s students of the university, to experience good governance and feel change entails exercising our right to suffrage and involving ourselves in what makes up the student body.
With the 2024 Kataas-taasang Samahan ng mga Mag-aaral/Supreme Student Council (KASAMA/SSC) General Elections reaching its finality, we have to keep our eyes open to how university politics play out.
After interviewing a number of students, all share the same frustrations— not feeling any changes or improvements from the KASAMA/SSC. Part of this might be from students not interested enough in the council or who are simply made unaware by busy schedules. Statistically speaking, though efforts have been made to increase student engagement, voter turnouts barely go beyond desired percentages. The School of Nursing, Allied Health, and Biological Sciences (SONAHBS) only held 26.78% of voter turnouts this election season—just above the minimum 25% of Saint Louis University’s student voter’s population.
One can’t help but ask, was the campaign of plans or candidates not effective? Which led to low voter turnouts and a lack of awareness among the students? Or does the problem lie with the voters? Not having interest in the platforms, political parties, and candidates.
Citing the campaign period, despite SONAHBS hosting a Gubernatorial Debate as a way for aspiring officials to reach their audience, some candidates could not attend. This was also not a very public debate hosted in Saint Louis University’s SIRIB Center, making it impossible for voters to watch in person. Although compromises have
been made to improve accessibility throughout the election season with campaigns primarily being social-media based, a lack of in-person exposure for the candidates along with the limit of a week-long campaign period also contributed to a lack of well-informed voters, making an election lose its essence of people holding power.
A tendency for leaders to lose communication with the studentry they embody also arises. As soon as interactions from campaigns are over, elected officials can become unaware of problems that actually concern the general student population. A good example would be on platforms, and of whether these will actually address the problems of the majority or will stay focused on specific demographics.
A seemingly unicolor election where one political party almost always dominates adds to the students’ frustrations—and eventual apathy—as it leaves an impression of how regardless of pushing for a different kind of leadership, one branding and one formula stays the same. “New” platforms under a different name still feature long-standing goals, seemingly never reaching a conclusion. Candidates change each year, but as part of a political party, their tendency to promise the same change in a different form transpires as the ideals of the party must be reflected in who they are as leaders. This may leave no room for a variety of leadership much needed to address multiple dimensions of student concerns.
Ultimately, these add up to the students’ lack of interest which makes them ill-informed. This would be hard to solve as some may have grown
pessimistic seeing that for years, they could not experience change in ways that matter to them. Asking the students would be a good start for this administration, not just by a simple post on social media, but by an assembly where students could collaborate and share suggestions—where their concerns could be addressed.
Then again, the responsibility does not only fall on the KASAMA/SSC alone. If the reach becomes wide despite a majority of the audience still failing to do their part, no positive result comes out.
Elections are symbolic as it exhibits democracy within our university, so we shouldn’t vote for the sake of “just voting” or base our decisions on criteria that won’t matter for an organization that leads and represents who the Louisian student is. When we get to choose, we should not take it for granted. Our power to vote is the power to change. But that was more evident when we could still decide.
As we move forward with the election of our KASAMA/SSC leaders, scrutinize who the officials truly are and what their platforms stand for. We being informed makes us able to hold them accountable. All that’s left is for us to use that power.
Our power to vote is the power to change. But that was more evident when we could still decide.
The Official Publication of School of Nursing, Allied Health, and Biological Sciences
Moving forward, what do you want to see from the newly elected officers after the 2024-2025 KASAMA/ SSC Elections?
Improve the active participation in terms of hearing the voice of every students para mas maging maayos yung flow ng school year. Also, ma-avoid yung mga issues sa mga professors about their teaching skills na hindi effective para sa ibang mga students na nagiging major factor when it comes to approaching the professor para sa mga concerns nila about that subject itself.
N BS Biology
I hope na whatever they said in their campaign is matupad, kahit ‘di lahat pero atleast i-try nila[ng] tuparin lahat ng prinomise nila. Don’t use being part of the SSC as an excuse to not do groupworks and requirements. Makinig din sana sa suggestions ng students and be open-minded. They were not elected in their positions for clout only, but as a governing body to help the students of SONAHBS.
Vaughn BS Medical Laboratory Science
Umayos sila. Kasi naman, yung iba puro ebas-ebas na walang action, hanggang election lang magaling.
Janna BS Nursing
Mas [maging] open sila for suggestions. They [should] listen to the student body and act on what they can do to carry out and solve those problems.
Lannah BS Pharmacy
Ine-expect ko sa mga newly elected officers na sana ma-address nila yung mga issues na mas makatutulong sa mga kapwa ko estudyante. Sana rin ay gamitin nila nang tama ang kanilang posisyon.
Diana Rose
BS Radiologic Technology
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jon Patrick Benito INTERNAL ASSOCIATE EDITOR Rendel Ramos EXTERNAL ASSOCIATE EDITOR Isaac Calica
MANAGING EDITOR Gabrielle Caluza EXCHANGE EDITOR Lerie Castel NEWS Mia Bautista / Rovi Quiambao
OPINION Aimee Daculan / Noel Marino FEATURES Marc Quinto / Vibelle Dumale LITERATURE Marynelle Fonseca / Maxenne Guarin
SPORTS & SCI-TECH Eowyn Isyasa / Luis Gagute GRAPHICS Ivan Cruz LAYOUT Jhamire Bumanlag
PHOTOS Adrian Mamuyac / Chelsea Aquino / Carlo Bustamante VIDEOS Kevin Vinluan / Gwynneth Cabanban / Miguel Jao
STAFFERS Franz Dauz / Vanelyn Pe Gacayan / Elijah Almoite / Angel Luis / Rejeanne Tabuyo / Nikkole Santiago / Jana Pia Calicdan / Aldos Segundo / Juan Carlo Vila / Bernadette Tabil / Irish Micayabas / Jerka Vallejo / Kizzy Velasquez GRAPHIC ARTISTS Diana Baybon / Marianne Burgonio / Kristienne Bernaldez / Kian Apellido / Luigi Ronquilio / Jess Agustin PHOTOJOURNALISTS Aevriele Siddayao / Einy Barcena / Esther Yaos / Ronalyn Junio / Yvonne Sangdaan / Joris Mae Daguio / Blase Biala
ADDRESS Room A501, Konrad Adenauer Bldg., Saint Louis University, Upper Bonifacio St., Baguio City, Benguet, 2600 / SONAHBS SPEAKS
Student nurses honor mission at 47th Capping and Pinning Ceremony
by ELIJAH ALMOITE
The 47th Capping, Pinning, and Candle Lighting Ceremonies was celebrated with the theme “Lux In Tenebris: Louisian Nurses Navigating the Path of Mission and Service.” The event kicked off at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM, October 14.
The program started by welcoming the student nurses, School of Nursing, Allied Health, and Biological Sciences’ administrative officers, and the nursing program faculty members. Marching with them were the members of the event committee—Overall Chair Prof. John Balignasay, Co-chairs Prof. Cheryl Danglipen and Prof. Rachelle Pacial, and Mass Coordinator Prof. Julie Ann Marie Uy. The entrance was immediately followed by the Eucharistic Celebration presided by Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Enjang Pranatal, CICM. During the mass, Rev. Fr. Pranatal blessed the caps, badges, and lamps to be used by the student nurses.
The ceremony commenced with the Invocation and singing of the National Anthem led by the SLU Glee Club. Dr. Ann P. Opiña, SONAHBS Dean, delivered the preliminary remarks, highlighting that the event is both a celebration and recognition— where students are qualified to go to the first step of healthcare service and are ready to handle patients under the watchful eyes of the clinical instructors.
“As you move forward in your nursing career, carry with you the vigor of service embodied by Florence Nightingale and the many Louisian nurses who have walked this path before you. May your journey be marked with the courage to face challenges, the wisdom to learn from each moment, and the steadfast compassion that defines
the heart of a Louisian nurse—full of compassion, service, and selfless mission,” SLU President Rev. Fr. Gilbert B. Sales, CICM, PhD stated in his speech. He stressed the necessity of demonstrating integrity, empathy, and diligence in every facet of healthcare as they navigate the intricacies of nursing while ensuring the practice of compassion, respect for human dignity, and a lifelong commitment to learning.
The guest speaker, Hon. Mary Grace C. Lacanaria, Former SLU School of Nursing (SON) Dean, also gave an inspirational talk. She talked about the meaningful symbolism of the radiating light from the lamp, which represents Jesus Christ as the constant inspiration and guide in illuminating gloomy worlds and alleviating sufferings of the dejected, and the sun that bestows warmth, light, and life to all.
Hon. Lacanaria presented the mnemonic NURSE: (1) Nursing is both science and art—it is based on evidence where every nurse incorporates different approaches and strategies in providing care for clients. Moreover, it is both a profession and a vocation—a license is earned, and it is a call for service to the community; (2) Universality pertains to the right and respect to life, the right to human rights, the right to be healthy and live a quality of life; (3) Responsibility is entailed in the development of professional values: competence, courage, commitment to serve, professionalism, assertiveness, integrity, and honesty; (4) Scholarship is the continuing pursuit of a higher level of knowledge through critical inquiry and analysis that can lead to educational and professional rewards; and (5) Empowerment means having the competence to take charge in one’s growth and to be more independent
BSP visits SLU, talks about FCPA, AFASA
by ELIJAH ALMOITE
Students from the School of Advanced Studies (SAS) and the School of Law (SOL), employees from Compliance Officers for Privacy (COP), student publication organizations, SLU faculty and staff participated in a special talk by Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor (DG) Atty. Elmore O. Capule, at the Father Francis Gevers Hall, Diego Silang Building, October 11.
DG Atty. Capule discussed legal matters, scams, and financial consumer protection, emphasizing the Financial Consumer Protection Act (FCPA) and the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA). The BSP Charter (R.A. No. 7653, amended by R.A. No. 11211 [2019]) mandates the BSP to ensure broad access to quality financial services while serving the public interest. Thus, the he FCPA and AFASA were passed to support the BSP’s roles in protecting financial consumers and combating financial scams.
Furthermore, she talked about the ongoing efforts to provide more opportunities to nurses, such as battling for the development of academic programs, legalization of the practice of Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) in the Philippines, and salary increases for nurses.
With much pride and honor, Prof. Mary Rose D. Valenzuela, Level 2 Department Head, introduced the candidates for the 47th Capping, Pinning, and Candle Lighting Ceremonies, and the students went up to the stage one by one with their families and loved ones. The venue was illuminated by light radiating from the candles held by the students during the candle lighting ceremony while they were singing an original composition entitled “I am Light.”
Afterward, Prof. Rachelle Gay R. Pacial, Level 2 Faculty, led the Florence Nightingale Pledge, where the students promised to commit themselves to service and honesty, maintain and elevate the standard of their profession, and aid the physicians with loyalty. The student nurses then sang their batch song, “Sigaw,” expressing their passion and drive to learn and serve the people.
To represent the Louisian Student Nurses Batch 2027, Jermaine Dwayne R. Perlas, Top 1 Dean’s List, thanked the parents, faculty, and administration for being their strength and pillars and ensuring that their success is worthy of their support system’s efforts. He used the phrase “buti na lang” to acknowledge the undying love and support of their family and friends in their journey.
The venue was later on filled with tears of joy as the students sang a song dedicated to their parents, family, and friends. The event ended with the closing remarks given by Dr. Elizabeth H. Bautista, SONAHBS Associate Dean.
BSP transitioned from being solely a Prudential Regulator of Financial Institutions to also championing the interests of consumers of financial products and services by employing appropriate mechanisms for a fair, reasonable, and effective handling of disputes.
DG Atty. Capule further discussed money laundering, social engineering, and money muling, and how these schemes affect the economy and how BSP will respond in handling such cases.
The BSP representatives, along with Atty. Yasmine Lee Tadeo (Dean of the School of Law) and Mrs. Joey G. Gapasin (Director of the University Libraries), held a symbolic ceremony for the donation of books to the SLU School of Law Library. DG Atty. Capule signed a book to memorialize the event, and was awarded a certificate for his dedication and effort as the resource speaker.
EMPOWERING FINANCIAL LITERACY. BSP Deputy Governor Atty. Elmore O. Capule delivers an insightful talk at the Father Francis Gevers Hall, SLU, discussing the Financial Consumer Protection Act (FCPA) and the Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA). photo by RONALYN JUNIO and KRISTIENNE BERNALDEZ.
AMIDST THE SOLEMN GLOW OF CANDLELIGHT. SLU Student nurses of Batch 2027 shine brightly as they commit to a path of compassion and service during the 47th Capping, Pinning, and Candle Lighting Ceremonies. photo by AEVRIELE SIDDAYAO, EINY BARCENA, ESTHER YAOS, RENDEL RAMOS, and RONALYN JUNIO.
MedTech Week concludes, highlighting excellence, community initiatives
by ANGEL LUIS, REJEANNE TABUYO, NIKKOLE SANTIAGO, and JANA CALICDAN
The Department of Medical Laboratory Science of Saint Louis University, School of Nursing, Allied Health, and Biological Sciences (SONAHBS) concluded its MedTech Week celebration, October 18, 2024
The event was spearheaded by the Society of Medical Laboratory Scientists (SMLS) and featured a series of activities aimed at showcasing the excellence and artistry of MLS students. Held at the Adenauer Building, the week-long program drew significant participation, setting the stage for future professional engagement and collaborations.
The festivities kicked off on October 14, 2024, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by the Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Felina Espique, The SONAHBS Dean, Dr. Ann P. Opina RMT, PhD, and the University’s President, Father Gilbert Sales CICM. The opening ceremony formally launched the SMLS booths themed around classic video games. The “Katusoks” were eager to participate and play the MedTech-laced games with the President of the University, who initiated the event by roaming and trying the games with Dr. Opina and Dr. Espique.
On the same day as the launch of MedTech booths, MLS students organized a Mobile Blood Donation Drive, highlighting a key responsibility for Medical Technologists: drawing blood. This initiative not only demonstrated their skills and expertise but also underscored their vital role in healthcare by saving countless lives through blood collection.
Adding a competitive edge to the week, the MedTech Quiz Bee, hosted by the SMLS, was held on October 16. This event tested the knowledge and skills of aspiring medical technologist professionals. Students from different year levels participated and demonstrated expertise, answering questions that covered various Medical Laboratory Science topics. Joshua Lumbao, Hanna Eugenio, Justin Galvez, and Jimwell Salvador bagged the top spot as first-place winners. Marga Latosa, Earl Ayyang, Ariane Antonio, and Hans Yuri Pangilinan claimed second place. Completing the top three were Jeynuven Romano, Jyan Fernandez, Ma. Cassandra Espiritu, and Angelique Jacinto, who took home third place. The Quiz Bee highlighted the students’ commitment to excellence in Medical Laboratory Science and fostered excitement throughout MedTech week.
On October 17, the society hosted “MedLabSays: Let’s SurVIBE”, an interactive seminar aimed at addressing the struggles of MLS students transitioning from Senior High School to college at the Rizal Audio-Visual Room (AVR). Organized by 1st and 2nd-year representatives of the Society of Medical Laboratory Scientists (SMLS), the event featured Jarlene Bravo, the former SMLS External Vice President, as the speaker. Ms. Bravo shared practical advice on time management, academic pressure, and personal growth. The seminar was designed around student feedback and suggestions, ensuring it met their needs and provided valuable insights for navigating the MLS journey. The event encouraged students to reflect on their motivations and find strength in their academic pursuits.
The celebration of SLU Medical Technology Week was wrapped up with the awarding of the section booths and recognition of the enthusiastic participation of the students in the events on October 18, 2024.
As for the highly anticipated booth competitions, the Department of Histology and Microbiology’s “Super Micro Histo” took 5th place, while the Department of Clinical Microscopy and Parasitology’s “Kirby’s Lavatory” claimed 4th place. The Department of Clinical Chemistry’s booth, “PaCCMan,” secured 3rd place and was recognized as the Most Resourceful booth. The Department of Immunology, Serology, and Blood Banking’s “PokeImmune Lab” earned 2nd place, and the Grand Champion of the event was the Hematology Department’s booth, “Circus Charlie: A Circourse to Hematology,” which swept the awards for Most Creative, Most Engaging, and Most Informative. The booths were not just a form of entertainment but also provided a learning experience to the departments and their respective expertise for the participants.
A key takeaway from the events was realizing the essence of integrating practical experience with continuous learning, cultivating technical proficiency, and a growth mindset. As the week has come to a close, students may reflect on their newfound knowledge, skills, and the inspiration they gained to continue their journey in medical technology, playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of patient care.
RadTech Department celebrates annual acquaintance party
by GWYNNETH XENA
The Radiologic Technology department celebrated their annual acquaintance party with the theme “Radiate Together: Building Bonds Block by Block” at the Saint Louis University Maryheights Campus, October 6.
Mr. Kyndro Casel and Ms. Daphne Rañeses, the masters of ceremonies, spearheaded the event. The program started with a prayer followed by a Zumba exercise to awak-
en and energize their spirits.
Students were categorized based on the color of their wristbands given during registration to allow the higher and lower years to be acquainted with each other through activities such as yell and flag making, fashion shows, and other games that everyone enjoyed.
Throughout the pro
gram, faculty members
showcased their talents through intermission numbers. Various students also displayed their talents through friendly competitions such as vocal solos, vocal duets, dance battles, and battles of the bands.
To wrap up the event, the MRTS officers and the RadTech Faculty recognized and awarded the students who joined the different categories in the friendly competitions.
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EXCELLENCE IN ACTION. SLU Medical Laboratory Science students mark MedTech Week with themed booths, competitions, and events highlighting skills, knowledge, and community impact. photos by ADRIAN MAMUYAC, YVONNE SANGDAAN, EINY BARCENA and JORIZ DAGUIO
RADIATING UNITY. Radiologic Technology students celebrate camaraderie with vibrant games, performances, and team-building activities at SLU’s “Radiate Together” acquaintance party. photos by AEVRIELE SIDDAYAO and BLASE BIALA.
Ithings. The only certain thing in this life as they say, is death, taxes, and Louisians struggling to access the Internet inside the campus.
Once you step through the gates of the university, data speeds from mobile providers seem to vanish, leaving students disconnected and frustrated.
Regardless of where you are on campus—whether in the lower floors of Adenauer and Rizal or the upper floors of Vath—mobile data from any SIM provider struggles to deliver even passable internet speeds. For those reliant on their data plans, say goodbye to your GoSurf59 or AllData50, because the campus becomes a digital
get some work done or study while grabbing a bite often find themselves staring at loading screens, wondering why the Wi-Fi even exists.
The university library’s Wi-Fi is a better option, but it has its own drawbacks. With limited capacity and sluggish speeds, connecting during busy hours feels like a race, as more students crowd in to study or catch up on classwork.
To make light of the situation, SLU’s Daily Dose had an exclusive interview with the university’s Technology Management and Development Department (TMDD) led by Ma’am Cecilia Mercado, the TMDD Director.
In an interview last October 2,
Ma’am Mercado stated. She also added that the first phase is around 90% in completion from their last progress report.
This first phase of their project started only this academic year and will serve as the backbone of their future phases as explained by their team. Ma’am Mercado also said “You may see a few access points around the hallways inside Rizal, Adenauer, or any other buildings inside the campus if you look closely.”
The TMDD also has their eyes set on providing access points in areas frequented by students such as in SLU’s Giant Steps, the finance area, and registrar area.
The team is currently aware of
Sir Joven also added “When monitoring the internet usage of students, most of the time you see social media. We rarely see educational use such as the Google Workspace.” When asked what they plan to do in light of this, he said “We plan to blacklist non-essential apps like FaceBook or TikTok. For Messenger, no, Messenger is an essential communication app for students. We also plan to limit video playback quality to manage bandwidth. We want it to still be viewable but not overkill like 4k streaming.”
To wrap up and summarize the points properly, the TMDD’s goal with the development of the network system is to maximize educa-
by ALDOS SEGUNDO
THAT ONE JENNER WHO FOREVER SAVED A MILLENIUM
In science, credit goes to the man who convinces the world, not the man to whom the idea first occurs. —Fran cis Galton. If you were given a chance to pick a person from history that saved the most lives, who would you first think of? That one Jen ner who freed mankind from the gruesome hands of what was known as one of the deadliest killers in the world. That one Jenner who ended a 3,000-year suffering in a deadly war against a conta gious disease that claimed hundreds of millions of lives. That one Jenner who pioneered the era of saving lives through a needle and is now known as the father of immunology, Edward Jenner. disease with an unknown origin in the prehistoric era. Smallpox attacked Europe in the Middle Ages, which led to the downfall of the Roman Empire by claiming 7 million lives. Numerous explorations and trades contributed to the rapid spread of smallpox across the globe, inducing
Truly, Edward Jenner’s selfless act of sacrificing his way of life for the sake of humanity is a remarkable feat that shielded us against one of the most devastating scourge known to mankind. The world is forever indebted to Edward Jenner, for he not only built the foundation for our understanding of immunology today but also ventured, where few dared, pushing boundaries of medical knowledge toward the attainment of global well-being. He may not be the first one to discover vaccines, but it is noteworthy that it is his unshakable commitment to advancing vaccine promotion and advancing its cause that fundamentally transformed the course of medical history and reshaped the way we approach disease prevention. Let us be the generation that doesn’t just confront the unknown, but conquers it—driven by the same unwavering resolve that Jenner showed in the face of smallpox.
KOLEKSYON NG MGA MISTERYONG BUMABALOT SA HANGIN
ng FEATURES STAFF
Bihira ang pagkakataon na makipagtitigan sa mga matang nakatanaw sa ilalim ng Giant Steps—mga mata ng nilalang na hindi mo dapat nakikita. Ngunit hindi maikukubli ang mga espiritung handang magparamdam at mga kaluluwang nagbabantay sa bawat maling hakbang. Andito na sila. Ang kilabot na mas malalim pa sa takot.
*GIANT STEPS
MUSMOS NA KALULUWA ni BERNADETTE TABIL
*DR. KONRAD ADENAUER BUILDING
dibuho ni KRISTIENNE BERNALDEZ
dibuho ni JASMINE GALABOC
THE LIBRARY’S SILENT READER
grafx by KRISTIENNE BERNALDEZ
grafx by KIAN APELLIDO
by IRISH MICAYABAS
*MSGR. CHARLES VATH BUILDING
THE RESTROOM SEEKER
by JELKA VALLEJO
*DR. JOSE RIZAL BUILDING
dibuho ni MARIANNE BURGONIO
grafx by DIANA BAYBON
ANINO NG MGA PASILYO
ni VIBELLE DUMALE
*DIEGO SILANG BUILDING
THE NIGHT SHIFT LABORATORY TECHNICIAN
by KIZZY VELASQUEZ
*DR. KONRAD ADENAUER BUILDING
ELEVATOR GIRL
grafx by LUIGI RONQUILLO
grafx by
JESS AGUSTIN
by MAXENNE GUARIN
*DR. JOSE RIZAL BUILDING
THE TURLE ON THE FOUNTAIN
by MARC QUINTO
*FOUNTAIN
F Spearheading the Grassroots Unwavering Strength in Indigenous Unity
rom the oppression over land dominion to the discrimination on representations, the Indigenous People (IP) in the Philippines have a strong history of marginalization as proven by World Bank’s “No Data, No Story: Indigenous Peoples in the Philippines” document released this year. With the commemoration of Indigenous People’s month, IP groups are assured of a voice that will help bring their miseries in the spotlight—at least for now.
On October 5, 2009, then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo issued Proclamation No. 1906, series of 2009, declaring the month of October as the National Indigenous Peoples Month. Furthermore, the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997, known shortly as the IPRA Law, was a monumental action toward the protection of the rights of the Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines. These rights include the ownership of their ancestral lands, self-determination and governance, and the preservation of their traditions. Both materialized into laws in the hopes of putting an emphasis on modern-day problems faced by IPs, and eventually bring them a more inclusive society and governance. However, even 15 and 27 years later, just how much of a milestone were these governmental actions for those who it was promised for?
In 2023, the Watchdog Global Witness reported the Philippines as the most dangerous country for land defenders in Asia, accounting for 17 out of 25 of reported killings and disappearances, and ranking 5th worldwide. Eight out of these 17 individuals, namely Antonio Diwayan, Lee Sudario, Roly Fausto, Danny Malinao, Crispin Tingal Jr., Emelda Fausto, Jose Gonzales, and Norman Ortiz, were small-scale farmers. But perhaps the most prominent of Cordilleran land defenders even years after his death would be Macli-ing Dulag, a tribe leader from Bugnay, Kalinga who was murdered on April 24, 1980 by government soldiers during Ferdinand Marcos Sr.’s martial law. This transpired after Dulag successfully unified sporadically distributed communities in the Cordilleras to stand against the construction of the Chico River Dam, a project that would have decimated not only their source of living, but their
homes as well.
Now another dam project threatens to disrupt the living waters of the Cordillerans—the Kaliwa Dam. As of March 2024, 30% of its construction was already completed, once again threatening the integrity of the Dumagat Remontado IP’s homes and the balance of a 93-hectare ecosystem that keeps the land thriving. The events leading up to its construction were riddled with controversy, as the informed aspect for consent forms of this Build, Build, Build project was stripped off. Signing was found upon deception, as the IPs were not fully informed of the effects of the project—not even being given documents in their native language to facilitate an adequate and much needed understanding of what they were really signing into.
The destruction this project will bring also violates the very essence of the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) of 1992, which protects and preserves land areas for the present and future Filipinos. As mandated by this law, public lands which cradle vital components of biodiversity are to be protected areas, supposedly kept safe from the activities of man that destroy it. But this was not the case for the Kaliwa River Forest Reserve, as quite evidently, despite the efforts of the Dumagat Remontado Indigenous communities to oppose, most of those in power have ears made deaf by so-called development. In a constant battle for land rights and ancestral domains, IP groups remain among the most threatened victims of this injustice and violence.
Take it from the Human Rights Watch’s study in 2023 showing the relentless red-tagging of government officials and military forces towards IP leaders and activists, often putting their communities at a deadlier position. On July 10, 2023, Cordillera Peoples Alliance (CPA) leader activists Windel Bolinget, Steve Tauli, Sarah Alikes and Jen Awingan were listed under the Anti-Terrorism Council’s (ATC) terrorist list, the most recent recorded act of stifling representation after years of trying to silence their voices. These reports just go to show not only how much the government has lacked in the fulfillment of their
promises of protecting the IPs of the Philippines, but also how they actively participate in their persecution. This is a clarion call for the current administration to issue a directive to all government officials to stop the red-tagging and hold accountability to those who are responsible, to ensure justice and safe places for the IPs.
While ensuring them a safe place is a top priority, this alone won’t be enough to assure them of the decent living they are entitled to as granted by the constitution. Unfortunately, due to a lack of access in education and healthcare, the challenges faced by IPs echo beyond their lands. IP groups are still highly vulnerable to relentless social and cultural discrimination despite legal protection according to the World Bank, which is ironic coming from a country that in itself prides its people with a strong sense of nationalism. In 2023, the World Bank remains firm in emphasizing the need of IPs for basic services like education, healthcare, and clean water; prioritizing these services in remote areas where they live is just as crucial in ensuring universal access to education and healthcare for every filipino.
The reality experienced by IP groups despite the existence of multiple constitutional rights like the IPRA Law and NIPAS Act of 1992 begs the question, how much more Republic Acts and issuances do we need to have to realize that without strict implementation and active collaboration with IPs themselves, these will barely do something significant other than glamorizing the government? It is a sight that we see, even today.
The celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Month is a beacon of hope for every IP member towards a life where they are not threatened, discriminated against, and marginalized. But so long as the legal rights protecting them remain abstract, this hope will remain as just that—far from realization. It is only imperative that we advocate for the Philippines’ Indigenous Peoples, our fellow Filipinos, and that the government take accountability for the damage they have done and finally take substantial action toward the fulfillment of the now almost 30-year-old promises they have made.
