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silak media. COMMITTED TO DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM VOL. XLIV NO. 4
| DECEMBER 2022 - NOVEMBER 2023
CATALYST OF BREAKTHROUGH. Mark Lawrence Articuna, now one of the editors-in-chief of SILAK Media, addresses the concerns of a budding journalist during the writing session of WriteWorks 2023 held on April 15 to 16, 2023 at the Gabaldon Hall of Iloilo National High School. | Photo by Shane Salao
SILAK Media advocates for digital journalism thru WriteWorks 2023 by RODEL PACIT
WITH THE cause of shaping the future of campus journalism in the digital age, SILAK Media has partnered with Junior Chamber International (JCI) Regatta - Iloilo in the conduct of WriteWorks 2023, a journalism and creative writing workshop held on April 15-16, 2023 at the Gabaldon Hall of Iloilo National High School (INHS). More than 200 learners from private and public schools all over the province and city of Iloilo attended the workshop, which included lectures on the different journalism and creative writing categories, as well as plenary sessions discussing the event’s theme, “Shaping the Future of Campus Journalism in the Digital Age.” “Technology is very powerful and important nowadays to us because it changes the landscape of journalism through information dissemination and social interaction,” said Joseph Bernard Marzan, a senior reporter of The Daily Guardian, who spoke about the importance of technology in journalism.
WVSU-COE prof hands over dissertation to Guimaras provincial gov’t
NEWS | PAGE 4
Some of the resource speakers were accomplished journalists, writers, and trainers: Dr. Hazel Villa, adviser of SILAK Media and Visayas correspondent of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, spoke about news and editorial writing; Kimberly Rose Pillo, an award-winning former editor-in-chief of SILAK and a Filipino teacher at INHS, discussed feature writing; and Mariel Terre, SILAK’s former associate editor, a published poet and an English teacher at Tigbauan National High School, talked about poetry writing. Additionally, Mark Angelo C. Fuertes, SILAK associate editor from 2012 to 2013 and an English teacher at the WVSU - Integrated Laboratory School, discussed
Kapos-suporta sa edukasyon, pasismo ang prayoridad
OPINION | PAGE 6
about copyreading and headlining, and John Frederic Bugayong, former illustrator and literary editor of SILAK and currently a science instructor at St. Paul University Iloilo, for editorial cartooning. “This workshop expands our knowledge on journalism and how to write it, which enables us to be the voice of others through writing,” said Alexa Jaci Bataan, a participant from the Angelicum School Iloilo as she shared her experience during the workshop. Blessed Bea Plondaya, external vice president and project chairman of WriteWorks 2023 added that they will partner again with SILAK to conduct the same workshop next year.
Future-proofing in Kuwait: Ilonggo OFW ranks 3rd in special licensure exam for teachers
FEATURE | PAGE 10
STEMA claims victory at Sinadya sa Ed 2023
SPORTS | PAGE16
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silak media. COMMITTED TO DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM VOL. XLIV NO. 4
HISTORIC MOMENT. Hazel P. Villa hands over a copy of her dissertation to Guimaras Governor JC Rahman Nava during the 31st provincehood celebration and Manggahan Festival, held on May 22, 2023, at the Capitol Event Area, Jordan, Guimaras | Photo by Pretty Pearl Kate Serilo
Bridge of lore history:
WVSU-COE prof hands over dissertation to Guimaras provincial government by MARK LAWRENCE G. ARTICUNA
SERVING as a significant contribution to preserving Guimarasnon’s identity and the province’s intangible cultural heritage, Dr. Hazel P. Villa, an
ILS, COE alum bags Taiwan top postgrad research prize by REJIE F. PALMOS FIDES ANNA C. NOTES
AN ALUMNUS of the WVSU Integrated Laboratory School (ILS) and of the College of Education (COE), Donne Jone Sodusta, became the first Filipino to win the Distinguished Dissertation Prize of the Taiwan Association for Sociology of Education (TASE). His study, “Contriving and Curating Indigeneity: Problematization of the Philippines’ Indigenous Peoples Education” which demonstrates the limits of progressive education reform in the Philippines bested other entries for the 2023 top postgraduate dissertation prize. “I tried to immerse myself in the issues and challenges that these communities faced, their individual and common dreams,
associate professor of the West Visayas State University-College of Education, turned over her doctoral dissertation to the Provincial Government of Guimaras during
and various ways of coping and navigating the daily realities, especially their attempts at learning, re-learning, revitalizing their various forms of cultural heritage as a key aspect in the ownership of their identities and social narratives,” said Sodusta who was also a former Education Student Council (ESC) chairperson in 2003 and a former SILAK editor-in-chief in 2002. Sodusta, who is currently an assistant professor at the University of the Philippines Visayas, wrote his study as a terminal requirement for his PhD degree at National Dong Hwa University in Taiwan where he researched on multicultural education issues, particularly on indigenous peoples’ education policies and practices. He is a recipient of the Taiwan Elite University postgraduate scholarship and is also the first Filipino to graduate with a doctoral degree at the same university in 2022. He enrolled in the school year 2017. Sodusta is challenging the preservice teachers of his alma mater to see
| DECEMBER 2022 - NOVEMBER 2023
its 31st provincehood celebration and Manggahan Festival, held on May 22, 2023, at the Capitol Event Area, Jordan, Guimaras. “Ang Mariit kag Palhi nga Lawud (The Uncanny and Accursed Sea): The Waterlore of Guimaras,” is a product of two years of collecting tales from the surrounding seas and shores of the province — a dissertation of the first of its kind — with legends, 89 tales of the supernatural, animal tales with 22 turtle stories and 10 for shark tales, and a total of 16 variants for genealogical accounts of where Guimarasnons originally came. “Guimaras holds a special place in my heart because it is where I did much of my journalism work as a Visayas correspondent of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. And while going around, I realized that they have so many stories waiting to be collected and studied,” said Dr. Villa, who finished her doctoral degree in English at Silliman University in Dumaguete City. She is also the adviser of SILAK Media, the COE’s official college publication. Governor JC Rahman A. Nava graciously accepted the dissertation paper, serving as a symbolic channel between lore knowledge and the people of Guimaras. With the smell of tropical air infusing the evening with the sweetest flavors of joy and festivity, the province also celebrates the successful comeback and fullblast celebration of the 30th Manggahan Festival after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
SODUSTA
research not just as a requirement for graduation but as a way for them to become full-fledged professionals who contribute to the evolving body of knowledge that shape policy and practice in education.
silak media. COMMITTED TO DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM VOL. XLIV NO. 4
| DECEMBER 2022 - NOVEMBER 2023
NEWS
Supapo receives TOSIA for ‘Mobile School’ advocacy by FIDES ANNA C. NOTES
BRIDGING THE LEARNING GAP. John Paul Supapo (center) claims the TOSIA for his ‘Mobile School’ advocacy on June 18, 2023, at Robinsons Place Fountain Area, Iloilo City | Photo courtesy of Berks Joseph Tan
WITH THE advocacy of assisting learning for the youth during a global health crisis, John Paul Supapo claimed his medal and certificate for being one of The Outstanding Students of Iloilo Award (TOSIA) on June 18, 2023, at Robinsons Place Fountain Area, Iloilo City. The "learning gap" created by the nearly three years of distance learning during
the pandemic fueled this recently graduated major of Bachelor of Secondary Education - Social Studies to push for his advocacy titled "Mobile School," which aimed to teach learners from far-flung communities in Iloilo province how to read, write, and use basic math operations. “I am very aware that students are having a hard time answering their modules.
COE profs among awardees, moderators, presenters at international science gabs by SHANNEN CASQUIO and ROGER SIBAG JR.
FROM BEING participants and partners, West Visayas State University - College of Education (WVSU-COE) faculty members advanced to becoming the awardees, moderators, and presenters of the third launch of Project Science Teacher Academy for the Regions (STAR) International Conference by the Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) held on Aug. 23-25, 2023 at the New World Makati Hotel, Makati City. COE professors present during the international conference included COE Dean Ricky M. Magno and WVSU Alumni Affairs Director Jonathan Glorial, who were both moderators; COE College Secretary Rosemarie G. Felimon, who was a workshop presenter; while Dr. Sybel Joy Labis and Dr. Cheryl Lyn Delgado were COE participants. Moreover, DOST-SEI awarded Dr. Magno, Dr. Felimon, and Dr. Glorial the Sinag Award, a recognition for their dedication and commitment to Project STAR during the Gathering of STARs segment of the event on Aug. 23, 2023. Meanwhile, retired COE professors Dr. Shirley Jusayan and Angelina Ramirez also received the Sinag Award for their “outstanding service and profound impact” on the project during the same event where they all took home a trophy for the said recognition.
“As we celebrate the 10th-year anniversary of Project STAR, WVSU continues to strengthen our long-term partnership with DOST-SEI. In this international conference, our committed STAR trainers from the College of Education play significant roles as moderators and workshop facilitators,” shared Dr. Felimon, emphasizing the institution's commitment to academic excellence and innovative learning.
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They cannot answer if they don't know how to read or don't know how to count,” said Supapo during the “Alab: The TOSIA Advocacy Jam” on May 21, 2023, at the Festive Walk Mall Indoor Atrium. Celebrating its 14th year, the said award is given by Junior Chamber International - Regatta (JCI Regatta) as a platform for student leaders, from the junior high school and college levels, to create a network of community builders who share the same vision — to impact positive change. “Being an awardee of TOSIA is really a significant breakthrough as I end my student leadership journey in the University,” said Supapo, who also received the TOSIA Top Circle and TOSIA Worker Award. The former chairperson of Social Science Students' (3S’) Society of the University and the current president of Red Cross Youth (RCY) Iloilo Council of Youth, believes that the recognition is a “bonus” for all the hard work and experiences he gained from all the volunteer work he had done in the past years.
Furthermore, it aims to address challenges in today’s scientific-based educational systems as well as provide actions to problems in science, technology, and mathematics education through creating groundwork research and intrinsic analysis. With the theme, “Project STAR@10: Celebrating Gains of the Past, Exploring Opportunities of the Future”, this annual conference aims to provide teachers with greater access to learning resources and improve the teaching and learning of science and mathematics in the country.
DISTINGUISHED STARS. (From left to right) Dr. Angelina Ramirez, Dr. Jonathan Glorial, Dr. Rosemarie Felimon, Dr. Ricky Magno, and Dr. Shirley Jusayan pose for a photo holding their Sinag Award, as awarded by the DOST-Science Education Institute for their outstanding contributions to Project Science Teacher Academy for the Regions (STAR)| Photo courtesy of Dr. Rosemarie Felimon
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silak media. COMMITTED TO DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM VOL. XLIV NO. 4
WVSU-COE soars as ‘Darna’, championing education priorities in Pag-Iririmaw 2023 by BRYAN CAMINO
EMBODYING the spirit of bayanihan and one of the most beloved Filipino superheroes, the College of Education nabbed awards in various competitions and championed education priorities during the 2023 Pag-Iririmaw on Sept. 22, 2023, at the WVSU quadrangle and cultural center. Portraying as “Darna”, the COE emerged as the champion of the “Hugyaw Sayaw” competition and earned four major awards: Best in Mass Dance, Best in Costume and Props, Best in Music, and Best in Choreography. In addition, Kim Ashley Galfo, a Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) Major in English freshman, finished as Mr. Pag-Iririmaw 2023 2nd runner-up with Best in Formal Wear and Most Photogenic sashes, alongside Ms. Pag-Iririmaw representative Alria Loudine Lacurom, a first-year student of Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (BECED). “We should listen to the students in order for us to have a safe space to invest in their education because here at
WVSU, excellence is a tradition,” said Galfo, citing inclusivity in response to updating the student handbook in favor of selfexpression. This message was also emphasized during the “Sambuwa sang mga Kabalan” drag competition, where fan favorite Fritz Jaime Sumbo a.k.a “Sugarluxxe”, a BSEd Major in Social Studies sophomore, called for opposition to the proposed budget cut for the university for the next school year and denounced corruption within government institutions. COE also took part in SUPERB West, a promotional video contest that featured montage clips depicting life as an education student. The college's official entry aimed to emphasize the tradition of excellence and introduce the different colleges within the University. With the theme, “SUPERWest: Balik-tanaw sa Estoryang Klasiks ng mga Batang Noypi", the Pag-Iririmaw is a yearly acquaintance party celebrating the skills, talents, creativity, and rich cultural heritage of the WVSU community.
NOSTALGIA. Rekindling the iconic Filipino superheroes, students from the College of Education enliven the Darna comic through a dance performance that represents courage, hope, and, strength during the Hugyaw Sayaw on September 22, 2023 at the WVSU Grounds. | Photo by Ma. Ella Nicole Untaran
GOOD PREVAILS OVER THE WICKED. Dionytha Ma. Rose Garcia and Erica Buendicho portrays Valentina and Darna respectively by incorporating the rivalry story between the two through a dance performance during the Hugyaw Sayaw on September 22, 2023 at the WVSU Grounds. | Photo by Ma. Ella Nicole Untaran
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WVSU-COE to lead regional reforms in academic practice by GIZELLE AMOUR TAGABI
WITH WEST Visayas State University - College of Education (WVSU-COE) at the helm, a series of conferences, seminars, and discussions under the CHED-funded “Transformative Academic Practice for Higher Education in the Philippines” (TAPHEP) Project will be undertaken to transform academic practice in Western Visayas. This will be led by Dr. Lorey F. Tanaleon, COE faculty and former director of the University’s Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE), who finished her Postgraduate Certificate Academic Practice (PGCAP) program online on May 28, 2023, and is tasked with its implementation. “Through the TAPHEP, it is our goal to really improve our academic practice in higher education institutions and because we are a participant, we have to take the lead," said Dr. Tanaleon, who will be bringing her training from the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom to the lone Center of Excellence in Teacher Education in the region. Aside from representing the University at a TAPHEP conference last June 28-30, 2023, she will also spearhead the Seminar-Workshop on Academic Practice (SWAP) in the region to be attended by 50 participants from various higher education programs in the University, as well as 50 more participants from four universities in Region VI, namely: Northern Iloilo State University, Iloilo State University of Fisheries Science and Technology, University of Antique, and University of St. La Salle. “Expect Western Visayas to have a more inclusive and reflective academic practice in higher education,” she added. Furthermore, she noted that this has the most significant impact on teacher education, emphasizing the need for institutional changes to accommodate inclusivity, peer observation, and the development of multidisciplinary communities of practice.
silak media. COMMITTED TO DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM VOL. XLIV NO. 4
| DECEMBER 2022 - NOVEMBER 2023
NEWS
LUDAS
FLORES
Three topnotchers for March ’23 BLEPT; COE still Center of Teaching Excellence by MARK LAWRENCE ARTICUNA and RODEL PACIT
COMMITTED to providing the best teacher education in the region, the first batch of K to 12 curriculum graduates of West Visayas State University - College of Education (WVSU-COE) has produced three top notchers last March 2023 Board Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers. Leading this year’s roster of topnotchers is Jirah Mae Flores (rank 3) who obtained a passing rate of 92.40% from BSEd Major in Science and Cris John Ludas, also from the same program, ranked 10th with a passing percentage of 91%. “Upon knowing the rank of our graduates, as well as the overall
performance of the College for March 2023 LET, we are very elated and ecstatic because we proved to the people of the Philippines that once again, WVSU is a top performing school and one of the best teacher education training institutions in the country,” shared Dr. Ricky Magno, dean of the College. Additionally, bringing the banner of the university in the elementary level is Dyssa Chin Camince, a graduate of Bachelor of Early Childhood Education who ranked 10th and obtained a passing rate of 90.40%. "Aside from the free review offered by the College, the education and training we have provided to them has greatly contributed to this excellent licensure
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performance,” mentioned Dr. Amabel Siason, associate dean for undergraduate of WVSU-COE. Furthermore, maintaining the tradition of excellence, WVSU La Paz secured places in the Top 10 Performing Schools in both elementary (95.49%) and in secondary level with a 94.66% institutional passing rate. Overall, the University has a 95.075% passing rate in this licensure exam which is higher than the national passing rate of 44.63%. This batch of BLEPT takers were the first educators produced under the new Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Orders (MO) No. 74 for Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd), No. 75 for Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd), No. 76 for Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (BECEd), No. 77 for Bachelor of Special Needs Education (BSNEd).
COE sets the bar in 2023 grad rites with 12 summa cum laude; univ valedictorian by MAY JOY OLMIDO and BRYAN CAMINO
REACHING another record high, the West Visayas State University College of Education (WVSU-COE) Class of 2023 had the most number of Latin honorees in the University during the 121st Commencement Exercises on June 6, 2023 at the WVSU Cultural Center. The COE produced 282 Latin honorees out of its 422 graduates, of which are record-breaking 12 summa cum laude, 200 magna cum laude, and 70 cum laude. There are 1,522 graduates from the various colleges of the University who joined the ceremony of which 1,123 are with Latin honors.
It was also a three-peat for the College of Education as Summa Cum Laude and Most Outstanding Graduate in Academics Yancy Aubrey J. Panugon of BSED Mathematics graduated as University Valedictorian with a GWA of 1.10. Panugon is the third from the COE to become the Most Outstanding Graduate in Academics, following fellow mathematics majors Sandro Silverio and Tedric Dave Senosa in 2019 and 2022, respectively. “Continue to thrive, to lead, and to serve. Your commitment to serve to the best of your abilities will be a source of
hope and strength for our countrymen. Go and help build this nation,” emphasized Dr. Josette T. Biyo, director of DOST-SEI, in her commencement address. This year’s graduates were the second batch of the K-12 Curriculum and the second time the University held a faceto-face graduation ceremony following the pandemic, yet what makes this ceremony more momentous, aside from the recordbreaking Latin awardees, are the graduates’ hard work and dedication despite the adversities posed by the several learning modalities in the previous academic years.
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silak media. COMMITTED TO DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM VOL. XLIV NO. 4
| DECEMBER 2022 - NOVEMBER 2023
Kapos-suporta sa edukasyon, pasismo ang prayoridad
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indi pa lubos na umaahon ang bansa mula sa pagkakalugmok dulot ng kurap na gobyerno’t pandemya, kaban ng edukasyon naman ang pinupuntirya matapos lumabas ang balitang 'budget cuts' para sa mga state universities and colleges (SUCs), at kabilang sa listahan ang mga kilalang unibersidad tulad ng West Visayas State University. Ganyan ang nakikitang sagot ng mga mambabatas para paunlarin ang kalidad ng edukasyon sa bansa at palaganapin ang pasismo sa loob ng mga unibersidad. Ngunit ang sinasabing kasagutan ay tila nagbunga pa ng maraming katanungan na magpahanggang ngayo’y hindi nila kayang sagutan. Imbis na mas paigtingin ang suporta sa libreng edukasyon, mas pinapaboran pa ang alokasyon ng pondo sa mga hindi kinakailangang aspeto sa pamamalakad ng pamahalaan. Nararapat na malaya at mapagpalaya ang edukasyon at buong pagsuporta dapat ang naibibigay natin. Sigaw ng sambayanan: ligtas, abot-kaya, at kalidad na edukasyon na may maka-estudyanteng polisiya, kalayaang pang-akademiko, at nangangalaga sa kapakanan ng bawat estudyante. Sigaw na magiging punto at dapat na bigyang pansin upang malinawagan ang pagtutol sa ‘budget cut’ na inilaan ng gobyerno para sa mga pampublikong unibersidad sa ating bansa. Unang punto, mas prayoridad na laanan ng malaking budget ng rehimeng Marcos Jr. ang militarisasyon sa mga pamantasan. Imbes na para sana sa pagpapaayos ng mga pasilidad, magiging paraan ito ng administrasyon para supilin ang kritikal na pag-iisip at demokratikong karapatan ng mga estudyante nang sa gayon ay maimpluwensyahan silang sumunod sa mga hindi maka-estudyanteng polisiya. Hindi na natuto ang administrasyon at babalik pa ang dilim at lagim na kaakibat ng mandatory Reserved Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) noon, tulad ng hindi makatarungang pagpatay, katiwalian, at sapilitang pakikipaglaban.
MARK LAWRENCE G. ARTICUNA ROGER M. SIBAG JR. Editors-in-Chief
EDITORIAL BOARD Academic Year 2023-2024
MAY JOY S. OLMIDO SHEILA MAE G. GERONCO Associate Editors MARY FER I. BAYLEN FIDES ANNA C. NOTES Managing Editors
Pangalawa, ang pagpapaayos at pagdagdag ng mga lumang pasilidad, pagbili ng makabagong kagamitan at teknolohiya imbis na ‘confidential funds’. Sa unang semestre ng taong ito, ang ilang kurso sa Unibersidad ay naka-’hybrid learning’ para masagot ang kakulangan ng silid-aralan. Tayo ay nasa 21st century learning system na, mas kailangan natin ng mga maraming pasilidad at sapat na kagamitang magpapahubog sa mga mag-aaral na harapin ang modernong kinabukasan. Dapat na bigyang-pansin ang paglinang sa kakayahan ng mga mag-aaral sapagkat ang makabagong teknolohiya ay kaakibat na sa pagpapadali ng mga gawain. Sa katunayan, karamihan sa mga unibersidad ngayon ay nangangapa sa mga teknolohiya dahilan upang makapagtapos ang iilan sa kolehiyo nang hindi man lang bihasa sa paggamit nito. Hindi ang badyet at mabagal na pagproseso ang pangunahing dahilan sa kakulangan ng mga pasilidad, kundi ang pagtalikod ng gobyerno sa pagharap ng problemang pang-edukasyon. Pangatlo at panghuli ay magdudulot ng hindi pantaypantay na pagkakataon para sa mga ordinaryong Pilipino na abotin ang de-kalidad na edukasyon. Libu-libong mag-aaral ang may kahirapang magpatuloy sa pag-aaral dahil nabibilang sa mahihirap na pamilya at umaasa sa libreng matrikula na hatid ng batas. Hindi lang pagpapabuti sa mga pasilidad ang maapektuhan ng malaking kaltas sa badyet, magdudulot din ito sa mga SUCs na limitahan ang tatanggaping naghihikahos na mga estudyante kada taon. Dagdag pa rito, ang umaabot sa P538.2 milyon na budget cut sa ilalim ng Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act kung saan kabilang rito ang Tertiary Education Subsidy (TES) at Free Higher Education (FHE) na programa. Magiging pribilehiyo na ang dapat ay karapatan, base sa mandato ng Konstitusyon ng 1987, kung tahasang ninanakawan ang kaban ng mga nakaupo sa gobyerno. Kailangan nating magtanong: Bakit pinipili ng administrasyon na paboran ang mga hindi kinakailangang gastos habang kinakapos sa suporta sa edukasyon? Dahil lang ba hindi nakapagtapos ng kolehiyo ang Pangulo ay plano niya rin itong gawin sa atin? Tandaan na ang edukasyon ay hindi lamang simpleng gastusin; ito ay inbestasyon sa kinabukasan at kaunlaran ng bansa na magdudulot ng malawakang epekto sa lipunan kung hindi mabigyan ng sapat na suporta. Kapag patuloy na babawasan ang badyet para sa edukasyon, isa itong manipestasyon ng paatras na hakbang na nagpapahina sa pangkalahatang Pilipino na umunlad, ngunit nagpapasulong lamang sa katayuan ng mga taong nakakakuha ng perang ito. Hindi luho ang paghiling ng mas mataas na badyet at walang bawas para sa ating mga pangangailangan at serbisyong panlipunan, kundi isang pangunahing pangangailangan na kailangan ng malawak na suporta. Ang mga kinabukasan ng mga kabataan at ang kalidad ng edukasyon ay hindi dapat isakripisyo sa mga walang kuwentang proyekto. Pagtutol ang sigaw, pagkat sa edukasyon ay uhaw!
RIZA JOYCE T. DELA CRUZ MA. ELLA NICOLE J. UNTARAN News & Special Reports Editors
ROCHEL DOROTHY A. RAFAEL Sports Editor
AMIRAH JOY M. FAIWAS Features Editor
BRYAN L. CAMINO LYZA JEAN D. LAVADO DYANNE THERIZE PARCON Magazine Editors
CHRISTINE JOY G. BADINAS Filipino Editor RODEL C. PACIT Local Languages Editor JAYA E. ELIZARDE Literary Editor
SOPHIA ANGELA C. DOCENA FRITZ JAIME L. SUMBO Community Liaison Officers
silak media. COMMITTED TO DEVELOPMENT JOURNALISM VOL. XLIV NO. 4
| DECEMBER 2022 - NOVEMBER 2023
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COLUMN
Peep! Peep! Panatilihin ang Jeep!
Mpumutok ang balitang pagtatalaga ng Land na nasayang, makakabili na sana ng humigitag-iisang taon na ang lumipas noong
sa hindi matibay na pagkakagawa nito. Sa badyet
Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board sa Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program. Sa paraang ito umano, mas mapapagaan at maibsan ang masikip na daloy ng byahe. Sa kabila nito, patuloy na lumalaban at nakikibaka ang mga tsuper upang mapanatili ang pamamasada sapagkat hindi makatarungan, hindi pabor lalong-lalo na sa mga nasa laylayan. Sa ngayon, unti-unti nang nagsusulputan ang mga ‘mini bus’ sa iba’t ibang parte ng Pilipina. Sa katunayan, pinal nang napagdesisyonan ng LTFRB na hanggang Disyembre 31, 2023 na lang tatagal ang pamamasada ng mga dyip na hindi pa kabilang sa koorporasyon o kooperatiba. Hindi lahat ng mga drayber ay sang-ayon sa sistemang ito dahil uuwi silang pagod at napakaliit ng suweldo. Puro negatibo ang mga hinaing mula sa mga drayber, mga komyuter, at maging sa mga kasapi ng senado—mga komentong may katuturan at tiyak na sapol sa reyalidad. Dapat alam ng gobyerno ang mga bagay na kailangan nilang bigyang prayoridad. Napakalaking halaga mula sa kaban ng bayan ang nasayang, tulad na lamang ng Build, Build, Build Project sa Iloilo na naglaan ng badyet na humigit P680 milyon sa pagpapatayo ng Ungka Flyover sa Pavia, na sa ngayon ay hindi magamit-gamit dahil
kumulang 260 modernized jeepneys sa Iloilo City. Hindi rin sapat ang mga araw hanggang Disyembre 31 upang makasiguradong maipagpapatuloy nila ang pamamasada gamit ang sariling modernized jeepney. Kung ang tradisyunal na dyip ay nagkakahalaga ng P150,000 – P250,000, kinakailangang makapagipon ng P2 milyon ang isang tsuper upang makabili ng mini bus. Sa itinalagang deadline at sa pang-araw-araw na kita ng mga tsuper na humigit-kumulang P650, malabong magkaroon sila nito para sa kanilang pamamasada. Hindi lang dyip ang mabubura sa mga kalsada, pati na rin ang bansag nating ‘Hari ng Kalsada’. Simula pa noong panahon ng mga Amerikano ay niyakap at tinanggap na natin ang dyip bilang sagisag ng Pilipinas sa larangan ng transportasyon. Ang pagpapatupad ng jeepney phaseout ay pagbubura na rin ng isa sa mga kulturang Pilipino. Hindi pa handa ang bawat isa para sa pagbabagong ito. Kinakailangan ng mahabang oras ng pag-aaral, pagpaplano at pagdedesisyon bago ipatupad ito. Tumingin sa kalagayan ng mga naaapektuhan, hindi yung nakikinig lamang sa mga sinasabi ng hindi napeperwisyuhan. Preno! Isang pulang ilaw para sa Jeepney Phase Out!
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S I R I N S P E C TO R W i l f r e d o J r. N i e v e s Contributor
Tumingin sa kalagayan ng mga naaapektuhan, hindi yung nakikinig lamang sa mga sinasabi ng hindi napeperwisyuhan.
BanaliTEA of University elections IWest Visayas State University grounds emanate class from the famous German political scientist
MHIEMARITES Ma y J o y O l m i d o Associate Editor
...the banality of evil happens when we unconsciously get caught up in the drama of election teas, overlooking what actually matters. SHANNEN C. CASQUIO ANGEL GRACE V. PALEC EVELAN M. MANEJO Online Editors RAIN JULIEN B. TUVILLEJA SILAK TV Director YEHLETTE B. MARTIN PRINCE RYAN A. RABO ANDY PAUL C. PALMES SILAK TV Broadcasters
t’s that time of the year once again, when the
Additionally, I learned in my Ethics
the aroma of spilled tea, and the temperatures soar as high as a freshly brewed coffee. Amidst these moments, as the Taga-Wests dash through the campus hallways, their thoughts clouded with the anticipation of catching up on their firstperiod lessons, scarce moments are dedicated to engaging with aspirants. During the election season, it becomes imperative for every Taga-West to introspect: “Is the pursuit truly dedicated to the service and welfare of the student body, or is it a quest for personal acclaim and honor?” What was once a significant period for candidates to advocate their platforms has seemingly transformed into an ‘ungkatan-ng-past’ time, where disqualifications take center stage as the primary subject of debate in recent elections. Despite the student body’s call for authentic leadership and representation, what transpires often seems to be an inundation of unsolicited controversies.
and philosopher Hannah Arendt—the concept of the Banality of Evil. According to her, it is “the inability to think critically,” where evil becomes ordinary when we rely on quick fixes instead of genuine solutions. Translating this idea to our situation at WVSU, the banality of evil happens when we unconsciously get caught up in the drama of election teas, overlooking what actually matters: the honesty of candidates’ intentions and the substance of their plans. While we have the right to scrutinize candidates as they vie for our votes, it’s crucial that we exercise our critical judgment wisely. If we continue to normalize unquestioningly accepting anyone’s political drama each election season at the university, what does the future hold? We risk becoming complacent consumers of political theatrics. We are capable of more than that. In fact, as Taga-West, we have the potential to excel and set a higher standard for ourselves.
JOHN HENNESY F. DEGOMA Video Editor JULIA CHRISTINE D. MANICO SHANE S. SALAO PRETTY PEARL KATE F. SERILO Photojournalists JAYVE L. DUBLAS LEONIE B. DE JUSTO Layout Artists TONI GWYNETH B. BOLUSO Illustrator
GLYJA GEM D. AMADA NIEZA GWYNETH G. CASTRONUEVO JC REY R. PADILLA MARY GRACE S. SANQUILOS Junior Editorial Assistants LADS FERNANDO D. LAMIER Senior Editorial Assistant GIZELLE AMOUR T. TAGABI Senior Editorial Consultant WILFREDO JR. NIEVES Contributor
HAZEL P. VILLA, PhD LOREY F. TANALEON, PhD Advisers RICKY M. MAGNO, PH.D. Dean, College of Education JOSELITO F. VILLARUZ, M.D., Ph.D., FPPS University President
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Future-proofing in Kuwait:
Ilonggo OFW ranks 3rd in special licensure exam for teachers by GIZELLE AMOUR TAGABI AND HAZEL P. VILLA Published on Rappler.com last May 29, 2023 photos courtesy of MARICEL PANES
How far can you go for your family?
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or Maricel Manalo-Panes, a 38-year-old overseas Filipino worker (OFW), it meant heading to faraway Kuwait to secure her family’s survival. While many Filipinos work overseas, Panes, the training coordinator for a Kuwaiti company, focused on the long game. As she labored at two jobs, Panes enrolled in a distance education program to get her teaching degree. Then she took the Special Professional Licensure Examination (SPLE) for Professional Teachers, held from April 22 to 24 in Al Ahmadi, Kuwait, emerging at third rank with a rating of 87.80%. Panes took the SPLE in Kuwait a month after the March 2023 Licensure Examination for Teachers in the Philippines. The results of both exams were released on the same day, May 19. The SPLE is a yearly special licensure board examination conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission for qualified OFWs abroad. It provides OFWs the opportunity to be licensed without the need of returning to the Philippines for their exams. Executive Order No. 835, s. 2009 gave rise to the SPLE. Implementation started in Middle East countries and it is now also offered in Singapore. DISTANCE EDUCATION TRAILBLAZER This Ilongga child of OFW parents is the first topnotcher produced by the West Visayas State University (WVSU) – Distance Education Program. The program started in 2002 and went thoroughly online in 2011. But this is more than just an academic achievement for Panes. For this OFW, a professional license guarantees that after coming home, she can still find work to fulfill career aspirations as well as sustain her family. “Wala man ako nag-expect nga
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mangin topnotcher kay ang ginapangamuyo ko lang is ‘Lord, tani makapasa lang ako’ because it would mean a big thing sa family ko if makapuli ako nga may stability,” said the 38-year-old 2005 graduate of Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. (I did not expect to be a topnotcher because all that I prayed for is, Lord, I hope I pass, because it would mean a big thing for my family if I come home with some stability). STABILITY Panes, born in Libya, is the child of OFWs. Her mother, Segundina Lusaya Supeda, a nurse from Cabatuan, Iloilo worked at Tripoli Central Hospital in the country’s capital. Her father, Francisco Manalo, was a mechanic in a Korean construction company. They all lived together in Libya for six years until Francisco died in 1991 because of a workplace accident. Segundina brought back her daughter to the Philippines. But she had to earn a living and so returned abroad — this time to Saudi Arabia. An aunt living in Passi City, Iloilo province, took care of Maricel. Living with her cousins, she graduated from Passi I Central School in 1997 and Passi City National High School in 2001 in the Special Science Class. After completing her bachelor’s degree, she got married to seafarer Harold Panes. They had a son, Mel Francis Angelo. Maricel then worked at USSC (Western Union) in Iloilo for nine years, where she worked her way up to becoming branch head. Maricel deeply loves her family and has always loathed being apart from them.
FEATURE
But increasing competition made it difficult for her husband to get back to work, so she decided to go abroad herself in 2015. FROM TELLER TO TEACHER She first worked as a teller at Al Muzaini Exchange Co., a remittance company in Kuwait. After eight months, the company promoted Maricel to training coordinator. Aside from her training work, she also works part-time at the International Institute of Computer Science & Administration (ICSA). There, she is an administrative assistant and an instructor in a short course called “Office Management,” mostly for Filipino adult learners. Her work experiences made her fall in love with teaching, so she decided to pursue that new career trajectory. Always methodical, she laid out a plan to increase her chances of getting hired in the Philippines and avoid starting from scratch when it is time to return. “We will go home one day. If we go home, can we find a stable job?” asked Maricel. She searched for online courses offering teaching degrees and stumbled upon her tertiary alma mater’s University Distance Education Program (UDEP).
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She earned her Diploma in Teaching within two years in 2020. The coronavirus pandemic delayed her application for the SPLE for three years but she still vowed to take it once it resumed in Kuwait. BEING TOPNOTCHER Maricel and other OFWs share a joke: While homesickness is strong, bayarin (bills to be paid) is stronger. Her son, Mel, is now a Grade 11 student at Pavia National High School and will be off to college soon. “Daw kanami lang nga mabatian from him na (It’s so good to hear from him that…) ‘I’m so proud of you, Ma, and I truly admire you,’” shared Maricel. Accolades have also poured in from kin and peers in the OFW community in Kuwait. She will be coming home in June 2024 for a short vacation and most importantly, to be present at her son’s high school graduation. With the new major milestone she has achieved, Maricel is one giant step closer to the place she longs for the most — home.
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Sabay sa tilaok ng tandang ang pagtuklap ng kanyang mga talukap, nagbabadyang simulan ang panibagong produktibong araw.
D
ako sa kaniyang silid, pilit niyang inayos ang gusot ng puting kumot sa kaniyang higaan, hangad manguna sa lantarang pagkinang ng bukang-liwayway. Ang himig ng kanyang mga salita at mumunting kilos ang umudyok sa kanyang mga anak na sikaping gisingin ang ulirat sa malalim na paghihimbing, doon sa kanilang munting tahanan, nakahanda na ang mahabang damit at sombrerong salakot na sinilbihang panangga sa maghapon na pakikipagtuos sa kalsada, sa ilalim ng tirik na araw. Dala ang isang lumpon ng pinatuyong kinahuyan mula sa berdeng dahong niyugan: walis tingting, kalakip ang may sapat na kahabaang inipit na patpat, tulong sa kaniyang kalimitang pagyuko at ang kanyang may kalakihang de-gulong na basurahan. Sumapit ang alas otso ng umaga ay naroon na siya, sa liwasan ng College of Educatio (COE) ng West Visayas State University (WVSU), tagaktak ang pawis at ramdam na rin ang nginig ng tuhod at bewang sa pagwawasiwas ng parapernalia. Kaliwa't kanan ang pagaspas ngunit walang bakas na makikita ngunit ang kakaunting pulbo ng alikabok sa kinaroroonan. Haplos-tuhod niyang tinititigan ang mga estudyanteng paroo't-parito bitbit ang kanikanilang bagahe sa eskwela, hindi lang ito ngayong araw ngunit mahigit isang dekadang naging buhay niya na. Pagtitiis nga para sa iilan o kung may pagkakataon pa'y may panlalait ngang maisasalarawan. Ngunit, para kay Rubin Lopez, isang General Services Office (GSO) cleaner sa WVSU-COE, ang ilang taong nakalipas ay pagsisikap, sa kalugod-lugod na tunguhing mairaos sa hirap ang pamilya, ito'y naging panghabambuhay na panata. DUGO’T PAWIS Sa paniniwala ni Ginoong Rubin, isang karangalang makitang nakapagtapos ang kanyang mga anak sa mga kilalang unibersidad kahit pagwawalis lang ang kanyang trabaho, ito’y utang niya sa maghapong paghahanap-salapi, kahit kakarampot, matustusan lang ang pangangailangan ng mga anak. “Patuloy parin sa pagtratrabaho kahit napagtapos ko na sa kolehiyo ang mga anak ko. Hinihintay ko nalang na mag retire ako upang makapagsettle,” sambit ng 60-taong ginoong nananahan sa Brgy. Buntatala, Jaro, Iloilo City. Aniya, napakahirap ng buhay sa ngayong henerasyon kahit napagtapos na niya ang kanyang mga anak ay magtratrabaho parin siya upang maibigay ang pangangailan sa kanilang tahanan, maging mga anak niya ay hirap rin, kaya’t hihintayin niya na humantong sa tamang edad sa pag reretiro upang mapanatag siya. Walang mag-aakalang sa edad ni Ginoong Rubin ay nagbabanat pa siya ng buto. Tulak ng kakarampot niyang sahod ang pamalit sa gabutil niyang pawis. Maliit mang maituturing, malaki ang tingin niya rito sapagkat ito’y bunga ng marangal na trabaho. Isang pagpapatunay na hindi batid ang hirap at pagal sa sikmura, mabigyan lamang ng magandang kinabukasan ang kaniyang pamilya. KONSWELO Pagsisikap, ito ang naging armas ni Ginoong Rubin upang maging regular taong 1993, hudyat ng pagtamasa ng mga benepisyo at pamamasyal bawat taon sa mga malalayong lugar kasama ang kanyang mga katrabaho. Ngunit sa kabila ng lahat, hindi makakaila, husga at kutya ang natatanggap sa trabaho, ika nga ng ila’y janitor lang.
“Dina-down ka nila at alam ko rin naman ‘yon. Minsan nga’y tatawanan ka pa nila kahit nga mga kasama mo sa trabaho pero hinahayaan ko na lang at hindi ko na lang sila pinapansin.” Giit pa nya, sa mga panahong wala siyang makapitan, pinili ni Ginoong Rubin na manahimik sa mga pagmamata at pinili na lamang magtrabaho nang matiwasay. Magaan niyang dagdag, “Pinapabayaan ko nalang at mananahimik. Pag maayos ang pakikitungo nila sa akin maayos din ang pakikitungo ko sa kanila pero ‘pag hindi hinahayaan ko na lang.” Para sa kanya ang mga pagsubok ay may kaakibat na hapdi, ngunit laking pasasalamat niya na nakapasok siya sa WVSU at taas-noong nakapaglilingkod sa isang pristihiyosong unibersidad. Marami ang maihahalintulad sa karanasan ni Ginoong Rubin: lugmok sa kapintasan ng lipunan, subalit ang dagok na ito’y kaniyang tiniis upang maiahon ang mga anak sa nakalulunod na kahirapan. BUHAY AT TAGUMPAY Napa igham ang matanda, tila’y may nakabara sa lalamunan na bagkus ay dulot ng nakakapasong sikat ng araw, nang may biglang bigat ng kamay na dumapo sa lanta niyang mga balikat at natunugan ang mga katagang, “Nong, okay ka lang?” Tatlong kataga pero dama ang pag-aalala. Hawak-kamay at may ngiti niyang binalingan ang estudyante. “Okay lang,” masiglang tugon niya rito, batid ng kanyang mga mata ay ang sinag ng araw at ng kasiyahang hatid ng taong nag-aalala. Ang sagot sa pananatili? Konswelo, dangal at diginidad– honoraryong siya ay masugid na deboto dahil ang winalisang tinumpok , anumang dumi, kalat o salimuot, ay siyang kabigkis ng buhay at tagumpay ng Ginoo sa liwasan ng WVSU.
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LATHALAIN
S
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ni ROGER SIBAG JR
a kasalukuyang sistema ng edukasyon sa bansa, tila hindi na mapaghihiwalay ang pananaliksik sa buhay estudyante — ang katotohanang hindi malunok ng maraming Pilipinong mag-aaral. Para sa iba, ang pananaliksik ay pagbuhos lamang ng oras at tiyaga sa kawalan — sa pirasong papel lamang; ngunit hindi para sa tatlong mag-aaral ng Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) Major in Social Studies ng West Visayas State University (WVSU). Para sa kanila, ang panana`liksik ay isang sandata patungo sa pagbabago. Kahit pawang mga mag-aaral pa lamang ay nakapaglathala na sina Hannah Gene Palencia, Rocel Sasana, at Rodel Pacit ng mga papel pananaliksik sa mga internasyonal na peer-reviewed journals. Pangunahing tema ng mga nasabing pananaliksik ay mga isyung panlipunan kabilang ang mga naging epekto ng nakaraang pandemya at mga tema kaugnay sa edukasyon. BIGAT NG BAWAT LETRA “Bilang isang mag-aaral ng araling panlipunan, madalas ang aking kasiyahan sa pagsulat nagmumula sa aking kagustuhan na mapayabong ang kaalaman, ang kasiyahan mula sa pagtuklas, at ang hangaring makapag-ambag sa mundo),” saad ni Palencia, isang mag-aaral sa ikaapat na taon at isa sa mga may-akda ng mga dalawang nailathalang papel pananaliksik. Ang pagpili ng paksa na pag-aaralan ang unang hamon na kinahaharap ng mga mag-aaral na ito sa pananaliksik. Bukod sa napapanahon at praktikal, dapat din nitong mapunan ang mga kakulangan na kaalaman at magtugma sa kanilang interes at minsa’y karanasan. Para kay Sasana, ang kanyang karanasan na mahawa ng COVID-19 ay naging inspirasyon ng kanyang grupo na pag-aralan ang COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy ng mga mag-aaral noong kasagsagan ng pandemya. “Binigyan namin ng diin ang kahalagahan ng pagbabakuna para sa proteksyon, kahit hindi ito obligado,” bahagi ni Sasana, nasa ikatlong-taon, hinggil sa nailathalang papel na “COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Students” noong 2022, na may halos libu-libong mga reads na sa ResearchGate.
PAPEL ANG AMBAG Naniniwala ang tatlong mag-aaral na ito na ang kanilang nailathalang mga pananalisksik ay maaaring mag-ambag sa lumalagong kabihasnan ng kaalaman at makatulong sa pagbibigay-liwanag sa mga iba’t ibang kaganapang panlipunan. Bilang isang mag-aaral na mamamahayag, naging mausisa si Pacit na alamin ang mga karanasan ng kanyang mga kapwa magaaral na mamahayag sa isa sa kanyang nailathalang mga papel. “Mahalaga ang pananaliksik na na ito sapagkat isinulat, isinagawa, at nailathala ito sa gitna ng isang pandaigdigang pandemya,” ayon kay Pacit, nasa ikaapat na taon, tinutukoy ang pananaliksik na may titulong “Experiences of Student Journalists during the COVID-19 Pandemic” na nailathala noong 2021. Isa sa mga taong kanilang pinasasalamatan ay kanilang mentor sa pagsasaliksik na si Dr. John Erwin Pedroso, propesor sa WVSU at isa sa mga ginawaran bilang University’s Outstanding Researchers ng 2023. Ayon sa tatlo, mahalaga ang naging kontribusyon ni Dr. Pedroso sa pagbuo ng kanilang mga papel pananaliksik at sa paglalathala nito sa mga internasyonal na journals. “Kami ay sumasagot sa mga pangangailangan ng kasalukuyang sistema ng edukasyon dahil naniniwala ako na ang pananaliksik ay parehong personal at propesyonal na kaunlaran at isa ring pagtuklas,” pahayag ni Dr. Pedroso.
SANTOS
DALOY NG TITIK AT DATOS Sa pamamagitan ng panghihikayat ni Dr. Pedroso at kolaborasyon kasama ang mga BSED Social Studies na magaaral, nakapaglathala na ng mahigit 30 na papel pananaliksik ang mga mag-aaral ni Dr. Pedroso sa loob ng tatlong taon. Ang ilan sa mga mag-aaral ay nagkaroon din ng pagkakataon na ipresenta ang kanilang saliksik sa mga internasyunal na kumbensiyon tulad ng sa India at Turkey. Naniniwala ang mga mag-aaral na ito na ang bawat datos at salayasay na kanilang nalalakap at nailalathala ay kanilang ambag hindi lamang sa akademya kundi pati sa pagpapayabong ng lipunan. Ang kanilang pananaliksik ay hindi lamang pirasong papel kundi sandata tungo sa pagunlad at pagbabago.
LOBRIZA
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FEATURE
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Finding a rightful place in the
Land of the Rising Sun by AMIRAH JOY FAIWAS
W
hen we seek our rightful place beneath the sun, we would often find ourselves in unexpected places. For the three Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) major in English graduates, it was inside a plane headed straight for Japan. After taking a leap of faith, Elizabeth Lobriza, Celine Marie Santos, and Mary Rose Adelle Pacificar — three BSED English major alumni from the College of Education (COE) — graced the global stage as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) after passing the application for the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme. The JET Programme, a teaching program sponsored by the Japanese government, aims to bring Filipino university graduates to Japan to become ALTs, Sports Education Advisors, or Coordinators for International Relations. Its focus is to deepen the mutual understanding of Japan and other foreign countries through foreign language exchange and cultural immersion at a local level. SETTING FOOT Driven by her wanderlust for Japan, Elizabeth Lobriza, the COE’s Most Outstanding Practice Teacher of 2022, believes that joining the JET Programme is a “win-win situation”. “I’ve always wanted to explore Japan and the JET Programme seems to be an excellent strategic step towards my career advancement as an English teacher. I could explore Japan and propel my expertise as an English teacher at the same time,” says Lobriza after applying last October 2022. Meanwhile, the opportunity to promote cultural exchange through teaching English was one of the driving forces that urged former University Student Council (USC) Councilor and
SILAK Media staffer, Celine Marie Santos, to send her application last September 2022. “I researched a lot about people’s experiences from vlogs, blogs, and posts of other JETs on the internet,” says Lobriza, adding that her patience was really tested as the results for each stage would take a month or two for them to be released. As for Santos, she considers the application as “rigorous”, especially after undergoing three stages, each of which required her` to display a specific set of competencies for the screening body. On the other hand, Mary Rose Adelle Pacificar, SILAK Media editor in chief in the academic year 2004-2006, was also one of the applicants who got into the JET Programme. While all three of them are BSED major in English graduates, anyone interested in joining the program has an equal chance, even if they are not English majors. GRATITUDE Similar to how it takes a village to raise a child, Lobriza expresses her gratitude to the professors in the COE who molded and greatly influenced her. “I am blessed to have been molded by such competent, wise, and nurturing professors who have greatly influenced who I am today,” Lobriza shares, adding that she will start working at an International Junior High and Senior High School in Tokyo on Sept. 4, 2023. As for Santos, she believes that the COE provided her with exceptional training, especially since her professors continuously integrated important values needed in the classroom. “What we can always hold on to from the COE are the values that allow us to be good and meaningful
educators in the real world,” Santos adds, acknowledging the opportunities provided by the college after becoming a participant in a one-month teaching exchange program in Indonesia organized by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) during her college years. FRUITS OF LABOR JET participants can receive approximately 3.36 million Japanese yen or more than Php 1.3 million in their first year of appointment, health benefits, round-trip airfare, and vacation and travel opportunities. However, the opportunity to gain new experiences and to grow personally and professionally is something as valuable for these COE alumni. “I am also looking forward to the bond I’ll establish with my fellow ALTs from other countries, being part of a Japanese community, becoming fluent in the language in terms of speaking, writing, and reading, having an experience of their education system, and most of all, being a cultural ambassador of the Philippines,” says Santos. The chances of getting accepted through the selection process are very slim. In fact, only 1,995 out of 5, 831 applicants got in last 2019. With that information in mind, she advised future applicants from the COE that looking back on one’s purpose could be a big help in overcoming any adversary. “If you want to expand your network as a global citizen, the JET Programme is sure to give you opportunities for that,” Lobriza advises. Lobriza, Santos, and Pacificar prove that a ‘Taga-Ed’ can excel everywhere. As the JET Programme opens its doors to new applicants from the Philippines in the first week of October, another dream of a preservice teacher will again be realized.
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SPORTS
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‘Taga-Ed’ athletes represent COE at RSCUAA 2023 by MARK LAWRENCE ARTICUNA AND SOPHIA ANGELA DOCENA
GAME FACE ON. Karl Ramos Futotana (standing third from the right), a second-year Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) Major in Social Studies, is one of the delegates from WVSU-College of Education and is part of the Men’s Basketball Team of WVSU for the 2023 Regional State Colleges and University Athletic Association held from September 10 to 16, 2023, at Carlos Hilado Memorial State University in Talisay City, Negros Occidental | Photo courtesy of Karl Ramos Futotana
AFTER a three-year hiatus, the Regional State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (RSCUAA) Sportsfest and Conference is back to stage athletic prowess and camaraderie of studentathletes of Western Visayas, with Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) hosting this year’s sporting events on September 10-16, 2023 at Talisay City, Negros Occidental.
Five athletes representing the College of Education (WVSU-COE) were part of the university’s delegation namely Neziah Sotto Andres, a female chess player, and Joahnah Celine Mena, a member of the volleyball team — both are senior Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSEd) Major in Science students. Additionally, second-year BSEd Major in Social Studies students Karl
COLUMN
A
That time WVSU almost won
t long last, West Visayas State University (WVSU) secured victory in the Regional State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (RSCUAA) Meet... NOT! After a week of relishing the victory, the “Columbia-zoned” university had to relinquish and return the prestige to the neighboring Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U), who will be rightfully displaying their latest win next to the three last consecutive overall championships they have won in the regional games. It’s a bummer, no doubt. Six gold medals were shaved off from the 41 recorded in the RSCUAA’s Facebook Page final tally board, and the revisited official tabulation sheet showed WVSU was all of ten gold medals behind ISATU’s 45 gold medal haul. Interestingly, RSCUAA had not yet rectified the mistake on their official page as of this writing. While we await an explanation from the association regarding the biggest blunder in the regional SCUAA thus far in recent memory, WVSU needs to focus on these goals to snatch the trophy for real next year. To start, we need to focus on improving athletes and sports programs, especially in swimming and athletics. These events have the most categories, giving us more opportunities to win gold. In fact, they brought in the most medals: the WVSU swimming team got 24 medals,
including 15 gold, and the athletics team won 17 medals, with eight being gold. Next, the University should focus on preparing for potential sports events in the upcoming SCUAA. The first face-to-face meet post-pandemic included only 13 events, but next year could see the return of sports like archery, various martial arts, and dancesport. It’s important to start training our athletes early to be ready for these games and avoid being unprepared for sudden meets. This year’s RSCUAA was announced late, leaving athletes with insufficient time to warm up. Finally, the University needs to make sure the athletes are in the best and safest conditions. While it’s good that the athletes didn’t get seriously sick, the reports of amoeba infection were a big concern. This not only put the athletes at risk but also jeopardized the University’s performance in the games. Therefore, the University must hold those responsible for this accountable if they haven’t already. Despite the plot twists of this year’s RSCUAA, there’s a positive outlook for the University. By further refining athletes and sports programs, keeping an eye on the possible return of more sports events, and securing the safety and well-being of athletes, WVSU can make a strong comeback and secure the trophy in the next RSCUAA.
Fotutana, who was part of the basketball team, and Christian Bryle Estuya and Dale Vincent Rotil excelled in the table tennis double category during their respective sporting events. “My RSCUAA experience has been tremendously memorable and fun, despite some challenges that arose during our stay and in the competition. It is something I will always cherish because it allowed us to build camaraderie with our teammates and friends from WVSU external campuses,” Futotana expressed as he fondly reminisced about the experience. It can be recalled that most of the athletes of the university billeted at Doña Monserrat Lopez Memorial High School experienced vomiting, diarrhea, and headache during the duration of the games. In a triumphant conclusion, WVSU emerged as the overall champion, outshining 12 other state universities in the region. Its remarkable performance was solidified by an impressive medal tally, amassing a total of 104 medals, consisting of 41 golds, 28 silver, and 35 bronze medals. This remarkable feat undoubtedly cements WVSU’s reputation as a powerhouse not only in academics but also in athletics.
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LURKING MARITES G i z e l l e A m o u r Ta g a b i Senior Editorial Consultant
It’s important to start training our athletes early to be ready for these games and avoid being unprepared for sudden meets.
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A TEST OF STRENGTH. Aiming to drag down the opponent team, Jaycee Dela Mar (front), Charles Andre Villanueva (center), and Arjan Fernandez (back), representatives of the Circle of Mathematicians (COM) pull the rope with brute force across the center line in the Tug of War game during the Sinadya sa Ed celebration on February 24, 2023, at the WVSU quadrangle. | Photo by Ma. Ella Nicole Untaran
STEMA claims victory at ‘Sinadya sa Ed’ 2023
by ANGEL GRACE PALEC
THE SCIENCE Teaching Majors Association (STEMA) showcased athletic strength, unity and organisation and applied their immense scientific tactics as they bagged the championship in the Sinadya Sa Ed 2023 held last Feb. 23 - 24, 2023. Sports games such as volleyball and This year's theme, "Educators to On the other hand, through football together with Laro ng Lahi were the Top," unleashed the Taga-Ed's wit, their coordination and unity, the Circle held at the West Visayas State University determination and excellence not only of Mathematicians (COM) found their grounds while basketball was held at St. in academics but also in sports either in perspiration and exhaustion worthwhile. Clement’s Gym. E-sports competition, on physical court or mobile games. the other hand, was at the New Academic "This event shaped our future They emerged victorious in volleyball and Building Function Hall. educators to become more flexible in all Mobile Legends Bangbang, as well as Tug After a two-day strenuous aspects and encouraged them to learn more, of War, accumulating a total of 116 points, competition involving eight organizations, explore, go outside with their boxes and securing them the third-place position. STEMA achieved a commendable score bring out the excellence within them. Taga Additionally, Special Education of 124 points. This placed them one point Ed truly shows that they live and breathe Students' Association (SPEDSA), showed ahead of 3S Society. STEMA secured first excellence!" said Christine Clyde Bido, their strategic kick starting lead in Football place in Basketball and Call of Duty Royale, Education Student Council Officer. Moreover, 3S Society was on track while Majors of Values Education (MOVE) in addition to triumphing in three out of the and fully equipped with strength and deeply enjoyed reminiscing the childhood Laro ng Lahi games: Chinese Garter, Water endurance after front-running the sack race nostalgia as they triumphed in Patintero and Slide, and Wet the King. “I think that the camaraderie and water slide and snatching the second Dakpanay Baboy together with Kapisanang between me and my teammates has been a place trophy in volleyball. Diwa at Panitik or (KADIPAN) snatching the "I enjoyed a lot despite playing first spot in dodgeball. big factor in the team’s success. The fact that we really know each other, friends inside under the scorching heat of the sun. Our The said event serves as a training and outside the court helped us to strategize team did not win, but learning to find joy in ground for COE students to become flexible against our opponents, we really know how the game, regardless of the outcome, was a future educators that can teach students to listen with each other, communicate key takeaway," shared John Paul Magbato, with one another and eventually win the member of 3S Society's volleyball team effectively not only inside the four walls of basketball competition," said Mike Enrick when asked about his learning experiences classroom but also to explore in the real Elumba of STEMA's Basketball Team. world. during the said event.