTeachers’Day attheNOHSQuadrangle,withthetheme “Together4Teachers,”Oct.4.
Theeventstartedwiththeentranceof colors,teachers,andBoyScoutsofthe Philippines,followedbythesingingofthe NationalAnthemandtheNOHSPrayer; afterwards,NOHSAssistantPrincipalIIof SeniorHighSchoolAcademicsMa’am DonabellaO.Aposagadeliveredher welcomingremarks.
“I’mreallyhappywiththeeffortgiven bythestudentsandthatallteachersare appreciated.Thankyoufordoingyourbest inmakingthiseventveryspecial,”English teacherMa’amJenniferAranicoremarked.
Chairperson Diorella Maria “Lala” Sotto-Antonio initiated, aligning with President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr.’s goal to promote media and information literacy in the country.
“The MTRCB plays a significant role in our society, especially now that shows, movies, and videos are accessed easily, and we don’t know how these movies influence our opinions, ideas, culture, and so on,” Assistant Principal II of Senior High School (SHS) Academics Donna Bella O. Aposaga stated. The MTRCB is a Filipino government agency responsible for the review and classification of television programs, movies, and publicity
KinawDanceTroupe, theNOHSPopBand, OffbeatDanceTroupe, MaalikayaDance Troupe,andtheSpecial ProgramintheArts(SPA) performedintermission numbers.
“Yourdedicationshapesourfuture,and yourcommitmenthelpsusgrownotjustas studentsbutasindividuals.Forallthelessons, advice,andencouragementyouhavegiven, weareforeverthankful,”SupremeSecondary LearnerGovernment(SSLG)PresidentJana Arbassaid.
Shealsoexpressedappreciationto teachersforthetimeandefforttheyputin, ensuringstudentsbecomethebestversion ofthemselves. :
ChelseadelOeste
TENACITY.
NegrosOccidentalHighSchool(NOHS)STEandScienceTechnologyEngineeringand Mathematics(STEM)studentscelebratetheirhard-earnedawards. CourtesyofDepEdTayoNegrosOccidentalHighSchool FB
LUCC dismissed on Mar. 21, 2021 the MR filed by CARP beneficiaries. CARP beneficiaries file a Notice of Appeal to the Office of the President, May 21, 2021. DAR’s BALA issues order of finality granting permission for conversion, orders cancellation of RP title, June 8, 2021.
LUCC grants on Aug.5.2020 the MR to approve landowner’s application for land conversion. Farmer beneficiaries file Motion for Reconsideration on Dec. 14, 2020.
DAR Secretary John Castriciones creates a new committee in Mar. 2019, deputizes decisions to convert or exempt land from CARP. More than 50% of the farmland is converted to RP Title on Oct 1, 2019.
DAR secretary denies application for land use conversion filed by L.N. Agustin Farms Inc. on Nov. 13, 2018. Landowner files motion for reconsideration (MR).
L.N. AGUSTIN FARMS INC. files an application for conversion on June 13, 2015.
NOTICE OF COVERAGE (NOC)was issued in October 2012 to qualified CARP beneficiaries.
Rainwasafarmer’sbestfriend;itisone oftheoldestsourcesthatfarmersuseto nurturetheircrops.Thenaturalweather playingitspartintheagriculturallandis abeautifulattribute—aneutralrhythm helpingoutfarmsthroughthousands ofgenerations.However,timeshave changed,andrelyingontheoldpattern oftheweather’smoodisturbulent,asthe earthgrowsandcastsunpredictableskies; farmersturnedtoanewally—irrigation.
Irrigated agricultural land has become the heartbeat of today’s farming, presenting a consistent, controlled water supply even when the clouds decide not to form a single raindrop. This innovation is a treasure chest filled with troves of benefits, reassuring farmers that their crops, once vulnerable and dependent on the whims and winds of nature, can now thrive even in the harshest conditions. With the assurance of water when needed, farmers are no longer at the hands of erratic weather patterns, and their fields stand resilient against the unpredictable elements of a changing climate.
Farms now gain control over their crops, ensuring they receive water exactly when required. This transformation is more than just a convenience; it’s a vital support, converting arid land into thriving agricultural hubs. Farmers can physically feel the boost in productivity with irrigated farms, producing nearly three times more food than before. Despite irrigated land covering only 20% of the world’s farmland, it plays an important role, contributing 40% of global food production, according to reports from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This dramatic increase in output allows farmers to cultivate more with fewer resources, ensuring more reliable and rich harvests.
In regions where agriculture is the backbone of their country, irrigation has brought the needed stability they longed for, like the Philippines, where a significant portion of the population leans on farming. A study by the FAO revealed something truly remarkable: irrigation can increase crop yields by 50% to 100% for essential crops like rice and maize. This isn’t just a number on a chart—it’s a game-changer for farmers. For many families who depend on their land for survival, this boost in productivity means more than just a bigger harvest. It brings the assurance of consistent water, and with it, the security to grow their crops and sustain their livelihoods, no matter what the weather decides to do. This newfound stability gives them the peace of mind to plan for the coming future, knowing their hard work will bear fruit.
voiceswailed
as
withittobeheardand
firmagainstalloddsinthefaceof overwhelmingoppressors,asthousandsofhurdlebarricadedraysofhopethatwastakenfromthem,whatliesbeneaththesunarefarmers whobreaktheirbacks,daytillnightplantingcrops,sowingseedsandhavingminimumwageplacedontheirhands,onlyfortheirdreamsof owningalandthatwaspromisedtothemgetscrushedafteryearsofhopingtohaveapropertyoftheirown.Apowerlesslow-lifeinfrontof individualsfedwithagoldenspooniseasytomaltreat;forcedtohavetoxinslingerintheirlungsandwatchastheirhomesgetdemolished illegallywhilefacingthelossoftheirlovedones.Istheirfightreallyworththelivesofmanyinnocentpeople?Isthescarletbloodshedworth thegreenfieldsofthislandandcrystal-clearwatersofitsirrigation?Dumpedwithsulfurictoxinsandmudpress,theirtearsofagony streamedoutoftheireyesandcouldnothelpbutwonderiflikeplants—themanagementisslowlykillingthemtoo.
InthevastpastureofHaciendaVicentainLaCastellana,Negros Occidental,standsanongoringwarbetweenthefarmers’right toownalandunderPhilippines’ComprehensiveAgrarianReform Program(CARP) whereinon2012,theDepartmentofAgrarian Reform(DAR),agovernmentagencydedicatedtoensureequitable landdistributionforfarmersthataimstoimprovetheirqualityoflife, declaredabout30farmworkersofHaciendaVicentaasqualified beneficiariesoflanddistributionundertheCARP,however,unknown totheCARPbeneficiaries,thelandownerfiledanapplicationfor landuseconversionthreeyearsafterbutlaterondeniedbyDAR sayingthattheydidnotseetheneedfortheconversionsincethe solidgroundwasirrigated.Itwasthenconvertedtoan“RPtitle,”one ofthefinalstepsbeforeaCertificateofLandOwnershipAwardis issuedtothefarmersbut2020came,whenDAR’sLandUseCases Committee(LUCC)revisedthedecisionandgrantedthemotionfor reconsiderationfiledbythelandowner.Theapplicationforlanduse conversionwasgrantedandtheRPtitlewasorderedcanceled.
ThelandofVicentaHaciendaisarichbeautyintheagriculture sector,nomatterwhereyoulook,youwillwitnessasightof sugarcaneandricefieldsaswellasdifferentkindsofvegetable fields.Cropsthatfarmershavegrown,swayedgentlyinthecold breezeasthegoldenraysofsundelicatelytouchedthefields farmersbirthedandnurtured.Manyofthemhavestartedhelping inthelaboratanearlyageofeightto10yearsoldwhenfinally12 yearsago,thefarmershaveseenthroughglimmersofhopeinthe government’sprogramcalledCARP,seeingasthoughtheirkids wouldfinallybeabletohaveafutureandbreathecomfortablyin life,foronce,theyfeltsecured.However,thishopewasshattered andwasinstantlyburntintoasheswithasinglewithdrawalof thosewhopossesspowerofhigherups.Notonlywerethepromises quicklyturnedintoembers,buttheirhomeswerereducedtoruins aswell.Abloodyattacknoonewantstoencounterflashesbefore theireyes;housesweredemolishedwhilefamiliesinsidewitnessed thesolidfoundationthatsustainedthemcrumbleddown.Sulfuric acidandmudpresstoxinsaroundthemweredumpeddown,
contaminatingthearea,andexposingpeopleofallages,especially theelderlyandinfants,totoxicsubstances,makingthemunableto breatheproperlyandfeelsick.FarmersearnasalaryofonlyPHP100 eachdaymakingitdifficultforthemtoprovideenoughsustainable healthyfoodfortheirfamilies.Withallofthese,theyfeelasthough theironefootwasbeingtiedtoagraveyard.
Waaykaminagexpectarngaindigalibastaanghangkon namon,damokamimaagyanngatrahedyasaamonkabuhi.
Isapagidangakonbana,namataymantungodsaamunanga problema,sakitgidkaayongaginpauntatangakonbanasaubra waaynakamisangsarangansaamonpamilyakagakonmgabata nagaeskwela.Sapagpauntatsangakonbanasaubra,diragid nagsugodangakonkabudlayan,paanokomapataposangakon kabataan.Kagsangnagmasakitakonbanatungodsamudpress ngabahowaaysangmaymakaigongainugpabulongsaiyaSa ti-onngaginkwasyasangginoo,kabudlaygid,”NessaBolobiogo, afarmerofVicentaHaciendaexpressedinafilmshowingandtalk backofthedocumentary“LupangHinarang.”
Intheirstrugglesofwantingtosurvive,notonlyforthemselves butfortheirfamily,theydidnotexpectthatitwouldresultinthe livesoftheirlovedones.Tryingtosurviveandlivewiththepromises ofthosewhohavetheprivilegetodoso,itishardtofathomthe lossestheyfaced,thestrugglestheyhad,theprinciplestheyupheld, andthelivesthatweremercilesslykilled.Havingthousandsof reasonstogiveup,butknowingthattheyareseekingforthejustice thattheydeserve,theychoosenottosurrenderandkeepfighting, togetherwiththewillofthosewhohavepassedawaytheyare willingtopullbacktheirfootandkeepcrawlingoutofthegravethat wasmadetotrapthem.Powerlessindividualsforcedtoinhaletoxic gases,bloodshedscatteredaroundthegreengrassoftheirlongtimehome,andthepresenceoftheirlovedoneslingeredasthe windblewtowardsthem,toxinswithintheair–theygrieveinmisery astheydesperatelycrawloutofthegravetheiroppressorsdrag theminto. :
Kneelingunderthescorchingheatofthesun,theyprovideuswiththe foodandresourcesthatarenecessaryforliving.Despitetheirintegral roleinthissociety,theircontributionsoftengooverlooked.Fromgrowing cropstoraisinganimals,theirhardworkmakessurethatsupermarkets havestocks,restaurantshavefoodtoserve,andpeoplearewellfed.Their vitalitytranscendsbeyondthefieldswheretheywork—theystandas thefoundationoftheeconomy,shapingtheworldwiththeirlaborand dedication.
Globally,farmersfacevariouschallengessuchasclimate change,economicinstability,andrisingcostsofproduction.Inthis dayandage,floodsanddroughtshavedamagedfields,making farmingevenmoredifficult.Farmers,whomostlybelongto thebottom50%ofearnersinthecountry,onlyshare14%of thenationalincome.Manyofthesefarmersareamongthe nearly20millionFilipinoslivinginextremepoverty.Despite thesenegativeimpactsthatthefarmersexperience, theyroughlyproduce80%oftheworld’sfoodinvalueterms. Althoughmostofthefarmersdon’tgetanythingbigfromtheir job,theystilldoitwithlove,andwithouthesitation,theypourtheir hardworkonthevegetables,fruits,crops,andanimalsthatthey takecareof.Fromyourpointofview,thismightbejustaneasy job,butitisnot.Theymostlydon’tgetanythingfromwhat theyharvest,andsometimestheyexperiencelowfundsor money,butbesidesallofthat,they’restilltheretoprovide peoplewiththeneedsthattheyneedintheireveryday lives.
Farmersareimportant,astheydirectlyprovidethe foodthatsustainshumanpopulations,contributing significantlytofoodsecurity,economicdevelopment, andenvironmentalbalancebyproducingcropsand raisinglivestock,makingthemavitalpartofany societyandcivilization.Theyworkdayandnighton sunnyandrainydaysjusttoprovidepeoplewith theirneeds.
Withoutfarmers,therewon’tbefoodthat wouldbeservedonourplatter.Aswefacerapid climatechangeandpopulationgrowth,thework offarmerswillbecomemorecritical.Itistime thatwerecognizethevitalityoffarmersand howhugetheroletheyplayintoday’ssociety.If youeattoday,youknowwhotothank. ”
This shift has brought about a new era in farming where technology and nature work hand in hand; a more controlled system brought a sense of security for farmers. With irrigation, they can now plan ahead, knowing that their crops will thrive regardless of the changing climate and that their hard work will yield results with greater certainty. The landscape of agriculture has revolutionized into a breathtaking picture of resilience thanks to irrigation. The steady flow of water that breathes life into these crops serves as the source foundation of
|GraceAnneBarrios
CleoDedoyco
S.Alimoot
ChloedelOeste
TubbatahaReefsNaturalParkisamarineprotectedareaandworldrenownedscubadivingsitelocatedinPuertoPrincesaCity,Province ofPalawan.Itishometomorethan1,200marinespecies,includingsea grassesandalgae,corals,sharks,rays,fishes,seaturtles,seabirdsand marinemammals.
Theparkhasanexceptionallyhealthyreefecosystemanditsstrong no-takelevelprotectionsensurethisbiodiversitystayssafe.Itisalso animportantassetforglobalconservation,as181ofthespeciesfound therearethreatenedtosomedegree,fromVulnerabletoCritically Endangered.Tubbatahaisabreedingandrookerygroundformany speciesofmigratoryandresidentseabirds,includingthecritically endangeredChristmasIslandfrigatebird,aswellastheendangered greenseaturtlesandcriticallyendangeredhawksbillseaturtle. :
Websofwhitereflectthesunoffthebrilliantbluehueoftheriver.The darkcavebeckons,itsshadowsinvitingthosewhopasstoseewhat’s ontheotherside.Aslightilluminatestheinsideofthecave,anartwork millionsofyearsinthemakingbymothernaturecanbeseen.
ThePuertoPrincesaSubterraneanRiverNationalParkisregardedas amiracleofnature.Theparkboastsariver-to-oceanecosystemand cavechambersreachingupto120mwideand60mhigh.Itishome tomultiplespeciesofanimalssuchasPalawanpeacockpheasant, Tabonscrubfowl,Palawan
andthe
ViganCity,IlocosSur Countlesschattersofaweandadmirationrivalthe clackingofhoovesandkalesas.Theincandescentlights thatalignwiththesidewalksgivethebustlingstreetsa calmatmosphere.Shopsfullofsouvenirsandmemorabilia givelifetotheSpanishhousesofold;thesteep-pitched roofsandwindowsmadeofCapizshellsgiveaglimpseof thepast.
ViganCity,locatedinIlocosSur,isconsideredbythe UNESCOWorldHeritageCenterasthebest-preserved exampleofaplannedSpanishcolonialtowninAsiaand aUNESCOWorldHeritageSite.Establishedduringthe 16thcentury,thecitywasheavilyinfluencedbySpanish architectureandculture,whichisstillevidentinitswellpreservedhistoricdistrict.Italsoservedasamajortrading andreligiouscenterduringtheSpanishcolonialperiod.
RECORDOF ERUPTION Kanlaonisabreathtakingbeauty—oneofthemanywordsthatcouldcapturethegrandeurofthismajesticvolcano.From thelushgreenerythatblanketsitsimperialslopestotheplumethatgracefullywrapsarounditspeak,itembodiesthevery essenceofnature’ssplendor.Yet,whatwasonceapristineandawe-inspiringsightsoonbecameasymbolofcatastrophe whenMountKanlaonerupted,castingadarkshadowoverthelivesofthoselivinginitswake.Thevolcano,withallitsculturaland naturalsignificance,transformedfromabelovedlandmarkintoareminderofnature’sformidablepower.
TheoncepeacefullandscapesofNegrosIsland wereforeveralteredandtransformedintoasceneof devastation.Thesuncouldscarcelypenetratethethick plumesofashandgas,descendinglikearelentless snowstormuponthevillagesofBagoCity,LaCarlotaCity, LaCastellana,CanlaonCity,andotheraffectedareas.
Homesstoodcloakedingray,whilefarmersgazedin despairattheirfields,onceteemingwithhealthy,flourishing crops,nowburiedbeneaththicklayersofvolcanicdebris. Thelossofcropssentshockwavesthroughtheregion, causingasharpdeclineinthevegetablesupply.This challengeextendedbeyondthelocalvillages,stretching thousandsofkilometersacrossNegrosIsland.Thelossof livelihoodwasnotonlyapersonaltragedybutablowto theentireregion.Withfoodbecomingincreasinglyscarce, manycommunitiesstruggledtofindenoughtoplaceon thetable.
Underthismaskofresiliencestandfaceswithstories,loss, andsurvival.Familieshuddledtogetherduringthenight oftheeruption,theirhomesshakingwitheachrumbleof theearth,fearingtheywouldn’tlivetoseethemorning. Evacuationcenterscrammedwiththosewhofled,barely abletomakeroomforonemore.Foodandwaterare scarce,leavingnocertaintyforresidentstogobackto
theirnormallives;everydaythatpassesfeelsliketheworld willstayasitis.Astheash-filledduskpasses,atroubling feelingthatthefutureaheadislookinggrimtakesoverthe inhabitantsoftheaffectedcities.Astheyfallasleep,barely fittingintheevacuationcenters,thelocalsembraceanight thatseemseverlasting.
Atthesilentdawn,theaftermathoftheeruptionabided overthelandlikeanunshakableweight.Steppingoutside, thelocalsweremetwithaworlddrapedingray—roads concealedbeneathlayersofash,familiarlandscapes losingtheirfamiliarity,andtheairwasthickwiththe scentofsulfur,ahauntingreminderofthechaosthat hadunfoldedjusthoursbefore.Evenso,withtheisland markedbydestruction,itspeoplefoundtheirwayto remainresilient.Communitiesinatraditionalfashiongave outahandtooneanother,sharingwhatlittletheyhad. Aidhasstartedarriving,butrecoveryremainsuncertain. Reliefeffortsarelimitedasrespondersworktoassist thethousandswhohavelosttheirhomes.Despitethe challenges,thepeople’sresilienceendures.Volunteers, bothlocalandfromotherareas,continuetooffersupport. Strangershavebecomefamily,boundbysharedlossand thedeterminationtorebuildwhattheyhavelost.
Undertheswelteringmiddaysun,awizenedwomanwitha tancomplexionandclackingwoodennecklacesweaves vibranttextiles,theircolorsdancinginthesunbeams. Throughherart,sheencapsulateshertribe’sculture.Inthe afternoon,oneyoungmanpicksfreshkogonandlagundi while anotherbuildshishomewithbambooandwood,underthewatchful eyeoftheirlocalkuyay Alongthecoast,grievingfamiliesburytheir lovedonesinwoodencoffins.Throughtheirtears,theywatchas KubukandSundukareplacedaroundthegraves,biddingtheirfinal goodbyes.
IntheheartofLuzon,withinthePhilippineCordillera,theIfugao peoplecontinuethelong-standingtraditionof Ikat”weaving. Withmotifsinspiredbygods,ancestors,andnature,they preservetheirheritagethroughthisintricatecraft.
Similarly,weaversoftheAgusanManobo,anIndigenousgroup fromMindanao,followadistinctstyleofweaving.Aspartoftheeight-member Manobocluster,theAgusanManoboareknownfortheirspecialembroidery traditioncalledSuyam.Withdesignsinspiredbyculturalsymbolism,the embroideryisdonebyhandandcantakeatleastamonthtocomplete.Through thistradition,theyhonortheirheritageandculturalidentity.
InMindanao,thecoastalSama-Bajauhaveauniqueburialpractice.Unlike thetypicalcemeteryburialorcremation,theywraptheirdeceasedincloth, placetheminahollowcoffin,andcarrythemtotheirmosquebeforeburying theminthecoastallands.Gravemarkers,likethekubul(alowfence)and sunduk(decoratedwithgeometricmotifs),areplacedaroundthegraves.
TheSama-Bajaubelievethatthosetheylosearenevertrulydead.They offerprayersandcleanthegraves,keepingtheconnectiontotheirlovedones strong.
Meanwhile,invariouspartsofLuzon,theAeta,or“mang-aanito,”areknownastraditional healers.LivinginCapas,Tarlac,theyusetheirknowledgeofherbsandmedicine,passed downthroughgenerations,asatestamenttotheirdeepconnectionwithnature.
OntheislandofMindoro,theAlanganMangyanpeopletraditionallyresideinlarge communalhousescalledbalaylakoy Thesecommunitycentersareconstructedfromlocal materialsandaretypicallyoverseenbyanelderly“Kuyay.”
Throughout thePhilippines, numerous indigenousgroups continueto practicetraditions thatshapethe culturalheritage ofthenation.The wizenedwomen, youngmen,and grievingfamiliesof thesecommunities formthebackbone ofFilipinoculture.
AsfellowFilipinos,it isourresponsibility tosharetheir stories,understand theircircumstances, andworktogetherto preserveandtakepride in theculturalrichnessthatdefinesus. :
4,000 m
TubbatahaReefs
Highestheightof AshClouderuptedby KanlaonVolcano.
Via|iSTOCK
Via UNESCO
PuertoPrincesaSubterraneanRiverNationalPark
hawk-owl,Palawanhornbill,
criticallyendangeredPalawancockatoo. :
Via|JesseAlegre
Via JesseAlegre
Via Flickr
DanielSymonDizon
|C.Dedoyco
|NathanielGendran
Ineveryparagraphwritten,astorygetstold,andintheheartof everystoryliesthebeatingrhythmofapassionthatrefusestofade; writers,tirelessintheirpursuitoftruth,carveeachsentencewith precision,knowingtheweightitcarries.Witheverysnap,atale becomespreservedformillenniatocome.Aching,ink-stained handsgatherinformationandrecastnon-stoptobecome messengers.Crampedarmsandstrainedshoulderspropup camerasinordertocapturetheperfectmoment—aglance, gesture,andrawemotion—onethatdefinesanarrativeinasingle frame.Asthedesiretoinformthemassesintensifies,thepain subsidestoperseverenomatterthecost.Wordsechothroughthe ages,connectinggenerationswithalegacyofsharedexperiences andtimelesslessons.Theinkmaydry,butthemessageremainsalive, atestamenttothosewhodaredtowrite.
Eversince1991,RepublicAct7079statesthatcampusjournalism hasbeenapartofschoolsandeducationalinstitutions.TheCampus JournalismActof1991,anactprovidingforthedevelopmentand promotionofcampusjournalismandforotherpurposes,declaresthe policyofthestatetoupholdandprotectthefreedomofthepressevenat thecampuslevelandtopromotethedevelopmentandgrowthofcampus journalismasameansofstrengtheningethicalvalues,encouraging criticalandcreativethinking,anddevelopingmoralcharacter andpersonaldisciplineintheFilipinoyouth.Bothaprovider ofinformationwithinthecampusandaguardianoftruth, journalismbecomes,foraselectfew,atransformativeexperience thatshapesthemintostrongerversionsofthemselves.
ThesigningofR.A.7079gavestudentstheopportunitytobecome heraldsoftruth,usingjournalismtoserveasmessengerswithintheir communities.Asschoolsintegratejournalismintotheircurriculum,learners cansoartonewheightsbytrainingtheirmindstodistinguishfactsfromhoaxes. Studentsalsosharpentheirabilitytosiftthroughfactsandmisinformation,preparingthemtonavigatethecomplexitiesofthemodernworld.Aslearners continuetohonetheirskillsinprovidingmanywiththetruththroughtheirwork,theyraiseawarenessofissuesbothwithinandoutsidetheschool,becoming advocatesfortruth.Campusjournalismempowersstudentstobechampionsofchange,inspiringtheirpeerstostandupforwhatisright.Journalism notonlyinformsbutalsoshapestheleadersandcriticalthinkersoftomorrow;journalistsraiseawarenessofwhatoccurs,beitinoroutsideoftheschool grounds.
Ascampusjournalismcontinuestonurturestudents,theybuildalegacythatwillneverbeforgotten Thesemessengers,whetherwithpenorlens,leave behindsomethingfargreaterthanthephysicaltolltheirbodiesendure.Theyleaveanimprintontheveryfabricoftimeitself.Thestoriestheycraft,the imagestheycapture,arenotmerereflectionsoftheworld—theyarethepulseofhumanity,areminderofoursharedexperiences,struggles,andtriumphs. Liketheirpredecessorsbeforethem,theytellastorywitheveryparagraphwrittenandpreserveataleformillenniatocomewitheverysnap.Knowingthat thetruevalueoftheirworkliesnotinfleetingrecognitionbutinitslastingimpactlongaftertheirhandshaverestedandtheshutterhasstoppedclicking, theybecomethekeepersofmemoryandarchitectsofhistory.Throughtheirunyieldingcommitmenttopreservingtruth,theyensurethatourcollective legacyendures,echoingthroughcenturiestocome,asvibrantandresonantasthedayitwasfirstwrittenorcaptured.Withthedesiretoinformmany, aching,ink-stainedhandsgatherandrevise,andcrampingarmsperseveretocapturetheperfectmomentnomatterthecost.
Theirwork,likethestoriestheytell,neverfades—itlivesonineverymindittouchesandineveryheartitmoves—throughthepain,throughpenandlens. :
Oncelivelystreets,fullof children’svoicesandjoyful laughter,nowechowithdeafening silence,brokenonlyoccasionallyby gentlewhistles.Wherethereused tobeacongregationofsweaty schoolchildrenhungryforanother roundofagamebecameabarren domain,withonlythebarkingof dogsandpassingvehiclestobe heard.
Withthedawnofanera dominatedbygadgets,thethrillof playingoutsidecannolongerbe felt.Confinedtothereachesofbeds andsofas,childrennowadaysprefer gadgetsforentertainmentinstead oftheoutdoors.Insteadofthe restlessdashingandevadingintag, thereisnowtherepetitivetapping onscreens.Inplaceoflyingspreadeagledonthegrass,bodiescurlup inbedsunderblankets.
Theinnocenceofchildhood,once filledwithcarefreelaughterand scrapedknees,hasslippedaway withthecoldglowofthescreens— themagicofoutdoorexploration, alongwiththeenchanting memoriesengravedinourhearts, haslostitsallure.Thethrillofendless adventuresanddiscoveryisslowly driftingawayastechnological advancementsemergeinthe modernworld.
Today’sgeneration,surrounded bygadgetsandmoderntechnology, grappleswithaparadox.While thesetoolscanenhancelearning anddevelopment,theyalsodeprive childrenofthesimplepleasures ofoutdoorplay—thefeelingofthe breezeontheirskin,thesunontheir face,theexcitementofagameof tumbangpreso,andthefreedomto roam,withonlyasoftreminderto staysafe. :
BacolodturnsoverfirstYuhomVillageunits InaccordancetothelaunchedPambansangPabahayParasa PilipinoProgram(4PH)ofPresidentFerdinand“Bongbong”Marcos Jr.lastSeptember2022,BacolodCityturnedoverthefirstunitsof theYuhomHousingprojectinArao,Brgy.VistaAlegre,Jan.25.
Thehousingprojectisa 24-square-meterunitthat, undertheamortization scheme,amountstoPHP 2,194.84permonthwitha maximumrepaymentterm of30yearsbasedonPAGIBIG representativeKenneth Macoy’spresentationofthe sampleamortizationplan inthemeetingwithBacolod CityMayorAlfredo“Albee” Benitez,BacolodHousing AuthorityHeadVictoria Parreñas,andDepartment ofHumanSettlementsand UrbanDevelopment(DHSUD)VI RegionalDirectorEvaMarfillast Jan.23. FIRSTINTHENATIONTOTURN OVERTHE4PHUNITS
MayorBenitezsaidthatBacolod isthefirstLocalGovernment Unit(LGU)inthecountryto turnoverthehousingtoits beneficiaries.
Outofthe296buyerbeneficiariesofthesaid program,64recipientsreceived thekeystotheirnewhomeson thedayoftheceremony.
“Wesawthejoyinthefaces ofthebeneficiaries,and theywillneverforget thattheynowhavea homeoftheirown.Our goalistoensurethat noBacolodnonwillbe leftwithoutahome,” Benitezsaid.
Moreover,Bacolod Cityalsoenteredintoa jointventureagreement withWRSHoldingsInc.and ScheirmanConstruction
ConsolidatedInc.forthe developmentofthe4PH housingunits,withthree buildingsalreadyfinished.
Thefirst64unitsbelongedto thefirstbuildingofthehousing project.Furthermore,Benitez urgedthedeveloperstospeed uptheconstructionoftheother 25buildings,whichwillconsist of4,000unitsintotal.
‘BUILDINGNOTJUSTHOUSING UNITS,BUTSAFEANDSECURE COMMUNITIES’
Benitezexpressedthatthe 4PHprogramisnotjustfocused onconstructinghousing unitsbutalsoaimstobuild communities.
“Wewanttoshowcasea communitywithcomplete facilitiesandamenities,amodel forotherstofollow.It’saplace wherepeoplecanlive,work,and play,”themayoremphasized.
Theprogramisalsodesigned toprovidesafeandsecure homes,especiallyforthe informalsettlers(ISFs)livingin areasclassifiedasredzones orhighrisk;theseareasare vulnerabletofirehazardsdue toovercrowding,substandard materialsfortheirhomes,and lackofaccesstobasicutilities.
Ma.VictoriaParreñas,headof theBacolodHousingAuthority (BHA),statedthatYuhom AsensoVillageisaninitiative thatrepresentsasteptowards a“homeless-freeBacolod”and anensuredsustainableurban development. :
BOOMINGBACOLOD BignamesstarttoeyeonCity’sbrightcapabilities BacolodCityisstartingtocatchtheattentionofmajorinvestorsinbusinessandeducationasprominentbrandslike theLandersSuperstore,S&RMembershipShopping,andNationalUniversitysetupbranchesintheworld-renowned CityofSmiles—signalingapositiveindicationontheeconomicvitalityoftheBacolod.
SHOPPINGEXPERIENCE TRANSFORMATION
Bacolodnonswelcomedthebiggest LandersSuperstorebranchinthe Philippinesandthefirst-everpremium shoppingstoretoopeninNegros Islandlastyear,August10,2023.
Thesuperstoreislocatedat Megaworld’sUpperEastAvenue, spanning2.5hectareswithatleast 43,000registeredmemberseven beforeitsopening.
“It’slookinggoodandagood developmentinthecity’seconomy,”
BacolodCityMayorAlfredo“Albee” Benitezsaidduringthestore’sopening tothemedia.
Nottobeoutdone,S&RMembership Shoppingalsofounditswayto BacolodCity,complementingthenew shoppingexperienceLandersbrought.
S&Ropenedtheir27thwarehouseclub onApril8,2024,inBacolodCityatthe ReclamationArea,BurgosAvenue.
“Thisisoneofthedrivingforcesof oureconomicdevelopment…the economicconsumption.Bacolodis experiencingtremendousgrowth becauseourjobplacementsandjob availabilityhavebeenincreasing, andrightnow,wehavethousands ofjobopportunities;thatwehave beenconductingaseriesofjobfairs becauseofjobopportunitiesknocking inthedoorsofBacolodCity,”Mayor BenitezsaidontheopeningofS&R. ANEWAGEFORBACOLOD’S EDUCATION
TheNationalUniversity(NU)opened itsfirstcampusoutsideLuzonon August5,2024,withaneight-story campussituatedbesideSMCity
Bacolod,whichhitsasignificant milestoneforthecity’sacademic landscape.
“NUiscommittedtoeducation thatworksanditsroleinnationbuildingwithitsplanstoexpandin VisayasandMindanao,”Dr.Renato CarlosErmitaJr.,presidentandchief executiveofficerofNUPhilippines, said.
TheNUBacolodoffersScience, Technology,Engineering,and Mathematics(STEM),Humanities andSocialSciences(HUMSS), andAccountancyand BusinessManagement(ABM) fortheSeniorHighSchool; forcollege,itoffersprograms suchasaccountancy,computer science,psychology,andtourism management.
Panay-GuimarasbridgeconstructionsetonJune; projectallocatesP57bforfirstsection Panay-Guimarasbridge,a segmentofthelong-awaited Panay-Guimaras-Negrosbridge,is scheduledforconstructiononJune 2025withanexpecteddateoffinish beforeJune2028withabudgetof PHP57billion.
The said bridge, also known as Section A of the project, will connect Leganes, Iloilo in Panay, to Buenavista in Guimaras with a span of 13.616 kilometers, while the GuimarasNegros bridge measured 19.470 kilometers and will begin after the
construction of Section A in 2028.
“I am sad because for this project, which pushed for when was still in the Senate, made the initial allocation and budgeted for it. am disappointed that it has been delayed due to defects in the design, as the director clearly stated,” Former Senator Franklin Drilon, an Ilonggo, said.
On the contrary, Drilon expressed he is happy, on the other hand because of the reassurance of the director to do everything and that the project is possible to be completed since it was among the last projects the former senator sponsored.
The Panay-Guimaras-Negros bridge is expected to increase the economic development and tourism in the Western Visayas region through accessibility and improved transportation between the three provinces. :
AaronJoshuaVilloga
|A.J.Villoga
G.A.Barrios
JelinVenturado
A.J.Villoga
KanlaonErupts,ThousandsGearUpandEvacuate Breakingitsyearsofsilencewithamagmaticforce,thefamousKanlaonVolcanoofNegrosIslandhasbegunshowingitsexplosivenature onceagain.KnownforitsmajesticbeautyandhavingthehighestpeakintheVisayasregionat2,465meters,Kanlaonisasignificant figureinthelandscapeofthePhilippines.Butnowithasbecomeasourceofconcern,asithaslefttheenvironmentandlocalcommunity distraughtfromallofitsrecentdestructiveactivity.
ThePhilippineInstituteofVolcanologyandSeismology(PHIVOLCS) reportedtheKanlaoneruptiononDecember9,2024,producingan ashplumethatreachedupto4kilometerstall,almostreachingthe clouds.Followingthat,onJanuary10,2025,thevolcanowasrecorded toremarkablycause11earthquakesandreleaseashplumesrising upto1,000meters.Gasesfromthevolcanoarealsoofconcern,with sulfurdioxideemissionsonthatdaymeasuringupto5,763tons (5,228,105.66kg),dangerouslevelsoftoxicity,andaclearsignof ongoingmagmaticactivitybeneaththevolcano.
PHIVOLCShasregularlymonitoredthevolcanoandmaintainedan AlertLevel3,indicatingincreasedunrestandahighriskofabrupt explosiveeruptions.Aprecautionwasalsoestablishedbyintegrating asix-kilometerPermanentDangerZone(PDZ)aroundthepeak. Additionally,authoritieshaverestrictedcertainflyingconditions throughouttheregion.Ontopofthat,pyroclasticflows,ashfall,and potentiallaharflowsduringheavyrainsfurtherincreasetherisks.
Theexplosiveactivityhasleftlocalcitizensindistressoverthe potentialdangerthevolcanohasposed.AccordingtotheNational DisasterRiskReductionandManagementCouncil(NDRRMC),asof February5,atotalof17citiesandmunicipalitieswereaffectedbythe activityofKanlaon.Recordssumupto27barangays,with22from Region6and5fromRegion7,andatotalof47,263citizensaffected, with1deadfromRegion6.
Reportsof87,000residentswereonceevacuatedfromvillages withinthedangerzoneduetohealthconcernsandpotentialhazards fromashfallandtoxicgases.Alongsidethis,theagricultureindustry experiencedsignificantlossesaswell.ProvincialAgriculturistDina Gonzelarecordeddamageto580.87hectaresofrice,corn,andhighvaluecropsthataffected1,882farmersonJanuary6,2025.Theprice oftheanticipateddamagestotaled128.6millionpesos.
Inlightoftheeruption,theNDRRMCadvisedthepublictostrictly followevacuationprocedures,toprepareforpossibleeruptionsin thefuture,andtoalwaysstayinformedaboutthecurrentstateof Kanlaon.
Kanlaon’sresurgencehighlightstheimportanceofdisaster preparednessinvolcanicregions.Localgovernmentsandagencies havestartedtoprovideresourcestoaidevacueesandimplement contingencymeasures.PHIVOLCScontinuestoannouncetimely updatesandhazardassessmentstoinformandpreparecitizensfor anyformofactivity.
Intimesofsuchdisasters,PHIVOLCSemphasizestheimportance offollowingtheiradvisoriesandtakingnecessaryprecautions Upon signsandwarningsofvolcanicactivity,itisessentialtostayinformed bycontinuouslycheckingreliablesitesregardingtheupdatesofthe volcano.ReliablesourcesincludethePHIVOLCSwebsiteandofficial socialmediachannels.Localauthoritieswillprovidethenecessary measuresforthecommunitytofollow.Iftheyissueanevacuation order,evacuateimmediatelyandfollowthedesignatedevacuation routes.Inpreparationforthis,makesurevitalneedsandgoods aretobestoredandorganized,suchasfood,water,medicine,an emergencykit,andimportantdocuments.
Aftertakingprecautionarymeasures,protectionduringtheactivity mustbeconsidered.Thisincludesstayingindoorsasmuchas possible;ifnootherchoice,wearadustmaskorcoveryournoseand mouthwithadampcloth.Itisadvisedtowearanyformofprotective clothing,likegogglesorprotectiveeyewear,long-sleevedclothing, andlongpantstoensuresafetyforthebody.Ifyouareoutdoors,seek shelterinasturdybuildingandbeawareofotherpotentialhazards suchaspyroclasticflows,lahars,andvolcanicgases.Itmustalso benotedthatknowingyourcommunity’sevacuationroutesand assemblyareasthroughreposting,sharing,andparticipatinginany formofprogramisastepclosertocreatingpositivechangeinour community.
Letthisbeareminderofthethreatsuchgeologicalactivitycould posetothecommunity.Whileitsgrandpresencehaslongbeena symbolofnaturalbeautyinNegrosIsland,Kanlaon’seruptionserves asthebalancebetweensplendoranddestruction.
“InthePhilippines,wecallita‘supermarketofdisasters,’becauseyounameit—we haveit.”
TheRedCrosshighlightedtheintensityofthecountry’sstrugglewithextreme weather.FromlateOctobertomid-November2024,thePhilippinesexperienceda record-breakingtyphoonseason,withsixstrongstormsstrikingthecountryinfour weeks—whichwereSUPERCHARGEDbyclimatechange.
Climatechangeislinkedtotherecord-breakingtyphoonseasoninthePhilippinesbymaking theconditionsthatfuelstormsmuchstronger.Warmerseascausemorewatertoevaporate, puttingmoremoistureintotheair.Thismoisturefuelstyphoons,makingthemgrowbigger andmorepowerful.Climatechangealsoaffectswindpatterns,makingiteasierforstormsto organizeandbecomemoreintense.Thesecombinedeffectsofclimatechange“supercharged”thetyphoonseason,resultinginmorefrequentanddestructive storms.
Duringlate2024,thePhilippinesfacedsixtyphoonsonNovember16:Severe
SuperTyphoonLeon(Kong-rey), TyphoonMarce(Yinxing),TyphoonNika(Toraji),SuperTyphoonOfel(Usagi),andthefinalstorm,SuperTyphoonPepito(Man-yi).
AlthoughthePhilippineshadstrongdisasterresponsecapabilities,thefrequencyandintensityoftheback-to-backstormsleftlittletimefor recovery,leavingthenationevenmoreatrisk.Despitetheevacuationofcitizensandthetemporaryshutdownofports,airports,andschoolsbeing necessarygovernmentactions,theywerenotenoughtolessentheresultingimpacts.AstheUnitedNationsreported,thestormscausedwidespread destruction,withmorethan300,000
defense.Stayinformedandstaysafe! :
Bacolod,thecapitalcityofNegrosOccidental,isfamiliarwithalow-pressuresystemcalledtyphoons.Itisknownasthe“CityofSmiles,”butdonotbefooled,since itisnotalwayssunshineandrainbows.TherecordedaveragethatthePhilippinesbattlesevery
is20typhoonsduetoits
alongthe typhoonbelt(FWD,2024).ThemostfrequentlyaffectedareasaretheregionsthatfacethePacificOcean,namelytheBicol
EasternVisayas,andNorthern Luzon.However,BacolodCity,locatedatthebottomofWesternVisayas,alsosuffersmainlybecauseofthedisturbanceoftyphoonsinthearea’saveragetemperature rangingbetween74°Fand93°F.Thisnaturalcalamitycauseshazardssuchasfloods,landslides,andstormsurgesthataredeadlyanddestructive.Therefore,
BacolodCity’sDisasterRiskReductionManagement(DRRM)Planfortheyears 2023to2025emphasizesthefollowing:
-Helpingthecommunitybecomestrongerandsafer(preparingfordisasters)
-Stayingsafeandawayfromharm(reducingrisks)
-Quicklyrecoveringwhenneeded(actofresilience)
BacolodCity’sDRRMPlanalignswiththetipsprovidedbyBluetti(2023)forwhatto dobefore,during,andafteratyphoon:
BEFORETHETYPHOON:PREPARINGFORDISASTERS
•Educateyourselfandthepeoplearoundyoubyresearchingtipsandguidesto surviveatyphoon,thencreateadisasterplan.
•Prepareanemergencybagthatcontainsyournecessities—food,water, flashlight,andfirst-aidkit—incaseyouhavetorelocate.
•Stockuponresourcessuchasfood,waterandsuppliesathome,sincesome typhoonscanlastfordays,causingyoutostayinside.
•Secureyourhomebycheckingforanyweakpointsintheconstructionthatmay needfixing.
•Beawarebyregularlylisteningtonewsupdatesabouttyphoons.
DURINGTHETYPHOON:REDUCINGRISKS
•Stayawayfromhazardousareassuchaslow-lyingandflood-proneareas.
•Stayinsideyourhomeoranyshelter,closeandkeepawayfromthedoorsand windows,andstayput.Ifyouwerewoundedduringthetyphoon,seekshelteratthe nearesthospital.
•ListentoweatherupdatesfromtheTVorbattery-operatedradiostoknowthe situationoutside.
•Ifthetyphoonlastsfordays,avoidgoingoutsidetoensureyoursafetyand conserveyourresources.
•Remaincalmandcomposed.
AFTERTHETYPHOON:ACTOFRESILIENCE
•Stayupdatedonweatherupdatesandlistentotheiradviceonwhetheryoucan gooutsideornot.
•Assessthedamagetoyourpropertyandstartthecleanupprocess.Ifyouhave insurancecoveragefordamagescausedbythetyphoon,filean
claim. •Checkandsustainyourresources.
•Cooperatewithhumanitarianorganizationsandseekhelporofferassistance.
Take
of
TropicalStormKristine(Trami),
YohannJedAlamon
RhavieAnnTaghap
EuniceJoyMarañon
Via PhilippineInstituteof VolcanologyandSeismology
Shadowed Legacy Basketballcourtsarebustlingwithactivity, soccerfieldsarevibrantwithenergy,andother sportshavegainedwidespreadrecognition, offeringindividualsopportunitiestoexcel. However,Arnis,amartialartdeeplyrootedin tradition,remainslargelyoverlooked.Within educationalinstitutions,basketballtriumphs arecelebrated,andvolleyballteamsreceive enthusiasticsupport,yettheartofstickfighting isseldomacknowledged.Arnisisnotmerely asport;itrepresentsalegacyofresilience, asymbolofFilipinostrength,andacultural heritagethatmeritsfargreaterrecognition.Thus, Arnisshouldbeappreciatedandgivenasmuch attentionasothersportsdo.
ArnisexistedlongbeforetheSpaniardsarrived inthePhilippines,deeplyrootedinancientFilipino warfareandself-defense.Whencolonization threatenedtoeraseit,Arnisfoundwaysto survive—hiddenindanceslike‘Sakuting’and evenblendingwithEuropeanfencingtechniques. Despitetheodds,itendured,justliketheFilipino peoplealwaysdo.
Arnisisamartialartwithdeepculturalrootsin thePhilippines,representingtheresilienceand strengthofitspeople.Ithasbeenpasseddown throughgenerations,preservingFilipinohistory andtraditions.Despiteitssignificance,itisoften overshadowedbymoremainstreamsports thatreceivemorerecognitioninschoolsand communities.
Additionally,thissportisnotjustaformof combatbutadisciplinethatrequiresprecision, strategy,andskill.Themovements,whichinclude intricatestick-fightingtechniques,promotemental focusandphysicalcoordination.Thesequalities makeArnisavaluablepracticethatgoesbeyond physicalfitness,offeringlifelessonsindiscipline andresilience.
Moreover,givingArnismorerecognitionwould helppreserveandcelebrateFilipinoheritage. Byincorporatingitintoschoolprogramsand communityevents,thesportwouldnotonlygain theattentionitdeservesbutalsoinspireanew generationtoappreciateitsculturalimportance. Justlikebasketballorvolleyball,Arnishasthe potentialtounitepeoplethroughasharedpassion forFilipinotraditions.
WhatmakesArnisuniqueisitsemphasison skill,strategy,andtechniqueratherthanrelying onbrutestrength.Unlikemanyothermartialarts, Arnisisaccessibletoindividualsofallagesand genders,makingitaversatilepractice foranyone. :
TherevampedGElineup,featuringtwo Filipinoplayers,bouncedbackfroma tough13-3losstoafieryAdoboGang inAbyss,respondingwithdominant winsonSplitandPearlat13-7and13-6, respectively.
GE’sPinoycontrollerplayer,Federico “Papi”Evangelista,dominatedtheseries andearnedMostValhonors,rackingup 41kills,31deaths,and18assists.
“Withthenewadditionstoourteam, wecannowmixourplayingstyles,”said in-gameleader(IGL)forGlobalEsports’ Valorantteam,Kelly“kellyS”Sedillo.
OnMap1,Abyss,TSdictatedthepace early,shuttingGEdowntojustthree roundsinthefirsthalf.
GEkickedoffMap2,Split,bysecuring thepistolandanti-ecorounds,butTS
quicklyfiredbackwithafour-round streak.
Furthermore,GEregainedmomentum, stringingtogethersixroundstoclosethe halfwithan8-4lead.
TSscrappedforroundstostayalive inthesecondhalf,butgameMVPGo “UdoTan”Kyung-wonlockeddownthe AdoboGang,sealinga13-7wintotieup theseries.
GEtookcontrolofthedecidermap Pearl,winningthefirstthreeroundsand stackingfourmorebetweenTS’swins, withPapideliveringclutchplays.
TheIndia-basedsquadadvancesto theupperbracketquarterfinals,where they’llclashwithTalonEsportsonJanuary 25,whileTeamSecretdropstothelower brackettofightforsurvival. :
Hetookalargeamountofbreathashebegantorunasfastashecould;withtherighttiming,heforcedhimselfupintheair andbegantospinmajestically.Afterafewspins,withfeettogether,kneesbent,andbothhandsforward,hisstancewasallfora perfectlanding.Ittookhimamomenttoprocesseverything.Withaloudheartbeatandheavybreathing,heturnedtothejudges, wonderingwhattheoutcomewouldbe.
achievedhissecondgold intheMen’sGymnastics
an
Exercise;he
and
YulowasborninManilaon February16,2000.Attheage of7,hewasalreadyinterested inwatchinggymnaststrain inalocalsportscomplex.As hegrewup,hewasoffereda gymnasticsscholarshipbythe JapaneseOlympicCommittee (JOC)totraininJapan. There, graduatedwithan AssociateDegreeinLiterature attheTeikyoUniversityin Tokyo,Japan.Atthispoint, hisgymnasticjourneyhad
reachedthehighestlevelof globalgymnasticsinboththe vaultandfloorexercises.His aimwastoachievesomething bigafterHidilynDiaz’historic goldmedalintheprevious TokyoOlympics.
“I’msooverwhelmed.I’m feelinggratefulforhaving thismedalandforGod.He protectedme,asalways,”Yulo said.
Hefeltamixofexcitement andreliefwhenheturned aroundtoseetheresults, knowinghecouldreturnto hisnewhomeinTaguigCity withthebiggesttriumphhe
hadeverachievedsofar. AsthefirstFilipinotomake historybywinningtwogold medalsinasingleOlympics, hewasalreadylookingahead. Heonceagaintookalarge amountofbreathandranas fastashecould,butthistime around,withoutanyroutine inmind,withoutthinkingofa perfecttimingtoland.Instead, heranwithfullmightalong withtheflagofhiscountry—the Philippines,proudlywavingitin frontofmillionsofpeopleand thousandsofmedia,declaring hiscountry’spride,showing thatanythingispossibleas longasyoubelieveinyourself. :
PHCurlersclinchAsianWinter GamesGold Tippedasbreakingthroughthepodiumfinishinhistory,thePhilippines men’scurlingteamtookhomethecountry’sfirstAsianWinterGamesgoldover SouthKoreainHarbin,China,Feb.14.
WithMarcPfistersittingout,thesquad outplayedtheRepublicofKoreaina thrilling5-3showdown,clinchingahistoric victory.
TheRepublicofKoreatiedthegamein thethirdend,butthePhilippinesanswered withadoubleinthefourth.
Koreansstayedinthefight,pickingup singlepointsinthenexttwoends, evenstealingoneinthesixth despitethePhilippines havingthehammer. However,hestole anotherpoint in
theeighthendafterLee’sriskypromotion takeoutmissed,securingthePhilippines’ historicwin.
AccordingtoXinhua,Philippinesvice skipChristianHallersaidtheirstrongfirst half,leading3-1afterfourends,waskeyto maintainingcontrolandsecuringthewin.
ThequintetofAlanFrei,MarcPfister, EnricoPfister,andChristianHallerstunned China7-6inthesemistoreachthe championshipmatch,andwiththegold medalsecured,thenationalteamnow eyesthe2026WinterOlympicsinItaly. :
Wealsowant toinspire peopleinthe Philippines, thenew generation coming upplaying curling
-AlanFrei
Assoonasheheardthecheersandexcitementfromthecrowd,hisheartwasfilledwith fearanddeterminationenteringthearena.Alightfromaboveshineduponhiseyesasthe gamewasabouttostart.Hisbodytrembledthemomenttheballwastossedintheairby thereferee’shand,thinkingofawaytosecurethevictoryforhishometeam.
GilaseliteArielJohnEdu,thebigmanofthe GilasPilipinas.Despitehavingakneeinjury fromhislastgameintheJapanBLeague,he stillemergedvictoriousasheclinchedthe gamewithafinalslamagainstQatar.
Tallyingsixpointsand10reboundsduring the2ndDohaInternationalCupatQUSports andEventComplex.
“MybiggestadviceistotrustintheLord,to reallyholdontofaiththattheLordhasgood plans.I’veseenGod’sgoodnessinmyownlife, restoringmetothebasketballcourt,”Edusaid.
Eduwasstillinrecoveryafterhisinjuryfrom hislastgameinJapan;however,thatdid notstophimfromdominatinghisopponents whenitcametorepresentinghismotherland.
Sincethen,AJhasendured multipleknee
injuriesinhisyoungcareer.Still, Edudidnotgiveupasabasketball player;heperseveredandeven returnedasabetterplayer.
Theyoungathletesethissights ontheupcomingFIBAAsiaCup QualifierstoshowcasetheFilipino Gloryandprovetheyarebetter thanbefore.
Ashedrovethroughhisfoes,he openedhiseyes,determinedtopursue thelightofvictory.Heslippedright througheverydefenderinsight,fixated onthelightinsidethedarktunnel, ignoringtheeffectsonhisbodyafterthe crucialplay.
Assoonashelefthisdefendersinawe, Edusoaredhighontothebackboard, deliveringthefinalslamthatsealedthe triumphforGilas.
“Floatlikeabutterfly,stinglikeabee.”
Asthecrowdfallssilentandalleyesareonher,shetakes adeepandreassuringbreaththatshewillbeokay.After payingtribute,sheshifts;focusandconfidenceoverthrow herfear.Everystrike&twirl,galesofpassionsuffusethrough theair.Hergracefulyetfiercedancecaptivatesthecrowd, leavingtheminawe.Thezealforgoldfillshermind,pushing herfurthertogiveitherallinherperformance.
JeaniaVillador,12HUMSSEmpathyisablack-belted arnisadorandtheco-leaderalongsideChristianJames MagbanuaontheNegrosOccidentalHighSchool(NOHS) OneArnis.
“Tome,Arnisisfamily.Eversince startedArnis,I’ve encounteredalotofpeopleandmetpeoplefromallplaces withdifferentpersonalities.AndsomeofthoseI’vebecome closewith,likefamily,”Villadarsaid.
Villadarstartedherarniscareerin4thgradeather elementaryalmamater,EstefaniaElementarySchool,and withherexcellenceinthesport,shecontinuedtopursueit atNegrosOccidentalHighSchool.Throughouther9-year careerasanarnisador,shehasgarneredmorethana hundredmedalsintotal,withoneofhermostmemorable onesbeinginPalarongPambansa2019,being gold, silver, and bronze.
Shestatedthatoneofherinspirationsishercoach,
MakoyPuzon,whoiscurrentlypartofthePhilippine EskrimaKaliArnisFederationandisoneofthepeople whohasalwaysencouragedandpushedher.His experiencesinspiredVilladar,asPuzon’strustin himselfledhimtobecomeoneofthePhilippines’ nationalathletes.
Withcollegeinthemidst,Jeaniaplanstofocus moreonheracademics,afterwhichsheplansto continueherdreamtobelongtothePhilippinearnis teamtorepresentthecountryandinspirestudents whowanttobecomefuturearnisidors.
Oneofhermostimportantpiecesofadviceforthe newarnisidorsisthatpracticemakesperfectand
totrustyourself.Sheaddsthattheremightbetimesthat playersbecomeunmotivatediftheyloseatournament;her adviceistomotivatethemselvesandlearnfromtheirlosses, asthey’renotalwaysgoingtowineverytournament.
Withthemedalinherhands,sheknowsthisisjustoneof themanystepsontheladdertoattaingreatness.Itdoesn’t matterifshewinsorloses;thejourneyitselfiswhattruly matters.Themedalisasymbolofherhardwork,butit’sthe resilienceanddeterminationshebuildsalongthewaythat willultimatelydefineherpathtogreatness. :
(TS)onthesecond
ofthe
ChampionTours(VCT)PacificKickoff tournament,heldinSeoul,SouthKorea,fromJan.17to28.
|PhilChristianAlib
P.Prieto
PrincessPrieto
P.Prieto
KynzLamera
MaryAntonetteQuiamco
| AngeleneGay
PINOYPRIDEONICE.
ThePhilippinecurling teamcelebratesa victory,theirjoyful facesreflectingthe nation’sexcitement. CourtesyofJade Gao/AFP
FinalBlow.Negros OccidentalHighSchool (NOHS)punchesit’sway securinggoldinthe2025 DivisionMeetBoxing SecondaryBoys. Prieto
• AstandardFIFAfootball fieldis100–110meters (110–120yards)longand64–75 meters(70–80yards)wide,according toFIFA.
• Thestandardgoalsizeforfootball goalsis24feetwideby8feethigh. ThissizeisrecommendedbytheFA forplayersaged15andolder,aligning withinternationalstandardsused inprofessionalandadultamateur leagues.
• TheaverageheightofanNational FootballLeagueplayeris74.14inches
Halfacenturyofdroughthasfinallycometoanend.
Theatmospherecrackledwithrawintensity,chargedwiththeweightofambitionandtheunyieldingspirit.Everypassandtacklewasacalculatedactof resilience,eachmovementdrivenbyafiercedeterminationtosucceed.Despitetheshiftingtidesofthegame,theirconfidenceneverwavered.Thefield becameabattleground,wheredreamsandtenacitycollidedinadanceofpurewillpower,andwitheachpassingmoment,theirspiritonlygrewstronger,their resolveunbrokenastheyheldfirmagainstallodds,pushingforwardtowardtheprizetheyrefusedtoletslipaway.
Foroverfivedecades,the Philippineshadstruggledtodefeat Thailandininternationalfootball competitions,withtheThainational teammaintaininganunbeaten streakovertheFilipinossince1972. However,twomonthsago,the Philippinemen’snationalfootball teammadehistoryastheyended theremarkable52-yearreignof Thaisupremacy,securingahardfought2-1victoryagainstThailand, thedefendingseven-timeASEAN championsandworldnumber 97,inathrillingmatchatthe RizalMemorialStadiuminManila.
Onthisunforgettableevening, theBootersshowedimmense resilience,determination,andskill tofinallybreakthatlong-standing dominance.
Thisvictorynotonlyshattered the52-yearstreakbutalsoboosted thePhilippines’confidenceas theycontinuetochallengesome ofthetopteamsintheregion andbeyond.FansinManilaand aroundthecountrycelebrated thishistoricachievement,asthe Booters’triumphrepresentedmuch
morethanjustavictoryonthe field—itwasasymbolofprogress andthepotentialforevengreater accomplishmentsinthefuture.
FootballinbothThailandandthe Philippineshasseensignificant developmentovertheyears, withThailandhistoricallybeing oneofSoutheastAsia’sfootball powerhouses.Thematchwasa tenseandcompetitiveencounter, withbothteamsfightingfiercelyfor controloftheball.Thefirsthalfsaw someclosecalls,butneitherside wasabletofindthebackofthenet.
Asthegameprogressed,Thailand’s defensewastestedrepeatedlyby thePhilippines’attackingprowess.
Thematchreachedafeverpitch whentheBootersscoredinthe dyingmoments,clinchingthe victoryonthelastpossession.
Thewinwasnotjustan emotionaltriumphfortheplayers butalsoasymbolofthePhilippines’ growingstrengthinSoutheast Asianfootball.TheBooters’ victoryoverateamwithsucha prestigiousfootballinglegacywas amomentousachievementthat
willberememberedasoneofthe mostsignificantmilestonesinthe historyofPhilippinefootball.
Astheatmosphereragedwith intensitythatseemedtopulse througheverymovementonthe field,theyexecutedpassesand tackleswithasharpfocusthat spoketoyearsofpreparation.The relentlessenergytheydisplayed wasmatchedonlybythequiet confidencethatsettledoverthem, adeep-rootedbeliefintheirability toovercomewhateverchallenge cametheirway.Everymomenton thefieldwasabattle,notjustofskill butofwill,astheysurgedforward withunwaveringdetermination, facingeachchallengehead-on. Justwhenvictoryseemedtobe outofreach,theyseizedafleeting opportunitywithamomentof brilliance—onedecisivestrikethat shatteredthetensionandsealed theirtriumph—avictorybornnot onlyofskillbutofanunbreakable spiritthatrefusedtoyield,leaving anindeliblemarkonthegame’s history.
PhotoviaSpin.Ph
| G.A.Barrios
