2020 Bound to Community Vol. 23 No. 1

THEEAMIGAS

John Mark R. Francisco

Jonh Flor Emmanuel V. Salmorin

Apple Jeanne D. Villanueva

Cathyrin C. Belarmino

Pia Jemimah C. Selorio

John Mark R. Francisco

EDITOR

SENIOR CARTOONISTS

Chrestine Joy M. Icasas

Losel Z. Zauza

JUNIOR STAFF WRITERS

Jelyssa Angela I. Ribo

Kaizan C. Castillo

Althea Shayne Z. Zambrona

Jessa Mae D. Besana

Lovely T. Ropero

Jessa Mae F. Inolino

Kate Yoselin Y. Iledan

Lyka A. Salmingo

Jade Viatrice T. Sucgang

Sairah Mae R. Briol

Fhenzie Dhana C. Retoriano

SENIOR STAFF WRITERS

Shaina Mae C. Regacion Froy R. Crisostomo

SENIOR PHOTOJOURNALIST

Martin Jasper C. Intoy

JUNIOR PHOTOJOURNALISTS

Hillary Mae Ilio

Eloisa Marisse R. Isuga

Ma. Crycel D. Autencio

GRAPHIC ARTIST

Amrita D. Jaymalin

ADVISERS

Rhea V. Martesano Lovella Chris L. Palma

Mark

The Eamigas is the Official Student Publication of the Aklan State University- Main Campus. Its editorial office is located at the Ground Floor Students’ Center, Agrc’l Tech. Bldg, Banga, Aklan 5610, it can be reached through e-mail address, theeamigaspublication@gmail.com or through our social media accounts. All rights reserved. The views expressed in the articles do not necessarily reflect the stand of the

Editorial Board

articles submitted. No part of The Eamigas may be

the publication.

to

contributions become

for

What means Eamigas?

It is an Aklanon term which means “grains” or “seeds”. To the Akeanon farmers, “eamigas” is most valuable than gold. Without them, nothing of value can be even produced to feed a growing population.

You shape the world

The ability to influence is a powerful tool, which we can use to change the world. Humans (Homo sapiens) have a very complex brain, which is much larger than any other living apes. It displays marked erectness, frees hands that used for manipulative skills, use language, make ideas, understand and feel emotions. This uniqueness that we have can be used to stimuli a person or group to change a direction towards a goal for the common good.

Our identity is grounded by our characters and traits. Being part of the well culturally established form of social relation is the value we’ve learned and always our responsibility. We play an important role in shaping the world around us. Simple things that we do, might create an impact for tomorrow. The world courageously braces itself to face this pandemic. Each country, public and private sectors, groups, and individuals wonder what they can do. So what should we be doing? We have so much to give to those who are in need right now yet we refuse to help them. But as we grow, our perception of the world around us may change and will create a new definition of ourselves towards others. These adaptions are the

exceptional feature that we are capable of as humans. However, it is always our choice.

Eamigas issue for 2020, “Bound to Community,” tells you more about us, our culture, our indigenous people, individual personalities, experiences, and how we rise above life’s challenges. A community is growing and will never be possible without us. We made our community by shaping the institutions around us, sharing stories with people, and rebuilding it through capacitated fellowships. May the bold stories of our bound to the community will give you a source of hope, inspiration and a sense of understanding.

Nothing is more important than cementing yourself in the community and touching the lives of every people you meet. Go on tell your stories because you shape the world around you.

SHERYL ASHLEY M. ASIS

Contents in a Glance

Features

21

The Untold Story of a Girl with an Alluring Smile

BY FHENZIE DHANA RETORIANO

Elaine, a 19-year old student of Aklan State University, bravely unveiled her journey of struggles, torments, and continual fights in life’s battleground. Born without a silver spoon in her mouth, she embarked on a tough and demanding journey as a working student.

BY KAIZAN CASTILLO

In February 2020, an AfricanAmerican man named Ahmaud Arbery was confronted, shot and killed by armed white men.

2020 ISSUE Project Kalibo: A Silver Lining in a Grey Surface

44

BY LOVELY MAE ROPERO

A youth-led movement based in Kalibo, Aklan headed by John Marlou Salido started a mission together with his core team when the Province of Aklan imposed the Enhanced Community Quarantine in the province.

47

Waiting for #YOUth

BY JOHN MARK FRANCISCO

There are many organizations that are found not only within our country which have provided avenues for youth for development, leadershipbuilding capabilities, environmental awareness, journalism, agriculture, community-enterprise development, health, and education. One of the notable organizations in ASEAN community is the YSEALI.

Institution

2020 ISSUE

Ma. Crycel Autencio/EP

Maalamat na Burol ng Manduyog: Tahanan ng Debosyon at Pananampalataya

BY SHAINA MARIE REGACION, LOSEL ZAUSA & CHRESTINE JOY ICASAS

Manduyog Hill bounds Aklan river Valley with the Madya-as ranges in the distant horizon. The valley is made green by rice corn, vegetable and chards.

The Struggles of Farmers in Locked-down17

BY MA. CRYCEL AUTENCIO

Agriculture sector employs 45% of all the working forces in the country. Amid COVID-19 pandemic they have encounter problems that turns their life into nightmare.

14

The Ideal Lifestyle: A Guide to Survive the Hustle of College Life

BY JADEMARK NADATE

Closer to our dreams but the journey is tough enough that will take a lot of chal lenges to surpass. ASUians are willing to take risks to be able to survive college years with latin honors.

Meet the First Woman President of ASU

Dr. Emily M. Arangote made history in the Aklan State University community as the Board of Regents elected her as the first woman and the fourth president of Aklan State University. Dr. Arangote envisions ASU to be the Leading University in the Asia-Pacific region and is committed to transform ASU to prime movers of excellence internationally.

Pre-Service Student Teacher Exchange in Southeast Asia

BY SAIRAH MAE BRIOL

Aklan State University - College of Teacher Education was able to send four (4) outstanding students abroad for the Pre-Service Student Teacher Exchange.

Lovella Chris Palma

Jomarie Redecio Romaquin

Meet our Guest Contributors

Jademark Nadate

started joining campus journalism when he was in his 11th grade. His strong faith and desire towards writing have turn his introverted side to go out and explore his talent in journalism. Now, he spent most of his time writing poems and studying hard for his soon to be career as future CPA.

Flavio Aguirre Nava

BY JELYSSA ANGELA RIBO

has self-taught himself in photography and it began when he was in first year high school. His first subject was birds and now through the power of his lens, he makes ripple of awarenesss to preserve the beautiful wildlife.

Andrew Pasaporte

photography skills were influenced when his Aunt bought him a digital camera when he was in elementary. The macro feature of his camera allowed him, especially when he turned 13, to explore other subjects including insects. At present, he uses his skills to influence the people around him to conserve the wildlife.

Be our Guest Contributor!

eamigas.publication@asu.edu.ph.

Top Stories around the Globe

The first few months of 2019 passed by in the thin air raging dreadful news to local, national and international societies. Majority of these news put distress to everyone as these predicaments break more stories of how the world is right now. The world in a glance shows a guide to major news around the globe shaping an individual’s view towards the world’s great issues.

From the massive fire in the Amazon Rainforest, to the raging wildfires that devastate Australia that pumped climate-warming pollution into the atmosphere. The towering of spewing ashes of Taal Volcano into the air and generating volcanic lightning, to the large-scale destruction of typhoon Ursula on knocking down P1.158 billion worth of agriculture and infrastructures on Christmas Day. All these circumstances brought devastating effects on every individual’s life.

Fire in the “rain” forest Text by: JELYSSA ANGELA I. RIBO

The Amazon rainforest, which is often referred to as the Earth’s lungs, covers an area of about 5.7 million square kilometers, and the world’s most biodiverse rainforest, was burning at a rate not seen in almost a decade.

According to the data from the Brazil’s National Institute for Space Research (INPE) between January and at the end of July 2019, there were 16,000 to 46,000 active fire hot spots that has been detected within the Amazon biome, mostly, fires were lit by farmers. Agricultural fires like this one were being lit all around the edges of the rainforest. It is an agricultural practice wherein fire is often used to burn through newly felled forests that have been cleared to make way for pastures. It’s a technique known as “slash and burn”. But it sparked an outrage because fire is not a natural part of the Amazon’s ecosystem. It was lit by farmers and it was said to be a poor farming practice thus it was decried as a global tragedy. The fires which raged through villages, destroyed ecosystems, and pumped climate-warming pollution into the atmosphere.

Cover Story

Hindi Itim Ang Tunay na

Kulay ng Ati

Malayo sa kinagisnan ng mga Ati na nasa bundok, sila ay makikita na ngayon sa mga kalsada at eskinita ng Kalibo, Aklan ― ang lugar kung saan sila ay malayang nakakapagbenta at nakakapaglimos. Makikita sa mga halamang herbal at mga punseras na kanilang ibinebenta ang sagisag ng kanilang mayamang kultura. Sa paglipas ng panahon at modernisasyon, pilit silang sumasabay at nakikipaglaban sa maliit na espasyong idinikta na ng lipunan.

The Cover Photo

Ito sina Nanay Mercy at Mary Ann Caminoy, mga katutubong nabibilang sa tribo ng Aeta. Sila ay naglalako ng mga halamang gamot at mga makukulay na pulseras sa gilid ng daan ng Kalibo Shopping Center.

REUTERS, BRUNO KELLY

Larawan ni John Mark FranciscoShopping Center, Kalibo, Aklan

Miss U breaking the stigma of inequality

Text by: KATE YOSELIN ILEDAN

“…I think we are the most powerful beings in the world and that we should be given every opportunity and that is what we should be teaching these young girls, to take up space, nothing is important as taking up space in society and cementing yourself, thank you.”

These were the words from Miss Zozibini Tunzi of South Africa, the newly crowned Miss Universe 2019 last December 9. Miss South Africa is an advocate of eradicating gender-based violence. She also believes that leadership is the best lesson to instil in the minds of young girls today. When she was asked what is the most important lesson to teach young girls today she answered, leadership. She explained that the society has controlled women for what they should do for a long time and that must be stopped. It’s about time to raise their heads and have the confidence to lead just like their male counterpart.

Big Fire Razed Kalibo Public Market

Text by: LOVELY MAE ROPERO

A fire broke out that razed most parts of the Kalibo Public Market last Septem ber 15, 2019 at 12:36 a.m., Sunday. The fire damaged around 70 to 80 percent of the public market situated at the corner of Toting Reyes Street and Roxas Avenue. It was reportedly started in the meat section and quickly spead out to other stalls. Damage from the fire was placed at Php 35 million including 300 stalls and also displaced 331 vendors. Vendors tried to save what they could of their wares.

The Wrath of Taal Text by: ALTHEA SHAYNE ZAMBRONA

It’s a bleak prospect faced by many families in Batangas and Cavite who lost their homes and livelihoods when the Taal volcano -- one of the Philippines’ most active -- began erupting on Sunday, January 19, spewing ash up to 14 kilometers (9 miles) into the air and generating volcanic lightning.

Heavy charcoal-like ash rained down on towns and villages, blanketing everything. Houses and trees buckled under the weight of it. Affected areas had no power or fresh water. Animals that survived the ashfall are caked with dirt and those who can have brought them to relative safety on boats. PHIVOLCS has designated the entire volcano island as a “Permanent Danger Zone” and recommends strongly against permanent settlements there. The eruption has left behind a desolate landscape of destroyed houses and snapped trees covered in a thick layer of heavy ash.

Raging fires devastated Australia

Text by: FHENZIE DHANA RETORIANO

Australia has been ravaged by the most damaging and long-running wildfires seen in decades. The fires range in area from small blazes part of a neighborhood – to massive infernos that occupy entire hectares of land. The fires have devoured forests like rivers of lava. Smoke blanketing the landscape, the skies turning marmalade in the middle of the day. At least 33 people have been killed - including four firefighters and an estimated 1 billion native animals. The prolonged bushfire season blackened and desolate 11.7 million hectares of land across Autralia’s six state and about 2,500 homes have been destroyed.

CNN

Pantone introducing COLOR OF THE YEAR

Written by: John Mark R. Francisco Photographed by: John Mark R. Francisco

PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue, a timeless and enduring blue hue elegant in its simplicity. Suggestive of the sky at dusk, the reassuring qualities of Classic Blue offer the promise of protection; highlighting our desire for dependable and stable foundation from which to build.

As we cross the threshold into a new era, Pantone has translated the hue into a multi-sensory experience to reach a greater diversity of people and provide an opportunity for everyone to engage with the color. The color is a self-assured blue hue elegant in its simplicity. Emblematic of heritage but at the same time highly contemporary.

According the color company, they will be tapping into sight, sound, smell, taste, and texture to make pantone Color of the Year for 2020 a truly immersive color experience for all.

Pantone, the global authority for color communication and inspiration since 1963.

Ursula’s Gift

Text by: JESSA MAE INOLINO

Destroyed P1.158 billion worth of agriculture and infrastructures after knocking down thousands of houses and hectares of crops, Typhoon Ursula (Phamfone) was considered one of the most devastating natural calamities that hit the Philippines specifically the residents of Aklan. In the province according to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), it had displaced almost 300, 000 residents.

Boracay regained its glory once lost

Text by: LOSEL Z. ZAUSA

Boracay made world headlines as President Rodrigo Roa Duterte ordered an unprecedented shutdown, closing the island to tourist for six months rehabilitation after declaring it a “cesspool” for years of mismanagement, over tourism, abuse, massive pollution and corruption. But prior to its closing, Boracay Island still reclaimed its no. 1 spot on the Top Islands in Asia list of the Condé Nast Traveller (CNT) 2019 Readers Choice Award. As Valerie Marino (CNT writer) describe the island as “close to a tropical idyll as you’ll find Southeast Asia with gentle coastlines and made- for- instagram sunset.”

Letting go of Iran by U.S.

Text by: JESSA MAE INOLINO

President Trump backed away from potential war which might cause World War 3 with Iran. Trump settled the imminent conflict when he said on his official statement that he is ready for peace with all who seek. With this Trump made it clear that he would not respond militarily to the launch of more than a dozen ballistic missiles at bases housing of the American troops in Iran.

Longest Bridge in Panay

Text by: SHAINA MAE REGACION

A new 770-lineal meter- two (2) lane bridge linking Barangay Tigayon in Kalibo and the town of Lezo across the Aklan river, a bridge which maybe considered one of the longest not only in Aklan but in Panay Island and designed to cut travel time from the capital town to municipalities west of Aklan river. The said bridge aimed to provide an alternative route to deliver fast and reliable transport system that would lessen the congestion in Kalibo area especially during festivities such as Ati-atihan festival. It will also help in making the delivery of goods and other basic commodities to and from Kalibo, easier and faster. Moreover, it will be a direct link from Kalibo International Airport serving as an auxiliary route to the Caticlan Airport in Malay, Aklan, where the famous Boracay Island is located. The travel time from Kalibo to Caticlan will be reduced from 75 minutes to 60 minutes.

The Global Outbreak

Text by: FHENZIE DHANA RETORIANO

Fears are mounting across the world as the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 as an international public health emergency on March 11, 2020. COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2, a new strain of virus first detected in Wuhan, China, causing respiratory illness that primarily spread from human-to-human through respiratory droplets. COVID-19 pandemic poses a grave health threat to people of all ages, especially to vulnerable populations - including older people and with underlying medical conditions. Hospitals are crowded as cases and death surge across the globe. The pandemic leaves longstanding scars and creates devastating socio-economic impacts stressing every country it reaches. Healthcare professionals are infected, leaving short-staffed hospitals more desperate for workers. Families suffer under the intolerable burden of loss. Schools have been closed and stay-at-home orders have been implemented. Workplaces have been shut, resulting in the loss of millions of jobs, without knowing when normality will return.

creative people doing great things

THE INSTITUTION

Aklan State University, Banga Campus

Under the intense heat of sun, three men building a new foundation of hope for Aklan State University, and soon will represent a major landmark for ASU’s greatness as an institution that thrives for thousands of ASUians.

Photo by Martin Jasper Intoy

The Ideal Lifestyle: A Guide to Survive the Hustle of College Life

TEXT BY: JADEMARK S. NADATE

PHOTOGRAPHED & ILLUSTRATION BY: JOHN MARK R. FRANCISCO

College may be the most awaited part for some of us, students, after graduating in high school but others were afraid to enter into it. There will always be troublesome questions that will definitely tickle our minds on trusting into our own capacity and capability. That is, we tend to imagine and pictures out vivid images what college looks like. And with that, we have probably already wondered what college will be like. Will it be the same as our high school experience? Do we have the capacity to handle foregoing multiple tasks? Will college be also fun and exciting? Will it be redoubtable and nerve-wracking? Well, college life unfolds new learning experiences and things that we were not familiar with. It widens our horizons and serves as our broader platform to express and prove ourselves. However, through these type of insights, there will always be doubts and unwanted circumstances that we will face.

With these, we tend to let our coward selves be totally crashed and collapsed and made us think to quit college. Problems from our families, peer pressures, societal patterns of inequality, financial difficulties, depressions, and many more makes the matter worse.

Well, hopefully, a closer peek at college ideal lifestyles to survive will help sort some things out.

1. Focus

Sean Oliveros, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Major in Financial Management – 2 student and a former student assistant says, “keep your FOCUS on your studies and not to give up when you face or experience failure. Do your very best in order for you to have no regrets in your decisions at the end.” He emphasized and highlighted the word focus because he believes that education is the most important thing to ponder during college and not just a responsibility to fulfil. Your decision to focus on your study is very meaningful for you to be able to have a bright future.

2. I’m possible

Some of you here might be doubting what else you can do and what your capabilities are. You always tend to say, “Could I make it? I don’t think so. I feel helpless and incapable. Bahala na si Batman!” But here’s the catch my dear. According to Edilyn M. Dela Cruz, a student from Bachelor of Science in Biology 1-1 and also a Provincial Government College Scholarship Program (PGCSP) Full-Scholar, “in order for you to survive college, you need to have the determination and strong willpower that you can do it no matter what. Think! Think! And think! Don’t stop thinking for you to have an answer. You need to have a motivation as well. And always be positive. We can do it! All things are possible even the word impossible says ‘IM POSSIBLE’. And most importantly, don’t forget to pray.”

But all of a sudden, you feel like you are being left behind by your classmates. You think you are not suitable for the kind of environment and situation you are in. You almost say, “I think I’m not suitable in this course. My skills, knowledge and understanding about the subjects were literally out of this course. I think I need to shift into another course or else I will only drop all of the subjects and might regret in the end.”

Our reigning Miss Aklan State University-Banga Campus 2020 Miss Aubrey F. Melanio gave some tips to become successful in college. First, set your goals. By determining your goals, you have a clearer understanding of what you want to achieve. Your goals will serve as your motivation in finishing college years. Second, always be prepared. Always remember that preparation is the key to avoid onset overwhelming stress that is why you need to read your notes as often. Third, learn from your mistakes. Yes, we often commit mistakes and errors but instead of dwelling into them, learn from those because they will serve as a lesson and a guide in becoming a better person. Fourth, reward yourself. After a stressful exam or school works, reward yourself. You deserve it after all the hard works and sleepless nights. You might as well get some of your

“In order for you to survive college, you need to have determination and strong willpower that you can do it no matter what.” – Edilyn Dela Cruz

3. SKA

favourite ice cream flavor! And lastly, remember the acronym SKA. SKILLS, it will help you in your daily life basis in facing the real-life after the four corners of the university. KNOWLEDGE, to provide understanding and learnings. And ATTITUDE, the way you act towards other people and the way you want to be treated.

4. Prioritize

Perlene Joyce B. Dela Cruz, a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture 1-2 student says, “first of all, you need to know what things are important and what things are not. Prioritize the most important one because time is just limited that is why don’t waste and trifle it away to the things that are not worthy. Second, in terms of money. Tuition is free and we are enjoying it but the handouts and other miscellaneous things that we need to settle each day per subject are not. You need to spend your money wisely and not to those things that are not related to your studies. And most importantly, have fun! College life is not just about having a review from time to time, but it also about making time with yourself, for yourself, and with your family, for your family.” Don’t stress yourself too much on review and bundle of school activities, balance your life and manage your time for you to be able to surpass them. Set emphasis on your priorities so that you could be able to handle things leniently and productively.

The word college negatively connotes difficulties and fear but we should be reminded that it is where the best time of our lives usually comes. College life is a very long and arduous process that is why we need to have an open mind because it is the ideal mind for a college education. An open mind enlightens us and serves as a pivotal point in our college lives. Because the major point of a college education is to introduce us to new ideas and philosophies even how we perceive ways of looking to our lives in the future.

Don’t stress yourself too much on review and bundle of school activities, balance your life and manage your time for you to be able to surpass them. Set emphasis on your priorities so that you could be able to handle things leniently and productively.

The Struggles of Farmers in Locked-down

On January 30, SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA was reported to be detected by PCR on the initial swabs of a Filipina and was identified as the first confirmed COVID-19 case in the Philippines. Up until now, COVID-19 cases in the country is still increasing its number. Due to this concern, people’s actions and interactions has been minimized and regulated following some health protocols to contain the spread of the disease. This is in fact affecting the everyday lives of Filipinos. Struggling to stay healthy and safe while working in order to provide for their families. People on the frontline are more prone to contract the disease. Indeed, their lives are at risk while performing their duties and responsibilities. On the other hand, individuals on the backline are also struggling on how to survive and provide the country’s needs for food and other essentials amidst this pandemic. They are the unsung heroes, the farmers, this time’s backliners.

Industries of all kinds have been forced to rapidly change how they work, likewise the agricultural sector. However, farmers are still doing everything they can to prevent the coronavirus crisis becoming a hunger crisis. They are still tilling the land, planting crops, and raising livestock to provide the major necessity

TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY: MA. CRYCEL D. AUTENCIO

for survival which is food. They are used to adapting to circumstances, whether it’s droughts, floods or infestations of pests. Overcoming unpredictable hurdles goes with the job, but the pandemic is bringing a range of new challenges to growing the food people depend upon. These challenges make it clear that more must be done to enhance the resilience of the food system.

Some crops are left unharvested

Agriculture requires people. Whether it’s de-tasseling corn, pruning vines or harvesting vegetables, people are vital in many aspects of farming. Amidst pandemic, the military and authorities controlled the movement of farmers, preventing them from tending farms. People were just told to stay at home. Without a job, they were not able to eat. For farmers it is very difficult. There’s really no work from home for them. However, since safety measures were greatly mandated, farmers were left with no other choice but to follow the mandates of the government. That is why some crops on the field were left unharvested which resulted to yield and financial losses faced by the farmers.

Disruption on the transport of agricultural products

Local and global travel restrictions and isolation orders have become one of the main challenges faced by farmers. The movement of goods across the country is significantly restricted with some borders completely closed. The result is backlogs and waste produce at one end and shortages at the other, which in turn drive up prices for consumers. However, in markets where products are perishable, such as fruit and vegetables, supply chain disruptions have an even greater impact. Not being able to quickly get food from the field to consumers resulted in massive levels of food loss and wastage, with many farmers poised to suffer.

Low farmgate price of the produce

It has been a major bottleneck to farmers especially on farmers growing rice. Landlords and middlemen has been buying their produce at a very low price. They cannot demand for more since most of them were just renting the land they cultivate and it is their landlord who’s buying the produce. Moreover, since most of them come from very poor economic backgrounds and rely on daily wages for their livelihood, they were actually forced to accept the price offered to them. Afterall, they have families to look after and the lockdown has worsened their situation even more.

Farmers concern were left untold and unresolved

Since people’s movement are restricted and regulated, it is hard for farmers to physically go to government agencies to relay their concerns. The pandemic has worsened more the situation since most of the transactions are done online, and most of the farmers weren’t literate on using latest technologies. The drawbacks are their concerns weren’t heard and the issues were left unresolved making them suffer and struggle even more.

The agriculture in the Philippines is not actually ready for any pandemic. Even before the COVID-19, the agriculture in the Philippines was not sufficient to support its people. It is impossible to predict what the long-term consequences of the pandemic will be. What the farmers are needing right now is to have a more resilient food system, improvement of agricultural sustainability and helping supply chains withstand and respond to future crises. Food security is a matter of rights: “The State should recognize the right to food, the right to produce food, the right to till the land, and to have control of the land that farmers have been tilling for generations. Farmers have the right to choose their own production system,” - Kathryn Manga, community development worker and project officer at Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas.

The pandemic has worsened more the situation since most of the transactions are done online, and most of the farmers weren’t literate on using latest technologies.

Maalamat na Burol ng Manduyog: Tahanan ng Debosyun at Pananampalataya

TEKSTO NINA:

SHAINA MARIE REGACION LOSEL ZAUSA CHRESTINE JOY ICASAS

MGA RETRATO NI: JOMARIE R. ROMAQUIN

Hitik sa natatagong biyayang-likas, mayamang kasaysayan, at makulay na kultura, ito ang Banga. Isa sa labimpitong munisipalidad sa probinsya ng Aklan. Kilala ang bayan bilang Banga the Beautiful dahil sa hindi maikakailang ganda ng kapaligiran na puno ng luntiang halaman. Ito ay kanlungan para sa mga taong nais pasukin ang pag-aagrikultura sapagkat dito matatagpuan ang premiere agricultural university sa Rehiyon 6, ang Aklan State University (ASU). Itinuturing na ang unibersidad na ito ay isa sa mga pinakamatandang institusyon ng rehiyon. Ang bayan ng Banga rin ang kinilala bilang Citrus Capital ng probinsya ng Aklan. Ang lugar ay perpekto para sa kamping at hiking dahil bukod sa nakakaaliw na tanawin ay may temperatura ito na may katamtamang lamig sa buong taon.

Matatagpuan din sa Banga ang tanyag na Manduyog Hill. Ang 500-talampakang burol na ito ay katangi-tangi dahil sa libu-libong deboto na bumibisita tuwing Semana Santa taun-taon. Tanging ang gate ng ASU ang daan papasok sa sagradong burol. Pagpasok mo pa lamang sa loob ng unibersidad ay makikita mo ang mga nakahilerang mga puno na nakapagbibigay ng kaayaayang lamig sa pakiramdam dahil sa luntiang tanawing hatid nito. Makikita sa Manduyog Hill ang labing-apat na malalaking mga Istasyon ng Krus, at isang kapilya sa pinakatuktok nito.

Ayon sa alamat, ang Manduyog Hill ay ipinangalan mula sa magiting na si Datu Manduyog na namuno sa Aklan noong panahon bago pa man lumusob ang mga Kastila sa

bansa. Nagsilbi ito bilang isang tore na pangbantay upang bigyan ng babala ang mga katutubo laban sa pagsalakay ng mga piratang Moro. Ayon naman sa mga historyan, dinala ni Miguel Lopez de Legazpi noong 1565 ang hispanisasyon ng Panay sa baybayin ng Batan. Sa panahong iyon, nagsimula nang umusbong ang Kristiyanismo at isang marka ang naiwan ng bagong relihiyon: ang krus sa tuktok ng burol ng Manduyog. Bagama’t ang krus na ito ay nawala sa paglipas ng maraming taon, ang mga tao ay nagsimulang magtayo ng mga naglalakihang Istasyon ng Krus na makikita sa kahabaan ng paikot na kalsada. Ang konstruksyon ay suportado ng paaralan ng kolehiyo ng Aklan, Knights of Columbus ng Banga, parokya, at iba pang mga donor. At noong Hunyo 1991, ang dalawamput-pitong (27) talampakan na krus na bakal ay pinalitan ng isang apatnapung (40) talampakang konkreto.

Ano ang maaaring makita mo?

Ang burol ay natatakpan ng mga mayayabong na puno at halaman. Mula sa burol, makikita mo ang kabuoang lugar ng Banga. Sa tuktok, makikita mo ang malaking puting krus na may haba na humigitkumulang apatnapung (40) talampakan. Ang krus minsan ay pinaiilawan kung kaya’y makikita ito mula sa hilaga ng Kalibo. Sa burol na ito, maaari mo ring makita ang isang kapilya kung saan isinasagawa ang mga misa tuwing may mahahalagang okasyon gaya ng Semana Santa. Mula sa paanan din ng burol na ito hanggang sa tuktok ay makikita ang mga naglalakihang labing apat (14) na mga Istasyon ng Krus. Ang 14 na Istasyon ng Krus ay nagpapakita ng pasyon ni Kristo. Ang bawat istasyon ay may naglalakihang estatwa ng mga taong may naging parte sa pasyon at kamatayan ni Kristo. Bawat istasyon din ay may nakaukit na mga numero, pangalan ng mga donor at petsa kung

kelan ito naibigay.

Alam mo ba?

Ang lugar na ito ay dinadagsa ng mga nananampalatayang Katoliko tuwing Biyernes Santo ng Semana Santa. Ang mga tao ay nagdarasal habang hawak ang kanilang rosaryo, nagsisindi ng mga kandila at inilalagay ang mga ito sa bawat Istasyon ng Krus habang inaakyat ang rurok ng burol. Ang Manduyog Hill ay binibisita hindi lamang sa pangrelihiyong kadahilanan ngunit ito rin ay naging lugar-pasyalan ng mga bisitang nanggaling sa malalapit o sa malalayong lugar. Ito ay marahil sa angking ganda ng kapaligiran, preskong hangin at katahimikan na nakakaakit sa mga taong nais magkaroon ng payapang puso, isip, at kaluluwa. Sa krus ng burol na ito, ang relihiyosong debosyon at pakiramdam ng pagmamalaki ay nanatili sa bawat puso ng Banganhon. Ang mga estatwa sa sukat ng buhay ni Hesus ay magpapaalala sa mga tao tungkol sa mga bagay na nangyari at ang Kanyang masakit at mahirap na karanasan para sa kaligtasan nating lahat.

Pagbisita sa Lugar

Ang Manduyog Hill ay matatagpuan sa Aklan State University sa Banga. Mula sa Maynila, maaari kang sumakay sa pamamagitan ng eroplano o barko papuntang Kalibo. Nagkakahalaga ng 1,500-25,00 pesos ang pamasahe kapag lulan ng eroplano, samantalang 1,500 pesos naman kapag barko. Mula sa Kalibo ay maaari kang sumakay ng dyip patungong Poblacion, Banga. Pagkarating sa Poblacion, Banga ay maari kang sumakay ng traysikel na syang maghahatid sayo papunta sa paanan ng burol. Para marating ang tuktok ng Manduyog ay kailangang maglakad sa kalsadang ginawa para sa mga taong nais umakyat habang nagdarasal sa bawat Istasyon ng Krus.

Ang burol ay may tanyag na angking ganda ng kapaligiran, nakakapreskong hangin at katahimikan na nakakaakit sa mga taong nais magkaroon payapang puso, isip, at kaluluwa.

The Untold Story of a Girl with an Alluring Smile WRITTEN BY: FHENZIE DHANA RETORIANO ILLUSTRATION BY: AMRITA JAYMALIN

The first thing that strikes you about Elaine is her alluring smile and contagious laugh - a girl who seems to enjoy a stress-free life. Little did they know, she, who shows endless cheerfulness, is cloaked with unseen miseries.

Elaine, a 19-year old student of Aklan State University, bravely unveiled her journey of struggles, torments, and continual fights in life’s battleground.

Born without a silver spoon in her mouth, she embarked on a tough and demanding journey as a working student. Despite having workloads and coinciding schedules, she mastered the art of being flexible and even managed to rise on top. “I think the challenge was still bearable at that time, for having understanding teachers and a strong support system that leads me throughout my journey.”

For the past years, she has been enjoying her study, flourishing into her haven, and savoring every moment. But the season changed from spring to winter, entering college is a

“I guess I designed my mask so well that they couldn’t see the tears behind it.”

horrifying ordeal. She had become engulfed with negative thoughts and fears of tomorrow. “I have lots of what if’s. People used to ask me why I chose this field. I told them that it’s what I like. But the truth is, I really don’t know. I just did.” The regret of not chasing the dream she likes becomes the drawback to her happiness. “Stuck in an environment where you feel you don’t belong is the worst feeling,” she says. The bombarded requirements, unfulfilled projects, and low academic performances fuel her self-doubt on being in the field. She worries about her mediocrity and inferiority. Often, she indulges questioning her capabilities and comparing her self-image with others. “I always cry because all the sleepless nights are not enough. Kahit na I always complain at tinatamad, to be honest, I always try to be good enough pero wala, mahina ang utak. Kaya palagi kong tinatanong, kaya nila tapos ako ito lang?”

The random bursts of anger, self-hatred, loss of appetite, and having no interest in anything are the things she suffered. “I’m confused, can’t explain myself,” she confessed. Each night, she analyzes every situation, questions all the good things, and overthinks situation that in the end putting her own value and worth at risk. Slave and prisoner behind the bars of her own thoughts, the continuous cycle of pain, judgments of others, and financial burden deteriorate her mental health. “Before noong nasa high school pa ako, some say that I am too ambitious kasi diba wala na nga, sa private school pa nagaaral pero ‘di nila alam na pinaghihirapan ko naman yun. Tapos ngayong college, yung financial demands mahirap maabot. Noong wala pang lockdown 50/50 na [financial status], ngayon pa kaya.” Further, she vents that being the eldest daughter of the family put a high parental expectation that is a heavy load to carry. “Panganay ako so the expectation is there. I push myself to learn sa lahat ng subjects because through that I can repay all the sacrifices of my inay and itay.”

When asked the reason why she keeps walking down the bumpy path albeit the regrets, incapabilities, and criticism, the young girl responds, “I want to leave but I can’t because the moment I step out of this door, I know I’ll fail someone.”

Everything for her appears heavy hence, the only way to alleviate the agony is by shedding tears. “Cry lang and pretend the next day na nothing’s wrong.” Fear of being a burden to her family and

peers, she displays her warm smile as a means to conceal the sufferings. “Waking up and going to school with heartache isn’t easy but I still manage to be happy, I guess I designed my mask so well that they couldn’t see the tears behind it.”

“Ayokong mag-isip pa ang parents ko na may ganito akong problema. May struggles na sila financially, ayoko nang dumagdag. Tapos, ayaw kong maging burden sa kaibigan ko.” However, she realized that suppressing negative emotions can wreak havoc on her health. Elaine emphasized the intrinsic value of connecting with others. “Kaso hindi mo naman kasi talaga kayang mag-isa, mas magiging worse lang lahat. That’s why I’m thankful to my family and friends who never get tired giving me motivations and listening to my dramas. Sila yung nagpapatatag sayo kapag hinang-hina ka na.”

Giving up is an option, but this brave soul did not choose to. She began to take the path of acceptance in high hopes that she will soon love the avenue she picked. “The road is not easy to take lalo na pag mahina loob mo. Who will help you?

If in the first place you’ll not help yourself. Who will believe you? If in the first place you have doubts about yourself. Help yourself because you aren’t the enemy.”

To those students who have silent battles and unprecedented challenges, here is a reminder from Elaine, “Bad days exist but struggles equate growth. Failures? Pains? They are all part of studying, of life in general. But you have no other choice but to keep trying. Pray, pray, pray, talk to God because He listens. Just trust Him because at the end, everything will be worth it. One day, we will pass this difficult time. Soon, I, we, will make our parents proud.”

Life does not only identify victories, joys, or a smooth road full of splendid sceneries. It is full of uncertainties, twists, and turns. It creates chaos and internal wars. Life will not let you enjoy a summer season; it will find a way to cast you into a surging storm. But amidst all of these catastrophes, remember to be an eagle that flies toward the storm or an evening primrose that blooms in the dark. Because the sun will peek into the gray clouds, the season will change, and tomorrow will be an aesthetic painted canvas.

The distress and anxious thoughts you are experiencing are normal. One thing for sure, you are a courageous soul, yes you are. Just keep on walking. Because one day, you will see the light at end of the tunnel.

“Bad days exist but struggles equate growth. Failures? Pains? They are all part of studying, of life in general. But you have no other choice but to keep trying. Pray, pray, pray, talk to God because He listens.” - Elaine*

Pre-Service Student Teacher Exchange in Southeast Asia

SAIRAH MAE BRIOL

The SEA Teacher Project or the “Pre-Service Student Teacher Exchange in Southeast Asia” is a project implemented by the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education (SEAMEO) which started in the year 2016. In this project, student-teachers from different universities in Southeast Asia are given opportunities to have teaching experiences or practicum in schools in other countries in Southeast Asia.

Last January 2019, Aklan State University - College of Teacher Education was able to send 4 outstanding students abroad. Aldrin Ijalo of BSEdPhysical Science, Aldren Teodosio of BSEd-English, and Nikko Igcasenza of BSEd-Mathematics were assigned to teach at Khon Kaen University in Thailand, while Rizzagin Anna Margarit Gadiano of BSEd - Social Studies independently flew to teach at SMP Khadijah in Indonesia.

To be a SEA teacher, student-teachers must

undergo a screening which checks their academic performance, good character, communication skills and English proficiency. The objectives of SEA Teacher Program is to provide opportunity for pre-service teachers to develop their pedagogical skills, and English communication skills and to expose them to a variety of teaching and learning situations which will prepare them to be global teachers who are fully equipped and competent in the field of teaching.

As our world continues to be industrialized, and become interconnected, it is logical that international collaboration and networking among universities should be done. The participation of Aklan State University-College of Teacher Education to the SEA Teacher program has opened doors to aspiring educators and has helped them prepare to be globalized teachers who are equipped with new world views, ideas and perspectives of education.

WRITTEN

PHOTO

John Mark

Fhenzie

Jessa

THEEAMIGAS

Group Category

PIA- 6 REGIONAL COLLEGE PRESS CONFERENCE AND AWARDS (COPRE)

Jelyssa Angela

Pia

John Mark R.

Heat intensifies, a boy with a blackened face was captured motionless attempting to smile in an assemblage of creative indigenious costumes, designed for the century-old Ati-atihan Festival.

THE PEOPLE stories to make you feel and think

Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Festival at Ibajay, Aklan

Photo by Eloisa Marisse Isuga

Talk over a melting candle

WRITTEN BY: KATE YOSELIN Y. ILEDAN

It was seven in the morning of Christmas day when I woke up with the strong wind penetrating the window in my room. As my mother shouted “Saradohainyongbintanaaymabasainyonggamit ituean(Close your window or else your things might get wet)” my sister and I snapped into a realization that there is a reported typhoon landfall in our area, the typhoon Ursula. So we hurriedly got up and closed the windows in our room and helped our parents fix other things in our house to prevent the water from entering. But, the wind from the typhoon was too strong and our house wasn’t able to block the rain and the water started to penetrate our house. With all our might we tried to cover our things to keep it dry and after that we sat silently in our sala waiting for the typhoon to stop. Without any words, the house was silent and the only sound that we could hear was the trees crashing with each other and the trunks breaking. It was like we are saying our own prayers silently and that is for the typhoon to stop before it destroys our house.

Almost ten in the morning when the weather finally calmed down. We tried to look at the aftermath of the typhoon and found that majority of the area was covered with branches of trees, some roofings of our neighbors were torned and there were broken cables along the way. As the night came my sister and I talked about what happened in our room. We sat in front of a candle which is our only source of light inside the room and thought that typhoon Ursula was not a joke. She was totally not a joke. She came so fast and tough, she was disastrous, and however she was also a realization. Typhoon Phanfone, locally known as Typhoon Ursula lashed Central, Eastern and Western Visayas on Christmas day 2019 leaving Aklan with at least eight dead and 51 injured people according to the Aklan Provincial Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC). It also destroyed power lines that caused a massive power interruption all over the province. She came so fast and tough leaving us burdened with the damages she caused in our lives. It has greatly affected the livelihood of the people in Aklan.

Ursula caused a great destruction to the agricultural lands and caused a widespread damage on crops and fisheries. I remember my father said one night while we were talking “Tanan ta nga tanom naton sa banlok hay samad ag nag kaeaduea man atong manok idto.” It made me think that this typhoon caused a big effect to

people especially those people who has agricultural lands.

She was disastrous. Typhoon Ursula caused a lot of damaged homes and lost lives, from the torned roofings of houses, trees falling into roofs of school, houses and shops, fallen electrical posts and trees blocking the road causing the difficulty to respond to emergencies by our rescuers. As typhoon Ursula hit Aklan a lot of infrastructures were damaged and the university wasn’t spared. Ursula dented the proposed Human Resources building which is still under construction and breaking the glass window on the second floor, a part of the amphitheatre’s roof were torn, branches of trees were broken and aside from that the typhoon also affected the enrolment period of the university for the second semester, extending it for a week.

However, despite the problems she has given us she also gave us a gift and that is realization. She made us realize

the importance of communication in our homes. With her aftermath we had our time to talk to our family. We were cut off from our gadgets and made us communicate more with our loved ones. She was a wakeup call for us who are too obsessed with entertainment given by technology advancement. “Ayos man ngani ra ay mas nakakaguwa man kita it baeay ay uwa kita it magamit nga cellphone,” said my sister beside me and she was right. We are too attached to our own worlds and we didn’t realize that we were actually growing apart from each other. Typhoon Ursula arrived and gave us a problem but she left us with a lesson.

When the candle melted totally bringing darkness in the room I realized that we must first see darkness in order to appreciate the light. Typhoon Ursula was the bridge for us to become close again to our family.

When the candle melted, totally bringing darkness in the room I realized that we must first see darkness in order to appreciate the light.

TYMOTHY DYKES, UNSPLASH

A Thousand Wings

WRITTEN BY: PIA JEMIMAH SELORIO PHOTOGRAPHED BY: JOHN MARK R. FRANCISCO

We can usually find birds in meadows, pastures, gardens, mountains and high areas. They can be a pet, some are smart, comes with different sizes and colors, others are carnivorous and most of all they are pollinators too, but this scenario will surprise you.

In the beautiful town of Banga in Aklan, this feathery creatures started to gather from five in the afternoon until six in the evening. They look like a flying closed-circuit television (CCTV) or drones as they rest on electrical wires which serve as their perch while looking for food.

When they fly its time to have your shield with you. No, they don’t attack people unless you’re near their nest. It’s just that you might catch their feces falling like bullets from the air. Believe me, a friend of mine hit the jackpot. Sounds gross!

According to a resident of Banga, the bird is known as “salimbabatang”, in local dialect. “Ana ta kara hay medyo daya anang naanaran nga hapunan. Hay kung idto abi sa taeon basi ginakaon sanda it mga sawa, (They usually rest here because if they stay in the wild, they might be eaten by snakes) . “ Mr. Nolly , also a resident explained his opinion.

Salimbabatang or mainly known as Barn

swallows with a scientific name of Hirundo rustica. This bird can grow as much as 6.8 inches and can live for four years. They are known to live in wide variety of habitats, where water source is available. Some can be found in meadows, pastures, manmade structures or urbans as narrated by the Animal Network Team.

They are considered as insectivore, as they feed from insects. That includes flies, grasshoppers, crickets, dragonflies, bettles, moths, and other flying insects.

The birds frequently produce two broods of four or five eggs in a year, and 70 to 90 percent will successfully raise at least one young. Those are some amazing characteristics of these birds.

However, according to Medical News Today birds can cause illness such as histoplasmosis a respiratory disease from bird’s dried waste, and that is also a concern for people around the area. When I was walking at Banga Public Market, I heard a child said, “Mabaho, kadiri at bastos ro mga ibon”, (Stinky, gross and rude birds).

That’s not surprising, even I hate the awful smell brought by birds’ poop especially after rain. Storeowners, uses pale full of water and soap to clean their area, believing that it would lessen the smell. At night, street vendors are also keeping their products away from where the birds are resting.

“Wa man it mahimo hay wild, (We can’t

Here are some few things you need to know, about salimbabatang according to CBC News:

1. They’re lightweights

These barn swallows can grow with a weight like 7 or 8 pennies, which is from 17-20 grams.

2. No place like home

Young birds will fly away from home after 19 to 24 days after they hatch. Though they will still visit for at least a week, stay at their nest during night, and still be dependent to their parents for food.

This phenomenon shows, that we are all connected. Small changes can affect each of us either good or bad. Through time, humans and other organisms learned to cope with each other, so no one is superior because we are all relying with each other’s help.

3. Four years old

These birds’ have a life span with average of up to 4 years, as they start mating when they were one year old. However, an eight-year-old barn swallow was recorded as the oldest and was captured in Maryland at US.

do anything because it’s wild), a balut vendor said when I asked what her thoughts are about the birds’ invasion.

On the other hand, the huge number of Barn Swallows is considered a good sign for healthy environment.

“Being insectivores, barn swallows are considered beneficial to agriculture sectors, “ DENR said.

This can also be an attraction for some visitors, due to the unusual number of birds. Isn’t it amazing to see a lot of birds visiting the town everyday, every sunset?

This phenomenon shows, that we are all connected. Small changes can affect each of us either good or bad. Through time, humans and other organisms learned to cope with each other, so no one is superior because we are all relying with each other’s help.

The visitation of swallows in the Municipality of Banga this proved that this town is really beautiful with rich environment that it can provide food for nonnative animals .

4. Double down

These little birds has the ability produce four to five eggs in just a year, with 70 to 90 percent chance of raising their hatchling.

HALAL: Islamic’s crusade on keeping the sanctity of life

TEXT BY: SAIRAH MAE BRIOL

Halal is derived from an Arabic word which means “permitted or lawfully”. It comes with five decisions: Mandatory, Recommended, Neutral, Reprehensible and Forbidden, and has started from Islamic region over the last 15 years. When it comes to food, Muslims follow a dietary standard prescribed by their Muslim scripture, Qur’an. Halal has a company which certifies products such as products, cosmetics and drugs based on a set of standards.

Republic Act No. 10817 DAHalal Food Industry Development was signed effectively in 2016 which gives halal the authority to set standards and release certification of the product. Ismail Abaya is the founder and the president of One HALAL Association of the Philippines since 2018. Abaya advocates on One Halal Group which provides business, skills in livelihood and developmental training exclusive for Muslims.

If there are permitted products, there are also prohibited ones which the Muslims termed as Haram meaning “prohibited”. These two different words are universal terms Muslims use which

commonly applies to the aspects of food and medical industry.

It is widely known that Muslims are conservative when it comes to food to maintain their physical fitness in order to contribute wisdom for the benefit of the society.

Islam gives emphasis on the importance of every living creature. The value of a human’s life has the same value as those of animals. One’s life should only be taken under the name of Allah (Islam word for God). All life is sacred and shedding of blood is a sin against the Qur’an. This law is not only applied to food but also life in general. Everything you do must be lawful or permitted in the eyes of Allah

Muslims cannot eat meat; however, it is an exception if the meat has been prepared under the Islamic law. Islamic slaughtering aims to “reduce the pain of the animal from suffering”. This is called “Zibah” or “Zabihah”. Under the law of this method, the meat should be prepared by a healthy, adult Muslim. The executioner of the animal must say the name of Allah before making the cut in order to respect the sanctity of life and the killing animal has been

given consent in the name of Allah

The spinal cord of the animal must not be cut and the cutting must start from the throat down with a fast motion. The animal must be well-treated and in a comfortable situation before the execution. Animal must bleed out completely before continuing the ritual cutting and no other animals shall witness the execution.

Here in the Philippines, we have products that were already certified by Halal Food Authority

Some of these are Tang, Goldilocks, Dole Philippines, San Miguel Mills, Del Monte Philippines, Don Bosco Cooperative Rice Mill Complex, Pampanga’s Best, Universal Canning, Zest-O Corp., Splash Corp. and the list goes on.

Islam is not only a specific region that governs life with rules and protocols. Food is an essential part of our everyday life and food laws are only to benefit humankind for their own safety and to maintain good health. For Muslims, eating is also a way of worship such as fasting and praying. Halal is not only a company, business or standards of food products but also a way to connect to Allah and respect His standards in life.

Itim

Ang Tunay na Kulay ng Ati

Malayo sa kinagisnang buhay sa bukid, sila ngayon ay makikita sa mga kalsada para manlimos, o ‘di naman kaya’y magbenta ng mga panggamot. Mula umaga hanggang hapon, araw-araw sa gilid ng mga kalsada at mga eskinita kung saan dinaraanan ng mga tao – makikita ang mga Ati. Hitik sa yaman ang kultura at tradisyon ang mga Ati sa Aklan. Mula noon hanggang ngayon dala-dala pa rin nila ang mga ito. Ngunit sa pag-usad ng panahon at ng modernisasyon, ang mga ito ay unti-unti na ring naglalaho.

Ang Ati ay kabilang sa mga indigenous peoples (IPs) sa bansa. Kilala rin sila sa tawag na Negrito, Ituman, at Negros. Karamihan sa mga Ati ay makikita sa Iloilo, Antique, Negros Occidental, Capiz at Aklan. Ayon sa National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) tinatantiya na ang populasyon ng mga katutubo sa Pilipinas ay nasa pagitan ng 12-15 milyon. Sa pinakahuling datos ng NCIP taong 2012, nasa 116, 973 na mga Ati ang matatagpuan sa Rehiyon 6.

Sa iilang nakahilerang mga Ati na nagbebenta ng mga bracelet, mga gamot na mula sa kahoy, ugat ng puno, mga bato at kung anu-ano pang mga herbal na medisina sa Shopping Center, Kalibo, Aklan, ang pamilya ni nanay Mercy Caminoy na taga Bulwang, Numancia, Aklan ang suki sa lugar na iyon. Umaga pa lamang ay naglalatag na sila ng kanilang mga paninda.

Si Nanay Mercy ay may mga anak, si Mary Ann Caminoy ang pinakamatanda at nasa grade 10 na. Ngayong dahil sa pandemic, nahihirapang iraos ni Mary Ann ang kanyang pag-aaral dahil kahit na module raw ang kaniyang pinili ay mayroon pa ring mga gawain na kailangang isubmit online lalo na ang kanilang exam. Sa hirap ng buhay na dinaranas nila, tumutulong na rin si Mary Ann sa kaniyang mga magulang sa pagbebenta.

“Kakarampot lang po talaga ang kinikita namin araw-araw sa paglalako ng binebenta namin. Hindi sapat sa pagaaral ng mga anak ko, lalong hindi rin sapat sa pang-araw-araw namin. Kaya kapag may online class sila, wala naman kaming magagawa, wala kasi silang selpon. Mahirap ang buhay eh. Dasal nalang talaga yung kinakapitan namin ngayon,” aniya ni Nanay Mercy nang tanungin siya sa estado ng kanilang buhay.

Mayroon ding mga kamag-anak si Nanay na hindi pinag-aral ang kanilang mga anak.

Minsan daw ang pangunahing dahilan ay sa hindi rin nakapagaral ang mga magulang ng mga bata, hindi marunong magbasa o magsulat manlang kaya hindi nalang ito pinapaenroll sapagkat ang mga magulang din ang mahihirapan sa ganoong sitwasyon.

Minana pa daw nila ang kanilang tradisyon ng pagbebenta ng mga herbal na gamot sa kanilang mga ninuno na nasa bukid pa daw noon nakatira. Tuwing Biyernes Santo lamang sa isang taon daw sila puwedeng kumuha ng mga sangkap sa bukid sapagkat ito lamang sa lahat ng araw pinaka-epektibo ang gamot na kanilang ibebenta. Ang mga gamot ay pananggalang daw sa mga kulam, aswang, barang, at iba pa. Kakaunti lamang ang kinikita nila nanay araw-araw, swerte na raw kung maka-dalawang daang piso (Php 200.00) sila pero hindi sapat ang kinikita para matugunan ang kanilang mga pangunahing pangangailangan. Kuwento niya, minsan daw ‘ni pangkape o asukal sa umaga wala sila pero gayunpaman nakakakain pa rin

sila tatlong beses sa isang araw. Tinitipid nalang nila ang bawat sentimo para magkasya.

Makulay ang kultura ng mga Ati, makikita ito sa mga binebenta nilang mga gamot, maging ang handmade na bracelet ay pulido ang pagkakagawa, at ang mga dibuho at disenyo sa mga botelya. Ngunit gaano man kakulay ang kultura, ganoon din kababaw ang tingin ng ibang tao sa kanila. Minsan kinukutya sila, pinandidirian, at hindi pinaniniwalaan ang kanilang mga ibinebenta dahil daw sa mga maitim sila o baka kulam ang hatid nila. Kahit ganon pa man hindi nalang nila ito pinapansin at pinapabayaan nalang nila. Walang pakialam sila nanay at ang kaniyang mga anak sa mga taong hindi nakakaintindi sa kanila. Kahit ano pa man, patuloy pa rin silang maglalako at pipiliting magkapera upang mabigyang laman ang kumakalam na sikmura at maibigay ang pangangailangan ng pamilya.

Sa kabila ng lahat, may mga naniwala at bumibili pa rin kela Nanay Mercy marahil dahil may naniniwalang epektibo at totoo

ang mga produkto. Nakagawian na rin ng iba ang kultura at paniniwala ng Ati, gaya natin na sa paglipas ng panahon natututunan nating mahalin, bigyan halaga, pang-unawa at pagkakakilanlan ang mga Ati tuwing Ati-atihan Festival.

Sa modernong panahon, pilit na naghahanap ng lugar at puwang ang mga Ati, hiling nila na sana wala nang pangungutya at takot sa kanilang pagkatao dahil pareho lang ang mundo na ating ginagalawan at sila ay kabahagi na nito. Hindi itim ang tunay na kulay ng Ati, at mas lalong hindi bulok ang kanilang paniniwala at tradisyon. Ang tunay na pagkatao ng mga Ati ay hindi makikita sa itim nilang kulay kundi sa kanilang busilak na pusong may mabuting intensyon at pang-unawa, at sa makulay na kultura at tradisyong may malaking parte sa ating kasaysayan at namumukodtanging pagkakakilanlan.

Kahit ano pa man, patuloy na dadalhin nila Nanay Mercy ang makulay at mayabong na kultura ng Ati sa mga Kalibonhon at sa mga kumunidad na maaabot nito.

Hindi itim ang tunay na kulay ng Ati, at mas lalong hindi bulok ang kanilang paniniwala at tradisyon. Ang tunay na pagkatao ng mga Ati ay hindi makikita sa itim nilang kulay kundi sa kanilang busilak na pusong may mabuting intensyon at pang-unawa, at sa makulay na kultura at tradisyong may malaking parte sa ating kasaysayan at namumukod-tanging pagkakakilanlan.

THE FELLOWSHIP stories that create ripples of actions

The Ati children’s bright smiles encapsulate hope. These kids in Kalibo, Aklan are the epitome of how fellowship radiates glow in the lives of every child. Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Festival at Kalibo, Aklan

Photo by Eloisa Marisse Isuga

Black Doesn’t Matter, Lives Do!

In February 2020, an African-American man named Ahmaud Arbery was confronted, shot and killed by armed white men just because he decided to do jogging on a Sunday afternoon. He was killed for simply being a black man running in Georgia. Same incident happened when another black man named George Floyd was reported to the police due to the allegation that the bill he used to buy a pack of cigarettes was a counterfeit. Even though he had uttered more than 20 times that he can’t breathe, the police officer never listened and continued pressing his knee at Floyd’s neck while he was hardly pinned to the floor. Due to difficulty of breathing, he fell unconscious and found out dead.

Simply because of their color, they were unheard. They were mistreated. They experienced injustices. And worst, their loved ones lost them, forever.

One of the many problems existing since the ancient time is racism. Going back to history, people before of different color were segregated and had differing rights and privileges.

Racism, according to Merriam-Webster Dictionary

TEXT BY: KAIZAN CASTILLO

is a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities and racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race. Historically, members of the low-status race were limited to low-status jobs and members of the dominant race had exclusive access to political power, economic resources, high-status jobs, and unrestricted civil rights. It was even unnatural for different races to marry. In short, racism is discrimination, partiality and prejudice.

Police brutality that killed Floyd “has been a clear feature of black life in America,” and is a “problem that seems to be ever present and never quite goes away,” Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison said in an interview with The Nation.

Even up today, racism severely exists and the United States is on the list. Discrimination is rampant and many lives are affected.

The US is of ill repute for putting more people in prison than other countries. According to Prison Policy Initiative, its prison population accounts for over 20 percent of the world’s total. And African-Americans

NATHAN DUMLAO, UNSPLASH

are at much higher rate of incarceration than anyone else.

“African Americans are more likely than white Americans to be arrested; once arrested, they are more likely to be convicted; and once convicted, they are more likely to experience lengthy prison sentences,” The Sentencing Project wrote in a 2018 report to the UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism. The report also said that prosecutors often demand a longer and harsher sentence for a black defendant than for a white one.

Sadly, black drivers are more likely to be stopped and searched by police than white drivers as found out by The Stanford Open Policing Project.

The U.S. Census Bureau’s Income and Poverty Report stated that the poverty rate for AfricanAmericans was 20.8 percent, more than twice that for whites which is 8.1 percent. Having low income also indicates difficulty in paying bail or securing a top lawyer to defend them, contributing to the high incarceration rates in the black community. Shockingly, the Prison Policy Initiative estimates that 65 percent of people in prison have not been declared guilty of criminal offense but instead, are being detained without a trial. Where is justice here?

“Can’t believe this, man. Mom, love you. Love you. Tell my kids I love them. I’m dead.” These were the last words of Floyd as he pleaded to the police officer

who was pinning him to the floor. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Floyd was jobless but had a family to raise. But what could he have done? He was a black man and he was subjected for discrimination. And he is now gone, forever.

Why is it so hard for us to achieve a world where everyone is treated fairly? What is with white men? And what is strange with black men? Racism is a disease that must be cured. It must be eradicated as soon as possible because it greatly affects human lives.

Respect is not the key for it is sometimes showed just because of fear. Love and acceptance are the solution. Learning to love your fellowmen is accepting their identity whoever and whatever they are. Try to look at a clean white paper. If you write something on it using black ink, you will appreciate the importance of being white. The same goes with black ink. You will appreciate it when it is applied on a white surface. It simply means that black and white are not opponents of each other. They are meant to live together harmoniously.

There is just one race existing in the world and that is human race. Whether you are white, brown, yellow or black, you are human. And you deserve to be accepted in a society where you belong. Regardless of your identity, color, gender and status, you are a piece of a whole that should be valued, loved, and accepted. Black does not matter, lives do.

What is with white men? And what is strange with black men? Racism is a disease that must be cured.

CLAY

Keeping the Wilderness Alive

Wildlife, the domestic asset that benefits the recreational and aesthetic points of one’s perspective but more than that, the wildlife is important for its scientific and survival value as it helps in maintaining the ecological balance of the nature. It plays an important role in balancing the environment, thus, providing stability to different processes of the nature. Now more than ever, the wildlife conservation is a mission at heart. The focus of protecting the wild and their habitats ensure the survival of the species to have a sustainable living especially to the endangered wildlife all over the world.

The global human population has grown exponentially over the past 200 years to more than seven billion people today, and it continues to rapidly grow. This means natural resources are being consumed faster than ever by the billions of people on the planet. This growth and development also endanger the habitats and existence of various types of wildlife around the world. So to speak, last February, Flavio Nava and Andrew Pasaporte, both photographers and third year veterinary medicine students of Aklan State University

TEXT BY: JELYSSA ANGELA I. RIBO

FLAVIO A. NAVA ANDREW PASAPORTE

– Banga Campus went to a mini expedition at Maria Cristina, one of the 25 barangays in Madalag, Aklan. They went there due to reports that a wild warthog was hunted down in the mountain and to also capture its wildlife species and rich biodiversity. On why wildlife conservation is necessary, “..numerous species are already at risk of extinction. With losses of wildlife, the ecosystem is also affected,” Pasaporte said.

Perspectives on the movement and wildness aesthetics is one of the reasons people find to value the wildlife. Virtually, everyone appreciates the aesthetic value of natural beauty or artistic appeal present in animal life. Environmental photographers like Nava and Pasaporte are essential to conservation efforts as well, documenting and bringing attention to endangered wildlife all over the world. As Pasaporte continued,

“Our part as photographers, give the viewers a visual representation of what these animals look like. Through that, we can also tell a story behind an image for we will be able to observe these animals during field. It is our task to provide actual information and we really hope to

PHOTOGRAPHED BY:

The fog covers the Mountain Ranges of Madalag.

Madalag, Aklan

raise awareness to others.”

More than aesthetics, wildlife conservation is a complicated field that requires a specific set of knowledge. Just as all interaction with animals, conservation needs to be done right. As a youth that partakes in the society especially in the environment, Nava said, “..most of us know that the young generation will be the future, thus, any issues concerning their natural treasures will affect the future. Therefore, it is important that education regarding wildlife or nature should be encouraged to kids, teens, and young adults.”

Generally speaking, by and large, climate change is slowly increasing average annual temperatures. One of the most noticeable ways that climate change is impacting the lives in the wild by disrupting the timing of natural events. The disturbances like forces of nature, including weather, geology, and biological fluctuations are causing dreadful effects. This may include fires, floods, earthquakes, diseases, and droughts. After a disturbance impacts an ecosystem, there can be devastation, but a healthy wildlife has an amazing ability to bounce back.

But take note, not all disturbances are natural. As stewards, all human actions should be benefitable for both sides. However human disturbances are putting constant pressure on ecosystems and wildlife, dramatically affecting species. Human disturbances including clearcutting, habitat fragmentation, and pollution are continuously affecting ecosystems. The moment that the ecosystem begins adjusting to one stress, another appears. Many ecosystems that we depend on are not given enough time to adapt to the new conditions. The natural cycle of disturbances—growth, dieback, and growth—cannot properly function because too many disturbances are putting pressure on the ecosystem and wildlife at once that’s why conservation of the wild is really important to have a rich biodiversity.

As we begin the 21st century, concerns abound for the health and well-being of the youth. Experts cite that only older generations are seen to be on the first line of wildlife conservation. They see it as a loss of outdoor time and a disconnection with nature as serious threats to youth, as well as the future of the forests and the wilderness. It is a pressing need to establish stewardship from the youth and future generation as it is important to involve them with information and awareness about wildlife conservation.

On the conservation of wildlife, Nava expressed that the youth shouldn’t be blinded by certain happenings in life that’ll make them lose track to a better perception as there are major qualities that mother nature had offered and can still offer and to never forget that we are interrelated with wildlife. He added, “We do not participate in their system but we are their stewards. We humans are gifted with the

power of intelligence hence, we should know better.” On his message to the youth, “I suggest that everyone should gain environmental consciousness, to start looking around in order to see the nature. And for you to help, start with developing yourself to appreciate the natural gifts in your life. Then when you realize that there are things that needs some repair, the journey in helping the wildlife begins.”

Wildlife conservation does not only imply a whole blanket protection for all species rather it points out a silver lining on the various wildlife circumstances that it is facing right now. Thus, wildlife conservation promotes an adequate and judicious control over the animals and provides a suitable atmosphere for whose very life is at risk today.

Wildlife conservation does not only imply a whole blanket protection for all species rather it points out a silver lining on the various wildlife circumstances that it is facing right now.

Project Kalibo: A Silver Lining in a Grey Surface

WRITTEN BY: LOVELY MAE ROPERO

It has been almost a year when the whole world was faced with a multidimensional crisis, a very infectious, serious illness, even leading to certain death. With no vaccine yet to treat this invisible enemy, COVID-19 continues to pose a serious threat to the life of people. Consequently, the outbreak of the pandemic has exacerbated existing challenges to people, making an already dire situation worse. To some extent, this pandemic has been an eye opener to realities clearly showing that it was more complex than what meets the eye.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF: PROJECT KALIBO

Inevitably, COVID-19 has been quite a challenge to the world. It has made us look back to so many things we did before this pandemic took place. At the same time, this somehow changed the perspectives and stereotypes we had towards humanity and the world itself.

Despite the obvious limits and constraints of this pandemic, the outlook of Aklanons was particularly pessimistic. The scars COVID-19 had left us will forever be tattooed in our hearts and minds. Nevertheless, Aklanons still do the utmost to address

peace and security in the province.

By doing so, a youth-led movement based in Kalibo, Aklan headed by Mr. John Marlou Salido, the founder of Project Kalibo and a native Aklanon himself started its mission together with his core team when the Province of Aklan imposed the Enhanced Community Quarantine in the province. Project Kalibo started as an initiative to help the frontliners of the municipality in Aklan until it actualized its mission to provide immediate aid to the community members who were greatly affected by the pandemic especially during Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).

The project had launched six community projects mainly targeting various sectors in the community of Aklan. These are namely the frontliners, tricycle drivers, malnourished children, PWDs, senior citizens, teachers, and students in far-flung areas, who were in dire need of assistance during this pandemic especially during ECQ.

In the six projects, the team were able to provide over 7,000 hot meals and snacks, over 2, 000 face masks and over 400 alternative PPEs to Kalibonhon frontliners. Also, they gave out food packs to over 1, 100 tricycle drivers, provided 250 packs of 1kg powdered milk, and fed over 500 malnourished children, PWDs, and senior citizens. Moreover, the barter system was utilized in order to collect 450 radio units and reams of bond papers for the teachers and students in outlying areas.

For the most part, the objectives of Project Kalibo were initiated in just six months which had already collected over a million-peso worth of in-kind and cash donations. Aside from its mission, Project Kalibo’s goal is to advocate for Financial Literacy and Economic Empowerment to help vulnerable members of Kalibo understand the importance of savings, as well as the emergency funds especially in trying times like this. By means of this advocacy, its target people will not only

For the most part, the objectives of Project Kalibo were initiated in just six months which had already collected over a million-peso worth of inkind and cash donations.

thrive but also survive notwithstanding the presence of a certain crisis.

The scope of Project Kalibo’s heart in helping does not only stop in the people of Aklan, in fact, its team also extended a hand to communities outside the province through donations collected.

On November 22, Project Kalibo, together with SB Member Matt Guzman, went to Caticlan, Malay, Aklan to personally hand out 36 boxes of over 500 hygiene kits intended for babies and women of Tuguegarao at Gattaran City, Cagayan Valley who were severely affected by Typhoon Ulysses’ wrath. The donations were transported to the Philippine Coast Guard Main Office in Binondo, Manila as soon as possible and additionally, were then sent successfully to DSWD Region 2 Cagayan Valley which will be picked-up by the contacts there for them to distribute to the beneficiaries. Indeed, Project Kalibo did again a golden deed!

What is more is that Project Kalibo also joined a video sprint, facilitated by Ten Accomplished Youth Organization (TAYO), a non-profit organization. This is also a medium to address the necessities of the Aklanons during the presence of COVID-19.

Project Kalibo, in a way, has reached many community sectors through their projects which include Adopt-a-Toda campaign that distributed relief packs to tricycle drivers in 16 barangays, the provision of PPEs and hot meals to almost 10, 000 residents of Aklan, and addressing the need for radio units and bond papers for students through the purpose of barter system.

“The province of Aklan is currently under Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) and Project Kalibo might have already fulfilled its mission; but this is only the beginning. Now advocating to solve one of the pressing issues faced by our community, Project Kalibo will continue on helping, with or without the pandemic,” Project Kalibo on their TAYO video sprint.

They say every cloud has its own silver lining, and every silver lining has got a touch of grey. No doubt, Project Kalibo is a silver lining to a grey surface

Hand in hand, we continue hoping for better days and always look at the bright side of life and say, “we will get through this all”. Padayon, Aklanons! Viva, Project Kalibo!

“...Project Kalibo will continue on helping, with or without the pandemic.” - John Marlou Salido

Waiting for #YOUth

The youth sector is one of the most important keystones of a country, it provides the human capital for the future workforce that is necessary for the catalyst of economic, social, and cultural development within the state and to better achieve sustainability. Countries which belong to the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) increased its population over the past 40 years from 355.1 million to an escalating 649.1 million. The near doubling in population size was due to natural increases as well membership expansion, the latter with the accession of Brunei Darussalam in 1984, Viet Nam in 1995, Lao PDR and Myanmar in 1997, and Cambodia in 1999. This regional intergovernmental organization was established on August 8, 1967, with founding members: Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, and the Philippines.

The ASEAN population was characterized by high shares of youth population estimates about 214, 000 aged between 15-35 years-old or approximately 65% of the youth in the region, according to the First ASEAN YDI. ASEAN Members States (AMS) agreed on the age range of the population categorized as a youth for the ASEAN Youth Development Index. Youth nowadays, have grown so much they have become proactive, accountable, and sensible in many aspects which may be political, economic, socio-cultural, and environmental. In such a way, their actions help communities to refocus on the situation in which the youth might fill in the gap in which they could provide something.

BY: JOHN MARK R. FRANCISCO

The Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) is a United States government program that builds the leadership capabilities of youth in the region and promotes cross-border cooperation to solve regional and global challenges within the ASEAN. It was launched in 2013, and from its inception, its goals are to strengthen leadership development and networking in Southeast Asia. Through a variety of programs

A Regional workshops provided YSEALI members with new skills, knowledge of issues facing Southeast Asia, and networks with other emerging leaders.

and engagements, including U.S. educational and cultural exchanges, academic fellowship, regional exchanges, and seed funding, YSEALI seeks to build the leadership abilities of youth in the region, strengthen the ties between the United States and Southeast Asia, and foster an ASEAN community.

YSEALI focuses on critical topics identified by youth in the region: civic engagement, sustainable development, education, and economic growth.

YSEALI offers two exchange programs to the United States. YSEALI Academic and Professional Fellowships offer the opportunity to participate in intensive academic or professional programs at universities or workplaces across the United States.

The U.S. Mission to ASEAN partners with ASEAN and related stakeholders to advance U.S. interests in a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated Southeast Asia that respects the rule of law, upholds the dignity of its people, and

actively addresses regional and global concerns. Recognizing that America’s future prosperity and security are intertwined with the East Asia-Pacific region, President Barack Obama made a strategic commitment to rebalance the U.S. efforts and investments toward Asia including with Southeast Asia and ASEAN. The United States continues to emphasize economic development, energy cooperation, people-to-people exchanges, youth, and education.

In more years to come, more youth will soon create an impact and change. Today, in a new world of limitless collaboration, enabled by new technology, and connected by social media, YSEALI is taking you further by this advantage. Join YSEALI today @asean.usmission.gov/ yseali. Young people are instrumental in plotting the course of Southeast Asia’s future. This is your calling, let us work together with a mission and make tomorrow a brighter future.

There are many organizations that are found not only within our country which have provided avenues for youth for development, leadership-building capabilities, environmental awareness, journalism, agriculture, community-enterprise development, health, and education. One of the notable organizations in ASEAN community is the YSEALI.

Health Inventions

The future science that will save lives from our modern heroes

Althea Shayne Zambrona Junior Staff Writer, studies BS Nursing

Artificial Organs : An Answer to Donor Need

Day by day, people witness vehicular accidents, dying patients, and many more incidents that may lead to organ damage that requires for organ transplant. Failure of human’s vital organs leads to death unless a replacement is found. Around the world, lists of patients in need of an organ transplant are often longer than the list of those who are willing to donate. Use of transplants has a disadvantage of a limited supply and problems with compatibility between the patient and organ donor.

Dr. Willem Kolff provided an answer to this problem when he was proclaimed as the “Father of Artificial Organ” after designing an artificial kidney and artificial heart.

Artificial organs are made by bioprinting, reusing an organ cleaned of its cells and spinning one from nanofibers. Once the scaffold is ready, it must be seeded within the patient’s cells. Then it is put into a bioreactor, where it has to be kept alive prior to being transplanted.

With the use of artificial organs, patient to donor compatibility is not a problem because organs are made with the patient’s own stem cells. Other artificial organs that have been made by scientists includes: artificial limbs, bladder, ear, eye, liver, lungs, ovaries, pancreas, thymus, and trachea. Furthermore, artificial organs are way cheaper than real organs.

But today, artificial organs are only used as a temporary replacement until a true organ is implanted. Currently, SynCardia Systems. Inc. provides patients with full-functioning artificial heart. The longest patient that has been supported with the artificial heart is nearly four years before receiving a successful transplant. Scientists believe that when this invention is fully completed, it may be one of the best phenomena in science history.

Hope amidst the Plague: Filipino Invention

Countries are wrapped with fears. Faces of individuals showing panic are gripping the world. The hysteria is brought by an acellular microorganism emerged from China, a deadly new strain of coronavirus that has now been detected in more than 100 locations internationally, spreading, infecting and claiming hundreds of lives – the pandemic corona virus disease – 19 (COVID-19).

This terrifying situation catalyzed the creative and innovative minds of Filipino scientists. Development of efficient and low-cost kit to solve the current public health crisis was led by local scientists at the University of the Philippines – National Institute of Health (UPNIH), funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST - PCHRD).

Dr. Raul Destura, a microbiology and biotechnology expert, together with 15 scientists invented the GenAmplify COVID-19 rRT-PCR Detection Kit that has been approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These test kits are essential in monitoring and detecting the increasing suspected cases of COVID-19 in the Philippines.

“It was a long and tedious process, we had to keep repeating it every step of the way… many sleepless nights that we had to endure in order to address the country’s need [for the kit] and make it accessible to all,” said Destura, the Deputy Executive Director of the Philippine Genome Center (PGC).

Similar to existing COVID-19 kits, the GenAmplify, uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a technique used to identify traces of virus by amplifying trace amounts of nucleic acid in a sample. The testing can be done in two ways – via nasopharyngeal brush and throat swab, wherein samples were taken inside the nose and the back of the throat, respectively.

The developed kit is significantly cheaper — at only P1,320 per test — compared with its foreign counterparts, which cost as much as P8, 500 per test. It also utilizes a single step multiple detection system, around one to two hours.

“At the end of the day, our main intention is public safety and service to community,” he stated. This new technology is another testament to Filipino’s innovation and ingenuity that brings hope to the country.

Fhenzie Dhana C. Retoriano Junior Staff Writer, studies BS Nursing

Dr. Raul V. Destura Microbiology and Biotechnology Expert, University of the Philippines

ABS-CBN

Jessa Mae Inolino Junior Staff Writer, studies BS Biology

Gene-editing: The Eureka of Life

Genetically acquired diseases, Cancer and HIV are some of the most notorious and non-curable diseases that brought fear and death to quite a sum of individuals worldwide. This unfortunate situation may change in a matter of time as breakthroughs are being discovered. One of the most promising is the Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats or CRISPR, although its existence was already known for years but its full potential wasn’t showed not until these recent years. At present, it is believed to be one of the most advanced gene-editing technology.

By harnessing the natural mechanism of the immune system of invading viruses, scientists will be able to decode the specific DNA strand that is needed to be “cut off”. This technology has wide-ranging applications in various industries such as in cancer therapeutics. For example, new immunotherapies are being developed using CRISPR to treat cancer. With the aid of this method, scientists can genetically modify T-cells to locate and kill cancer cells. In addition to that, CRISPR technology can eliminate the genes that cause genetic diseases such as diabetes and cystic fibrosis. Given that the scientific community has already mapped many genes that cause genetic disease, CRISPR could be used to cure faulty genes that cause genetic diseases or disorders. It is also beneficial in drug research. Scientists are predicting that CRISPR could potentially speed up the drug discovery process. Some of the drug makers in the world are already incorporating CRISPR technology into their drug research and discovery phase.

Kanser: Chemo o Immuno?

Jade Sucgang

Junior Staff Writer, studies BS Nursing

Kanser – sentinaryo eon nga ginaproblemahan kong paalin mabueong, daya do masakit nga gina-indian ag ginakontra it haeos kaeabanan maskin sa Filipinas o maskin sa iba nga bansa ginaamat–amatan ro ‘Immune System’ it sangka taeo hasta imaw hay magahina ag magahina nga kagaegaean it selula it taeo nga bukon it eksakto.

Uwat bueong, uwat agtunan do taeong nga may masakit kara kundi ro kamatayon biskan nano pa kaabo ing kwarta indi ka gihapon makasukoe it mayad, dati ginapatihan it kaeabanan nga ro ‘Chemotheraphy’ eamang ro makapabuhi it sangka pasyente nga may kanser pero ham-an it kat nagabinuhay mas nagalinala nga imbes maghaba ro kabuhi sa eugta mas naga isot ag sa pilang inadlaw nagakamatay man sa gihapon. May bago nga paagi kong paalin buengon do masakit ngara ag ginatawag nga ‘Immunotherapy’ kong do ‘Chemotherapy’ hay nagagamit it sangka bueong agod deritsuhon nga patyon do manami ag maeain nga selula it sangka taeo, ginaataki eagi nana kara do mga madasig nga pagbinueag it mga selula nga mas nagatuga it masakit sa taeo ro ‘Immunotherapy’ mata hay ginapabaskog do kaeawasan it sangka pasyente agod makakontra sa bukon it eksato nga selula nga gatuga it kanser, ginabuligan nana ro ‘Immune System’ it sangka taeo agod mapan–o-han kong ano ro selula nga ana it kanser ag bukon. Ro mga epekto it daywa ngara hay nagadepende kong paalin magbaeos do ‘Immune System’ it taeo kong sa ‘Chemotheraphy’ pwede nga maghina ro pasyente, nagakaubos do buhok, nagasuka, ro pasyente hay nawawad–an it gana sa pagkaon, eagnat, masakit ro eawas, madali maninahan ag iba pa ro epekto it bueong kara hay nagabuhay hasta maubos do bueong sa sueod it eawas, ro sa ana mata it ‘Immunotherapy’ hay eagnat, ginaeamig, nagadugang do bug – at ag iba pa pero nagakaduea pagkatapos it una nga pagsalang sa daya nga klasi it ‘theraphy’ ro epekto nana kara hay nagabuhay dahil kantigo eon do ‘Immune System’ it taeo magintindi kong ano ro manami ag maeain nga selula. Hambae ni Katherine McCluskey ko 1940 ha ubra ro ‘Immunotheraphy’ ag makara hay mas ginapatihan daya nga proseso dahil daya hay mas abo nga kabuhi nga hasalbar depende sa taeo kong ikompara sa ‘Chemotheraphy’. Ro tawo indi kinahangean it bisan alin nga proseso kara kong imaw mismo ginahaeongan ro ana nga kaugalingon, pilion do ginakaon mas manami nga kat mga tinuea nga ginapatubo mismo sa inyo nga panimaeay, maginom it tubi ag magpahueas adlaw – adlaw, bukon eamang it kanser do masakit nga dapat kahadlokan sa kalibutan makara dahil haeos sa pagdinugang it dinagon mas naga–abo ag mas nagakomplikado ngani mas manami nga haeongan do sarili maskin uwa it masakit dahil mas mayad nga uwat masakit kaysa ikaw hay magpabueong ag magginastos.

“

Remember to look up at the stars and not drawn at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. And how ever difficulty may life may seem, there is always something you can do, and succeed at. It matters that you don’t give up.

Professor Stephen Hawking

Top Editors

John Mark John Apple Cathyrin

A Youthful Soul

curated by Sairah Mae Briol

Looking for the perfect playlist to listen while studying? Gone are the days of loud and distracting music that destroys our peace of mind. Indie folk music is here to give us balance between upbeat but relaxing songs to meditate. Indie folk music is a contemporary music genre that

Indie is a short term for “independent” music or songs from artists who makes independent albums. It started from 1990’s from indie rock musicians.

A pre-management major at BYU, name Craig Andrus quoted, “Indie music is something that

Listen on

mixes country folk with indie rock. A mix of classic country and indie rock is new as it sounds but also fresh start to recognize the artists who gave sentimental value into music and art behind the spotlight.

contains and evokes more emotion than mainstream music,” Andrus said. “The artists can focus more on what they feel is important rather than worry about the label.” Indie folk music is not like the other trendy music of

today. Clearly, it is not what the public demands. But nevertheless of our preference in music, what we listen to is what describes our soul.

EMMA PAILLEX, UNSPLASH

SCREENSHOT, SPOTIFY

Korean Pop Music

review by Jessa Mae Besana

Music is a vital part of different moments of human life. It spreads happiness and joy in a person’s life. It has great qualities of healing a person emotionally and mentally. It is the soul of life and gives immense peace to us but looking for a playlist that can trigger our feelings in different ways? K-Pop or Korean pop music is here to give us more than just music but a gateway to many wonderful new experiences and positive lifestyle choices.

Growl, Love Scenario, Energetic, Don’t Wanna Cry, one might be wondering what type of music did they fall into? Is it electronic music with the fast breathtaking tempo and beats? Or is it R&B with the cool wording that one can easily sing along to? Korean pop, which is abbreviated as K-Pop, entails musical genre of South Korean in origin.

The genre is characterized by immense varieties of different audiovisual constituents. Despite the view that K-Pop captures all popular music genres of South Korea in originality, it mainly comprises modern types of pop music such as ballads, hip-hop, rock, and dance-pop among others. K-Pop was ushered into the Korean music industry in 1992 when Seo Taiji and Boys was formed.

While credit should be given to the internet for making the K-Pop culture a universal phenomenon, there are still few obvious factors that have led to K-Pop being recognized and enjoyed around the world. Those of you who have seen and listened Psy’s music, Gangnam Style, a music topping the list of the most watched video over

YouTube by exceeding 1 billion views by December 2012 and had a large foreign influence can understand how Korean pop culture has a unique style of engaging the global audience. A few of the dominant factors that K-Pop music’s popularity are as follows:

Storytelling and Addicting Melodies. Another way that K-Pop keeps amassing fans is by utilizing strong storytelling in many songs and music videos. Pop music would be nothing without catchy hooks and sing-along lyrics. K-Pop is no different, making use of melodies that are instantly stuck in your head.

Personality. K-Pop is also well known for its unique, extravagant, and eye-popping personalities. K-Pop stars, or “idols” as they are usually known in Asia, have a knack for truly standing out from the crowd and taking selfexpression to a new level. High Concept Groups. Finally, K Pop has a highly talented groups with an original concept. A good, but different aspect of music these days is that it has got no language barriers. Not all Korean bands sing their song in English, yet many Western people still love their songs and dance to their tones. The common saying that music has no barriers and music does not require an understanding of the language that it speaks but music is said to be a universal language for all because it knows no boundaries. It flows freely beyond the barriers of language, religion, country, etc. Anybody can enjoy and love Korean Pop Music. Annyeong!

ALL KPOP, SOOMPI

To All the Boys I Loved Before P.S I Still Love You

review by Althea Shayne Zambrona

High school is really the time where we start to experience everything. Love, joy, and heartache. It’s the point in anyone’s lives where we just go all out, have fun and work ourselves off since there are plenty of time to do stuffs. Falling in love is one of the most amazing things that can happen in every high school student’s life, and this movie showed us that feeling.

Lara Jean Covey is a Korean American girl who is on her high school year. In the first installment of the movie, it is known that she writes letters for her crushes since elementary school and keeps those letters in a box so that she will get rid of her infatuation towards her crushes and those letters were hidden in her room. Unfortunately for Lara Jean, her younger sister found her secret box and send all five letters to her crushes. One of those letters reached Peter Kavinsky. Suddenly, her world turned upside down and at the end of the movie, Peter became her boyfriend.

Going to the second installment, Peter and Lara Jean were all in love with each other. Being each other’s companion and cheerleader. Doing things together. Everything was going fine until time came when their relationship was challenged.

Lara Jean was jealous of Peter’s ex-girlfriend which causes their fights and unhealthy arguments. Furthermore, Lara Jean’s crush, John Ambrose contacted her and said that he received the letter

and wants to keep in touch with her. Because she was distracted of John Ambrose’s appearance and her insecurities with Peter’s ex, she got confused. Is she really in love with Peter? Or is their relationship just another case of puppy love?

To All the Boys I Loved Before P.S I Still Love You didn’t fail to make the viewers fell in love with the movie for the second time. Most films don’t have a part 2 most especially when the first one was a success because they are afraid that the second part may not be as beautiful as the first one. But the movie taught us that love will not always be rainbows and chocolates.

Sometimes, a storm is all we need to keep the relationship stronger. We need to accept our partners flaws because no relationship is perfect. We need to forgive broken promises because every passing day is always a chance to make up for mistakes. Lastly, we need to trust our partners because that will always be the best foundation for a long-lasting relationship.

As for the movie’s technical part, I believe it couldn’t be anything better. The camera angles are on point, the musicality suits the mood in every scene, and the actors fit their role. The whole production team did a great job.

Everyone is looking forward for the next phase of Lara Jean and Peter’s relationship. May the next installments be as wonderful as the first ones.

Everyday

review by Althea Shayne Zambrona

Life is only to be lived once, the reason we make the most of it everyday, and develop into a much better version of ourselves. But what if you get to live in a different body, with different emotions, and a different type of person everyday? That at 12:00AM you are a famous pianist but at 11:59PM you became an orphan who lives on the streets? That’s the life of “ A “. He’s a different human being everyday, not being able to know who he will be next, it can be a boy or a girl, but never the same person twice.

A named himself that way, he was contented of the life he had been living, not until he met Rhiannon, whom he fell in love with. Rhiannon didn’t believe that something like A exists nor she ever thought she will fell in love with him too. No matter which body A inhabits, she just knew it was him. Rhiannon and A enjoy their time together, without the body’s owner knowing what happens on the day A is inhabiting his body.

By doing such, they work together to make that person’s life much better by helping that person in his worries. One example is the woman who wishes to take her life due to depression. But because A and Rhiannon worked together to keep the woman sane, they saved her life.

It was such a unique story which made me want to read it again and again even though I know that Rhiannon ended up with someone else. I enjoy reading it every time, as well as David Levithan’s other stories.

The ending left me with a lot of questions like, Where did A go? After he left Rhiannon to be with someone else, did he continue to take over other people’s body? Or, does he watch Rhiannon from afar, smiling, because she’s now in the hands of a normal person?

My goal for reading was only to kill some time and to leave the real world temporarily. But I never knew I could learn something from the book such as acceptance, learning to let go, and making the most of what’s in store for us today.

The Taste of Sky

review by Shaina Marie Regacion

Romeo and Juliet is perhaps the most famous love story of all time. It remained popular through the centuries, and is still a favorite to this day. But recently, there’s a book which caught so much attention titled The Taste of Sky by Ventrecanard. The said book is highly-praised by critics and it holds a whopping 45.5 million read on Wattpad. As of it may seems, the plot has the same theme as William Shakespeare’s MASTERPIECE referring to a greatest love story and a tragedy at the same time. So prepare some tissue because you will cry a bucket of tears with poignancy.

“ I’m Behati Azalea Monzanto- Armstrong, the woman of hope. A survivor of flood, a survivor of earthquake, a survivor of tsunami, a survivor of volcanic eruption and survivor of asteroid explosion. But never been a survivor of love”, one of the iconic lines that tears your heart into pieces.

Behati Azalea Monzanto and Ryliandren Peter Armstrong are astronauts. They fell in love and later got married on space after they continued saving the earth. Behati is a woman of hope who saved many lives and bravely faced natural disasters because she couldn’t stand looking at people helplessly. A big news is what made Behati really afraid. Asteriods are going to hit the earth but Peter sacrificed his own life by using the biggest ship to hit the biggest asteroid which destroy the earth. She couldn’t do anything but to shout and to cry. Peter died and Behati mourned but a really good news made her somehow happy. She is pregnant.

The book will after you wisdom and will make you amazed by the bravery that come out of Behati. Astonished by the love that they, Behati and Peter, have with each other until the end.

Parasite

by Shaina Mae Regacion

Do you want to see a movie that will have your stomach in knots, anxious during many scenes and conflicted on who you’re rooting for? Regardless of your answers, see Parasite.

Parasite is a 2019 South Korean black comedy thriller film directed by Bong Joon-ho, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Han Jin-won. It stars Song Kang-ho, Lee Sun-kyun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Choi Woo-shik, Park So-dam, Jang Hye-jin, and Lee Jung-eun and follows the members of a poor family who scheme to become employed by a wealthy family by infiltrating their household and posing as unrelated, highly qualified individuals.

An ideal way to experience South Korean auteur Bong Joon-ho’s awards-garlanded, international box-office smash is with as little prior knowledge as possible. So

if you’re reading this before seeing the film, and you’ve managed to avoid the whirlwind of publicity it has attracted since winning the Palme d’Or last May, it may be simpler to just stop and head straight to the cinema. Because, at the risk of adding to the hype, Parasite really is the kind of remarkable experience and the scenery is so satisfying yet the characters’ arc and sudden plot twists throughout the movie take you to different levels of feeling sorrow, pity, disgust, anger, sadness, happiness. A magnificent thriller with an important social message. There is no way you are not watching this movie

Parasite’s message isn’t particularly subtle; the meaning is right there in the title, yet some seem to be misinterpreting the story as a condemnation of the working class, rather than an anti-capitalist narrative that depicts the wealthy as parasitic, and the working class as, quite literally, struggling to keep their heads above water.

The film seems to be questioning the notion of education, intelligence and determination providing class mobility. Is success truly organic, or is it mostly due to the circumstances of one’s birth? Some of the best scenes in the film show the Kim’s barely concealing their deception, keeping it together in front of the eternally oblivious Parks.

When it comes to deception, too, those on the upper rungs of the societal ladder are as practised as those upon whom they look down. In a world of vertical nonintegration, Parasite finds gasp-inducing depths lurking beneath even the most apparently placid surfaces. Yet Bong is careful to keep his opposing forces keenly balanced, creating the cinematic equivalent of a Rorschach inkblot test in which the audience is invited to decide for themselves the precise meaning of these strangely symmetrical apparitions.

Prepare yourselves with all strong emotions that you will encounter while watching this movie.

61M

Based on Commission on Elections (Comelec) data on May 13, 2019, a total of 61, 843, 728 are the registered voters of the Philippines.

10 hours

Filipinos continue to reign supreme in terms of social media use globally. A report by creative agency We Are Social and social media management platform Hootsuite showed Filipinos spend the most time on the internet and on social media sites.The “Digital 2019: Global Digital Overview” showed Filipinos spend an average of 10 hours, 2 minutes on the internet via any device.

15.06 mbps

Speedtest Global Index said that in terms of mobile internet speed, the Philippines ranks 103rd among 139 surveyed countries.The country’s average mobile internet download speed of 15.06 Megabits per second was far below the global average of 26.12 Mbps.

579 MILLION TONS

The total reduction in carbon dioxide emissions attributable to the increased usage of LED bulbs in 2017, according to UK analyst IHS Market. This is the equivalent to shutting down 160 coal-fired power plants.

800 MILLION TONS

The maximum total weight of prey killed by spiders globally every year. Ninety per cent of Arachnid food consists of insects and collembola (insect-like invertibrates with internal mouthparts.) The remainder of their diet is made up of plants, molluscs such as slugs, worms, and other spiders.

125 trillion dollars

The cost of ecosystem services per year far higher than the global Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

88.1M

In 2019, there were almost 74 million Facebook users in the Philippines. It is forecasted to surge to 88.1 million by 2025.

15M

The Philippine forest are home to some 15 million indigenous peoples. We have 4 million hectares under environmental protection. Over 1/3 is ancestral domain. Our forest are more than wildlife.

1in400

The amount of disposable coffee cups that are recycled after use. The remainder - 500,000 of them are binned every day-end up in landfill.