The Eagle E-newsletter PY 2021-2022 Issue 1

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P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 1

JUNE - AUGUST 2021

O F F I C I A L T E R T I A RY P U B L I C AT I O N O F C O L E G I O S A N A G U S T I N - B A C O L O D facebook.com/theeaglecsab

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Photo Courtesy Keo Pirote

PHYSICALLY PRESE NT YET SOCIALLY DISTANCE D CSA-B graduates receive diplomas on face-to-face graduation B Y: T R I C I A N I C O L E PA N Z O

COMBATING MISINFORMATION D E V C O M | | PA G E 1 0

DUTERTE’S MI ULTIMO ADIOS E D I T O R I A L | | PA G E 1 2

SEE PAGE 3

TOKYO OLYMPICS S P O R T S | | PA G E 1 6

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P.Y. 2021-2022

SAN AG NEWS

ISSUE 1

New School Year , New Faces - CSA-B welcomes new set of Augustinian Friars By: Acel Jone Cayot

Photo Coutesy: Mary Eden Ordanel

Outstanding Augustinians receive recognition on Gawad Alab Awards By: Faye Angela Alimane

Augustinian students excelling in their field of expertise were given recognition during the annual Gawad Alab Agustino awarding ceremony headed by the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and External Relations (VPSAER) held last June 25.

VPSAER Head, Rev. Fr. Tito D. Soquino, O.S.A., emphasized that the awards are given to recognize the achievements of students may it be in international, national, regional, provincial and local competitions.

It is intended also to recognize their outstanding contributions in cultural, political, socio-cultural and sports activities and in the community outreach program of the school.

Aside from recognizing student excellence individually, the awarding ceremony also includes; Best Outreach Program, Outstanding Journalist, Best Student Leader, Best Campus Organization, Best Departmental Leader, Best Departmental Council, Leadership Award and Special citation awards.

Quoting SG President Joshua Castillo, “I know it’s not easy to be able to reach the end of it but because we are goal oriented, we remain steadfast, passionate, optimistic, we became champions of our own battles….we should know the art of balance, the balance of education and selflove.”

Due to the ongoing pandemic it was the second time in which the said ceremony was conducted online.

As Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod opened a new academic year, the whole Augustinian community also welcomed the newly assigned Augustinian friars to take on the school’s administration for the term 2021-2024.

Led by Fr. Arnel S. Dizon, OSA, the school’s newly appointed president, the friars began their tenure on July 1.

From May 15, 2016, until June 30, 2021, he served as the Vice-President for Administration & Finance, University Treasurer, and University Archivist at the University of San Agustin in Iloilo.

Also, Fr. Stephen O. Tan, OSA, has been appointed as the new house procurator, while the new school treasurer is Fr. Bernardo B. Coleco, OSA. Fray Tan was previously the University of San Agustin’s Director of Non-Core and Allied Business Operations Office, Director of Administrative and General Services Office, Regent of Sports, Athletics, and Physical Education Department, Regent of College of Technology, and University Materials Recovery Facility Officer for two terms beginning September 1, 2013, to June 30, 2021.

Meanwhile, Fr. Coleco has been serving the CSAB community for two terms already as the Vice President for Finance & Administration.

Moreover, the members include Fr. Isabelo A. Carloman, Jr., OSA who is the Vice President for Students Affairs and External Relations, Fr. Raymundo T. Alcayag, OSA, and Fr. Manuel M. Vergara, OSA. Fr. Carloman was sent before to the Czech Republic as part of his mission for two years. He was a member of the parish as well as an English instructor, and he was the School Director of Colegio San-Agustin-Mati in Davao Oriental prior to his mission.

Previously, Fr. Vergara worked at Colegio San Agustin-Biñan in Laguna as the Vice President for Academic Affairs. He was also the President of the University of San Agustin in Iloilo from 1998 until 2004.

The aforementioned friars were members of the Order of Saint Augustine based in Santo Niño de Cebu Province, Philippines.

Photo Courtesy: The Eagle || FB Page

FIRST MASS. Fr. Arnel Dizon presides hid first Holy Mass for the feast of Saint Augustine before their formal installation.

SAN AG NEWS

P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 1

Physically Present Yet Socially Distanced From Page 1

A total of 115 Augustinians marched their way to completion as Colegio San Agustin-Bacolod held its 57th Collegiate Commencement Exercises in a face-toface set up last June 4 at the CSA-B’s auditorium.

Photo Courtesy: Keo Pirote

Through the cooperation of the whole Augustinian Community, the collegiate graduation was pushed through in a physical setup amid the pandemic with adherence to stricter compliance on the health and safety protocols set by the city government.

Proper disinfection of the venue,

Photo Coutesy: Mary Eden Ordanel

FINAL BOW. Two Augustinian engineering graduates takes their last bow after receiving their diplomas while social distancing.

wearing of face masks and face shields, as well as physical distancing were observed throughout the program.

Despite the setbacks and challenges brought by the pandemic, this did not falter their drive towards excellence; with pride and honor they received

their respective diplomas as Augustinian graduates.

The theme for this year’s Collegiate Commencement Exercises was “Augustinian Graduates: Gifted and Grateful Witnesses of the Mission for Societal Transformation.”

Augustinian MedTech students take on virtual medical internship By: Tricia Nicole Panzo

Ninety-four (94) third year Medical Technology students of Colegio San Agustin- Bacolod were successfully transitioned as interns during the Pinning and White Coat Ceremony last July 10.

The ceremony was made possible through the coordination of the clinical instructors of the said program headed by the Program Area Head, Ms. Gemma B. de los Reyes together with Mr. Mark P. Garcellan as the internship coordinator.

DONNING. A parent of an Augustinian Medical Techology student proudly dons the coat and pin to his son after successfully being hailed as interns.

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A baccalaureate mass was celebrated before the start of the program proper with the priest presider Rev. Fr. Andrew P. Batayola, OSA, together with the other Augustinian Friars.

Augustinian students from the College of Engineering (COE) and College of Accountancy, Business, Education and Computer Studies (CABECS) made it on the list and were capped as graduates for the Academic Year 2020-2021.

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Together with their respective parents, the students took a step forward into their internship virtually through the online platform Zoom which was also aired live on CSA-B Medical Technology Society Facebook page.

Sharing his three-year journey under

the MedTech program, Intern Sidrey Mel Flores said in his testimony, “To be able to see the good in the bad, turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, and actualize our dreams into reality, we need to look at life from a vantage point of love.”

This goes to show that despite the setbacks brought by the pandemic, the drive towards Augustinian excellence is still evident on the students as they take a step closer towards their academic goals.

The Augustinian MedTech students are currently having their internship online in compliance with the health and safety protocols of the school and the government.

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SAN AG NEWS

P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 1

AUGUSTINIAN FRIAR LAUNCHES 8-CHAPTER AUTHORED BOOK ON 500TH YEAR OF CHRISTIANITY By: Acel Jone Cayot Photo Coutesy: John Joseph Coronel

L U C K Y S E V E N CSA-B scores 100 percent for PNLE first takers passing rate By: Acel Jone Cayot While the COVID-19 pandemic presented an array of challenges, seven Augustinian nightingales successfully passed the Philippine Nursing Licensure Examination (PNLE) garnering 100% passing rate as first takers last July 3 and 4.

RETELLING THE JOURNEY. Fr. Berdon shared in his speech how he was able to come up with the idea of writing and publishing his authored book.

Fr. Eusebio B. Berdon’s book entitled “The Birth of an Augustinian Province: Sto. Niño De Cebu – Philippines”, was launched last June 24, in cooperation with former CSA-B School President Fr. Andrew P. Batayola, OSA, and Teresa Tingson.

Development, Convocation of the First Chapter: Election of the First Provincial, First ordinary Provincial chapter - Part 1, First ordinary Provincial Chapter - Part 2, The “Founding Documents” of the Province and The province today: At a glance.

The book is anchored in the 500th year of the arrival of Christianity in the Philippines and commemoration of the miraculous image of Sto. Niño de Cebu in the same year.

The book is established with the occurrences in the making of Augustinian Province of Sto. Niño de Cebu-Philippines was briefly discussed by the author Fr. Berdon during the book launching, which equipped viewers with the knowledge of the apostolate of the Augustinian Order.

The event set off with welcoming messages of Fr. Tito D. Soquino, Osa, former Vice President for Students Affairs and External Relations, and a virtual message from Fr. Ericson Borre, OSA, an Augustinian Friar from Unibersidad de Valladolid in Spain.

The 8-chapter topic division of the books are as follows, Official Inauguration, Proposal to become a province: Reasons, Stages of

Congratulatory messages were given by Andres D. Rivera, OSA, Prior Provincial of the Province of Sto. Nino de Cebu-Philippines and Dr. Gereon A. Cabarles, former Vice President for Academic Affairs, the event officially ended with a book signing together with the author and other friars present.

The newly-registered nurses were composed of Mario Grandia, Jr., R.N., Jasmine Hyacinth Binguan, R.N., Ellen Grace Catanus, R.N., Krisha Glory Ceballos, R.N., Georgia Melisa Dacules, R.N., Anna Pearl Buison R.N., and Danielle Kate Baldonaza, R.N. The seven Augustinian registered nurses were first-time takers of the test, according to the results provided by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) on July 16, 2021.

The school also achieved a 60% secondtaker passing rate, with three out of five Augustinian nurses passing the exam to yield an overall rate of 83.33%.

The PRC announced a 64.65% countrywide passing rate as 5008 out of 7746 passed. It was higher than the November 2019 PNLE with a 55.20 % passing rate.

This was the first PNLE to happen in the middle of a pandemic.

CSA-B 4th year Psych students transition as practicumers By: Danibel Perez

Thirty-nine (39) Augustinian Psychology Students of Class 2021-2022 were successfully pinned as practicumers during the 7th Pinning Ceremony (1st Virtual Pinning Ceremony) held last August 20.

Dr. Ana Roberta C. Guanco, Practicum Coordinator, Program-Head of the Arts and Sciences said that before it was given to the students, the pins were initially blessed

by Rev. Fr. Isabelo A. Carloman Jr., OSA last August 14.

Rev. Fr. Arnel S. Dizon, O.S.A, School President, symbolically blessed and delivered the keynote address to the psych

practicumers, sharing views about the practicum, seeing it as an opportunity to provide students with the required skills and experience that will help them engage in real-life encounters and engagements in their future careers, which are likely to be more realistic than virtual encounters.

He then challenged the students to consider a few things: “Make the most out of your time no matter how impersonal it may appear. [Because] The most important aspect is the opportunity to connect to someone and be a person of compassion and understanding to another person as we

Photo Coutesy: Mary Eden Ordanel

struggle to overcome the ills and the fears of the moment,” said School President, Rev. Fr. Arnel S. Dizon, OSA. The ceremony’s closing remarks were delivered by Dr. Jan Dolly Grace Deita, Acting Dean of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education. She said a quote taken from Laura D. Field, “Dreams and aspirations of what we see ourselves actively participating in, in order to improve ourselves while becoming a part of something big.”

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LOCAL NEWS

P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 1

BACOLOD, NEG. OCC. SHOWS SIGNIFICANT DROP IN COVID-19 CASES; RECOVERED CASES INCREASE IN NUMBER Illustrated By: Nelie Ann C. Geollegue

gatherings are prohibited.

Ever since Covid-19 was tagged as a pandemic, the city’s cases rose up to 15,978 with a recovery rate of 94.66 percent.

As of August this year, Bacolod logged a total of 467 active cases in August, 1,934 in July, and 913 in June.

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL

By: Faye Angela Alimane

BACOLOD

Bacolody City had been in a steady decrease of cases for the past two weeks yet Mayor Evelio Leonardia said that Bacolenos should not remain complacent and should still follow the safety protocols implemented by the Covid-19 task force.

According to the real-time data of the Emergency Operations Center-Task Force,

their records show only two-digit new cases for the past weeks, with an average of 36 cases daily.

Bacolod’s cases last June had an average of 119 cases per day, but eventually dropped to an average of 73 daily in July.

City Administrator Em Ang reminded the people that the city is still placed in GCQ with heightened restrictions therefore mass

Gov. Eugenio Lacson described Negros Occidental Covid-19 situation as manageable with Covid-19 recoveries upscaled to almost 94 percent on August according to the data shown by the Provincial Incident Management Team (PIMT).

With Covid alert level downgraded to level two, Neg. Occ. has shown a significant drop in its Covid-19 cases with numbers from 1,641 active cases in July to 719 in August.

According to Gov. Lacson, the hospital bed capacity for Covid-19 patients in Neg. Occ is at 52 percent and he hopes for it to stay at this level or may increase as weeks pass by.

Negros Occidental being placed in Alert Level two refers to certain areas having minimal to low risk but have a positive twoweek case growth (TWGR), or areas that are minimal to low risk, have a negative TWGR, but have a healthcare utilization rate higher than 50 percent.

Bacolod City’s vaccination drive goes mobile, catering market sellers and public vehicle drivers By: Acel Jone Perez Spearheaded by the Emergency Operations Center-Task Force (EOC-TF), Bacolod City’s vaccination drive went on a 24-hour shift at the 2nd floor of Jollibee at Burgos-Gatuslao Streets on Aug. 30 as a part of the strategized plan of action to limit the spread of COVID-19 infections To bolster the vaccination drives, the city government also launched its “VAX-i” mobile vaccination program by deploying five buses in three main public markets to make COVID-19 vaccinations more accessible to citizens.

The mobile vaccination initiative targets market sellers and public transit drivers who cannot leave their work to be inoculated in immunization clinics.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia, City Administrator Em Ang, and councilors Cindy Rojas and Renecito Novero, directors of the task groups on returning residents and quarantine centers action team, respectively, recognized measures to fill gaps and guarantee residents’

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safety, particularly among daily wage workers and the marginalized sector.

Photo Coutesy: John Joseph Coronel

Moreover, the vaccine rollout is monitored

by Ang, OIC-City Health Officer Dr. Edwin Miraflor Jr., EOC-TF deputy medical Dr. Ana Maria Laarni Pornan, and EOC-TF deputy medical Dr. Chris Sorongon with the assistance of EOC-TF secretariat, EOC-TF nurses, vaccination doctors, and other City Health Office workers.

According to the EOC-TF and the COVID-19 Vaccination Council (CoVaC), progress in the city’s vaccination program has been made to make vaccination available to everyone, create herd immunity, and eradicate COVID-19 as soon as possible.

Bacolod City has also launched mallbased vaccination sites, centers in various health clinics, barangay gymnasiums, and school campuses, and drive-thru vaccination, in addition to setting up Vax-i mobile bus vaccination sites and introducing the 24-hour vaccination clinic.

VACCINE JAB. A nurse assists in jabbing an individual in the city-wide new vaccination trend.

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P.Y. 2021-2022

LOCAL NEWS

ISSUE 1

Bacolod’s MECQ appeal fails, city remains under GCQ with heightened restrictions

Photo Courtesy: DAR || FB Page

By: Acel Jone Cayot

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DAR WV launches ARBO Merkado, local farmers join online selling trend Illustrated By: Nelie Ann C. Geollegue Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia requested the National Inter-Agency Task Force (NIATF) to reconsider its proposal placing the city under tougher Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ), but the city remained under general community quarantine with heightened restrictions on July 14, 2021.

In a letter to Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Leonardia stated that the prolonged community quarantine has caused many Bacolenos to lose employment and companies. “We cannot afford more limitations that will wreak havoc on our economy and add to the agony of alreadysuffering families,” he stated emphatically.

On President Rodrigo Duterte’s consent, the NIATF extended the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) in Bacolod City till the end of August. However, presidential spokesman Harry Roque noted that this will be a GCQ “with heightened constraints.”

According to city officials, the number of new COVID-19 cases and hospital use rates is on the decline. Only 12 new cases were recorded on Saturday, August 14, down from 38 on August 13, 24 on August 12, and 49 on August 11, this raises the total number of active cases in the city to 736 with no new deaths, but there were 23 recent recoveries.

In response to the NIATF’s decision to withdraw from the control of emerging infectious disease, Mayor Evelio Leonardia signed Executive Order No. 44 on August 14, extending the GCQ-HR from August 15 to August 31, in response to the national interagency task force’s decision to withdraw from the control of emerging infectious disease (NIATF-MEID).

All provisions of EO 39, EO 39-A, and EO 42, all under Series of 2021, which stipulated for minimum health protocols and other regulations to govern throughout the GCQ-

HR period, as amended, shall remain in full force and effect for this extension of the GCQ-HR from August 15 to August 31.

Entertainment facilities with live performances, recreational venues, amusement parks, casinos, and traditional cockfighting, among others, are prohibited from operating in Bacolod City under EO No. 39; Church or religious gatherings for holy mass, prayers, worship sessions, or other similar activities will now be limited to 10% of the venue capacity.

It is also prohibited to gather at one’s home with anyone who is not a member of one’s close family i.e., Necrological services, wakes, inurnments, and funerals for persons who died from reasons other than COVID-19 remain permitted but are currently limited to 10% of the venue’s capacity. Visits to memorial parks, cemeteries, and columbaria are still permitted but must be limited to no more than ten people per group and no more than 10% of the total capacity of the location.

Daily curfew hours will remain in effect from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.; selling of liquor, wine, beer, or any other alcoholic or intoxicating beverage in public areas shall be permitted only after 12 p.m., according to the laws and regulations until 6 p.m. However, under Executive Order No. 31, Series of 2021, dated June 6, 2021, the sale and/or consumption of such alcoholic beverages in authorized public places will continue to be prohibited.

Anyone under the age of 18, those over 65, those with immunodeficiency, comorbidity, or other health risks, and pregnant women will be required to stay in their homes at all times, with the exception of obtaining essential goods and services, working in industries and offices, and other activities permitted by the national and local governments, according to the EO.

By: Tricia Nicole Panzo The Department of Agrarian Reform in Western Visayas virtually launched an online store last August 27, which aims to help local farmers under the agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) to sell their products during this pandemic and to keep up with the latest trend in the online business aspect.

The online store was named as the ARBO Merkado and as an online marketing strategy, the ARBs development and sustainability program created a Facebook page under the said name.

Through this online marketing strategy, the locally made products will be easily accessible for viewing to the public where potential buyers will be able to window shop and buy the products thus reaching a wide number of people inside and outside Region VI. DAR-WV Regional Director Atty. Sheila B. Enciso announced that as of the date of launching, 50 products are now available online in the ARBO Merkado Facebook page with a variety of products that ranges from consumable, healthy foods to durable, native, or ornamental displays.

Some of the products available online are Rice Canton, Turmeric Brew, Calamansi concentrate, and banana chips, which are all locally made and crafted by the farmers using organic ingredients and locally sourced materials.

According to Atty. Enciso this project of the said department aims to help farmers to have more income, keep them flowing with the new business trend and give them hope that could strengthen them as they face the challenges brought by the pandemic.

This online store was made possible through the joint efforts of the different DAR Provincial Offices in Western Visayas which includes Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negros Occidental I and II as a simple way to honor and recognize the hard work and efforts our local farmers put into in addressing the basic necessity of our community.

NATIONAL NEWS

P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 1

PH DEBT CAPS IN TRILLIONS AS COVID-19 CONTINUES TO STRIKE By: Danibel Perez The Philippines set a new low debt-toGDP ratio of 39.6 percent in 2019, just before the COVID-19 outbreak hit the country, forecasting the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio to reach 59.1% by the end of the year and 60.8 percent by 2022.

According to the administration, a higher percentage than the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) higher end of the criteria for emerging markets and developing countries like the Philippines more than two years after the pandemic began and this number is expected to shrink to 60.7 percent and 59.7 percent in 2023 and 2024, respectively.

The Philippine government’s debt increased in September, approaching P12 trillion, as a result of increased borrowings from domestic and foreign creditors, as well as the peso’s devaluation, according to the Bureau of the Treasury.

According to Sen. Panfilo Lacson, who cited figures from the Bureau of Treasury, every Filipino, including newborns, is in debt for at least P120,000, with the country’s outstanding debt reaching P11.92 trillion at the end of September. “If our debt is this enormous, each of us, even those born now, will be in debt by P120,000,” Lacson said in an “online kumustahan” with Pampanga voters last October 29, 2021, which he and his running mate, Senate President Vicente Sotto

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Illustrated By: Charlene Mae Canja III, conducted.

Apart from the massive national debt, Lacson stated that the future President would have to deal with peace and order as well as sovereignty problems in the West Philippine Sea while the country recovered from the pandemic.

He reaffirmed his plea for sufficient funding for development projects to be provided to local governments around the country as they take on more responsibility as directed by the Supreme Court.

Local governments may be better able to handle initiatives such as livelihood programs

for drivers and senior residents, as well as increased monetary aid distribution, which, he claims, will empower families throughout the pandemic.

Through his Budget Reform Advocacy for Village Empowerment initiative, Lacson has pushed for additional funding for local governments. He claimed that “no one knows the needs and priorities of local governments better than local politicians.”

The government aims to borrow P3 trillion this year and P2.25 trillion next year, according to Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III.

DOH raises Covid-19 alert level on regional parts of the Philippines

Province (Region 7) also escalated from Level 2 to Level 3.

By: Jean Rose Oren

According to World Health Organization, the Philippines is still in Stage 2 as localized community transmission, with some areas indicating widespread community transmissions.

Data also shows that the National Capital Region (NCR), CALABARZON, Central Luzon, Central Visayas, and Western Visayas remain the top five regions with the highest rate of Covid 19 active cases.

July until August, confirmed Covid19 cases increased by 713, 853 with recoveries of 1,195,181, 1,439,049, 1,810,847 in the succeeding months.

Meanwhile, the death rate spiked up to 11 479 with the deceased primarily identified as male, 52% of the death rate listed in June are male, 51.2% In July and, 51% in August, mainly killing ages 25-34.

Illustrated By: Nelie Ann C. Geollegue Department of Health identified 82 areas under Alert Level 4 and 30 areas under Alert Level 3, with the acceleration from Level 3 to

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Level 4 of the areas of Lucena City (Region 4A), Misamis Occidental (Region 10), and Surigao del Sur (CARAGA), as the Siquijor

Active Cases statistics show that age groups 65-74, 60-64, and 80+ were primarily affected by the Covid 19, while the age decreased notably in August, lowering the infected age bracket to 60-69, 70-79, and 50-59.

The hope is still on fire as the rate of Vaccinated Filipino’s increased rapidly, with a record from 4,632,826 to 13,836,357.

Photo Courtesy: PhilStar, Rappler, Manila Times

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DEVELOPMENT COMMUNICATION

COMBATING MISINFORMATION With the prevalent use of social media, the onset of misinformation started to proliferate.

In 2020, a pandemic took place which fostered the use of social media. Social media is used as a medium to express opinions, as well as to track news and events. Despite its beneficial utilization, it can also be a wicked tool to spread misinformation.

Misinformation, despite it being interchanged with disinformation, are two terms that are different from one another. According to Verizon, ”Misinformation refers to inaccurate reporting that stems from inaccuracies; as such, the term does not imply an intent to deceive. Disinformation, on the other hand. refers to the intentional spread of inaccurate information with the intent to deceive.”

Misinformation, or “Fake news” can be avoided. Here are a few techniques to halt the spread of fake news as well as to decipher what’s fake and what’s not:

ADJUST PRIVACY SETTINGS Before the endless scrolling, it is essential to make sure you have set your important details in private. Some applications can access your personal data through different social media platforms and websites in one click. Worse, a stranger can just copy your phone number by visiting your profile. Information such as phone/ telephone number, address, and banking details should be kept safe and private. Not unless you want to be visible to everyone, but better safe than sorry.

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BE CAREFUL WITH WHAT YOU SHARE “Think before you click” is a well-known line that reminds the whole online community to reconsider things before publishing anything publicly. One of the reasons is not everything you want to share is beneficial and necessary.

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READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE. We tend to read only the title and make our own assumptions. The title is not the whole story, and should not be used as a source. The content should be read thoroughly in order to understand the article.

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READ MORE. One article shouldn’t be your only reference, you need to read more in order to open your mind and to get more information.

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CHECK THE REFERENCES. Assuming you’ve read a fascinating article, one should check the references in order to verify its factuality.

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TAKE A LOOK AT THE WEB ADDRESS AND LOGO. Some websites use a fake logo or address in order to deceive people into thinking they are reading a reliable news outlet.

By: Shanen Aika Marie Rodrigazo

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ISSUE 1

By: Therese Marie Benares Illustrated by: Charlene Mae Canja

5 WAYS TO USE ONLINE MEDIA SAFELY We can’t deny how online media have made our lives convenient for the past years. But we can’t also neglect its dangers—especially in online security.

Online media is a type of media published with the use of the Internet. This includes popular social media applications, websites, blogs, and many more. It is used for education, entertainment, and social awareness. However, hacking and scamming people over the net has been overly easy in recent years. That is why online safety is our responsibility; here are five ways to stay safe while browsing the net.

P.Y. 2021-2022

Beware of false knowledge ; it is more dangerous than ignorance

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F A C T CHECKERS. If in doubt of the reliability of an article, use fact checkers like Rapplers Fact checker in order to assess its validity.

In this generation, the virus is not the only one that’s spreading, fake news or misinformation also took part in transmission.

Despite its rampant occurrence, be one who strives to deliver factual information. In a world full of uncertainty and confusion, be one who spreads the light of truth. Just like what George Bernard Shaw said, “Beware of false knowledge; it is more dangerous than ignorance.”

Illustrated by: Amelia Alabam

Pay attention to the reliability of your sources.

Fact checks everything first before sharing it with the public since fake news is prominent these days.

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DO NOT CLICK EVERYTHING ON THE WEB. Have you ever seen a random advertisement popping up on your screen?

Yep, you don’t have to click on that. If you find a specific site or link—especially in social media, verify first. Many advertisements are created by hackers to primarily scam and take advantage of people. You wouldn’t want it to happen that to you, right? Me neither.

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USE STRONG PASSWORD Passwords are one way for security and authentication. Having a strong one will prevent hackers and other cybercriminals from accessing your account and information.

Many tech blogs would remind the audience to stop using family names, birthdays, numerical sequences, or duplicated numbers. Instead, you can use three random words, numbers, and symbols or combine the three, including upperand lower-case letters. It is also important to never disclose your password to anyone. This would decrease the risk of identity theft and other cybercrimes.

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ALWAYS VERIFY THE UNKNOWN. Do not believe everything on online media. What you see posted on different sites

and platforms can be false claims; hence, verify the source’s reliability first. And if you receive emails that seem too suspicious, do not follow anything it says, especially if it tells you to click a certain link— legit emails from legit companies or banks wouldn’t ask you to do that. So, what you can do to avoid unfortunate online scams is to verify everything first.

The scope of online media is unbelievably wide. We have yet to know many things in using it for our education, entertainment, and connection with others. Browsing the net without being worried if someone is watching you from the other side of the screen is very important. Thus, “Safety first” is also much applicable in using online media.

FEATURE

P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 1

By: Katrina Leyva PhotoCourtesy:ColegioSanAgustin-Bacolod||FBPage Ms. Noeda Madamesila, or better known as “Ms. Noeds” or “Dean Noeds” from the CASE Department had finally joined the newly introduced way of selling y o u r goods which is live selling. In the process of live selling, the seller would have a live session on their Facebook account (or other mediums that could be used), then would introduce the products that

Live Selling

they are aiming to sell. A bidding like process would take place, and whoever gets to claim the specific product would be also the one who will acquire it.

From her fabulous set of clothes, cute plushies and accessories, Dean Noeds have gone all out to sell the majority of her items.

When asked what prompted her to immerse in this kind of activity, Dean Noeds, with a smile on her face said that the eagerness of someone to study makes her motivated to help out those who are willing to study and learn despite the most difficult odds being thrown at them.

Coming from the same background with some of her beneficiaries and students, Dean Noeds have experienced the hardships of life and the struggles of finding a way to continue studying despite the lack of resources. She really understood the drive and motivation to rise above all odds in order to finish schooling.

BRICKS OF HOPE

By: Joaquin Alpas

Plastic pollution is one of the emergent problems that is exponentially growing.

According to research made by the National Geographic, an increased production of plastics was noted in the year 1950 with 2.3 millions tons worth of plastic, as well as 448 million tons of plastic in the year 2015. By the year 2050, they anticipated the results to be doubled.

Finding a solution to combat this challenges the capabilities of the modern world on how to deal with plastics Countries like the Philippines where sufficient or effective waste management does not exist, annually faces 2.7 million tons of plastic wastes and an estimated 20 percent ends up in our ocean. Imagine that our country as a maritime nation that has 7,641 islands and most Filipinos have livelihoods dependent on the sea, might receive the worst of the consequences of plastic pollution. Additionally, in our city plastic waste is one of the main reasons why flooding would occur especially when there is a heavy downpour of rain.

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hen production of plastics exponentially grows each year and solutions to the problem are minute, does this not render us hopeless for our future?

INITIATIVES An initiative of Colegio San Agustin Bacolod (CSAB) through the National Service Training Program (NSTP) to help address the problems of plastic pollution is through the making of the Eco-Bricks. An eco-brick is a 1.5 Liter PET bottle that has a minimum of 500grams of shredded plastics inside it. In a country that has been touted as “sachet economy” where a high dependence on sachet and pouches has been rampant, looking for plastic to reach the 500grams quota per bottle is not a challenge.

The Eco-brick initiative is to address and be a solution for plastic pollution here in Bacolod City, most especially that flooding is due to

She also stated that she feels glad that there are a lot of people who are willing to buy and the fact that they are enjoying themselves knowing that they are also helping out those who are in need adds to her happiness as well.

When they were asked, two of her scholars stated that they were very thankful and grateful for all the opportunities and support that Dean Noeds have given to them, and that they both considered her as their inspiration to strive harder.

In times where we are all trying our hardest to make ends meet, we can all relate to the same page of clawing our way out of poverty and to achieve our dreams and goals. But, We must also put in our minds , it is important to pay attention to those who are much in need than us and check our own privileges and make sure that we are making use of it wisely.

Photo Courtesy: Colegio San Agustin - Bacolod || FB Page plastics clogging up our sewage systems. The NSTP program was able to collect around 2500 Eco-bricks that served as a hollow block in the construction of a wall in the extension at the Villa San Agustin Campus.

The project of the Eco-bricks is a wise solution to make something useful out of plastic wastes that might end up going to our sewage systems that would eventually be released into our seas and oceans. For the meantime, the eco- bricks were made into a wall at the school extension campus, but it could expand into making houses, schools, and other amenities that would be impactful to the community.

Finding solutions to a growing problem is something that is quite challenging for the community to address. But little by little, we could try to make solutions to address or slow down the production of plastic wastes.

Initiatives such as the Eco-Bricks gives us hope that we could address the plastic waste pollution. And maybe, just maybe, we can build a future that is plastic-free.

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OPINION

P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 1

Duterte’s Mi Ultimo Adios

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resident Rodrigo Duterte, the 16th President of the Republic of the Philippines, delivered his final State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 26. His term in presidency is coming to a glorious end. However, there was nothing that President Duterte said in his final SONA that people did not hear before. His statements on some issues on his last SONA departed from what he said during his first address in 2016 especially with regards to the war on drugs. The era of steel hand which suffocates every Filipino will finally release its hold on everybody’s neck.

The president’s speech lasted for 2 hours and 45 minutes which is a record setter as the longest SONA speech dated after EDSA revolution. The points covered include infrastructure development (Build-build project), illegal drugs, and the pandemic. In fact, it wasn’t a Duterte’s SONA without tackling issues on drugs.

Thus, even on his last SONA, he dedicated a significant portion of his speech in defense of his most controversial

campaign on drugs and eradication of drug lords. Aren’t Filipinos tired of these bloody murders due to drugs? Human rights had been neglected because the main focus was winning a worthless war.

In his sixth and final term, Pres.

Duterte admitted that the threat has not been completely eliminated, even though trust with regards to safety had been established, the brutal war on drugs will forever be remembered. Indeed, during his term there are significant changes with regards to infrastructures, safety and economy. Nevertheless, the President subtly promised that he will continue his bloody campaign. Does this guarantee his plans in running for 2022 Presidential election? Remember that he had a landslide win during the 2016 Presidential elections. Should this guarantee another sure win for him?

The main point of his speech was the unending threat of Coronavirus Disease 2019. He admitted that he never imagined facing this adversity in his term. In fact, all leaders around the world didn’t expect this pandemic to escalate.

Currently, the country remains on emergency mode as cases are still rising and a new variant known as the delta which is more dangerous and more aggressive. The economy could no longer support its citizens for another lockdown. Businesses had been crippling and medical workers are working for 24/7 to save lives yet being underpaid. The pandemic proves that the country’s healthcare system is a mess and its leaders need to be changed.

Corruption in the government spreads like wildfire and had been a problem since then. The political system is rotting however, as the president said, “No one can stop corruption unless you completely overturn the government.” He often reiterated that he would not tolerate corrupt officials under his

by: Angelika Odango

administration and even emphasizing that he would fire them any anomalous acts.

Ironically, he has reappointed, promoted, or retained several government officials who were accused of corruption and who were facing several charges due to obtaining government funds. Do we have to trust our future and our funds to this kind of leaders? Absolutely not.

Peace talks with communist parties shall resume to restore the peace in communities and ensure the safety of the citizens. It was in his term that National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) was created which gone with the red-tagging spree. Hence, activists and members of progressive groups are receiving end of threats and harassment from state forces.

Is this the season to be silenced or swap life with death?

In the past 6 years, the Philippines had significant change especially with the safety and minimization of drugs.

Access roads were built to promote ease of transportation of people and goods. Despite the challenges in time of pandemic and the billion debt, the Philippines continue to thrive and survive.

Several quarantine classifications were implemented and countless of changes occurred. Vaccination roll-outs were increased to reach the herd immunity. It is a dream to return to the normal life and the president had the same desire too.

Somehow, it was a fruitful yet historic 6 years term.

The country needs reforms to revive livelihoods since a lot of people lost their jobs. In addition, a creation of an environment that is more conducive for job-generating enterprises needs to be established. In his last SONA, the President outlined that amendments are needed to gain competitive investments to revive the country’s economy. He did a lot in his 6 years term yet, there are more changes that Filipinos deserve to acquire.

However, his time is running out and this will be his last address to the nation; his last farewell- or who knows maybe not.

OPINION

P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 1

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Healthcare Workers Opposed to Injustices Natasha Ann Dupa-an dupaannatasha.nn@gmail.com Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is flustering the Philippines. It prompts a drastic impact on our country’s healthcare system, which extremely depolarizes our medical professionals. To be a healthcare worker in a COVID-19 pandemic is a challenge, being at a markedly higher risk of becoming infected with the virus. Yet, our healthcare workers received inadequate support from the government: lack of medical equipment, down to being overworked and underpaid, triggers the mass-resignation of medical staff. Although there is unjustness to our healthcare system, still, healthcare workers are rapidly adapting to the new conventional medicare setup, extending working hours and even creating improvised Personal Protective Equipment (PPE’s)although it’s less than optimal.

The Philippines may have had adept medical professionals that exceedingly responded against the COVID-19 pandemic, regardless of restraints in our healthcare system. Thus, healthcare workers’ sacrifice and tough grind despite the injustices must be acknowledged. As to the more than 2-years afflict and insistence of COVID-19 in the Philippines, fragmented public healthcare is much more prominent, apparent to inadequate funds support of the government to our primary care, shortage of healthcare facilities and medical equipment. Herewith, our healthcare workers are heavily affected by the poor working conditions.

The healthcare workers, either in the

public or private sectors, should receive the Special Risks Allowance (SRA) promised by the government that incorporates the money for accommodation and transportation subsidy and hazard pay in light of the COVID-19 pandemic without healthcare workers impetrating the government of what they deserve. Additionally, the government must ensure sufficient and not expired medical supplies, for instance, enough PPE distributions for all frontline healthcare workers. Testifying adequate support in our healthcare workers is a prerequisite in securing their welfare in fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a GMA news report, last July 16, 2021, Healthcare workers from public and private health sectors staged a protest outside the DOH office in Manila, crying foul for their unreleased benefits. And according to the group of Alliance of Health Workers, some medical-front liners didn’t receive their 70% remaining COVID-19 benefits and still haven’t got their hazard pay from January 2021 to July 2021. Subsequently, last August 25, 2021, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released ₱311 million to the Department of Health (DOH) to cover the SRA of additional 20,156 healthcare workers who claimed not to be compensated under the Bayanihan Act 2. However, the Philippines have 1.8 million healthcare workers in total. Therefore, the funds are not enough to support our healthcare workers and health facilities during the pandemic. And even now, there are still healthcare workers who struggle

OFFICIAL T E R T I A RY P U B L I C AT I O N COLEGIO SAN AGUSTIN-BACOLOD A

MEMBER

OF

COLLEGE

Editor-in-Chief Associate Editor Managing Editor News Editor Tricia Nicole Panzo Feature Editor Therese Benares Column Editor Alecxis Caringal Literary Editor Mary Abegail Pastrana

EDITORS’

GUILD

OF

THE

OF

PHILIPPINES

Arienne Joyce Amodia Kirk Simoun Guimbal Mary Jane Hortelano Photo and Video Editor Mary Eden Ordanel Graphics and Layout Editor Juan Paolo P. Agapito Illustration Editor Charlene Mae Canja Online Publication Editor May Joanne Sermon

News Writers Faye Angela Alimane Danibel Perez Acel Jone Cayot Jean Rose Oren Feature Writers Joaquin Angelo Alpas Shanen Aika Marie Rodrigazo Tresha Nicole Javier Barbosa Column Writers Shannon Libo-on Charriz Anne Santiago Natasha Ann Dupa-an

with low salaries, lack of standard medical equipment, and even dying in service. And in August 2021, in an interview by Deutsche Welle (DW) with Maristela Abenojar, the National President of Filipino Nurses United (FNU). Abenojar said that “Some nurses are working 12-hour shifts and caring for as many as 20 patients. They forgo meals and bathroom breaks to save on PPEs.” Patently, it shows how our Healthcare workers suffer from injustices and disproportion. Instead of being the top priority during the pandemic, our government neglected the plight of our healthcare workers.

Even with the lack of government support in our healthcare system, some NonGovernment Organizations (NGO’s) and foundations are donating food packs and medical equipment to our healthcare workers.

Yet, it’s a deficient uphold to our healthcare system. Thus, the requisite is full government support in our healthcare workers and health facilities whence sufficient and not nearly expired or expired medical equipment, and on scheduled hard-earned COVID-19 benefits.

The medical-front liners should avail the subsidy intended for them. The government should prioritize the requirements to achieve a standard healthcare system. Hence, adequately funded and fairly financed primary care. They should focus on providing further assistance in our healthcare system farthest during this ongoing public health crisis.

The healthcare system should be crucial during these challenging times of COVID-19.

Healthcare workers must not be left behind.

Literary Writers Katrina Leyva Danika Therese Igma Cylah Alegre Kristine Adrelle Modina Jacqueline Edralin Darlene Grace A. Toldo Photo and Video Trisha Pauline Advincula Wayne Benigay John Joseph Coronel Ylric Marc Jalando-on Anthony Kyle V. Daquila Jhonarey V. Panaligan Jessie James H. Perez AZ G. Rivera

Online Staffs Ma. Richzel Beatriz Guino-o Kim Kathleen Ariza Layout and Graphic Artists Abigail Cordova Joy Mae Tamayo Nelie Ann C. Geollegue Kyle Vincent P. Pula Illustrators Amelia Alaban Angelika Odango Technical Adviser David Hinolan

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P.Y. 2021-2022

OPINION

ISSUE 1

The Capitalizing of Filipino Pride Charriz Anne Santiago scharrizanne@gmail.com As more local wonders are exposed on the international stage, pride becomes a collective feeling among Filipinos. Filipino pride is evident with the rise of the Philippine flag as athletes and pageant contestants alike flock and win competitions.

These cheerful roars are patriotic satisfaction. Ambitiously, it shows their determination to strive for gold.

In victory, Filipinos wear these gold medals on their sleeves. This can give rise to encouragement and can also be the source of downfall.

The controversy first stirred when Nas Daily, an Arab vlogger who created the acclaimed oneminute daily videos on social media, had featured the traditional Filipino tattoo artist, Apo Whang-Od on Nas Academy. This platform aims to teach a variety of skills, one of which Nas included lessons on Apo Whang-Od’s long-established art of tattooing. A concern was first raised by Gracia Palinas, Whang-Od’s grand-niece. In a deleted post, she had stated that there was no consent on giving those classes.

Nas Daily’s actions are disgraceful for two reasons: First, it showed blatant disregard towards the law that protected Indigenous People. Nestor Castro, a UP Anthropology professor, stated that Nas Daily is unaware of Republic Act No. 8371, otherwise known as the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA). According to this, consent must be secured, not only by an individual, but together with the rest of the tribe. In a video posted by Nas Daily to prove the tattoo artist’s

consent, it only showed Whang-Od alone signing a written document.

Thus, it does not coincide with the law. Secondly, Nas Daily had also shown ignorance of Kalinga culture, where the ancient art of mambabatok had originated. Suppose he was passionate about bringing the art of the ancient Filipinos onto a center stage. In that case, he should have delved deeper into the art itself: the symbolism, and most importantly, the laws that protect it. The hastiness and lack of research indicate insincerity.

The effort into creating a heartfelt space for learning the culture is nonexistent.

In an attempt to safeguard WhangOd and the ancient art, millions all over social media had boycotted Nas Daily. To most, the reaction was viewed as compassion towards the mambabatoks and a perfect time to educate Filipinos on “pinoybaiting”.

But to some, it was seen as obsessive overprotection. Others had tried to justify the legitimacy of the deal by stating that the exchange was no different to the partnerships Nas had acquired before. One thing to take note of is that the art of the batok was not something found in a regular tattoo parlor. Indeed, it is a venerated craft that is considered as national treasure. As it is with the tradition in a tribe, it is shared.

People are indeed “overprotecting” Whang-Od because many have seen the injustices that Indigenous People have experienced over time: stolen lands, destruction of culture and loss of identity. Being the last of the

mambabatoks in the age of digital capitalism and manipulation is not easy. There are thousands of videos on YouTube that contain thumbnails filled with Philippine flags, exaggerated expressions with titles that contain “amazement” for viral Filipino talents and customs. The worst part about these videos is that they succeed in racking up the views and likes, because of Filipino Pride. This “pride” displays our thirst for foreign validation.

To the surface, it is seen as foreigners simply appreciating the impressive aptitudes of the Filipinos.

However, when these content creators dedicate their channels to only reacting towards everything Filipino, continuously perpetuating stereotypes, and seeking only Filipino audiences as a way to let the views skyrocket, then it becomes a problem. The Whang-Od issue is only a fragment under the umbrella of foreign exploitation and baiting of Filipino culture. The band-aid to amend this problem is a long-winding road. The best place to start would be to call out these Pinoybaiting content creators and slowly, as Filipinos, understand the worth of the country’s culture and achievements does not lie in the hands of a foreigner’s perspective. The Philippines is an independent state with a culture as rich as the natural resources it contains. The Philippines is beautiful as it is, on its own.

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P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 1

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The Wonder Woman in Philippine Sports

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Shannon Libo-on Photo Courtesy: Philippine Daily Inquirer

Wonder Woman is a hero known for her strength, and serves as a hope to humanity. She is a warrior, who never backs down in any hurdles in life. The Philippines also has its very own wonder woman—Hidilyn Diaz.

She is a woman of hope, and a living proof that nothing is impossible if you have the courage and dedication to achieve your dreams. Her unwavering spirit and tenacity in following her goal have encouraged countless Filipinas to rise to the occasion and become the best that they can be. How she carries herself and the weight on her shoulders well (both literally and figuratively), has significantly increased the supremacy of women.

For several decades the country has been revolving around superstitious beliefs and ideologies that limit the chances of women to thrive in society.

Jobs that include lifting weights are usually passed to men because some believe that it loses the chances of a woman to “give birth.” Back in the day, females were only seen as “child bearers,” or “housewives.” They were also expected to act all “prim and proper,” their jobs were to cook for their husbands and take care of their children, nothing more and nothing less. Competitions such as the Olympics were even previously dominated by male athletes. Lacking moral and financial support is one of the sad realities that women have faced back then. Others had no choice but to give up on their dreams because they lack the resources to pursue their passion.

Imagine if a little girl who gave up on her

shannonmarieliboon@gmail.com dreams because of this discrimination actually had the biggest chances of making the country proud?

From the former times, they were the gender who received the least support most especially when it comes to sports. Some female athletes were even underpaid compared to their male colleagues. On the other hand, times have changed and people’s perceptions of things and circumstances are beginning to improve. Females are beginning to ascend the ladders of power, proving their value, with facts backed up by science and key historical events proving superstitious beliefs wrong. Athleticism and winning are not only exclusive to men. Hidilyn Diaz is the first Filipina to ever win an Olympic gold medal in the Philippines’ history after 97 years. She is one of the most powerful examples of how women can also conquer the world.

Her journey towards success is definitely one for the books. She was able to shed light in the middle of this pandemic and bring hope to the country, most especially to little girls out there.

As young as 17, Diaz started her training and joined multiple competitions. She was always expressing and striving for a gold medal at the Olympics. Her first gold medal for the Philippines at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics demonstrated the importance of female athletes receiving support as well.

She is also a source of inspiration for a lot of people. Following her victory, Filipinos showed their support in a variety of ways, including artworks of her, congratulatory posts, and even

making videos praising Diaz’s victory.

Cash awards, lifelong overseas trips, and other incentives have been offered to her by business owners and politicians.

Her hard work had finally paid off after years of intensive training. Hidilyn Diaz was able to uphold the country’s honor.

Blood, sweat, tears, and non-stop training are what these athletes do to make their country proud. They labor relentlessly to demonstrate that they are deserving of support and recognition.

Unluckily, people would always be there for every win, but a few were only there for every hardship. A simple congratulations as well as words of thanks might go a long way in lifting up their spirits. What they do is equally as important as all the other jobs out there, and it should not be underestimated in any way.

Men and women should be given equal support in their respective sectors, whether it’s sports, politics, and all the other available fields. Getting support should be an inherent right for everybody, regardless of race or gender. How much more medals or wins should women bring to their respective countries just to show that they are worthy of being supported? How many years must pass until women are ultimately given the same respect as their male counterparts?

Women’s achievement is hampered not by their gender but by the amount of prejudice they face, which prevents them from becoming the greatest version of themselves. Success has no gender, and if men can accomplish it, so can women.

S P O R T S

Philippines chips in best Olympic campaign, pulls off several historic feats By: Acel Jone Cayot With a superb display of passion and hard work, the Philippines had its strongest Olympic showcase yet in Tokyo after bringing home four medals, including the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal.

Weightlifting champion Hidilyn Diaz won the country’s first-ever Olympic gold medal, leading a string of historic achievements for the Philippines.

The 30-year-old Zamboanga native also created history by being the first Filipina athlete to win two Olympic medals, a gold in Tokyo and a silver in Rio in 2016.

Meanwhile, the Filipino boxers, Nesthy Petecio, Eumir Marcial, and Carlo Paalam, also won two silvers and one bronze medal to give the Philippines its greatest haul of medals in the Olympics.

Petecio made history as the first Filipina Olympic boxing medallist in the women’s featherweight final, despite falling short of her gold quest in a match against hometown bet Irie Sena.

Paalam also settled with silver following a 4-1 split decision loss against Galal Yafai of Great Britain in the men’s flyweight final.

Further, Oleksandr Khyzhniak, the top-seeded Ukrainian, denies Marcial of a Finals match in a close 3-2 split decision to give the Filipino his bronze medal.

Due to the robust showing of the boxers, the Philippines won the most Olympic medals among Southeast Asian countries to storm back into the top 50 medal tally after three decades.

Moreover, the Philippine delegation was composed of 19 participants, and apart from Diaz, Petecio, Marcial, and Paalam, golfers such as Juvic Pagunsan, Yuka Saso, and Bianca Pagdanganan also joined the team and they were the first Filipinos who competed in the Golf Olympic event.

Yuka Saso also climbed to ninth place in the current women’s world golf rankings this year among the 60 others.

Other athletes include Carlos Yulo, who was the first Filipino and Southeast Asian male to win the gold medal in the men’s floor exercise in the 2019 World Artistic Gymnastics in Stuttgart, Germany. This gave him a direct qualification for the Tokyo Olympics thereafter.

Joining the team also were EJ Obiena for the Pole Vault event, Kristina Knott for Women’s 200m sprint, Cris Nievarez for Rowing event, Irish Magno for Boxing, Margielyn Didal for Skateboarding and was also a crowd favorite, Kiyomi Watanabe for Judo, Jayson Valdez for Shooting, Kurt Barbosa for Taekwondo, Luke Gebbie for Men’s Swimming, Remedy Rule for women’s Swimming and Elreen Ando for women’s -64kg Weightlifting event.

Photo Courtesy: PhilStar

PH para ath letes conque r Tokyo Paralym pics By: Tricia Nicole Panzo

CAPABILITY OVER DISABILITY

JUNE AUGUST 2021 P.Y. 2021-2022 ISSUE 1

Six outstanding Filipino Paralympians waved the Philippine flag with pride and honor during the Tokyo Paralympics as they conquered the Paralympic stage after their able-bodied counterparts gained a historic campaign in the recent Tokyo Olympics.

Among the six athletes was para swimmer Ernie Galawan, hailing from Davao City who have been tagged as one of the top bets of the Philippine Paralympic team after bagging three golds and two silvers in the Asiad and a seven-time gold medalist in the ASEAN para swimming competition. Galawan made his return to the biggest sport stage when he secured a direct qualification in the Tokyo Games.

Starting at a young age, Albay native Gary Bejino showed great potential in his para swimming career exceling across multiple swimming events. Bejino competed in four events during the Paralympics with four being the most number of events a para athlete could

compete in. At the age of seven, Bejino got electrocuted and burned his arm and leg resulting in amputation.

Making his way to the track under the para athletics team, was Jerrold Mangliwan, a two-time ASEAN Para Games gold medalist who led the team in the Philippine march as the flag bearer during the opening ceremony. The 41year old athlete has been diagnosed with polio since he was two and started his wheelchair racing in 2009 as encouraged by his friends and coaches.

Ready to land powerful kicks was para taekwondo athlete, Allain Ganapin who made history as the first Filipino para taekwondo jin to ever qualify in the quadrennial meet, which is a newly established sport in the Tokyo Paralympics. The youngest among the team, Ganapin was born with an amputated right arm due to umbilical cord complications. Unfortunately, he was not able to play for the Ph team after testing positive for COVID-19.

After 24 years of waiting, Jeanette

Aceveda became the first visually impaired Filipino athlete who made it into the Paralympic stage. Being part of the team since 1997, Aceveda won two gold medals from her discus and shotput events during the 2014 ASEAN Para games. But destiny seemed to be playing on Aceveda as she tested positive for COVID-19, dismissing her years of waiting to bring historical pride for the country.

Last among the line up of para athletes was Negros native Achelle Guion, who was set to compete in the Paralympics powerlifting women’s -45kg event. Considered as the Para veteran powerlifter, Guion was on her second Paralympics berth with her first berth in the 2012 London Games. She was looking forward to her improvement in this year’s Tokyo Paralympics but it was cut off as she also tested positive for COVID-19.

A resident of Sipalay City, Guion was diagnosed with polio when she was just a year old.